A Synergy of Psychological, Neuroscientific, and Contemplative Perspectives

In the twentieth century, science has become the dominant paradigm for understanding the natural world by way of objective, quantitative measurements, using the instruments of technology. The integration of scientific knowledge and technology has vastly contributed to our understanding of the physical world and to improving the human standard of life. His Holiness envisions a closer relationship between science and religion with a view to build a scientific understanding of how to cultivate a mind of compassion and wisdom. The Foundation co organized and facilitated the Mind and Life Conferences where eminent scholars, scientists and religious leaders engaged in a dialogue; In Dharamsala and New Delhi on the themes of Attention, Memory and the Mind and Contemplative Science: The Scientific Study of the Effect of Contemplative Practice on Human Biology and Behavior.

Exploring Mind Science
Mind and Life XVIII, Dharamshala (2009)

Attention, Memory and the Mind

The Foundation for Universal Responsibility facilitated the participation of eminent scholars, scientists and religious leaders in the ‘Mind and Life XVIII: Attention, Memory and the Mind’ organized in Dharamshala, in April 2009 by the Mind and Life Institute, USA. The meeting was the 18th in a series of ongoing dialogues between science and Buddhism initiated by the Institute in different parts of the world.

Mind and Life XXII

Contemplative Science: The Scientific Study of the Effect of Contemplative Practice on Human Biology and Behavior

The 22nd Mind and Life Conference in the presence of HH The Dalai Lama, was organised by The Mind Life Institute and The Foundation of Universal Responsibility of HH The Dalai Lama. The subject of the dialogue was to explore the emerging field of ‘Contemplative Science’ which is investigating the effects of contemplative practice on human biology and behaviour.

The Path to Happiness (November, 2009)

Ven. Matthieu Ricard, author of Happiness, The Monk and the Philosopher, and a collaborator in the dialogue between Buddhism and Modern Neuro-sciences, led this workshop which touched on the questions such as:

  • Is true happiness possible?
  • How to remedy the cult of egoism?
  • Can happiness be cultivated through mind training?
Attending to life (September, 2003)

Led by eminent facilitators such as Swami Jitatmananda of Ramakrishna Mission (Rajkot), Dr. Makrand Paranjape and scholars Dr. Vimla Raghavan, Indu Prakash Singh, Dr. Janki Chopra and Ranjana Pandey, the workshop focused on various questions:

  • How to bring in spirituality into our lives or realize the infinite power and excellence hidden in all of us?
  • What is the meaning of life?
  • Dealing with fears
  • Rising above the needs of one’s own self and recognizing the needs of others
  • Connecting with one’s own self
  • Recognizing anger and dealing with it
  • Compassion: A utopian concept or a living reality