Emory-Tibetan Science Initiative
Teaching (and Learning From!) Buddhist Monks
I am very happy to participate in the Emory-Tibetan Science Initiative, spear-headed by Emory University and the Dalai Lama. This initiative brings scientists from the west to three different Tibetan Monastic Universities in India to train Buddhist Monks in Western scientific methods and thought. In return, these scientists are able to get first-hand knowledge of an age-old spiritual tradition that emphasizes loving-kindness, compassion, and a deep understanding of what it means to be human.
My first experience, at Gaden Monastic University in southwest India, revealed students that were enthusiastic, eager, motivated, and sharp. Ask a question, wait for the interpreter to translate it into Tibetan, and receive answers from nearly every student in the room shouting with enthusiasm! Truly inspiring and amazing. Truly.