For more than thirty years, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has engaged in an on-­‐going exchange with scientists to explore how the interface between modern scientific knowledge and the time-­‐honored science of mind embodied in the Tibetan tradition can work together to address the problems faced by humanity—not only on a material level, but also on a psychological and

emotional level. He has encouraged and facilitated scholars from both traditions as they work to bridge these two complementary systems of knowledge for mutual enrichment and the benefit of many.

This endeavor has resulted in an unprecedented change in Tibetan Buddhist monastic education. A six-­‐year comprehensive science curriculum—comprised of neuroscience, biology, physics, and the philosophy of science—was developed and implemented at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama by Emory University. Known as the Emory-­‐Tibet Science Initiative, this program has helped to integrate science into the core curriculum at the major Tibetan monastic universities including Drepung Loseling Monastery.

His Holiness has also worked tirelessly to share his vision for the education of heart and mind, that is, the promotion of common human values as an integral part of kindergarten through university level education. He refers to this as “secular ethics,” that is, an ethics that does not rely on any particular belief system, but one that can be embraced and practiced by both those following a particular faith tradition and those who do not. Relying on common sense, common experience and scientific evidence, secular ethics is another major topic which can be explored at the center.

Lastly, His Holiness has also dedicated himself to reviving the ancient wisdom tradition of India, perhaps best exemplified by the teachings and contemplative practices of the ancient Nalanda University, one of the world’s first major centers of learning.