Filmed during Mind & Life Institute’s “Mind & Life XXX: Perception, Concepts, and Self” on December 17, 2015.
The Exchange of Ideas Between Buddhism and Western Culture: Challenges and Opportunities
SPEAKERS: Geshe Lhakdor, Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi, Geshe Dadul Namgyal & Yangsi Rinpoche
In this final session, we seek to integrate the material that has been presented across the week, examining the implications for both scientific theory and investigation, as well as for Buddhist epistemology and philosophy. For example, do modern scientific findings about cognitive processes, such as perception and concept formation, agree with Buddhist views, and if not, what can we make of these differences? Can Buddhist views of self (and no-self) be investigated scientifically, and what can psychological and neuroscientific studies tell us about the nature of the self? Furthermore, how can we apply what we know from both Buddhism and science to our work in domains such as education, policy, and health care to create a better world? Finally, we highlight areas for future investigation and dialogue and consider research implications in relevant fields.
MODERATOR: Carol Worthman
Closing Dialogue: Integration and Future Directions
SPEAKERS: All presenters with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
In this final session, we seek to integrate the material that has been presented across the week, examining the implications for both scientific theory and investigation, as well as for Buddhist epistemology and philosophy. For example, do modern scientific findings about cognitive processes, such as perception and concept formation, agree with Buddhist views, and if not, what can we make of these differences? Can Buddhist views of self (and no-self) be investigated scientifically, and what can psychological and neuroscientific studies tell us about the nature of the self? Furthermore, how can we apply what we know from both Buddhism and science to our work in domains such as education, policy, and health care to create a better world? Finally, we highlight areas for future investigation and dialogue and consider research implications in relevant fields.
MODERATORS: Roshi Joan Halifax, Richard J. Davidson
INTERPRETER: Thupten Jinpa
PANELISTS:
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
Lera Boroditsky
John Dunne
Jay Garfield
Wendy Hasenkamp
Bryce Johnson
Catharine Kerr
Tenzin Lhadron
Thabkhe Lodroe
Werner Nater
Vasudevi Reddy
Matthieu Ricard
Pawan Sinha
Professor Geshe Yeshe Thabke
Khenpo Sonam Tsewang
David Vago
Christy Wilson-Mendenhall
Participants
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
Honorary Board Chair
Richard J. Davidson, PhD
William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and Founder & Director of the Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Founder and Chief Visionary for Healthy Minds Innovations, Inc.
