Session #1 of The Mind and Life XXXII Dialogue at Botho University in Gaborone, Botswana held on August 17-19, 2017.
National anthem performed by Tebogo Matbesi: 4:25
Welcome from Botho University (Sheela Raja Ram): 7:24
Rev. Rupert Hambira: 19:10
Raphael Sikwane: 26:06
Rev. Canon Mpho Tutu Van Furth: 34:56
Susan Bauer-Wu: 51:49
Video message from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama: 1:06:22
Presentation by Michael Onyebuchi Eze: 1:17:32
Panel Discussion: 1:43:00
Welcome from the Republic of Botswana (Seretse Khama Ian Khama): 2:14:17
Program Description: The Botswana Dialogue brings African humanitarian and spiritual leaders, scholars and healers into conversation with international neuroscientists about the African worldview of Botho/Ubuntu, during five sessions followed by a concert performance by Vusi Mahlasela.
Defining humanity through our connections with one another, Botho/Ubuntu is expressed as: “I am because you are.” Examining African values and healing practices in light of new scientific research on social connection and trauma, the Dialogue in Botswana explores the potential of Botho/Ubuntu as a framework for healing the legacy and trauma of wars and colonialism, and advancing social justice and women’s equality.
The purpose of this Dialogue is fourfold: 1) To explore the indigenous African ethic of Botho/Ubuntu as it relates to Buddhist ideas of interdependence and compassion; 2) To examine current scientific understanding of how our interconnectedness impacts one another for good or ill; 3) To understand how Botho/Ubuntu can be distorted to maintain cultural norms and systems of power that lead to oppression of, and violence against, women, children and other marginalized groups; and 4) To envision how our connectedness can heal division, forgive profound transgression and point toward a richer understanding of what it means to be human.
Lily Mafela, MA, PhD
University of Botswana
Lily Mafela is a Professor of History and History Education at the University of Botswana in the Department of Languages and Social Sciences Education. She joined her department in 1983 … MORE
Canon Mpho Tutu Van Furth, Rev
Rev. Canon Mpho Tutu Van Furth is a priest, wife, mother, artist, theologian, and public speaker. She is passionate about the flourishing of all people, especially girls, and the planet. … MORE
Susan Bauer-Wu
Mind & Life Institute
Susan Bauer-Wu is the former president of the Mind & Life Institute. Throughout her career, she has held leadership, academic, and clinical positions in nonprofits, health care, and higher … MORE
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
Honorary Board Chair
The Dalai Lama is a man of peace. He has consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression. He also became the first Nobel Laureate to … MORE
Michael Onyebuchi Eze, PhD
University of Amsterdam, University of Cambridge
Michael Onyebuchi Eze currently teaches African political theory at the University of Amsterdam and a fellow at Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge. Until recently, he was a visiting scholar at the … MORE
Thupten Jinpa, PhD
Compassion Institute
Board Chair
Thupten Jinpa, Ph.d., received his early education and training as a monk and obtained the Geshe Lharam degree from the Shartse College of Ganden Monastic University, South India. In addition, Jinpa … MORE
