Science and Society: An Interactive Dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Richard J. Davidson, and Amishi Jha

This session will involve an interactive dialogue regarding science and society between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and panelists Dr. Richard J. Davidson and Dr. Amishi Jha. The following questions will serve as anchoring themes: As we reflect on the value and benefits of the ongoing 25-year dialogue between Buddhists and scientists, what are the most surprising advances and challenges that have emerged? As contemplative practices are increasingly being incorporated into major sectors of society, from health care and education to business and military applications, are there any guiding principles that should be considered in this proliferation?

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

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.

Richard Davidson received his PhD from Harvard University in Psychology and has been at Wisconsin since 1984.  He has published more than 573 articles, numerous chapters and reviews, and edited … MORE

Amishi Jha, PhD

University of Miami

Convening Faculty, Fellow, Grantee, Planning Committee Member, Research and Programs Council Member

Amishi Jha is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami, and Director of Contemplative Neuroscience for the Mindfulness Research and Practice Initiative, prior to which she was an … MORE

Arthur Zajonc, PhD

Mind & Life Institute

Arthur Zajonc is the former President of the Mind & Life Institute. He is also emeritus professor of physics at Amherst College, where he taught from 1978 to 2012, and former director … MORE


Mind & Life Connections

2014