The Dalai Lama Works With Brain Researchers

MADISON, Wis., May 22, 2001 -- The Dalai Lama is working with scientists studying how the Buddhist practice of meditation and human emotions may affect brain function.

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama and spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, participated in a two-day meeting in May, which was the ninth in a series sponsored by the Mind and Life Institute, a Boulder, Colo.-based organization that fosters dialogue between science and Buddhism.

"When we speak of modern science as we understand it today, it has its own paradigm, so from the Buddhist point of view when we speak of mind, it lies outside that paradigm," the Dalai Lama said. "But it is clear that the mind is a very important factor in the change of the brain and in the change of behavior."

"There is no contradiction between the scientific way of thinking and Buddha's way of thinking."

The Dalai Lama said it was fascinating that meditation and emotions, such as sadness and happiness, affect the brain, and he emphasized that science and religion should not be opponents.

"Buddha himself made very clear--carry out experiments and investigations by yourself: 'You should not accept my word out of respect,'" the Dalai Lama said. "There is no contradiction between the scientific way of thinking and Buddha's way of thinking."

Richard Davidson, professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and conference organizer, said scientists are interested in understanding how practices that have been well-developed in the Buddhist tradition might affect the brain.

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