By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 12: The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, attended the opening event of the ‘Mind and Life’ conference organized by the Dharamshala based Tibetan Medical and Astro. Institute today.
The young Lama, often described by the international media as the “second highest leader” after the Dalai Lama, jested that he had simply come to say “hello” although acknowledging that such events had been helpful to him personally in understanding new concepts and aspects of Buddhist and scientific perceptions.
The young lama expressed that ‘Mind and Life’ initiatives address the increasingly coveted issue of understanding human mind through science as well as Buddhism and that the much needed venture will help to tackle growing issue of mental disorders or disturbances prevalent in modern lives.
“The experts from the East and the West must come together to work out solutions for the modern day issues related to disturbances and disorders arising out of modern dependency on materialism. The two (Buddhism and science) can assist each other in understanding the deeper intricacies of the human mind,” said the Karmapa while also expressing confidence at the fruitful result of the venture for the coming generations.
CTA’s Health Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk who also attended the proceedings opined that the relatively lesser incidences of Tibetans suffering from mental disorders or disturbances accorded by modern life, is due to our knowledge and proximity to Buddhism.
The 4th edition of the conference will feature speakers from the scientific community as well as Buddhist practitioners and participated by students and enthusiasts from all over the world for two days (Oct. 12 and 13).
The ‘Mind and Life’ institute was established in 1987 after the Tibetan leader Dalai Lama, Adam Engle, a lawyer and entrepreneur and Francisco Varela, a neuroscientist saw the importance of scientific as well as Buddhist understanding of various topics such as mind, contemplative science and psychology, and to bridge the divides amongst the various perceptions.
