Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, April 16: The foremost repository and purveyor of Tibetan literary works in exile, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives based here, celebrated its 25th anniversary of its Science for Monks and Nun ’ programme at the Theckchan Choling Monastery in Dharamsala on Tuesday.
The celebration brought together a distinguished assembly of guests, including former Kalon Tripa Venerable Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, long-time programme sponsor Bobby Segar, and leaders representing the three pillars of Tibetan democracy. Monks, nuns, abbots, former staff, and secretaries of the Gaden Phodrang office also attended the celebration.
During the event, Geshe Lhakdor, Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, highlighted the establishment of the Science Initiative under the library’s programmes as a historic endeavour. He attributed this achievement to the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the generous support of the Sager family. Since 1999, the collaborative efforts of the Sager family and the Tibetan Library have enabled nearly one thousand Tibetan and Himalayan monks and nuns to receive science education through the Science for Monks programme. This initiative has led to the creation of science centres in several monasteries, and selected monks have been trained to lead and teach science education.
Geshe Lhakdor emphasised that the programme has undertaken a wide range of activities, including science projects, studies in cosmology, international conferences on consciousness, and travelling science exhibitions, all designed to advance His Holiness’s vision. He noted that the day marked an auspicious occasion and expressed hope for the programme’s continued growth. He underscored the vital importance of preserving the rich religious, cultural, and linguistic heritage of Tibetans and Himalayan communities with a high standard of quality.
Bobby Segar, sponsor and president of the Science for Monks programme, described the day as ‘historic’, noting that “it has been 25 years since Western science was first introduced into monastery curricula, yet there is still much more work to be done”
Chief Guest Samdhong Rinpoche underscored the universal value of blending science with Buddhist philosophy. “This project is not for the benefit of one group or region. It serves the temporary and ultimate welfare of all sentient beings,” he said, calling the initiative one of His Holiness’s lifelong missions.
Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel echoed these sentiments, praising the library’s leadership and the programme’s broader vision for peace. “This is a direct result of His Holiness’s guidance and the hard work of successive directors and staff. Such dialogue between Buddhism and science can offer practical pathways to global harmony,” he said.
As part of the celebration, LTWA presented an honorary award to Bobby Segar for his sustained contributions to the initiative. The afternoon was devoted to a forward-looking discussion among abbots, monks, and nuns on the future direction of the Science Initiative.
From April 16 to 18, Geshes and monastic scholars will participate in further thematic discussions, followed by film screenings and educational tours of the Tibet Museum on April 19 and 20.
The initiative began in 1999 when His Holiness the Dalai Lama instructed Achok Rinpoche, then Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, to introduce science education to scholarly monks at the three great monastic universities of Gaden, Drepung, and Sera. What began with a team of three translators and a four-week workshop for 50 monk scholars well-versed in Buddhist philosophy has since evolved into a comprehensive programme aimed at fostering dialogue between science and spirituality within the Tibetan monastic community. Over the years, the initiative has steadily expanded, establishing science centres in various monasteries and nurturing a new generation of monastics capable of leading in scientific inquiry and interfaith engagement. Today
