The Emory-Tibet
Science Initiative
New Media Project
In this new media project I will take an in-depth look at the emergence of Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns in Emory University in Atlanta and their partnership working with modern research and science. I will explore the new and interesting relationship between the University and Tibetan Buddhists by expanding on what the program entails, (such as its goals and initiatives) and the results of crossing science with religion. I will look deeper into any problems that have stemmed from the start of the program, and analyze why they started it and its effects on the Buddhist religion.
Thesis
Summary
The Emory-Tibet Science Initiative was sparked in 2006 and has been expanding ever since. Geshe Lhakdor, Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, visited the Atlanta University and met with the Dean, Robert Paul and they discussed the potential for creating a science program for Tibetan Buddhists. That idea was later launched with support from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
This program was made not only to give the monks and nuns of Tibet new knowledge and tools in a Western context but to also to give them the tools to translate Buddhist knowledge that can “help relieve suffering around the world”.
This comprehensive program has attracted much attention and has successfully created six science textbooks in English and Tibetan. The program teaches courses such as Philosophy of Science, Neuroscience, Cosmology and Life Science.
