H.H. the Dalai Lama Meets Scientists for Mind & Life Dialogues

'While the relation between attention, memory, and mind is a fascinating area of research in psychological science and neuroscience, it is also of particular interest and investigation in Buddhism, because it is through the contemplative refinement of attention and mindfulness that one explores the distinctive characteristics, origins, and potentials of human awareness, of suffering, and of genuine happiness,' the MLI noted in its overview note on the conference.

Calling the conference as a 'reunion' of long time friends for over the last 20 years, the Dalai Lama said: 'I think out of our serious discussion, I think at least make some contribution- firstly for our knowledge about reality, external matters, particles, and our inner world, particularly the more sensitive inner world that is emotions.'

'I think our discussion created some interest on people who normally are not much concerned about our inner world,' the Dalai Lama said, adding 'Not necessarily as a religious matter, but simply because we are living being with mind, with consciousness, with experience, emotions. So naturally we cannot neglect these things.'

'We want happiness, (and) happiness is a kind of mind. So the very meaning of joyfulness is somehow related to emotions and mind. So we must have better awareness about that,' the Dalai Lama said.

In addition to fundamental scientific questions; the dialogue meeting will deal with the larger philosophical, ethical and spiritual issues prompted by each field of science that need to be effectively addressed.

The MLI now has a number of scientific research programmes collaborated with contemplatives to conduct scientific investigation. One of the primary pursuits of Mind and Life scientists is to study the effects of contemplative practices like meditation and mental training have on brain and behaviour, and the translation of this data into effective tools to benefit people in all walks of life.