By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, August 1: The Department of Religion and Culture (DRC) in association with Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) today started the 3rd Modern Science Workshop for Tibetan Buddhist Monks & Nuns at the Tibetan Reception Centre near Khanyara here.
The courses of the 15-day program for the 32 monks and nuns include introduction of Physics, Neuroscience, Life Science and Mathematics. Venerable Geshe Lhakdor, Director of LTWA, inaugurated the program and also spoke on the relationship between Science and Buddhism.
“It is unfortunate if the vast knowledge of Buddhism studies is not able to go head to head with the modern science. Hence, only after coming into exile we have this opportunity of studying science. His Holiness has especially emphasized on teaching science in monasteries and nunneries,” said Geshe Lhakdor.
He also added that such workshop is not to rival science and Buddhism but for a holistic benefit for all and a significant step towards a genuine convergence of Science and spirituality.
“Buddhism can teach more about the health of the mind and science on the health of the body. So the combined knowledge of the external and internal world, could prove crucial for our future survival,” he said.
Karma Thupten of LTWA’s Science department said that they are few who have previously attended similar workshops. He believes that if they attended more workshops, they would have better grasp of the subjects.
Expressing similar opinion, Lobsang Choephel of Dzonga Choede Monastery said, “Science was tough to comprehend while studying at school. However, after studying Buddhism, it became more interesting. That’s why I have previously attended other workshops as well and I am attending this time with hope to enhance my understanding.”
Delek Wangmo of Dolmaling Nunnery said, “The main takeaway from studying science is the better understanding of the outer bodies. Whereas, Buddhism mostly focus on the development of the inner mind.”
The workshop is an annual event for the monks and nuns, who do not have science classes in their respective monasteries and nunneries. The major objective is to introduce science to the monastic community.
