His Holiness the Dalai Lama discusses ‘Science of Mind’ with top scientists in SydneyThursday, 3 December 2009, 4:39 p.m.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama (3rd from left) at the Mind and its Potential conference in Sydney, Australia, on 3 Dec. 2009/Photographs courtesy of Rusty Stewart

Sydney: His
Holiness the Dalai Lama on Thursday joined three of the world’s
foremost psychologists and neuroscientists for a forum on “Science of
Mind” at Sydney’s Mind and its Potential Conference.Over the
course of two and a half hours the four covered a broad range of topics
in Buddhist science and modern psychology, discussing issues as diverse
as depression, positive psychology and the evolutionary basis of
emotions.On the subject of depression, His Holiness noted that
in Tibetan language there is no term corresponding exactly to our term
depression. Rather, he explained, there is recognition of many
different states, each owing to particular circumstances, causes and
conditions and that particular “depressions” must treated in accordance
with their specific causes.Dr. Martin Seligman presented to His
Holiness his latest findings in the field of positive psychology, which
he characterised as being concerned not with the mere prevention of
suffering but conversely the promotion of “human flourishing”: positive
emotions, purpose, positive relationships and positive accomplishment.Marc
Hauser, Harvard Professor of Evolutionary Biology, presented to His
Holiness some challenging findings relating to the possibility that we
are genetically predisposed towards certain behaviour patterns.
Hauser’s presentation led to a fruitful dialogue on the scope to which
we can overcome biological and genetic determinants on our behaviour
through training the mind.Finally, B. Alan Wallace, an
experienced Buddhist practitioner and fluent Tibetan speaker, presented
an account of Seligman’s positive psychology through the lens of
classical Buddhist science.His Holiness, who for over a decade
has inspired and encouraged collaboration between Buddhist scholars and
cognitive scientists, was impressed by the observations by Seligman,
Hauser and Wallace, offered further profound insights relating to their
work and strongly encouraged the continuation of cross-cultural
research into the nature of mind.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama meets Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott

In
the afternoon His Holiness gave the first of four public talks
scheduled for his eleven-day visit to Australia and New Zealand. Around
7,000 attended the talk on the theme of “Our Future: Who is
Responsible?”His Holiness was introduced by Kylie Kwong – a
Chinese Australian and prominent television chef, author and
restaurateur. During an hour and a half’s talk His Holiness spoke about
responsibility, compassion, training the mind, inner peace as a
precursor to a happy and meaningful life, and many other topics. At the
conclusion of the talk His Holiness answered questions on matters
including coping with bereavement, how to explain Buddhist concepts
such as karma within a western scientific framework, and what
Australians can do to aid the plight of Tibetans in Tibet. On the
latter question His Holiness encouraged people to try and travel to
Tibet to see for themselves the situation facing the Tibetan people and
to share their findings with the wider world.In his last
appointment in Sydney His Holiness met with Tony Abbott, the newly
installed leader of the Liberal Party and leader of the opposition in
the Australian Government.In their joint press conference His
Holiness and Mr. Abbott reported having discussed mostly spiritual
matters, with Mr. Abbott thanking His Holiness for sharing valuable
advice on coping with the demands of a busy and stressful life. His
Holiness said he was very happy for the opportunity to meet the
opposition leader and reiterated his belief in the value of democratic
government.Addressing the media His Holiness thanked the
Australian Government for accepting annually a number of Tibetan
refugees into Australia, noting that this had been tremendously
important to the Tibetan exile community. Mr. Abbott said he believed
that Australia should continue to accept refugees from Tibet.Asked
if he was concerned about climate change scepticism within the
opposition party, His Holiness said that it is democracy itself that is
of paramount importance and that it is only normal in a healthy
democracy to have a diversity of views.Asked if he would be
encouraging the Prime Minister to take the opportunity to meet His
Holiness over the coming week, Mr. Abbott conceded that there certain
things that it is easier to do while in opposition and that Mr. Rudd
must balance many competing considerations. Nonetheless, Mr. Abbott
said he understood Australians’ disappointment over Kevin Rudd’s
decision not to meet His Holiness during this visit, noting that former
Prime Minister John Howard had found the time to do so.Today
marks the conclusion of His Holiness’s visit to Sydney. He will leave
tomorrow morning for Auckland and remain three days in New Zealand
before returning to Australia to visit Melbourne and Hobart. In New
Zealand His Holiness will give another teaching on Nargajuna’s
commentary of Bodhicitta, give a public talk, meet with members of New
Zealand’s Tibetan community and meet with the Maori, the indigenous
Polynesian people of New Zealand (Aotearoa).–Report filed by Dr. Simon Bradshaw, Campaign Coordinator, Australia Tibet Council