Taiwan: A first-ever held seminar analysing the correlation between Tibetan Buddhism and Psychology was co-organised in Taiwan by Office of Tibet and Taiwan Psychoanalytic Association on Saturday, 23 July.
Several Buddhist scholars and the country’s renowned psychologists participated in the debate that explored ideas and mechanisms of Buddhism and Psychology (Buddhist Psychotherapy) to holistically treat problems of mental illness.
The seminar was chaired by Representative Bawa Kelsang Gyaltsen, members of Taiwan Psychoanalytic Association led by Dr. Carrie Chan (Psychiatrist), President of the association, Li-Ling Lin who briefed about the process of collaborating with Taiwan’s Office of Tibet in co-organising the seminar.
A team of Buddhist scholars were led by Geshe Namdol Rinpoche (newly appointed religious teacher at the Office of Tibet), Geshe Jampel Choezin, Zogchen Gonpo Rinpoche, abbot Tsewang Rigzin, and Drupon Sonam Nyima each of whom explained Buddhist method of treating psychological illness. A team of Taiwanese participants were led by Dr Li-Ling Lin, Dr Emily Liu, Dr Jen-Yu Chou, and Dr Carrie Chan.
Representative Gylatsen spoke in introduction about the purpose and future goals of the seminar while highlighting His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s keen interest in science evidenced by the series of conversations and debates he had over the past 30 years with leading scientists.
“We initially planned on organising a virtual debate on the subject between Taiwan psychologists and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, however, due to certain immediate incapacities, we have decided to host the debate with Buddhist scholars based in Taiwan. Gradually, we are planning to organise such discussion with His Holiness,” said Representative Gyaltsen in his introductory remarks.
“I pray and hope that this seminar is a convergence of learning experience for the participants by exchanging knowledge of their expertise and learning the differences as well,” he added.
-Report filed by OOT, Taiwan.