If you want to make a significant contribution for a better world, "take care of both the brain and the heart." That was the overriding message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Emory's Presidential Distinguished Professor, during his recent visit to campus.
The Robert A. Paul Emory-Tibet Science Initiative (ETSI) is one way the Dalai Lama would like to incorporate that message into education. He presided over a luncheon celebrating the full implementation phase of the ETSI, an initiative started in 2007 to exchange knowledge between modern scientists and Tibetan monastics trained in ancient, contemplative methods of developing empathy, compassion and other beneficial mental states.
"The ETSI bridges two worlds that are too often separate: Science and the inner world of human values, beliefs and emotions," said Robin Forman, dean of Emory College of Arts and Sciences. "His Holiness realizes that both hold great value."