The Dalai Lama
If I were to tell you that I had met a brilliant man who has explored specific areas of science over the years – subatomic physics, cosmology and biology including neuroscience and psychology – you would be wondering what famous scientist I was referring to.
The Dalai Lama is no scientist and yet he has studied each of these specific areas of 
science because he believes that “spirituality and science are complementary if different investigative approaches with the same goal of seeking the truth” These words are his words not mine taken from a direct quote from his book ”The Universe In a Single Atom” - The Convergence of Science and Spirituality.
Prior to meeting him (very very briefly) a few years ago, I would not have believed it. And yet it is what he believes. One area of interest is with the workings of the human brain and when I met him in Washington D.C. he was, later on that week, meeting with a group of scientists to discuss this same topic.
He believes that in today’s world true modernization lies through the introduction of modern education which at the essence is knowledge of science and technology. To that end he has encouraged even monastic colleges to include science into their curriculum.
He believes very strongly that there is a close connection between our conceptual understanding of the world, our vision of human existence and its potential, and the ethical values that guide our behavior.
Further he believes that when science is motivated by a quest for understanding that seeks to lead us to better things and happiness then the partnership between science and spirituality is a good thing.
In the closing of his book he states “May each of us, as a member of the human family, respond to the moral obligation to make this collaboration possible. This is my heartfelt plea.”
If The Dalai Lama, one of the most educated and spiritually wise men on the planet, believes this to be true – who am I to doubt?
~
Thank you for visiting me today, may your tomorrows be filled with a thirst for knowledge towards the well-being of our human family ~ Penny
*And the partial quote in the title of today’s post is from Rudyard Kipling in his Barrack-room ballads, 1892: “Oh, East is East and West is West, and never the twain shall meet.” The word Twain derives from the Old English twegen meaning two.
Roxi St. Clair
December 7, 2012 at 3:04 pm
oh my gosh! this guy is my hero
pennycoho
December 7, 2012 at 3:27 pm
Mine too! Obviously lol!
babso2you
November 30, 2012 at 7:55 am
How thrilling to meet him! Wise words, and yes science and spirituality should be combined. Lovely post my dear! Hugs! – B
pennycoho
November 30, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Thanks Barb, hugs received and returned with affection ~ Penny
charliezero1.wordpress.com
November 28, 2012 at 6:27 pm
To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.
~Buddha
pennycoho
November 28, 2012 at 6:29 pm
charliezero1.wordpress.com
November 28, 2012 at 6:32 pm
A gift from a friend of the temples…:)
Amy
November 27, 2012 at 5:55 pm
What a great vision Dalai Lama has! Thank you very much for sharing, Penny!
pennycoho
November 27, 2012 at 7:18 pm
I agree Amy, if there were a few more like him (actually as leaders of countries), how awesome would that be! My pleasure to share dear friend.
Ganesh Raam
November 27, 2012 at 11:44 am
You got a chance to meet this genius??? That is awesome! Proud to say that he lives in my country!
pennycoho
November 27, 2012 at 11:49 am
As you should be Ganesh! He is a genius, and we met but briefly. During the time with him, he was friendly, warm, caring, and filled with the joy of life. A shining moment in my life! Penny
Ganesh Raam
November 27, 2012 at 11:51 am
You should be really blessed! Its indeed a shinning moment… Would love to meet him sooner than later…
pennycoho
November 27, 2012 at 11:55 am
I was/am. It was on 5 different occasions, but except for a very few minutes he was surrounded by his inner most people, that help keep him safe and centered. His love of people and life can make him vulnerable. He is a miracle you know and we are all blessed that he is on this planet right now!
Ganesh Raam
November 27, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Very true!
lenwilliamscarver
November 27, 2012 at 4:21 am
Intellectually speaking, one of the very few most intelligent men on earth! Just my opinion:)
pennycoho
November 27, 2012 at 12:27 pm
I would completely agree with you Len!
Alastair
November 27, 2012 at 3:20 am
The man’s thoughts and his views on the workings of the human mind are exemplary . You can definitely see why he is the Dalai Lama
marina kanavaki
November 27, 2012 at 2:01 am
…and maybe they will [meet], if we all work toward it!
pennycoho
November 27, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Yes…won’t that be wonderful?
marina kanavaki
November 27, 2012 at 11:24 pm
anelephantcant
November 27, 2012 at 1:02 am
Speaking as a mere Elephant, and for once not in rhyme, it seems clear that the two are intrinsically interlinked.
Science is, literally, knowledge and the development of that.
An individual’s spirituality is the very essence of who that person is.
The Dalai Lama clearly imparts a very wise message.
pennycoho
November 27, 2012 at 1:14 am
Yes he does. A wonderful one too my friend!
Sex, Spirit, Soul Mates and Chocolate....Ivonne's Journey
November 27, 2012 at 12:45 am
I beleive Quantum Physics is bridging the gap between science and spirituality–and boy would I love to meet or at least hear the Dali Lama speak!!!!
pennycoho
November 27, 2012 at 1:12 am
You know I have to share with you Ivonne he was like a school kid when he was talking about getting to meet the doctors and scientists that were going to try a few experiments re:brain power. He is an amazing human being truly!
Stefan (maxima)
November 27, 2012 at 12:31 am
its good i am first! yes!
pennycoho
November 27, 2012 at 12:32 am
Yes!
Stefan (maxima)
November 27, 2012 at 12:30 am
It seems to me that I was again the first COMMENTING loves to be EXCELLENT FIRST POST HAVE NICE DAY
pennycoho
November 27, 2012 at 12:31 am
Thank you dear friend. Most sincerely appreciated Stefan.