Snow Lion Publications

THE SNOW LION NEWSLETTER

Panel Discusses Religion in Science, Action on Global Warming

by Tanveer Ali
Columbia Daily Spectator
Sept 27, 2005
Pluralism and science's role within religion were at the forefront of a discussion between the Dalai Lama and scholars from several disciplines Monday morning, one of two appearances the religious leader made in Morningside Heights yesterday.

Though organizers made arrangements for additional people to watch a simulcast of the event in Roone Arledge Auditorium, many empty seats remained in Low Library, where the Dalai Lama spoke as a part of the World Leaders Forum. The panel, entitled "Tibetan Studies in the Modern Research University," brought theologians and professors together to discuss Buddhism, science, and global warming.

In his opening remarks at Columbia, the Dalai Lama called for more action toward combating global warming, which could, he said, affect Tibet and the water supply of South Asia adversely.

"We need to show people that this is the reality. We need certain precaution and certain effort to protect" Tibet and south Asia, the Dalai Lama said.

He also said an objective study of Tibetan culture and its history, which archaeological evidence suggests is 10,000 to 12,000 years old, is necessary.

"Fortunately, nowadays many Chinese are interested in Tibetan culture," he said pointing out the emergence of temples in a country known to be averse to the culture.

Hough, a participant, said that while Tibetan Buddhism does "not pretend all [religions] are the same," its tenet of non-exclusion is the most important contribution to global thought. While American Christianity engages in "triumphalism" and "political opportunism," such as in the case of banning evolution from public schools in Georgia, he said that Buddhism has adapted its understanding to include theories of evolution, relativity, and quantum mechanics.

"Buddha himself grew up in an environment of pluralism of religion," said the Dalai Lama in response, adding to his earlier statement that even within Tibetan Buddhism there was room for various viewpoints.

* * *