SNOW LION THE BUDDHIST MAGAZINE & CATALOG

The Dalai Lama Celebrates the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds

by Ryan J. Foley Associated Press Writer Friday, May 14, 2010 Madison, Wisconsin After hearing about his cutting-edge research on the brain and emotions through mutual friends, the Dalai Lama invited Richard Davidson to his home in India in 1992 to pose a question. Scientists often study depression, anxiety and fear, but why not devote your work to the causes of positive human qualities like happiness and compassion, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader asked. Since then, Davidson has become a partner in the Dalai Lama's attempts to build a connection between Buddhism and western science.

Geshe Sopa, B. Alan Wallace, the Dalai Lama, Thupten Jinpa, and Richard Davidson at the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds

This weekend, the Dalai Lama will mark the opening of the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds at the University Wisconsin's Waisman Center, where more than a dozen researchers will study the science behind positive qualities of mind. Davidson said the center will be the only one in the world with a meditation room next to a brain imaging laboratory.

Davidson's research has used brain imaging technology on Buddhist monks and other veteran practitioners of meditation to try to learn how their training affects mental health.

His team's findings suggest meditation and other "contemplative practices" can improve compassion, empathy, kindness and attention. They support the concept that even adult brains can change through experience and learning.

The appearance comes as the Dalai Lama has spent more time promoting research into traditional Buddhist meditative practices and urging scientists to help create a more ethical and peaceful world.

Davidson said the Dalai Lama's commitment to science is remarkable for a religious leader of his stature, and notes that the Dalai Lama has said he is prepared to give up any part of Buddhism that is contradicted by scientific fact.

"He also is the first one to point out the limitations of meditation and how it's not a cure all and be all for everything and has very limited effects on health," Davidson said.

Davidson is ready to test his research in real-world situations. The center plans to begin training local fifth-grade teachers next fall to cultivate skills like patience and relaxation among their students.

Find out more . . .

Waisman Center
University of Wisconsin-Madison
1500 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53705-2280
Office: 608-263-5776
Clinics Information: 608-263-3301
www.waisman.wisc.edu