His Holiness the Dalai Lama reading the citation presented by President Gregory L. Fenves of Emory University. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
The Dalai Lama Trust and the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University (Emory Compassion Center) jointly hosted a conference on ‘SEE Learning: A Worldwide Initiative for Educating the Heart and Mind’ at the newly inaugurated Dalai Lama Library and Archive in Dharamshala earlier this morning. The inaugural of the two-day conference (from 9 – 10 December) was timed to celebrate two important milestones-33rd anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the creation of the Dalai Lama Library and Archive.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama graced the inaugural session and exhaustively spoked about the cultivation and benefits of compassion. He offered prayers and condolences upon the news of the demise of Gaden Trisur Rizong Rinpoche: the 102nd Ganden Tripa’s throne holder and a tutor to His Holiness.
His Holiness said, “We should live a compassionate life. And, if you do so, it will help you in this life, and at the time of death, you can also feel the positive vibes of your practice of love and compassion.” His Holiness further added, “my life is about practising the principles of Bodhicitta and the view of emptiness. By practising these as much as possible, I gain many experiences and insights that I share with others. That is the essence of my life”.
The ongoing SEE Learning conference will highlight the progress and impact of the Compassion Center’s programming, including The Compassion Shift Initiative and preview how the initiative will advance a global culture of compassion by disseminating and scaling two of the Emory Compassion Center’s research-based programs – SEE Learning (Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning) an international K-12 education program, and CBCT (Cognitively-Based Compassion Training) a meditation program for adults. The conference will also feature a session on the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative, a groundbreaking science education program for Tibetan Buddhist monastic institutions. Throughout the conference, panellists will explore how the Compassion Center is developing, implementing, scaling, and researching programs that seek to promote a compassionate, peaceful, and sustainable world.
The opening session of the event was attended by Kasur Prof. Ven Samdong Rinpoche and Central Tibetan Administration’s acting Chief Justice Commissioner Karma Damdul, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra, Security Kalon Dolma Gyari, DIIR Kalon Norzin Dolma, Election and Public Service Commissioner Wangdue Tsering Pesur and Auditor General Pema Dadul Arya. The Secretaries of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, along with Emory University’s executive leadership, including President Gregory L. Fenves and Vice-President Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda and executive director of the Emory Compassion Center Lobsang Tenzin Negi also attended the event. Principals and Heads of the Tibetan Educational Institutions and the conference’s panellists, participants and observers were also among the gathering.
Jamphel Lhundup, the Secretary of the Dalai Lama Trust, giving an introductory remark. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
Executive director of the Emory Compassion Center Lobsang Tenzin Negi speaking during the inaugural of the conference. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
Emory University’s Vice-President Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with President Gregory L. Fenves and Vice-President Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda, executive director of the Emory Compassion Center Lobsang Tenzin Negi and four questioners. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
Members of the organising committee of the conference with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
Heads of the three pillars of CTA in attendance. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
‘SEE Learning: A Worldwide Initiative for Educating the Heart and Mind’ conference. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
Sikyong Penpa Tsering with Kasur Prof. Ven Samdong Rinpoche at the conference. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
