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Overview

Cosmology and Consciousness I – “Mind and Matter”
December 16-18, 2011
Tibetan Children’s Village, Dharamsala
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

In 2000, His Holiness the Dalai Lama provided a vision and directive for the exiled Tibetan monastic community in India to engage science, and to initiate science trainings that would eventually support new learning at the frontiers of science and Buddhism. Building upon His Holiness’s long-term interest in engaging scientists in dialogue, the aim of this 3-day public conference is to promote the integration of spiritual values and scientific investigations. This conference brings together Buddhist scholars, western scientists, and Indian scientists into dialogue about topics of mutual common interest. The conference will thus promote the dialogue that probes the interface of spiritual values and scientific investigations.

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Complete Press Release in pdf
Complete Brochure (Tibetan and English)
Full Text of the 2011 Cosmology and Consciousness Conference

In the Press
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Conference Themes

Life & Consciousness in the Universe:

Astrobiological and Buddhist perspectives on life and mind in the universe. Under what conditions, and where might life and consciousness flourish? Is there a connection between cosmology and consciousness and how do these investigations impact our sense of place in the world we inhabit?

Are We Alone? The Search for Life in the Universe– Abstract
Dr. Christopher Impey
Watch the Presentation on YouTube! (58 minutes)
Read the Transcript (22 pages)

Life & Consciousness in the Universe – Abstract
Geshe Jangchup Choeden
Watch the Presentation on YouTube! (52 minutes)
Read the Transcript (11 pages)

The New Anthropocentrism – Abstract
Dr. Rajesh Kasturirangan
Watch the Presentation on YouTube! (35 minutes)
Read the Transcript (12 pages)

Panel Discussion – Life & Consciousness in the Universe
Moderated by David Presti
Read the Transcript (13 pages)

Nature of Mind & Consciousness:

How do concepts from the cognitive sciences and neurobiology interface with concepts from Buddhism and other contemplative traditions? What are the relationships among mind, consciousness, and brain? What are the various perspectives on the survival of consciousness after death?

Is Consciousness Produced by the Brain? – Abstract
Dr. Bruce Greyson
Watch the Presentation on YouTube! (84 minutes)
Read the Transcript (29 pages)

Does One Need to be Conscious to Have Consciousness? : Buddhist & Neuroscientific Perspectives on Consciousness – Abstract
Geshe Lobsang Negi
Watch the Presentation on YouTube! (85 minutes)
Read the Transcript (10 pages)

Panel Discussion – Nature of Mind & Consciousness
Moderated by Chris Impey
Read the Transcript (11 pages)

Limits of Knowledge & Knowing:

What are the possible limits to theories of the very large and the very small? Can the currant scientific paradigm facilitate a deep understanding of consciousness?

The Boundaries of Science – Abstract
Dr. Paul Doherty
Watch the Presentation on YouTube! (44 minutes)
Read the Transcript (13 pages)

New Directions in the Dialogue Between Buddhism & Science – Abstract
Dr. David Presti
Watch the Presentation on YouTube! (41 minutes)
Read the Transcript (13 pages)

Panel Discussion – Limits of Knowledge & Knowing
Moderated by Chris Impey
Read the Transcript (15 pages)

Awareness, Emotion & Behavior:

Investigating the relationships between the physical brain, the mind, behavior, and our emotions. Exploring cognitive science and Buddhist notions of mind, happiness, and peace.

The Relationship Between Sensory Consciousness & Mind Consciousness – Abstract
Geshe Nyima Tashi
Watch the Presentation on YouTube! (47 minutes)
Read the Transcript (11 pages)

The Neurology of Self-awareness & Buddhist Perspective – Abstract
Dr. Sisir Roy
Watch the Presentation on YouTube! (46 minutes)
Read the Transcript (10 pages)

Body, Mind and the Three Nyepa – Abstract
Dr. Pema Dorjee
Watch the Presentation on YouTube! (46 minutes)
Read the Transcript (7 pages)

Sleep: A Window to Evaluate Neurophysiological Correlates of Higher States of Consciousness- Abstract
Dr. P.N. Ravindra
Watch the Presentation on YouTube! (48 minutes)
Read the Transcript (8 pages)

Panel Discussion – Awareness, Emotion & Behavior
Moderated by David Presti
Read the Transcript (8 pages)