The Monastery and the Microscope: Conversations with the Dalai Lama on Mind, Mindfulness, and the Nature of Reality

by Wendy Hasenkamp (Editor), Janna R. White (Editor)

An illuminating record of dialogues between the Dalai Lama and some of today’s most prominent scientists, philosophers, and contemplatives

In 2013, during a historic six-day meeting at a Tibetan monastery in southern India, the Dalai Lama gathered with leading scientists, philosophers, and monks for in-depth discussions on the nature of reality, consciousness, and the human mind. This eye-opening book presents a record of those spirited and wide-ranging dialogues, featuring contributions from prominent scholars like Richard Davidson, Matthieu Ricard, Tania Singer, and Arthur Zajonc as they address such questions Does nature have a nature? Do you need a brain to be conscious? Can we change our minds and brains through meditation? Throughout, the contributors explore the exciting and sometimes surprising commonalities between Western scientific and Tibetan Buddhist methods of perceiving, investigating, and knowing. Part history, part state-of-the-field, part inspiration for the future, this book rigorously and accessibly explores what these two investigative traditions can teach each other, and what that can tell us about ourselves and the world.

Genres: Science, Buddhism, Philosophy

400 pages, Hardcover

Published September 19, 2017

Reviews

[Craig Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful compilation of essays derived from talks and conversations at the Dalai Lama's Mind & Life Community focusing on the connections, established and prospective between Buddhist ideas and scientific insights. I found the sections on nueroscience much more compelling than those on quantum physics, but what's most moving is the seriousness of the engagement on both sides. There's a clear willingness to challenge one another to go deeper, always in a spirit of deep respect. I've read enough elsewhere to know that the cutting edge has moved since the mid-2010s--participant Richard Davidson's Altered Traits is a marvelous source--so what I really want is a follow-up volume. A crucial source for those wanting to move beyond the simplistic levels of the science/religion dialog.

[Kamakana · Rating 4 out of 5]

230214: as collection of conversations i am always more attracted to buddhist ideas and arguments. this is balanced. the contention sciences are 'naive' as Heidegger maintains, that they do not seriously investigate themselves, that they are already metaphysically limited, that there is scientific materialism and scientism dominating conceptions, declaring proofs, seems true if unspoken in this collection. the simple re-orientation from brain and consciousness (west) to mind (buddhism) gives an idea that despite valorous attempts and noble intentions these two ways of thinking demonstrate slippage more than convergence...

[Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have come to have a greater and growing appreciation for the Dalai Lama. He strikes me as an incredibly intelligent and articulate human being.
In this particular setting, scientists and other disciplines come to share their findings on a wide range of topics related to the nature of reality, cognition and the mind. Their presentation is befor the Dalai Lama and an audience of monks and Buddhist scholars.
It is a dialogue of sharing their findings and finding points of commonality and differences in Western scientific perspectives and Buddhist teachings.
The content is quite readable and refreshing. It was a wonderful reading experience.

[Ross Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each reader will find some sections more captivating than others. I read them all, but there would be nothing wrong with a piecemeal approach. The quantum physics part was fun, though mostly over my head. I relished the discussion on neuroplasticity, attention, and stress.

[Su Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is a series of transcripts from some lectures given, discussing consciousness, brain function, compassion, neuroplasticity and so much more. A great read.