Mind & Life Institute: Convergence of Buddhism and Science

Initiated by Adam Engle in 1983 as the Mind and Life Dialogues when he arranged a dialogue between the 14th Dalai Lama and a group of selected scientists, the Mind and Life Institute is a well-known non-profit organization based in the United States. Its main focus is on exploring the convergence between Buddhism and science wherein the two are considered as different methodologies but with common concerns, namely, improving of human lives and of the planet as well as understanding nature and reality.

Participants of the initial dialogues agreed that science uses the scientific method and technology to achieve these goals while Buddhism applies the human nervous system for similar purposes. In case of Buddhism, the nervous system has been refined through a wide range of rigorous physical, mental and emotional training that result in a deeper understanding of humanity, nature and reality.

Until the original Mind and Life Dialogue, interested individuals did not have a venue and mechanism for meeting and sharing their findings. With Engle’s initiative, scientists and Buddhists were provided with a venue for this purpose while Engle also became a pioneer in the new cross-cultural interdisciplinary engagement.

The original dialogue, which was held at the Dalai Lama’s residence in Dharamsala, India in October 1987, was a week-long event where the Dalai Lama and six scientists participated. They spent 5 hours each day discussing the science behind the mind and sharing views about life.

With the first dialogue a success, Engle and the Dalai Lama agreed to conduct a second 2-day event in October 1989 in Newport Beach, California. This was followed by a third dialogue in 1990 in Dharamsala, India.

The group decided to form the Mind and Life Institute to organize and fund more dialogues as well as initiate research programs into the topics. Engle was the first Chairman and CEO, a post that he held for 22 years until he retired in 2012.

Today, the Mind and Life Institute has conducted several dialogues, published many of these dialogues, and released several DVDs, too, among other activities including conferences, symposia, and research studies.