Source: Island Packet

Wire Service: AP

http://www.islandpacket.com/24hour/healthscience/story/2893915p-11557258c.html

On November 12, 2005 the Associated Press reported, "Science and Buddhism share a quest of open investigation into the nature of reality, and science can be a pathway to discovering well-being and happiness, the Dalai Lama told the Society for Neuroscience on Saturday.

Tibet's spiritual leader, speaking alternately in English and through a translator, praised neuroscience - the study of the brain and nervous system - as important work he's been interested in for 15 years.

'I believe we want happiness,' he said, adding that the way to transform society is through education and by boosting among individuals, families and communities 'some of the useful emotions such as compassion or forgiveness.'

Science is particularly important, he said, because it reaches both the religious and nonreligious and can help identify the factors and forces that promote well-being.

And on the growing controversy surrounding the teaching of intelligent design in addition to evolution in U.S. classrooms, the Dalai Lama said the greater the dialogue, the better."