Professor Davidson (standing) with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Geshe Sopa

In 1992, instead of just wondering why science had long ignored the positive mental states promoted in Buddhism, the Dalai Lama invited University of Wisconsin-Madison neuroscientist Richard Davidson to his residence in exile in Dharamsala India.  His Holiness asked the scientist to participate in a study of the brain function and mental activity of accomplished Tibetan yogis.

His Holiness had one prescient question:  “Scientists often study depression, anxiety and fear, but why not devote your work to the causes of positive human qualities like happiness and compassion?”

To address that question, Davidson, one of Time Magazine’s most 100 influential people in 2006, began studying positive states of mind.  Last month, he opened the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin.  The center boasts the only meditation room in the world with an adjoining brain imaging laboratory.

At first, the massive gamma brainwaves of the monks in meditation had researchers checking their instruments in dismay. So far, Davidson’s research suggests meditation improves compassion, empathy, kindness, attention and overall mental health.  Davidson has remarked on the Dalai Lama’s extraordinary and unflinching commitment to science.

The two will appear at five different science events this year.  Their research is exploring and building on the connection between Buddhism and science in the new field of contemplative neuroscience. By promoting research into positive mental states and traditional Buddhist meditative practices, the Dalai Lama hopes to help scientists create a more ethical and peaceful world.