Conference Begins

The day of the conference to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Science for Monks and Nuns program started with a Tibetan prayer in the Dalai Lama Temple, Tsuglagkhang Complex. With several hundred people in the audience, mostly monks and nuns, the chanting vibrated the room.  The prayer was followed by several speeches to welcome everyone and an award to Bobby Sager, the primary benefactor of the Science for Monks and Nuns program.

After a group lunch, the conference continued with a panel of 10 abbots from various monasteries and nunneries who have collaborated with the Science for Monks and Nuns program.  The abbots discussed the successes and challenges of incorporating science into the monks and nuns education.  Because the abbots spoke in Tibetan only, I was given an FM radio and earbuds that provided a real-time translation of the discussion into English.

At the conclusion of the conference's first day, an announcement was made to invite everyone to the Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts (TIPA) for a Tibetan dance performance.  TIPA has an excellent facility with a large auditorium and stage and an great sound system.  Everyone enjoyed dinner after the performance.  More momos for everyone!