About the Research Institute

Welcome to Dharmakirti Research Institute!

Dharmakirti Research Institute was established in 2005 in response to the growing interest in meditation research among science experts, Buddhist practitioners and spiritually minded people. It is based on the idea that interactions between science and Buddhism can enhance study and practice of Buddhism in the West as well as increase scientific understanding of well-being and human potential. The increasing interest in Buddhist teachings among Westerners brings also challenges associated with the translation of traditional study and practice of Buddhist teachings into the fast paced, busy culture of mostly lay practitioners in the West. In this situation, it is important to emphasize shared interests between the different cultures. The most obvious link comes from scientific interest in the study of mind and brain and Buddhist focus on transformation of mind using an elaborate system of mind training methods. Importantly, both science and Buddhism share the goal of reducing suffering, even if their understanding of suffering may differ to a certain extent. The collaboration between scientists and Buddhists has the potential of broadening the scope of virtue for both. Scientific research can be enriched by the knowledge about the mind and wide range of practices enhancing well-being validated by achievements of Buddhist practitioners over centuries. On the other hand, interactions with science can help Buddhism face challenges coming from its encounter with modern consumer-oriented society. The Dharmakirti Research Institute wants to contribute to this process through a number of activities such as:

• Providing information about latest developments in meditation research and exchanges between scientists and Buddhist experts;
• Contributing to scientific research on changes in mind and brain associated with meditation;
• Developing applied research projects based on scientific research and Buddhist sources to create and make broadly available tools supporting meditation practice;
• Organizing lectures by Western scientist and Buddhist experts on science and Buddhism;
• Providing a forum for exchange of ideas and fruitful discussion about science and Buddhism.

You may want to explore the subsections on news, projects, resources and discussion under the heading of Dharmakirti Research Institute. You can join our e-mail list to stay informed. Please let us know if you would like to participate in or support some of our activities. I hope the range of our projects will grow and benefit those genuinely interested in exploring the wholesome potential of the human mind through meditation research and practice.

Best wishes,

Dusana Dorjee, Ph.D.
Director of Dharmakirti Research Institute