Lumbini Science Workshop
10th February 2025 – 24th February 2025
The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, in collaboration with Science for Monks and Nuns, organized a two-week Science Workshop for the students, including monks and nuns of Lumbini Buddhist University, Nepal. The workshop began on 10th February 2025 and concluded on 22nd February 2025 with a simple closing ceremony.
There were 53 monks and nuns participating in this science workshop. The classes were being held at the conference hall of the World Center for Peace and Unity, Lumbini.
The classes were facilitated by two wonderful experts: Dr. Becky Acabchuk, a Senior Scientist at the Roundglass, who taught neuroscience and contemplative practices, and Geshe Beri Jigme Wangyal, a Senior Lecturer at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CHITS), who taught Tibetan writing and Research Methodology. Mr. Karma Thupten of SFMN and Mrs. Tenzin Paldon, Science Department Head, LTWA, helped facilitate the interpretive process.
The workshop helped the participants delve into both scientific and cultural realms. The sessions on neuroscience primarily consisted of lectures that provided in-depth insights into the structure and function of the human brain. Dr. Becky emphasized both practical and theoretical learning, with detailed discussions on the latest research in neuroscience. Participants also explored the historical evolution and cultural significance of Tibetan Literature during Geshe Beri’s lectures. We also had neuroscience lectures and discussions during Mr. Karma and Mrs. Paldon’s review classes.
The lectures also explored in-depth discussions on the different types of neuroscience: cognitive Neuroscience, Biopsychology, and Neurobiology. The participants expressed a strong interest in neuroscience concerning studying the mind from a Buddhist point of view. The attendees were engaged in understanding meditation and how it positively affects the brain.
About the teachers
Geshe Beri Jigme Wangyal
Geshe Beri Jigme Wangyal is a Senior Lecturer at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), Sarnath, India, where he is also the head of the Centre for Tibetan Literature. He has published over 31 books on Tibetan Poetry and Literature, History, and Buddhist Philosophy. Geshe Beri Jigme Wangyal studied Tibetan Language and Literature, Religious History, etc., from his late father cum scholar Lobsang Dhondyoe. He traveled to India in 1989 and started his monastic education at Drepung Loseling Monastic Institution in South India. Whilst studying, he was also an editor of the Institution’s publication section from 1993 and a teacher from 1995. He has presented hundreds of papers at different international conferences, including in the USA, Germany, and England.
Dr. Becky Acabchuk
Dr. Becky Acabchuk is a Senior Scientist on the RoundGlass, a global wellbeing platform that aims to make wellbeing tools available to all. She has a PhD in Neurobiology and Physiology from the University of Connecticut. Becky’s research evaluates the health benefits of mindfulness and yoga and investigates the science of behavior change. She has conducted studies that evaluate tools to assist people in developing a meditation practice to self-manage stress. Rebecca leads mindfulness workshops tailored for a wide variety of audiences (e.g., workplaces, schools, recovery groups, yoga studios, sports teams, and more), she has been teaching meditation, yoga, and other wellness classes in the private sector for 18 years. As an adjunct professor, she teaches courses that include the Neuroscience of Meditation and Health Psychology.
