Photographic Moment

The Dalai Lama Visits NIH

The NIH Bethesda campus was buzzing with excitement on Friday, March 7: His Holiness the Dalai Lama was in town. After delivering a public talk at the National Cathedral (Washington, D.C.) that morning, he headed to NIH in the afternoon to tour the Clinical Center and then give the annual J. Edward Rall Cultural Lecture in the Kirschstein Auditorium (Building 45). Since the mid-1980s, the Dalai Lama has been interacting with modern scientists; his discussions have led to historic collaborations between Buddhist monks and world-renowned scientists and the introduction of modern science into the traditional curriculum of Tibetan monastic institutions. At NIH, he talked about “The Role of Science in Human Flourishing” to some 1,000 NIHers who had crowded into the auditorium. “I am extremely happy to visit this famous institution,” he said. “Science is truly making contributions for well-being and care.” After his remarks—which were punctuated often by his warm, infectious laugh—the Dalai Lama answered questions presented by NIH Director Francis Collins on behalf of employees. To watch a video of the lecture, go to http://videocast.nih.gov/launch.asp?18316.