Dalai Lama to participate in The Mind and Life Institute's Washington D.C. conference

On Oct. 8-9, 2009, the Dalai Lama will participate in our Washington D.C. conference, Educating World Citizens for the 21st Century. The goal of this ML XIX conference is to explore the value of integrating emotional, intellectual and social learning into today's educational programs with the intention to promote education research into these areas. Leading educators, scientists and policy makers will discuss the importance of researching what effects the inclusion of mindfulness-based curriculums and programs can have in educational environments, especially for students exposed to risk factors such as poverty, violence and divorce.

Research indicates that school-based programs may be the best way for children to develop the non-academic but equally important skills necessary to be successful in our society. Programs across the country that teach mindfulness of the self and others have significantly improved academic performance, work habits and self-esteem.

"We hope to draw more attention to expanding research into mindfulness-based educational approaches, such as social and emotional learning, and how such reforms can improve attention, self-motivation, self-esteem, and healthy decision-making skills among school-aged children and teenagers," said Adam Engle, Chairman of The Mind and Life Institute.

Educating World Citizens for the 21st Century will take place October 8-9, 2009 at DAR Constitution Hall. Tickets are on sale with discounts for students and groups of 5 or more, and are available through Ticket Master.

"Our goal is not to promote any particular educational approach, but to generate dialogue and new ideas from experts in this field," said Laura Baun, Operations Director of The Mind and Life Institute. "Ultimately, we want to know what the value of contemplative practice is to students, teachers and parents. Our dialogue with the Dalai Lama will look at what students need, and what we can learn by promoting research in these areas."

Participants in education, neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy will participate in four sessions during the conference. The Dalai Lama will be active in each session, which include "Attention, Emotional Regulation and Learning," "Compassion and Empathy," and "Envisioning the World Citizen."

SOURCE: Mind and Life Institute