The Dalai Lama greets attendees at a luncheon at Emory University, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013, in Atlanta. The Dalai Lama met with students on the campus of Emory University Wednesday to discuss secular ethics and also met with university officials to discuss an ongoing effort to incorporate science curriculum into Tibetan studies.ATLANTA – The Dalai Lama called on schools Wednesday to expand their work with students by embracing morality and incorporating ethics into their curriculum.
The Dalai Lama gave his lecture, “Secular Ethics 101,” during a visit to Emory University as part of his partnership with the school. In his latest book, “Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World,” the exiled Tibetan leader writes of too much attention focused on material things while neglecting moral ethics and values.
The Dalai Lama said religions can play a role in addressing the moral crisis but religions are not as universally accepted as schools.
“We have to think seriously, deeply, how to change these negative states of mind,” he told a crowd of several hundred gathered in a campus auditorium. “Ultimately the educational institution has the important work to do, to introduce new ways to approach education in a more complete way.”
He added schools have the responsibility to “take care of both the brain and the heart.” Among key universal values that schools can instill are compassion, patience, honesty, self-discipline and generosity.