Description: This book examines how Western behavioral science--which has generally focused on negative aspects of human nature--holds up to cross-cultural scrutiny, in particular the Tibetan Buddhist celebration of the human potential for altruism, empathy, and compassion. Resulting from a meeting between the Dalai Lama, leading Western scholars, and a group of Tibetan monks, this volume includes excerpts from these extraordinary dialogues as well as engaging essays exploring points of difference and overlap between the two perspectives.
Review Quotes: "The virtues discussed in this book need to be brought more to the foreground in society; indeed, the survival of the human race may depend on it."--Contemporary Psychology, APA Review of Books
"This is a work that will be accessible for undergraduates and graduates with an interest in ethics, altruism, Buddhist spiritual practice, evolutions, and neuro-psychologyThe essays are fully referenced, serving as a valuable resource for further reflectionI heartily recommend this work to individuals interested in the emerging dialogue among religion, spirituality and science."--Religious Studies Review, Harvey B. Aronson