Workshop on Secular Ethics for School Teachers Underway at Sarah

Dharamshala: The Department of Education, CTA in collaboration with Emory University and Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is organising a four-day workshop on Secular ethics for Tibetan school teachers in Dharamshala.

The workshop is being held at Sarah College for Higher Tibetan Studies, from 11 – 14 December.

The chief guest, Secretary Karma Singhe of Department of Education welcomed the timely initiative led by the Department. “We have had multiple discussions on secular ethics at various levels over the years. The need of the hour was a synergised effort from all departments who can affect change in this regard. This initiative is hence very encouraging and we look forward to seeing concrete plans as a result of the workshop.

He appealed the teachers to gather a sound understanding of the secular ethics curriculum In order to enable thorough implementation in schools.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Geshe Lhakdor, Director of Library of Tibetan Works and Archives and Chairman of the Education Council said that secular ethics is an enduring idea with ancient roots. “Ancient Philosopher Aristotle, Plato and Socrates had articulated ethics and moral philosophy and contributed extensive literature in this field. If one was to study this field from a research perspective, there is a great deal of knowledge, discussions and debate recorded from the time of Aristotle.”

He underlined that His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision for secular ethics was very practical and relates to our common sense. “His Holiness’ idea of secular ethics comes from a deep well of knowledge and far-sighted vision focussed on humanity’s well being. “Although we are divided by our different concepts of morality, values and belief in different faith, his moral vision is one that includes all human beings: believers, non-believers and those who are anti-religion.

The four-day workshop is being funded by DeichoeFrasi Charitable Trust, UK and Department of Finance, CTA.