FAQ’s – The Dalai Lama Center for Ethics

What does The Center at MIT do?

The Dalai Lama Center at MIT is a collaborative think tank that promotes the discussion of ethical behavior and its application. The Center develops lectures and programs focused on the ethical questions that face students, researchers, politicians, business leaders, and members of the broader community. It is our firm belief that good science, technological development, and political discourse cannot be achieved without taking into account the ethical and humane questions that our community, as well as the world at large, deals with on a daily basis.

Why does the center bear the Dalai Lama’s Name?

The Center is founded to honor the work and vision of the Nobel Peace Laureate, His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama. It bears his name in the hope of promoting the idea of secular ethics and values which would facilitate the development of a sustainable and peaceful society independent of religious orientations.

The Dalai Lama was voted as most respected World Leader in a poll conducted in 2008 which influenced the decision for The Center for Ethics at MIT to be named after him. He remains an important moral voice of reason in the present times globally.

Click here to see the New York Times Article.

What is the role of the Founding Members?

Founding Members of the Dalai Lama Center are those whose lifelong commitments to global harmony are worthy of emulation. They guide The Center’s overall work and mission.

Can anyone participate in The Center’s programs?

Programs are designed in three categories:

1. Public lectures and special events which are generally marked by “Open to Public”. The Center tries to make most of its programs available to a larger audience free of cost or admission fee. For this we generally rely on our donors and supporters to underwrite the cost of an event. In some cases, a fee may be charged to cover the cost of the programs.

2. Programs marked “MIT Community Only” are open to active members of the MIT Community (faculty, student, and staff). Certain programs are specific to certain departments and preference is given to students enrolled in related programs.

3. “The Center Global” is an outreach effort in which we make the programs available to the wider world through the internet. Some programs are run in affiliated schools.

Please join The Center’s online community to keep abreast of ongoing outreach.

How is The Center Funded?

The Center is funded through generous gifts from private individuals as well as grants from charitable organizations.

The Tibetan Government in Exile or related entities play no role in the resource or program development of The Center.

How can I support The Center’s work?

The Center seeks funds for its programs from anyone interested in promoting The Center’s work. Your generous contribution, no matter how small, helps us keep many of the programs free for the public.

Click here to make a contribution. All contributions to “The Center” are tax deductible as permitted by law under IRS section 501 (c)(3).

You can also support The Center by joining its online community and by participating in upcoming events.

Is The Center a center of bricks and mortar?

The Center maintains offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts.