Scientists vs. the Dalai Lama

Hundreds of scientists are protesting a scheduled lecture by the Dalai Lama next month. Why? Because the exiled leader of Tibet plans to present research on how intense meditation practiced by Buddhist monks can train the brain to think positively, according to a story in the New York Times.

The Dalai Lama is scheduled to speak in November in Washington at the Society of Neuroscience, but 544 brain researchers have signed a petition to ban the event. According to an excerpt of the petition published in the Times, the lecture "will highlight a subject with largely unsubstantiated claims and compromised scientific rigor and objectivity."

It may be time for some "Ohhhhmmm."