The Dalai Lama, exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, participates in a 2010 panel discussion at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York. The Dalai Lama was named March 29 as the winner of the 2012 Templeton Prize.
The Dalai Lama, exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, participates in a 2010 panel discussion at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York. The Dalai Lama was named March 29 as the winner of the 2012 Templeton Prize. CNS photo/Jason DeCrow, pool via Reuters

Dalai Lama takes 2012 Templeton Prize

By  Catholic News Service
  • April 4, 2012

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. - The Dalai Lama was named March 29 as the winner of the 2012 Templeton Prize.

A statement from the John Templeton Foundation, which selects the winner, said his “long-standing engagement with multiple dimensions of science and with people far beyond his own religious traditions has made him an incomparable global voice for universal ethics.”

The prize, which includes an award of about $1.7 million — the monetary award must always be larger than those offered in the Nobel Prizes — will be presented to the Dalai Lama in London May 14.

“With an increasing reliance on technological advances to solve the world’s problems, humanity also seeks the reassurance that only a spiritual quest can answer,” said a March 29 statement by John M. Templeton Jr., foundation president and chairman. “The Dalai Lama offers a universal voice of compassion underpinned by a love and respect for spiritually relevant scientific research that centres on every single human being.”

Said the Dalai Lama in an acceptance video posted March 29 on the foundation’s web site: “When I heard today your decision to give me this quite famous award, I really felt this is another sign of recognition about my little service to humanity, mainly non-violence and unity around different religious traditions.”

Tagged under:

Related items

More in this category: « English nurse wins clash over conscience rights without going to court Pope encourages people fighting to rid world of land mines »

Please support The Catholic Register

Unlike many media companies, The Catholic Register has never charged readers for access to the news and information on our website. We want to keep our award-winning journalism as widely available as possible. But we need your help.

For more than 125 years, The Register has been a trusted source of faith-based journalism. By making even a small donation you help ensure our future as an important voice in the Catholic Church. If you support the mission of Catholic journalism, please donate today. Thank you.

DONATE