ITHACA, N.Y. — Plans for an international research center for Tibetan Buddhism are moving on South Hill. Namgyal Monastery has launched into the fundraising phase for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s Library & Museum (DLLM), to be located next to its monastery on Tibet Drive in the town of Ithaca.
Plans for the cultural center and research facility were announced back in July 2016. The facility will host teachings, writings and artifacts of all fourteen Dalai Lamas, the monks who have served as the spiritual leaders of Tibetan Buddhism for centuries. Additionally, the DLLM will serve as an academic center for the study of Tibetan cultural and religious history, working to preserve Tibetan Buddhist culture, including its literature, artwork and performing arts.
“This will protect the legacy of the Dalai Lama and all that he represents to many millions of people throughout the world. Its primary mission is as a learning center for scholars and practitioners of all faiths, as well as scientists, educators, and philosophers of all disciplines,” states the project’s website.
“It is His Holiness’ hope that the Library and Museum will be able to provide qualified Buddhist studies to the future generation, spread the teaching of Buddha and make the world non-violence and peaceful.”
Expansion at Namgyal Monastery: Library and museum will be treasury of Dalai Lama works in Ithaca
The DLLM facility will also house the works of The Mind-Life Institute (MLI), an organization whose goal is to support dialogue between Buddhism and science. According to the institute’s website, “{t}he MLI was initiated by the current Dalai Lama and brings together scientists, philosophers, educators, and practitioners from around the world, to explore the relationships between Buddhism and modern science, particularly the science of the mind and consciousness.”
No formal plans have been reviewed by the town of Ithaca as of yet, and the construction start date will be dependent on how well fundraising goes. In the meanwhile, a video of the conceptual plans can be found here, and a longer version on their website here.