our film

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OUR FILM

why make this documentary? why us? and why now?
learn about our mission.

Group of nine people, including monks and tourists, pose together outdoors in front of colorful prayer flags at a cultural or religious site, with a dirt path and trees in the background.
more about FOTM

FRONTIERS

of the mind

FRONTIERS

of the mind

FRONTIERS OF THE MIND

Our documentary film — inspired by the Dalai Lama’s vision of a world where ancient tradition and modern science intersect — shares the story of a groundbreaking collaboration between Tibetan Buddhist monastics and Western scientists. Together, they explore how ancient contemplative practices and modern neuroscience might come together to reshape the future of human well-being.

want to take a look behind the scenes?

Explore resources connected to our film that provide opportunities for deeper learning and reflection on the dialogue between Buddhism and science.

FOTM resources

frontiers of the mind

resources to get you started

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Practical Manifestations of the Dialogue between Buddhism and Science

Learn about the Practice of Lucid Dreaming and Dream Yoga 

Learn About and Practice Buddhism

Related Documentaries and Films

want to see more?

watch a preview of the film featuring highlights of our global production — from Tibetan monasteries to local gatherings

watch a clip

highlights of our deeply collaborative approach to filmmaking as we build community with researchers, practitioners, and partners. 

our community

community highlights

  • A group of five women in traditional Indian attire, engaging with modern technology. One woman is sitting in a chair, connected to electrodes with wires on her head, while another woman checks her phone. Others are looking at a laptop and a tablet, interacting with electronic devices in a collaborative setting.

    Bridging Science & Buddhism

    In “Bridging Science and Buddhism: The Dalai Lama’s 100 Year Vision” for Mind & Life Institute, Executive Producer/Director Park Krausen and film subject Dr. Robin Nusslock offer a personal take on their experience participating in a multiyear collaboration between the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative, Northwestern University neuroscientists, a cohort of young Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns, and the Frontiers of the Mind filmmaking team.

  • A Buddhist monk speaking to a group of monks dressed in red robes, in a large gathering.

    How Buddhism Met Science: A Monastic Scholar’s Journey

    In “How Buddhism Met Science: A Monastic Scholar’s Journey,” Dhondup T. Rekjong shares the journey of Geshe Thabkhe, a Tibetan monastic scholar at the intersection of the ongoing dialogue between Buddhism and modern science, from young Tibetan monk to Buddhist PhD and research scientist, in Lion’s Roar.

  • A smiling monk in maroon robes sitting behind a table decorated with flowers, with a microphone in front of her, in a hall decorated with colorful flowers and religious banners.

    Open Online Teachings

    Join open online teachings with Tibetan Nun Ani Choyang, one of our film’s subjects, which focus on simple, practical methods for cultivating inner qualities such as resilience, focused attention, wisdom, and compassionate communication with both ourselves and others. Held on the first Sunday of each month at 10am ET/8:30pm India, you are always welcome to join the Zoom meeting here.

our institutional sources

  • The 14th Dalai Lama

    Our film is inspired by the Dalai Lama and his vision of a “100-Year Project,” a long-term collaboration between academic scientists and Tibetan Buddhist monastics to explore both ancient and contemporary questions in the service of humanity.

  • Mind & Life Institute

    Founded in 1987 by the Dalai Lama, neuroscientist Francicso Varela, and entrepreneur Adam Engle with dialogues exploring the possible intersectionality between ancient Buddhist wisdom and modern science, Mind & Life has pursued a bold vision: that science and contemplative wisdom together could advance human flourishing. From these beginnings, an entire field of contemplative science and research emerged — catalyzing scientific laboratories and applied research centers, creating new fields of study between and across disciplines, and reshaping how we understand the mind.

  • Emory-Tibet Science Initiative (ETSI)

    This unique educational endeavor brings together the best of the Western and Tibetan Buddhist intellectual traditions for their mutual enrichment and for the discovery of new knowledge. ETSI programs explore the convergence of science and inner values in an effort to address humanity’s greatest problems, advancing an understanding of reality that incorporates both heart and mind, to find better ways to relieve human suffering.

buddhism + science

Explore resources from Mind and Life connected to our film that provide opportunities for deeper learning and reflection on the dialogue between Buddhism and science — and how it might be transformative in our own lives. Learn more about the Dalai Lama’s vision, organizations, and thought leaders that inspire our film. Read insights from our team and subjects. Delve into resources about the practices of Buddhism and Lucid Dreaming.

our media

behind-the-scenes

Group of medical professionals, including monks in traditional robes and a man in a shirt, gathered around medical equipment and a monitor in a clinical setting. One person is pointing at a screen showing an image from a camera, with other people obs
A group of monks in red robes surround a seated monk with medical wires and electrodes attached to his head and face, in a medical or ritual setting.
Group of diverse people, including monks and laypersons, gathered in a colorful temple with traditional decorations and statues, participating in a spiritual or cultural ceremony.
A person wearing virtual reality goggles, possibly a monk or athlete, in front of a green screen with another person taking a photo in the background.
Group of people, including Buddhist monks and women, sitting and discussing around a table with electronic devices in a meeting room.
A group of people, including monks in maroon robes and women, taking a selfie outdoors in a lush green park with large trees.
Two Buddhist monks in maroon robes and a woman in a red top participating in a meditation session with EEG caps on their heads.
A Dalai Lama-like figure and a man are touching their foreheads together and holding hands, with eyes closed, in a gesture of compassion or connection. The man is wearing glasses and a beige suit, while the other person is dressed in traditional Tibe
A group of people, including monks in orange robes, are gathered around a person in a gray suit. The person in the suit is speaking to a monk, holding their hands near their mouth, while the monk is holding the person's hands. Other individuals are w
People sitting on the floor and talking in a room with wooden walls. One person in a red robe appears to be leading a discussion.
Two Buddhist monks, dressed in maroon robes, demonstrate a dance or ritual in a spacious hall with a group of seated monks watching.
Six people dressed in maroon Buddhist robes sitting on brick pavement in front of a white marble sign reading 'Emory University Founded 1836' with a shield emblem.