Guest Information
Minds, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics
Monday, October 13 – Friday, October 17, 2025
Dharamsala, India
In coordination with the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, it is with joy that we return to Dharamsala, India this fall for the 39th Mind & Life Dialogue. This is an invitation-only event.
Please email ekellner@mindandlife.org to access registration
Overview
For nearly four decades, Mind & Life has hosted inspiring Dialogues with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, bringing together leading thinkers to explore some of the most pressing issues of our time at the intersection of science and contemplative wisdom. What began as intimate discussions in 1987 has grown into a rich tradition of both public and private gatherings held around the world.
We look forward to welcoming our community in October 2025 for our latest in-person Mind & Life Dialogue on Minds, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics. This week-long gathering will offer a rare and meaningful opportunity to witness engaging exchanges with our esteemed presenters, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and be in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the last day. Together, we will celebrate His Holiness’ extraordinary legacy in bridging Buddhist wisdom and Western science as part of a yearlong tribute to his 90th birthday.
Dialogue XXXIX is co-hosted by the Mind & Life Institute and Mind & Life Europe.
Beyond the Dialogue experience, participants will also enjoy:
- Opportunities to connect with presenters and fellow participants in both casual and structured conversations
- Guided contemplative practices to deepen your experience
- Cultural experiences that honor the region and Tibetan traditions
We look forward to sharing this special gathering with you!
Minds, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes an increasingly prevalent part of our everyday lives, critical ethical, societal, and scientific issues are emerging that warrant close investigation, consideration, discussion, and enlightened action.
What is the potential of AI to alleviate suffering, promote equity and social harmony, and support flourishing on Earth, and what are the risks AI poses to global health and well-being, work, education, politics, and climate action?
Critically, what kinds of ethical qualities might and should human beings infuse into artificial forms of intelligence such that it avoids harmful effects and rather benefits the well-being of all on Earth.
In this dialogue between leading scientists, scholars, contemplative practitioners, business leaders, policy makers, and others, we will explore our understandings of the nature of the living mind. We do this in service of developing and exploring a set of generative questions about AI with openness to diverse wisdom and knowledge traditions.
Dialogue Day 1 Session Topics
Minds | His Eminence Khangser Rinpoche, Shaun Gallagher, and Murray Shanahan, with Marc-Henri Deroche as facilitator
(Dis)Entanglement & Meaningful Relationships | Peter Hershock, Anat Perry, and Geshe Lodoe Sangpo, with Kate Nave as facilitator
Dialogue Day 2 Session Topics
Collective Narratives & Possible Futures | Thupten Jinpa, Luc Steels, and Emily Bender, with Molly Crocket as facilitator
Diversity & Ethics | Iason Gabriel, Merve Hickok, Geshe Thabke, and Sasha Luccioni, with Geshe Lodoe Sangpo as facilitator
Dialogue Day 3 Session Topics
Education | Ani Tenzin Choyang, Robert Cummings, and Chiara Mascarello, with Marieke van Vugt as facilitator
Closing Summary | facilitated by Luc Steels
Key Dates
- July 23 | Deadline to submit your visa, headshot, passport, flight details, and Delhi Pullman hotel reservation to Mind & Life. Invoices for Dharamsala hotel will be due upon receipt.
- September 18 | Pre-event informational zoom meeting to connect with other attendees and to help prepare you for the physical experience, flow, and rhythm of the event. Register here.
- October 12 | Guest arrival in Delhi, India for overnight layover. Note that presenters are following a different schedule, arriving earlier.
- October 13 | Guest arrival in Dharamsala, India. Opening Reception and Dinner at Hotel Norbu House.
- October 13-17 | Dialogue XXXIX
- October 18 | Guest departure from Dharamsala, followed by departure from Delhi. Overnight layover in Delhi as needed.
Schedule
We care about your safety and well-being while in India. We also aim to host a week of activities that encourage celebration, connection, and the rich exchange of ideas.
Mind & Life Institute staff will make arrangements to meet you upon landing in Delhi,* provide airport ground transportation in Delhi and Dharamsala,** and organize all group activities and meals with your safety and comfort in mind.
See below for the current draft schedule.
Faculty and
Program Planning Committee
Emily M. Bender
University of Washington
Ani Choeyang
Jangchub Choeling Nunnery
Molly Crockett, PhD
Princeton University | Program Planning Committee
Robert Cummings, PhD
University of Mississippi
Marc-Henri Deroche, PhD
Kyoto University | Program Planning Committee
Iason Gabriel, PhD
Google DeepMind
Shaun Gallagher, PhD
University of Memphis
Peter Hershock, PhD
East-West Center
Merve Hickok
Center for AI and Digital Policy
Thupten Jinpa, PhD
Mind & Life Institute Board Chair; Compassion Institute Founder; English Translator of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
His Eminence Khangser Rinpoche
Gyuto Monastery, Thangkar Dechen Choling Monastic Institute
Sasha Luccioni, PhD
Hugging Face
Chiara Mascarello, PhD
University of Padua
Kate (Kathryn) Nave, PhD
University of Edinburgh
Anat Perry, PhD
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Geshe Lodoe Sangpo
Gaden Jangtse Monastery | Program Planning Committee
Murray Shanahan, PhD
Imperial College London, Google DeepMind
Luc Steels, PhD
University of Brussels | Program Planning Committee
Geshe Thabkhe
Sera Jay Monastery
Marieke van Vugt, PhD
University of Groningen | Program Planning Committee
Additional Key People
Amy Cohen Varela | Mind & Life Europe Board Chair
Suzanne Bond | Mind & Life Institute President
Gábor Karsai | Mind & Life Europe Managing Director
Rob Roeser | Dialogue Advisory Council; Mind & Life Institute, Co-Chair, Research and Programs Council; Professor, PennState University
Event Cost
There is a $975 per person convenience fee for all guests. The convenience fee covers the following:
- Airport ground transportation in New Delhi*
- Ground transportation in Dharamsala**
- Opening reception and dinner plus the closing celebration dinner
- Lunches (Tuesday-Friday) and tea breaks
- Specially planned culture experiences
- On-the-ground assistance throughout the week
- Other costs Mind & Life incurs in creating a positive experience for you
Guests are responsible for all costs related to travel and accommodations plus incidentals and meals not detailed above.
The convenience fee is not a tax-deductible contribution. The convenience fee is due at the time of registration. For cancellations received before May 1, you will receive a refund of 50% of your fee. Cancellations received on or after May 1 are nonrefundable.
Passports, Visas, and Security Documents
Passport & Visa
All foreign nationals are required to have a passport with an expiration date that is beyond 6 months of travel. A visa to enter India is also required. Guests should apply for a one-year (or five-year) tourist e-Visa online on the Government of India website. See E-Visa Application Instructions below for critical information.
E-Visa Application Instructions (PDF)
Security Badge
You will need to provide a copy of your visa, your passport’s photo page, and your photo to the Mind & Life Institute for purposes of your security badge, required by the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The photo must be square, forward facing, and cropped close to your face. It does not have to be an official passport photo. Secure upload instructions will be provided. Deadline for submitting your security documents is July 7, 2025.
Accommodations
Delhi Hotel
Mind & Life has selected the Pullman Aerocity Hotel as the designated hotel in Delhi. The Pullman is located close to Delhi International Airport (DEL) for your layover stays. This hotel should be direct-reserved (either by you or the travel agent) and direct-paid by you. Ground transportation will only be provided between this hotel and DEL. If you book another hotel in Delhi, please self-arrange any needed transportation.
Dharamsala Hotel
Accommodations in Dharamsala have been secured by Mind & Life at Hotel Norbu House, Hotel Yewang House, Zambala House, and Pemathang Guest House. All hotels are Tibetan-owned properties within close walking distance to each other, allowing for ease of socialization and gathering. Breakfast is included in your room rate.
Full details regarding your specific hotel and cost will be relayed to guests by mid-July. Payment for your 5-night stay will be through Mind & Life and is due by July 23. Once paid, no refunds can be accommodated.
Flights
Guests are responsible for self-booking their Delhi (DEL) and Dharamsala (DHM) flights. In general, international flights will require an overnight stay in Delhi.
Your flights must be booked and relayed to Mind & Life by July 7.
Please note that the DEL-DHM flight is operated by IndiGo, a regional carrier on a 78 seat plane. To ensure your travel with the group and benefit from the arranged ground transportation, we strongly recommend booking far in advance. IndiGo tickets cannot be booked by travel agents. You will need to direct purchase on the IndiGo website.
If you would like assistance booking international travel, we are pleased to work with Covington Travel. Please contact specialist Brenda Martin who is aware of the program schedule. brendam@covtrav.com or (434) 220-2111.
Suggested Travel
Sunday, October 12, 2025: Arrival of your international flight to Delhi (DEL). If you elect to stay at the designated hotel, ground transportation will be arranged and provided for you.
Monday, October 13, 2025: IndiGo flight*** (DEL-DHM) 11:20 am – 1:00 pm. Ground transportation will be provided from the designated hotel to DEL as well as to your Dharamsala hotel upon landing at DHM.
Saturday, October 18, 2025: IndiGo flight*** (DHM-DEL) 8:50 am – 10:25 am. Ground transportation will be provided from your Dharamsala hotel to DHM as well as to the designated Delhi hotel (if required).
Saturday, October 18 or Sunday, October 19: Departure of your international flight from Delhi (DEL). Most guests choose to stay at the designated Delhi hotel during the extended layover to sleep and/or enjoy a good meal. Ground transportation will be provided to/from this hotel.
Questions?
Ellen Kellner, Mind & Life, will be your primary contact concerning all logistics. Feel free to contact her with any questions:
+1 (434) 329-7865,
ekellner@mindandlife.org,
or WhatsApp +1 (717) 439-1285
* Ground transportation will be provided from Delhi (DEL) airport to the designated Delhi hotel. Guests must arrive within the window of Saturday, October 11 – Sunday October 12 to take advantage of this front-end arranged transportation service. For your departing flight on the backend of the week, an extended layover in Delhi may be needed. Transportation between DEL, the designated Delhi hotel, and back to DEL will be arranged for Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19. Ground transportation outside of these parameters must be self-arranged and self-paid.
** Ground transportation between DHM (Dharamsala) airport and the Mind & Life designated hotels will be provided for guests arriving on Monday, October 13 and departing on Saturday, October 18. Ground transportation will also be provided for organized guest excursions. Ground transportation outside of these parameters should be self-arranged and self-paid.
*** If the IndiGo flight is sold out, we will arrange transportation for this flight: SpiceJet 11:30 am – 12:55 pm on Oct 13; and for the return, SpiceJet 9:40 – 11:00 am on Oct 18.
Additional On-The-Ground Information
TAYING WELL, STAYING SAFE, AND EMERGENCY INFO
Mind & Life recommends that you pack comfort and first aid supplies. See this list for our recommendations and for additional health and comfort tips.
This website has proven useful for many travel tips, including food safety, packing, and cultural customs.
Note that water in India is not safe for Western tourists. Bottled or boiled water should be used for brushing teeth, face washing, and drinking. Avoid ice in drinks and any non-cooked food (fruits and raw vegetables.) Electric kettles and bottled water will be in all guest rooms in the Dharamsala hotels. Tip: Pack your tea, coffee, and instant oatmeal to enjoy in your hotel room.
In India, any medical emergencies (including testing positive for COVID-19), illnesses, or accidents should be reported to Ellen Kellner: WhatsApp +1 717 439 1285. Ellen will also be carrying first-aid and various medicines to help with common ailments.
Hospital: The main hospital in McLeod Ganj is the Tibetan Hospital: Men-Tsee Khang, Khara Danda Road, Dharamsala, +91 1892 223 113.
Hospital for serious matters: Fortis Hospital, Near ISBT Kangra, Himachal Pradesh (~50 min. drive from McLeod Ganj), +91 1892 242 555.
In the case of a catastrophic emergency that effects the full group, emergency procedures will be posted at the top of this website. Please advise family members to look here for emergency updates.
ELECTRICITY, WIFI, PHONE, TIME ZONE
Power supply in India is at 220-240 Volts. Sockets are most commonly “Type D” (three round pins in a triangle pattern). Guests are encouraged to travel with adaptors and be aware if a converter is needed.
While all of the Mind & Life hotels in Dharamsala are equipped with WiFi capability, guests should not expect the speed and consistency of US/Europe internet. The same applies to regional cell service. For guests wanting to use their U.S. based international plans on their smartphones, both AT&T and Verizon have cell coverage in McLeod Ganj. See note above regarding consistent service.
Regarding Simcard: Thank you to presenter Marieke van Vugt for this tip: “I highly recommend people getting an Indian simcard when arriving at Delhi airport at the Airtel booth. This is very fast, and only costs 450 rupees for a month with daily 1.6GB data and unlimited calls in India.”
Dharamsala and Delhi are located in the India Time Zone (UTC+05:30).
GUEST LIST
Access/Print Guest List Here (to be added)
On the Logistics Form, guests were given the option to be included on the guest list to be shared with other attendees. If you would like your name added or removed from this list, email Ellen ekellner@mindandlife.org. This information is provided for creating a shared community while in India. Permission is not granted to share guest names beyond this specific use.
WEATHER & “WHAT TO WEAR”
The weather in mid October in McLeod Ganj begins the transition to the winter season. Although the same period was gripped in a heatwave during a previous Dialogue, you should pack and prepare for colder weather – puffer jackets and layers are recommended. Pro tip: Pashmina scarves are a popular item to purchase in McLeod Ganj plus they are useful in keeping the chill off of your neck. Check the forecast before finalizing your packing. Note that New Delhi will be considerably warmer.
Shoes: Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes. Dharamsala, specifically McLeod Ganj, sits at an elevation of 6831 feet/2082 meters. Please keep in mind that it is a mountainous region with walking being the primary mode of travel within the village. You may often find you are out of breath when walking up the sharp inclines between the various hotels. Sensible walking shoes/trail runners/sneakers are a must, not only due to the amount of walking that you will be doing but also due to the uneven payment combined with the road congestion (cars, scooters, pedestrians, cows, dogs, and monkeys). In the past, several guests have found it useful to take walking poles/canes.
Attire: In addition to the above regarding cooler temperatures and sensible shoes, guest attire ranges from nice-casual to business-casual. Jeans are fine when walking around town however not common during the Dialogue sessions or time with His Holiness. Please see this useful website for cultural norms, including attire: cover shoulders (shawls are fine) and knees (no shorts). If wearing fitted pants, choose a top long enough to cover your bottom.
GROUPME MESSAGING APP & ON-THE-GROUND DAILY COMMUNICATIONS
Guests are encouraged to download the GroupMe app and join the communications channel that will be used on-the-ground for logistics and time-sensitive updates. Join here: https://groupme.com/join_group/109218864/4RrxEmlw
Note that GroupMe is designed for privacy. Your phone number will not be visible and shared with other members.
From October 13-17, daily emails, containing important updates and logistical information will be sent to all guests. Please be on the lookout for these emails from ekellner@mindandlife.org. If you are not planning to check emails in India, please check-in with Mind & Life staff daily to keep abreast of the critical updates.
SECURITY TO ENTER THE PRIVATE RESIDENCE OF THE DALAI LAMA
On Friday, October 17, we are invited to a morning and group photo with His Holiness. Please note that this opportunity is at the discretion of the Private Office.
All guests will need to process through security in order to enter the Private Residence. You must have your security badge with you to enter.
On Friday morning, be prepared for the cue line and expect a pat down. Women and men will have separate lines. All bags will be fully emptied and inspected. Leave unnecessary items in your hotel room.
Guests will not be permitted to pass through security with a cell phone, computer, or camera. You will need to surrender these items to security, retrieving them with your claim ticket upon your exit.
CURRENCY & TIPPING
The local currency is the Indian Rupee. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available in both Delhi and Dharamsala. It is advisable to have the local currency (cash) on hand for smaller purchases, and for any tips that you may want to give.
In Delhi, the hotel website discourages tipping individual people or leaving a tip in the room. Instead, ask if you can leave a tip at the front desk, indicating that it should go to the whole staff. In Dharamsala, Mind & Life will directly tip our hotels. This is included in the Convenience Fee that you paid upon registration.
For ground transportation in both Delhi and Dharamsala, Mind & Life has paid for this service, including tips. Additional tipping is discretionary.
At restaurants, it is customary to tip 10%.
Special note regarding the cultural excursions such as Gyuto Monastery and Dolmaling Nunnery: These venues do not have an entrance fee and operate on donations. While Mind & Life offers a contribution on behalf of our guests, guests are encouraged to donate directly as so moved.
LIVESTREAM OF MINDS, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, AND ETHICS
The three days of Dialogue, October 14-16, will be livestreamed. The livestream will be accessible through the Mind & Life website. Stay tuned for more updates.
PHOTO SHARE
If you would like to share photos that you take while in India with the rest of the guests, please upload them to this Google folder. Once we receive and upload the professional photos from the Private Office, they will also be available in this folder. Please remember that this is a private event intended only for our guests, in other words – please do not share this folder or photos publicly. If you would like, please rename your photos to include your name.
PACKING CHECKLIST
– Passport & Visa (printed)
– Flight itineraries (printed)
– COVID-19 rapid antigen self-test, may be required by the Private Office
– Masks (air pollution in Delhi)
– Sleep aids: mask, ear plugs
– First aid and health supplies
– Travel insurance documents
– At-a-glance schedule of the week’s activities (printed)
– Your personal itinerary with ground transportation details, as relayed by Mind & Life in September (printed)
– Map of McLeod Ganj (printed)
– Guest list (printed)
– Hairdryers are provided in rooms at Pemathang, Yewang, and Hotel Norbu House. Guests of Zambala House should pack one if needed or ask the front desk.
