Editorial

Abstract

A key aspect of any academic discipline is its ability to engage in intellectual debates which are both respectful and based on evidence. The purpose of such debates is primarily to advance our understanding and practice while acknowledging that there is value to be gained from questioning our ingrained cognitive assumptions. Although the idea of intellectual debates can be traced back to ancient civilization, much of the early debates centered around religious sects and beliefs held by different groups of people. Tibetan Buddhism, for example, continues the rich debate culture, roots of which go back as far as seventh century Samye Debate which is said to have focused on the deep question of whether enlightenment is attained gradually through activity or in an instant without activity.