Genetic Engineering In The Dalai Lama

Genetic Engineering is the modification of an organism 's genetic composition by artificial means, often involving the transfer of specific traits, or genes, from one organism into a plant or animal of an entirely different species. With this new, rapidly growing, technology we are now able to do things that we once thought were impossible. In Ethics and the New Genetics, the Dalai Lama addresses problems that we need to consider as we continue to explore this microscopic world that we have uncovered. The Dalai Lama believes that we need to have an appreciation for the value of human beings, the world as a whole, and that the motivation behind our genetic explorations must be pure and compassionate.
Genetic modification gives us access to an immense amount of power through the …show more content…
The higher the rate of knowledge and power, the greater must be our sense of moral responsibility.” The question is not whether or not we should acquire that knowledge, “rather, the issue is how to use this new knowledge and power in the most expedient and ethically responsible manner.” The Dalai Lama understands that there is a need for genetic engineering in our society and in the world as a whole, especially in the production of food. “It is now possible to create new breeds of plants with far higher yields and far lower susceptibility to disease in order to maximize food production in a world where the increasing population needs to be fed.” According to him, the motivation behind the genetic modification of plants and food is an acceptable way to use genetic engineering, because it will provide millions of people with a reliable source of nutrition. This form of