UPDATE: Sonoma residents Linda Shore and David Barker are transforming education in Himalayan monasteries with their innovative approach to teaching modern science. For the past 16 years, the duo has been leading hands-on workshops for Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns across northern India, making significant strides in the integration of science into monastic curricula.
Just confirmed, Shore and Barker’s mission aligns with a directive from the Dalai Lama dating back to 1999, which calls for the inclusion of modern science in monastic teachings. Their project, part of the broader Science for Monks initiative, has gained momentum, with over a dozen trips to India to facilitate workshops and develop educational materials.
Why does this matter NOW? The couple’s work not only enriches the educational experience of monastics but also fosters a unique blend of cultural exchange that enhances learning in both the Himalayas and Sonoma. Their portable, low-cost science exhibits, inspired by the Exploratorium in San Francisco, are designed to teach complex concepts like cosmology and climate science through hands-on learning.
According to reports by the Sonoma Valley Sun, Shore and Barker’s workshops support monastics in teaching abstract scientific ideas in ways that resonate with traditional Tibetan learning styles. These efforts have been supported by partnerships with university faculty and museum educators, allowing the initiative to expand its reach across India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
The Sager Science Leadership Institute, a key component of their mission, trains cohorts of monastic science leaders to run local classrooms and science centers, elevating the educational standards within these communities. As reported, the program recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a series of workshops and exhibitions in April 2025.
Shore, who has an Ed.D. in science education and previously led the Exploratorium’s Teacher Institute, and Barker, a veteran designer and art director, are also committed to bringing their knowledge back to Sonoma. Their local art initiatives, including public art events, showcase the impact of their travels and serve as a bridge between cultures.
As they prepare to publish a coffee-table style book documenting their exhibits and classroom experiences, they aim to share their insights with a broader audience. Supporters emphasize that this initiative is not just about science; it’s about creating a lasting cultural exchange that benefits both local classrooms and Himalayan monasteries.
What’s next? Shore and Barker continue to engage with their local community while planning future workshops in the Himalayas. Their groundbreaking work promises to inspire more collaborations between science and spirituality, potentially reshaping education in monastic settings for years to come.
This urgent initiative highlights the profound impact of cultural exchange and hands-on inquiry, proving that education knows no borders. As the world watches, the Sonoma duo remains dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of science within the rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism.
