In his book, he bases his vision on Science rather than religion. He reasoned that if he offers methods from Buddhism about moral ethics and inner peace (he termed SEL as emotional hygiene) then people might dismiss it as 'just religion' but if science says these methods work, then there will be more openness.In 2004, Victor Chan and the Dalai Lama went to Vancouver to give public talks about the need to educate the heart. Then the Dalai Lama Center for Peace + Education was found and it triggered a movement to include Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in schools, By 2013, 90% of schools in British Columbia had such programmes.Danial Goleman (2015) A force for good: The Dalai Lama's vision for our world, p. 184.
The Dalai Lama says that our existing modern education system is orientated toward materialist values. Therefore, we need an education on inner values to lead a healthy life. He often returns to the idea that the right kind of education will help in solving many world problems from global warming to economic gaps and conflicts.
Perhaps PAL came about because of these. Nevertheless, at least we have an understanding of why we are doing what we need to.
Resources on SEL is here.
