The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader will receive the USD 1.8 million prize for his work in encouraging scientific research and harmony among religions. "The ceremony will celebrate his long-standing engagement with multiple dimensions of science and with people far beyond his own religious traditions, which made him an incomparable global voice for universal ethics, non-violence and harmony among world religions," organisers said.u00a0

The event will be attended by thousands and broadcast on the Internet. The Dalai Lama will announce where the money will go at the ceremony. It will be the first time the Buddhist monk has visited the cathedral. The Templeton Prize honours a living person who has made an exceptional contribution to "affirming life's spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery, or practical works". Established in 1972, it is one of the world's largest annual monetary awards given to an individual.