Hello, DalaiJuly 5, 2008 A clearly and concisely written book that shows the author's journey on the path of deeper understanding of science and spirituality (specifically Tibetan Buddhism) and the nexus between them.
An important book in clarifying some core issues in Buddhism and in science, and in showing the subjective foundations of science.
Not a book for those, who are not familiar with some of the core concepts of Buddhism, e.g., "emptiness," "karma," "dependent origination," etc. or, who are afraid of learning that science is a method and not an absolute answer.
Perhaps, the key argument of the book is that while science is extremely powerful in answering questions that relate to material things (the phenomenological world) its methods cannot be extended without serious modifications into the non-material (spiritual) world. The Dalai Lama's caution, therefore is that science needs to learn from spiritual traditions (particularly in terms of ethics) while spiritual traditions need to modify their views regarding material reality so as to conform to the scientific view.
A good primer for those interested in understanding more clearly the strengths and weaknesses of each approach to life.
A profound and insightful book.June 1, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is one of the best books I have read. It deals directly with the issues in science (such as the big bang) and buddhist though. Much of the book show the innerconnection between buddhism and science. Being a scientist by trainning I am amazed at the understanding that the Dalai Lama has over some of the more complex issues in science. The Dalai Lama does a wonderful job explaining so that anyone can understand. It is most interesting to learn the connections that science and buddhism share. It definetly enriches the world and helps to explain alot of topics in reality that go beyond what we can currently explain in science.
a wise and interesting opinionMay 9, 2008 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
My uncle sent me a review of this book and he recommended it and I have found the book rewarding. It is the first book of the Dalai Lama's that I have read. It is refreshing in this era of parochial adherence to rigid dogmas that a spiritual man finds no conflict between science and religion. They are parallel roads to the truth. It is remarkable that the Dalai Lama says that where science is found to contradict Buddhist belief then science must stand and belief must be modified. It's certainly a rare opinion for the leader of a major faith. In interesting and thoughtful book
Answered alot of questions...May 4, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
As a Western Buddhist follower I've been overcome with a strong fascination in the discipline of science particularly physics. Through a deep introspective of my consciousness and intense meditation I attained deep insight and wisdom answering many questions that arise of my personal being however many questions were unfulfilled until I discovered this book. First and foremost Buddhism in my opinion should focus it's attention on the present moment without getting caught up in metaphysical questions of reality, needless to say we're human beings and as human beings we're entitled to seek the questions pertaining to the principles of reality to a certain extent without getting caught up in philosophical quarrels with existentialists.
The Dalai Lama did an excellent job attempting to open a dialogue between science and religion. He presents the reader with an introduction of basic scientific discoveries ranging from "The Big Bang Theory", evolution, neuroscience, biology, and concludes it with the role ethics play in science. The Dalai Lama in an open-minded fashion analyzes these scientific discoveries and provides his insight yet at the same time draws parallels to Buddhist philosophies. For instance he gives the reader a summation of the concept of evolution and identifies "random mutations" as being a deciding factor for the survival and sustainability of a particular species. Nonetheless he points out the idea of mutations being purely random events as inconclusive in being a theory attempting to explain the origin of life. Rather than list numerous other illuminating examples of his different perspective of scientific findings I welcome you to read this book. After reading this book I without a doubt will take a much more closer look at scientific topics of discussion in the world today. I attest to the Dalai Lama's rhetoric and insofar will say it's futile for humanity to shift their awareness level onto the scientific community due to the awesome power (positive or negative) science could impact on our beautiful universe.
Peace and Love
The Convergence of Science and SpritualityApril 21, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The convergence of science with spirituality is the enlightened path for finding the truth behind human existence. Delai Lama points out some very important issues to scientists and gives the Buddhist perspective towards their answers which weaves spirituality, altruism , ethics and morality. He points out on some of the limitations of science in understanding the truth of our existence.
The main ideas discussed in this book are:
1) The beginning of the universe: The scientific hypothesis of the big bang can also be viewed as a metaphysical assumption. How can something happen by itself out of nothingness without any external spiritual intervention?
2) The Darwin theory of evolution: How can life be created by itself from non living matter without any external intervention? Delai Lama is some ways support the theory in part which has scientific reasoning, however, he does not support the assumption that our present existence is an effect of randomness (natural selection) and "survival of the fittest". This assumption gives support to the materialistic and selfishness nature of the world at present. He discusses altruism in nature which contradicts selfishness in natural selection.
3) The mind and its representation of consciousness: Is consciousness only a result of the physical electrochemical brain? Does consciousness die with the death of the body? These questions are common in areas of "Near death Experience" and "Out of Body experience", Remote Viewing, Extra sensory perception, and in cases of individuals recalling previous lives.
This book is recommended for scientists of all disciplines and for those minds that out of curiosity ponder the truth behind human existence. This book may also intrigue atheists who have given up on spirituality. Spirituality is the core of our being which constituents altruism, ethics, morality and consciousness. Although the politics of religion has caused wars and suffering, the spirit is still is a part of the human body. It should also not be assumed that animals do not have the spirit and consciousness. Animals also feel hunger and pain and have consciousness. No justification can be made by non-vegetarians about the killings of animals for meat when protein is abundantly available in vegetarian diets. This is just selfishness.
This book is a must read.
Rohitash Chandra Author of " A Hot Pot of Roasted Poems" Editor of The Blue Fog Journal
