Cross-cultural consensus; Buddhism; Modern science; Reality; Mind and Life
摘要
Even though Buddhism and modern science are disparate in function, it is highly likely that the tenets of Buddhism have stirred interest among scientists at various stages, because some of the ideas spoken of in Buddhist sutras can be compared with sophisticated scientific principles. The first evidence of scientific interest in Buddhist doctrines was in the latter part of the 19th century, gradually increasing until the present day and today there are many evidences of significant cross-cultural consensus between Buddhist reality and modern science. In this essay we will look at why these two seemingly incompatible disciplines are able to reach some consensus. We will approach the topic first from the standpoint of a fundamental Buddhist doctrine, dependent origination. From there we will move on to look at the pathway of major contacts and examples of consensus which have taken place between science and Buddhism over the past forty years. Finally, we will conclude with a review of dialogues on diverse scientific issues, which were initiated in the 1980s, and have continued on an annual basis, between the Tibetan Buddhist community and various groups of Western scientists.
