Power politics and science the greatest challenges for religion: His Holiness
Monday, 9 April 2007, 4:17 p.m.
 His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the 14th Mind and Life Dialogue, begining here this morning. (Photo Sangay Kep) |
Dharamshala:Since the advent of the 20th century, power politics and science have posed the greatest challenges for religions in general, and particularly for Buddhism in Asia, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said here this morning, addressing a conference of eminent scientists and Tibetan Buddhist scholars.
The challenges that are political in nature are “not so serious”, His Holiness said, citing that even after the near total annihilation of religion in Mongolia and other parts of the former Soviet Union, religion revived immediately after the shift in political scene.
The same could be said about the situation in China, His Holiness added.
Whereas, the challenges posed by modern science are in fact complimentary, rather than detrimental, His Holiness said, citing that its provides a valuable opening for gaining further insights, just as the prevalence of various schools of thought was instrumental in the growth of Buddhist philosophy.
His Holiness also pointed out that as the Tibetan Buddhism is sourced from the Sanskrit-based, Nalanda tradition of Buddhism, one of its fundamental standpoints is to appreciate the need for an understanding based on reason and evidence.
His Holiness was addressing a five-day Mind and Life Dialogue between eminent modern scientists and Tibetan Buddhist scholars, held here within the premises of His Holiness’ residence, from 9-13 April.
The conference is focused on the issues and challenges highlighted in His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s book The Universe in a Single Atom: the Convergence of Science and Spirituality.
A group of scientists will develop a deep dialogue, based on that book, with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other scholars from various centres of monastic education.
The Mind and Life Dialogues started in 1987 as “an experiment to determine whether a rigorous scientific exchange could occur between modern scientists and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”
The success of the forum led to the inception of Mind and Life Institute (MLI) in 2003 and the Mind and Life Summer Research Institute in 2004.
The MLI today is “a recognized world leader in the emerging scientist investigation on the effects of contemplative practices on brain and behaviour.”
Time and again, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has emphasized that science must be incorporated into the academic studies of monasteries.
According to His Holiness, monks must be conversant in some of the main science concepts to deepen their understanding of Buddhist philosophy, and also to expose them to new scientific findings.
