Buddhism and Science
Dear Dharma Friends,hello everyone!Welcome to this episode of the podcast, brought to you by the Australia Buddhas’ Practice Incorporated.
Today, we explore a profound topic: understanding reality through the perspectives of Buddhism and science, and seeking inner awakening and wisdom.First, let’s examine how science and Buddhism differ in understanding the world. Science studies the interactions and combinations of the four elements—earth (minerals), water (liquids), fire (combustion), and wind (gases). Through these, scientists create agricultural, industrial, and technological products, following a path of tangible, repeatable verification to effect change.
In contrast, Buddhism delves into the deeper reality: “All is manifested by the spirit, induced by karma, and transformed by consciousness.” This differs fundamentally from ordinary perception. For example, when we see a desired item in a store, we don’t consider it ours; once purchased, we claim it as ours; when it breaks and is discarded, it’s no longer ours. The item and our “claiming” are mere illusory phenomena in the process of arising and ceasing.Buddhism teaches that if we indulge in this illusory dream, we take it as real, generating endless joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure. This stems from our attachment. But if we fully awaken from this dream, we realize we are inherently Tathagatas, endowed with all wisdom. As the sutras say: “The Tathagata’s wisdom is boundless and unobstructed, capable of benefiting all beings, fully present within them; yet ordinary beings, deluded by attachments, neither know nor awaken to it, thus missing its benefits.” Our innate Tathagata wisdom is obscured by deluded clinging, preventing its manifestation.Understanding this reality reveals the true meaning of “forbearance” in Buddhism—not enduring humiliation, but “recognizing.” This “recognition” affirms all phenomena as illusory, not real. For instance, in the Diamond Sutra, when King Kali dismembered a practitioner’s body, the practitioner instantly recovered because they practiced prajna (spiritual wisdom), recognizing all as illusory, not real. Thus, all is the wondrous function of our “spirit.”
This “recognition” holds decisive power. How we recognize determines our outcomes. If we deem killing, stealing, lust, or false speech as good, we create negative karma, reaping consequences in the three evil paths. Conversely, if we recognize precepts, concentration, wisdom, and skillful means as good, we practice toward perfection, ultimately attaining Buddhahood.Illness and war are similar—they arise from following afflictions and creating negative karma, which we then reinforce, perpetuating the cycle. Recognizing this clearly, we see it as shameful, hence “forbearance.”
To perfect any Dharma practice, the “four preparatory practices” are essential, requiring repeated cultivation to develop unshakable wisdom. This wisdom replaces our habit of “taking delusion as truth” and nurturing afflictions. Once we cease recognizing delusions as real, afflictions naturally wither away.Though scientists’ manipulation of the four elements may seem clumsy, they transform pollutants into useful products, like recycling rare earths from electronic waste. If their intention is to remove harm and bring ease to beings, this reflects compassion. We should recognize this as a form of kindness and even support such endeavors to repay this grace. This shows that Buddhist wisdom is not confined to monasteries but can integrate with modern society, guiding us to contribute with a broader, compassionate perspective.
In summary, both science’s exploration of the material world and Buddhism’s insight into the nature of consciousness aim to clarify reality. From Buddhism, we learn the wisdom of “all manifested by the spirit,” understanding “forbearance” as recognizing phenomena as illusory, not real. We see the power of “recognition” in shaping karma and realization. With awakened wisdom, we even find that scientific progress can embody compassion and kindness. May we apply this wisdom in life, practicing to achieve true freedom and perfection.Thank you all!
