Buddhism and Science

Since modern man declines to believe anything blindly, even though it had been accepted traditionally, such religionists will only succeed in increasing the ranks of non-believers with their faulty theories.

On the other hand, some religionists have found it necessary to accommodate popularly accepted scientific theories by giving new interpretations to their religious dogmas.

A case in point is Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Since all enlightened thinkers have accepted Darwin’s theory, theologians today have little choice except to give a new interpretation of their doctrines to suit an idea which they had opposed for so long.

It is generally true to say that religions have contributed greatly to human progress and development; they have formulated principles to guide human life.But for all the good they have done, religions no longer can survive in today’s scientific age if their followers insist on imprisoning truth into set forms and dogmas, and encouraging ceremonies and practices which have become depleted of their original meanings.

Until the beginning of the last century, Buddhism was confined to countries untouched by modern western science.

Nevertheless, from its very beginning, the teachings of Buddha were always open to scientific thought. One reason is that the Buddha never encouraged rigid, dogmatic belief. He did not claim his teachings were based on faith, belief, or divine revelation, but encouraged great flexibility and freedom of thought.

A second reason is that the scientific spirit can be found in the Buddha’s approach to spiritual truth. His method for discovering and testing truth is very similar to that of the scientist. A scientist observes the natural world objectively and only establishes a scientific theory after conducting successful practical experiments. The Buddha took a similar approach 25 centuries ago; he observed the inner world with detachment and encouraged his disciples not to accept any teaching until they had investigated it critically, and verified its truth personally.

Buddha was as analytical as the present day scientists; he established a practical, scientifically worked-out method for reaching ultimate truth and the experience of enlightenment.

However, while Buddhism is very much in line with the scientific spirit, it is not correct to equate it with science.

It is true that the practical applications of science have enabled mankind to live more comfortable lives, and experience wonderful things undreamed of before, yet the sphere of knowledge acceptable to conventional scientific wisdom is confined to empirical evidence.

Scientific truth is subject to constant change, and cannot give man control over his mind. Neither does it offer moral control and guidance. Despite its wonders, science has many limitations not shared by Buddhism.