The Love We Share, The Trust We Have..
Sunday, February 04, 2007


QUESTION: Is Buddhism scientific?

ANSWER:

Before we answer that question, it would be best to define the word 'science'. Science, according to the dictionary is: "knowledge which can be made into a system, which depends upon seeing and testing facts and stating general natural laws, a branch of such knowledge, anything that can be studied exactly".

There are aspects of Buddhism that would not fit into this definition but the central teachings of Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths, most certainly would. Suffering, the First Noble Truth, is an experience that can be defined, experienced and measured. The Second Noble Truth states that suffering has a natural cause, craving, which likewise can be defined, experienced and measured. No attempted is made to explain suffering in terms of a metaphysical concept or myths. Suffering is ended, according to the Third Noble Truth, not by relying on upon a supreme being, by faith or by prayers but simply by removing its cause. This is axiomatic. The Fourth Noble Truth, the way to end suffering, once again, has nothing to do with metaphysics but depends on behaving in specific ways. And once again behaviour is open to testing.

Buddhism dispenses with the concept of a supreme being, as does science, and explains the origins and workings of the universe in terms of natural law. All of this certainly exhibits ascientific spirit. Once again, the Buddha's constant advice that we should not blindly believe but rather question, examine, inquire and rely on our own experience, has a definite scientific ring to it. He says:"Do not go by revelation ortradition,do not go by rumour, or the sacred scriptures, do not go by hearsay or mere logic, do not go by bias towards a notion or by another person's seeming ability and do not go by the idea 'He is our teacher'. But when you yourself know that a thing is good, that it is not blameble, that it is praised by the wise and when practised and observed that it leadst o happiness, then follow that thing.


[ Extracted ] from Buddhist friends


-wanlingx


Mogallana was here at 12:46 AM

1000 years later, our bond would still remain unchanged; our heart will still beat as one..

We wholeheartedly take refuge in the Buddha and respect the Buddha as our teacher.
We wholeheartedly take refuge in the Dharma and pratice the Noble teaching
We whole heartedly take refuge in the Sangha and accept the guidance of the Sangha
We pledge to cultivate kindenss, to keep right speech and to do good deeds
With the blessing of the Triple Gem,
May our wisdom grow for the betterment of our conduct and study.
May our deeds be filled with loving kindness and compassion
May all beings attain the State of Calmness,Peace, Prosperity and Happiness.
Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu.
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