Reddit reviews The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality
We found 19 Reddit comments about The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
ISBN13: 9780767920810Notes: 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
http://www.amazon.com/Universe-Single-Atom-Convergence-Spirituality/dp/0767920813
Actually, the Dalai Lama did say this. He's completely willing to change his beliefs based on what science and technology uncovers about the universe.
Say that about any other spiritual leader.
The circle-jerking on this subreddit is starting to hit the ends of my nerves, most of you guys don't know anything but hate.
I recommend reading "The Universe In A Single Atom", lot of insightful things presented by the Dalai Lama.
http://www.amazon.com/Universe-Single-Atom-Convergence-Spirituality/dp/0767920813
Talks about much of what you touched upon.
>Buddhism ... science
>Apples and oranges.
On the contrary, we can compare some aspect of Buddhism and Science side to side. This book Universe in a Single Atom delves in the topic that Science and Buddhism have some similarities as well as differences.
Although the science in some part of the chapters, I might disagree with. Overall, Dalai Lama provides a great insight between the two.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Universe-Single-Atom-Spirituality/dp/0767920813
Let me ask you this, though:
>But there's also another worldview, secular humanism, which fits more or less the description I wrote above about buddhism, that doesn't carry the religious beliefs of buddhism.
Which religious beliefs are you speaking of? I cannot address the statement without the relevant evidence and information you refer to, being present. It goes without saying- the religious beliefs you state that Buddhism has and secular humanism lacks- would have to be presented first before I can address them and share my information/experience.
Also,
>Why should buddhism be preferable to secular humanism then?
I can think of several prongs on the response to this:
First, who stated that Buddhism should be preferable over secularism?
Following that, why assume that they cannot co-exist and compliment one another? What reason is there to start with the stance that with so much alike and so little dissimilar between the two, that the innate conclusion would be a demand that one be chosen 'over' another?
With so much alike and so little different, why should an antagonistic dualism or 'competition for exclusivity rights over the individual' ever be considered a logical default stance or be the relation between the two? Doesn't it seem that- if not the more logical option outright- at least the reasonable starting point would be to treat the two as essentially compatible and one or the other an extension of the philosophies of it's pair, with the addition of tenets or aspects it's kin-path simply feels no need for?
Of course, I cannot delve into the differences or religious beliefs without knowing what you are speaking of, so I can wait on that.
I'd like to suggest this book as well: The Universe in a Single Atom, by HH Dalai Lama.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Universe-Single-Atom-Spirituality/dp/0767920813
And point in the direction of this quote by HH:
>My confidence in venturing into science lies in my basic belief that as in science so in Buddhism, understanding the nature of reality is pursued by means of critical investigation: if scientific analysis were conclusively to demonstrate certain claims in Buddhism to be false, then we must accept the findings of science and abandon those claims.
And, in the hopes that the frame of review appeals specifically to the questions and answers you are seeking, here is a review and discussion of the book as found on skeptic.com:
http://www.skeptic.com/eskeptic/05-10-19/
>Buddhism must accept the facts — whether found by science or found by contemplative insights. If, when we investigate something, we find there is reason and proof for it, we must acknowledge that as reality — even if it is in contradiction with a literal scriptural explanation that has held sway for many centuries or with a deeply held opinion or view.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Universe-Single-Atom-Spirituality/dp/0767920813/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335545753&sr=8-1
For future reference, you can just cut and paste the first line of the quote into Google. It is referenced in a lot of places...here are a few:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunyata
http://www.hopkinsandcompany.com/Books/The%20Universe%20in%20a%20Single%20Atom.htm
The Dalai Lama wrote an opinion piece in the New York Times: "If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism will have to change. In my view, science and Buddhism share a search for the truth and for understanding reality. By learning from science about aspects of reality where its understanding may be more advanced, I believe that Buddhism enriches its own worldview." http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/12/opinion/our-faith-in-science.html
Elsewhere he said:
“Suppose that something is definitely proven through scientific investigation, that a certain hypothesis is verified or a certain fact emerges as a result of scientific investigation. And suppose, furthermore, that that fact is incompatible with Buddhist theory. There is no doubt that we must accept the result of the scientific research.” https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/is-buddhism-the-most-science-friendly-religion/
"My confidence in venturing into science lies in my basic belief that as in science so in Buddhism, understanding the nature of reality is pursued by means of critical investigation: if scientific analysis were conclusively to demonstrate certain claims in Buddhism to be false, then we must accept the findings of science and abandon those claims." https://www.amazon.com/Universe-Single-Atom-Convergence-Spirituality/dp/0767920813
The DL said:
> If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism will have to change. In my view, science and Buddhism share a search for the truth and for understanding reality. By learning from science about aspects of reality where its understanding may be more advanced, I believe that Buddhism enriches its own worldview.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/12/opinion/our-faith-in-science.html
> Suppose that something is definitely proven through scientific investigation, that a certain hypothesis is verified or a certain fact emerges as a result of scientific investigation. And suppose, furthermore, that that fact is incompatible with Buddhist theory. There is no doubt that we must accept the result of the scientific research.
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/is-buddhism-the-most-science-friendly-religion/
> My confidence in venturing into science lies in my basic belief that as in science so in Buddhism, understanding the nature of reality is pursued by means of critical investigation: if scientific analysis were conclusively to demonstrate certain claims in Buddhism to be false, then we must accept the findings of science and abandon those claims.
https://www.amazon.com/Universe-Single-Atom-Convergence-Spirituality/dp/0767920813/
>You said Theophilus never even used the word.
<citation needed>
> And before you go to champion about the Jesus Seminar you might want to look at various criticisms of it.
I have. While the Jesus Seminar is pretty extreme they are nowhere close to extreme as the minority of scholars that actually support the veracity of Christian dogma.
>You're some flunky with an agenda who lacks the training, breadth of study, and intelligence to have these conversations.
At least I'm not a pompous jerk. Seriously, you're a mod here? No wonder you're subreddit has such a bad reputation. You guys are making our job a lot easier, let me tell you.
I'm actually over Christianity, not reading Chrstian history anymore. This and this were the last two books I read, but I've got two book shelves full and have read many more besides.
I'm not a scholar but I'm no slouch; I simply don't respect what you're saying enough to give it more than what I have. He who has an interest in such things will study it for themselves and can make up their own minds. It's in our best interest that Christians know the human history of their supposedly divine religion.
I gave Christianity a fair shake, I studied it substantially more than the average bear and I'm simply not convinced. In fact what I've found un-convinced me. It's a web of belief supported by nothing but faith. Besides, if the God of modern Christians actually existed I wouldn't worship him, I'd spit in his face for the monster he is.
Now I'm reading books like this and this and this.
Actually, I am reading Christian books still, like this and this. It's evangelicalism I'm studying now...
My relationship to Christianity is now one of an adversary. If I see you on the front lines of the culture wars I'll wave and blow you a kiss.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Quantum-Lotus-Frontiers-Buddhism/dp/1400080797
I was going off memoryl The quantum and the lotus. Also, this is a good read too.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Universe-Single-Atom-Spirituality/dp/0767920813/ref=pd_sim_b_3?ie=UTF8&amp;refRID=0F1EZMS2M1EFEE0YXR46
They are both extremely good reads.
What is this from?
EDIT: The Universe in a Single Atom
That's one religion as interpreted by some, not all.
Also, have you tried the others? Buddhism and Hinduism both allow a very logical interrogation of the idea of faith.
Don't also confuse the religion for the institution. Faith is larger than the pontiffs, monks and gurus, scientists and professors. The leaders of men, including religious and scientific leaders have an interest in shepherding the masses.
Discount them, don't discount logic and the possibility of faith. Science and faith aren't at odds - both want to logically inquire into the meaning of everything.
Bold scientists and saints have been put to death for stating the truth. This goes on even today. Whole sections of science are shunned by scientists for fear of stigmatization.
SETI, the study of the possibility of alien life is perhaps the most underfunded project given its importance.
Some modern books that go into this:
The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality
by Dalai Lama
https://www.amazon.com/Universe-Single-Atom-Convergence-Spirituality/dp/0767920813
The Quantum and the Lotus: A Journey to the Frontiers Where Science and Buddhism Meet Paperback – October 26, 2004
by Matthieu Ricard (Author), Trinh Xuan Thuan (Author)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400080797/
One is by a monk, the other by a scientist and a monk.
it sounds like this is what you are loooking for :
https://www.amazon.com/Universe-Single-Atom-Convergence-Spirituality/dp/0767920813
Also if you think about it, atoms are filled with over 99% empty space. If you make the comparison to the observable universe, thinking that you could perhaps replace the nucleus with a sun and electrons with planets, what percentage do you think the empty space would be?
I think I can now understand one of the reasons why Dalai Lama named his book about the convergence between science and spirituality The Universe in a Single Atom.
For Religion and Spirituality, I'd suggest starting with God Is Not One, it's a book that briefly yet thoroughly explains the eight major religions of the world. If any of them intrigue you, there are plenty of books in each religious study that can help you further, and most of them probably have their own subreddits. As for spirituality, it can be a difficult topic due to almost everyone having a varied sense of spirituality. I might recommend This by the Dalai Llama because of how well it covers modern spirituality playing in the modern world.
This one's a goodie:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Universe-Single-Atom-Spirituality/dp/0767920813/ref=la_B000AQ027U_1_5?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1346342194&amp;sr=1-5
The Universe in a Single Atom
The Dalai Lama, and I'd assume many other Buddhist monks/scholars etc. are generally very appreciative of Science. This interested me a while back:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/science/30monks.html
HHDL's book 'The Universe In A Single Atom' is also a worthy read:
http://www.amazon.com/Universe-Single-Atom-Convergence-Spirituality/dp/0767920813/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1299282456&amp;sr=8-1
by the Dalai Lama because it is a very sincere book and I can almost visualize what he is saying.
Yea, I remember. I was sorta one of them, although i wasn't posting because i've got a 'lurk first, post later' mindset when it comes to joining a forum. The first two books I bought after my zen class in college were zen mind beginners mind and the universe in a single atom. I was here with just that a year before you got here.
>then people who had read Wumenguan.
Funnily enough, just a couple months before you arrived I happened upon blyth's translation of wumen's book at a second hand shop. and seeing as my prof had talked about it, snatched it right up