A
Buddhist Dialogue with Science
By Timothy
Harada
Unlike
some religions, Buddhism and
science are not at odds with one another. Instead,
Buddhism and science compliment one another.
The goals of science and the goals of Buddhism are in some respects
similar and in other ways opposite, but complimentary.
With an understanding of Buddhism, it is possible to gain a greater
appreciation for science. The
reverse is also true; with an understanding of science, one can gain a greater
appreciation for Buddhism. Though
neither science nor Buddhism at this point in time offers proof of the other’s
validity, they both allow a dialogue that is not only interesting, but may prove
to be fruitful to both science and Buddhism in the future.
Looking
broadly at science, we can say there are many fields of science, and many of
those fields have different goals and different methods to attain those goals.
In addition, like science, there are many branches or schools of
Buddhism. Psychology,
as a branch of science, has similar goals as Buddhism.
Psychology seeks to understand and control human behavior.
This is very close to the Buddhist goal, which is to overcome the
negative qualities inside a person (greed, hostility and ignorance-the
three poisons) and bring out the higher qualities inherent in all people
(compassion, wisdom, self-control, joy, fearlessness, etc.).
In psychology, the methods used to control people’s negative qualities
are very different from the methods used in Buddhism.
However, a new method utilized by some psychotherapists
is very similar to a method used by the historical Buddha
of India, Shakyamuni
to reach enlightenment. This method
is past life
regression therapy. In this one
area, psychotherapy and Buddhism can offer a constructive way for a dialogue
between the two ways of learning and understanding.
The
views expressed in Mr. Harada's article are his
and not necessarily those of the publisher or editors of FortuneChildBooks.com.