Buddhism and Science
Looking closely at the Kālāma Sutta one would assume that the structure is very familiar. One would theorize that is consonant with science. In other words, one cannot ignore the fact that the data and the way the Buddha expounded his teaching is very similar to that of science methodology, namely, empiricism. It is very much alike to the scientific method that is well-known today—of theoretical, hypothesis, test, and result. Further, the Buddha place great emphasis on critical thinking and reasoning make it vivid clear to scholars to think that Buddhism is in agreement with science.
Let examine the passage that are highly discuss in the academic world:
“Come, Kalamas. Do not go upon what has been acquired by repeated …show more content…
He also saw the Buddha as someone who advocates loving-kindness among humanity as well teaches people to rely on themselves. Because of this, Olcott tried to resolve the teachings of the Buddha so that it can be applicable to scientific worldview and modernity. This is well demonstrated in his work called, The Buddhist Catechism.
The book The Buddhist Catechism contains five parts: one part on “the Life of Buddha,” one part on the “Dharma or Doctrine,” one part on “the Sangha,” one part on the “The Spread of Buddhism” and the last sections on “Buddhism and Science.” According to McMahan, The Buddhist Catechism which was published in 1881 was a “work was intended as a compilation of fundamental Buddhist beliefs, set out in question-and-answer format.” Basically, Olcott’s work aims to resolve the issues that were raised against Buddhism and to demonstrate that Buddhism is consonant with …show more content…
First, science was developed as a response to human physical desires and not by pure attitude to discover laws of nature. Secondly, in the process of any scientific investigation, a scientist rejects one thing and accepts another. Finally, even though a work is produce or a new theory is developed by science, one could argue that it is not free from a mistake because it is a work is done by a normal human being and by desire. In sum, to use Chang’s words, “All scientific knowledge is developed through the mind and consciousness of scientists. As human beings, scientists may not be immune to blind spots and cognitive limitations that characterize human species.”
Further, Buddhism goal differs to that of Science. The goal of the Buddha’s teachings (Buddhist knowledge) aim at transcends human’s suffering and freed them from samsara (birth, death, and rebirth). It takes a holistic approach in looking at all human’s suffering, including physical, psychological, and consciousness activities. On the polar, science sought knowledge because of human desires, and the aim is to satisfy human’s thirst materialistically. This assumedly, only brings temporary happiness to the human but more suffering afterward, because they (human) still subject to death and
Looking closely at the Kālāma Sutta one would assume that the structure is very familiar. One would theorize that is consonant with science. In other words, one cannot ignore the fact that the data and the way the Buddha expounded his teaching is very similar to that of science methodology, namely, empiricism. It is very much alike to the scientific method that is well-known today—of theoretical, hypothesis, test, and result. Further, the Buddha place great emphasis on critical thinking and reasoning make it vivid clear to scholars to think that Buddhism is in agreement with science.
Let examine the passage that are highly discuss in the academic world:
“Come, Kalamas. Do not go upon what has been acquired by repeated …show more content…
He also saw the Buddha as someone who advocates loving-kindness among humanity as well teaches people to rely on themselves. Because of this, Olcott tried to resolve the teachings of the Buddha so that it can be applicable to scientific worldview and modernity. This is well demonstrated in his work called, The Buddhist Catechism.
The book The Buddhist Catechism contains five parts: one part on “the Life of Buddha,” one part on the “Dharma or Doctrine,” one part on “the Sangha,” one part on the “The Spread of Buddhism” and the last sections on “Buddhism and Science.” According to McMahan, The Buddhist Catechism which was published in 1881 was a “work was intended as a compilation of fundamental Buddhist beliefs, set out in question-and-answer format.” Basically, Olcott’s work aims to resolve the issues that were raised against Buddhism and to demonstrate that Buddhism is consonant with …show more content…
First, science was developed as a response to human physical desires and not by pure attitude to discover laws of nature. Secondly, in the process of any scientific investigation, a scientist rejects one thing and accepts another. Finally, even though a work is produce or a new theory is developed by science, one could argue that it is not free from a mistake because it is a work is done by a normal human being and by desire. In sum, to use Chang’s words, “All scientific knowledge is developed through the mind and consciousness of scientists. As human beings, scientists may not be immune to blind spots and cognitive limitations that characterize human species.”
Further, Buddhism goal differs to that of Science. The goal of the Buddha’s teachings (Buddhist knowledge) aim at transcends human’s suffering and freed them from samsara (birth, death, and rebirth). It takes a holistic approach in looking at all human’s suffering, including physical, psychological, and consciousness activities. On the polar, science sought knowledge because of human desires, and the aim is to satisfy human’s thirst materialistically. This assumedly, only brings temporary happiness to the human but more suffering afterward, because they (human) still subject to death and