What is the relationship between Buddhism and science?

What is the relationship between Buddhism and science?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight December 17, 2021 Duration: 28:39

Bright on Buddhism Episode 14 - What is the relationship between Buddhism and science? Do science and Buddhism indeed believe the same things? Does science validate or reinforce Buddhism, or vice versa?

Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-50-0; Flanagan, Owen (2011-08-12). The Bodhisattva's Brain: Buddhism Naturalized. MIT Press. p. 107. ISBN 978-0-262-29723-3.; Williams, Paul, Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations, Routledge, 2008, pp. 195–196.; Buddhism and Modernity: Sources from Nineteenth-Century Japan. 2021. University of Hawai’i Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv16t66wt.; Castiglioni, Andrea. 2021. “The Human-Fish: Animality, Teratology, and Religion in Premodern Japan.” Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 48 (1): 1–44.; Davis, Winston. 1989. “Buddhism and the Modernization of Japan.” History of Religions 28 (4): 304–39. https://doi.org/10.1086/463163.; Godart, G. Clinton. 2017a. “Evolution, Individuals, and the Kokutai.” In Darwin, Dharma, and the Divine, 43–69. Evolutionary Theory and Religion in Modern Japan. University of Hawai’i Press. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctvvn65s.6.; Godart, G. Clinton. 2017b. Darwin, Dharma, and the Divine. Honolulu, HI: University of Hawai’i Press.; Hammerstrom, Erik. 2015. Science and Chinese Buddhism. New York City, NY: Columbia University Press.; Kasulis, Thomas P. 1995. “Sushi, Science, and Spirituality: Modern Japanese Philosophy and Its Views of Western Science.” Philosophy East and West 45 (2): 227–48. https://doi.org/10.2307/1399566.; Lopez, Jr., Donald S. 2008. Buddhism and Science: A Guide for The Perplexed. Chicago IL: University of Chicago Press.; Lopez, Jr., Donald S. 2012. The Scientific Buddha. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu!

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host


Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

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