Get it on Google Play

At the Intersection of Science and Spirituality: An Astrophysicist talks Buddhism

At the Intersection of Science and Spirituality: An Astrophysicist talks Buddhism

Author: The Modern Buddhism Podcast January 9, 2025 Duration: 52:07
The Modern Buddhism Podcast
ReligionReligion & SpiritualityBuddhismSpirituality

In this special episode, guest host Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Rabten is in conversation with astrophysicist and lay Buddhist teacher Kadam Peter Kurczynski.

Their wide ranging discussion touches on the common points between science and spirituality - for example, how discoveries in quantum physics correlate to profound Buddhist teachings on the nature of reality - but also how meditation can open us to experiences completely beyond the reach of the physical sciences.

Kadam Peter has an extensive background in science as a post doctorate student, researcher and university teacher and currently works as the chief scientific officer for NASA’s cosmic origins program. 

In parallel to this life in science he has trained in meditation for 30 years and taught Buddhism extensively. He currently teaches classes for Kadampa Meditation Centre Washington DC.

Kadampa Meditation Centre Washington DC's website is: https://meditation-dc.org/

You can watch videos of Peter explaining light from the first stars and the stars within us in these youtube videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU6KXoO0NEE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFULDp3QHVQ&t=26s

And giving a dharma talk here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXyWeiocwdI 

Gen Rabten has been a Buddhist monk under Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s guidance since 1994, and currently serves as the National Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU for Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.

During the conversation Gen Rabten reads excerpts from Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s texts: New Eight Steps to Happiness and Joyful Path of Good Fortune.

These books can be purchased from Tharpa Publications by following these links:

https://tharpa.com/the-new-eight-steps-to-happiness

https://tharpa.com/joyful-path-of-good-fortune

The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide.

See more https://kadampa.org/ 

Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en 

Listen to teaching clips: youtube.com/nktikbu https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z 

Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ 

TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast 

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast

#modermbuddhismpodcast #buddhism #podcast #science #QuantumPhysics #Spirituality #Reality #Meditation #Astrophysics #BuddhistMonk 

The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individual and do not reflect the views of NASA or the US federal government.


There’s a quiet space between the rush of daily life and the ancient wisdom of Buddhist teachings, and that’s where you’ll find The Modern Buddhism Podcast. Rather than presenting philosophy as a distant theory, this series focuses on tangible, practical application. Each episode features conversations with individuals who are actively integrating meditation and Buddha’s insights into their modern routines, demonstrating how these practices foster genuine resilience and a more steady sense of contentment. The discussions are grounded in real experience, exploring how inner peace isn’t about retreating from the world but engaging with it more skillfully. You’ll hear from a variety of voices within the New Kadampa Tradition, who produce the podcast, sharing their personal journeys and the subtle shifts in perspective that come from consistent practice. This isn’t about abstract ideals; it’s about the texture of daily life-managing stress, navigating relationships, and finding moments of happiness amidst ordinary challenges. Tuning into this podcast feels like joining a thoughtful dialogue where timeless principles meet contemporary questions, offering listeners a resource for cultivating a stronger, more peaceful mind right where they are.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 43

Official website RSS
spotify
The Modern Buddhism Podcast
Podcast Episodes
How I found my lightness: from depression to purpose and joy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:24
In this episode, Adam is joined by Marlise Anthonioz, who discusses openly how her meditation practice has taken her from a place of depression and hopelessness to a joyful optimism, enabling her to live a full and happy…
Find the Real You: How to Build Unshakeable Self-Esteem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:49
Kadam Morten Clausen talks about how our limited or negative view of ourself is the basis for low self esteem. Then how we can change our view of what the self is and through this develop a new way of identifying ourself…
At Peace with Ourself: How to Create a Healthy Self-Image [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:22
Our thoughts don't define our reality, yet we often buy into negative beliefs about ourselves, leading to a distorted self-image. In this podcast, Gen Jigme explores how meditation can help us quiet the negative inner vo…
How to Meditate: From First Steps to Mastery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:17
Gen Kelsang Rabten joins Adam on the podcast for a wide ranging discussion of the various stages of meditation from the very first steps to how to reach the highest levels. Insights are shared and explored that will help…
Work-life Balance & How to Deal with Difficult People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:18
In this illuminating episode, Buddhist Meditation Teacher Kadam Rebecca challenges conventional wisdom about work-life balance. Rather than focusing on time management, she reveals how true equilibrium stems from our inn…
The Life-Changing Power Of Compassion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:27
In this episode, Kadam Adam is with Buddhist nun Gen Demo for a thought-provoking discussion on the true nature of compassion. Together, they explore how genuine compassion isn’t about feeling sorry for ourselves or othe…
What Facing Death Taught Me About Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:55
In this episode, we hear the inspiring journey of Gen Lingpur, a Buddhist nun whose life took an unexpected turn after a routine medical check-up. For years, she thrived in her career and enjoyed a fulfilling life. But e…
How Meditation Helped Me Succeed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:43
Entrepreneur, Author, and Meditation Practitioner Len Foley shares invaluable insights into how to succeed in work and relationships using meditation as a powerful tool. An Abridged version of this conversation is availa…
Mastering Your Mind Is The Only Way To Be Free [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:12
In this episode, host Agnes sits down with Kelsang Sama, a Buddhist nun, to delve into the deeper concepts of freedom and personal transformation. Together, they explore the difference between cutting ties with the exter…
Buddhism Behind Bars: What I Learned Teaching Meditation in Prisons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:18
In this episode, we sit down with Gen Thekchen, a Buddhist monk who was invited to teach meditation to prisoners in Canada. He shares his remarkable journey of teaching controlling the mind behind bars, revealing how the…

«12345»