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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 

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#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

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