"Our Faith in Science" - Tenzin Gyatso

At this point we may be tired of the Dalai Lama, but this article published in the New York Times in 2005 is quite interesting. I believe this is expounded upon in his work "The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality."

Here are some big points:

1. "Science and Buddhism share a search for the truth and understanding of reality"

I believe this is often taken for granted, as scientific "discovery" is of such great importance due to financial backing, contributors, etc. and as for Buddhism - which is a religion - the "understanding reality" concept is often lost in a blinding faith theory. Perhaps I am simply cynical about religion, but I found this idea to be quite refreshing. I appreciate that such a revered spiritual leader embraces both scientific and religious study, but does not claim either to be infallible.

2.Meditation as studied by neurologists

Meditation is thought to alter brain function, and can be linking to happiness, attention, as well as perhaps increased empathy.

- "The goal of taking methods out of the traditional context is to studying potential benefits and share them with those who may find them helpful."

3. There are ethical considerations which need to be considered as we face scientific advancement

The Dalai Lama proposes a "secular ethics," which embrace the principles we share as human beings: compassion, tolerance, consideration of others, the responsible use of knowledge and power. These principles transcend the barriers between religious believers and non-believers; they belong not to one faith, but to all faiths.

The idea here is that moral thinking has not kept up with society and scientific discovery, but in the same breath one may say the same of many religions. The Dalai Lama advocates for "deeper dialogue" between science and society. This is a concern for human existence itself.

In his final words, "Scientists should be more than merely technically adept; they should be mindful of their own motivation and the larger goal of what they do: the betterment of humanity."

The Dalai Lama also points to the central motivation in a larger cultural and religious context. Are we truly mindful of our own motivation? Is it a lust for power, praise, or eternal life after death? Most would probably agree that the fact that more and more businesses are making a great return to focus on ethical practices is a good thing. But what about science and religion? Is this possible? There certainly are ethical standards irregardless of religion, but we will never be able to separate the cultural relativism and traditional norms that construct and maintain each society's ethical core.

These questions will probably never be answered, but I believe in many ways they are central to our understanding of the world around us and in many ways our happiness. We must decide if something is done for the betterment of humanity - if that is even our goal - and in order to challenge norms we must be willing to go against what has become ingrained as scientific advancement and religious fervor.