Ben Felden will be presenting on the topic of Meditation, Buddhism & Science for 45mins with 15mins open discussion thereafter.
Presentation slides are provided here.
A holistic model has been developed to attempt to reconcile the scientific and religious methods of truth seeking. This model will be illustrated by examples of modern physicists, psychiatrists, psychologists.. and buddhist practitioners!
Some questions to get you thinking about Buddhism:
- Is the Vipassana or Insight tradition any more or less open or able to collaborate with international science than any other schools (e.g. Zen or Tibetan)?
- How does one determine the validity of a Buddhist path? By reference to lineage, science or both?
- Is traditional Buddhism diluted or enriched through exposure to science?
- Does Buddhism typically discourage western thinking, particularly of the scientific kind?
Some more questions regarding the science of meditation:
- Do the physiological and psychological effects of intensive meditation endure long after a retreat?
- Are particular kinds of practices better suited for particular types of people?
- What psychological conditions does meditation assist with, do nothing about, or worsen?
- Is it possible that science & psychology will enhance meditation practices well into the future?
Disclaimer: Ben doesn’t guarantee he’ll answer any of the above questions to anyone’s complete satisfaction however hopes to provide some interesting information and perspective to begin the journey!
Further comments appreciated below or welcome at the online message board.
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Reading List:
- Alan B Wallace (ed.) (2003) Buddhism & Science (see intro chapter here)
- Alan B Wallace (2006) Contemplative Science: Where Buddhism And Neuroscience Converge.
- Stephen Jay Gould (2002) Science & Religion in the Fullness of Life.
- Pascal Boyer (2002) Religion Explained
- James H. Austin (2006) Zen-Brain Reflections.
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama (2005) The Universe in a Single Atom: How Science and Spirituality can serve our world. (see extract here)
- Susan Blackmore (2004) Consciousness
- Ch 25 The View from Within.
- Ch 26 Meditation & Mindfulness.
- Ch 27 Buddhism & Consiousness
Useful links:
Effects of Meditation:
Finally, websites Ben has begun developing:
