Why Buddhism Is True

On Sunday, January 27 at 2 pm, our Science and Buddhism Discussions resumed for 2019, looking at the nexus, conflicts, and consensus trends within Science and Buddhism; and more specifically introducing Wellness as our main theme for 2019.

Wiki divides Wellness into these categories: 

Wellness (medicine), the scientific meaning: health, freedom from disease
Well-being, psychological wellness
Wellness (alternative medicine)
Workplace wellness
Wellness tourism

Wellness as optimization of potential is intriguing from the perspectives of both dharma (e.g., morality, happiness, perfections, awakening, enlightenment) and science (e.g., absence of illnesses and ailments, positive psychology, sociology, political science, ecology and environment).

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We addressed Robert Wright's book “Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment," that grew out of the Science and Buddhism course he initiated and taught for several years at Princeton, and his subsequent Buddhism and Modern Psychology online course via Coursera, as well as his personal experience in meditation (Vipassana). Wright's perspective is similar to that of recent SB Discussions in that he considers factual, psychological and behavioral aspects of Buddhism rather than teleological or theological issues such as reincarnation and the supernatural.

The book's appendix summarizes the 12 major tenets of Buddhism in relation to science, and particularly to evolutionary psychology, neurology, and philosophy. “Science is Catching up to the Buddha" offers a quick summary of 17 of Wright’s key ideas. See also Robert Wright (Wikipedia) or search online for links to his books, videos, awards and other references.

Earlier that Sunday, for our regular 11:45 am Dharma talk, Jikoji teacher Cliff Isberg considered how Zen practice might be further informed through these tenets and ideas, as well as the "why" of Suffering and the five Hindrances, and the remedies available through practice.

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As always, the Science & Buddhism discussions are quite open and informal with all invited to participate.

All are welcome. No prior experience with science, Buddhism, or meditation is necessary. Hope to see you there!

Sunday Program: We also invite you to join us that Sunday morning for our 10 am Sunday Program, Dharma Talk, and social lunch, ahead of our 2 pm Science & Buddhism session.

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