Buddhism FAQ11 Science

Buddhism FAQ0 >> 11. Buddhism & Science =Buddhism FAQ= (Frequently Asked Questions About Buddhism)

11. How is Buddhism related to Science?
Buddhism is the path of self-inquiry in order to discover the unknowns by first hand experience and every person on this path has to take up this quest with an open mind. However, the discoveries are so unique and out of the world that no language of the world can describe it fully.

Therefore the path has to be something which is totally far away from any belief system. Actually the scientific method of inquiry is the right path and it is actually condoned by Buddha in the famous Kalama Sutta of Anguttara Nikaya. Excerpts:

"Do not go by oral tradition, by lineage of teaching, by hearsay, by a collection of scriptures, by logical reasoning, by inferential reasoning, by reflection on reasons, by the acceptance of a view after pondering it, by the seeming competence of a speaker, or because you think, ’The ascetic is our teacher.’But when you know for yourselves, These things are unwholesome, these things are blameworthy; these things are censured by the wise; these things, if undertaken and practised, lead to harm and suffering,’ then you should abandon them."

“Do not go by oral tradition, by lineage of teaching, by hearsay, by a collection of scriptures, by logical reasoning, by inferential reasoning, by reflection on reasons, by the acceptance of a view after pondering it, by the seeming competence of a speaker, or because you think, “The ascetic is our teacher.’ But when you know for yourselves, Ihese things are wholesome, these things are blameless; these things are praised by the wise; these things, if undertaken and practised, lead to welfare and happiness,’ then you should engage in them."

Source : Anguttara Nikaya 3.65 Kalama Sutta