Buddhism FAQ0 >> 11. Buddhism & Science
Buddhism FAQ[]
(Frequently Asked Questions About Buddhism)
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¶ 11.1 Buddhism Follows the Scientific Method for Research & Analysis of Self[]
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(also known as Kesmutti Sutta 3.65 ) of Anguttara Nikaya. Excerpts:
"Do not accept by the oral tradition,
do not accept by the lineage of teaching,
do not accept by the hearsay,
do not accept by the collection of scriptures,
do not accept merely by the logical reasoning,
do not accept by the inferential reasoning,
do not accept by the reflection on reasons,
do not accept by the acceptance of a view after pondering it,
do not accept by the seeming competence of a speaker,
or do not accept because you think, ’The ascetic is our teacher.
’But when you know for yourselves (by observation/experience [through meditation]), ’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 accept by the oral tradition,
do not accept by the lineage of teaching,
do not accept by the hearsay,
do not accept by the collection of scriptures,
do not accept merely by the logical reasoning,
do not accept by the inferential reasoning,
do not accept by the reflection on reasons,
do not accept by the acceptance of a view after pondering it,
do not accept by the seeming competence of a speaker,
or do not accept because you think, ’The ascetic is our teacher.
But when you know for yourselves (by observation/experience [through meditation]), 'These 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
¶ 11.2 Enlightenment vs. Laser[]
The process of initial enlightenment within body is similar to a Linear Particle Accelerator or the operation of a Laser
Laser
In a laser medium(1), when (2)energy(e.g. as light) is applied enclosed within mirrors (3&4) , a situation comes when photons start moving in step in one direction, get amplified & becomes concentrated beam of light(5) & where it hits , it displays intense light. Similarly , when energy of attention is applied within body, a time comes when it withdraws within , becomes a beam of energy within spine (in jhana(dhyan)/samdhi state) & when it hits the brain it produces illumination leading to Panna state(sans. pragya):
Left : Panna
¶ 11.3 Nibbana vs. Bose-Einstein Condensate , Quantum Theory, Superconductor & Super Abilities[]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bose–Einstein_condensate
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_computing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_entanglement
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_network
This similarity is only for the purpose of explanation only.
Every matter has great amount of energy within (From E = mc2 or energy(calories)=massx3x1011 if mass is in grams) but in normal course it uses & exhibits little amount to energy in order to interact with other forms matter (for say chemical reactions such as burning of wood to produce heat). This atomic energy is exhibited in atomic bombs & in nuclear reactors.
Also When any matter is cooled to near absolute zero temperature, it starts showing super capabilities at the quantum(atomic) level, it is called Bose-Einstein condensate. It becomes superconductor and it can also be used to make (super powerful) quantum computers which can do calculations million times better than the best existing supercomputers. This can also be used in quantum entanglement (using lasers tractor beams) to do quantum communications using e.g. a pair of entangled atoms kept at distance to transfer information. Quantum computers also use entanglement. Thus it can be concluded that supercooled matter exhibits super abilities & can do extraordinary work.
Similarly, it can be said that when a person's conscious mind is supercooled(no thoughts/emotions) and reaches samadhi state(Buddhism FAQ2 Trance States) of nibbana then it can exhibit super abilities & can do super functions (Buddhism FAQ3 Magical powers).
Kalama Sutta in Pali Language (Relevant Part Highlighted)
