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On the philosophical level, both Buddhism and modern…

“On the philosophical level, both Buddhism and modern science share a deep suspicion of any notion of absolutes, whether conceptualize as a transcendent being, as an eternal, unchanging principle such as soul, or as a fundamental substratum of reality. ... In the Buddhist investigation of reality…” quote by Dalai Lama XIV
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““On the philosophical level, both Buddhism and modern science share a deep suspicion of any notion of absolutes, whether conceptualize as a transcendent being, as an eternal, unchanging principle such as soul, or as a fundamental substratum of reality. ... In the Buddhist investigation of reality, at least in principle, empirical evidence should triumph over scriptural authority, no matter how deeply venerated a scripture may be. ~ 14th Dalai Lama in his talk to the Society for Neuroscience in 2005 in Washington.””

Dalai Lama XIV

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Buddhism and science both prioritize empirical evidence over fixed doctrines.

In simple terms: Science and Buddhism value evidence over absolutes.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize observation over dogma.

Themes

science philosophy skepticism

Mood

inquisitive balanced

Type

philosophical scientific

When to use this quote

  • research
  • spiritual practice
  • education
  • policy making

Key Concepts

empiricism non‑absolutism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can science respect spiritual insights?
  • What limits arise when rejecting all absolutes?
A Different Perspective

Empirical focus may overlook subjective experience.

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