Absolutes Quote by Dalai Lama XIV
““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.””
About This Quote
Source Talk: Society for Neuroscience, Washington, 2005
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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