Tonight was our (physics instructors at Drepung) discussions with the Geshes (senior monks). After dinner we headed up to a classroom, where recording equipment was set up. I had sat in during the philosophy discussion, so I knew what to expect. The conversations will be made into a book, and are used to influence future ETSI activities.
I opened with a question about conservation of energy (and other conservation laws) and whether there was a Buddhist parallel. I can't quite do the discussion justice, but it seemed like there were some parallels - though not all aspects are agreed upon. That transitioned into a conversation about the beginning of the universe. The Geshes had an interesting point arguing that the universe can't have a beginning from the point of causality, unless new universes are always being formed. They later said that Buddhist posits multiple universes. Exciting, there are physics theories that match these ideas. No real experimental tests exist, but it is a nice parallel between the science and Buddhism.
The conversation ended with a question regarding whether they use (or value) the experimental method in their studies. They explained their approach to observation and logical analysis. Had the conversation kept going (we were supposed to stop at 9 PM), I think we could have found some interesting middle ground. In my mind, what we find with experimentation are the pieces of information that can be used for the logical analysis. Otherwise, how do you know what statements to use as foundational truth?
I would be interested in doing more than one of these conversations, but it is too difficult to set up that frequently. Some monks come to listen, there is recording equipment, and a translator is needed. Poor Tsondue is always up to bat! He had to work on updating one of the translated tests, so someone else translated during my second afternoon session today. Tsondue is an incredibly important asset to this program - both for his languages and knowledge in science - but it does seem like some monks are improving their science skills to serve as translators.
I opened with a question about conservation of energy (and other conservation laws) and whether there was a Buddhist parallel. I can't quite do the discussion justice, but it seemed like there were some parallels - though not all aspects are agreed upon. That transitioned into a conversation about the beginning of the universe. The Geshes had an interesting point arguing that the universe can't have a beginning from the point of causality, unless new universes are always being formed. They later said that Buddhist posits multiple universes. Exciting, there are physics theories that match these ideas. No real experimental tests exist, but it is a nice parallel between the science and Buddhism.
The conversation ended with a question regarding whether they use (or value) the experimental method in their studies. They explained their approach to observation and logical analysis. Had the conversation kept going (we were supposed to stop at 9 PM), I think we could have found some interesting middle ground. In my mind, what we find with experimentation are the pieces of information that can be used for the logical analysis. Otherwise, how do you know what statements to use as foundational truth?
I would be interested in doing more than one of these conversations, but it is too difficult to set up that frequently. Some monks come to listen, there is recording equipment, and a translator is needed. Poor Tsondue is always up to bat! He had to work on updating one of the translated tests, so someone else translated during my second afternoon session today. Tsondue is an incredibly important asset to this program - both for his languages and knowledge in science - but it does seem like some monks are improving their science skills to serve as translators.
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