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List Price: $29.95 | | Publisher: Random House Audio
Salesrank: 347456
Released: September 13, 2005 |
| Our Price: $17.70 |
| Used Price: $14.00 |
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| Media: Audio CD |
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Editorial Review:
Gallileo, Copernicus, Newton, Niels Bohr, Einstein. Their insights shook our perception of who we are and where we stand in the world and in their wake have left an uneasy co-existence: science vs. religion, faith vs. empirical enquiry. Which is the keeper of truth? Which is the true path to understanding reality?
After forty years of study with some of the greatest scientific minds as well as a lifetime of meditative, spiritual and philosophical study, the Dalai Lama presents a brilliant analysis of why both disciplines must be pursued in order to arrive at a complete picture of the truth. Science shows us ways of interpreting the physical world, while spirituality helps us cope with reality. But the extreme of either is impoverishing. The belief that all is reducible to matter and energy leaves out a huge range of human experience: emotions, yearnings, compassion, culture. At the same time, holding unexamined spiritual beliefs–beliefs that are contradicted by evidence, logic, and experience–can lock us into fundamentalist cages.
Through an examination of Darwinism and karma, quantum mechanics and philosophical insight into the nature of reality, neurobiology and the study of consciousness, the Dalai Lama draws significant parallels between contemplative and scientific examination of reality. “I believe that spirituality and science are complementary but different investigative approaches with the same goal of seeking the truth,” His Holiness writes. “In this, there is much each may learn from the other, and together they may contribute to expanding the horizon of human knowledge and wisdom.”
This breathtakingly personal examination is a tribute to the Dalai Lama’s teachers–both of science and spirituality. The legacy of this book is a vision of the world in which our different approaches to understanding ourselves, our universe and one another can be brought together in the service of humanity.
From the Hardcover edition.
The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality Reviews:
An intelligent & sincere bridge builder. 
2008-08-22 - His Holiness makes a grand case for using the millennia old traditions of Buddhism (particularly The Middle Way school of thought) and their deeply subjective and esoteric processes in conjunction with the western style of third person objective science to study mind/consciousness. The Dalai Lama makes some exquisite arguments that imply a greater strength of reasoning with the symbiosis of the two desperate modalities. This book clearly demonstrates that each ideology (western science, eastern introspection) has their own distinct merits but that both methods are required if the aim of reducing or eliminating human suffering is to be attained. His Holiness treats the reader to some snippets of Buddhist thought, and I must admit, it is far more complex and rational than I ever suspected. Four stars from me!
Hello, Dalai 
2008-07-05 - A clearly and concisely written book that shows the author's journey on the path of deeper understanding of science and spirituality (specifically Tibetan Buddhism) and the nexus between them.
An important book in clarifying some core issues in Buddhism and in science, and in showing the subjective foundations of science.
Not a book for those, who are not familiar with some of the core concepts of Buddhism, e.g., "emptiness," "karma," "dependent origination," etc. or, who are afraid of learning that science is a method and not an absolute answer.
Perhaps, the key argument of the book is that while science is extremely powerful in answering questions that relate to material things (the phenomenological world) its methods cannot be extended without serious modifications into the non-material (spiritual) world. The Dalai Lama's caution, therefore is that science needs to learn from spiritual traditions (particularly in terms of ethics) while spiritual traditions need to modify their views regarding material reality so as to conform to the scientific view.
A good primer for those interested in understanding more clearly the strengths and weaknesses of each approach to life.
A profound and insightful book.
2008-06-01 - This is one of the best books I have read. It deals directly with the issues in science (such as the big bang) and buddhist though. Much of the book show the innerconnection between buddhism and science. Being a scientist by trainning I am amazed at the understanding that the Dalai Lama has over some of the more complex issues in science. The Dalai Lama does a wonderful job explaining so that anyone can understand. It is most interesting to learn the connections that science and buddhism share. It definetly enriches the world and helps to explain alot of topics in reality that go beyond what we can currently explain in science.
a wise and interesting opinion
2008-05-09 - My uncle sent me a review of this book and he recommended it and I have found the book rewarding. It is the first book of the Dalai Lama's that I have read. It is refreshing in this era of parochial adherence to rigid dogmas that a spiritual man finds no conflict between science and religion. They are parallel roads to the truth. It is remarkable that the Dalai Lama says that where science is found to contradict Buddhist belief then science must stand and belief must be modified. It's certainly a rare opinion for the leader of a major faith. In interesting and thoughtful book
Answered alot of questions...
2008-05-04 - As a Western Buddhist follower I've been overcome with a strong fascination in the discipline of science particularly physics. Through a deep introspective of my consciousness and intense meditation I attained deep insight and wisdom answering many questions that arise of my personal being however many questions were unfulfilled until I discovered this book. First and foremost Buddhism in my opinion should focus it's attention on the present moment without getting caught up in metaphysical questions of reality, needless to say we're human beings and as human beings we're entitled to seek the questions pertaining to the principles of reality to a certain extent without getting caught up in philosophical quarrels with existentialists.
The Dalai Lama did an excellent job attempting to open a dialogue between science and religion. He presents the reader with an introduction of basic scientific discoveries ranging from "The Big Bang Theory", evolution, neuroscience, biology, and concludes it with the role ethics play in science. The Dalai Lama in an open-minded fashion analyzes these scientific discoveries and provides his insight yet at the same time draws parallels to Buddhist philosophies. For instance he gives the reader a summation of the concept of evolution and identifies "random mutations" as being a deciding factor for the survival and sustainability of a particular species. Nonetheless he points out the idea of mutations being purely random events as inconclusive in being a theory attempting to explain the origin of life. Rather than list numerous other illuminating examples of his different perspective of scientific findings I welcome you to read this book. After reading this book I without a doubt will take a much more closer look at scientific topics of discussion in the world today. I attest to the Dalai Lama's rhetoric and insofar will say it's futile for humanity to shift their awareness level onto the scientific community due to the awesome power (positive or negative) science could impact on our beautiful universe.
Peace and Love
