Annual Conference for Metanexus Institute on Religion and Science: Global Perspectives
摘要
This paper attempts a dialogue between science and religion. On the science side, I choose the science of the mind, which is represented by scientific studies of consciousness and constantly examined in the philosophy of mind. On the religion side, I select Buddhism, which has a rich tradition of meditative and contemplative practices. The main subject of discussion for both disciplines is focused on some aspects of the nature of the mind and consciousness. Some scientists and philosophers believe that neurobiological processes in the brain are really the basis for the mental phenomena and consciousness. This relation is referred to as a ‘bottom up’ form of causation. (i.e. physical-->mental) I would like to suggest from Buddhist meditation experiences that the mind has certain powers to change mental states as well as influence the physical body. (i.e. mental-->mental and physical) This suggests a strong possibility of causative power coming from the ‘top’ to the ‘bottom’. Several accounts from Buddhist meditation texts will be provided to illustrate this and a model for this relationship is then proposed.
