Siddhartha Gotama, the man who became the awakened one, known as a Buddha, lived some 2,600 years ago. To many his existence seems like a fairy tale, but his influence on humankind has had a profound and lasting effect. Advancements of our modern world may seem to overshadow his teachings; considered too ancient to be of any significance for modern humankind. Buddha Dhamma, which is what a Buddha’s teachings are called, have been battered in modern times by commercial interests who market his wisdom for profit. Although science has advanced and altered our understanding of the Universe, the Buddha’s teachings have never changed nor have they ever been altered to fit with current historical and scientific knowledge. But in fact, as is shown in the following pages, the Buddha’s teachings, in many respects, confirm current scientific knowledge. However, regardless of the advancements gained through scientific exploration, science has yet to find an explanation for consciousness, death or rebirth. Yet, those many centuries ago, the Buddha provided clear explanations for all of these things. This paper examines, as much as it can, the Buddha’s life in a historical context; then approaches our current scientific knowledge for the purpose of elucidating the parallels within the Buddha Dhamma. Also examined is the profound pall of ignorance that humankind has wrought upon itself throughout history due to influences of religious dogma. Though science has given us tremendous insight and understanding of the material world, humankind remains in the dark with regard to an understanding of the human condition.

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews