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Buddhism does not accept a theory of God, or a creator. According to Buddhism, one's own actions are the creator, ultimately. Some people say that, from a certain angle, Buddhism is not a religion but rather a science of mind. Religion has much involvement with faith. Sometimes it seems that there is quite a distance between a way of thinking based on faith and one entirely based on experiment, remaining skeptical. Unless you find something through investigation, you do not want to accept it as fact. From one viewpoint, Buddhism is a religion, from another viewpoint Buddhism is a science of mind and not a religion. Buddhism can be a bridge between these two sides. Therefore, with this conviction I try to have closer ties with scientists, mainly in the fields of cosmology, psychology, neurobiology and physics. In these fields there are insights to share, and to a certain extent we can work together.

Tenzin Gyatso (Dalai Lama)#69

ReligionFaithBuddhismScienceInvestigationPhilosophy

About this quote

What does it mean?
Buddhism aligns with science through investigation and skepticism, serving as a bridge between faith and reason.
In plain terms
Buddhism is like science because it values investigation over blind faith.
What can you take from it?
Approach beliefs with investigation and skepticism.

Where it applies

  • academic study
  • philosophical debate
  • spiritual practice

Putting it to work

  • ask questions
  • study evidence
  • avoid dogma

Questions to consider

  • Where do faith and science overlap?
  • How do you decide what is true?

Another view

Some religious traditions rely heavily on faith without empirical proof.

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