Is Buddhism supported by scientific evidence?

Question

Did the Buddhists ever figure something out before the scientists? Or is that just a rumor?

Answer 1

There is a common belief that the need for God as an explanation of the unknown has been eliminated by science. This may well be so , but not all religions believe in a 'God of the gaps'. Buddhism can get along quite happily without needing to speculate on the existence or non-existence of a First Cause. The real threat to all religions comes not from the closing of the gaps which God used to occupy (such as origin of the species), but from the doctrine of mechanistic materialism, which teaches that there is no spiritual dimension to human life. Buddhism at present seems to be the only coherent philosophical system which is capable of resisting materialism and emphasising human spiritual potential.

Buddhism is the one exception and is quite happy with the theory of evolution.

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Buddhism can be called a philosophy in a practical sense of the word. However, the Buddha repeatedly emphasised that his teachings were not intended as a doctrine, but should be considered as guidelines along the path of spiritual development, based on his own experience.
One could even call Buddhism a system of psychology as well. The main object of interest in Buddhism is how we can observe, analyse and change our own mind.
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Buddhism is incredibly conscious not only about human welfare in terms of promoting anti-sexism, anti-racism, anti-casteism, anti-speciesism, anti-dogmatism, anti-religious intolerance... it is also mindful of ecological and animal welfare. Thus is the first impression of the Buddha for many that of the embodiment of all-rounded compassion and wisdom.

Answer 2

The schools should not be forcing one religion on the students. They should give a fair, brief synopsis about all major religions and other religions that are local if they plan to teach them. (ALL religions would be a bit of stretch, there are so many. Goodness, you could just suddenly decide to make your own religion at any given moment.) I do not believe they have the right to say, "The Big Bang Theory is what happened" for it is a THEORY. They do not have the right to exclude one religion either. There have been cases in which christianity has been excluded. (i.e. At X-mas, the Jewish Star, and all these other religious signs were allowed in a N.Y. school, but the Christian Nativity scene was banished.) The students have the right to make their own decisions. After all, this is Land of the Free? We do have freedom of religion? And to exclude one is prejudice and unfair. It happens all the time, not just to Christianity, but other religions. If religion is taught, the major ones should be taught. If the Big Band Theory is taught, it should be told that it is a theory. If Evolution is taught, is should be taught that it is a theory. Edit: I do agree with the one person who said it should be taught in a World Religion class. But then, we don't have a religion class at our school district. Like I said, the major religions plus local religions, or nothing. And stress that everything else is a theory. Edit: For all those who say they don't want schools to teach Christianity because they are afraid of them teaching it wrong...I say it could be a real learning experience for your child. When they are adults, all around them people will be saying false things about the gospel, so this could help them learn who to discern what is false and what is true. Have them talk about it with you. They can learn a lot, and it will prepare them for the real world.

Answer 3

Science derived from the nature .

Once , Buddha took a bowl of water and speak to His disciple on the amount of microorganism in it and associate it with the amount of outer space ( such as planets ) which is both uncountable .

The space is not like a box which have 4 corners of it . The Buddha speak of emptiness which no other religion speak of them . There is a tipitaka , which is named Abi Dharma in which you will see how Buddha explain the universe .

There is even explanation down to the molecules point . 2500 years ago , who could have realise this , as there is no microscope yet .

Serious , refer to Abi Dharma , its the science of Buddhism

Answer 4

The Buddha observed the inner world with detachment,and encouraged his disciples not to accept any teaching until they had critically investigated and personally verified its truth.Just as the scientists today would not claim that his experiment cannot be duplicated by others,the Buddha did not claim that his experience of enlightenment was exclusive to him. Thus in his approach to truth,the Buddha was as analytical as the present day scientists.He established a practical, scientifically worked-out method for reaching the ultimate truth and the experience of enlightenment.

Answer 5

Sitting meditation has been practiced for thousands of years.

Only within the last 50 years has science studied its affect on practitioners,of course, they found it is a very healthy thing to do (they probably don't even know ALL the benefits).

Anyway, how did the Buddha (or any one) know to sit in meditation posture, and not choose some other posture? Science did not instruct them.

Answer 6

No. No religions are supported by science. Buddhism is a way of life.

Such as "Do unto others as as you would have them do unto you." This was coined by Buddha and Confuscious. Jesus was a plagerizer!

Nya!

Answer 7

I think they are related. Enlightenment comes from awareness and knowledge of the universe. Science does this all the time.

Answer 8

Buddhism is more of a philosophy than a religion.

Answer 9

I don't think enlightenment can be proved scientifically. It is just a state of being.

Answer 10

Nope. Its the more pure and uncomplicated religion.