Quatrième de couverture

Space and Eternal Life is a dialogue between Chandra Wickramasinghe, an eminent astronomer, and Daisaku lkeda, a leading Buddhist scholar. The book probes some of the deepest aspects of our existence. As the dialogue unfolds both the Buddhist viewpoint and an astronomer’s view of the world are expounded, side by side, with interesting comparisons between the two sets of basic tenets.

Whilst at first sight Buddhist philosophy might seem to lack the advantages of the empirical methodology of science in its exploration of the physical world, its treatment of psychology, including the idea of many states of consciousness, appears to be remarkably sophisticated in modern terms. Furthermore Buddhist ideas of cosmology are also seen to be in tune with modern scientific theories.

A central tenet of Buddhism is that a universal consciousness is the font of all knowledge, with an implication of the interconnectedness of the different attributes of the universe. As we approach a new millennium mankind appears to be in search of a new world view, one that is distinct from Cartesian reductionism that has governed our conduct throughout the past century, and is now proving inadequate. A pacifist, holistic, ecological world view, inherent in Buddhist philosophy, seems to offer an attractive alternative, and its manifest virtues are expounded throughout the book. The very survival of our social institutions into the next millennium could well be contingent upon the acceptance of such a World view.

 Sri Lankan-born Chandra Wickramasinghe is an internationally renowned astronomer. Jointly with Sir Fred Hoyle he developed the idea that life is a cosmic phenomenon, a theory that is now gaining acceptance at a rapid pace. In 1992 he was decorated by the President of Sri Lanka with the title Vidya Jyothi, and since then he has been the recipient of numerous international awards. Currently he is Professor of Applied Mathematics and Astronomy at Cardiff University in Wales. He is the author of many books including Life on Mars ? The case for a cosmic heritage (1997)

 Daisaku lkeda is a man of religion, a leading figure in the international Buddhist movement rooted in the orthodox Mahayana Buddhist tradition of Nichiren. He is President of the Buddhist lay organization Soka Gakkai lnternational (SGI), which has members in 190 countries worldwide, and founded the Institute of Orienta Philosophy and Soka University in 1971. His publications include Choose Pleace (A Dialogue with Johan Galtung), (1995).

 Contents

Foreword by Sir Fred Hoyle

1. The Universe and Human Beings

• The Universe and Science
• The Big Bang Theory
• The Buddhist View of the Universe
• A Fifth Dimension in the Universe ?
• The Existence of Extraterrestrial Beings
• A Universe Possessing Both Harmony and Rhythm
• The Theory of Evolution

2. Science and Religion

• The Quest for a New Worldview
• Modern Science and Christianity
• Modem Science and Greek Philosophy
• The Crisis Confronting Science
• The Various Forms of Science in the East and West
• Chinese and Indian Medicine
• Science and Buddhism
• The Fruits of Twentieth-century Technology

3. The Eternity of Life

• Life after Death and the Oneness of Body and Mind
• Near-death Experiences and Conquering the Fear of Death
• On the Concepts of Karma and Rebirth
• Informing Patients of a Cancer Diagnosis
• Brain Death and Organ Transplantation
• The Comatose State, Death with Dignity and Suicide
• Artificial Insemination, In Vitro Fertilization, Fetal Diagnosis and Abortion
• The Future of Genetic Engineering

4. Buddhist Pacifism

• Dialogue in Accord with the Speech of the Sage - I
• Dialogue in Accord with the Speech of the Sage - II
• The Buddhist Mission for Peace
• Religion for Humanity's Sake
• Ashoka and Sri Lanka
• Peace of Mind
• The Sanctity of Life
• Buddhist View of Society
• Shakyamuni and Mahayana Buddhism
• Meaning of Shakyamuni's Reticence
• Buddhism and the Arts

5. The Creation of a Global Civilization

• The Present in the Context of the History of the Human Race
• Nuclear Arms : Absolute Evil
• Coexistence with the Earth's Ecosystem
• Challenges of Dealing with AIDS
• Youth and the State of Education
• The Family
• Contemporary Society and the Correct Way of Life
• The Age of Democracy and Human Rights
• The Mission of Astronomy to Develop a Sense of Human Community

Notes

Index