The Universe in a Single Atom

September 1, 2005
As the Dalai Lama observes in this wise and humble book, dialogue between scientists and those interested in spirituality is important because science is not neutral; it can be used for good or ill, and we must approach scientific inquiry with compassion and empathy. Similarly, a spirituality that ignores science can quickly become a rigid fundamentalism. Sometimes the Dalai Lama discovers similarities between the two fields. For example, Einstein's idea that time is relative dovetails neatly with Buddhist philosophical understandings of time. Still, His Holiness does not accept all scientific thinking as holy writ: though he is intrigued by scientific stories of origins, like the Big Bang theory, Buddhism holds that the universe is "infinite and beginningless." The penultimate chapter brings ethical considerations to bear on technological advancements in genetics. The Dalai Lama gently suggests that although parents who select certain genetic traits for their children may intend to give their children a leg up, they may in fact simply be capitulating to a social pressure that favors, say, boys over girls or tall people over short. He also cautions that we do not know the long-term consequences of genetically modifying our crops. In fact, it is disappointing that the Dalai Lama devotes only 18 pages to these urgent and complex topics. Perhaps this prolific author has a sequel in the works.

October 1, 2005
What are we developing scientifically and why? Do we know if we are spiritually present when we make such personal and collective decisions? How can we keep our humility, self-awareness, and a measure of morality where research and development advancements are concerned? The Dalai Lama asks these human value -based questions as he ponders the meeting point of science and spirituality, especially as it relates to quality of life in scientific endeavors. Along the way, he shares his own experiences with science, exploring Buddhist "emptiness," the theories of relativity and evolution, the role of consciousness (referencing leading scientists and Buddhist figures), the "beginningless, endless" Buddhist concept, and the West's big bang theory. Ultimately, he finds, the key to honoring the preciousness of life and balance in nature is vigilance in staying compassionately motivated. This, he holds, is our true purpose as sentient beings on Earth. Though the Dalai Lama aims to reach a wide audience and offers a fair, nicely written, and thoughtful treatise, the subject matter will primarily appeal to spiritual types and to altruistic, ethical physicists and biologists. Recommended for psychology and special interest collections in medical and larger public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, "LJ" 5/15/05.] -Lisa Liquori, MLS, Syracuse, NY

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2005
Fascinated by science since boyhood, the Dalai Lama, unlike fundamentalists who resist scientific realities, has become convinced that a dialogue between religion and science will advance the wisdom of both disciplines and greatly benefit humankind. He explains why in illuminating explications of how Buddhism and science are both predicated on focused observation, reasoning, and the ability to abandon outmoded ideas in the ongoing search for reality. He compares quantum physics with Buddhist philosophy and reveals how the theory of evolution echoes the Buddhist understanding that all of life is interconnected and in flux, and he writes with deep feeling about the pressing ethical questions raised by advancements in biotechnology. For all the provocative and detailed reasoning found in this soulful and mind-expanding book, what emerges most powerfully is the Dalai Lama's belief that science must embrace Buddhism's mission and work toward increasing compassion and alleviating suffering.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)