Buddhism: Bridging Science and Spirituality, Part 2 of 2

All things arise and perish in the world, and from the enlightened perspective of the Buddha, they do so according to the law of “dependent origination.” The Buddha taught that all phenomena arise when causes and conditions converge and cease when these conditions disperse. Today, scientists also recognize that the world undergoes similar cycles. This understanding closely mirrors many concepts in modern physics, such as the life cycles of stars, the birth and death of galaxies, and the continuous evolution of the universe itself. The meaning of dependent origination has been accepted in practice and verified by science. From the theory of dependent origination arises the law of cause and effect, commonly known as the saying, “Plant melons, you get melons; plant beans, you get beans.”

Shakyamuni Buddha once pointed to a cup of water and said that within this cup, there are 84,000 beings. In reality, the number 84,000 is symbolic, representing an immense number. It took over 1,000 years, until the invention of the microscope, for scientists to confirm the truth of the Buddha’s words.

One might wonder how, more than 2,500 years ago, without modern scientific tools, the Buddha could have such profound understanding of both the macrocosm of the universe and the microcosm of microorganisms. In reality, it is all within the mind. Through deep spiritual practice and awakening, one can come to perceive the entire universe. This idea is not unfounded, as even after thousands of years of scientific research, our understanding of the nature of the universe still pales in comparison to the wisdom of the Buddha. The Surangama Sutra states, “All cause and effect, even the smallest particles of the world, are formed by the mind.”

According to Buddhism, all things possess a soul. Grass, trees, flowers, and all living entities are considered to have an existence equal to that of humans. At one point, we may have viewed this understanding as “superstition.” Fascinatingly, scientific discoveries have challenged long-held beliefs about the nature of plants. Further research revealed that plants possess extraordinary abilities, including extrasensory perception, memory, the ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and even an appreciation for music.

The Buddha taught, “All beings have the Buddha nature,” reflecting the egalitarian perspective of Buddhism. By deeply understanding this truth, we can eliminate pride and arrogance, and we will no longer look down on others. This understanding forms the foundation of true morality. Since everyone inherently possesses the Buddha nature, anyone can attain enlightenment – it is simply a matter of awakening and overcoming laziness.