Faith, Science and Technology
As we all know, science and technology encompass only scientific knowledge, rather than spiritual morality. It can bring huge damage to society in the absence of reasonable faith. So, what is the relationship between faith, science and technology? To be enslaved by modern technology or to use it to protect one’s faith? Following is what Khenpo Sodargye says.
How Does Buddhist Practice Help Us Solve Emotional Problems in Our Lives?
Excerpt 1: What Kind of Times Are We Living In?
This is an era of great conflict and collision between traditional culture and modern civilization. As the traditional culture of each ethnic group is being threatened, it needs to accept modern technology and at the same time preserve its own legacies.
Excerpt 2: What Should We Do in This Special Era?
In this modern age, it is very important for you to uphold steadfastly your valuable traditional culture, and upon this basis to embrace the new knowledge. Crucially, do not let go of your original faith and belief. Nowadays, many people in the world have no religious belief, which is terrible. The renowned French writer Hugo said, “A faith is a necessity to a man. Woe to him who believes in nothing.” This quote speaks precisely that humans need a resting place for their souls.
Excerpt 3: What Can Faith Bring to Us?
In this era of moral crisis, Buddhism as a faith may bring in a lot of benefits. It would be worthwhile for teachers and students to study Buddhism as well as other religions to adjust the state of their minds and have a taste of genuine happiness.
Excerpt 4: What Should We Do in The Future?
Many young people today have abandoned faith, which puts them at a disadvantage in future. Therefore, I encourage you to uphold your traditional culture and also welcome modem technology. Do stand tall and take up the responsibilities of creating a better future for your family, your country, and the mankind.
Excerpt 5: How Does Buddhist Practice Help Us Solve Emotional Problems in Our Lives?
Actually, Buddhism provides for us an emotion-map that helps us navigate the landscape of our negative and positive feelings. Many universities today are engaging in Buddhist meditation to keep emotions in check. We are often overcome by craving, jealousy, ignorance, anger, and hatred without being aware of the situation. With Buddhist meditation training, however, we can easily recognize it.
What Kind of Times Are We Living in?
This is an era of great conflict and collision between traditional culture and modern civilization. As the traditional culture of each ethnic group is being threatened, it needs to accept modern technology and at the same time preserve its own legacies.
What Should We Do in This Special Era?
In this modern age, it is very important for you to uphold steadfastly your valuable traditional culture, and upon this basis to embrace the new knowledge. Crucially, do not let go of your original faith and belief. Nowadays, many people in the world have no religious belief, which is terrible. The renowned French writer Hugo said, “A faith is a necessity to a man. Woe to him who believes in nothing.” This quote speaks precisely that humans need a resting place for their souls.
“Science by itself is pure technology devoid of any spiritual and moral element. If science is left in the hands of a good man, it will bring benefit to all humans; if science is left in the hands of a villain, it will bring disaster and suffering to the whole world.”