The New Physics and Cosmology: Dialogues with the Dalai Lama

by Zara Houshmand (Primary Contributor), Arthur Zajonc (Editor)

What happens when the Dalai Lama meets with leading physicists and a historian? This book is the carefully edited record of the fascinating discussions at a Mind and Life conference in which five leading physicists and a historian (David Finkelstein, George Greenstein, Piet Hut, Arthur Zajonc, Anton Zeilinger, and Tu Weiming) discussed with the Dalai Lama current thought in theoretical quantum physics, in the context of Buddhist philosophy. A contribution to the science-religion interface, and a useful explanation of our basic understanding of quantum reality, couched at a level that intelligent readers without a deep involvement in science can grasp. In the tradition of other popular books on resonances between modern quantum physics and Zen or Buddhist mystical traditions--notably The Dancing Wu Li Masters and The Tao of Physics, this book gives a clear and useful update of the genuine correspondences between these two rather disparate approaches to understanding the nature of reality.

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy, Physics, Science, Nonfiction, Spirituality

246 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Zara Houshmand is an Iranian American writer, editor, and literary translator whose work crosses boundaries and cultural divides. She was raised in the Philippines, received her BA in English Literature from London University, and currently lives in the mountains of California.

Reviews

[Avital · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Not complaining exactly but reading the book, I actually study the basics of Quantum theory, Relativism and Cosmology with the Dalai Lama. He introduces brilliant questions, of course. The book is ased on a one-week conference, so while the Buddhism sheds some light on the subjects, the long-studied here are the scientific issues.

*I'm back at it. After reading The Elementary Particles I felt the need for some physics so I restarted, and the quantum mechanics are now clearer in my mind. I wish I could write down the main issues in physics and philosophy, but I'll end-up copying half the book. It works wonders for my brain, because I'm flexing mental muscles I haven't in a long while.



*It's waiting on my night stand. Courage, courage!
*I'm in page 30, already introduced to quantum mechanic: wave/particle duality, polarization, randomness with the positive and the objective interpretations. Now the Dalai Lama is introducing the 4 ways of analysis.
*Soon, the best of the first 50 pages. I enjoy it a great deal.
*Stopped, so now I'll have to restart I guess.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all the books in the Mind and LIfe series!