TOW #11 The Universe in a Single Atom (Dalai Llama)

If only I had the connection he does. His Holiness the Dalai Llama with Carl Sagan.

In The Universe in a Single Atom, His Holiness the Dalai Llama attempts to draw parallels between scientific and religious inquiry, a matter often regarded as taboo. As the spiritual and political leader of Tibet since the age of sixteen, the Dalai Llama has significant experience with spirituality. As a world leader fascinated by technology his nation lacks, His Holiness has met with leading scientists throughout the twentieth century in order to comprehend the nature of modern scientific discovery. His purpose in this novel is not to argue which approach is correct, instead the Dalai Llama writes to convey the merits of science and spirituality. In recent years, quantum and particle physics has made huge leaps in understanding the machinations of the Universe, while atheist populations are rapidly growing. He writes for an audience that has trouble with this split in the modern world, with a potential focus on those with a basic knowledge of Buddhism and an interest in physics, as these are the Dalai Llama's passions. The book is written with a moderate, contemplative tone, unique to the philosophical leader of Tibet and an entire religion. There is no feeling of direct argumentation, the Dalai Llama presents his points in a series of interesting connections and personal stories. He spends the first two chapters defining his intentions behind the book, writing "This book is not an attempt to unite science and spirituality...but an effort to examine two important human disciplines for the purpose of developing a more holistic and integrated way of understanding the world" (4). With this mindset established, and considerably emphasized throughout, the Dalai Llama is open to compare two governing bodies of thought. He does so in a way befitting a relaxed tone, with personal stories and experiences. Describing his unique childhood and interactions with widely acclaimed scientists (the one I'm reading about currently was an assistant to WERNER HEISENBERG), as well as establishing his obvious knowledge of the Buddhist faith, the Dalai Llama sets the stage for pages of serious contemplation on ethics and the dimension of faith. I think the book is very effective thus far, as I have been moved to serious thought as a result of the Dalai Llama's obvious experience with the relationship between science and spirituality. It can be a little tedious with pages of philosophy, but he does a good job of intermingling anecdotes from his fascinating life.