The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality

By Charles Lichtman

Book Overview

Galileo, Copernicus, Newton, Niels Bohr, Einstein. Their insights shook our perception of who we are and where we stand in the world, and in their wake have left an uneasy coexistence: science vs. religion, faith vs. empirical inquiry. Which is the keeper of truth? Which is the true path to understanding reality? After forty years of study with some of the greatest scientific minds, as well as a lifetime of meditative, spiritual, and philosophic study, the Dalai Lama presents a brilliant analysis of why all avenues of inquiry--scientific as well as spiritual--must be pursued in order to arrive at a complete picture of the truth. Through an examination of Darwinism and karma, quantum mechanics and philosophical insight into the nature of reality, neurobiology and the study of consciousness, the Dalai Lama draws significant parallels between contemplative and scientific examinations of reality. This breathtakingly personal examination is a tribute to the Dalai Lama's teachers--both of science and spirituality. The legacy of this book is a vision of the world in which our different approaches to understanding ourselves, our universe, and one another can be brought together in the service of humanity.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0767920813
• ISBN13: 9780767920810
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Harmony
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Read this

Probably the best book about science and spirituality out there. The Dalai Lama is so powerful in his presentation, for me, the methods work - he comes off humble, inquisitive, positive. It is moving. I am currently reading The Self Aware Universe, so we'll see if that can compare. This is absolutely one of the best books I've ever read.

A Beautiful Book That Really Delivers On Its Title

Many people feel that one of the really important issues facing us all, is whether it is possible to find some middle ground between science and spirituality, or whether they are simply different experiential and philosophical categories that have no business trying to get together. For over thirty years, the Dalai Lama has been at the forefront of efforts to find a rapprochement between the insights of Buddhism and the discoveries...

A Wise Human Looks At Scientific Knowledge

--I'd like to add another five-star vote for this gentle, insightful book. It's a gift for everyone. --The Dalai Lama has been interested in science since childhood, and has collaborated with some of the best minds in science and psychology for many years. This book gives some perspectives on that collaboration. The author discusses evolution and consciousness, "karma" and causality, how we may improve reliability in knowledge,...

Amazingly well written, great arguments, and extensive

Many have written LONG reviews so I will try my best to contain my impulse to break off into rants. Pros: Very well written, great arguments, and very thorough. The argumentative styling of this book is honest. The reason I choose that specific word is that its so easy to be biased and omit opposing arguments. This book is not written to convince anyone of anything, its merely presents what we know to be 'most likely truths'...

A Positive Interface Between Science and Religion

I am generally not impressed by theologians who discuss science (or conversely scientists who discuss theology), because usually these written discussions contain a major propaganda component. On one hand you have those would discredit science and replace it with a biased system full of pious presuppositions, and on the other hand those who would dismiss religion as not supported by the "facts" and thus irrelevant (and perhaps...