Matthieu Ricard trained as a molecular biologist, working in the lab of a Nobel prize—winning scientist, but when he read some Buddhist philo...
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Oct 25, 2011
A
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I was quite eager to read this book, but I found it hard to follow because of the conversational way it was written. I have issues with when the Buddhist Mr. Ricard says things along the lines of "why limit science to things than can be rationalized and proven with mathematics?" That is the definition of science. Anything claiming to be science yet does not meet those criteria is either pseudo science, conjecture, or a lie. It is akin to calling a turkey-burger a hamburger. They might
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May 27, 2009
Brandon T.
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Jul 20, 2009
Frank Jude
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Of all the books I've read about Buddhism and science (most especially Physics) this may be the most useful and accessible. I was delighted to sit in on the conversation between this monk and physicist to see both their differences and the profound similarities in their understanding of reality.
Ricard is a penetrative thinker and he can strongly present the Buddhist view. At times I felt like Thuan, while certainly extremely competent as a physicist, may not be up to Ricard's philoso More...
Ricard is a penetrative thinker and he can strongly present the Buddhist view. At times I felt like Thuan, while certainly extremely competent as a physicist, may not be up to Ricard's philoso More...
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Dec 16, 2009
My kind of philosophical discourse...the intersection of buddhism and science. As told by a buddhist monk and an astrophysicist. Highly recommended. I read a lot of it in the car today on a massive road trip, and I have to admit, it helped put some of my recent life changes into perspective. The part on time actually blew my mind, and re-encouraged me to get my future tattoo.
Aug 24, 2009
Demi
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I really enjoyed this read. Lately, the discussions in my Buddhist class have inspired me to brush up on my physics/neurobiology knowledge. When we talk about the mind and Emptiness, there's a lot of assumptions that people throw about the classroom - not realising that these assumptions don't agree with the current findings of modern science. I wanted to clear up my own doubts and confusion. The Quantum and the Lotus really revived my love of science & philosophy. Both have a lot to offer and a
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Aug 09, 2010
Ivy
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Great book for students of Buddhism in the west. As someone that's never taken a physics class, there were areas of the book that I had to re-read in order to make sure I understood the scientist's perspective correctly. None-the-less I was able to see where these two minds met, which was fascinating. Ricard does a fantastic job explaining the Buddhist belief in Emptiness and lays out a strong case on the need for compassion and ethics in science (and really all areas of life).
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Apr 25, 2009
Enkai
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This book is interesting, but I really disliked the dialog-style that the book is written in. Also, the dialog was fake at times, which I guess could be understood given the fact that it was probably transcribed from memory at a later time, but then my question is "why did they write it in dialog-style at all?" Furthermore, I was disappointed because the concepts were over-simplified and described at a very low level, which is great for someone who's never read a popularized science bo
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Jul 02, 2011
This is not the book to pick up and read when you only have a week off in between rigorous school terms and all the textbooks they entail. My brain needed a nice fluffy read, not this. But I will most certainly return to it post graduation! Great concept. It's an interesting back-and-forth discussion between two guys that sort-of swapped cultures and are trying to get to the truths of existence. Pretty cool stuff.
Feb 23, 2011
Chad
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A very fascinating read and perfect for the inquiring mind that enjoys balancing spirituality and science. Although it took me a while to read, because it's a bit left-brained, I absolutely loved it.
Jan 11, 2010
James
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A great dialogue between a scientist turned monk and a buddhist turned scientist. A long and sometimes slow read, but very profound in its treatment of some very deep and important topics.
May 10, 2010
Josh
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Remarkable survey of Buddhist thought, matched subject for subject against cutting edge physics. By far the best and most thoughtful faith/science book I have ever read.
Jan 15, 2011
Have been reading for a long time. Keep coming back and every time there is just a little more insight. Might let go enough to 'get it.'
Jan 30, 2010
Tracy
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Great book - takes alot of my attention to follow, but it's definately worth it! I will be reading it slowly to absorb the wisdom.
Mar 27, 2008
Noah
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this is just the kind of discussion of science and spirituality that is most important. Science, as an instrument of inquiry, needs to be integrated into a greater "science of the mind" or spirituality. Here, instead of confusing two different modes of inquiry, Ricard and Thuan discuss the similarities and differences between modern science and Buddhist thought, striving to understand how and where their disciplines meet. This kind of discussion allows us to ground science in a great
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Jan 18, 2012
Tonia
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Absolutely loved this book! While I didn't necessarily agree with everything presented here, it's a great dialogue between two of my current interests - science and Buddhism. An excellent read. This book made me want to be a better person.
Apr 29, 2008
Glen
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I enjoyed this quite a bit. It gives a good description of the Buddhist belief structure and a nice look at some of the latest physics theories. Ricard describes how Buddhism is not nihilistic, just dependent upon consciousness to observe it. Without a consciousness the physical universe would not exist. Thuan describes the uncertainty principal and how it ties in so closely with this concept.
Overall it was more very provoking but was oriented more for people interested in Buddhi More...
Overall it was more very provoking but was oriented more for people interested in Buddhi More...
Mar 15, 2009
Vicy
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This book is amazing... A former American molecular biologist turned Buddhist monk and a Vietnamese-Buddhist-goes to-Cal Tech-and-becomes-an-Astrophysicist (specializing in the formation of galaxies) talk about stuff. Highly recommended so far...
Sep 07, 2008
Jbryon
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The Quantum and the Lotus is a great introduction to the shared philosophies surrounding science and buddhism. Ricard and Trinh are able to explain the basic interconnected ideas of each subject simply, eloquently and compellingly. The dialogue between the two scientists certainly sparked an interest in learning more about buddhism and physics within me and helped to illuminate what had heretofore seemed to be inapproachable subjects.
Jan 27, 2008
now i am not nearly smart enough to understand everything in this book
truth be told i did not read it cover to cover but skipped around, opening and finding a good place to start
what i did find though, was beautiful
and i also found a definition of beauty that finally made sense
something that provides a feeling of plenitude
that's plenty
truth be told i did not read it cover to cover but skipped around, opening and finding a good place to start
what i did find though, was beautiful
and i also found a definition of beauty that finally made sense
something that provides a feeling of plenitude
that's plenty
Oct 30, 2011
John
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A really scintillating dialogue between two friends, one of whom is a seasoned Buddhist translator and one of whom is a renowned physicist. This book both outlines and heavily discusses the ways in which modern western science is validating and, to an extent, transforming into Buddhism and other bodies of eastern philosophy.
Jan 30, 2009
Jack
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A must read for thinking people. It takes effort to understand and follow, but if depth is what you seek, then seek no further.
Jun 28, 2011
Jessica
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This book was absolutely fascinating. I would only recommend it to those that are able to open their minds up enough to appreciate such comparison of two great forces of study in this modern world. I look forward to revisiting this novel in the years to come.
Feb 18, 2008
Katie
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This to me is the more modern equivalent of the Bohm and Krishnamurti discussions. Very enlightening - particularly for those of us who are not exactly experts in either Buddhism or quantum theory.
Oct 30, 2011
Kimberly
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Excellent book! If you love Hawking, you will enjoy this book as well. Quantum physics and Buddhism go hand in hand.
Oct 30, 2011
Lukasz
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A great set of conversations on the similarities and differences between physics and Buddhism.
Feb 10, 2012
