I have studied Buddhism for over 18 years and I am also a huge Carl Sagan fan and of space and science. I have noticed that there are parallels to word usage in many sutras with how physicists and cosmologists explain their understanding of the universe. It could just be a coincidence based on obvious observations but I can't help but wonder if the Buddha really did have knowledge of things long before we had instruments to reveal them.
I have asked myself the same question. I think, and that is just my opinion, that regardless of what knowledge the Buddha had, he had a profound understanding of how to search for such knowledge. Of course, he did not have the tools we have now, so he had no way of discovering all the knowledge we have now. That is probably one of the reasons why he insisted that if we discover things that oppose what he taught, we should go with our discoveries and not with his teachings. He was aware that he did not know everything. To the best of my knowledge, he was the first human ever to state that clearly. I also think that if he had the knowledge we have now, he would have shared it with his contemporaries. His goal was the alleviation of suffering through combating of ignorance, so I think that if he, for example, knew how to treat many diseases, he would have published that knowledge. And since he did not do so, I would think he did not have all that knowledge, even if throughout the centuries the monks put him on a certain pedestal he had no intention of standing at. He certainly was a genius way ahead of his time, but even the greatest genius can only answer questions he has at least thought about.
I believe the similarities come from the fact that, fundamentally, both Buddhism and Science make us realize how tiny and insignificant-and at the same time precious and important-humans are in the grand scheme of things. They both constantly deal crippling blows to our egos, which at first is very frustrating and difficult to accept. As you slowly ease into it and realize the benefits, it becomes a deeply satisfying and rich way of living your life. The more you nourish (by doing science) and calm (by meditating) your mind, the more you appreciate the mental struggle of being a fallible, instinct-driven, and physically-limited bag of mostly meat, bones, and water with an expiration date of about a century (at best). Not to mention that the universe just doesn't seem to give a damn about us. It's actually kind of funny if you think about it, so at the end of the day you can always laugh about it instead of thinking yourself to an early grave by searching for absolute truths.
FORGOT TO ADD TO ABOVE, RESPECTABLE DALAI LAMA IS WELL INFORMED ABOUT MODERN SCIENCE &W/GREAT WISDOM. & OPEN MIND HOPE GREAT RESPACTABLE. DALAI LALAMA'S LEGACY WILL NOT END W/HIM. QUESTION TO SCIENTISTS IS IF SCIENCE PROVES REINCARNATION, WILL SCIENTISTS ACCEPT REINCARNATION?
Carl Sagan, Spinoza, Einstein .....and there are many others..... are far beyond most peoples thoughts about a god.....very similar to my ancestors belief of this world and universe as a whole...I am Dakota Sioux Indian...That great creative energy that is in all of us is in everything and is connected to this great energy (Wakantanka) In our universe and beyond...Energy .....which is in all of us...As Einstein said..Energy never dies it just changes form....think about it...Pidamaya
As far as truth; real truth, untainted and free from human bias, goes, the dalai lama has nothing to offer. Carl Sagan is a genius, and deeply courageous, for accepting the universe as it is, and not how he wished it might be.
Wish the audio was better, but I shouldn't really complain as material of this sort is quite rare :O Carl Sagan is a really lucky guy, wish I could find more ahem wimmin who would appreciate science like this, open minded, great person. I was only a child when Sagan passed away, I wish I had met the guy, it's only in my 20s I watched his stuff that I should have seen a decade ago.
Just so that I am not misunderstanding you...you have stated that: a "spiriti-form" exists only in human beings, that not one human being is without a "spirit-form", and that there may just be one kind of "spirit-form". Would these thoughtfully capture your shared thoughts?
I'm very sad that Carl Sagan passed away, and hearing about a show where Carl Sagan and the Dalai Lama just hang out... So much potential, gone. Thanks for the upload, his wife seems kind and intelligent and I enjoyed the video.
Perhaps Science and Religion can work together to understand human mind. Religion is, evidently, anthropocentric. Religion is a clear example of the survival instinct of the human species. Science, on the other hand, removes the human bias from the approach to the world in order to gain and real view of our nature and our Universe.
The word "agnostic" comes from the greek word gnostic, which means "to know." If you are calling yourself an agnostic you're basically saying that you're a person who doesn't know, which doesn't make much sense by itself. That's why he would most likely consider himself an agnostic atheist, but that's nothing special; I contend that most atheists are agnostic. A gnostic atheist would necessarily proclaim to know that there is no god, and from my experience those people are few and far between.
I'm an anti theist, but most religions have some good ideas ( not commandments). Most eastern religions require meditations...which I think is very good for people. The trouble comes when a religion says it "owns" this idea, that I have real issues. Of course, living in a "Theocracy" would be the worst thing to me!
Ladies and gentlemen it has been announced that there is a sequel to "cosmos" planned for a 2013 release. It will include Ann Druyan and Seth Mcfarlene as producers and Neil Degrasse Tyson will be the host.
Okay... So, the list I have shared of what you have stated does cover your thoughts and position on the construct and existence of a "spirit-form". Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for engaging with me. As an atheist, am I able to demonstrate the existence of this "spirit-form" to any human being regardless of how they identify as?
Hi, I am not certain if you have agreed with what I have listed as what you have shared with me. It may be my mistake to assume that what I have listed captures your thoughts and position on the construct and existence of a "spirit-form". If you do not mind and that you do not have to answer right away, did that list cover your thoughts and position on the existence of "spirit-forms".
Hi TheyFly, Please and if you do not mind, what is your most reasonable definition of "spirit". Thanks for your suggestion of Billy Meier. I always enjoy exploring what people have stumbled upon and which may be helpful to our species as a whole. Happy holidays.
Please, let me rephrase my inquiry: Is it possible for me, regardless of my non religious or religious status, to demonstrate the existence of a "spirit-form" to any other human being, regardless of their non religious or religious status?
I just read Cornell University's thoughts on what Ann Druyan may have thought about Science & Religion. I think that this may have been what Ann Druyan compassionately thought of and about such things: "For most of the history of our species we were helpless to understand how nature works. We took every storm, drought, illness and comet personally. We created myths and spirits in an attempt to explain the patterns of nature." - Ann Druyan
"Religion and science do not have to be at odds, says Sagan's widow." is an interesting quote. Yet, Ann Druyan shared quite a bit more within this one: "I think we still have an acute case of post-Copernican-stress syndrome. We have not resolved the trauma of losing our infantile sense of centrality in the universe. And so as a society we lie to our children. We tell them a palliative story, almost to ensure that they will be infantile for all of their lives." Thank you for sharing this vid.
It's all a matter of perspective, of course. Doesn't the concept of reincarnation (ie. one force deriving being from that of another) sort of jive with states of decay (eg. life feeding upon itself residually) or even just the basic principle of entropy? Now, perhaps it's mere heresay to claim that the life force essentially being transferred is in any way, shape or form aware of that transition, but at the most fundamental level, I don't see how reincarnation is incompatible w/ science.
Your overall point does resonate, though. I think science, religion, philosophy and other disciplines complement each other in critical ways that are often either intentionally or unintentionally bypassed and overlooked.
WHY SETH MACFARLANE! He has only slowed humanity's rise to greatness. I don't want him to be involved, but if he is I will still have to watch it because Tyson is awesome.
As a past contributor to Carl's work,as an enabler and inspiration for his gifts and goodness through the years,as a driven,passionate continuing presence who enlightens both the old and the new..I would like to tip my hat to your efforts.What a brilliant thinker,speaker and humanist you are....how assuredly lucky and happy Carl must have been. You have opened new doorways for me to grow, if not just through your passion and appreciation of a man that you loved but through your spot on beliefs.
Thanks a lot for the video. I also really appreciate the Dalai Lama. 💛🧡 For my spiritual journey I've also really loved watching lots of Master Sri Avinash recently. #SriAvinash 💓🧡 I find his talks very beautiful and helpful for my life.
i had to look it up myself to see if it is true, and yup two sites IMDB and Wiki confirmed it but said the release will be in spring of 2014. I can't wait!!!
I have studied Buddhism for over 18 years and I am also a huge Carl Sagan fan and of space and science. I have noticed that there are parallels to word usage in many sutras with how physicists and cosmologists explain their understanding of the universe. It could just be a coincidence based on obvious observations but I can't help but wonder if the Buddha really did have knowledge of things long before we had instruments to reveal them.
I have asked myself the same question. I think, and that is just my opinion, that regardless of what knowledge the Buddha had, he had a profound understanding of how to search for such knowledge. Of course, he did not have the tools we have now, so he had no way of discovering all the knowledge we have now. That is probably one of the reasons why he insisted that if we discover things that oppose what he taught, we should go with our discoveries and not with his teachings. He was aware that he did not know everything. To the best of my knowledge, he was the first human ever to state that clearly.
I also think that if he had the knowledge we have now, he would have shared it with his contemporaries. His goal was the alleviation of suffering through combating of ignorance, so I think that if he, for example, knew how to treat many diseases, he would have published that knowledge. And since he did not do so, I would think he did not have all that knowledge, even if throughout the centuries the monks put him on a certain pedestal he had no intention of standing at.
He certainly was a genius way ahead of his time, but even the greatest genius can only answer questions he has at least thought about.
I believe the similarities come from the fact that, fundamentally, both Buddhism and Science make us realize how tiny and insignificant-and at the same time precious and important-humans are in the grand scheme of things. They both constantly deal crippling blows to our egos, which at first is very frustrating and difficult to accept. As you slowly ease into it and realize the benefits, it becomes a deeply satisfying and rich way of living your life. The more you nourish (by doing science) and calm (by meditating) your mind, the more you appreciate the mental struggle of being a fallible, instinct-driven, and physically-limited bag of mostly meat, bones, and water with an expiration date of about a century (at best). Not to mention that the universe just doesn't seem to give a damn about us. It's actually kind of funny if you think about it, so at the end of the day you can always laugh about it instead of thinking yourself to an early grave by searching for absolute truths.
FORGOT TO ADD TO ABOVE, RESPECTABLE DALAI LAMA IS WELL INFORMED ABOUT MODERN SCIENCE &W/GREAT WISDOM. & OPEN MIND HOPE GREAT RESPACTABLE. DALAI LALAMA'S LEGACY WILL NOT END W/HIM.
QUESTION TO SCIENTISTS IS IF SCIENCE PROVES REINCARNATION, WILL SCIENTISTS ACCEPT REINCARNATION?
Great word... Parallels... Well thought out.
No interest back then? A film with Carl Sagan and the Dalai Lama just...talking is possibly the best film idea I can think of.
Reading an article about Ted Cruz for work while listening to this...
My inner being is crying inconsolably.
Carl Sagan, Spinoza, Einstein .....and there are many others..... are far beyond most peoples thoughts about a god.....very similar to my ancestors belief of this world and universe as a whole...I am Dakota Sioux Indian...That great creative energy that is in all of us is in everything and is connected to this great energy (Wakantanka) In our universe and beyond...Energy .....which is in all of us...As Einstein said..Energy never dies it just changes form....think about it...Pidamaya
Ann and Carl are responsible for so much in teaching us to embrace realities.
thanks for sharing Cornell University
Don't know if this has been asked before, but do you or anyone have a copy of the raw footage of the Dalai Lama & Carl Sagan meeting?
potential? i can think of few others who fulfilled their potential more than Dr. Carl Sagan
This is Not a meeting between Sagan and the Lama
@misinglink15 Wait, link please? :)
31:00
As far as truth; real truth, untainted and free from human bias, goes, the dalai lama has nothing to offer. Carl Sagan is a genius, and deeply courageous, for accepting the universe as it is, and not how he wished it might be.
I think its easy to see what Carl and Ann had in common and why they got together.
Keep the Faith...Faith in your innate bullshit detector ;)
IT WAS A GREAT SHOW. WORLD LOST A GREAT ENLIGHTENED SOUL CARL SAGAN, WORLD SHOULDN'T FORGET HIS CONTRIBUTIONS. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
This lady has a name which you should probably mention in the description.
Wish the audio was better, but I shouldn't really complain as material of this sort is quite rare :O Carl Sagan is a really lucky guy, wish I could find more ahem wimmin who would appreciate science like this, open minded, great person. I was only a child when Sagan passed away, I wish I had met the guy, it's only in my 20s I watched his stuff that I should have seen a decade ago.
Could you please post the full version of interview,
if possible! thanks!
Please! Please! upload the interviews Sagan-Gyatso
Just so that I am not misunderstanding you...you have stated that: a "spiriti-form" exists only in human beings, that not one human being is without a "spirit-form", and that there may just be one kind of "spirit-form". Would these thoughtfully capture your shared thoughts?
I'm very sad that Carl Sagan passed away,
and hearing about a show where Carl Sagan and the Dalai Lama just hang out...
So much potential, gone.
Thanks for the upload, his wife seems kind and intelligent and I enjoyed the video.
Perhaps Science and Religion can work together to understand human mind. Religion is, evidently, anthropocentric. Religion is a clear example of the survival instinct of the human species. Science, on the other hand, removes the human bias from the approach to the world in order to gain and real view of our nature and our Universe.
The word "agnostic" comes from the greek word gnostic, which means "to know." If you are calling yourself an agnostic you're basically saying that you're a person who doesn't know, which doesn't make much sense by itself. That's why he would most likely consider himself an agnostic atheist, but that's nothing special; I contend that most atheists are agnostic. A gnostic atheist would necessarily proclaim to know that there is no god, and from my experience those people are few and far between.
I'm an anti theist, but most religions have some good ideas ( not commandments). Most eastern religions require meditations...which I think is very good for people. The trouble comes when a religion says it "owns" this idea, that I have real issues. Of course, living in a "Theocracy" would be the worst thing to me!
Ladies and gentlemen it has been announced that there is a sequel to "cosmos" planned for a 2013 release. It will include Ann Druyan and Seth Mcfarlene as producers and Neil Degrasse Tyson will be the host.
Suspense of believe is the same thing as lack therefore he is atheist if agnostic. One is a state of knowledge another is a state of belief.
Meu Deus,que traduçao horrível,será q no Brasil nao existe gente culta pra traduzir um texto,que incompetencia
In fact, the definition of atheism that he was referring to as stupid was almost certainly the definition of gnostic atheism.
Okay... So, the list I have shared of what you have stated does cover your thoughts and position on the construct and existence of a "spirit-form". Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for engaging with me. As an atheist, am I able to demonstrate the existence of this "spirit-form" to any human being regardless of how they identify as?
Ann Druyan is kind of an anagram of Ayn Rand... unfortunately.
is there any full version interview of carl with dalai lama...if someone knows something please respond on my comment
carl sagan is my hero. Ann your a lucky lady !! I still miss him. We are all indeed star stuff :)
Can the details be put in the video description: date and place of filming?
The meeting of two of the greatest minds in our lives. Sadly in poor video quality.
Is there any intention on uploading the actual video of the exchange? Or is there another source for it available?
Carl Sagan according to him vanished completely. No continuation of him. That's hilarious. I guess he is in place of nothing. 😭🤣
He did say there should be an investigation into reincarnation .
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. Are there any human beings who do not possess a "spirit-form"?
Hi, I am not certain if you have agreed with what I have listed as what you have shared with me. It may be my mistake to assume that what I have listed captures your thoughts and position on the construct and existence of a "spirit-form". If you do not mind and that you do not have to answer right away, did that list cover your thoughts and position on the existence of "spirit-forms".
We need the full footage!
Hi TheyFly, Please and if you do not mind, what is your most reasonable definition of "spirit". Thanks for your suggestion of Billy Meier. I always enjoy exploring what people have stumbled upon and which may be helpful to our species as a whole. Happy holidays.
very nice
Please, let me rephrase my inquiry: Is it possible for me, regardless of my non religious or religious status, to demonstrate the existence of a "spirit-form" to any other human being, regardless of their non religious or religious status?
I just read Cornell University's thoughts on what Ann Druyan may have thought about Science & Religion. I think that this may have been what Ann Druyan compassionately thought of and about such things:
"For most of the history of our species we were helpless to understand how nature works. We took every storm, drought, illness and comet personally. We created myths and spirits in an attempt to explain the patterns of nature." - Ann Druyan
"Religion and science do not have to be at odds, says Sagan's widow." is an interesting quote.
Yet, Ann Druyan shared quite a bit more within this one:
"I think we still have an acute case of post-Copernican-stress syndrome. We have not resolved the trauma of losing our infantile sense of centrality in the universe. And so as a society we lie to our children. We tell them a palliative story, almost to ensure that they will be infantile for all of their lives."
Thank you for sharing this vid.
His Holiness says that religion is simply an "Inner Science" that may sound cliche.... I think Sagan was almost taken aback.
touché
She starts at 4:20.
I think there would be a great interest in these interviews if released on youtube
It's all a matter of perspective, of course. Doesn't the concept of reincarnation (ie. one force deriving being from that of another) sort of jive with states of decay (eg. life feeding upon itself residually) or even just the basic principle of entropy? Now, perhaps it's mere heresay to claim that the life force essentially being transferred is in any way, shape or form aware of that transition, but at the most fundamental level, I don't see how reincarnation is incompatible w/ science.
Your overall point does resonate, though. I think science, religion, philosophy and other disciplines complement each other in critical ways that are often either intentionally or unintentionally bypassed and overlooked.
Carl Sagan and others understood energy, Nicola Tesla, Albert Einstein. Darwin, ...Another layer of consciousness.
WHY SETH MACFARLANE! He has only slowed humanity's rise to greatness. I don't want him to be involved, but if he is I will still have to watch it because Tyson is awesome.
@eatcarpet / I don't see a connection here in any way.........could you expand on your thought.
Are there different types of "spirit-forms"?
@guitarfighter Look up on Anagram.
Infinite potential, some explored and realized, but so much more
Where can one find the full talk with Sagan and the Dalai Lama?
Thank you so much for posting and sharing this video. Beautiful!
Sagan is one of Dawkins' biggest heroes. He said so.
I never tire of listening to Ann Druyan, or Carl Sagan.
@OM3N1R Tell me about it.
Ann Druyan is certainly an exceptional and passionate about life human being.
As a past contributor to Carl's work,as an enabler and inspiration for his gifts and goodness through the years,as a driven,passionate continuing presence who enlightens both the old and the new..I would like to tip my hat to your efforts.What a brilliant thinker,speaker and humanist you are....how assuredly lucky and happy Carl must have been.
You have opened new doorways for me to grow, if not just through your passion
and appreciation of a man that you loved but through your spot on beliefs.
I am surprised. Ann is so beautiful. Her inner beauty shines through.
Thanks a lot for the video. I also really appreciate the Dalai Lama. 💛🧡
For my spiritual journey I've also really loved watching lots of Master Sri Avinash recently. #SriAvinash 💓🧡
I find his talks very beautiful and helpful for my life.
I just discovered Carl Sagan's widow, and she is also an amazing human being!
i had to look it up myself to see if it is true, and yup two sites IMDB and Wiki confirmed it but said the release will be in spring of 2014. I can't wait!!!