Albert Einstein says about Buddhism
Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future: It transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology; it covers both the natural and the spiritual, and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity.”
Albert Einstein
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Albert Einstein apparently held Buddhist philosophy in high regard, stating that it represented both a social science and a natural science. Albert Einstein is possibly the greatest scientist mankind has ever produced.
Thank you for this sharing.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing this amazing quote by Albert Einstein. Buddhism is definitely one of a kind religion in the world. Many had said that Buddhism is not a religion, it is a way of life. I agree to that statement. Alot of teachings in Buddhism aside from the ritual is teaching us how to live our life as a human being and how to make the most out of it. Those teachings are so precious that it can even change a person’s life.
If we look back to Buddha Shakyamuni’s time where the historical buddha had state many truth which was being treated as “theories” because there are way to prove at that age of time. As technology evolves over the years, many of the “theories” are being proven to be true. This show that Buddhism’s teaching clearly states the universal nature of all things in existence and it is the ultimate TRUTH. It does not change according to your beliefs and like or dislike.
This is the reason why Buddhism can go along with science without any conflict.
Humbly,
Chris chong
A web site purports to shown an instance of applied Buddhism in pure behavioral science: https://mynichecomp.com
You were a bright man Albert! Ahead of your times and brilliant in summarising the essence of buddhas.
Dear Rinpoche,
I have come across this quote on Buddhism allegedly from Albert Einstein a number of times on the internet and ultimately traced its source to a book by Lama Surya Das. I checked Lama Surya Das’s book “Awakening the Buddha Within” and found the quote on the introductory page to Part One. However, there is no source attributed as to where the quote appeared (i.e. where in the writings of Einstein or in the books on Einstein). Since I have read many books written by Einstein and about Einstein and also checked sources which some people on the web claimed the quote on Buddhism was from (for example, on the tricycle website [http://www.tricycle.com/p/176] one source for the quote is “Albert Einstein, The Human Side,” edited by Helen Dukas and Banesh Hoffman, Princeton University Press, 1954 but I have that book and it is not in there!) but have yet to find where such a quote was actually made by Albert Einstein, it is of concern to me unless a genuine source can be found as to where (to whom, when, etc) Albert Einstein made such a comment, people will be misled as to the true source/origin of this quote, if indeed it was an actual quote.
Recently I discovered I was not alone in being unable to trace the original source for this alleged quote by Einstein on Buddhism. Donald Lopez, professor of Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, too has not found a source for this quote. In fact, in his book “Buddhism and Science: A Guide for the Perplexed” he cites this alleged quote in his introduction and then proceeds to state “But it seems that Einstein never said this.”
Rinpoche, my original background was in mathematics and physics so I am very familiar with Einstein and his work. I have also benefited greatly from Buddhist philosophy and psychology and meditation practice. There is much to be said about the common ground found between Buddhist teachings and science, especially as the current Dalai Lama has embraced science and has had many open dialogues with scientists throughout the years, at least those open to such dialogues. I would have more than welcomed and embraced such a quote on Buddhism from Albert Einstein had he actually made such a quote. But having attempted to locate the original source for this quote and not having found it over a period of several years, I seriously question if Einstein actually said it; and it is such an important and significant quote, for it not to have appeared in Einstein’s writings or (as I have found thus far) in any of the books about Einstein, including those written by colleagues who knew him, is strong indication the quote is incorrectly attributed (to Einstein).
My deepest respect and thanks for the work you do for the benefit of all beings everywhere, Rinpoche.
Buddhism is purely natural and therefore have no challenge. Buddism is nothing but we ourself doing volitional acts.
I DO GET CONFUSED WHEN I THINK ABOUT GOD .APART FROM OTHER RELIGION BUDDHISM TEACH US TO BELIEVE ONLY IN OURSELF ,NOT IN GOD.
Buddhism is rational and rooted in realities.
I’m Buddhism
I so amazed that even Albert Einstein the great and famous physicist would believe in Buddhism and said that Buddhism will be a cosmic religion for the future. I feel so happy that Buddhism spread so widely even quite a lot of celebrities also practice it.
Dr B. R. Ambedkar’s book “Buddha And His Dhamma” is considered by Indian Buddhist as “Buddhist Bibe”
Albert Einstein view of Buddalism is true. Everything is so logic and it’s a life experience. Hence Dhrama always serve as Life instruction to us. What Buddha said 2500 years ago matched what scientist has proven today.
Even Albert Einstein, a genius and brilliant scientist attest to how Buddhism would transcends every plain of existence and human beliefs. So apt and true.
I read this many years ago and every time I come accross it I smile as science vindicates Buddhism. I would however qualify the last statement by saying nether the Buddha or Buddhism in any form requires this vindication to justify its existence..
WOW! That was pretty impactful quote.
From the beginning since I have started my spiritual journey with Rinpoche 5 years ago. Rinpoche has told me NOT TO BELEIVE IN BLIND FAITH as it will not be stable. It is very true as when I realised later part of my journey that blind faith was dangerous cause you do not believe in KARMA. Thus, Rinpoche will debate with his students for them to understand & realised the teaching.
Look at the below debate Rinpoche had with our President Datuk May when she first came into Kechara. This was around 4 years ago and look at her devotion now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmgvHN4cvOw
Dear Rinpoche,
I would like to write private e-mail. I am new here.
Where can I send my letter to you?
Hope to hear from you very soon.
Wish you that every day will bring you lasting happines.
Arthur Drummond
Albert Einstein is really telling the truth. I am not saying this to put other religions down but Buddhism is really the only religion which I have really noticed that talks about the Natural and Spiritual prospect of life whereas in other religions I have only seen the Spiritual Prospect. I think is really true that Buddhism is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity. Where every single thing has a perfect unity. I think that is very beautiful.
As in the words of the Dalai Lama, “The teachings of the Buddha condensed into the path to Enlightenment, are a living Philosophy, not an academic disertation on the subtle nuances of abstract concepts. You should treat these teachings as if it had life, as though it were a special being capable of answering every question you would like to ask, a person to whom you refer to, to find a solution to any problem, and a friend always there to support you with sound advice and spiritual comfort.” By integrating his mind with the concepts as presented in his teachings, Lord Buddha passed beyond all sufferings and negative attitudes to attain attainment to benefit all beings. Albert Einstein could be so right in establishing that Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future in this respect. Thank you so much Mr. Albert for pointing this out.
If Buddhism in the present day were to be like just follow what the leader says and do. Then many people would not be ibterested to follow. I see Buddhism as not a Religion but a way of life. You can learn from its logic and apply it to your daily life. In Tibetan buddhism you can debate on a subject until you get a logic. There is a difference in Buddhism and other Religions as Buddhism teach you to have an open mind. It teaches you contemplation and analysis. Buddhism allows you to accept what you think is right and discards what you feel is not applicable.
Stephen Hawking and Einstein sure have one thing in common .. they are both logical,intelligent and smart
well, this is happening here and now!