Expert: Stuart Resnick - 7/6/2009

Question
What has been the Buddhist approach in the last 150 years towards the actual experience of reality in terms of what people knew at the time?

I am aware 14th Dalai Lama goes as far as to say if Buddhist answer is contradicted by scientific answer, then Buddhists should accept the scientific answer over Buddhist answer.  

What has been the importance and canonicity of various scriptures in the last 150 years? (relative to scriptures of Abrahamic religions)


Answer
The Buddhist tradition points to the actual experience of reality. It's something that you can experience for yourself. In fact, reality has already appeared, right in front of you, in this very moment. You're already experiencing reality.

Science is an explanation about reality, expressed in words, after you think about it. Buddhism points to your actual experience of reality, which is not dependent on words or thoughts. There's no conflict.

Scriptures, Dalai Lamas, science and Abrahamic religions might give you some pointers to reality. But you experience it for yourself; you're already experiencing it right now. Your job is to perceive this reality clearly, and respond to it compassionately. To do this, just open your eyes to perceive the reality that's already appeared, and use it to help other beings. Nothing else is necessary.