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CAN BUDDHISM SURVIVE MODERNITY? An interview with scholar B. Alan Wallace

From: The Tibet Connection
Length: 00:17:08

Can Buddhism survive modernity? How does science play a role? Julie Adler takes an in depth look at these questions and more with leading scholar and Western Buddhist teacher, Alan Wallace. Read the full description.

Alanwallace Dynamic lecturer, progressive scholar, and one of the most prolific writers and translators of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, B. Alan Wallace continually seeks innovative ways to integrate Buddhist contemplative practices with Western science to advance the study of the mind. Dr. Wallace, a scholar and practitioner of Buddhism since 1970, has taught Buddhist theory and meditation throughout Europe and America since 1976. Having devoted fourteen years to training as a Tibetan Buddhist monk, ordained by H. H. the Dalai Lama, he went on to earn an undergraduate degree in physics and the philosophy of science at Amherst College and a doctorate in religious studies at Stanford. With his unique background, Alan brings deep experience and applied skills to the challenge of integrating traditional Indo-Tibetan Buddhism with the modern world.

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Piece Description

Dynamic lecturer, progressive scholar, and one of the most prolific writers and translators of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, B. Alan Wallace continually seeks innovative ways to integrate Buddhist contemplative practices with Western science to advance the study of the mind. Dr. Wallace, a scholar and practitioner of Buddhism since 1970, has taught Buddhist theory and meditation throughout Europe and America since 1976. Having devoted fourteen years to training as a Tibetan Buddhist monk, ordained by H. H. the Dalai Lama, he went on to earn an undergraduate degree in physics and the philosophy of science at Amherst College and a doctorate in religious studies at Stanford. With his unique background, Alan brings deep experience and applied skills to the challenge of integrating traditional Indo-Tibetan Buddhism with the modern world.

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Great Talk

This reminds me of Ken Wilber's book Integral Spirituality. Essentially, if Buddhism doesn't learn the modern terms, it gets left out of the conversation. A yogi can completely understand his own mind FROM THE INSIDE, but have no idea what it looks like from the outside, which might not limit his own realization too much, but does limit his grasp of the modern world. (Wilber's Zen vs. Spiral Dynamics). Of course, Alan Wallace is a genius writer and experienced practitioner, so pretty much anything he says is fascinating. Meditation is probably the largest scientific experiment ever conducted on the planet. I wish he talked more about Dream Yoga. Good point about ethics. Thanks for making this!

Broadcast History

Originally aired on KPFK Pacifica 90.7 FM Los Angeles in July 2007 on The Tibet Connection

Timing and Cues

OUTRO: That pieces was produced by Julie Adler who is the associate producer of The Tibet Connection radio program, online at: thetibetconnection.org

Related Website

http://www.thetibetconnection.org