The Universe in a Single Atom

The Convergence of Science and Spirituality

By: His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Narrated by: Richard Gere

Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Gallileo, Copernicus, Newton, Niels Bohr, Einstein. Their insights shook our perception of who we are and where we stand in the world and in their wake have left an uneasy co-existence: science vs. religion, faith vs. empirical enquiry. Which is the keeper of truth? Which is the true path to understanding reality?

After 40 years of study with some of the greatest scientific minds as well as a lifetime of meditative, spiritual and philosophical study, the Dalai Lama presents a brilliant analysis of why both disciplines must be pursued in order to arrive at a complete picture of the truth. Science shows us ways of interpreting the physical world, while spirituality helps us cope with reality. But the extreme of either is impoverishing. The belief that all is reducible to matter and energy leaves out a huge range of human experience: emotions, yearnings, compassion, culture. At the same time, holding unexamined spiritual beliefs–beliefs that are contradicted by evidence, logic, and experience–can lock us into fundamentalist cages. Through an examination of Darwinism and karma, quantum mechanics and philosophical insight into the nature of reality, neurobiology and the study of consciousness, the Dalai Lama draws significant parallels between contemplative and scientific examination of reality.

“I believe that spirituality and science are complementary but different investigative approaches with the same goal of seeking the truth,” His Holiness writes. “In this, there is much each may learn from the other, and together they may contribute to expanding the horizon of human knowledge and wisdom.”

This breathtakingly personal examination is a tribute to the Dalai Lama’s teachers–both of science and spirituality. The legacy of this book is a vision of the world in which our different approaches to understanding ourselves, our universe and one another can be brought together in the service of humanity.

Listen to an interview with the Dalai Lama on Charlie Rose.

©2005 His Holiness the Dalai Lama (P)2005 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

“The Dalai Lama lost spiritual leadership in his own country, but now exercises it around the world. Like all good teachers, he comes to learn. He found that what Buddhism lacked in his country was a fruitful interchange with reason and modern science. Here he fosters that exchange, at a time when some Christians have turned their backs on science and the Enlightenment. We are losing what he has gained.”—Garry Wills, author of Why I Am a Catholic

“With disarming honesty, humility, and respect, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has explored the relationship between religion and science and suggested the way in which they can affirm and qualify each other’s insights. By juxtaposing traditional Buddhist teaching with the discoveries of modern physics and biology, he infuses the debate about such contentious issues as the origins of the universe, the nature of human consciousness, the evolution of species and genetic engineering with intimations of profound spirituality and shows how these questions can further our search for ultimate meaning. But above all, his gentle but insistent call for compassion is desperately needed in our torn and conflicted world.”—Karen Armstrong, author of A History of God and The Spiral Staircase

A look at science through the Dalai Lama's eyes.

I do not agree with all of the opinions expressed but I do so appreciate them. This is a stunning example of causing personal introspection.

Excellent for science and philosophy!

excellent if you're interested in science and philosophy, specifically Buddhist philosophy (and even more so if, like me, you never thought of Buddhism as a philosophy).

OUTSTANDING

This is a powerful book. Some parts were not easy for me to understand.
I will definitely have to re-listen at a future date.
I am glad that I got the actual book, so I could read and listen and it made it easier to get an overview and to go back to certain segments.
Chapters seven and nine are very interesting, especially chapter nine, which really gives pause to think.
I absolutely recommend this book.
The Dalai Lama is an amazing man. I have so much respect for him.
He is a treasure to humanity.
The narrator, mr. Richard Gere did an excellent job and I especially enjoyed the interview at the end of the book.
My thanks to all involved for making this outstanding book available to us, JK

Very intriguing listen, pretty heavy at times

apprciated his Holiness' thoughts on modern day scientific and humanistic dilemmas, some heavy philosophy in there

Very intriguing.

For me, it's interesting to think about how the scientific community and religion can peacefully coexist, and how that the two can compliment each other. It was great that this audiobook has been narrated by Richard Gere. Thank you for an enjoyable experience!

must listen

love the way everything is easily explained to listener. his holiness takes the listener into a better understand of the world and within.

the narration was spot on

Richard Geer is so clear in voice and has a wonderful rhythm and fluctuation.
His Holiness is a gift to mankind. Genuine, wise and a most educated man . Jolly and lovely too

A scientist 2 cents

If you have pondered the ethical questions confronting not only the direction but the application of scientific discovery this book is a must. I found some passages very rich in both information and philosophical implication and was compelled to review them several times. His Holiness the Dalai Lama embarks on an eminently relevant and refreshingly engaging dialog about the interface and role of ones core values and science. Being a Christian with little knowledge of Buddhism I found the insight I gained into Buddhism valuable and the ethical parallels poignant. Although several of Buddhism???s core beliefs differ drastically from my own, the compassion and quest for the good of all should resonate with every true citizen of the world.

Great Book, Excellently Narrated

This is a terrific read for someone who is into both Buddhism and science and it's excellently read by Richard Gere.

Sublime, comprehensive, Timely!

A must read for making sense of it ALL and the role you have.

Please read an actualize His Holiness The Dali Lama's plea.

Peace