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

Discovery of balance

Excellent discussion! Very insightful and provides hope for collaborative effort from both scientific and spiritual awarenesses to reach deeper understanding.

This book is right on the mark

While I had wished that it was read by the Dalai Lama himself (I saw him speak two years ago and his presence and speaking was warm and wonderful).. However, Richard Gere does fine.

This book is right on the mark for the current debate about religion and science as shown in the national debate over Evolution being taught in schools. This would be a wonderful teaching tool for any science educator or a self discovery tool for any scientist who struggles with questions of faith in order to show an example of how science could enhance religion versus challenge it. It definitely gave me a lot to think about it.

Excellent Commentary on Science and Spirituality

Though raised without technology, the Dalai Llama shows great understanding of science and its implications.

Thoughtful for Open Minds

The sad part is that those who should confront this information are unlikely to. Wisdom requires openness to being wrong.

The thoughts put forth in this book are not at all against modernity and science, but ask we do not accept the dogma of science knowing all and solving all.

fantastic

I loved every word and thought in this story or book and I will definitely listen to it again thank you too the Dali Lama and I believe it was Richard Gere who read it

Way More Advanced Then the Average Person

What was said was powerful, from what I could comprehend but this book was way above my head and far more advanced the the average reader can grasp. even Richard Gere said in the end that this more for Harvard Scholars. I finished it but only grasped maybe 5% of the message.

We should all love this man

i wish they tought this in school.

Research means finding again.

Very lucid discussion of an open ended issue. Amazing how many correlates the Dalai Lama finds between modern science and the logical and spiritual thinking of his religious tradition.

A Genius of our time

The depth and simplicity of His holiness’s considerations truly make us wiser and more thoughtful. No one has been more compelling and clearer in pointing out the metaphysics of modern scientific materialism. He is not reactionary towards science, but actually helps paint a picture in which phenomenology and empirical exploration can collaborate for a holistic approach to human learning and knowledge.

His Holiness Makes It So Interesting

What a brilliant read. Almost two decades after initial publishing, the insights and inquiries are so relevant to our times. The compassion and clarity with which His Holiness approached the complex questions and issues offered a delightfully honest and searing perspective. I can’t recommend this book enough.