Buddhist View of the Science of Life

　　Nanjing University Doctoral Forum

　　(March 14, 2011 evening)

　　Speech from the host:

　　Today, we are extremely honored to have Khenpo Sodargye Rinpoche from Serthar Buddhist Institute (Larong Gar) here at the Doctoral Forum of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies of Nanjing University. Rinpoche will give a lecture called the “Buddhist View of the Science of Life.” Before we start, please allow me to introduce Rinpoche to you.

　　When Rinpoche was young, he studied at a teaching college. After this, he renounced secular life to follow a monastic life. He followed His Holiness Jigme Phuntsok as his root guru, in order to put the Buddhadharma into practice. Rinpoche studied many sutras deeply, mastering both the profound and vast Buddhadharma. Due to his great compassion, various of his projects to benefit sentient beings have spanned continents, here and overseas. This can not only be seen in his published works, but also in the way he advocates for various charitable causes and, more importantly, earnestly practices what he advocates.

　　To have someone with such realization and great compassion to expound the Dharma to us is not only what Nanjing University aspires for, but also the supreme honor of Nanjing University. Nanjing University has always had the tradition “to seek truth from facts and then put them into practical use.” As well as the philosophy of “perfecting oneself practically,” we believe that the ultimate meaning of all knowledge is to help enhance our wisdom and life. Nanjing University not only has a physical building named “ZhiXingLou” (Building of knowledge and practice), but also seeks the tradition of the unity of knowledge and practice. As such, may we listen to the nectar of the Buddhadharma with an open mind and sound spirit. May we use our body and mind to truly experience the practical aspect of knowledge, not just book learning, and may it give rise to wisdom.

　　Now, may we welcome Khenpo with warm applause.

　　Good evening to my fellow teachers and students. I am very pleased to be here to share with the students and teachers from the Doctoral Forum of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies of Nanjing University.

　　I came to Nanjing in 1994. When I was a student, my textbook mentioned the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge. Therefore, when I came to Nanjing during that time, I went especially to see that bridge. Since then, I haven”t been here. Coming here this time, I have found that there have been a lot of changes in Nanjing. Externally, I found that there has been rapid development in terms of material development and architecture. I hope that the people in Nanjing have had similar advancement spiritually, such as in kindness, tolerance, and moral values. Today, I have been invited to talk about the “Buddhist View of the Science of Life,” so now let us explore this topic together.

　　What Is the Buddhist View of the Science of Life

　　Regarding the Buddhist view of the science of life, Lord Buddha said that no matter what kind of life we have, there are infinite and boundless past and future lives. Before buddhahood is attained and samsara is ended, cycling in the six realms will continue.

　　In order to comprehend this profound truth, we must undertake long-term study, contemplation, and establish it through reasoning. Since you all are intellectuals, I believe you are equipped with a broad vision and the analytical ability to carry out in-depth and detailed analysis. Therefore, first, let us investigate whether humans have past and future lives or not.

　　This is an extremely important issue for everyone. If we don”t have past and future lives, it is fine to live our life just as we like. On the other hand, if there are future lives, and we do not prepare…

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