..续本文上一页ause all of you have been doing long-term research and study in the arts and sciences or other academic topics, you all have a sharp intelligence. This kind of intelligence—initially listening to relevant knowledge and understanding it, then thinking, observing, and finally experiencing the outcome of this process—is very similar to what we call in Buddhism listening, contemplating, and meditating. Using such intelligence and wisdom, you can observe your own beliefs or faith carefully and seriously, and then establish a rational faith, not a superstition. If you can achieve this, it will always be a driving force for developing or improving yourself and also your communities.

　　II. Relationship between Science and Religion

　　1. Science without religion is lame

　　As intellectuals, it is indispensable to study and investigate religion. Einstein once said, “Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind.” Although this sentence may have different interpretations, I think the first phrase refers to the fact that if the products of technology, such as inventions and new discoveries, are without religious guidance, they are blind. Why

　　 Most religions, such as Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, and so forth, all encourage us toward virtue. If science is not premised on virtue, but only concerns itself with immediate success and seeks nothing but profit, then what will happen eventually

　　 Only self-destruction.

　　For intellectuals, especially those engaged in scientific works, a desire for religion, based on virtue, is essential. If you do not have correct faith, but are constantly and blindly pursuing material wealth only, your career, wealth, fame, status, and so forth may appear very successful by society”s standards, but they may not bring you happiness. This can be seen by looking at what has happened all around us. For example, nowadays, I often hear people say, “a college student committed suicide”; “a successful entrepreneur jumped off a high-rise building”; and “a senior government leader took poison.” According to many statistics, when compared to the past decade, the level of happiness in society in recent years has fallen lower and lower, and the suicide rate keeps increasing. These things happen because people lack faith. People only protect their own interests; they don”t care about the interests of others, nor do they care about social harmony. Although their external life may appear very pleasant, in fact, they are very confused, anxious, and mentally unhappy. Society really needs religion. Otherwise, while material civilization keeps advancing, ethical and moral values will decline. Over time, human beings will destroy themselves.

　　Personally, whether I am doing silent meditation or communicating with others, I always stress the important role of faith. Especially nowadays, for most people, it is very important to adopt some of the Buddha”s wisdom. Otherwise, if you have obtained this human body, but have wasted it by not making a connection with the Dharma, it is like dying of thirst while sitting beside a fresh water supply: it is such a pity. Presently, many people are preoccupied and busy all of the time. But in the end they have gained nothing in this life, and so the only thing they can do when facing death is to strongly regret their choices. This is very sad, and it has probably happened to us many times in our past lives. I hope we do not repeat the same mistakes. Instead, we should put our efforts into and focus on generating the supreme compassion and wisdom of the Buddha.

　　1) The special features of great compassion in Buddhism

　　We can establish that wisdom and compassion have a superior role in Buddhism, compared to other religions. Yet other religions should not be overlooked in their r…

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