How does the Dalai Lama respond to the Big Bang theory in The Universe in a Single Atom?

The Dalai Lama accepts the scientific evidence for the Big Bang. The Dalai Lama suggests our universe may be one of an endless series, with no absolute first beginning.

What does the Dalai Lama say Buddhists should do if science disproves a traditional belief?

The Dalai Lama says Buddhists should accept clear scientific findings and abandon the old belief. Ancient Buddhist maps of the world around Mount Meru can therefore be set aside.

Why do Buddhists find no conflict between their beliefs and the Big Bang?

Buddhism has no creation story that science could contradict. A universe arising from earlier causes fits the Buddhist teaching of dependent origination.

Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B 1RB0

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Buddhism: Matters of Life and Death

Buddhist teaching on the origins and value of the universe

3 things to know
Paper 1

Overview

Why origins matter little, traditional teaching on the beginning, the Dalai Lama's The Universe in a Single Atom on the Big Bang and on science disproving belief, nature in the Buddha's life, and Buddhist economics.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Why do many Buddhists think the origin of the universe has little significance?

Key term

What does traditional Buddhist teaching say about the beginning of the universe?

Numbers

What is The Universe in a Single Atom?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
Why do many Buddhists think the origin of the universe has little significance?
Model answer
The Buddha refused to say whether the universe is eternal or had a beginning. Questions about origins do not help a person end suffering.
2
What does traditional Buddhist teaching say about the beginning of the universe?
Model answer
Traditional Buddhist teaching describes the universe as beginningless, with world systems arising and passing away in vast cycles. A creator god plays no part in this process.
3
What is The Universe in a Single Atom?
Model answer
The Universe in a Single Atom is a 2005 book by the XIV Dalai Lama about science and Buddhism. Chapter 4 compares the Big Bang with the Buddhist idea of a beginningless universe.
4
How does the Dalai Lama respond to the Big Bang theory in The Universe in a Single Atom?
Model answer
The Dalai Lama accepts the scientific evidence for the Big Bang. The Dalai Lama suggests our universe may be one of an endless series, with no absolute first beginning.
5
What does the Dalai Lama say Buddhists should do if science disproves a traditional belief?
Model answer
The Dalai Lama says Buddhists should accept clear scientific findings and abandon the old belief. Ancient Buddhist maps of the world around Mount Meru can therefore be set aside.
6
Why do Buddhists find no conflict between their beliefs and the Big Bang?
Model answer
Buddhism has no creation story that science could contradict. A universe arising from earlier causes fits the Buddhist teaching of dependent origination.

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