Cause and Effect

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A Dialogue between
Science
Buddhism

• - Cause and Effect
• - Interconnectedness
• - Space and time

on
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Classical view The universe is Deterministic

Universe mathematically predictable movement of
particles and waves God gives the initial push
and the universe evolves deterministically.
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Classical universe

Gods initial push
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So matter composed particles with well defined
trajectory position and velocity. Their motions
are mediated by energy in the form of waves

Is this still true in the subatomic world ?
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The truth Superposition of paths
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Schrodingers cat
Alive or dead?
Its not seen in real world due to quantum
decoherence (too many quantum objects each
interfere in there own way)
Quantum theory The Universe is non-deterministic
Is there a more profound inherent cause ?
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God rolls the dice?
In the realm of Buddhism
Inherent Law of Cause and Effect

Transcends space and time Simultaneity
Penetrate all previous and project to all future
life existences
Consciousness may help create reality
Three Thousand Realms in a Single Moment of Mind
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Not necessarily a dilemma
Question wave or particle ? Classical theory
Ans wave-particle duality (Quantum
Theory)
Buddhism
The universe is like an ocean. Lives are water
waves momentarily emerge and annihilate from this
big ocean - Josei Toda
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Interconnectedness (classically) Butterfly effect

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Entanglement
Quantum Entanglement Besides up/down, similar
correspondence of causally unconnected events
appear if we measure left/right or other spin
directions
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Oneness of Self and the Environment
Compassionate Universe
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Quantum Cosmology
Universe ?Multiverse Each universe has its own
physical constants and geometry
Mature universe
Extincting universe
Baby universe
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• What Buddhism said ?
• It label the law of universe as

nam myoho renge kyo
Devotion to the Mystic Law of the Lotus Sutra
(cause and effect)

• which includes the following laws
• - inherent law of cause and effect
• oneness of self and environment
• eternity of Life

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If Quantum Theory is the ultimate foundation
where scientific law can reach, this opens ways
for various religious interpretations.
Conversely, religious teachings need to be
compatible with known laws of science
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end
Quest of wisdom of nature and spirit is a forever
undertaking.
There is no beginnings and ends !