Observation and Reality (2018)

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This conference, a 3-day cross-cultural exchange, brings together internationally based scientists in dialogue with 30 Buddhist monastic scholars. Foundational questions in quantum mechanics, have strong resonance in debates found between different Buddhist philosophical schools. How does the experimental evidence of modern physics intersect with Buddhist conceptions of causations, the observer, and how does the act of observation influence our measurements in nature? The monastics, and scientist alike, both steward traditions that strongly encourages dialogue and the open exchange of ideas.

The conference is connected to a 4-week workshop that trained 30 monastic scholars in a first time introductory science course. The course took place before the conference, from September 3^rd to 28^th. The monastics represent several different Buddhist traditions and monasteries within Sikkim and will participate in the conference panel discussions, and questions and answers sessions.