Laurel

Friends often question how it is that I fully embrace my atheist (scientific) beliefs as well as my Buddhist beliefs without creating inner conflict. The following clearly illustrates the lack of contradiction between the two.I recently learned of a presentation at Cornell University during which Ann Druyan, writer and media producer and widow of the late Carl Sagan (an atheist), reflected on conversations Sagan had with the Dalai Lama on science and religion in the early 1990s.In a short video shown of their conversations, Sagan asked the Dalai Lama what he as a Buddhist would do if a discovery in science conflicted with Buddhist doctrine. The Dalai Lama replied that even Buddha was said to question his teachings and that Buddhists rely on doctrine as "findings" rather than as "scripture.""If through thorough investigation things become clear, only then is it time to accept and believe," he said."So is there no conceivable scientific finding that would make you no longer consider yourself a Buddhist?" Sagan responded.The Dalai Lama said there would be no point at which his spirituality and his respect for science would come at such odds with each other. "Buddhism is not so much a religion, but a 'science of the mind' or an 'inner science' ... there is much benefit to learning from [scientists'] findings," he explained.* * * * * * * * * * *

I've certainly made my share of mistakes, learned from most of them and rarely repeat any. I'm an independent thinker, always have been. I've learned to embrace both the good and the bad times -- if we acknowledge only the good, we'd be dismissing about half of our life, and what a waste that would be! But I've also learned to turn the odds in my favor by creating a nurturing environment -- I'm financially stable, live healthy and guard my health carefully, keep stress to a minimum, stay in touch with family, and surround myself with loving, caring friends. As a Seattle native outdoor activities have always been a big part of my life. I try to fit in lots of hiking, camping, boating/kayaking and, in the winter, downhill skiing. Love to walk along the beach during the winter storms -- envigorating!! There's always something or someplace new to see and experience around here, regardless of the season or weather.