Science, Mathematics and Buddhism

[raushan]

Hi all,

I have recently been thinking about what is the Buddhism view on science and Mathematics. I find science, Math, engineering quite facinating. It has the power of changing the world from one way to another. Through science and engineering an idea can be given which will benefit of million of people. For example Internet. Through internet education has become cheaper and is accessible to poor people. Many Dhamma teachers are using this medium for teaching.

Then there are recent innovations are coming up like bitcoin. Bitcoin has the power of reforming the economy. Work is done by Elon musk.

I also want to make carrier as a computer scientist. At the same time i am practicing vipassana.

I was thinking will it create conflict with my carrier goal? Or, will it help me? As for this work we require long hours of thinking on concepts. Is it against the meditation?

[dharma bum]

As for this work we require long hours of thinking on concepts. Is it against the meditation?

it is an interesting question. my own thoughts are that if you lose yourself in your work, then it is almost like meditation. if you can do your work without anxiety or fear, then it is very compatible with meditation.

the problem often is that there is a political component to most jobs and some workplaces are more political than others, which makes a simple, clean work-life hard to achieve. the ideal is to manage to not get bothered with it, but i've personally found it hard to not get bothered.

[raushan]

As for this work we require long hours of thinking on concepts. Is it against the meditation?

it is an interesting question. my own thoughts are that if you lose yourself in your work, then it is almost like meditation. if you can do your work without anxiety or fear, then it is very compatible with meditation.

the problem often is that there is a political component to most jobs and some workplaces are more political than others, which makes a simple, clean work-life hard to achieve. the ideal is to manage to not get bothered with it, but i've personally found it hard to not get bothered.

Yes I have heard the concept of flow similar to losing yourself in work. It is a very blissful state.

Regarding the political component I agree about that. Currently I am working in corporate as a software engineer, The environment I find is not good. So, I am planning to move towards research area. That is my interest and also I believe less political.

[dharma bum]

hi raushan, as somebody who is possibly a little bit older than you, i would suggest you talk to people who are in research or academia if that is what you have in mind.

[BeHereNow]

My work is very political... I work in government :-)

It used to bother me a lot, and with time I've been better able to do my job as best as I can, and let go of the rest.  Now I almost find it amusing how wrapped up everyone gets in drama and the issue of the day.  I also find I have much more compassion for the suffering of so many that are caught up in the politics of it all.

It is not easy and for sure a more nourishing environment would be great, but just to encourage you that even if the environment is less than ideal, with time and practice it can become bearable and even an act of service to hold the space as others are freaking out...

In my view any job can be compatible with meditation.  If one approaches each task with as much presence and attention as possible, and works with aversion as it arises, it becomes a meditation in itself.

Much metta,
Paula