Zen and Science
with Deb Mielke and Randy Wedin
Thursday evenings, May 29 - June 26 (5 weeks class),
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Offered online and in person.
This class examines the relationship between Zen and Science, two powerful approaches humans use to understand their inner and outer worlds. The class will look at five subjects where there are intriguing correspondences (and some differences) between scientific findings and Zen concepts:
- Atoms, transformations, non-self, and interdependence
- Spacetime in physics and Buddhism: going beyond our everyday intuitions
- Contemplative science: the relatively new science of how contemplative practices affect the human mind, brain, and body
- The brain, mind, consciousness, and what happens after death
- Artificial intelligence and Buddhism: what can and should Buddhism contribute?
Each class session will include a pre-reading assignment, a teacher presentation, and small-group discussions.
This class is a follow-up to the first “Zen and Science” class that was offered in May/June 2023. The topics discussed in this second class are new topics, so they will be of interest to the students who attended the first class as well as new students who have a strong interest in science.
Deb Mielke, MD (family medicine), and Randy Wedin, PhD (chemistry), are both lay teachers at MZMC.
Suggested donation: $120
A Note About Donation-only Programming
Following the Buddhist tradition of dana, or giving, MZMC offers all of our programs on a donation basis. We offer a suggested donation amount to help people understand the average amount we hope to receive to continue to make these offerings. We encourage those with more capacity for giving to make a donation above the suggested amount to support those who need to give a smaller amount.
