On youtube, Atheism, Empirical Attitudes, and Buddhism

[a mask with no face]

The description of the video on youtube reads: "A discussion of Atheism, Empiricism, and one religion's claim to be scientific. Why do so many Buddhists argue that this religion is merely "a science of the mind", or "a rational philosophy not requiring faith", etc.? Given its history, what is the future of Buddhism?"

http://youtu.be/bjTr1hQ9_WY

[tiltbillings]

So, who is this bald-headed guy and why should we care what he has to say?

[Sam Vara]

So, who is this bald-headed guy and why should we care what he has to say?

Well, here's his blog, where, if inclined, one can find more of the same.

http://a-bas-le-ciel.blogspot.co.uk/

I have to say that I find myself a bit underwhelmed. There is a lot of what passes for academic style and mannerisms, but precious little of substance. The main contention seems to be that there is in the West a willful disregard of some aspects of the Buddha's teachings because the supernaturalist and "non-rational" aspects are somehow inconvenient. I'm sure there are some people who feel this way; but then again, there are many others who don't, so I'm not sure what he is getting at.

[m0rl0ck]

I dont understand the need to justify buddhism on the altar of scientism.

I mean really, buddhism is subjective and science is empirical and objective. If you arent smart enough to figure out that there wont be much common ground there, unless you start making stuff up, what is your opinion worth anyway?