Piercing the Veil: Comparing Science and Mysticism as Ways of Knowing Reality
Author
Richard H. Jones
Publisher
BookSurge Publishing
3 Review Copies Left
Richard Jones explores an area in the field of "science and religion" that scholars usually neglect -- science and mysticism. In the successor to his Science and Mysticism: A Comparative Study of Western Science, Theravada Buddhism, and Advaita Vedanta, he examines the recent efforts of popularizers and scholars who see a convergence of modern science and various Asian schools of mysticism -- in particular, Madhyamaka Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta. The works he examines include the Dalai Lama's The Universe in a Single Atom: The Conver gence of Science and Spirituality, the essays in B. Alan Wallace's Buddhism and Science: Breaking New Ground, the physicist Victor Mansfield's Tibetan Buddhism & Modern Physics: Toward a Union of Love and Knowledge, and Fritjof Capra's best seller, The Tao of Physics. The entire New Age idea of any "quantum mysticism" is shown to be groundless.
In Part I, the distinctions that any comparative study of science and mysticism should recognize are outlined. Philosophical problems arising in comparing science and mysticism as ways of knowing reality are highlighted here, including issues surrounding the neurological study of meditators by such scientists as Eugene G. D'Aquili, Andrew B. Newberg, and Mario Beauregard. Other topics, such as what role mysticism may have played in the history of science, are also discussed. In Part II, the efforts of those who see convergences or parallels between modern science and Asian mysticism are examined. In Part III, central questions in the philosophy of religion related to mysticism are addressed, and a way that science and mysticism can be positively related is set forth.
Reviews
As the subtitle indicates "Piercing the Veil" delves into science and mysticism giving the reader a concrete look into ancient wisdom that comes from a variety of Eastern religions. Jones precludes much of his research and study by saying "What we need to do for mystical experiences to occur is to empty the mind of what is central to science." (p 58) I certainly can't disagree with him and truly believe that belief systems, which include science, sometimes get in our way to fully discover who we are and what reality is.
"Piercing the Veil" isn't an easy read. It is complex, multifaceted and comprehensive. At the end of each chapter Jones has "notes" which reference research. I found this part extremely helpful. This is a book that is particularly supportive if you are unsure of your own beliefs or contemplating study of mysticism. The underlying philosophical content is sure to give you direction and a deeper understanding of life. Highly recommended to those that are willing to spend the time to embark on deeper understanding.
Reviewed on 10/20/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Irene Watson
