Ep 1.18: What Scientists, Christians, and Other Spiritualities can learn from Buddhism

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Richard Randolph has a far-ranging conversation on Buddhism, ecology, and Western science with Dr. Stephanie Kaza.  Dr. Kaza is Professor Emerita at the University of Vermont, where she taught Environmental Studies for many years.  She also has lay ordination as a Zen Buddhist.  She has written extensively on religion and ecology, eco-feminism, consumer culture, and environmental justice—all from a Zen Buddhist perspective.  These show notes conclude with publication information on books by Dr. Kaza for those interested in further reading.  

 Stephanie Kaza earned a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of California-Santa Cruz.  She also has two Masters degrees: a MA in Education from Stanford and a Masters of Divinity from the Unitarian Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkely.  

 Contents: 

1. Richard Randolph began the episode by sharing his commitment to inter-religious dialogue.  Although Randolph makes his spiritual home within Christianity, he believes that he can deepen his Christian faith and grow spiritually by learning from other religious traditions and spiritual perspectives.  He believes a compelling illustration of the possibilities for this spiritual cross-fertilization was well exemplified by the Hindu Mahatma Gandhi and the Christian Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2. The interview began with Dr. Kaza sharing her scientific and spiritual journey, which led to her life’s work in environmental studies and advocacy, principally from a Zen Buddhist perspective.  
3.  Following her autobiographical introduction, Dr. Kaza elaborated on her claim in Green Buddhism that environmental work needs to be placed in the context of a “steady spiritual practice, knowing the work will go on beyond our own lifetimes.”  Dr. Kaza explained how Buddhism sustained her work as a scientist and an environmentalist.
4. Dr. Kaza next described her proposal for creating an “intimacy with nature.”
5. Their discussion of “intimacy with nature” then segued into a description of the Buddhist metaphor of “Indra’s Net” as a powerful explanation for the interdependence of all life, which is also a critical concept in environmental studies.  
6. Noting that over consumption is a significant driving force to many environmental problems, Dr. Kaza explained Buddhism’s critique of contemporary consumerism, especially in advanced societies.  
7. Next, they discussed Buddhism’s critique of contemporary, Western science.  Dr. Kaza noted that Buddhism sees many advantages in contemporary science, but also recognizes significant limitations in the way scientific research and teaching are currently practiced.   
8. Acknowledging it is easy to become depressed and hopeless by the scope of current environmental challenges, Stephanie Kaza concluded the interview by describing how Buddhism offers grounding for hope in the face of these overwhelming challenges.  
9. After the interview concluded, Richard shared some important ways in which Buddhism has strengthened and deepened his faith as a Christian, especially in the face of the environmental crises. 

 For Further Reading, Three Books by Dr. Stephanine Kaza:

 Kaza, Stephanie (ed.). Hooked! Buddhist Writings on Greed, Desire, and the Urge to Consume. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 2005.

 Kaza, Stephanie. Mindfully Green: A Personal and Spiritual Guide to Whole Earth Thinking. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 2008.

 Kaza, Stephanie. Green Buddhism: Practice and Compassionate Action in Uncertain Times. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 2019.

To financially support this podcast series, go to www.scienceandspirituality.org/support  

To access Richard’s new Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com