Lesson series
Science, Experience and Interdependence
Level 100
Modern science and Buddhist philosophy converge on a provocative claim: our ordinary perception of reality is fundamentally shaped by illusion. Through inquiry and contemplative practice, we examine how these distortions arise and how recognizing them can shift our experience of self and world.
Instructor – Dr. Carl Pilcher
Fridays May 15th to June 19th
10:00-11:30 AM PT
- 6 live online classes with guided practices
- Zoom link sent on registration
- Recordings available or 6 months
- Donation only
Note: After the class has begun, you will receive an email asking for a donation. Please offer whatever you feel. Dharma College is a 501(c)(3) and exists on your generosity. Thank you in advance.
Description
How we perceive the world, including other people, has profound effects on our thoughts, feelings, behavior, and well-being. Yet our perceptions are generally illusory, providing us a distorted view of reality. Buddhism has been teaching for 2500 years that we are subject to illusion. Science began developing similar perspectives in the mid-19th Century. Seeing through the illusions both analytically and experientially, including through spiritual practice, can be transformative. In this course we will delve into both science and Buddhism to understand better how we are subject to illusion and how we may begin transformation to a different way of seeing and being in the world.
Who is this course for
No experience or prior knowledge of science or Buddhism is required, but those with such backgrounds are highly desired participants. Presentations are intended to be accessible, interesting, and frequently challenging for all. Discussions will provide opportunities for all to contribute from their own experience and to raise questions. Practice sessions derived from Buddhist teachings will be part of each class. There will not be reading assignments, but numerous books and other sources will be cited for those wishing to explore more deeply.
Format
- Duration: This class covers six weeks (about 1 and a half months) of online classes.
- Session length: 90 minutes (about 1 1/2 hours) Access to recordings: Each class is recorded and available for personal use for 6 months.
- Community Engagement: Questions and discussions will take place on our community portal, allowing class members to deepen their understanding and add to the discussion.
Instructor
Dr. Carl Pilcher
Dr. Carl Pilcher is retired from a career in space science. He holds a B.S. and Ph.D. in Chemistry, the latter from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an M.P.A. in International Relations from Princeton University. He was on the astronomy faculty of the University of Hawaii for a dozen years before becoming a NASA administrator for almost 3 decades. His professional arc took him from planetary science to serving as Director of the NASA Astrobiology Institute. He is currently an Affiliated Research Scientist with the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science. He began studying ancient teachings in 2015 with a Hindu teacher and joined the Dharma College community as a student in late 2021. Central to his interests are integrating ancient wisdom, particularly of non-dualism, with a modern scientific world view.
Level 100
- Fridays May 15th to June 19th
- 10:00-11:30am PT
- Video recordings available for six months in a private community portal
Note: After the class has begun, you will receive an email asking for a donation. Please offer whatever you feel. Dharma College is a 501(c)(3) and exists on your generosity. Thank you in advance.