Bringing Science and Faith Together for Consensus: Dr. Henry Lee meets Master Hsin Tao at the LJM

(中央社訊息服務20230925 10:39:40)Internationally acclaimed forensic expert, Dr. Henry Chang-Yu Lee, paid a courtesy visit to Founding Abbot Master Hsin Tao of the Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society (LJM) at the LJM’s Wu Sheng Monastery in August. One is a reputable scientist known for his forensic expertise, and the other is a religious guru venerated for his Buddhist practice, yet they realized during the meeting that they share many common viewpoints when it comes to ecology and spirituality. They both hold the view that the awakening of humanity and spirituality is the key to ecological sustainability, ultimately ensuring the preservation of life as it is.

Titled as ‘Taiwan’s Pioneering Figure in Forensic Science,’ Dr. Lee has resided and worked in the United States for an extended period. Currently, he is engaged as a visiting scholar on a lecture tour in Taiwan. The meeting created a unique opportunity for an insightful discussion between Dr. Lee and Master Hsin Tao, exploring the intersections of science and religion. At first glance, their backgrounds appear worlds apart; Dr. Lee's extensive career in forensic science contrasts starkly with Master Hsin Tao's spiritual pursuits. However, their life experiences have endowed them with profound insights into the realms of perception and emotion, forming the basis of their remarkably deep perspectives. It is hardly surprising that their viewpoints on the current global challenges, encompassing natural disasters and man-made calamities, resonate in remarkable harmony.

During his dialogue with Master Hsin Tao, Dr. Lee illuminated the striking parallels between their life experiences. He drew attention to a significant coincidence – his own involvement in conducting forensic investigations at mass graves in Croatia during a United Nations-sanctioned mission following the civil war in the former Yugoslavia. This perilous assignment provided him with a firsthand glimpse into the horrors of war. Dr. Lee was deeply moved by the profound compassion embodied in Master Hsin Tao's concept of ‘Loving the Earth, Loving Peace.’ He believed that to truly make people appreciate the paramount importance of peace, the moral and spiritual strengths inherent in religion play an indispensable role.

Master Hsin Tao emphasized the importance of shifting the world's perspective away from a human-centric view. He advocated for recognizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of all life forms in the world. This philosophy is encapsulated in the LJM motto: "Respect the Value of Every Existence, Foster Tolerance in the Environment, and Embrace Love in Providing What is Needed."