Mansel Davies
A Scientist Looks At Buddhism by Mansel Davies
Notes from the jacket end flaps
A SCIENTIST LOOKS AT BUDDHISM
There are as many different kinds of Buddhism as there are Christian sects. Here Professor Mansel Davies introduces us to Theravada Buddhism and finds in it many parallels to the outlook which presently dominates the scientific community. Just as the empirical scientist invites the student to verify and ‘Come and See’ the results of his explorations, so does the Buddha. One of the truths he intuitively realised twenty-five hundred years ago was that no dividing line can be drawn between a man, a tree or a mountain. Now twentieth century science itself accepts that even those boundaries we have constructed between the living and non-living are not needed.
Professor Davies’ masterly exposition does not proselytize - he remains
keenly objective as he discusses theological ideas such as the existence of the soul,
immortality and reincarnation. While he rejects the mystical elements of Buddhism, we are
persuaded that it is not a religion but a philosophy free from dogma and fanaticism which can
encompass our Western scientific way of thinking. Written with cogent clarity for the
layperson as well as for the serious student, this is an exciting and challenging book. Given
the depth and perceptiveness of its insight, it is also an eminently wise one. £9.95
net
Until his retirement Mansel Davies was Professor of Chemistry at the University of Wales. As
a research scientist and a visiting professor his travels have included four round-the-world
trips and his visits to Burma, Japan and Sri Lanka helped provide authentic source material
for this present volume.
His work in molecular science has been recognised by honours awarded both at home and abroad.
In addition to numerous scientific articles and papers he has published several books -
including AN OUTLINE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE for The Thinker's Library. Professor
Davies lives in Criccieth, Caernarfonshire.
FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH The Doctor for the ills of the world. Buddha figure, ninth century. At
Gango-ji, Nara, Japan.
The Book Guild Ltd., 25 High Street, Lewes, Sussex
ISBN 0 86332 467 3
Jacket designed by Robert Soudain
