Discussion on Time

Discussion on Time

This is to share with you the information that I had after discussing with some fellow monks from Sera Je Monastery. We spent two hours discussing on the concept of Time both from Buddhist and Science perspectives. We learned that both agreed that Time is not Absolute but Relative.We also learned what Philosopher Augustine said "I knew what time was until I was called upon to speak of it." And also Dr. David Flinklestien  once told us that "I have been researching on Time for the past many years yet I have no idea what Time means, but I still have time." Let's Quote from His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Book Ancient Wisdom and Modern World "Another way to understand the concept of dependent origination is to consider the phenomenon of time. Ordinarily, we suppose that there is an interdependently existing entity which we call time. We speak of time past, present and future. However, when we look more closely, we see that again this concept is merely a convention. We find that the term 'present moment' is just a label denoting the interface between the tenses 'past' and 'future'. We cannot actually pinpoint the present. Just a fraction of a second before the supposed present moment lies the past, just a fraction of a second after lies the future." According to Science we learnt that there are three Arrow of Time namely:Thermodynamic arrow of Time, Psychological Arrow of Time, Cosmological Arrow of Time. But we are not able to know what is second law of Thermodynamic so, we are looking forward to your help on this. Secondly, the question that we are not able to solve is that according to Science 'The faster one travels or the closer one is to an object with a very strong gravitational pull time elapses more slowly' We don't know how? One interesting thoughts that comes up in the discussion while discussing  is that 'Does it means that the gods those who has very long life span live nearer to the core of this galaxy because, the stronger the pull from the center of the massive galaxy has more effect on slowing  their time. Same idea is also prevalent in Buddhism as Highly qualified yogi can alter their experienced of time so that for what others may experience is only an instant is experienced by the mediators as a much longer period of time. And also Asanga who spent a morning in Pure Land with Maitreya when returned to Earth it has already passed fifty years on Earth. 

For the conclusion we want to quote from a book called The way of the white clouds by Lama Anagarika Govinda" It is the flow, the continuity of its movement that makes the river; and it is same with time. One he who accepts it in its fullness, in its eternal and life-giving rhythm, in which its continuity consists, can master it and make it his own. By accepting time in this way, by not resisting its flow, it loses its power over us and we are carried by it like on the crest of a wave, without being submerged and without losing sight of our essential timelessness." I hope that someone will shine light to the questions and doubt that has been raised in this discussion.

China-Tibet Initiative
March 25th, 2012
                                                                                                                                                Issue 1

China-Tibet Initiative is a dialogue between Chinese and Tibetans (but not Chinese and Tibetan exclusive) taking place twice a month. The purpose of the dialogue is to get to know one another and exchange cultural values and life experiences.

"Tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where peoples are becoming more and more closely interconnected." - Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations


Jack’s story
Jack shared his story about moving from Shenyang to Beijing when he was young, seeing Tibetans for the first time when he toured in Gansu province, participating in the 2008 Olympics games as a city volunteer and going to college here in Emory.
Regarding to Jack stories, many questions such as “if he was seeing Tibetans for the first time in Gansu,” “What happened when Tibetans were protesting during the Olympics games,” and Nate asked “which of his middle school classmate went to the same high school and college with him,” which turned out to be Nate himself.


Sangpo’s story
Later Sangpo told his story about his childhood in Sichuan and Lhasa, escaping to Nepal and India, and how he decided to become a monk. Much discussion has been done on the protests within Lhasa, how people in Tibet receive information from Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal.
Many Chinese students were shocked at the long escaping process Tibetans have to go through and the risks they face.
After the conversation, everyone felt they have gained and achieved a lot from the conversation.


Ngawang: “Dialogue opens the door for better relationship and more harmonious society.”


Nate:  "Some stories are like in the movies.”

Next dialogue will be on April 7th, anyone is welcome to come, more details coming up.

                                                                                                                               by Bart Qian


For more information please LL Bart Qian or Ngawang Norbu