Bringing Buddhism and Science Together
On December 6 and 7, 2025, the Seventh Annual Dzogchen Buddha Path Buddhism and Science Conference was held online, bringing together scholars, scientists, and dedicated buddhist practitioners from all around the world. Guided by His Eminence Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche, this two-day conference expressed a long-standing aspiration of Rinpoche to foster an open, respectful, and experiential dialogue between Buddhist wisdom and contemporary scientific understanding, for the benefit of all beings.
The conference was sponsored by the Dzogchen Shri Singha Foundation, and hosted by the Dzogchen Buddha Path Sangha Community, the conference was offered openly to the public and all sangha members. Because it was held on Zoom, it allowed people from many countries, cultures, and backgrounds to participate together, in a shared inquiry that was both grounded and expansive.
A Living Dialogue Between Dharma and Science
The Dzogchen Buddha Path Buddhism and Science Conference is not structured as a debate, but as a dialogue. Under the guidance of Khenpo Choga Rinpoche, knowledgeable speakers offer short presentations drawn from their respective scientific and academic fields. These talks are followed by questions from participants, brief summaries, reflections from senior lamas, and concluding commentary from Rinpoche himself.
Throughout the weekend, Khenpo Choga Rinpoche gave commentary and feedback to each speaker. He consistently encouraged students to learn as much as possible about science, and to contemplate carefully how scientific discoveries relate to the Buddha’s teachings on mind, perception, causality, and interdependence. In this way, the conference reflected Rinpoche’s goal to explore and contrast the differences and similarities between Buddha Shakyamuni‘s teachings and science.
Topics Explored in the 2025 Conference
This year’s conference featured three speakers each day, addressing a wide range of topics. Presentations included:
- It’s Official: Material Reductionism is Dead, and What That Means for Buddhists
- The Science Behind Human Motivation
- Movements of Particles
- Economic Rate of Return, Financial Rate of Return, and Present Value
- Perception in Science and Buddhism
- High Performance Neuroscience and Flow
Each speaker presented their subject clearly and concisely, and then thoughtfully related their topic to the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni. After each presentation, participants engaged in a question-and-answer period, allowing for deeper clarification and reflection. A senior lama offered a short summary of the presentation, highlighting key points, before Khenpo Choga Rinpoche provided his own commentary, grounding the discussion firmly in Buddhist view and practice.
Guidance Rooted in Experience
What gave the conference its particular depth was the steady presence of Khenpo Choga Rinpoche. His comments, insights, and teachings expanded the minds and understanding of each and every participant and speaker. Helping everyone to understand how Buddha’s teachings relate to science and where the view of science both agrees and disagrees with the Dharma
Looking Forward
The 2025 Dzogchen Buddha Path Buddhism and Science Conference was widely regarded as a success. The quality of the presentations, the sincerity of the dialogue, and the clarity of Khenpo Choga Rinpoche’s guidance all contributed to an atmosphere of learning and contemplation. As an ongoing annual offering of the Dzogchen Shri Singha Foundation, this conference continues to reflect a commitment to learning, reflection, and genuine engagement with the modern world, while remaining faithful to the timeless wisdom of the Buddhist path