THE DHARMA IN DNA INSIGHTS AT THE INTERSECTION OF BIOLOGY AND BUDDHISM

The Dharma in DNA has three objectives 1 to share the rich but underappreciated history of biologyBuddhism intersections and surprising harmonies between the two traditions 2 to evaluate Buddhist teachings from a scientific perspective using DNA as the focus of study and 3 to propose a new approach to science Bodhi Science as an ethical and operational framework for conducting Buddhist wisdomguided science and preventing pseudoscience. An interwoven side project examines the life journey of the author a professor of genetics and father in a transracial adoptive family who questions the apparent paradox of his fascination with DNA in the lab but disinterest in passing on his own DNA. Early book chapters present the core teachings and diversifications of Buddhism over the last twentyfive centuries. Subsequent chapters share stories of biologyBuddhism interactions situated in the colonial contexts examples derive from early 20th century Sri Lanka and Japan and contemporary activities of the Dalai Lama and Western biological scholars. The hypothesisguided analysis of Buddhist principles and DNA then begins touring through classical genetic research alongside modern postgenomic insights. The investigation reveals strong support for three core Buddhist concepts anitya impermanence anatman nonself and pratitysamutpada mutual causeandeffect as applied to DNA. Bodhi Science is proposed as a new mode of scientific inquiry rooted in Buddhist teachings. The approach is based on four qualities selflessness detachment awareness and compassion. Bodhi Science provides a path to strong science rooted in logicbased Buddhist ethics and helps scientists avoid the deceptive and damaging waters of pseudoscience