The Dharma in DNA

Can science and religion converge when it comes to understanding the self? Dee Denver's 'The Dharma in DNA' argues they can—and that they may already be speaking the same language.

1. The relationship between science and religion isn’t as opposed as it seems.

Science and religion have long been seen as adversaries, locked in a historic struggle over truth claims. The assumption has often been that they stand on opposite sides, offering irreconcilable ways of viewing the world. In Western history especially, moments like the publication of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species seemed to set religious explanations at odds with scientific discoveries.

However, this opposition is not universal. Different traditions approach questions of the self, existence, and the universe in ways that don’t necessarily clash with scientific principles. In fact, some frameworks, such as Buddhism, align quite well with scientific perspectives. Unlike many Western religions, Buddhism doesn’t require the belief in an immortal soul or a divine creator, making it more compatible with scientific approaches like evolution.

For instance, Buddhist ideas about impermanence and interconnectedness resonate with scientific acknowledgment of constant change and ecosystems. The key, as Denver shows, is examining specific claims and teachings rather than making broad assumptions about incompatibility.

Examples

• Darwin’s theory of evolution challenges the creation myth but aligns with Buddhism’s rejection of fixed forms.
• Stephen Jay Gould suggested non-overlapping domains where science explains facts and religion explores values, a framework that fits Buddhism.
• Buddhist teachings on change mirror biological concepts like genetic mutations and evolutionary adaptability.

2. The Buddhist view of "nonself" dismantles ideas of a fixed identity.

Buddhism refutes the concept of a stable, unchangeable self. This philosophy is rooted in the idea of "anatman," or nonself, which suggests that what we call the self is actually a dynamic combination of elements. These elements—body, sensations, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness—are constantly shifting and interacting.

Through this lens, the self isn't a separate entity but a relationship among these fleeting processes. The story of King Menander and the monk Nagasena illustrates this point. When the king tries to pinpoint Nagasena’s self within his hair, skin, bones, or even consciousness, the monk explains that each aspect is only a part of a larger whole, just as a chariot is not its axle, wheels, or frame alone.

This understanding makes space for acceptance of life's impermanence. When we let go of the false idea of a static self, Buddhists argue, we free ourselves from much of the suffering that comes with clinging to what is ever-changing.

Examples

• Buddhists compare the self to a chariot: a collection of parts without a singular, lasting essence.
• Aging and changing desires exemplify the fleeting nature of what we consider our identity.
• Sensations like the warmth of tea or the sting of nettles feel real, but they disappear as quickly as they arise.

3. Biology also suggests the self is not a fixed identity.

Modern science challenges the idea of a permanent self. DNA research shows that humans are not static collections of traits. Instead, bodies are shaped by a fluid interplay between genes and environmental factors. Francis Crick’s “astonishing hypothesis” states that our awareness and identity arise from nerve cells and molecules rather than anything enduring or unchangeable within us.

DNA does not act alone—it interacts with its environment in complex ways. These interactions further emphasize the dynamic, ever-changing nature of who we are. Identical twins, for instance, may share the same genetic predispositions but lead vastly different emotional lives depending on their circumstances.

From a biological standpoint, this reinforces the Buddhist perspective of nonself. Genes don’t define us in isolation, just as the Buddhist self isn’t tied to any single feature of our bodies or minds.

Examples

• DNA expression varies by environment, proving that even genetics are not fixed predictions for identity.
• Twins with identical DNA can experience depression differently based on life circumstances.
• Natural selection shapes us at the genetic level, which we experience as an ongoing process of change.

4. Interconnectedness bridges Buddhist and biological views of life.

Both Buddhism and biology emphasize interconnected systems. In Buddhism, the self is part of a vast web of relationships. Similarly, in biology, no organism exists independently of its environment. Natural selection doesn’t just shape traits; it adapts organisms to the ecosystems they inhabit.

This view has profound implications. It suggests that the world and the self are not distinct but are constantly influencing each other. A river’s flow might create the whirlpool, but the whirlpool is not a separate entity—it’s entrained in the movement of water. For Buddhists, the self is like that whirlpool, a product of surrounding forces.

Understanding this interconnectedness also helps us appreciate our impact on the environment and society, turning selfish pursuits into opportunities for compassion and responsibility.

Examples

• Ecosystems rely on relationships, just as individuals do: predators control prey populations, and plants depend on pollinators.
• Gene-environment interaction shapes identities, such as how malnutrition can stifle physical growth despite genetic potential.
• The metaphor of the river and whirlpool illustrates interconnectedness in both Buddhism and biology.

5. Clinging to fixed identities leads to suffering.

Buddhism teaches that suffering arises when we try to make something impermanent permanent. For example, tying our happiness to physical youth or career success sets us up for disappointment when those inevitably change.

Biological insights align with this. Aging and genetic variability underscore the impermanence of our physical traits. Fixating on preserving certain attributes is futile. Recognizing this can lead to greater peace of mind and acceptance of the natural flow of life.

By letting go of rigid identities, we move away from cycles of dissatisfaction toward a lifestyle of gratitude and adaptability.

Examples

• Wrinkles and gray hair are reminders of physical impermanence that we can either resist or embrace.
• Careers evolve or end; clinging to professional identity can lead to midlife crises.
• Genetic predispositions, such as losing hair, remind us that some changes are out of our control.

6. Understanding impermanence can foster compassion.

Buddhist teachings on impermanence encourage empathy. Recognizing that everyone’s struggles are part of a shared human experience can help us be kinder to ourselves and others.

Likewise, biology shows that humans are social creatures who thrive in compassionate communities. Our evolution favors traits like cooperation and altruism, making kindness not just a moral choice but part of what keeps communities strong.

Seeing life as interconnected and temporary reminds us to value relationships, focus on experiences, and work together to improve the world.

Examples

• Families that support each other emotionally often thrive during hardships.
• Acts of kindness release oxytocin, promoting bonding and reducing stress.
• Evolutionary biology suggests humans survive better through cooperation rather than isolation.

7. Both Buddhism and biology embrace the mystery of existence.

Both traditions ultimately acknowledge that individual life is part of something far greater and more mysterious. For Buddhists, understanding nonself opens doors to enlightenment, while biologists view life as a “whirlpool” within the overwhelming flow of the universe.

This shared humility paves the way for collaboration. Rather than claiming final answers, both Buddhism and biology point to life’s wondrous complexity.

Examples

• Mathematical theories like chaos theory align with Buddhist principles of unpredictable flow.
• Neuroscience supports the idea that human identity is fluid and not concretely defined.
• Norbert Wiener’s metaphor of the whirlpool reflects both disciplines’ fascination with constant change.

Takeaways

1. Reflect on impermanence: Practice meditation or journaling to observe how your thoughts, emotions, and body sensations change over time.
2. Embrace interconnectedness: Foster gratitude for the people and systems that contribute to your life—whether friends, family, or even nature.
3. Let go of fixed identities: Avoid clinging to rigid definitions of who you are; instead, remain open to growth and transformation.