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2025 Buddhism, Science & Future

6th Woodenfish Forum

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​6th Woodenfish Forum: Buddhism, Science, and Future

The 2025 Woodenfish Forum on Buddhism, Science and Future convened from June 25–27 at the Grand Hotel in Taipei, Taiwan. Under the theme “Buddhism, BioEngineering and BioLife,” this landmark event brought together world-class scientists, Buddhist scholars, bioethicists, and philosophers to engage in a profound dialogue exploring how cutting-edge advancements in biotechnology, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence intersect with traditional Buddhist wisdom and ethics.

Key Themes & Discussion Highlights

 

AI, Consciousness, and Biotechnology · Synthetic Embryos and Dependent Origination · Genetic Engineering, Stem Cells, and Karma Gendered Perspectives on Bioethics and Reproductive Rights · Practical Applications and Emerging Ethical Challenges

AI, Consciousness, and Biotechnology

Exploring new developments in artificial intelligence and biotechnology, discussing their broader ethical and philosophical implications through a Buddhist lens.

Synthetic Embryos, Conception, and Dependent Origination

Examining Buddhist views on the beginning of life, applying Buddhist ethics to discuss technologies like lab-created synthetic embryos and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

 

Bioengineering, Genes, and Karma

Analyzing how advancements in genetic engineering, gene therapy, and stem cell modification intersect with Buddhist concepts of karma, rebirth, and moral causality.

 

Motherhood, Abortion, and Bioethics

Taking a gendered perspective on bioethics and Buddhism, focusing on how practices such as abortion and surrogacy affect women and motherhood both within and outside Buddhist communities.

 

Future Challenges for Buddhism and Bioethics

Addressing the real-world applications of bioethics in daily Buddhist practice and taking a forward-looking view on emerging developments in bioengineering.

Pioneering a Mindful Future

As we navigate an era of unprecedented scientific advancement, the intersection of ancient Buddhist wisdom and cutting-edge bioengineering offers a vital framework for our collective future. By placing ethical mindfulness at the heart of technological progress, this forum illuminates a path where emerging capabilities—from artificial intelligence to genetic editing—are guided by deep compassion and an understanding of our shared existence. Moving forward, the goal is not merely to expand the boundaries of scientific possibility, but to ensure that innovation honors life, preserves dignity, and fosters a more conscious, balanced world for generations to come.

  • Dates: June 25–27

  • Venue: Grand Hotel Taipei

  • Organizer: Woodenfish Foundation (USA)

Forum Speakers

BFS Yearly Editions

Rewriting Reincarnation in the Light of Frontier Biotechnology
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Los Angeles ​• New York • Boston • Beijing • Taipei

Woodenfish Foundation is an organization in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations since 2016

Woodenfish Foundation © 2026

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