What is rational Buddhism?

Rational Buddhism, as explained by Naval Ravikant in an interview with Shane Parrish on The Knowledge Project, is a philosophy that intertwines traditional Buddhist teachings with a scientific and evidence-based approach. Here's the main concept:

• Verification and Science: Ravikant emphasizes only accepting what can be personally verified or what aligns with scientific understanding. For instance, practices like meditation and the idea of underlying awareness are embraced because they can be validated through personal experience and scientific study.
• Discarding the Unverifiable: He rejects aspects of Buddhism that cannot be empirically verified, such as beliefs in past lives, karma that extends across rebirths, or supernatural phenomena like chakras. For Ravikant, if something cannot be scientifically or personally validated, it cannot be considered a fundamental truth.
• Combining Principles: His approach connects the evolutionary understanding of human nature with the internal, spiritual practice of Buddhism. Evolution explains the biological basis of human behavior, while Buddhism offers time-tested methods for improving mental and emotional well-being.
• Practical Spirituality: The essence of Rational Buddhism is about practicing techniques that enhance personal happiness and presence without subscribing to dogma. Ravikant advocates for a practical and skeptical approach: trying out what works, being open-minded, and discarding what doesn't prove useful 1.

To sum up, Rational Buddhism merges the introspective and mental training aspects of Buddhism with a rational and scientific mindset, valuing personal experimentation and evidence over unverifiable beliefs.