Required method

° the formation of a hypothesis

°the collection of data

°the experimental testing of the results

°the development of conclusions

These steps illustrate that the scientific method like buddhism's right view requires empirical evidence gained though personal experience as a means acquire and verify knowledge

However the harmony between science and buddhism go beyond their roots in rationalism indeed it has been increasingly clear to many modern scientists that what science has recently discovered had already been known to the buddha 2500 years ago. In the 45 years that the buddha delivered his discourse, he revealed knowledge which is only now being verified by moderm science

If buddhism is ab analytical and rational religion, and promotes experience and understanding over belief and myth, how come there are pantheons of celestial buddhas bodhisattvas, dharmapalas and other deities which we are expected to believe in?

The buddha dharma is a path focused on the mind there are some people however who are more suited to a devotional path. Their spiritual development is therefore facilitated or enchanted by devotion to an ideal person, such as a buddha or bodhisattva, rather that by discrimination still devoltion practice does not replace understanding the four noble truths and noble eightfold path, the five percents, and the principle of impermanence and emptiness.