In a world increasingly dominated by the relentless march of technology and the dazzling spectacle of human achievement, the call to cultivate a sense of awe is often drowned out by the cacophony of social media notifications and the insatiable pursuit of novelty. As we stand on the precipice of a new era marked by missions such as Polaris Dawn, in which civilian astronauts ventured high into the atmosphere aboard a SpaceX rocket, we are invited to reflect on our relationship with wonder and how a Buddhist perspective can illuminate our path through this technologically saturated landscape.

The Polaris Dawn mission featured the Dragon 2 spacecraft making its way far beyond our planet’s surface, taking its crew farther than any humans have ventured since NASA’s Apollo moon missions. Journalist Josh Dinner wrote of the launch:

Roaring off the launch pad, the rocket’s nine Merlin engines cast a blisteringly bright light on the still waters around KSC, climbing the sky as the fire’s glow reflected off the low, early morning clouds to disperse a dim yellow hue for miles around the space center, until becoming another shimmering point among the stars. (Space.com)

Yet amid such monumental achievements, we often encounter a jarring juxtaposition: the disappointment and cynicism expressed by social media users, who criticize the mission for not meeting their inflated expectations. What has happened to our collective sense of awe?

This dissonance can be likened to the observations made by actor William Shatner after his own brief journey to the edge of space. After looking back at the Earth from high orbit, Shatner famously noted: “There was no mystery, no majestic awe to behold . . . all I saw was death.” (The New Statesman) Shatner’s insight in that moment reflects a critical turning point in our understanding of what it means to explore the cosmos; rather than seeking external validation through technological feats, perhaps the true journey lies in recognizing our own fragility and our interconnectedness here on our home planet.

Human civilization has historically been characterized by an insatiable urge to expand—through exploration, conquest, and technological advances. From the expansion of the Magadhan empire under Ashoka to the voyages of Columbus and Magellan, this trajectory of expansion was often viewed as a pathway to enlightenment and progress. However, as the landscape of exploration has shifted toward the starry heavens, we find ourselves grappling with the consequences of our actions here on Earth.

Consider the monumental achievement of the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, which captivated more than 600 million viewers—about one in five people on the planet at the time. This shared experience inspired a sense of global unity and wonder that transcended cultural and national boundaries. It was a moment that illustrated the potential of humanity to overcome differences, to dream together, and to reach for the stars.

And for decades, humans on Earth have basked in the awe described by the few astronauts who have experienced the so-called “overview effect,” a perspective that is said to often lead to an overwhelming sense of unity with humanity and a deepened understanding of our shared responsibility to protect our planet. Such an experience aligns closely with Buddhist teachings, which emphasize interconnectedness and the importance of mindfulness in our actions.

The concept of shunyata, or emptiness, teaches us that our perceptions shape our reality. When we become trapped in cycles of distraction through overstimulation by social media, caught in the rat race of consumerism, or enamored by the allure of technological prowess, we risk losing touch with the profound beauty of existence. Instead of merely celebrating technological advances, a Buddhist perspective invites us to pause, reflect, and cultivate a sense of wonder that transcends the superficial.

Consider the literary works of authors such as Hermann Hesse, whose novel Siddhartha (Fischer Verlag 1922) encapsulates the journey of self-discovery and the quest for enlightenment. The titular Siddhartha’s journey teaches us that true fulfillment does not arise from external achievements but from a deep understanding of ourselves and our relationship with the world around us. Similarly, we can draw inspiration from popular culture, such as the contemplative themes found in films such as Interstellar (2014), which grapple with humanity’s search for meaning in the vastness of space while ultimately underscoring our responsibility to nurture our own planet.

While there are many tangible benefits to space travel, the most important are often difficult to quantify. A sense of awe, the overcoming of international differences, a forward-looking perspective, and a realization of how small many of our problems truly are, are the greatest gifts that come from looking toward the stars. These benefits echo the Buddhist concept of sangha, or community, which teaches the importance of connection and of shared experience.

So how can we reclaim a sense of awe in the face of modern technology and distractions? The answer lies in returning to the deep roots of our spiritual traditions. For Buddhists, there are many paths to awe, from full-body prostrations and the nianfo (recollection of the Buddha) to pilgrimage to holy sites or the simple practice of mindfulness. By taking up any of these practices with sincere devotion, we can cultivate a deeper awareness of our world and the interconnectedness of all life. These practices encourage us to slow down, observe, and appreciate everything around us in its multifaceted beauty. Whether we are watching a rocket launch, gazing at the stars, walking a dusty road, or climbing a mountain, we begin to experience each moment fully rather than through the lens of cynicism or distraction.

Additionally, embracing community, nature, history—anything greater than ourselves—can enhance our appreciation for shared experiences. Just as the Apollo missions once united a nation in awe and wonder, we can cultivate collective moments of reflection, whether through communal gatherings, discussions, or collaborative projects focused on sustainability and care for our planet. These shared experiences can help to restore a sense of connection that transcends individual pursuits.

Buddhism reminds us that awe is not merely a reaction to grand achievements, it is a way of being in life that is available to us at all times. By cultivating this sense of awe, we can transform our experience of the modern world, shifting away from lives of passive consumption and toward lives as active participants in the unfolding story of existence itself.

In a time when the allure of the cosmos is at our fingertips, let us not forget the wisdom of looking back—back to Earth, back to our shared humanity, to the many obstacles that we have already overcome, and back to the values that truly matter. The challenge of our era is not merely to reach for the stars or to colonize other worlds, but to tend to the home we have, to foster a sense of awe that encourages stewardship and care for one another.

Ultimately, as we ponder the future of exploration, through inner or outer space, we must remember that the true journey lies not in the distance traveled but in the transformation we can achieve. In this way, we can reclaim the sense of awe that is intrinsic to our humanity, allowing it to guide us toward a more compassionate and sustainable future here on Earth and beyond.

See more

Four astronauts on Polaris Dawn flight return to Earth after 1st commercial spacewalk (NPR)
SpaceX launches Polaris Dawn astronauts to attempt world’s 1st-ever private spacewalk (video) (Space.com)
How space got boring (The New Statesman)
William Shatner describes ‘overwhelming sadness’ he felt for Earth in his Blue Origin flight to space (Geekwire)

Related features from BDG

Ego Attachment and the Myth of “Knowing Yourself:” Understanding Non-self in the Age of Social Media
Death by 1,000 Clicks and Swipes: Exploring the Toll that Technology Overuse Takes
Buddhistdoor View: The Temptation of an Easy Path in Technology
Buddhist Guidance on Using Social Media
Buddhistdoor View: Elon Musk, Social Media, and the Buddhist Right
The Wisdom of Grief and Anxiety – Building a Life of Meaning Outside of the Social Media Trap
Buddhistdoor View: Expanding our Vision in a New Era of Space Exploration