Methodological naturalism is the viewpoint that all experience is part of the natural world and that all knowledge is gained in essentially the same way; that is, through observation and experience. In particular this means from the very beginning that there can be no supernatural phenomena and no divine inspiration. Everything that we are and know comes from the world around us.
My first introduction to this was when my Buddhist teacher told me that my viewpoint was "scientific materialism". I thought about it, and I had to agree with him. In searching to better understand that terminology, I came across a more neutral and descriptive term, methodological naturalism. My teacher meant to convey that this was a limitation in my viewpoint and a barrier to further spiritual progress. But as I reflected more on it, I came to see this as an essential element of my outlook on life.
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