Francisco Javier Varela García ( September 7 , 1946 - May 28 , 2001 ) was a Chilean biologist , philosopher , and neuroscientist who , together with his teacher Humberto Maturana , is best known for introducing the concept of autopoiesis to biology , and for co-founding the Mind and Life Institute to promote dialog between science and Buddhism .
Varela was , with his teacher Humberto Maturana , best known for introducing the concept of autopoiesis to biology , and for co-founding the Mind and Life Institute to promote dialog between science and Buddhism .