The Richard L. Thompson (Sadaputa) Archives Reading Group would like to announce the beginning of its study program on the Mysteries of the Sacred Universe (2000). This work has been described as Thompson’s “postgraduate” analysis of his pioneering book Vedic Cosmography and Astronomy, published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust in 1990.

Dr. Subash Kak of Louisiana State University said of the book, “Thompson presents a compelling case showing that this Puranic cosmology was intended to have multiple meanings that span the terrestrial, the astronomical, and the spiritual planes.”

Author Richard L. Thompson (Sadaputa Dasa).

This new program is scheduled to begin on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 11 AM EDT. It will be available on Zoom and in person at the BIHS research library in Gainesville, Florida. More information about the reading group sessions can be found at the Richard L. Thompson Archives website.  

A Vedic appreciation of the heavens includes both the cosmological descriptions found within Puranic narratives such as the Fifth Canto, as well as observable astronomical descriptions found within the jyotisa Sanskrit mathematical tradition. Such concerns, as presented within Mysteries of the Sacred Universe, will be discussed at length in light of contemporary debate.

The reading group intends to explore the author’s arguments chapter by chapter within the context of his central thesis. Special attention will be given to the virodha-parihāra tradition, which over many centuries has left a historical record considering points of reconciliation between the ancient Vedic traditions of Puranic and jyotisa cosmography.

Please email Prishni if you would like to participate in these sessions. Prior to the first session on September 7th, attendees will receive a Zoom link along with the latest schedule details. 

 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

For the month of August, readers using this link can download a digital copy of Mysteries of the Sacred Universe at the special rate of ₹200. That’s over 50% savings — get your copy today. Remember, this special price is only available until August 31, 2024, prior to the reading group sessions.

Photo credit: Felix Mittermeier