On June 16, organized by the Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies, Murali Gopal Das presented a lively seminar at New York City’s Bhakti Center titled “Mysteries of the Sacred Universe, based on Sadaputa’s book of the same name. 

Murali Gopal holds a Ph.D. in physics from Ohio University, has served an internship at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, completed his post-doctoral studies at Columbia University, and has taught Sanskrit at the University of Florida. As a member of the Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies (BIHS), he develops courses on Bhakti and Science, including Vedic concepts of cosmography, consciousness, and physics. He has presented at universities and international conferences. Murali Gopal’s present research includes Puranic cosmology, Vaishnava philosophy, quantum field and information theory, general relativity, consciousness studies, and the philosophy of mind. 

The seminar incorporated multimedia presentations, along with class activities and discussions, designed to help bring an appreciation for the scientific basis of Krishna Consciousness as found in the Fifth Canto the Srimad Bhagavatam. The attendees examined the literal Fifth Canto cosmography and acquired a working picture of the universal structure described in the texts and purports; recognized what they understand and what areas of Vedic cosmography require further research, as encouraged by Srila Prabhupada; considered the hermeneutical issues associated with Vedic cosmography, and discussed other issues including flat earth theories, geocentric vs. heliocentric views, and distances to the sun and the moon. 

Among the seminar attendees were Radhanatha Swami, Chandrasekhara Swami, Ravindra Svarupa Das, Ramesvara Das, as well as Yogesvara Das, Satyaraja Das, and Rukmini Dasi. Brahmatirtha Dasa, the director of the Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies, initiated proceedings. The seminar room was filled to capacity with approximately 45 devotees, scientists, and laymen eager to learn about Vedic cosmology. 

Utilizing research drawn from Sadaputa’s  (Dr. Richard L. Thompson) pioneering works Mysteries of the Sacred Universe andVedic Cosmology and Astronomy, Murali Gopal made intricate and scientifically complex subjects easy to understand. Participants enjoyed presentations balanced with humor and fun exercises that drew upon in-depth knowledge of traditional Puranic and contemporary analyses. 

One of the conference attendees commented at the conclusion that he gained a “newfound clarity of theSrimad Bhagavatam after my own reading (years ago) had left me puzzled.” Others participants noted their special appreciations for Murali Gopal’s lively presentation coupled with his enthusiasm for sharing Sadaputa’s work, the simple way he explained challenging concepts, and “the specific details exploring our understanding of the universe through other models including physics.”

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For more information on the topics discussed in this seminar, you can view two introductoryvideos produced by Sadaputa Das titled, “Mysterious Orbits” and “Mysteries of the Sacred Universe” on the Sadaputa Digital Channel, purchase books by Sadaputa Prabhu, or contact Murali Gopal Das (info@bihstudies.org) with questions.

For more information about the upcoming “Conscoiousness in Science” Conference to be held in Gainesville, Florida in January, 2019, click on the video below: 

Invitation to Consciousness in Science Conference 2019 from Karuna Productions on Vimeo.