Scientists and scholars from the Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies (BIHS) will host the “Consciousness in Science” Conference – a multi-disciplinary exploration of its possibilities and challenges. The event will be hosted at the historic Thomas Center in Gainesville, Florida, USA on the weekend of 18-19 January 2019. 

The “Consciousness in Science” Conference is intended to involve all fields of scientific endeavor. It will be an opportunity for devotee scientists to come together, hear from others and, perhaps, present original research regarding the scientific basis of Krishna consciousness; or simply to gain inspiration and make new friends and contacts for future collaboration. Together, they will consider how to develop a dynamic, devoted and reputable academic community that will contribute to this aspect of Srila Prabhupada’s mission: to present their scientific research to the scientists in their language as well as communicate ISKCON’s message to the public and the ISKCON community. 

The primary goal for this global gathering is to encourage dialogue between devotee scientists interested in the role of consciousness and its interaction with physical matter as a fundamental aspect of science. Srila Prabhupada called for all those within the ISKCON movement with an advanced degree to come together and present counter propositions to the matter-centered concept prevalent within modern society. By questioning whether all features of the universe, including life and consciousness, can be fully explained with reference to the properties of physical matter, the BIHS hopes to lay a foundation for an alternative model of existence based on the Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy. This will include carrying out research that applies the insights of Vedic philosophy to expand our understanding of the scientific view of reality, as well as using science to enhance our appreciation of Vedic philosophy. This cross-pollination of two highly sophisticated bodies of knowledge can show how together both disciplines can benefit society.    

 Devotee physicist Murali Gopal gives a presentation of Puranic cosmology

The conference will consist of two main parts:

1) Plenary presentations of original research in different scientific fields, based on the "Шримад-Бхагаватам"и Бхагавад-гита, which will showcase the potential to carry out publishable research in those fields. Speakers will include scientists of stature sharing their experience in multidisciplinary research to the scientific community.

2)  Group workshop discussions to identify ways to communicate and collaborate.

Principally, the organizers welcome those who are involved with, or who are being trained to produce publishable material from every field of science, including physics, chemistry, biology, neuroscience, psychology, mathematics, computer science, archaeology, etc.   

Whether they have a presentation with original research or are just simply curious, the BIHS team encourages everyone to come and participate.

“Srimad Bhagavatam says that the highest perfectional stage of everyone’s talent is to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, by his craftsmanship, scientific knowledge, philosophical research, or similar any other energy.”

(letter from Srila Prabhupada to Syamasundara, 1968) 

The Bhaktivedanta Institute was established by Srila Prabhupada in 1976 for the purpose of advanced study and research into the Vedic tradition of understanding consciousness and the self, and its interaction within the natural world. The main purpose of the Institute is to explore the implications of Vaishnava philosophy as it bears upon human culture, and to present its findings in courses, lectures, conferences, monographs, and books.

Watch the invitation to the “Consciousness in Science” conference here:

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

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For conference details and information on registration, abstract submissions, and financial assistance please visit consci19.org

To correspond with the BIHS conference secretary, Prishni, email: prishni108@gmail.com.