Upcoming Events
Richard L. Thompson Lecture Series
Beginning on July 1, 2023, BIHS Headquarters, Gainesville FL
Thompson (1947–2008), a founding member of the Bhaktivedanta Institute, published many technical papers, articles for Back to Godhead (BTG), and numerous books dealing with the relationship between science and Vedanta. He extensively investigated ancient Indian astronomy, cosmology, and spirituality, and developed multimedia expositions on these topics. This lecture series is systematically exploring Sadaputa’s books in chronological order, with an aim toward developing a deeper understanding of his pioneering work and its implications concerning further research. We completed Mechanistic and Nonmechanistic Science (1981) in June, and begin Vedic Cosmography and Astronomy on July 1, 2023.
This event will be open to the public and available remotely via Zoom.
For schedule, event details, and ZOOM link, click here
Vedic Cosmology Conference
Nov. 17 – 19, 2023; Gainesville, FL
The Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies will host an international conference this November that draws upon its prior workshops concerning contemporary as well as traditional research into the mysteries of the Puranic concept of “universe.” One of the primary objectives of this conference will be to present this work to a broader audience in a disciplined scholarly manner. Toward that end, the BIHS welcomes the inclusion of established scholars in these and related fields.
VIHE Cosmology Seminar
Recent and Past Events
June 17, 2023; BIHS Headquarters, Gainesville, FL
Akhandadhi das will present a one-day workshop that will be a unique exploration of our existence, life, the universe, and the central role of consciousness in the reality around us. Based on the Atma Paradigm lecture series, this workshop will delve into big questions that include:
- Why are we conscious?
- What’s special about knowing we exist?
- How real is reality?
- Does our intention shape the outside world?
Leaps of Faith and Doubt Lecture Series
Sundays, beginning April 23, 2023 – BIHS Headquarters, Gainesville, FL
This 8-part seminar will compare and contrast faith and evidence-based knowledge systems by examining scientific paradigms through the lens of Bhakti-sastras, and vice versa. We will explore themes such as origins, evolution, cosmology, consciousness, the nature of evidence, burdens of proof, and the scientific practice of bhakti-yoga.
Online & In-person
RLT Lecture Series Special Event
June 10, 2023; BIHS Headquarters, Gainesville, FL
Join us at the Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies to close out the lecture series for Mechanistic and Nonmechanistic Science before we begin the next series in July.
The last chapter of the book “Epistemology of Transcendental Consciousness,” presented by Christina Kelly, outlines the practical observational process of bhakti-yoga. Thompson argues that “this process is truly scientific, and that it shares with modern science such features as a theoretical system, necessary and sufficient conditions for success of experiments, and independent evaluation and confirmation of results by a community of experts.”
Richard L. Thompson (Sadaputa) Lecture Series
Beginning on February 4, 2023, BIHS Headquarters, Gainesville FL
Thompson (1947–2008), a founding member of the Bhaktivedanta Institute, published many technical papers, articles for Back to Godhead (BTG), and numerous books dealing with the relationship between science and Vedanta. He extensively investigated ancient Indian astronomy, cosmology, and spirituality, and developed multimedia expositions on these topics. In this lecture series we will systematically explore Sadaputa’s books in chronological order, beginning with Mechanistic and Nonmechanistic Science (1981), with an aim toward developing a deeper understanding of his pioneering work and its implications concerning further research.
This event will be open to the public and available remotely via Zoom.
Click here for event details and Zoom links
BI Legacy Seminar: Toward Fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s Vision
July 30 – 31, 2022, BIHS Headquarters, Gainesville FL
ISKCON congregational members gathered from around the world to share their memories of Bhaktivedanta Institute history and discuss ongoing concerns in order to enrich our appreciation of Srila Prabhupada’s aspirations for the Institute. These insights are helping to define the BI, BIHS, and other BI initiatives, and to develop future goals in a cooperative spirit that explore new territory while remaining grounded in Prabhupada’s vision.
The Nature of Spacetime and the Evolving Universe:
Exploring Puranic Cosmology
February 19-20, 2022, BIHS Headquarters, Gainesville FL
This workshop discussed ongoing research into the nature of spacetime and the origin and fate of the universe from a Puranic perspective. Both empirical and philosophical gaps are becoming more and more appreciated and acknowledged by the working scientific community. Therefore, it is paramount for devotee scholars to collaborate with the intention of developing a broad mathematical and experiential framework consistent with both traditional Indic and modern scientific cosmology.
Neuro Workshop – Mind-Brain Interface
December 17–19, 2021, BIHS Headquarters, Gainesville FL
This workshop focused on probing the mind-brain/mind-body interface as an initial step toward formulating a consolidated theory concerning the relationship between the subtle and the physical.
Models and memes and maps: A modern journey through ancient cosmography
November 21-22, 2020, BIHS Headquarters, Gainesville FL
The workshop aimed to develop a unified framework for intellectual discourse involving 5th Canto Puranic cosmographical models. It considered existing models in the light of such a framework while exploring new research with the potential to enhance the already rich tradition of scholarship surrounding this important topic.
Bhaktivedanta Institute for the 21st Century
February 14-20, 2020; Mayapur, India
Members of the BIHS team participated in the 2020 ISKCON Leadership Sanga held at Sri Dhama Mayapur. Akhandadhi Prabhu, Drutakarma Prabhu, and Pracarananda gave a talk called “The Bhaktivedanta Institute for the 21st Century,” which was presented four times over the course of the week-long ILS event. We gave a look back at the history of the BI, discussed the mode and relevance of the BI in the new century, and presented some of the current and planned projects we have on the table moving forward. The talks were well-attended and sparked many valuable discussions.
Taking the 5th…Canto!
Oct. 31 – Nov 2, 2019; Gainesville, FL
We explored the past, present, and future study of Puranic cosmography within ISKCON, as it relates to the ongoing development of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
The Strands of the Evolution Web
July 12 – 14, 2019; Brecon, Wales
As a follow-up to the “Evolution Narratives in Krishna Consciousness” workshop, specific research tasks were accepted by a collection of devotees in support of exhibit designs from the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Evolution Narratives in Krishna Consciousness
June 7 – 10, 2019; Gainesville, FL
We examined the stories we tell ourselves regarding the nature, origin, and diversity of species from religious and scientific perspectives, with the aim of finding common ground and developing new paradigms.
Consciousness in Science Conference
Jan. 19 – 21, 2019; Gainesville, FL www.consci19.org
Devotee scientists and scholars from around the world gathered to share their most up-to-date research in fields relating to consciousness and science.
Summer BIHS Ambassador Speaking Tours
Mauricio Garrido (Murali Gopal) travels as a BIHS ambassador
2018: June – August; England, Wales, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Russia.
2019: June – August; England, Wales, Poland, Sweden, Russia, Ukraine, India.
Mysteries of the Sacred Universe Workshops
Mauricio Garrido, as the workshop facilitator, explored the four Vedic cosmography models presented in R. L. Thompson’s Mysteries of the Sacred Universe. Attendees deepened their understanding of the Bhagavatam’s 5th Canto by gaining insight into the scientific significance of the Puranic universe.
- PART 1: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Sacred Universe, May 19-21, 2017; Alachua FL.
- PART 2: Mysteries of the Sacred Universe 2, June 16, 2018; Bhakti Center, NYC
Bhakti Yoga and Science:
Exploring A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami’s vision for the Bhaktivedanta Institute in the 21st Century
November 13, 2016; Alachua FL
Focusing on how Bhaktivedanta Swami’s teachings have been developed and articulated in the early 21st century, this conference highlighted developments from some of those on the forefront of the encounter between Krishna consciousness and the sciences.
Follow BIHS On Social Media
Stay connected with our endeavors!
Follow BIHS On Social Media
Stay connected with our endeavors!
