As a profession, I was practicing science but as a seeker, I was engaged in studying the Vedic scriptures. That time I use to think that scriptures and science are two opposing fields and they can never be synthesized. Fortunately, I came in contact with Sripad Bhakti Niskama Shanta Maharaja, Ph.D. He has guided me and introduced me to Sripad Bhakti Madhava Puri Maharaja, Ph.D. (Serving Director of Princeton Bhakti Vedanta Institute, NJ, USA) and his teachings. By attending the Princeton Bhakti Vedanta Institute's regular online programs, conferences and reading Sripad Puri Maharaja's in-depth articles, reports and newsletters and so on, I could understand that science can also be used to explain the Highest Truth that is revealed in scriptures. This institute is excellent in harmonizing modern science with the ancient Vedantic wisdom. A question may arise, why we need this kind of education separately when we have many other institutions to teach the advanced knowledge of science & technology, artificial intelligence, and many other related fields. But when we go into the deep we will learn that all institutions are preparing a future generation to become more mechanical human beings and not a rational human beings. Modern science teaches us to think ourselves merely a bag of chemicals. During the time of failure in any aspect of life, we force to think to finish this body to escape from the problems. Suicide rates all over the world is continuously increasing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide in 2004 was the 8th leading cause of potential years of life. It is the third leading cause of death among the young generation. But Why it is so? because we are lacking the most important teachings of our Vedic Scriptures that we are not this body, We are not the product of some atoms and molecules, but we are an eternal soul. And by finishing this body we cannot finish our Karmas, our problems. Karmas will continue in the next birth. Then What is the solution? We learn the solution not only for the birth, death, old age, and disease but our ultimate purpose of human life from the Vedic Scriptures under the most profound insightful guidance of Sripad Bhakti Madhava Puri Maharaja and through his institutional activities. To know the details of the activities of BVISCS please visit the following links: Report Archives: http://bviscs.org/reports Sadhusanga Google Group: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/Online_Sadhu_Sanga Transcendental Nectar of Sadhu-Sanga: http://mahaprabhu.net/satsanga/ Science and Scientist: https://www.scienceandscientist.org/ Darwin Under Siege: http://scienceandscientist.org/Darwin/ University Outreach: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL810794001AF7B29C The Harmonizer: http://scienceandscientist.org/harmonizer/ Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Institute of Spiritual Culture and Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: http://scsiscs.org/ Princeton Bhakti Vedanta Institute is a pioneer in the field to explain the scriptural insights in a scientific language. This institute should be given the highest priority and popularity. This institute is offering the highest charity work by cultivating the people with the highest theistic intelligence in the society which is most important for lasting peace & harmony in the world. Sincerely, Sumangala Devi Dasi, Ph.D.
I have taken Hinduism as a part of undergraduate requirement and have asked Indians about Hinduism unable to find answers I turned to Bhakti Vedanta for answers and have been fortunate enough to have my questions answered. Long live Krishna Das, Maharaj and Bhakti Vedanta.
As a student I had lot of questions about life. Having a scientific acumen I did not take anything at its face value. Though inclination towards spirituality was there, was never able to figure out how science and spirituality complete each other.
It took years to get the answer till I met Dr.T.D. Singh as an undergrad and came across his works via one of my friends who was studying biomedical engineering. Dr. T.D. Singh person of inspiration behind BVISCS has a PhD in Physical Organic Chemistry. After reading his books, I saw the sheer power of incisive intellectual reasoning and how genuine Science has no contradictions whatsoever with Spiritual Science. This not-for profit institute whose sole aim is selfless service of humanity via synthesis of Science and Religion is a benevolent gift to humanity. Specially the young scientific community. Work done at BVISCS will inspire generations to come and guide the Scientific community for greater good of humanity.
I am thankful to this institute and their founders (guided by Dr. HH Bhakti Madhava Puri maharaj) for guiding me on many levels within scientific and spiritual paradigms.
The Institute is an excellent place to find guidance, peace and community. The weekly gatherings are invigorating and stimulate a true sense of God-consciousness.
The Bhakti Vedanta Institute Princeton New Jersey USA facilitate programmes of educational discussions on the science of the soul, consciousness, the living system and our connection within our natural environment.
Bhakti Madhava Puri Maharaj, Ph.D, Bhakti Niskama Shanta Maharaj, Ph.D and Bhakti Vijnana Muni Maharaj, Ph.D enthusiastically engage a community of enquiry. They are leading the way forward in delivering a deeper understanding and perspective on the origins of our existence, explaining the very essence of life, evidential through science and shastric knowledge and scriptures.
Endorsed by their qualifications and by the Sri Chaitanya Saraswata Math line of dedicated spiritual practitioners, I therefore consider myself fortunate to have the unique opportunity to learn and serve the serving members of the Princeton Bhakti Vedanta Institute.
The human condition has been a life long enquiry for me. Participating in the Princeton Bhakti Vedanta Institutes discussion groups have been in my experience, superior in the field of knowledge, human development and education. Supporting inclusive learning and critical thinking, highlighting the importance and effectiveness of reflective learning to deal with adaptiveness and change under the guidance and supervision of highly qualified mentors.
The Princeton Bhakti Vedanta Institute has supported and nurtured my ongoing endeavours as a professional artist, teacher and life coach. I look forward to the weekly programmes and organised public academic events.
Bhakti Vedanta Institute is a wonderful organization of devotees who enjoy sharing their passion for the path of devotion. I was blessed to host them at my yoga center in downtown New Brunswick several times as we collaborated on a series of monthly Bhakti Days. We offered classic yogasana, bhakti kirtan and a fantastic discourse by Sripad Maharaj Guru'ji himself and on one occasion a wonderful visiting guest Tiyagi Maharaj. Their generous meal just added to the warmth and nourishment of the gathering. An insightful and uplifting experience for all!
Great place where we can find love for god, peace and happiness and a tasty prasad meal prepared with love and sanctified by offering to God.
I am truly indebted to Maharaj B. Madhava Puri, Ph.D for making me aware of finer points in developing Love for God.
Humility coupled with love and service to god and devotees are few gems i gathered from this place. And also fired up my Love for God.
Great place to have discussions on spiritual matters and enriching the heart and mind with knowledge about God.
I have known Sripada Bhakti Madhav Puri Maharaja, Sripada Bhakti Niskama Santa Maharaja and Sripada Bhakti Vijnana Muni Maharaja for a long time and have very high regard for them, and their dedicated service for this institute. Sripada Puri Maharaja is a disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja Prabhupada and was a very close associate of Sripada Svarupada Damodara Maharja, the original director of Bhaktivedanta Institute founded by Srila Prabhupada to spread and discuss the teachings of the Vedic literature among scientific-minded people.
Sripada Puri Maharja is a highly knowledgeable person, both in spiritual and material knowledge and knows how to present the ideas of Gaudiya Vaishnava Vedanta to modern intelligent scientifically minded individuals who are looking for genuine answers to the deepest questions in life, such as the role and origin of consciousness in living systems. He is also a very kind hearted and caring person who genuinely touches the heart of sincere seekers of truth without showing any tinge of arrogance or pride.
The institute publishes articles and magazines, and also organizes conferences focusing on science, spirituality, and consciousness. Although I have not attended any of its scientific conferences, I have read many of its articles and am quite familiar with the good work it is doing. This a nonprofit institute that is worth supporting with all our efforts. My sincere and best wishes for this institute and its future progress.
-Krishna G. Banerjee, Ph.D. (Organic Chemistry), J.D.,
Patent attorney
Several years ago I saw their add in US1 newspaper and decided to see what this place is about. Among other things , which at that time I had no idea what they were, the add mentioned meditation ( this is what I was interested in). It was a life changing day for me.
I heard bad things about krishniates in the USSR, but never actually met one and was pretty skeptical about their bad reputation. Here in the states some people also described them to me as " dancing airheads".
There I met with the most tolerable and kind people I ever encountered in my life. From day one, I felt this is the right place for me, right people, and right teachings.
Before I came to the Institute it felt like all my life I was traveling with the right baggage on the wrong road, sometimes too narrow, sometimes too slippery, sometimes bumpy, sometimes I caused accidents, sometimes others hit me. But now I am walking along a picturesque path, surrounded by all kinds of happy animals and chirping birds, beautiful flowering trees that are whispering to me kind thoughts, and it makes my heart soft and loving toward everything and everybody around me.
This is how being around the people at the Institute and the priceless knowledge that Sripad Madhava Puri Maharaja shares with everyone changed me.
Some people use drugs/medicine when they feel bad (emotionally). I don't need drugs. Listening to the wisdom of Maharaja, to the conversations of the devotees ALWAYS brings my soul to the a different state, to the state of calmness, to the state of loving Krishna.
Hare Krishna!
Zhanna K
Since 2012 I regularly participate in the devotional programs in Princeton University because Sripad Bhakti Madhava Maharaj is a very dedicated and qualified devotee. He is able to represent the teachings of the great gurus Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaj and Srila B.R. Sridhara Maharaj. I invite anyone interested to go to his program in Princeton or through the internet.
I began to get a sense for the value of the education that the Bhakti Vedanta Institute offered after attending the free Saturday program in Princeton a few times. Through the association of Sripad Bhakti Madhava Puri Maharaja, the Serving Director, I slowly began to develop a holistic conception of reality which was inclusive of consciousness and Spirit. Two years after attending my first program at BVISCS, I now try to assist as much as possible during the annual conferences, weekly programs, and wherever else I may be able to render some service. Through that service, I have received some clarity regarding my own previous misconceptions about the nature of reality.
Since the inception of the original Bhaktivedanta Institute in 1976, of which Bhakti Madhava Puri, Ph.D., was a founding charter member, the mission has been to promote the Synthesis of Science and Religion, and the Role of Consciousness in Modern Science. Educating the public on these most important subjects is vital for a harmonious and bright future, as the rational development of these topics leads people to realize the highest fulfillment of this life.
Presently, there is widespread propagation of the materialist/reductionist perspective of reality - however an honest and rational appraisal can easily see its misguided foundation. This modern viewpoint holds that Matter is the fundamental reality and that Life spontaneously arises from it. It holds subjectivity and objectivity as irreconcilable opposites.
Despite the misled aforementioned modern view, in every day life we see that Life comes from Life. Offspring (plant, animal, etc.) only come from living parents and cells only come from living cells. The material body alone is not enough to produce life, it must also be alive. Without preexisting life, no life will come. Also, we witness that Matter comes from Life. Hair and fingernails continuously grow on living bodies for 100 years, but once life leaves the body, those processes will soon cease. All around us, we see massive trees grow from very tiny seeds. The matter which is the body of a mature tree is generated from the life within that seed. If you kill the seed (roast it) before planting it, nothing will grow. Both Life and Matter come from Life.
In reference to the relationship between subjectivity and objectivity, they are directly related. The object is what the subject knows it to be. To be cognizant of an object, there must be a conscious agent, who is the subject. Thus we can see the intimate connection between these things which are usually mistaken for irreconcilable opposites. The higher development of these simple yet profound truths leads us to the highest fulfillment of this human life. This is a brief look at the profound education that the Princeton BVISCS offers.
This feed is spiritually uplifting !
I highly recommend you tune in, sign up for the feed, visit the site, etc !
All Glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga.
This is a place for nourishing one's true self under the expert guidance of Sripad Bhakti Madhava Puri Maharaja, Ph.D. by practically engaging in one's own constitutional activity of serving and glorifying the Supreme Absolute using Science, Philosophy and Art. I feel very fortunate for being given the opportunity to humbly join as a serving member in this transcendental institute.
Jay Gurudev.
Humbly aspiring for the service of Sadhu-Guru-Vaisnava
Bhakti Niskama Shanta, Ph.D.