“…arrange for
such conferences
one after another.”

- Srila Prabhupada -

Opposite: Prof. Benjiman Libet and Prof. John Searle debating at a conference organized by the Bhaktivedanta Institute

 

Srila Prabhupada continually emphasized to Maharaja the need for organizing conferences in major cities of the world. His idea was to provide a platform for mutual dialogue among scientists, religious leaders, and academicians. In this way both scientists and spiritual leaders would have the opportunity to learn from each other and thereby broaden their respective worldviews.

The first conference Maharaja organized was under the direct guidance of Srila Prabhupada and was held in Vrindavan, India, in October of 1977. It was entitled ‘The First International Conference on Life Comes From Life’. Srila Prabhupada was extremely concerned about every detail of the conference, from the venue, to the reception of the scholars, to the prasadam and the accommodations. In fact, he was calling Maharaja almost every hour during the conference to inquire about its progress. He was extremely pleased with Maharaja’s humble effort of organizing the conference. He later said, “…arrange for such conferences one after another.”

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