Srila Prabhupada called scientists rascals frequently but not those serious scientists who had awe , wonder, respect of nature and its forces and looked for austere beautiful explanation.SP never criticised scientific effort or science per say.Here is the collection of SP's quotes on science:
In "Easy journey to other planets", the very first book HDG Prabhupada wrote and dedicated it to the scientists of the world, he says, " It is a good sign therefore that the materialistic scientists are gradually progressing towards the region of the anti-material world, Vaikuntha. It may be even possible for them to make sufficient progress to know the details of the anti-material world where the Personality of Godhead resides as the predominating figure and the living entities live with Him and serve Him". In fact in Chaitanaya Charitmarita Adilia Text50, HDG says: "In time material scientists may know how to communicate with the Vaikuntha world"
In the Introduction to Bhagavad Gita :As it is, HDG writes,"The subject of the Bhagavad Gita entails, the comprehension of 5 basic truths. Isvara, the supreme controller, the jivas, the controlled living entities, Prakriti ( the material nature),Time(the duration of existence of the whole universe or manifestation of material nature),karma(activity)". Srila Prabhupada emphasises the need to fully comprehend material nature and time which is the only focus of science
In Srimad Bhagavadam (SB 2.4.6-Purport) HDG says: "Those who are in the control of the external energy of the Lord, or in other words those who are in the material world must first of all know how the external energy of the Lord is working under the direction of the Supreme Personality and afterwards may try to enter into the activities of His internal energy". HDG sets studying science is of paramount importance to people in this material world to understand how matter works under the direction of Supreme Personality of Godhead, before focussing on the spiritual energies of the Lord.It is as if to know wonder of material science is knowing something wonderful about the Lord.
HDG goes on to explain in SB 5.16.3 why it is essential for devotees to study science or external energy of the Lord and says: "When the mind is fixed upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His external features made of material modes of nature--the gross universal form--it is brought to the platform of pure goodness". That is HDG says that when you see the deity in the temple, study of science enables a devotee to see the Lord from the platform of goodness
Further, HDG Srila Prabhupada in Srimad Bhagavadam 3.26.34 sets a direction for research and says:
"This verse is the potential basis of great scientific research work, for it explains how subtle forms are generated from the ethereal element, what their characteristics and actions are, and how the tangible elements are manifested from the subtle form."
This is the ONLY place in his entire writings that Srila Prabhupada has pointed out WHERE scientific research from ISKCON is to be focused on.
In Chaitanya Charitamruta ,AdilLila 6-14.15, Srila Prabhupada says: “Material nature is electrified by the supreme authority, and the conditioned soul, within the limits of time and space, is trapped by awe of the material manifestation. In other words, the Supreme Authority of Godhead is actually realized in the vision of a material philospher and scientist thru the manifestations of His material energy”
HDG in SB 6.16.42, says,: "Bhagavata-dharma is not a concocted sectarian belief, for it entails research to find how everything is connected with Krishna". In SB 1.5.22, HDG says :"Scientific knowledge engaged in the service of the Lord and all similar activities are factually hari-kirtana, or glorification of the Lord". HDG advocated a strong a focus on scientific research and saying it as important like hari-kirtana or glorification of the Lord
In fact in "Easy journey to other planets" says; ' at a time when material science predominates all subjects--including the tenets of religion--it would be enlivening to see the principles of the eternal religion of man from the view point of modern scientist"
SP wanted us not just to quote scientists but scientists quote Srimad Bhagavadm concepts in science--that is the only material scientists can be enthused to come to our temples.In the world 99% of people do not come to our temples--this is what should be targetted for preaching--Hari bol--Change the world
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