The science of existence illuminated by Krishna Consciousness
What is the Atma Paradigm?
What is consciousness? What is Life? What is Matter?
Where does the universe come from?
These are the big questions of our origins and existence. Is there a conflict between the philosophy of Krishna consciousness and science? The Atma Paradigm reveals how the latest scientific evidence supports the Vedic conclusions on all these subjects.
It shows how that evidence has been misrepresented by those promoting a physicalist view of the world such as claiming that the brain is the source of consciousness; or that the laws of physics alone can explain the appearance of the universe; or that life is simply chemical activity evolving into evermore complex organisms.
The evidence tells a different story – one that can be understood only by the unique insights of the Vaishnava worldview.
This is the Atma Paradigm – a comprehensive and science-consistent philosophical framework derived from the Srimad Bhagavatam
The presenter
Akhandadhi das is a Vaishnava philosopher with particular training in the integration of modern science and the philosophies of Vedanta, Sankhya and Yoga, having been inspired by association with the original members of the Bhaktivedanta Institute. He was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1975. His services within ISKCON have included:
temple president at Bhaktivedanta Manor; member of the GBC-executive committee; member of the ToVP exhibits committee.
He has presented over 400 recordings on BBC radio and television; been published in numerous newspapers and magazines; and has a TEDx talk available on Consciousness.
Currently he is the director of the Science and Philosophy Initiative, a UK association with links to the Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies in USA.
This Webinar
This webinar series is open to all – whether you have a background in science or not.
It will also be suitable, indeed inspirational, to those new to Vedic concepts.
This is an opportunity:
to resolve many of your questions regarding science and KC.
to discover new insights into the metaphysics of Sankhya metaphysics
to gain unassailable arguments regarding consciousness, life, origins etc.
to deepen your appreciation for the brilliance of the Srimad Bhagavatam
to inspire your commitment to the power of bhakti-yoga
Topics
The Atma Paradigm Webinar will cover the following topics:
Part One The nature of consciousness
Part Two Understanding matter (prakrti) and how we are conditioned within it
Part Three Unravelling life, evolution, transmigration
Part Four The universe from start to finish and beyond
Transmission and Availability
Each talk will be live online via Facebook from 6.00pm – 6.45pm (UK BST) on Thursday evenings starting 23rd April 2020.
See below for dates for Part One.
The presentation will be for about 30 minutes with 15 minutes for Q and A. Live participants may ask questions via Chat during the talks.
Participants can sign up by email to receive supplementary written materials and PowerPoint slide pdfs
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Schedule of talks for Part One |
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1.1 |
Introduction to the Atma Paradigm Relationship of science and philosophy The limits of the scientific process and use of bad philosophy How the insights of the Vedas address the big questions The key principles of the Atma Paradigm |
Thurs, 23rd Apr’20 |
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1.2 |
What is consciousness? Clarifying the key aspects of phenomenal consciousness Starting point – what can we know for certain? Exercises based on Jiva Goswami’s four arguments ‘Unified qualitative subjectivity’ |
Thurs, 30th Apr’20 |
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1.3 |
Qualia – the ‘Hard Problem’ of consciousness Is there proof that consciousness is non-physical? What are qualia? Various types Exercises exploring how we experience them. How qualia challenge the idea that the brain can produce consciousness |
Thurs, 7th May’20 |
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1.4 |
The Brain Model failure How does the brain work? What is it capable of? Francis Crick’s model of perception Where are qualia? Where is the observer? More brain problems – sparseness, time lag The absurd conclusions of physicalist interpretations |
Thurs, 14th May’20 |
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1.5 |
Unpacking physicalist theories of consciousness Theories of consciousness – why so many? What is their evidence or justification? Examples of the four types: Diminish, Conjure, Deny, Promise Identifying the standard flaws of each type Can we create consciousness with AI? |
Thurs, 21st May’20 |
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1.6 |
The atma – an alternative approach The integration of experience and the analogy of computing Proposition of a non-neural source of consciousness Defining the precise nature of the atma How the atma explains the neuroscience evidence Addressing the challenges to non-neural consciousness What is consciousness made of? |
Thurs, 28th May’20 |
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1.7 |
The atma – direct evidence Examples of direct scientific evidence of the atma Hydrocephalus- do we need a brain NDEs and OBEs – clinical research evidence Is there direct evidence for the Brain Model Evidence for consciousness in animals and plants |
Thurs, 4th June’20 |
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1.8 |
Why this is important – and useful Defining the self – coherent, unchanging, autonomous The atma as non-temporal Identification and the VR model Values, free will, meaning and purpose How the atma concept opens up the rest of science |
Thurs, 11th June’20 |
The live stream will be embedded on this page of our website: http://tykrishna.cymru/2020/04/18/atma-paradigm/
Or in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TyKrishnaCymru/posts/3111975112155633
Akhandadhi Prabhu will be doing many classes, all of which will be able to be found here once they have concluded: https://www.
also on his website https://www.s-pi.org/