University Lecture in San Diego – Vedic Science and God Consciousness

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Lecture at San Diego University — June 29, 1972, San Diego 720629LE-SAN DIEGO [81:05 Minutes] Lecture_720629LE-SAN DIEGO Spokesman: [introduction] We wish to welcome all of you to the University of San Diego tonight, and to this auspicious occasion of having Bhaktivedanta Swami as a guest of the Ecumenical Center for World Religions. The Ecumenical Center for World Religion on the campus of this university was founded for the purpose of meeting people of other religions, and Bhaktivedanta Swami comes to us from India tonight, representing what is known as the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. He stands in a long line of disciplic succession going back to, according to the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement, going back to the very beginning of time when Kṛṣṇa, who is the Supreme Godhead, or God, made Himself known to man through disciples and through revelation, and particularly through a man of five hundred years ago: Lord Caitanya.

Prabhupāda: Yes. Spokesman: And I have a reading here from Him which I think is rather interesting. It is in the form of a catechism, it's a question and answer, and Lord Caitanya was asked this: "Which knowledge is the highest of all?" And the answer is, "There is no knowledge at all but devotion to Kṛṣṇa." "What is the highest glory in all types of glories?" The answer: "Being reputed to be Kṛṣṇa's devotee." Question: "What is counted wealth amongst human possessions?" Answer: "He is immensely wealthy who has love for Kṛṣṇa." Question: "What is the heaviest of all sorrows?" "There is no sorrow except separation from Kṛṣṇa." "Who is considered liberated among those who are liberated?" Answer: "He is the foremost of the liberated who practices devotion to Kṛṣṇa." So Swami Bhaktivedanta comes here as a representative of this Hare Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. And Bhaktivedanta Swami, on behalf of the University and the Center for World Religions here, I wish to present to you this book on San Diego...

Prabhupāda: So... Spokesman: ...the portrait of a spectacular city...

Prabhupāda: Thanks. Spokesman: ...with its promises and its..., we hope for future growth. We hope you enjoy our city and the hospitality of this campus.

Prabhupāda: Thank you. [aside:] We have got our Kṛṣṇa book?

Prabhupāda: [to spokesman:] So that is my presentation to you.

Devotees: Jaya. [laughter] We had one ready. Spokesman: And now you will speak, Śrīla?

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