Science “Preaching” is Hari-kīrtana

That was the first meeting. In the days that followed, I started visiting Srila Prabhupada more often. Dr. Rao and I would come to see Srila Prabhupada almost every evening. Whenever Srila Prabhupada saw me he would start some scientific discussion. He always felt that since I had some background in science, that knowledge must be used in scientifically promoting Krishna Consciousness. He used to say that any form of knowledge must be utilized in glorifying the Supreme Lord. He would often quote in this regard the instruction given by Narada muni to Vyasadeva:

"Learned circles have positively concluded that the infallible purpose of the advancement of knowledge, namely austerities, study of the Vedas, sacrifice, chanting of hymns and charity, culminates in the transcendental descriptions of the Lord, who is defined in choice poetry."

Srila Prabhupada quoted this verse many, many times during morning walk conversations, classes and discussions on scientific preaching, and from my experiences with Srila Prabhupada I can confidently say that this shloka forms the philosophical basis for scientific preaching.

Whenever I went to see Srila Prabhupada, he would only talk about science and convincing the modern world about the existence of God.

"You are a science student. By your knowledge, you prove that behind these laws, there is Krsna. Then your scientific knowledge is perfect." [Morning Walk Conversation, Los Angeles, April 20, 1973]

"Your education has meaning when by your education, your scientific knowledge, you'll prove that there is God, He is also glorified. Then you are welcome." [Room Conversation, Baltimore, July 7, 1976]

"Either chemical department or physical department or electrical department. Any department. It does not matter. Through that department you go to the center." [Morning Walk Conversation, Los Angeles, April 20, 1973]

This kind of work, Srila Prabhupada felt, would not only be a very important contribution to the world, but is also the process by which the intellectuals of the world can perfect their human mission. He explained how science engaged in the service of Lord is factually hari-kirtana. Kirtana is not just chanting the holy names of the Lord, he said, scientific knowledge used for Krishna is also kirtana. By engaging scientific knowledge in service of Krishna scientists can glorify Him through their natural activities.

"Yes. You are thinking simply by lungs and kartalas, kirtana will go on. Anything we do here has no material connection. We are not talking for how to increase our business and enjoy wine and women. That is not our business. Yad uttama-sloka-gunanuvarnanam [SB 1.5.22]. We are trying to establish Krsna. And this is kirtana." [Room Conversation, Vrindaban, June 20, 1977]