From the Director

How I got involved with the Bhaktivedanta Institute (BI). 

     The first six years of my studies in the public school system was segregated. My sixth grade science teacher, Mrs. Leslie, had a great impact on my path to searching and understanding the “theory of evolution.” Mrs. Leslie, a very unique teacher, instructed the class two methods of understanding education: forced education and reality. She was forced to teach Charles Darwin’s “Theory of Evolution.” She also instructed the class this theory was not true. The belief that man evolved from the ape to the perfect human form with blonde hair and blue eyes was unacceptable to Mrs. Leslie and she made that clear to her students. She explained the meaning of being perfect in details. Therefore, she questioned, “how is this theory or evolution possible considering that it is this particular human form enslaved blacks? Throughout my sixth grade studies, Mrs. Leslie would instruct the class which part was forced teachings followed by giving descriptions of reality. During the end of my sixth grade Mrs. Leslie challenged the students to seek the truth about science in addition to any other subjects. I never forgot what she said.

     During my undergraduate studies at an HBCU, my science teacher taught the same theory of evolution without comments as Mrs. Leslie. He basically taught the instructions verbatim from the author’s writing. Still, I often wondered how I would find some answers to Mrs. Leslie’s philosophy. I concluded during my undergraduate studies that I would not find in depth understanding regarding evolution.

     Several years later in the 80’s, I moved to the Bay Area, California where I met Dr. T. D. Singh. Although, I must admit that his appearance did not strike me as a scientist. However when Dr. Singh spoke about science, his outer dress had nothing to do with his level of intelligence about science. I was mesmerized by his teachings. I was also reminded about my own father’s dress as a bishop, he was also an architect and a farmer. I could easily move beyond the style of dress. I understood more about the theory of evolution from Dr. Singh; his teachings from the Vedanta perspective made practical sense. I concluded that although Mrs. Leslie’s studies in college or other sources did not allow her to find the answers she was likely looking for, still she encouraged me to search and seek the truth.

     I attended BI’s “The First International Conference on the Study of Consciousness within Science,” at the University of California, San Francisco in 1990. This conference was organised by Dr. Singh. I attended some of the planning meetings as an observer. I learned how thorough Dr. Singh was during the logistics of the conference, the speakers, the quality of the foods, the committee, the participants, etc. Dr. Singh was a very organised meticulous scientist.  

     Atlanta’s BI team is small in number. For many years the team members knew Dr. Singh on a personal level. They have great respect for Dr Singh. The team members are advanced scholars of the Vedanta, I do appreciate their knowledge.

     I realise that BI Atlanta will not be accepted by all. Our purpose and foremost is that we are here to have intellectual dialog between “open minded” intellectuals in the fields of science, philosophy, humanities, arts, education, and spirituality through the scope of Vedanta teachings. Just as the University of California has several independent branches of studies, so does the BI. After working at some of the most elitist universities here in the US, I can assure you that there is a need for the BI. Students remain inquisitive of questions they still find unanswered. Some of their answers will likely not occur within a traditional academic setting. Please know that we are here to assist you.

Thanks for your time.

Respectfully,

Lillie, DBA, MBA, MEd