Transcendental Commentary on the Issues of the Day
Historical Developments
2nd Century – Ptolemy declares Earth and humanity the center of the universe.
1600 – Galileo uses telescope to demonstrate that Earth circles sun. Authorities threaten to burn him at stake. Galileo rescinds declaration.
1957 – Soviet Union launches Sputnik 1, starting the space race.
1966 – His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada arrives in New York City with translations of Vedic scriptures, launching the Hare Krsna movement.
1968 – Scientists announce first rocks returned from moon.
1968 – Scientists say moon rocks strikingly similar to earth rocks, propose that earth and moon were once joined. Additional billions approved for further research.
1969 – Srila Prabhupada scoffs at so-called moon rocks, challenges scientists to do something practical.
Recent Developments, 1996
Billions spent on space exploration since 1960.
Millions of people starve to death since 1960.
Martian rock found in Antarctica shows possible traces of life. Scientists and theologians issue profound comments. U.S. President hails Rock as historical discovery, receives election-year boost in polls. Scientists say life may still exist on Mars. Public thinks favorably of additional billions for research.
Srila Prabhupada's books say that souls are eternal, indestructible, living everywhere. His books challenge scientists to do something practical.
Answering skepticism about Mars rock, scientists point out that life exists everywhere on Earth, even in extremes of heat and cold.
Millions of people at or near starvation. Rich nations, unconcerned, feed surplus grain to cattle for slaughter.
Surveys show that most people still consider themselves the center of the universe.
Devoid of Mars rocks and beef, Hare Krsna movement feeds Krsna-prasadam to tens of thousands daily, continues to attract a modest following.