September 2016 6 The Conch www.conch.org.au Lord Sri Krishna and Arjuna blew their celestial conches to rally and enthuse the devotees. Newsletter New Govardhana Community Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness krishnafarm.com Radhastami The Queen of Vrindavana Appears Bhaktivinoda Thakura Appears Prabhupada Speaks + In Focus + Opera House News + Gurukula
Photo: Bingimages.com THE GLORIES OF SRIMATI RADHARANI By Ambika devi dasi Srimati Radharani is Krishna s own divine energy and all beauty and lustre rest in Her body. She is there to assist Him in His amorous pastimes. From Her, the goddesses of fortune, Krishna s queens and the milkmaids of Vraja all expand. She manifests these expansions in order to give more pleasure to Krishna and to enable various pastimes for His enjoyment. Radharani s worship consists of fulfilling Krishna s desires, and His happiness is Her only goal. Although Lord Krishna enchants the world, Sri Radha enchants even Him. They are Radha and Krishna in the forest of Vrindavana. indeed the same, just as musk and its scent are inseparable. Srimati Radharani surpasses all in beauty, in good qualities, in good fortune, and above all in love. She is the wealth of Krishna s life. Krishna states: Although I am the source of happiness of the entire world, the beauty and attributes of Sri Radhika are My life and soul. The supreme symptom of ecstatic love, experienced only by Srimati Radharani and by Lord Caitanya in the mood of Radharani, is mahabhava. There is no higher manifestation of love than Her feelings for Krishna. Srila Prabhupada writes that it may be difficult to approach Krishna directly. But the devotee, taking advantage of His compassionate nature, represented by Srimati Radharani, always prays to Radharani for Krishna s compassion. He also advises that devotees in Vrindavan place themselves under Her care in order to perfect their devotional service, because such service is directly under the control of Sri Radhika. This year, we are celebrating Radhastami on Saturday, 10 September with an exciting program. Everyone is most welcome to take part in the auspicious festival in order to seek some mercy from Krishna s most beloved consort. Sources: Caitanya-caritamrita and Nectar of Devotion. Sri Sri Krishna Balarama and Sri Giri Govardhana at New Govardhana. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura This year, the Disappearance Day of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, the prominent pure devotee and acharya appearing in the 1800s and the guru to Srila Prabhupada s father will be celebrated on 15 September, starting at 10 am. All are invited to attend. Photo: Facebook Prabhupada Rare Photos ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Srila Prabhupada Uvaca Lord Vamanadeva appeared in this world from the womb of Aditi completely equipped with conch shell, disc, club and lotus. His bodily hue was blackish, and He was dressed in yellow garments. Lord Vishnu appeared at an auspicious moment on Śravanadvādaśī when the Abhijit star had arisen. At that time, in all the three worlds (including the higher planetary system, outer space and this earth), all the demigods, the cows, the brāhmanas and even the seasons were happy because of God s appearance. Therefore this auspicious day is called Vijayā. When the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who has a sac-cid-ānanda body, appeared as the son of Kaśyapa and Aditi, both of His parents were very astonished. After His appearance, the Lord assumed the form of a dwarf (Vāmana). All the great sages expressed their jubilation, and with Kaśyapa Muni before them they performed the birthday ceremony of Lord Vāmana. At the time of Lord Vāmanadeva s sacred thread ceremony, He was honored by the sun-god, Brihaspati, the goddess presiding over the planet earth, the deity of the heavenly planets, His mother, Lord Brahmā, Kuvera, the seven rsis and others. Lord Vāmanadeva then visited the sacrificial arena on the northern side of the Narmadā River, at the field known as Bhrigukaccha, where brāhmanas of the Bhrigu dynasty were performing yajñas. SB 8.18 Summary 2
Strengthening Women in ISKCON Vaishnavi Picnic at Cabarita Beach My thanks to all those who attended and especially to the organiser for all her hard work in making it such a successful event. By Govardhana Seva dasa In May this year, Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP) was appointed as the Women s Representative on ISKCON Australia s National Council. Thinking how she could be of service to the Vaishnavis in Australia, Krishnarupa consequently requested temple presidents to appoint local women s representatives in each of their temples. (Krishnarupa is New Govardhana s local as well as the national representative.) This was with an aim of developing a grass-roots series of strategies to strengthen devotee women in the yatra. These will include establishing a Vaishnavi Committee in each centre to offer services to the Vaishnavis and their families in various ways. At New Govardhana, the first Vaishnavi Committee was recently formed. The broad aim of the New Govardhana Vaishnavi Committee is to develop a supportive mood for ISKCON s female members and their families located on the farm as well as in the local broader devotee community. The Committee at New Govardhana so far consists of the following, in alphabetical order: Ambika; Govindasthali; Hari Prana; Jhulan; Krishnarupa (Chairperson); Krishna Bhakti; Lokesvari; Manjulali (NG); Sanantani; and Syama Sakhi (gurukula). Vaishnavi events, reading circles, personal support circles as well as the formation of a devotee care team to assist the community s members in practical ways whether it s cooking a meal, cleaning a house or offering friendship in times of loneliness or need will be on the agenda. If you are interested in being part of the committee, please contact Krishnarupa on 0416 17 97 33. As Krishnarupa says, The more the merrier! Photo: Supplied by Krishnarupa devi dasi By Vrindavani Briant Saturday, 30 July, was a clear and sunny day at Cabarita Beach. It was a beautiful day for the Vaishnavi Committee s first Vaishnavi Picnic, which was held there at 1.00 pm that day. The picnic brought together approximately 25 Vaishnavis from the New Govardhana community. They enjoyed kirtana, Vaishnavi sanga and a delicious Ekadasi feast! The ladies also completed a survey provided by the Chair of the Vaishnavi Committee, Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP).The picnic was a great success and will be the first of many similar events to come. Some of the guests at New Govardhana s Vaishnavi picnic. Brisbane Vaishnavis By Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP) The local women s representative for Brisbane, Srimati devi dasi, organised a gathering of approximately 40 Vaishnavis last month. Under a sunny sky, enthusiastic matajis gathered for the Vaishnavi Picnic to get to know one another more and develop some strategies to help nurture women and their families in Brisbane Yatra. I addressed the enthusiastically smiling ladies, speaking about ways we could develop and expand the devotional life of women in ISKCON and specifically the Brisbane yatra. Each attendee spoke for a few minutes about their lives, with many offering great ideas. Afterwards, we shared a magnificent feast together. Photo: Supplied by Krishnarupa devi dasi Photo: Trevor Gore Happy attendees at the Brisbane Vaishnavi picnic held last month. THANKS TO MANDAKINI By Govardhana Seva dasa The Conch team would like to express its appreciation to Mandakini devi dasi for her lengthy service on the editorial team. She has contributed to the production of The Conch in many ways over the past three years. Mandakini has been involved in helping to plan each edition, interviewing devotees, writing articles and attending meetings with great dedication. Due to her other extensive services at New Govardhana, her acting commitments, etc., coupled with some health issues, she reluctantly had to resign from the committee. We wish her a speedy recovery and thank her sincerely for all her efforts, which she gave so readily. Mandakini devi dasi on harinama. 3
Photo: Supplied by Vrindavani Briant The Vastu System: Building a House By Govardhana Seva dasa In the early days of The Conch an article was published on the progress of the building of a house based on the Vastu system. Gokula dasa and Vilasa Manjari devi dasi had just finished the foundation and the walls of their house and were starting to work on the roof. Everything had been built by hand, using earth bricks made on site and locally sourced timber. During the construction Gokula and Vilasa lived in a oneroomed cabin on the site. At the time I remember asking Gokula when he expected to finish it and he said, Before Xmas. When the next Xmas had passed, I queried the fact that they had not finished and he smiled and said, I didn t say which Xmas! A few years have passed and here we are again. We were shown around the house by Gokula and Vilasa, who moved in when the roof, ceilings, floors and windows were completed in April of this year, although they still Did You Know? By Vrindavani Briant You may have noticed the two new buildings at ISKCON New Govardhana. These buildings mark the spot for the new and improved brahmacharini ashrama. Each building contains rooms with upgraded facilities for the brahmacharinis, including air conditioning and individual bathrooms. have to cook and shower in the oneroomed cabin until those facilities have been completed in the new house. The new house consists of a large lounge, double bedroom, guest room, kitchen with a wood-fired stove (made in Ireland), small bathroom, and a workshop each for Vilasa and Gokula. The features of the house are the imposing 10ft ceilings, the skylight and belfry, the full-length windows in the front, with full-length panels of louvre windows that open to allow the prevailing winds to flow through the house. There is no insulation, yet the earth brick walls and earth floor keep it warm in winter and the cross flow from the louvre windows keeps it cool in summer. There is still much to do before it is complete, including connecting water to the house; connecting the stove; and constructing an outside toilet, and so on. When I asked Gokula for the expected date of completion, he gave a wry smile and said, Before Xmas! A third building will be erected to provide a common area that includes a kitchen and laundry facility, and verandahs will be added to all three buildings. Plans also include raised garden beds for flowers and vegetables and additional landscaping of the whole area. As soon as the Council has approved the building plans, work on this new project will be underway! The beginnings of the new brahmacarini ashram. A third building will provide a kitchen and laundry facilities, and landscaping will beautify the area. Photos: Tom Jones Recent photos showing the progress of Gokula and Vilasa s home. Radhastami Donations By Jyestha devi dasi Radhastami is commonly celebrated by creating opulent dresses for Srimati Radharani out of fresh flowers. At New Govardhana we do not have the flowers or budget to create this offering to Srimati Radharani. Often we are struggling to find flowers during winter months for enough flowers to make garlands. As part of Radhastami celebrations this year, we will be inviting devotees to participate in a small festival whereby donations for the Deities will be offered down a decorated chute at the front of the altar, going directly to Their lotus feet. These donations will go to supplying the Deities with flower garlands at times when we have no flowers available on the farm. Alternatively, if you would like to grow flowers in your own garden to donate to Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari, please do so. To take part in donating to the flower fund on Radhastami, please contact Jyestha devi dasi: 0457 060 150 for a donation box. 4
In Focus: Damodar Govinda dasa By Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP) Damodar Govinda dasa, one of the managers at Krishna Village Eco Yoga Community (KV) on New Govardhana, hails from Brescia, northern Italy. Surprisingly he didn t first become a devotee in his home country, but joined ISKCON in Sydney. I came to Australia first in 2011 when I decided to turn my perfect western life into a more meaningful one. I deeply felt that I would find the real meaning of life in Australia. After spending a few months in Sydney, I met a devotee in downtown George Street and he presented me with the Science of Self-Realization. Immediately I felt that I had been shown my path. Soon I started to use all my spare time meditating on its philosophy and began visiting the Radha Gopinatha temple and taking my first few steps in Krishna Consciousness, Damodar Govinda recalls. Damodar Govinda returned to Italy to continue to deepen his knowledge and attachment to Krishna, particularly at Villa Vrindavana temple Photo: Courtesy of Krishna Village The new friendly face at Krishna Village, Damodar Govinda. in Florence and at the Centro Studi Bhaktivedanta in Pisa. He received first initiation in 2014. After spending five years back home in Italy, first working as a quality, safety and environmental management systems consultant, he then joined Villa Vrindavana temple, offering his services as general manager. Eventually I needed to come back to my holy place, where my spiritual life begun, where I found Sri Krishna and Srila Prabhupada, although I wasn t really sure about giving up again everything I had been building. However, the inspiration received from inner voices and those close to me helped me to decide to follow the calling for the benefit of my spiritual life. Damodar Govinda had wanted to complete a yoga teacher training course, so he arrived at New Govardhana in May this year to complete the Yoga Alliance Certified module at KV. The yoga teacher training course was a desire that I had for eight years. This course balances traditional and modern yoga with bhaktiyoga. It has been one of the most valuable, exciting and enjoyable times of my life, full of devotion, friendships, inspiring philosophy and self-development, says Damodar Govinda. When asked what he likes the most about his new service helping to manage KV in its agricultural and volunteers department, Damodar Govinda says, I love the fact that I am surrounded by beautiful people and spiritual seekers all the time, to be around mother nature, to help inspire people to feel free to see perfection in a simple way of living while connecting with high values. The service is not without its challenges, but 32-year-old Damodar Govinda is finding his way balancing spiritual life with material life, without giving up the basic needs and duties that both of them require. The Transcendental Journey: the Sydney Opera House Photos: Annirudha dasa Clockwise from top: Sakhi Ray dasa in his compelling role as Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON s Founder-Acharya. Gurukula students chant invocation mantras to bring about auspiciousness for the event. Bhakti Without Borders performs from their recent Grammy nominated album. VIP guests, (L to R) Shyamasundara dasa, Mukunda Goswami, Bhakti Charu Swami, Ramai Swami and Malati devi dasi recount the early history of ISKCON. Devotee dancers enthrall the audience with their Odishi presentation. Some of the spectacular scenes from the recent, highly successful celebration of ISKCON s 50th Anniversary at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Performers came from all over the world and joined with local devotees in a grand display of innovation, devotion and worldclass talent. 5
The Man Behind the Camera By Kisori devi dasi Wherever there is a New Govardhana festival, most likely you will see a photographer wearing bright shorts and an equally vivid t-shirt with a devotional design printed on the front that s Trevor Gore. However, Trevor isn t a born-andbred Murwillumbah boy. He is actually from Adelaide and spent his childhood there. His father was a market gardener and grew vegetables for local markets. Trevor worked with his father for seven years, obtaining valuable gardening experience that he has put to good use in Krishna s service. Many of New Govardhana s garland makers have come to rely on Trevor s generous supply of blooms for Their Lordships. Doing a variety of jobs including deliveries, being an electronics salesman and running a Coin and Stamp business for many years, he would see devotees on hari-nama and avoid them, thinking them crazy! In 1988, he read in the media about a Peace March organised in Perth and decided to attend. He met devotee Sri Radharaman, who now lives in Gopinatha Dham, handing out pamphlets with quotes from the Bhagavat-gita on how to achieve real peace. He asked Sri Radharaman if he had time, which he mercifully did, and they had a long chat with many of Trevor s questions being answered. He was given the address of the Perth temple and restaurant and became a regular visitor. He listened attentively to classes at the temple and asked many inquisitive questions, finding the answers very satisfying. In 1990, he moved into the brahmachari ashrama and stayed there for three years, celebrating his 40 th birthday while there. Trevor s service included recording classes and making multiple tape copies, then selling them, as well as setting up sound and lighting for festivals. Photo: Supplied by Trevor Gore In 1993, he moved out of the ashrama and started renting a devotee s house close to the temple. On discovering a vacant lot next door, he and Mani Bandha, the then temple president for Perth, negotiated with council to use this land. Paying a peppercorn yearly rent of $1 to the council, Trevor and other devotees turned the vacant lot into a large vegetable garden for the temple. He continued with various other services, until he moved to Murwillumbah in 2008. Trevor quickly found his place at New Govardhana becoming the vegetable gardener on the property, working alongside Sabhapati and other helpers. Five years ago, Trevor moved into his new house and since then has been growing flowers at home, very successfully, and solely for the temple. Having always been a good photographer, he was asked to become the official photographer for New Govardhana and he has developed this area in a very exciting way. He is also one of the managers of New Govardhana s Facebook page and states the magic really happened when he joined Facebook as many people got exposure to the pictures and videos, member numbers going up from 2000 to 18,000 since he has taken over. A record has been the Cooli Rocks On Ratha-yatra video, which has been viewed 335,000 times and shared 7000 times, all without any promotion. Trevor chants daily and sees a bright future in devotional service with gardening and photography. Colourful Trevor Gore at a Brisbane Ratha-yatra. The Red Suitcase Part 2 By Jyestha devi dasi You may remember the article about the curse and blessing of the red suitcase, and the number of devotees who have come to New Govardhana with a red suitcase, myself included, and not returned to where they came from. This is about to be tested. The owner of the original red suitcase, Chaitanya Lila devi dasi, is coming to New Govardhana from Melbourne for yoga teacher training in September. She has no choice but to bring the infamous red suitcase with her. The red suitcase curse will be tested, will she stay or will she go Chaitanya Lila devi dasi. WANTED: NEW CONCH TEAM MEMBERS The Conch editorial committee is seeking new members. Vrindavani has joined us for a few months during her visit to New Govardhana, but we welcome additional newsletter enthusiasts. Pre-requisites include an interest in reporting newsworthy events pertaining to New Govardhana and reasonable writing skills. Candidates will need to be able to accept that their articles will be edited and they should not be overly sensitive to editorial critique! Duties include attending one meeting per week, writing articles and helping to plan each edition. If interested, contact Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP) at caroleditor@gmail.com. Photos: Supplied by Jyestha devi dasi 6
Photo: Supplied by Vayu dasa Book Launch: It s Personal By Karunika devi dasi Studio 88 will be presenting a cultural evening of art, poetry and music on Thursday, 8 September 2016 at 5.30 pm. It is a celebration for the 50th Anniversary of ISKCON and the incorporation of the society in 1966 by the Founder-Acharya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The night will feature Sydney-based artist, author and art director Vayu dasa. Inspired by the Bhagavatagita s three eternal truths of the soul (atma), nature and Krishna, he will present his latest book of poetry and artworks called It s Personal. Vayu will be reading his poetry as well as offering insights into his creative works and processes. Signed editions of the book will be available, and his unique paintings on display. Please come along and meet the author. Music and vibes by the soulful Mohini Cox and a light supper will also be a highlight. Please RSVP to Dhanesvara dasa 0402 763 291 or Karunika devi dasi at bensonfineart@bigpond.com Vayu dasa with his new book, It s Personal. Wellness at the Gurukula 2016 By Indumati devi dasi The Gurukula staff and teaching team have been successfully working together in promoting student wellness, health and environment care with the new student leadership, composting and WOW (wipe out waste) programs. Through this we aim to inspire the students to take leadership initiatives, stay healthy and keep the environment clean. This semester the Gurukula students engaged in the Heart Foundation s fundraiser Jump rope for Heart. They created a two five minute skipping routine and shared awareness of the benefits of the vegetarian diet in relation to reducing the risk of heart disease. They presented their routines and health promotion to the Murwillumbah Farmers Market, and in 10 weeks collected $827 while reducing their resting heart rate by three seconds. We are now looking forward to the new basketball hoop, board sets and numerous sporting balls that the Heart Foundation will reward the students with for their outstanding efforts. We d like to thank all the students and parents who were involved in the fundraiser. The students also had the opportunity to train and prepare for the regional Cross Country in which we had three finalists make it to State competition: Kiki Davis, Anjali Dejager and Gour Magripilis. We saw an outstanding sport effort in all the Grade 3 10 students and excellent achievements. Presently, the students are training for the athletics carnival and enjoying the range of events on the track and field. Again, it is evident to see the benefits of a vegetarian diet as the school has many fast and fit students capable of representing the Gurukula at the State and National level. One last exciting notice is to commemorate the collaborative and cohesive effort that the Grades 3 10 students have demonstrated in the development of a student leadership team with school captains, sport captains and SRC. Together they have planned fundraising ideas for 2017. There is abundant care and wellness shared amongst the Gurukula students and staff members, and we feel honoured to work in such an environment, seeing it as a true manifestation of Srila Prabhupada s mercy. Student wellness, health and care of the environment in action. Photos: Supplied by Gurukula SUBMISSION GUIDELINES The Conch is your community newsletter, and we invite you to submit articles for publication. Articles should be 300 words or less and supplied in MS Word via email to gordon108@bigpond. com. Photographs must be in JPG format. Please provide the name of the author and the photographer. Anonymous submissions will not be published. Deadline is the 12th of each month. Occasionally a submission could be held over to a later edition. All submissions will be edited, proofread and may be rejected without notice. EDITORIAL BOARD: Damodara Pandit dasa, Govardhana Seva dasa, Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP), Urvasi devi dasi (layout and graphic design). For enquiries, comments or suggestions, contact: www.conch.org.au (Conch - Contact) 7
Upcoming Events Sri Radhastami Saturday, 10 September 7.30am Darshan 8.15am Class 9.30am Bhajans 10am Abhishek 11am Class 11.45am Puspanjali 12pm Arati and kirtan 12.30pm Gift opening 1pm Feast To take part in donating to the flower fund on Radhastami, please contact Jyestha devi dasi 0457 060 150 for a donation box Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura Appearance Thursday, 15 September 7am Deity darshan and Srila Prabhupada guru puja 7:30am Class on Bhaktivinoda Thakura 1am Bhajans and reading 11:45am Prasada to Bhaktivinoda Thakura 11:50am Puspanjali 12pm Guru puja, arati and kirtan 12:30pm Feast Please join us each Ekadasi for Srimad-Bhagavatam class given by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. These classes will feature subtitles. Darshan arati 7am Class 7.30am Harinama Sankirtana ki jaya! September Calendar (from Vaishnava calendar www.vaisnavacalendar.com) 6 Tue Srimati Sita Thakurani (Sri Advaita s consort) Appearance 7 Wed Lalita Shasti 10 Sat Radhastami Appearance of Srimati Radharani (Fast till noon) 13 Tue Ekadasi: Fasting for Parsva Ekadasi (Fast till noon for Vamanadeva, with feast tomorrow) 14 Wed Dvadasi: Break fast 5.45 9.43 am (Fasting is done yesterday, today is feast) Sri Vamana Dvadasi: Appearance of Lord Vamanadeva (Fasting is done yesterday, today is feast) Srila Jiva Gosvami Appearance 15 Thu Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura Appearance (Fast till noon) 16 Fri Ananta Caturdasi Vrata Srila Haridasa Thakura Disappearance 17 Sat Sri Visvarupa Mahotsava Acceptance of sannyasa by Srila Prabhupada 23 Fri Srila Prabhupada s arrival in the US 27 Tue Ekadasi: Fasting for Indira Ekadasi 28 Wed Dvadasi: Break fast 5.28 6.05 am 2016 The Conch copyright of New Govardhana www.conch.org.au Daily at various locations Contact Garuda dasa for details garuda108das@hotmail.com Sunday Mornings Northern NSW & Gold Coast Visnujana dasa 0498 141 021