The Conch (Jun 2017)

June 2017 The Conch krishnafarm.com 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 Snana Yatra & Chida Dahi Festival Come join us! 50th Anniversary Magazine Wins Award kids playgroup + gurukula work experience + Govardhana Adieu

Festival of the Photo: Facebook.com Chariots Photo: blog.devoteematch.com By Ambika devi dasi Millions flock to the Ratha-yatra in ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace Early next month, the New Odisha, India. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Govardhana community celebrates Ratha-yatra. Ratha-yatra, or ‘Festival the intimate environment of the Srila Prabhupada Uvaca of the Chariots’ originated in Vrindavana forest. Jagannatha Puri in eastern India, and As devotees pull the ropes, they are When the shopkeepers of many has been held annually for thousands praying to Krishna that they may pull other villages heard about the of years. It takes place in June/July Him into their hearts. The festival is festival [Chida Dahi Utsava], they each year and is attended by millions. therefore a very joyous and prayerful arrived there to sell chipped rice, Usually the Deities of Lord occasion. yogurt, sweetmeats and bananas. Jagannatha, Balarama and Subhadra This Festival of Chariots was first As they came, bringing all kinds of are worshipped within the temple of performed outside of India on 9 July, food, Raghunatha dasa purchased Jagannatha Puri, but on the day of 1967 in San Francisco, under the it all. He gave them the price for the Rath-yatra festival They are taken supervision of ISKCON’s Founder- their goods and later fed them through the streets, so that everyone Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. the very same food. Anyone who can have the good fortune of seeing Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. came to see how these funny Their beautiful forms. Since that first parade in 1967, things were going on was also fed Richly decorated chariots, resembling Ratha-yatra has been performed chipped rice, yogurt and bananas. temple structures, are pulled through repeatedly in many major cities in the After Lord Nityananda Prabhu the streets of Jagannatha Puri. In world, providing uplifting devotional finished eating, He washed His this way, the annual journey of Lord kirtanas, wonderful darshanas of hands and mouth and gave Jagannatha, Lord Balarama, and the transcendental forms of the Raghunatha dasa the food their sister Subhadra to the Gundica Lord, plenty of vibrant colour and remaining in the four pots. There Temple takes place. This Gundica an atmosphere saturated in spiritual was food remaining in the three temple is situated 2km from Their happiness. other big pots of Lord Nityananda, massive temple in the centre of Puri. and a brahmana distributed it to Those attending the festival have all the devotees, giving a morsel to an earnest desire to help pull the each. Then a brahmana brought a chariots with long ropes at the front flower garland, placed the garland of each cart. Everyone sings the holy on Nityananda Prabhu’s neck and names of the Lord, accompanied by smeared sandalwood pulp all over drums, tambourines and kartalas. His body. Children also enjoy pulling the ropes When a servant brought betel and singing the Lord’s holy names for nuts and offered them to Lord Their pleasure. Nityananda, the Lord smiled and chewed them. With His ownImage: www.festivalsofindia.in Source: www.mirathyatra.com hands Lord Nityananda Prabhu distributed to all the devotees The smiling face of Lord Jagannatha, New whatever flower garlands, in Puri, Odisha, India Govardhana sandalwood pulp and betel nuts This festival represents the Lord’s Ratha-yatra remained. dear gopi devotees taking Him After receiving the remnants from His opulent situation in New Govardhana will be of food left by Lord Nityananda Kurukshetra 5000 years ago, back to celebrating Ratha-yatra on Prabhu, Raghunatha dasa, who r.ural Vrindavana, so that they may 2 July. Please mark your calendars was greatly happy, ate some again serve Him and please Him in for one of New Govardhana’s and distributed the rest among biggest event of the year. his own associates. Thus have I described the pastimes of Lord Nityananda Prabhu in relation to the celebrated festival of chipped rice and yogurt. Excerpt from Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya Lila, Chapter 6 2

Valued Conch member departs By Krishnarupa devi dasi Photo: Trevor Gore On Sunday, 30 April a much-loved member of the New Govardhana Govardhana Seva dasa was an active and much-loved member of the ISKCON community and highly valued community at New Govardhana. editorial board participant on The Conch newsletter peacefully left his was peaceful and joyful right to flower gifts, bringing prasadam, and body at home in Murwillumbah. the end. being so helpful in many ways. Your After nine years of battling cancer Govardhana Seva’s usual wits and support was very much appreciated.” and kidney failure, Govardhana Seva stock of jokes was still evident as he Thank you Govardhana Seva for being dasa’s heart began to fail. He decided, sweetly said his goodbyes to all of us such a joy, greeting guests to New in consultation with his beloved wife, left here to miss him so greatly. Govardhana, devotedly working on Ekadasi devi dasi, Doctor Wellum, Govardhana Seva’s wife, Ekadasi, and our community newsletter and being their local doctor, and his kidney their three sons, Steven, Gary and a friend to all. specialist, Doctor Krishnan Sankunni, David said, “I would also like to thank We will miss you so very much – until to cease his home dialysis treatment, everyone who helped Govardhana we meet again, dear Govardhana and to leave his body at home, as his Seva through their thoughts, kirtana, Seva Prabhu. end was near. With many devotees chanting all day for more than 10 days in their home, daily skype calls from his spiritual master, Janananda Goswami, and scripture readings, Govardhana Seva YEAR 10 WORK Gemini at Crystal Warehouse, Byron Bay. We were very pleased to hear such EXPERIENCE positive feedback from the employers Karuna, being interested in law, as it reflected the wonderful attitude By Syama Sakhi devi dasi worked at the Northern Rivers of the Hare Krishna School students. From the 10–14 April, the Year 10 Community Legal Centre in Lismore, And what a delightful preaching students went for their first work while Gemini was placed at the opportunity it was to see these young experience this year. After the success Crystal Warehouse in Byron Bay. devotees enter into the workforce of the program in 2016, the school Cintamani did a sterling job, juggling while making a strong positive decided to continue encouraging the two employers at once, working for impression about themselves, students to experience different work KidzKlub Australia and The Byron Bay their beliefs and their Hare Krishna placements throughout their Year Community Centre. Balaram spent community. 10 studies. Thus, Karuna, Cintamani, the week working as a kitchen aid at It is a delightful privilege to see Balaram, Vrinda, Gemini and Kalindi the Cardamom Pod in Broadbeach. these young devotee students grow had the opportunity to spend a week Vrinda decided to try work in the into responsible and caring citizens. at a job environment of their choice. Kingscliff library, and Kalindi spent her We wish them all the best and week at the Vet station in town. congratulate them on their success in Kalindi at the vet station in town. The overall feedback from their this work experience program. employers was marvellous. ThePhotography: Syama Sakhi and Keli Kadambana employers were very pleased with the students’ diligence, keen attention to detail, ability to take responsibility, Vrinda at Kingscliff Library. and their overall mood and attitude. 3

Kids PlaygroupBy Lalita Ickrath Image: Jhulan devi dasiA weekly playgroup has formed at The playgroup is a relaxed All members of the New GovardhanaNew Govardhana temple for children environment and flows in the community are welcome to donate toaged up to four years old. The idea direction set by the children, a the playgroup any toys or equipmentwas born when I realised that there mixture of free play and some they no longer need.was no regular arrangement for the organised activities, dependingyoung kids to meet and play at the on the age of the children present. PLAYGROUPtemple, aside from the busy Sunday Playgroups run nicely when theyfeast program. are a shared responsibility between For more information or toThe playgroup meets on Wednesdays all involved parents, so your input register, please contact either10.30am–12.30pm on the grass and suggestions on activities arearea in front of the temple during welcomed and encouraged. If you Lalita on 0405 462 176 orschool term time, with the option to have a special skill or knowledge in Manjulali devi dasi onstay for lunch prasadam served at an area, we would love for you to12.30pm. We would like to welcome share it. 0405 663 824 or via Newall parents of young children to Govardhana Playgroup on Facebook.take this wonderful opportunity fortheir children (and themselves!)to socialise in a Krishna consciousenvironment.Please note that a parent or guardianmust be present with the child for theentire playgroup session.The playgroup is free, but we askparticipants to donate some toysor craft supplies (second-hand ornew) or to give a small financialcontribution so that the organisersare able to buy these items. The Aftermath By Kisori devi dasiThe flood in April has come and gone, after doing great damage to many. Now most of the cleaning has been done,but many people are now feeling overwhelmed about how to rebuild their properties and their lives.Depression and anxiety might be creeping in, and there might be a sense of not coping. Please see your GP and have achat if you need to. Help is also available at Lifeline, which is open 24 hours on 13 11 14, and NSW Mental Health Lineon 1800 011 511 for more details and referral information.Photo: AU News Yahoo Photo: www.echo.net.au Photo: Jason-Alison DittmarScenes from the devastation caused by Cyclone Debbie in the Murwillumbah area. 4

ISKCONCommunicationsWins PrestigiousAwardsFrom iskconnews.org Photography: iskconnews.org ISKCON Communications won severalAt the 2017 Religion Communicators awards for excellence in religionCouncil (RCC) annual DeRose- The award-winning The Hare Krishnas – communications.Hinkhouse Memorial Awards Celebrating 50 years magazine. Best of Class award on behalf ofceremony in Chicago, Illinois on 30 ISKCON Communications and theMarch, ISKCON Communications production that invokes emotional film’s creator and director, Krishna-won several awards for excellence in and spiritual connections and lila dasi, as well as his co-producersreligion communications. increases understanding.” on the film Bhakti Caru Swami andThe Hare Krishnas – Celebrating 50 Anuttama dasa, International Minister Pancharatna dasa.years magazine won a merit award of Communications, accepted the He also accepted the awards offor single-issue periodicals and an excellence and merit on behalf ofaward for excellence in overall design. the 50th magazine’s executive editors,In addition, The Joy of Devotion film Mukunda Goswami and Krishnarupawon a Best of Class award. devi dasi, project manager BhaktaThe panel of judges for the awards, dasa, designer Ramprasad dasa andwhich included journalism professors the rest of the editorial staff.and newspaper editors from bothreligious and secular organisations,praised The Joy of Devotionfilm, saying: “It was an excellentPIZZA NIGHT menu, keeping everyone happy. Kirtana and various improvised The gathering area has also been entertainment is relished by theBy Mandakini devi dasi upgraded and the overhead cover guests and volunteers who lookSix months ago, Krishna Village provides protection from the rain. forward to Fridays, signalling theAgricultural and Volunteer Manager A cheerful bonfire completes the end of the working week.Damodara Govinda dasa and Kitchen scene. Pizza prices are $12 or $15.Manager Sanatani Rombola decided Dining commences at 5.30pm in theto modernise and enhance the winter and 6.30pm in the summer.popular Friday Pizza Night. Since thenpizza nights have truly been on fire! Photo: www.krishnavillage-retreat.comWith the help of volunteers, theyresearched how to build a new Sanatani Rombola preparing pizza at the Krishna Village.oven to replace the old one, whichwas falling apart and restricted toproducing only one pizza at a time.The subsequent new model cooksthree at a time and Sanatani claims,with the improved flour recipes, thetaste is “amazing”. Instead of usingjust white self-raising flour, a mix ofquality wholewheat and plain flourwithout any additives is makingthe difference. The dough is alsoprepared the previous day.When available, fresh vegetablesfrom the garden are used. With thepresent surplus of basil, Sanatanihas created a new tasty vegan pestotopping.Vegan mozzarella and gluten-free recipes also feature on the 5

Room to Grow Photo: Courtesy Google Images been the odd season of plenty with so many mangos that we would freezeBy Venugopal dasa Young mango sapplings. them for use throughout the year.It seems almost everyone likes I remember visiting New Govardhana After 25-odd years these once littlemangos – after all, it is the king of one time and to my great surprise I mango trees have become incrediblyfruits and the fruit of kings. So we saw those mangos trees all planted crowded out and totally intertwined.are certainly blessed to have plentiful out around the temple grounds and The inevitable time arrived to finallymangos growing here on New top orchard. do something.Govardhana. Even in a bad season, of However, there was a problem – they Heavy pruning took place last monthwhich we have many, there is still an had been planted too close together. with the help of a professionalabundance of fruits to be found for These little trees grew healthy and arborist. The trees will benefitShri Shri Radha Govardhanadhari. strong and, despite the unpredictable enormously with room to rejuvenateEverything about mango trees is nature of good mango seasons in this with vigour and strength. Also, thebeneficial. The fruits, the leaves, area, they have managed to supply vastu of the temple compoundthe flowers and the bees, the timber mangos most years. There has also is now free from claustrophobic– even the shade of the mango tree – inauspiciousness, having opened upare auspicious. the northern aspect. The wood from the cuttings will be saved and storedTHE BACKGROUND for future fire yajnas. (Mango timber is considered one of the best of allIn the mid 1990s, about 95 young fuels in this regard.)mango trees were purchased from a As a side note, I recently had to thindefunct mango farm on Old Lismore out and replant a heavily populated,Road. Unfortunately, due to lack of interwined tulasi grove. They were allmanpower, they remained in their suffering the effects of being plantedpots for nearly two years, taking the too close to each other. Now thebrunt of neglect from devotees and results speak for themselves. Theymuch gastronomic abuse from the are all so much healthier, strongerbullocks. and more blissful. Of course, weBut mangos are tough and despite don’t prune tulasi but heavy pruningnot much water and regular bullock methods are regularly employedmunching, most survived their with many trees and plants likewild turbulent youth in those under- rose bushes, grapes vines and oldersized pots. mangos trees with remarkable results.Pasture lands Photo: Kisori devi dasi the fields. Some of the cows are also coming over from Gita Govinda deviBy Manjulali devi dasi Photo: Clare Meehan dasi’s side. In April Jyestha devi dasi and RupaAt New Govardhana, the general Some of the lush pasturing grounds of Ragunatha dasa were married atpolicy of the cow department is New Govardhana. Riva Vue, Murwillumbah.that as we encroach on cow land, Congratulations to the happy couple.and cows lose pastures due toconstruction works or new roads, we 6try and replace that land by pastureimprovement or clearing areas thathave been overtaken by camphorlaurels and other weeds.Therefore, while the earthmovingequipment is here we are clearingbehind the temple and Gokula dasaand Vilasa Manjari devi dasi’s house,where we’ve lost land due to theforest impinging on the cow pasture.As the cow/bull program expands,so also does the need for clearpastures. Krsna Kirtan dasa andBhaktine Clare are establishing dailytraining in front of Gokula and Vilasa’shouse so the bulls learn to pull and till

Bullock BoulevardPhoto: Kisori devi dasi Photo: Nitai Chandra das Bir Krsna Goswami meets the bullocks.Photo: Kisori devi dasi (Above) Krsna Kirtan dasa heading out with bullocks Gaura and Nitai. (Left) Nrsimhananda holds the two bullocks in readiness to be yoked. These two bullocks have been trained to pull a heavy cart, which can be used as a means of transportation for people or produce. Bir Krsna Goswami comes to see the Photo: Kisori devi dasi bullock training program. He made a video that is available on his Facebook page. He was most impressed with how well the bullocks were trained.Photo: Krishna Kirtan das Photo: Sri Gandharrvika devi dasi Sri Gandharvika devi dasi long-rein trains big Shanti. Nitai Chandra dasa walking big Balah. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES the photographer. Anonymous EDITORIAL BOARD: submissions will not be published. Damodara Pandit dasa, Krishnarupa devi dasi The Conch is your community Deadline is the 12th of each (ACBSP), Manjulali devi dasi. newsletter, and we invite you to month. Occasionally a submission LAYOUT AND GRAPHIC DESIGN: submit articles for publication. could be held over to a later Urvasi devi dasi and Jhulan devi dasi. Articles should be 300 words or edition. All submissions will be less and supplied in MS Word edited, proofread and may be FOR ENQUIRIES, COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS via email to caroleditor@gmail. rejected without notice. Contact: www.conch.org.au com. Photographs must be in JPG format. Please provide the name of the author and 7

Upcoming EventsPoster Artwork: Urvasi devi dasi Mayapur Chandras Bhaktivinoda Thakura 13 – 16 June 2017 Disappearance Day Snana Yatra / Panihati Saturday, 24 June 2017 Festivals A department of ISKCON Mayapur, this Sunday, 11 June 2017 group of second generation devotees 7.30am Class on Bhaktivinoda are all expertly trained in the various 10am Thakura 12pm Arati and kirtana devotional arts, and come together to 11.45am Bhajanas and 12.30pm Class spread the traditional Gaudiya Vaisnava 11.50am readings 1pm Snana yatra culture of Sri Mayapur Dhama to centres 12pm Prasada offered to 2.30pm Panihati auction around the world. Mayapur Chandras 12.30pm Bhaktivinoda Thakura 4pm Arati kirtana – Hati organise different pilgrimages in Gaura Puspanjali 4.45pm Vesa darshan Mandala Bhumi. Guru puja, arati and 5pm Deities leave temple kirtana in procession Srimad-Bhagavatam Classes Feast Feast given by Naru Gopal dasa 14, 15 & 16 June Gaura Lila Discussions and Kirtana at 5pm with Naru Gopal dasa, Bhakti Vinod dasa and Narahari dasa 14, 15 & 16 June June Calendar Harinama (from Vaishnava calendar www.vaisnavacalendar.com) Sankirtana ki jaya! 4 Sun Baladeva Vidyabhusana – disappearance Daily at various locations Gangamata Gosvamini – disappearance Ganga Puja Contact Garuda dasa for details [email protected] 5 Mon Ekadasi – Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi (suitable for fasting) 6 Tue Dvadasi – Break fast 6.32am–10am Sunday Mornings 7 Wed Panihati Cida Dahi Utsava 9 Fri Snana yatra Northern NSW & Gold Coast 11 Sun Panihati Cida Dahi Utsava Visnujana dasa 0498 141 021 Snana yatra observed today 20 Tue Ekadasi (not suitable for fasting) Srivasa Pandita – disappearance 21 Wed Dvadasi – Yogini Ekadasi (suitable for fasting) 22 Thu Trayodasi – Break fast 6.38am–10.04am 24 Sat Gadadhara Pandita – disappearance Bhaktivinoda Thakura – disappearance (fast today) 25 Sun Gundica Marjana 26 Mon Ratha-yatra Svarupa Damodara – disappearance © 2017 The Conch copyright of New Govardhana www.conch.org.au