The Conch (Jan - Feb 2014)

January/February The Conch krishnafarm.com 2014 www.theconchnewsletter.org “Lord Sri Krishna and Arjuna blew their celestialIPhoto: www.mayapur.com 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 Advaita Acharya Summons the Lord The Russians are Still Coming Interview with Uttama Sloka dasa A Special Little Soul: Nandulal Woodford Wows ‘em A Photo Story PRABHUPADA UVACA + GOSHALLA GOSS + KULI CATCH UP + DID YOU KNOW

Sri Advaita Acharya who hears about and glorifies Him becomes glorified himself”. Let us therefore remember and praise the glories of Sri Advaita Acharya. By Ambika devi dasi Image: berlintempel.blogspot Image: http://www.gunagrahidasgoswami.org ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace In the Adi-lila Chaitanya Charitamrita, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Advaita Acharya is described as: Image: prlog.org “The incarnation of Maha-Visnu … SrilaPrabhupadaUvaca Because He is non-different from Image: gaudiyahistory.com Hari, the Supreme Lord, He is called advaitam harinadvaitad Advaita, and because He propagates acaryam bhakti-samsanat the cult of devotion, He is called bhaktavataram isam tam Acharya. He is the Lord and the incarnation of the Lord’s devotee. advaitacaryam asraye Therefore I take shelter of Him. So gradually the author is offering Sri Advaita Acharya is directly the respect, shri-krishna-chaitanya Supreme Personality of Godhead prabhu-nityananda shri-advaita. He Himself. His glory is beyond the has already offered respect to Lord conception of ordinary living beings.” Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda. He appeared in 1434 in Sri Hatta, Now it is the turn for Shri Advaita Bengal. His father, Kuvera Pandit, was Acharya. So advaitam, non-different, an exalted brahmana. His mother was expansion of Mahavishnu. Therefore a faithful devotee. His spiritual master He is Vishnu-tattva. He is not jiva- was Madhavendra Puri. tattva. Therefore, He is Advaita. His adult home was the meeting Advaita achyuta anadi ananta- place for the Vaishnavas. Wonderful rupam. Krishna has got unlimited kirtanas were performed daily, number of expansions, expansion, along with Srimad Bhagavatam and expansion of the expansion, then Bhagavad-gita classes. expansion of the expansion, in this Despairing at the increasing way. So Advaita Acharya is expansion materialism of the public and the of Krishna, it is already explained. resident scholars of Navadvip, Therefore He is called advaitam, and Advaita Acharya intensely desired acharyam bhakti-samsanat. This is Lord Krishna to advent Himself. the business of acharya, to spread Worshipping Krishna with Tulasi bhakti cult. Acharyam mam vijaniyat leaves and Ganges water, crying navamanyeta karhichit. It is said by incessant tears of love, accepting the Lord that “You should accept the vows and austerities and roaring acharya ...” with loud cries which penetrated Acharya means one who transmits the covering of the universe, Advaita bhakti cult. Bhakti-samsanat, Acharya sincerely pleaded with the spreading, gosthy-anandi. One who Lord to come and give the treasure of is not spreading – he is cultivating love of Godhead freely to the people Krishna consciousness for his of the world. personal benefit in a secluded place, It is through the unlimited mercy of sitting and chanting – that is also Advaita Acharya that Sri Chaitanya nice, but he’s not acharya. Mahaprabhu came to liberate the Acharya means he must spread, fallen souls of Kali-yuga. Gosthy-anandi. Bhajananandi, Advaita Acharya is also described in gosthy-anandi. So generally, gosthy- the Chaitanya Charitamrita as “the anandi means one who wants to spiritual master of all devotees … who increase the number of devotees. descended to introduce the path He’s called gosthy-anandi. And of bhakti”. one who is self-satisfied, that “Let Advaita Acharya was an ideal me do my own duty”, he is called householder. bhajananandi. When Lord Chaitanya relocated Reference: Lecture 6 April 1975, Mayapur to Puri, Advaita Acharya travelled there annually for Ratha-yatra and remained there in His association for four months of each year. He lived to 125 years.It is further described in Chaitanya Charitamrita that “Anyone2

Mohini’s on Course Musical HousesBy Mandakini devi dasi Mohini, who hails from the austere By Govardhana Seva dasaProfessional artiste, Mohini Murti Canadian climate of Calgary, has Then the music stopped! … anddevi dasi, is knee-deep in study and always been most appreciative of the recent house moves by severalassessments as she nears the half- Australia. With her love of Vedic devotees became like a game ofway mark in her exacting visual culture, and keen regard for the musical chairs. In mid-Decemberarts course. dynamic New Govardhana project, 2013, Gaura Shakti devi dasi andEnrolling at SAE College, Byron Bay she nurtures a strong desire to Phalguna Krsna dasa moved fromin October 2012, Mohini chose document important events in their residence on New GovardhanaBachelor of Film Production as her its ongoing development. to their new home in Riveroak Drivemajor. Skills learned in this complex Says Mohini, “Others need to know on the Hundred Hills Estate, inand accelerated course include what is happening in our movement. Murwillumbah.scriptwriting, editing, lighting, digital There is so much going on here. This Almost immediately New Govardhanafilming and production. farm is such a positive example to the residents Gokulananda Chaitanya rest of the world.” dasa and family moved from the house nearest the school into GauraPhoto: Mallika DesFours and Phalguna’s vacated house. Photo: Yumi Lin Vinod Bihari dasa and his wife Mahananda devi dasi decided to Photo: Urvasi devi dasi relocate to New Govardhana and moved into the house nearest the school. While all this was going on Urvasi devi dasi’s new cabin at New Govardhana was completed, and she recently moved from Trayadisa dasa’s loft into her new home.Mohini Murti devi dasi.Bhakti Yogis GraduateBy Mandakini devi dasi The next course will commence on 15 Urvasi’s new cabin is located in the villageThe three-month long Bhakta Training January finishing on 15 April 2014. of Aniyora and is known as ‘Gopala Vas-Program at New Govardhana, Interested persons may contact sthana’ or the dwelling place ofconcluded on 24 December with Uddhava Priya on 0490 137 463 or Lord Gopala.six graduating students receiving email: [email protected] Ganga devi dasi and her childrencertificates. A graduation ceremony was held in the moved from her old house in RiverCourse facilitator, Uddhava Priya dasa, Gurukula Hall and Arts Centre. Pictured Street, Murwillumbah to Hari Bhaktiheld classes three times a week on above, Jayadeva dasa, Krsnaraja Foward, Dey’s former house in Dorothy Street.Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Ajita dasa, Uddhava Priya dasa, Bhaktin Following that, Subal Nitai dasafrom 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm. A dozen Trace, Bhaktin Jue and Bhaktin Larissa. and family moved from theirparticipants attended, including new accommodation in Murwillumbah tobhaktas, congregational members their new home at Somerville Circuit,and WWOOFers. on the Hundred Hills Estate.Working with material from three … and now the music has startedbooks entitled, Devotional Practices, again – stay tuned!Philosophy and Theology, andVaishnava Culture, the students 3concluded the study of each modulewith 15 questions. Various devoteeswere invited to come along to themeetings to share their particulararea of expertise.Asesa Sadhini devi dasi spoke onRelationships; Nrsimha Kavaca dasainstructed the group in all aspects ofcleanliness; Gokula dasa lectured onSimple Living and High Thinking.

Image: www.tovp.org Thanks from the Photo: Trevor Gore TOVP By Sri Hari Bhakti devi dasi On behalf of the Temple of Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) team, I would like to thank all the devotees that have given their pledges to the TOVP building project. Your funds have been sent to Mayapur. I am continuing to collect pledges here in New Govardhana and hoping to go to Brisbane and Sydney in the near future. Thank you for supporting the Temple of Vedic Planetarium. Goshala Goss Radhika is bottle-fed twice a day by before he died, Bruce may Urvasi devi dasi. have sustained injuries to his back By Urvasi devi dasi and neck. Since our last column, a Gir calf Radhika is being nursed in the On a previous occasion, more than was born to Sumukhi. Her name is mornings by Lila, who herself has a a year ago, Venu Gopal dasa noticed Chintamani and she is adorable. It calf named Ramanuja, and she is also the dairy cows had Bruce surrounded was not an easy birth with the vet given supplemental bottle-feeds twice and were giving him ‘what for’. having to come to assist. Gentle a day. This is a rewarding service After this altercation, he needed his and inquisitive, yet playful and and we invite those who may be wounds tended to and a period of adventurous, ‘Chintzy’ has become an interested to contact Urvasi devi dasi recuperation in a separate paddock. inseparable companion for Radhika, for the opportunity to hand-feed a Upon investigation, Gita Govinda a three-month-old Gir heifer whose very special little soul. Feeding times devi dasi revealed that prior to this mother Raga abandoned her at birth. are 1.30 pm and 7.30 pm each day. incident she had seen Bruce walk up Sumukhi is a very protective mother, Radhika has been sponsored by behind the cows and pull their tails and for the first few weeks after Shridas Johnson and family, and with his beak. It can only be surmised Chintzy’s birth it was not possible Chintamani is sponsored by Brenda, that he pulled one too many tails, and to get very close to her. However, Rani and Asha Foran. the girls ‘took matters into their own Chintzy has now become more We have many more cows that hooves’. independent, and she and Radhika require sponsorship. Please contact A quick note about gates. It is can often be seen up to all sorts of Venu Gopal dasa to become involved very important that gates at New shenanigans. They like to play head in this service. Govardhana are kept closed at all butting, and even get involved in the It is with much sadness that The Cow times. A recent incident almost cost play of the older members of their Shed Crew informs Conch readers one calf its life, owing to a gate being family. In fact, Radhika went head to that Bruce the Goose left his body left open. Sometimes it may not be head with Madhu (her father) one recently. The cause of his death is not evident that cows are in a paddock, day recently and Chintzy was not clear. According to Brhat Mrdanga so to be on the safe side, please close far behind. dasa who found him injured the day all gates and report any stray animals to Venu Gopal on (0411 444 934). Chintamani is our newest calf. She is part4 of the Gir herd at New Govardhanaa. Bruce the Goose was the constantPhoto: Urvasi devi dasi companion of New Govardhana’s milking Photo: Urvasi devi dasi herd for two and a half years.

Kuli Catch-up Photo: Malini devi dasiMandakini devi dasi catches up with Madhurangi devi dasi Photo: Rupa Goswami Durr Madhurangi and Rupa at age four. Madhurangi devi dasi at her marriageQ: For how long did you attend New Govardhana gurukula? ceremony.A: I started when I was five years old in 1997 and spent six years there.It was a joyful time, with lots of friends and happy memories.When I was 11, our family moved to Mayapura and I spent another four yearsin the gurukula system there.Q: That must have been quite a change for you. Did you have any troubleadjusting?A: Not at all. I went to a couple of schools. The first one mainly focused onteaching Vedic studies and character building. I felt quite at home, as a coupleof friends from New Govardhana were already enrolled there. With the secondschool, the education was based on the Cambridge curriculum. I loved living inMayapura. We were fully engaged from morning to night. There were so manyfestivities and always something to look forward to.Q: How do you come to be living in Australia?A: After completing year 10 exams in India, I went on the Polish tour for twoconsecutive years. It was on that second tour that I met a former classmatefrom Australia, Rupa Goswami Durr. We had gone through the first six years ofgurukula together. After associating for some time, and with the blessings ofour respective parents, I relocated to Australia and we became engaged whenmy husband proposed to me in front of Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari. Wetravelled back to Mayapura for our Vedic marriage. This took place in February2013, in the auspicious presence of His Holiness Indrayumna Maharaja and HisHoliness Jayapataka Maharaja. We then returned to Australia.Q: What are you doing now?A: My life is quite different here compared to India. I help out in the BurleighHeads Govindas restaurant together with my husband. It is hard work, butit is good to be distributing prasadam. We manage to visit the farm at leasttwice a week and we also serve His Holiness Mukunda Maharaja’s lunch everyalternate Wednesday.Q: How would you like to see your future unfold?A: I would dearly hope to relocate to Mayapura eventually. The atmosphere isso spiritually surcharged there and I like the constant engagement. It is a greatplace to raise a family in Krishna Consciousness. Fortunately, my husband alsoshares my dreams.Did You Know … By Govardhana Seva dasa. Mother of three, Ganga devi dasi works in conjunction with Malini devi dasi, the treasurer, 5 to 15 hours per week. Her duties include looking after the accounts of New Govardhana, and handling petty cash disbursements. By liaising with the temple president and the devotees, she monitors expenses and takes any action required. She also generates income and expenditure reports of the different departments for budget planning. Ganga also collects donations, empties the donation boxes and is responsible for the financial aspect of the cow adoption program. Besides this there is the reconciliation of some of New Govardhana accounts, processing invoices for both sales and purchases, archiving, filing and costs related to general maintenance of the office. Other duties include looking after the rentals, collecting rent and charging electricity costs. At other times she is involved in general debt collection and attends and takes minutes of the financial meetings. When asked if she had any other regular services, she replied “I am ‘on call’ for temple Deity worship when devotees are away. But my main regular service is to look after my three little vibrant devotees. That is my full time job!” 5

The Russians are Still ComingPhoto: facebook.comPadma devi dasi catches up with Uttama yukta-vairagya principle, to help us to Uttama Sloka dasa during his recent visit Photo: Padma devi dasiSloka Prabhu.address our current challenges.to New Govardhana pictured here withPadma devi dasi: Are you happy to be PDD: What or who has encouraged with Ajita dasaback at New Govardhana? you to do this particular service? techniques of spiritual life in order toUttama Sloka dasa: Yes, sure. It is USD: Whatever I do, the check the imbalance of values in lifealways nice to visit New Govardhana encouragement I receive comes and to achieve real unity and peace.”farm. primarily from my spiritual master, PDD: Do you foresee that this servicePDD: Please describe for me your as well as a number of other senior will continue after you take sannyasa?current devotional service. vaisnavas and gurus in our society USD: I hope so, because this is whyUSD: My current service consists whom I regard as my siksa gurus. I I joined the movement. This is myof travelling and preaching in 10 myself have designed my Yoga of Life life and soul – to serve devotees anddifferent countries, which include course that I am currently teaching. to spread Krishna consciousness asRussia, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, This course is based on different much as possible. There is nothingSingapore, Japan, India, Israel and themes from Bhagavad-gita and uses else in this world which has any valueSwitzerland. I am running courses material from different sources from besides that.on Krishna conscious knowledge and both within and outside ISKCON. Yoga PDD: Do you plan to keep visitingits application to the daily lives of of Life addresses specific personal and Australia as you have been?devotees. devotional needs of devotees. USD: Well it seems from the feedbackI am also coordinating an PDD: How do you think this service I have been receiving, that devoteesinternational project called the may develop in the future? are finding my courses useful. AsSpiritual United Nations (SUN). My USD: I am really hoping to develop long as devotees are happy with myguru, His Holiness Indradyumna courses up to a professional standard services, then I am happy to continueSwami is also doing some service in and to present these courses to the serving them.this regard. It was he who encouraged general public. I want to convey the Thank you. message of Krishna consciousnessUttama Sloka dasa. through very practical means of self- CORRECTIONme to work on this project. The help and self-development.global director of SUN is His Holiness As far as the Spiritual United Nations One of the names in the captionMukunda Goswami and I am project goes, our main purpose is to on page seven in the Decembercoordinating it internationally. provide governments with spiritual issue of the Conch was omitted.For a couple of months a year I also solutions to the many types of The name was Savitri. Wetravel with my spiritual master as his dilemmas that currently face them. apologise for the error.secretary, assisting him with various Within this context we can giveservices. Each year I also spend about devotees opportunities to developone month visiting certain places, and disseminate Krishna consciousaccording to the requirements of my technologies on a very broad scale.sannyasa - training assignment. These have the potential to tackleThe courses I am running for serious issues within global societies.devotees are based on the Bhagavad- We also hope to create opportunitiesgita. It is quite obvious that devotees for devotees to maintain themselvesthroughout the world today have financially through their devotionaladditional troubles imposed upon services.them by the influences of kali-yuga. At the moment many devotees haveTo counter this situation, modern to make money through means whichspiritual technologies which are have nothing to do with devotionalperfectly in line with Bhagavad- service, nor with the mode ofgita principles, can be applied by goodness – not the best situation.devotees in accordance with the We either advance together or we degrade together, because devotee association is the only platform on which everything else in Krishna consciousness stands. So unless we do something to create a better future for our members, we will not be able to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s vision, which is clearly expressed in the very first purpose of ISKCON namely, “ To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all peoples in the

Woodford Photos: Srinivas LuxtonWOWS ‘EMBy Vaisnavi devi dasiWoodford – camping in the summerheat, long hours standing and servingout prasadam, sleep deprivation– one may ask why we voluntarilychoose to do this. As aspiringdevotees we understand that thereis an unexplainable taste in servingKrishna together.So much planning and backgroundwork goes into this huge project– transportation, bhoga, manpower,sleeping facilities and setting up theGovindas tent. Ajita Prabhu took goodcare of his crew, supplying big fansfor devotees to cool off while servingat the bain-marie and providing theekadasi treat of curd steaks and subji.Vijaya Prabhu distributed 320Bhagavad-gitas from his table underthe Govindas tent. Book distributionki jaya!One of the highlights of Woodfordwas the nightly parade of LordJagannatha, Lord Baladeva and LadySubhadra at the Ratha-yatra festival.Gurukulis, dressed as gopas andgopis, (clothes courtesy of Bhaktiand Sridama) and together all thedevotees were in an enthusiastic andlively mood. By the Lord’s mercy thecrowd was inspired to participateby pulling the cart ropes. Devoteesgreeted the New Year with kirtana infront of the Deities.Our heartfelt gratitude goes to AjitaPrabhu and Krsna Gana Prabhufor facilitating the devotees in thisservice. Devotees of all ages (Savitrithe youngest) assisted the crew indistributing lassis and other drinks.Aja, Dhani, Kamadeva, Kalki, Nila,Kalindi, Priya, Lalita, Rohini and Arielwere some of the younger devoteesserving at Woodford. Serving atWoodford with the Govindas cateringcrew is an experience like no other.Please ‘like’ and follow “Govinda’sCatering, New Govardhana” onFacebook.

Kalindi’s Kirtana Photography: Dhriti Gopi devi dasiThe Nitya Kumaris in action: Kalindi Cozzi, Merry Krishna & Photo: Unknown SourceTulasi Robson, Karuna Shakti Hooper,Hari New YearBy Mandakini devi dasi Vrinda Mitsiou, Surabhi Singanamala andKalindi felt sad when she overheard Malini Priya Hooper. By Krsnaraja Fowardher parents discussing the recent Uddhava Priya dasa and I werecatastrophe in the Philippines. She The band consists of: visiting Coles when we bumped intopondered deeply on the intense Kalindi Cozzi – lead vocalist jolly old Saint Nick. He greeted ussuffering of the families and Tulasi Robson – karatalas & vocals with a very friendly, Hare Rama, Harewondered what she could possibly Karuna Shakti Hooper – flute & vocals Krishna. “I love you guys”, said ‘Santa’.do to help. Vrinda Mitsiou – vocals He told us his daughter was once inHitting on the idea of organizing a Surabhi Singanamala – karatalas & a production of The Mahabharata,maha kirtana at the temple, she vocals where she acted the part of Krishna’shastily phoned school friends Tulasi Malini Priya Hooper – mrdanga mother, Devaki.and Karuna, and a transcendental All parents and community members Unfortunately, we did not have anyplan was hatched. were proud of this effort. books with us to distribute, as weThe girls, along with other gurukula were sure he would have gladlystudents, had formed an all-girl taken one.band, which they named ‘The Nitya I had the realization that I shouldKumaris’. The group, ranging in ages never leave the ashram withoutfrom 10-14, would perform alongside having Srila Prabhupada’s books in myNew Govardhana’s finest kirtana possession. We never know whomleaders, and offer the chanting to Krishna sends along!Their Lordships as a humblepetition on behalf of the stricken Krsnaraja Foward, ‘Santa’ and UddhavaPhilippine people. Priya dasa at Sunnyside Mall.It was decided that the kirtana wouldcontinue for six hours, divided intohalf-hour slots.Ten of the community’s mostpopular and experienced kirtaneersagreed to participate, with the eventmelodiously taking place on 21November 2013.The Nitya Kumaris band wasenthusiastically received by everyone.Nandulal: a Special Little Soul By Mandakini devi dasi disappearing, only to be found in the car to go anywhere, he immediately Two-year-old Nandulal Robson began toddler’s tiny hand as he paced back begins singing the Nrsimhadeva displaying spiritual inclinations at the and forth chanting the Hare Krishna prayers and the Hare Krishna maha tender age of 12 months. maha mantra. With the family’s mantra. He doesn’t stop until we In the family household, personal recent visit to India, Nandulal now reach our destination”. bead bags were mysteriously boasts his very own miniature-sized Nandu applies tilak by himself. japa bag. He is insistent that it always Little Nandu also likes to try his hand at accompanies him to the temple.6 the harmonium. Without any prompting and with only the assistance of a mirror, he regularly applies tilaka to his forehead. Whether he is off to his twice-weekly daycare, the temple or into town, he is determined in his resolution to not appear in public without the Vaishnava symbol. This has sometimes resulted in distressful tears if time has not permitted his careful application of the sacred marking. Says father, Nandaraja dasa, “Whenever we set foot in the familyPhoto: Mahesvari devi dasi Photo: Mahesvari devi dasi

SnapshotsPhoto: Trace Davis Photo: Grant Welsh Photo: Dhruvananda dasa (L) On Sunday, 24 November, New Govardhana received a visit from five Buddhist Recently the Hanuman House project monks. They were from the Sera-Mey monastery in South India, where 5000 monks conducted a weekend of fun and reside. The monks were fund-raising for a new prayer room at their monastery by adventure. While their building is not yet constructing the beautiful Medicine Buddha Sand Mandalas at various locations in complete, the boys eagerly took part in a southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, including Murwillumbah. camping weekend at the site. Here Syama (R) The Medicine Buddha Sand Mandala constructed by the visiting South Indian McRae (far right) shows the boys how to Buddhist monks at Surfers Paradise. make bows from local bamboo.Photo: Urvasi devi dasi Photo: Urvasi devi dasi (L) With the rainy season upon us the mornings are punctated by the screeching Ajita - Disaster Averted! Photo: Trevor Gore of Rainbow Lorikeets as they search for the nectar of the Eucalyptus sideroxylon By Kishori devi dasi (Pink Iron Bark). Ajita dasa, Director of New Govardhana, had gone to the New Mayapura Ajita dasa. farming community in France for managerial work, when he became unwell. He did not want to cancel his 12-hour flight, or his plans to see his brother on his last day there, which also happened to be the day of Govardhana Puja. However, having received his blood test results, the devotee doctor’s wife secretly cancelled his plane ticket. He was told sternly by the doctor that he would need his appendix removed as soon as possible. On the day of Govardhana puja, Ajita went for his operation and was later told that had he not had the surgery at that time, his appendix would have ruptured. This would probably have occurred when he was aboard his 12-hour flight. A disaster averted. It seems Krishna protected and helped his devotee every step of the way. The operation took place on Govardhana puja day. The doctor’s Giriraja shila was physically present in the operating theatre and later in his hospital room while he recovered. He was carefully looked after by a devotee doctor throughout the event. “I could never have arranged it so perfectly even if I’d tried”, said Ajita. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES the photographer. Anonymous EDITORIAL BOARD: submissions will not be published. Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP) The Conch is your community Deadline is the 12th of each Damodara Pandit dasa newsletter, and we invite you to month for publication in Mandakini devi dasi submit articles for publication. future editions. Occasionally a Govardhana Seva dasa Articles should be 200 words or submission could be held over to Urvasi devi dasi less and supplied in MS Word via a later edition. All submissions (layout and graphic design) email to newgovconch@gmail. may be edited, proofread or Trevor Gore (photography) com. Photographs must be in JPG rejected without notice. For enquiries, comments or suggestions, format. Please provide the name contact: [email protected] of the author and 7

Gopal’s Gopastami Festival - Kid’s KornerThe following is an extract from a children’s book, soon to be published, written by Damodara Pandit dasa and illustrated byYasoda Dulal dasa. One misty morning in the beautiful village of Nandagram, Mother Yasoda spoke affectionately to her beloved son, “My dear Gopal Krishna, you are such a good boy always helping your father Nanda and myself by looking after our calves.“I worry, however, that yoursoft feet might get hurtbecause you are runningaround the pasture withoutwearing shoes. Please wearsome shoes from this day onand also take an umbrella toprotect yourself from the sunand rain.”Krishna then replied in a sweet voice, “My dear Mother, it is a child’s duty to serve theirparents nicely and help with household tasks. My friends and I enjoy herding the calves andwe understand that there are many benefits in protecting the cows. However, how can I wearshoes to protect my feet and take shelter under an umbrella if the other boys and the calvesare not getting such luxury? Please let us have fun without such items and let us all be treatedequally”.

Hearing that story from Mother Yasoda, Krishna’s father Nanda Maharaja called a meetingwith all the village cowherd men. He said in a loud clear voice, ‘Fellow cowherd men – my dearfriends, I have heard many good reports and also I have noticed that the boys who now lookafter the calves are doing a very good job. This group of boys that includes Krishna, Balarama,Subhal and Sridham show great responsibility as they carry out their duty of calf-herding.“They have respect for the elders in the village and are very caring to each other and thecows. They have earned our praise and respect. I suggest that they are ready to take moreresponsibility. Let us promote them from herding calves to cowherd boys. By giving the boysmore responsibility, they will grow in stature and it will also help out the village greatly.”Hearing the wise words of Nanda Maharaja, the other cowherd men cheered with agreement.Thus it was agreed upon that a special ceremony known as Gopastami would be held tocelebrate the boys becoming cowherds.

Upcoming Events Sri Nityananda Trayodasi Hari-nama Wednesday, 12 February 2014 Sankirtana ki jaya 7.00 am Darshan 7.05 am Gurupuja & kirtana 7.30 am Srimad Bhagavatam Class 9.30 pm Bhajanas 10.00 am Class 10.45 am Abhisheka of Lord Nityananda 11.25 am Gift opening 11.40 am Bhoga offering 12.00 pm Arati & kirtanaArtwork: Urvasi devi dasi 1.00 pm Feast Artwork: Urvasi devi dasi Disappearance day of, Sri Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Srimad Gour Govinda Swami Sarasvati Thakura – Avirbhava Mahotsava The 20 February 2014 is the auspicious anniversary of the Thursday, 20 February 2014 disappearance day of Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami. 10.00 am Class There will a program at 11.00 am 11.30 am Pushpanjali on Saturday, 22 February 2014 at 12.00 pm Arati the house of Nimai Pandit dasa and 1.00 pm Feast Manjumedha dasi, 250 Tyalgum Road, Eungella. For more information call Nimai Pandit dasa on 02 6672 2358.Photo: theharekrishnamovement.wordpress.com For appearance and disappearance Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura celebration day notifications of the spiritual master of His Divine ISKCON gurus, please contact Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami [email protected] Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON. Monthly Calendar (from Vaishnava calendar www.vaisnavacalendar.com) 4 Tu Srimati Visnupriya Devi — Appearance Sarasvati Puja Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura — Disappearance Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi — Appearance Srila Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami — Appearance 6 Th Sri Advaita Acharya — Appearance (Fast till noon) Wednesdays 10.30 am 8 Sa Sri Madhvacharya — Disappearance 9 Su Sri Ramanujacharya — Disappearance Byron Bay hari-nama at the park 10 Mo Fasting for Bhaimi Ekadasi (Fast today for Varahadeva) opposite the Post Office. For 11 Tu Break fast 7.47 am – 10.48 am further details and transport Varaha Dvadasi: Appearance of Lord Varahadeva information, contact (Fasting is done yesterday) Parama Karuna dasa 12 We Nityananda Trayodasi: Appearance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu 0439 280 362 (Fast till noon) 15 Sa Sri Krsna Madhura Utsava Friday Evenings 6.30 pm Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura — Appearance 20 Th Sri Purusottama Das Thakura — Disappearance Bhakti Centre Surfers Paradise Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura — Appearance bhakticentregoldcoast.com.au 26 We Trisprsa Mahadvadasi Fasting for Vijaya Ekadasi 27 Th Trayodasi Break fast 6.36 am – 10.51 am Sunday Mornings Sri Isvara Puri — Disappearance Northern NSW & Gold Coast © 2013, The Conch copyright of New Govardhana folkrishna.com/program.htm Isvara dasa 0411 825 5498