The Conch (September 2018)

2018 September 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 KRISHNA’S BIRTHDAY Share the joy RADHASTAMI A special day Gurukula graduates + Goshalla Goss + In Focus

Radharani’s Love This is what it means to serve on the Photo: www. krishna.org spiritual platform. By Aindavi devi dasi All our acharyas reveal that the ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace Radhasthami is a day when we purity and intimacy of the love of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada meditate upon the deepest mystery the gopis is unparalled even in the of the Vedic scriptures. The Absolute spiritual world, because they have Srila Prabhupada Uvaca Truth is one but that one truth, not even a tinge of desire for their Krishna, is eternally manifested in own purposes. For them everything is When the time was mature for both a male and female aspect for absolutely and constantly dedicated the appearance of the Lord, the purpose of exchanging love. And to Krishna’s happiness. And Krishna’s the constellations became very just as Krishna is the source of all only pleasure is giving happiness auspicious. The astrological incarnations, His eternal pleasure to His devotees. Likewise His influence of the star known as potency, hladini shakti – Srimati devotees’ only happiness is giving Rohini was predominant. This Radharani – is the source of all pleasure to Krishna. They have star is considered to be very consorts and all goddesses of fortune. completely spiritual bodies because auspicious and is under the direct Srimati Radharani is the they have absolutely no false egos supervision of Brahma. According transformation of Krishna’s supreme and no selfishness. They are the to the astrological conclusion, love and is the personification of all topmost, the highest, most intimate besides the proper situation of spiritual love. All love of God in every transcendentalists … the stars, there are auspicious and living entity’s heart is part and parcel All the gopis are expansions of Sri inauspicious moments due to the of Sri Radha’s love. And Radha’s love Radha. She is the complete unlimited different situations of the different is so powerful that it overpowers the reservoir of all love, and Krishna is planetary systems. At the time of all-powerful, Krishna … the complete object of all love. The Krsna’s birth, the planetary systems To understand the nature of Sri Radha pastimes of Radha and Krishna are were automatically adjusted so that we must understand the nature of the purest form of spiritual revelation. everything became auspicious. love or prema: It is a relationship But what is most important to At that time, in all directions—east, that is based on selfless unconditional understand is the spirit of the selfless west, south, north, everywhere— service … Love is the nature of the service of Sri Radha and the gopis. there was an atmosphere of soul in its relationship with Krishna, • We are celebrating the Appearance peace and prosperity. There and that is the mood of the gopis Day of Srimati Radharani on 17 were auspicious stars visible in – to give Krsna pleasure. When Sri September. Please see the back page the sky, and on the surface in all Chaitanya Mahaprabhu explains that for more details. towns and villages and pasturing the soul is the eternal servant of Source: Excerpted from dandavats.com grounds and within the minds Krishna, this is that inherent nature. of everyone there were signs of good fortune. The rivers werePhoto: www.vrindavana.net flowing full of waters, and lakes were beautifully decorated with Srimati Radharani captures Krishna with Her love. lotus flowers. The forests were Cover: krishnaart.tumblr.com full with beautiful birds and peacocks. All the birds within the forests began to sing with sweet voices, and the peacocks began to dance along with their consorts. The wind blew very pleasantly, carrying the aroma of different flowers, and the sensation of bodily touch was very pleasing. At home, the brahmanas, who were accustomed to offering sacrifices in the fire, found their homes very pleasant for offerings. Krsna Book, Chapter 3: The Birth of Lord Krishna 2

Srila Prabhupada:Saviour of theWorldBy Krishnarupa devi dasi Photo: www.Krishna.orgMore than 500 years ago, Lord SriKrishna appeared as Shri Chaitanya ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.Mahaprabhu in Navadvipa, a villagein West Bengal. The purpose of His Saraswati Thakura, Srila Prabhupada Yet, wherever he was, he wouldappearance was to inaugurate the embarked at an advanced age rise in the very early hours of thesankirtana movement, declaring that (69 years old) to bring Krishna morning and devote his full attentionthe chanting of His holy names would consciousness to the Western world. to translating and composingspread to every town and village After extreme struggles in the dismal commentaries on the most sacredaround the globe. Mahaprabhu also Bowery of New York, his International texts of the Vedas. Books werepredicted that His commander-in- Society for Krishna Consciousness Srila Prabhupada’s main business.chief, His senapati bhakta, would burgeoned to soon become an He encouraged his disciples toappear to accomplish this mission. international household name. study them exhaustively as well asOn 1 September 1896, the day Srila Prabhupada personally guided, distribute them everywhere withafter Janmastami, Srila Prabhupada inspired and instructed thousands enthusiasm and dedication.appeared to fulfil this prophecy. of disciples in the glories of the holy Join with us here at New GovardhanaSrila Prabhupada took birth in a little name of the Lord all around the to celebrate and honour Srilahouse in the then remote Tollygunge world. He met with global leaders Prabhupada’s Appearance Day on 4suburb of Calcutta, at 63A Tollygunge and dignitaries wherever he travelled, September. Details are on the backRoad. His father, Gour Mohan De, and wrote thousands of letters and page.his mother, Rajani, named him Abhay initiated thousands of disciples.Charan (one who is fearless – havingtaken shelter at the lotus feet of LordKrishna).An astrologer prepared the horoscopefor the baby and revealed: “Whenthis child reaches the age of seventy,he will cross the ocean, become agreat teacher of religion and establish108 Krishna temples.”On the order of his spiritual master,His Divine Grace BhaktisiddhantaGurukula conscious educational experience Photo: www.krishnaschool.nsw.edu.auCelebrates from Pre K to Year 12.Inaugural Year Our school’s mission is to foster the Please come along to honour this12 Graduation spiritual, intellectual and emotional special occasion in the history of ourin September development of our students. movement, and to give your blessings Centred in the teachings of Srila to our graduates as they enter theBy Hari Prana devi dasi Prabhupada, and supported by New Govardhana community asWe are very excited at the contemporary and evidence-based active and capable young adults.Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula teaching methods, we strive to assistSchool to celebrate the graduation of students to reach their full potential. 3our first class of Year 12 High School We cordially invite all members ofstudents who will be completing their the community to celebrate thisSecondary studies achieving the NSW historically significant event onHigher School Certificate (HSC). Thursday, 27 September with aThis is a wonderful accomplishment graduation ceremony and fire yajnafor our students and the entire at the temple. It will be a joyous dayschool. We are extremely proud of celebrations for all!of the inspiring endeavours of our The program starts at 11am withgraduates and delighted that we speeches, gift giving and videoare able to offer a holistic, Krishna presentations. The yajna will be held at 12.10 pm, followed by the Grand Graduation Feast.

A family thateats together,stays togetherBy Radha Priya devi dasi Photo: Courtesy Radha Priya devi dasiThe Sunday feasts at NewGovardhana are pretty epic, and Happy vibes for Radha Priya devi dasi George, our dedicated pot washer.like many events here they are a cooking up a storm for the Sunday Feast.family affair. Our feasts are cooked The servers and their organisersby families and friends, and shared Somehow, I’m the kind of cook who are also a critical part of ourby families and friends from the doesn’t just feel satisfied with making wonderful Sunday program. Theresurrounding community. the basics. I must learn to curb my is the dedicated team Shyam dasaSunday feasts – in the early days enthusiasm and stay focused in and family who ensure that thecalled ‘Sunday Love Feasts’ – were the kitchen to avoid increasing the serving of the feast goes seamlessly.a very important and successful Treasurer’s blood pressure … A big thanks is also due to all theelement in Srila Prabhupada’s strategy An important element of the Sunday volunteers who serve the long linesto present Krishna consciousness to feast is organising the roster for enthusiastic Sunday participants.the greater public. it. Vasusrestha dasa takes on the As you can see, it’s a team effort andLast month we celebrated the 39th challenging task of finding and a family affair. installation anniversary of Sri Sri encouraging the Sunday feast We have a huge crowd of visitorsRadha Govardhanadhari with the cooks. Last but not least there is from all walks of life, from far andmost extraordinary Sunday feast Padmalochan dasa, who does all the near, who come enthusiastically tocooked by awesome duo team Saki grocery shopping for the event. participate.Charan dasa and Rupa Durr. Thirty- Cooking the feast is just part of the Srila Prabhupada is most certainlynine cakes in honour of the 39th year, whole equation: a big thank you goes very happy to witness the continuingfit to rival any top French patisserie, to George and Kool, who wash all the success of his Sunday Love Feastwere a highlight of the feast. pots and clean the kitchen after the phenomenon.Cooking the Sunday feast is a special feast. opportunity to serve the Lord and Hisdevotees. It goes without saying it canalso become a highly stressful, hair-raising exercise!I was fortunate to have cooked afew feasts at New Govardhana sincemoving to this wonderful community.Goshalla Goss who has created a close bond with Photo: Krishna Kirtan dasa her. And what is the most excitingBy Karunamayi dasi part of this? Vallabhi is pregnant! Vallabhi, our new cow.The Cow Protection Program is always Everyone is very excited to soonan exciting team to be a part of as welcome another new member of ourthere is always something happening. beloved cow family.Recently we received a beautiful A big shout out goes to all the hard-new member of the family, Vallabhi. working cowherds dedicating theirVallabhi is a 12-year-old, full Gir cow time to protecting the cows. Thebought from the same farm as our cows have been attracting many newbeloved Aja the bull. potential cowherds recently, which isThis gentle cow was generously very promising.sponsored by Ranganath dasa from Currently we have Krishna KirtanBrisbane in celebration of his son working the bullocks, Gita GovindaVamana dasa’s marriage to Hitashi devi dasi caring for the old and retireddevi. The cow was named after Braja cows, Tim, Malcolm, Mani BhandaVallabhi dasi, Hitashi’s first cousin, dasa and myself caring for thewho left her body in Vrindavana last milkers.year. We also welcome Dinanatha dasaVallabhi is settling in under the from Perth onto the team during hisdiligent care of Krishna Kirtan dasa holiday here with his family. 4

Dance Divine Photo: Mohini Murti devi dasiwith a Deva DasBy Mohini Murti dasi Master class in action under dance maestro Vishnu Tattva’s expert guidiance.For more than a decade, ISKCON NewGovardhana has regularly supported selected items of composed slokas Kelucharan Mahopatra, native ofthe highest level of professional from Srimad-Bhagavatam, as well Gujarat.exponents of the Indian classical as the renowned Jayadeva Goswami Vishnu Tattva explained that hisdance community in an effort to classic Srita Kamala. introduction to dance was at theprovide progressive reputable tuition This dance maestro – lauded as a ISKCON Rasabihari Temple at Juhu,in the art form. This platform has performance artist specialising in Mumbai, after several years livingbeen celebrated as a prominent part solo expressional items or abhinaya there as a brahmachari.of the Vaishnava tradition over aeons. – has been instrumental in inspiring “I inquired about a dance tuitionISKCON’s Founder-Acharya, His and lifting the careers of some of pamphlet I saw at the reception deskDivine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta the most influential contemporary in the Life Membership office. I wasSwami Prabhupada supported and internationally acclaimed dancers of told that it was about Odissi dance,encouraged dramatic expression as our times, including Rachel Brice and and would I like come to a class? I did,yet another accessible process for Colleena Shakti during their formative and soon after my initial introductioncultivating, absorbing and sharing his years. to the style I boarded a train tosiddhanta and teachings. As India’s most celebrated veteran Bhubaneswar [Orissa] to study withWith support from the Bhaktivedanta male Odissi dancer, Vishnu Tattva Padmashri Kelucharan Mahopatra ofSwami Gurukula and Monica Sawan (also known as Vilas Lakpati) is Orissa.”Singh (Melbourne), New Govardhana extolled for having replicated We look forward to showcasing theserecently hosted Odissi dance and developed the works of his new outstanding items at a festivaldoyen Vishnu Tattva dasa (GKG), formidable dance guru Padma Shri event very soon … stay tuned!founder director of Odissi Vilas/ SriKrishnasraya Dance Company nestledin San Francisco Bay, US.Attendees of the master class wereabsorbed in a four-day intensivedance immersion learning speciallyIn Focus: J: Tell us about your service at New Photo: Kalindi CozziBhaktine Hyesun Govardhana. H: I have a variety of services: I clean Hyesun with the beautiful pot she paintedBy Jhulan dasi Their Lordships’ paraphernalia, for the recent Panihati festival.This month The Conch interviews cook breakfast, make garlands, doBhaktine Hyesun kirtana at Krishna Village, assist with J: Is there anything else you wouldJ: Please tell us about yourself cooking for the Deities, work in the like to add?and what brought you to Krishna Temple Shop, make sweets for the H: I appreciate each member of theconsciousness? Bhagavad-gita class and the goshalla New Govardhana family for beingH: I was born in Korea and my mother shop and make ghee wicks for the patient and kind to me, althoughwas a Buddhist. I often went to a aratis. I feel especially purified when I often make mistakes. I hope toBuddhist temple with her, so I was I make garlands, as it requires me to stay in New Govardhana so that Ifamiliar with a temple atmosphere. surrender – and I also like to see the can continue serving Sri Sri RadhaMy mother was a singer in traditional Lord wearing beautiful garlands. I am Govardhanadhari, Srila PrabhupadaKorean music, so I was trained in happy and peaceful when I cook. and the devotees as much as I can.singing from an early age. I decided to It also makes me think of Krishnacontinue studying music at university, more easily.but I became disappointed with the J: You made a very beautiful pot formusic industry. I was frustrated to the Panihati festival, can you tell ussee that connections and money about the process?were more important to success as H: I was going to paint a scene ofa musician than sincerity and heart. Vrindavana, but I wanted to haveI felt some emptiness in my own Radha Govardhanadhari on there too.heart and decided to go to Thailand It took almost two months to finishto discover myself. There I met a both. When I was painting Radhadevotee and was given a Bhagavad- Govardhanadhari, I felt Krishna wasgita As It Is. talking to me each time. 5

Cool Bananas Sexual Harassment Prevention SeminarBy Suvarna Rupa dasi Photo: Liliko ComperBanana harvesting is an arduous On Saturday, 29 September at 9.30am,affair and one that New Govardhana The Deities regularly receive organic Krishnarupa devi dasi, ISKCONresident Akincana Krishna dasa has bananas grown on New Govardhana.been engaged in for the past few Australia’s Women’s Minister, will beyears. Not many people actually are common practice for the majority facilitating an interactive workshop onknow the amount of effort that goes of other banana farms in the area. the prevention of sexual harassmentinto producing the small but much Thank you, Akincana prabhu, for yourappreciated yield of bananas we get dedicated service. in ISKCON.each week.With the help of a handful of The seminar will be held in one of thehardworking devotees such as Jiv Jago front classrooms at the gurukula. It isand other brahmacharis, Akincana mandatory for all ISKCON leaders andmaintains around 300 banana trees managers to attend, as per ISKCON’soutside the Krishna Pad ashrama. National Council resolution. However, allThe grass must be vigilantly kept devotees – male and female – are highlyshort around the trees, otherwise encouraged to come, but no childrendisease can spread. Inspectors cometo make sure it is below a certain under 16 years of age.height. Akincana keeps the crops verywell maintained so that each plant Krishnarupa has been travelling to thecan grow nicely without the use of temples in Australia and presenting thisharsh chemicals and pesticides that seminar, which has been met with great enthusiasm. To date, she has been to Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. If you have any questions, please contact her on 0416 179 733.In Focus: closer to Murwillumbah.  Photo: Nanda Mandira DasaGiridhari-priya Q: Please tell us a bit aboutdasa & Shamala yourselves. L to R: Giridhari-priya dasa, Sridhar Krsna,Gopa Kishori A: In Melbourne, for four years we Shamala Gopa Kishori devi dasi anddevi dasi operated a prasadam restaurant Haridas Thakur. (launched in July, 2014) calledInterviewed by Kisori devi dasi ‘Radhey Kitchen & Chai Bar’ in husband had moved to MelbourneQ: Please tell us what brings you popular Fitzroy. Interestingly, our first from Singapore in 2004 to completehere to New Govardhana? son was born two weeks’ early on the an Honours degree in BiochemistryA: New Govardhana has been same day we opened the restaurant! and Molecular Biology, also at Laalmost like our second home for a The night before opening day we Trobe University. Ironically, we nevernumber of years. We would visit from had a large kirtana event to seek the met at uni and only crossed paths inMelbourne for the major festivals. We blessings of the Vaishnavas for our the Melbourne ISKCON temple shoplove the community here. We have new service. We came home from the where I was doing service!two sons, Sridhar Krsna (four years) program, ecstatic and excited about Q: How do you see yourselvesand Haridas Thakur (one year). In the following day and little Sridhar contributing to New Govardhana?our hearts, we knew that raising our just couldn’t wait to join in the fun!  A: We feel very fortunate to be a partchildren in this environment would Radhey Chai Bar was our family of the New Govardhana communityprovide a great Krishna conscious business and our full time service. where we hope to engage our naturesupbringing for them. So we finally In 2016, we opened a kirtana and in Krishna’s service. We would lovemade the move to join this yatra in yoga space upstairs called ‘Desire the opportunity to serve the cows,July.  Tree Yoga’, where we held daily yoga the Deities and the devotees.Q: So the plans are to stay? classes and occasional kirtana nights. A: Yes, most definitely! We have work Both the restaurant and the kirtana 6on the Gold Coast, so we decided yoga room are still operating andto stay near Burleigh for the time are now under the management ofbeing so that we could be halfway ISKCON Melbourne. between Surfer’s Paradise and New Q: I understand you both attendedGovardhana. Sridhar is attending the same university. Did you meetPre-K at the gurukula, but when he there?begins full time we plan to move A: I was completing an Honours degree in International Politics at La Trobe University in 2005, and my

Bhakti SastriBy Tim Sawyer Photo: Courtesy Tim SawyerThe Bhakti Sastri course here atNew Govardhana, taught by senior Enthusiastic attendees of the Bhakti Sastri course at New Govardhana.devotee Shanti Parayan dasa, startedin November 2017 and is still going The Nectar of Instruction is also For more information or ifstrong with an average of 8–10 proving to be a very highly interactive you would like to join thisstudents per class.  and informative class. After this,With all the residents of Krishna Pad we will study Sri Isopanisad and the class, please contactattending each class and ladies from Nectar of Devotion. Shanti Parayan dasa onthe brahmacharini ashrama, it is a Happy studying, fellow bhaktas!very interactive and educational class.  0490 282 336After studying the Bhagavad-gita,we have now started on The Nectarof Instruction. The Bhagavad-gitawas very thoroughly examined, withstudents learning about the threemodes of material nature and theimportance and significance of bhakti(devotional service). Along with the slokas, it was a verydemanding course but very rewardingto now have the knowledge of theVedas instilled in us from such aprestigious teacher. Dakshina: A kalash is a metal pot with a largeGiving in Love base and small mouth. It is an auspicious object used in ceremonialBy Ganga devi dasi rites and as a decorative motif.The practice of dakshina (donations) Donors can sponsor a kalash for thehas a great significance. As we give maha abhishek (bathing) of Lordback a small portion of what’s given Krishna. The kalashas, along withto us, we acknowledge Krishna is the maha sweets and maha gifts, willsource of everything (aham sarvasya be given to the donors after theprabhavo) and everything comes bathing of the Lord. We have kalashasfrom Him. available in diamond, gold, silver andJanmastami is one of the most bronze levels with gift packs.auspicious occasions to render service There may be some kalashas still leftto Krishna. At New Govardhana, on to sponsor this Janmastami, or, ifJanmastami, we have the kalash not, it is never too late to offer yoursponsorship program, which has heartfelt donation in some otherproven to be a popular method of way. For more details about the 2018fundraising for the Deity department, Janmastami Kalash Program, pleaseas well as a relishable service offering see the loose insert inside The Conchof love to Radha Govardhanadhari. this month.SUBMISSION GUIDELINES name of the author and the EDITORIAL BOARD: photographer. Krishnarupa devi dasi, Kisori devi dasi, JhulanThe Conch is your community Deadline is the 10th of each dasi, Suvarna Rupa dasinewsletter. Please be a part of it! month. Occasionally a submission LAYOUT AND GRAPHIC DESIGN:We invite you to submit articles could be held over to a later Urvasi devi dasi and Jhulan dasifor publication. edition. All submissions will be STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER:Articles should be 300 words or edited, proofread and may be Trevor Goreless and supplied in MS Word rejected without notice. DIGITAL CONCH:via email to caroleditor@gmail. Mukunda Goswami, Paul Baily, Vishnujana dasacom. Photographs must be inJPG format. Please provide the FOR ENQUIRIES, COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS: Contact: www.conch.org.au 7

upcoming events Janmastami Adhivasa Sunday 2 September Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa 6.30pm Gaura Arati Puja Tuesday 4 September 6.50pm Adhivasa ceremony 7.00am Greeting the Deities Janmastami Main Festival 8.30am Srimad-Bhagavatam class Fasting until midnight with Srila Prabhupada Monday 3 September 9.15am Vyasa Puja book offered to Srila Prabhupada 7.30am Greeting the Deities 9.30am Homages, readings and 3.30pm Fire Yajna presentations 4.00pm Arati 11.00am Abhisheka of Srila 4.30pm Gurukula presentations - Drama Prabhupada – all devotees are able to 5.00pm Class by Ramai Swami participate 5.30pm Bhagavad-gita sloka recital 12.00pm Gurupuja and puspanjali 6.30pm Gaura Arati 1.00pm Feast 7.00pm Swing festival 7.45pm Opening gifts Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura 8.30pm Sayana arati Appearance Sunday 23 8.50pm Odissi dance September 9.20pm Krishna book reading & kirtan 9.45pm Abhisheka Schedule to be confirmed 12.00pm Midnight arati 12.30am Feast Sri Radhastami Monday 17 September 4.30am Mangala Arati 5.00am Japa 7.30am Greeting the Deities 9.30am Bhajans 10.00am Abhisheka 11.00am Class 11.45am Puspanjali 12.00pm Arati and kirtana 12.30pm Gift opening – please bring a gift for Srimati Radharani 1.00pm Feast Bhakti Rasayana Sagar Swami 7–14 September (to be confirmed) Subhag Swami 17 September (to be confirmed)September calendar SEXUAL HARASSMENT(from Vaishnava calendar www.vaisnavacalendar.com) AWARENESS3 Mon Sri Krishna Janmastami – Appearance of Lord Sri Krishna (Fasting until SEMINAR His Divine Grace midnight) A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swmi Prabhupada4 Tue Srila Prabhupada – Appearance (Fasting until noon)6 Thu Ekadasi (suitable for fasting) – Fasting for Annada Ekadasi Founder-Ācārya of the7 Fri Dvadasi – Break fast 5.54am - 9.47am  International Society for14 Fri Srimati Sita Thakurani (Sri Advaita’s consort) – Appearance17 Mon Radhastami – Appearance of Srimati Radharani (Fasting until noon) Krishna Consciousness21 Fri Ekadasi (suitable for fasting) – Unmilani Mahadvadasi Fasting for Parsva Ekadasi (Fast today for Vamanadeva) 29 SEPTEMBER 201822 Sat Dvadasi – Break fast 5.36am - 8.12am 9.30AM – 1PM Sri Vamana Dvadasi – Appearance of Lord Vamanadeva (Fasting is done yesterday) Speaker ~ Srila Jiva Gosvami – Appearance Krishnarupa devi dasi23 Sun Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura – Appearance Women's Minister, ISKCON AUSTRALIA24 Mon Srila Haridasa Thakura – Disappearance Last day of the second Caturmasya month MANDATORY ATTENDANCE25 Tue Third month of Caturmasya begins (milk fast for one month) FOR ALL DEPARTMENT HEADS AND MANAGERS/LEADERS As per National Council Resolution Both genders from Community Warmly Welcomed No attendees under 16 IT'S INTERACTIVE! Please RSVP by 20 September to Krishnarupa 0416 179 733© 2018 The Conch copyright of New Govardhana www.conch.org.au