The Conch (May 2017)

Issue May 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 Lord Narasimhadeva Protector of the Devotees Jahnava Mata Thakurani The Great Vaishnavi – Acharyani Sacred Sound Kirtan Retreat Special Report In Focus + Wedding Bells + Goshalla Fundraising

Jahnava Mata to install five sets of Radha-Krsna Photo: Facebook.comThakurani Deities and Deities of Mahaprabhu Images: googleimages.com and Visnu-priya devi. The installation ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine GraceBy Nimai Pandit dasa of the Deities took place under her A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami PrabhupadaOn Wednesday 3 May, we celebrate direction, as she was the senior-the appearance of Sri Jahnava devi, most personality there and guest of Srila Prabhupada Uvacathe wife of Lord Nityananda. honour.In the Sri Gaura-ganoddesha-dipika She also supervised and personally Lord Nrsimhadeva appeared for(verses 65–66) by Sri Kavi Karnapura, participated in the cooking of the first the benefit of all human society,it is described that Lord Balarama’s offering and made the first offering not only for Prahlada’s personaltwo wives Varuni and Revati became to the Deities. She served the prasad benefit. The fierce form of LordVasudha and Jahnava, the two wives to the assembled mahantas. Even Nrsimhadeva may appear mostof Nityananda Prabhu, in Caitanya- though the Panca-tattva had left awful to a nondevotee, but tolila. this world many years prior to this the devotee the Lord is alwaysBoth of them were the daughters festival, they all appeared and danced affectionate as He is in otherof Surya Dasa, who was as effulgent wildly in the kirtana. forms.as the sun. According to another Jahnava Mata is a mahanta Conditioned life in the materialopinion, Jahnava was the incarnation (Acharyani) and as stated in the Sri world is actually extremelyof Ananga Manjari. Both these Caitanya-caritamrta, all the devotees fearful; indeed, a devotee is notopinions are possible, as we have who are followers of Jahnava Mata afraid of anything else. Fear ofshown that more than one identity are counted within the list of Sri material existence is due to falsecan be joined in associates of Nityananda Prabhu’s devotees. This ego. Therefore the ultimate goalCaitanya Mahaprabhu. makes her and her line a bonafide of life for every living entity is“I offer my respectful obeisances to branch of the Chaitanya tree. to attain the position of beingSri Jahnava-devi, Lord Nityananda’s servant of the servant of the Lord.dear wife. To the people she gives the Sources: The miserable condition of theprecious jewel of devotional service. Sri Bhakti-ratnakara, by Sri Narahari living entities in the materialIn this way she stops the three Cakravati Thakura. world can be remedied only bymiseries of material existence.” (Sri Sri Gaura-ganoddesha-dipika by Sri Kavi the mercy of the Lord. AlthoughBhakti-ratnakara, Eleventh Wave, by Karnapura. there are so-called materialSri Narahari Cakravati Thakura.) Kalyana-kalpa-taru, by Srila Bhaktivinoda protectors like Lord Brahma andJahnava’s father was Surya Dasa Thakura. the other demigods, or even one’sPandit [Sarakhela] and her mother’s Lives of the Vaishnava Saints, Steven Rosen. own father, they are unable to doname was Bhadravati. Surya Dasa’s The Associates of Sri Chaitanya, by Swami anything if one is neglected by thehome is in the village of Shaligrama, B.B. Tirtha. Supreme Personality of Godhead.which is not far from Navadwipa. However, one who has fully takenSurya Dasa Pandit held an important (Above) Painting of Sri Jahnava Mata shelter of the Lord’s lotus feet canpost in the service of the king of and (below) where she would perform be saved from the onslaught ofGauda, as a result of which he her bhajana at Radha Kunda, near material nature.was given the title ‘Sarakhela’ Vrindavana, in India. Therefore every living entity(‘commander’). should be unattracted by materialVirabhadra Goswami, the son of so-called happiness and shouldVasudha Devi, was inundated with take shelter of the Lord by allJahnava Mata’s mercy, becoming her means. That is the mission ofdirect initiated disciple. Nityananda human life. To be attracted byDasa writes in his Prema-vilasa that sense gratification is simplywhen Virabhadra saw Jahnava-devi in foolish.a four-armed form that his mind waschanged and he decided to accept her Srimad-Bhagavatamas his diksha-guru. Canto 7 Chapter 9Without the mercy of Nityananda IntroductionPrabhu’s energy Jahnava-devi, noone is able to cross over the ocean 2of material life, nor can one obtainthe service of Nityananda Prabhuand enter into the loving serviceof His worshipable Gaurahari andRadha Krishna. Jahnava was presentwhen Narottama Dasa Thakura helda great festival at Kheturi village

Heroes of the Flood By Krishnarupa devi dasi Photography Trevor Gore It was bigger than the 1954 and 1988 floods as Cyclone Debbie cut a Devotees spread the mercy – hot helped people in Railway Street who devastating swathe throughout the prasadam on the go post Cyclone Debbie. were hit badly by the flood. Tweed Shire, with much of the area There were many members of our On the farm, Mal Knights and his (including Murwillumbah) under devotee community who went out colleagues demonstrated great heavy water. Lives were tragically lost of their way to help people, such leadership qualities when Krishna and valuable property ruined. as Shyama McCrae, who kindly Village was completely flooded Devotees lost businesses and some offered to help me if I needed some out, and of course Ajita dasa, who had their homes and belongings assistance; to Rupa Charana dasa and was leading with his usual gusto. seriously water damaged. New the four Mayapur Gurukula graduates Other devotees in town shared their Govardhana also endured serious who lugged an enormously heavy evening meals, washing machines – flooding, with Krishna Village log back to its rightful place in my and consoling hugs. inundated, fencing wrecked and the backyard and who had also been For those not mentioned specifically animals in danger. distributing prasadam with Krishna here, on behalf of other flood victims, As we often see when tragedy strikes, Gana dasa and others like Yasoda devi I extend a heartfelt thank you! heroes emerge. New Govardhana dasi, to Sridasa Johnson from DAS devotees went into action and Construction, who helped many with provided delicious hot prasadam his pressure cleaner. I was also told he all over town for some days. Being drove around South Murwillumbah a recipient of this prasadam, when collecting floating gas bottles and also you are struggling trying to do flood clean-ups, it was a blessing. My neighbours were delighted to receive a home delivery, thanks to Lokesvari devi dasi. Sacred Sound lunch and then the famous evening Kirtan Retreat kirtana, which included stage-diving, 2017 crowd surfing and enthusiastic devotees chanting and dancing for up By Anjali de Jager (Bhaktivedanta to five hours non-stop. Gurukula, New Govardhana) The second annual Sacred Sound Many talented musicians played Kirtan Retreat, held from the 14–17 alongside the kirtaneers each day, of April 2017, was another great using instruments such as saxophone, success, with hundreds of people trumpet, violin and guitar – all from all around the world coming contributing to the overall effect of together to share a weekend full the kirtana. of dancing, ecstatic kirtanas andPhotography: Trevor Gore prasadam. Kosa Rupa devi dasi and Anjali de Jager at Another aspect that contributed to the 2017 Sacred Sound Kirtan Retreat. the success of the retreat was the Kirtana at the recent Sacred Sound “Krishna Kids” activity area in which Retreat at New Govardhana. With special guests such as His Dhriti Gopi devi dasi headed. The Holiness Indradyumna Swami, Bada idea was to engage the younger Hari dasa, Sri Prahlada dasa, Madhava generations in creative and fun-filled and Jahnavi Jivana devi dasi, the devotional activities and games, festival was full of excitement and leaving them with a positive outlook many had been anticipating the event at being at the temple and creating for weeks. many good memories for them to Each day started with class by carry around throughout their lives. Indradyumna Swami. He spoke on the teachings of Srila Haridasa On the final day of the retreat, a 3 Thakura over four days and instructed Vyasa Puja was held for Indradyumna devotees on the importance Swami, which brought many of of learning about such great his disciples and aspiring disciples personalities. This was followed by a together to celebrate. With many four-hour morning kirtana session, heartfelt offerings and tears, it became the perfect ending to the Sacred Sound Retreat.

In Focus: painting and decorating business. BHAKTA OWEN He has also been a personal fitness trainer, keen rugby player and spent By Mandakini devi dasi Photo: Mandakini devdi dasi seven years practising Vipassana New Govardhana resident Bhakta yoga. Now living in New Govardhana, Owen Maher recalls having an Bhakta Owen at New Govardhana. he is managing the paraphernalia and unusual dream in 2015. In this dream, bhoga rooms and has proved himself a disembodied hand was extended to be a good handyman and gardener. towards him offering a Bhagavad- Owen’s very supportive parents gita. He had not previously seen any appreciate his chosen lifestyle and devotees or any devotional literature. thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere When he woke up, he googled when he and his Gaura Nitai Deities ‘Bhagavad-gita’ and was delighted come to visit. With the aroma and to find out the spiritual significance. taste of prasadam, the maha flowers Weeks later, while holidaying in Byron placed on his parent’s bed each Bay, Caranaravinda dasa approached evening and the soothing sprinkles of him and handed Owen a Bhagavad- offered water, Owen has transformed gita! the family home into a spiritual After praying to Krishna for another haven. sign, he returned to his hometown His mother is reading Bhagavad-gita of Umina, NSW, and was thrilled to and his sister, who is mother to two then meet devotees on the street. young children, has received his gift He invited them to his home after of chanting beads and bead bag. purchasing a Srimad-Bhagavatam. “All my energy is here at the farm at It wasn’t long before Owen was the moment and I am fully focused on chanting japa every day. Krishna consciousness,” says Owen. Owen is also a practical man, with “But I am looking forward to going to years of experience in his father’s India early next year.” The Stars & Beyond By Mandakini devi dasi Photo: Mandakini devdi dasi On Sunday mornings, a keen group of seekers meet at The Tea Inn, Tweed Mohini Murti and her astrology students at the Tea Inn, Tweed Valley Way. Valley Way, Murwillumbah to advancePhotography: Aravinda dasa their understanding regarding the Many of the highly committed Appreciative students, such as Diana, sojourn of the soul. attendees commenced their studies comment, “I love our meetings and In a pleasant and conducive in October last year and have now mixing with good people. I believe environment under the qualified gravitated to chanting japa and this understanding can improve the guidance of Mohini Murti devi dasi, reading Bhagavata-gita. quality of life”. participants are schooled in the Mohini explains, “People often Another member of the group, science of astrology coming from the initially consult an astrologist to Pauline says, “I am enjoying exploring auspicious and bona fide lineage of have their charts read because of other avenues and also the nice Sanjay Rath. stresses in daily life resulting from friendships”. relationships, finance and health. While Avia comments, “This Mohini Murti devi dasi encourages her They are naturally looking for is an extraordinary system of astrology students in the art of japa assurance and peace of mind.” understanding one’s life”. meditation. With careful and sensitive cultivation, Students are welcomed into the she is able to gradually lead them to study group at any time. For further the broader understanding of Vedic enquiries, please call Mohini Murti on culture and thereby enhance their 0409 944 551. overall knowledge of existence. 4

Go, GoshallaShopBy Clare Meehan Photo: Clare MeehanNew Govardhana’s cow protection‘Gopal’s Goshalla Shop’ made its first New Govardhana’s Cow Protection message at the Goshalla Shop was prominentbig appearance at the Sacred Sound during April’s Sacred Sound Retreat.festival this year. The shop is openfor the Sunday feasts, selling cold The Cow Information Desk successfully engaged people and resulted in a new,drinks and the popular curd burgers. one-year sponsorship for our beautiful cow Tulasi. On another note, a groupHowever, it was felt that the cow hosted by Maha Mantra dasa donated and planted fruit trees and they intendprotection message was lacking. to start up memberships as well.The recent, highly successful Sacred Over the Easter long weekend, the shop raised more than $3000 for the cows,Sound Retreat held last month at New which was a great success. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped theGovardhana offered a new platform shop run smoothly.to boost the promotion of the cowprotection program run by Venugopaldasa. In the first 20 minutes of theshop being open during the Retreat,the curd burgers sold out and Garudadasa’s and Jhulan devi dasi’s deliciouscakes flew off the shelves!There was an exciting new additionto the shop – the Cow InformationDesk. The Information Desk includeda photograph of each cow, bull andbullock with their name alongside,info sheets on New Govardhana’soutlook on cow protection, anddetails on how the money we raiseis spent.Higher Photo: Supplied by Shanti Parayana dasa interested in the path of devotionalEducation service. Throughout each course, Iat New Shanti Parayana dasa at New have received the essence and nectarGovardhana Govardhana. of bhakti-yoga. Thanks to these courses, I now have a much greaterBy Shanti Parayana dasa deeper philosophy. They learn how to understanding and love for KrishnaNew Govardhana has much to attentively chant and to understand consciousness.”offer in terms of spiritual and that the normal condition of the soul Jhulan dasi comments, “Hearingphilosophical progression – morning is to be an eternal servant of Krishna. scriptures in devotee association atSrimad-Bhagavatam class, Saturday There is something for everyone to the end of the day is one of the bestBhagavad-gita class and Sunday feast take away. things in Krishna consciousness.”programs. Bhakta Owen says, “The courses “Classes are always entertainingAlso available weekday afternoons at New Govardhana, such as the and enlightening, a mix of bhajanas,are classes where you can progress Vaishnava Primer and Nectar of philosophy, personal experiencesthrough Krishna consciousness no Instruction are great for anyone and deep discussions that help us tomatter what level you are at. Visitors become better devotees,” says Bhaktaregularly sit in to hear the philosophy. Ezra. “It doesn’t matter how new orStarting with a bhajana from Songs advanced you are, I can guaranteeof the Vaisnava Acaryas, the class that you will get inspired andoften gets into discussions allowing enthusiastic about spiritual life.”new perspectives on the subject. No Keep an eye on the templequestion ever goes unanswered. noticeboard for upcoming courses.These classes have enabled students Regular evening courses areto learn basic rules and regulations scheduled for Monday, Tuesday,of Krishna consciousness as well as Thursday, Friday 5pm to 6.30pm. Everyone is welcome. 5

KADAMBA HAIR the book, the summary study of the STUDIO Tenth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam, and saw the words ‘kadamba tree’, By Ekadasi devi dasi The plush new Kadamba Hair StudioPhoto: Ekadasi devi dasi which is described so lovingly in the Gaura Shakti devi dasi runs a reception area in Main Street, Photo: Krishnarupa devi dasi songs and stories about Krishna and successful business in Murwillumbah, Murwillumbah His transcendental pastimes. employing a number of devotees Recently Kadamba Hair Studio moved with professional hairdressing next door to larger premises, which qualifications. Her spiritual master, she and her husband, Phalguna His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, had Krishna dasa, had so beautifully instructed her to open a business refurbished. Fortunately there was to showcase the fact that a Krishna not too much damage devotee can successfully work in a as a result of Cyclone Debbie variety of activities, including business hitting Murwillumbah at the end of enterprises, while still maintaining March 2017. high devotional standards. I visited the new premises and was So how did Gaura Shakti name her greeted very warmly. I had a relaxing hair studio? When she was first hair styling experience in Kadamba’s opening her business, she thought beautiful atmosphere. To make an she would take the first name that appointment and receive a world- she saw in Krishna Book. She opened class experience, please ring: (02) 6672 7850. Wedding bells ISKCON Disciple resound Course Krishnarupa devi dasi Krishnarupa devi dasi ISKCON Disciple Course students Lalita Ickrath and Narottama dasa On Janmastami 2015, it became immersed in their assessment held in celebrated the re-confirmation of ISKCON Law that any member wishing March 2017 at New Govardhana. their wedding vows on 13 April at to take either first or second initiation ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya His Divine scenic Cabarita Beach, followed by a attend the full ISKCON Disciple Course Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami reception and feast at their home in and pass the assessment. Prabhupada at the centre of the Murwillumbah. All facilitators must be endorsed movement. It also presents important More than 75 guests gathered at and recently Manibandha Gopal guidelines on interactions between the seashore under sunny skies to dasa and Shanti Parayana dasa have Vaishnavas and their spiritual witness the re-pledging of their 2015 been added to the list. Together masters. wedding vows. As a long-time friend with myself, they co-facilitated with of both families, I was the ‘Master approximately 14 students attending. of Ceremonies’; Jahnavi Harrison We encourage any preachers, leaders played her sublime violin; Madhu or managers to also attend the course Manning catered in spectacular style; at the next opportunity as it offers and Mahananda devi dasi created a valuable guidance on how to keep striking multi-tiered wedding cake.Photography: Srinivasa Luxton (Above and right) Narottama and Lalita re-confirm their wedding vows at beautiful Cabarita Beach. 6

TOVP Update Photography: Courtesy TOVP.com “My idea is to attract the whole world toBy Krishnarupa devi dasi Mayapur.”(Excerpted from tovp.org)By Krishna’s grace the Temple of Srila Prabhupada – 26/6/1976the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) is New Vrindavana, Jayapataka Maharajaprogressing well with the exteriorfinishing work on the TOVP continuing (Above and right) Blue tiles on the smallwithout interruption. dome of the planetarium wing. Work isIn March, containers from Moscow progressing rapidly and the tiles can nowcarrying the titanium nitride Chatris be seen from afar.and Kalashes arrived. The Kalasheswere so well packed to the exact size Waterproofing of the planetariumof the inner container that it took dome can also be seen on two greynot only the labourers, but also the layers above the blue tiling, whilemanager’s help to unload it, and one the marble cladding of the templehour to unpack just one box. exterior walls with white marble fromLate last month, the blue tile Vietnam is ongoing.laying began on the small dome For more updates on the progressof the planetarium wing. Work is of this wonderful execution of Srilaprogressing rapidly and the tiles are Prabhupada’s order, please visit:now significantly prominent and can www.tovp.orgbe seen from the main gate of theISKCON compound.Rising starBy Krishnarupa devi dasi Photo: Courtesy Ganga devi dasi Vaisnavi devi dasi and CaranaravindaTara Reissenberger is a rising star, as Photo: Clare Meehan dasa are now engaged. Congratulationsher name ‘Tara’ indicates. Recently to the happy couple.Tara, 11 years old, won her first Tara Reissenberger with her recent tennistennis award for Tweed District Junior award.Championships 2017 12 & UnderGirls Singles Runner Up. Her coach,Brendan Moore – and her mother,Ganga devi dasi – are very pleasedwith how well she is doing.Ganga says,” I am very impressedwith Tara’s progress. Only four yearsago, when she was seven and ahalf, she was critically injured in acar accident. Part of her femur wascrushed and she wasn’t able to walkfor six months. Now when I see herachievements in her age group intennis I am so proud of her.”Congratulations from The Conchand the New Govardhana community,Tara!SUBMISSION GUIDELINES the photographer. Anonymous EDITORIAL BOARD: submissions will not be published. Damodara Pandit dasa, Govardhana Seva dasa,The Conch is your community Deadline is the 12th of each Jhulan devi dasi, Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP),newsletter, and we invite you to month. Occasionally a submission Urvasi devi dasi (layout and graphic design).submit articles for publication. could be held over to a later For enquiries, comments or suggestions,Articles should be 300 words or edition. All submissions will be contact: www.conch.org.auless and supplied in MS Word via edited, proofread and may beemail to gordon108@bigpond. rejected without notice.com. Photographs must bein JPG format. Please providethe name of the author and 7

Upcoming Events and communications, Henrike completed her diploma in life coaching five years ago, in the middle of a major crisis and shift in her own personal life. She shares, “I can’t imagine anything more rewarding than helping people get [back] on track with their lives, step into their power and be their best selves. In that, I think, I have been my own best client.”Narasimha Chaturdasi His Holiness Ramai Swami Henrike says that the key toTuesday, 9 May 2017 9 & 10 May, 2017 her success was “taking 100% responsibility for everything I have in my life right now, knowing that I can change it, if I choose to apply myself. All that I’ve done in my private life, as a coach, as a mother and in running the Krishna Village has been shaped by this insight.” http://krishnavillage-retreat.com/ blog/2017/3/21/holistic-health-life- coaching-with-henrike3.30pm Bhajans Narasimha Chaturdasi Festival Class4pm Arati with kirtana Tuesday, 9 May, 4.30pm4:30pm Class by Ramai Swami Srimad Bhagavatam Class5:30pm Feast Wednesday, 10 May6:30pm Sandhya AratiPlease join us each Life Coaching at Ekadasi for Krishna VillageSrimad-Bhagavatam Life coaching - not your average class Photo: facebook.com to be offered at an Eco Village... butclass given by His Divine why? We all need some guidanceGrace Srila Prabhupada. from time to time, even if we think we are on the right track. For this These classes will reason, every Friday afternoonfeature subtitles. Krishna Village director Henrike Henrike Schreer.Darshan arati 7am Schreer holds a class on life coaching Class 7.30am that is accessible to all guests. Harinama Coming from a varied background in political science, tourism, startups Sankirtana ki jaya!May Calendar(from Vaishnava calendar www.vaisnavacalendar.com)3 Wed Srimati Sita Devi (Consort of Lord Sri Rama) – Appearance Daily at various locations Sri Madhu Pandita – Disappearance7 Sun Srimati Jahnava Devi – Appearance Contact Garuda dasa for details8 Mon Ekadasi [email protected] Tue Break fast 6.16 – 9.54 am10 We Sri Jayananda Prabhu Disappearance Sunday Mornings11 Thur Nrsimha Caturdasi: Appearance of Lord Nrsimhadeva (Fast today)16 Tue Sri Parameswari Dasa Thakura – Disappearance Northern NSW & Gold Coast22 Mon Sri Sri Radha Ramana Devaji – Appearance Visnujana dasa 0498 141 02123 Tue Sri Madhavendra Puri – Appearance Sri Srinivasa Acarya – Appearance Sri Ramananda Raya – Disappearance Ekadasi Dvadasi: Break Fast 6.25 – 9.57 am Srila Vrndavana Dasa Thakura – Appearance © 2017 The Conch copyright of New Govardhana www.conch.org.au