The Conch (Aug 2013)

August 2013 The Conch krishnafarm.com www.theconchnewsletter.orgastrogems.com “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 Rupa Goswami Saint, poet, playwright Phalguna bears Responsibility Cycling against cruelty Govardhana College Goes to town New Govardhana's green land- scape as seen by hundreds of thousands of Australians on Sun- day evening, 14 July, at 6:30 pm during a 30-minute ABC broad- cast that featured devotees who grew up among these rolling hills. Srila Prabhupada Uvaca + Catering Katha + Yasoda’s Meditation Magic

Srila Rupa Gosvami By Damodara Pandit dasa iskcondesiretree.com vaishnava.me Srila Rupa Gosvami – the younger brother of Srila Sanatana Gosvami – satyadevidasi.blogspot.com Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu instructs ISKCON Founder-acharya His Divine Grace appeared in 1489 in Karnataka, Srila Rupa Gosvami in Varanasi. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada South India. Even before meeting Sri Chaitanya Srila Rupa Gosvami wrote many books Srila Prabhupada Uvaca Mahaprabhu, Rupa Gosvami had on Krishna consciousness. already written several books on “So in the advent of Krishna, Vedic philosophy and was renowned Nataka-Chandrika we shall try to understand for his learning and devotion. the philosophy of Krishna. His In 1514, Rupa and Sanatana met Among the writings of Srila Excellency was speaking of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu for the Rupa Gosvami is the Nataka- peace. The peace formula is first time and were initiated by Him. Chandrika (Illuminating Moon of there, spoken by Krishna. What Rupa left government service and Dramatics). This book explains is that? spent 10 days hearing the philosophy the rules of Gaudiya Vaishnava bhoktaram yajna-tapasam of Krishna consciousness from Sri dramaturgy. At present this sarva-loka-mahesvaram Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Himself. book has not been published suhridam sarva-bhutanam Sri Chaitanya then ordered Rupa in English. jnatva mam santim ricchati Gosvami to go to Vrindavana with a New Govardhana resident [Bhagavad-gita Chapter 5, fourfold mission: (1) to uncover the Damodara Pandit dasa has verse 29] lost sites of Lord Krishna’s pastimes; commissioned Sanskrit scholar “… The politicians, diplomats, (2) to install Deities of the Lord and Krishna Swarupa dasa to they are trying to establish arrange for Their worship; (3) to write translate the work into English. peace in the world ... The United books on Krishna consciousness; If you would like to help with Nation is there, and there are and (4) to teach the rules of living a the first edition publishing costs many other organisations. devotional life. of this book, please contact They are trying to have real At first Rupa Gosvami felt great Damodara Pandita on peace and tranquillity – no difficulty carrying out the desire of 0415 190 313. misunderstanding between man Lord Chaitanya. But one day, while to man, nation to nation. But Rupa was sitting on the bank of References: Research by Shyamasundari that is not happening. the Yamuna River contemplating devi dasi, Girls Vaisnava Academy, Alachua, “The defect is that in the root is his mission, a beautiful boy came Florida extracted from wrong. Everyone is thinking: ‘It to him and asked the cause of http://backtogodhead.in/srila-rupa- is my country. It is my family. It is his despondency. Rupa Gosvami goswami-disappearance-day-august-26/ my society. It is my property.’ explained why. The boy then led him “This ‘mine’ is illusion. In the to a small hill. sastra it is said: “Inside this hill,” said the boy, “is the janasya moho ’yam aham beautiful Deity Govindadeva.” He said mameti that the Deity had been buried to [Srimad Bhagavatam 5.5.8] protect Him during a Muslim invasion. “This ‘I and my’ philosophy is The next day Rupa Gosvami led a illusion.” group of villagers to the site and Reference: Srila Prabhuada had them excavate the hill. The Janmastami lecture – London, Deity Govinda was unearthed. Rupa 21 August 1973. Gosvami then had a magnificent temple constructed under the patronage of Emperor Akbar and Maharaja Man Singh of Amber, Rajasthan, in the north west of India. Rupa Gosvami fulfilled all four parts of the mission that Lord Chaitanya had given him, including writing many books on Krishna consciousness. He passed away in 1564. Devotees pay respects to him by visiting his samadhi, or memorial tomb, in the courtyard of the Radha- Damodara temple in Vrindavana. His Disappearance Day will be observed on Sunday, 18 August 2013.2

Govardhana College partnerswith Murwillumbah Community CollegeBy Damodara Pandit dasa Photo: Mandakini devi dasiAs part of our expanding educational initiative, Govardhana College has formeda partnership with Murwillumbah Community College. Beginning August 2013,it is the first offering of courses that local devotees will teach. Please supportthis endeavour by signing up for any course that interests you.International Vegetarian Cuisine and intrigue with mythological Mohini Murti devi dasi (centre) withwith Damodara Pandit tales of adventure and hardship. three of her dance students.Students will explore the traditional The course will include readings,vegetarian cuisine from diverse class discussions, costumed cultural Gypsy Soul – Sacred Fusion Dancecultures, including Indian, Thai, displays and visual media of modern with Mohini MurtiChinese, Mexican and Italian. Each depictions of these classical Indian Join in with this fun and easy-to-learnweek, students learn recipes for literatures. dance style that referencesa complete vegetarian meal from a Date: 7 September (for four global tribal dances, includingspecific cultural cooking style. consecutive Saturdays) American Tribal Dance, IndianClass participants will then share Time: 10.00 am–12.00 pm Classical, African, Flamenco and Raqswhat they have cooked as a delicious Fee: $80; concession: $72 Sharqi, as a basis to this upbeat andevening meal. creative way to exercise and toDate: 6 August (for six consecutive Introduction to Traditional Indian express yourself.Tuesdays) Dance – Odissi with Mohini Murti Date: 17 August (for six consecutiveTime: 5.30 pm–8.00 pm Odissi is one of the most lyrical and Saturdays)Fee: $180; concession: $164 sensuous of the eight types of Time: 10.00 am–12.00 pm Indian classical dance. You will be Fee: $165; concession: $150Great Indian Literature with introduced to mudras (handMadhavendra Puri Durr gestures), footwork, bangis (bends) DON’T MISS OUT! For moreThis course interactively looks at and the basic vocabulary of this information, call (02) 6672 6005a long history of Indian classical beautiful art form as you are or visit: mbahcc.netSanskrit literature. Students will gain guided through this ancient Indianinsight into how these various works choreography.have shaped India and the world Date: 10 Augusttoday, discussing social dynamics Time: 10.00 am–2.00 pm Fee: $56; concession: $50Bhakti Yoga CourseBy Damodara Pandit dasaJoin us for our Govardhana College three-month Bhakti Yoga Course. Classes will be held at Photographer UnknownNew Govardhana, 525 Tyalgum Road, Eungella from 18 August to 17 November 2013.The course is:• For all newcomers (men and women) who want to immerse themselves in the study and practice of Krishna consciousness;• Open to all. There are three different ways you can become involved in the Bhakti Yoga Course:1. Residing outside the farm, but daily attending the course;2. Residing in the ashrama where you can experience temple life, including the morning Uddhava Priya dasa. prayers, meditation and different activities throughout the day; and3. Devotees already living on the farm and who are aspiring for initiation. Completion of the course is a pre-requisite for recommendation for initiation. The course will cover three handbooks entitled Devotional Practice; Theology & Philosophy; and Vaishnava Culture. Classes will held three days per week on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 4.00–6.00 pm. Students completing the course are awarded the Govardhana College Certificate in Bhakti Yoga. The head facilitator for the course is Uddhava Priya dasa. Other facilitators (in alphabetical order) will include Ajita dasa, Damodara Pandit dasa, Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP); Krishna Gana dasa; Nrsimha Kavaca dasa; Padma devi dasi; and Vaishnavi devi dasi. For more information, please contact Uddhava priya dasa at [email protected] or phone Damodara Pandit dasa: 0415 190 3133

Prayers expand Good on ya’ Maddy!at Castle By Padma devi dasi and Photo: Gopi Ramana dasaBy Yasoda devi dasi Mandakini devi dasiDuring 2012, I was asked to leada weekly meditation group run Three years ago, Madhavendra Puriover a four-week period at ‘Castle dasa, the second son of Krishnaon the Hill’, Uki. My task was to Kirtana dasa and Malini devi dasi,devise a program to introduce Vedic travelled to New Radhadesha inknowledge and practice to fit into an Belgium to study at Bhaktivedantaexisting meditation group. I enlisted College. This seat of learning isthe help of Srimati Poudal, and we affiliated with the prestigiouscame up with a plan. University of Chester in the UK.We successfully ran this group and Madhavendra Puri dasa at Radhadesh,were asked to return in 2013 for Madhavendra has recently returned Belgium.another four weeks. We further to New Govardhana, havingdeveloped and expanded upon our successfully completed a three-original concept. year course for a Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies. He receivedEach week I arranged an altar on a outstanding results in the course, with first class honours for his dissertationtable in the middle of the group, with on 5th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subject of Cosmology.Radha Krishna Deities as the focus.They were introduced to the group as At present, he is currently enrolled in a course for a Graduate Certificate inthe ‘Divine Mother and Father’. Writing at The University of New England, Armidale. He has further hopesI found that a common understanding to attain a Masters and a PhD degree in the not too distant future.of language was most importantwithin the group, as the participants An offer has already been received from HG Ravindra Svarupa dasa forall had their own unique spiritual Madhavendra to help undertake research for the Vedic Planetarium in Sriunderstanding. Dham Mayapur.I commenced each evening withan interactive philosophical talk, Congratulations, Madhavendra, on your excellent achievements. We do hopesequentially exploring the topic over that you will continue to reside in the vicinity of New Govardhana, wherethe four weeks of ‘Controlling the we may have the benefit of your exceptional qualifications as our own NewMind and Senses’. This was followed Govardhana College develops.with Srimati offering a candle-litarati service to the Deities. The Gurukula News and deforestation. Years 6–8, apartparticipants were all mesmerised with from their other busy curriculum,this, and very reverently accepted the By Louise Kloff had the opportunity to createmaha-prasadam. Term 2 was a busy one for the permaculture gardens at the schoolDuring this service, we emphasised Gurukula. Years K–2 were learning with the help of Mother Vilasa andthe offering of each of the elements all about ‘Who helps us in the Gokula Prabhu.to the Deities, followed by bhajanas. community’, which involved Our Years 3–8 also participated forWe would finish the evening with interactions with various community the first time in the regional crossbowls of delicious vegetarian soup members, such as a visit from Doctor country day, with great results. Gourand very enlivening conversations. Kishori; dance and music lessons with Magripalis won first place in his age devotees; visits to the goshalla and group (12 years), and was invited to Mother Dhriti’s kitchen; and to the participate in the state championships Murwillumbah Fire Station. in Sydney. Years 3–5 were learning about appreciating and caring for Mother Bhumi, with focus on global warming New Govardhana on Compass Show The new Compass series Whatever happened to … aired its inaugural episode on Sunday, 14 July at 6.30 pm, focusing on the Hare Krishnas. The program included many shots of Srila Prabhupada and the New Govardhana landscape.Photo: Emma Rochester Photo: Trevor Gore Overall, it was a positive program where New Govardhana’s green landscape as L to R: Castle on the Hill Meditation a number of former New Govardhana seen on a recent ABC TV broadcast that4 group leaders, Srimati, Elias and Yasoda gurukula students were interviewed. It featured devotees who grew up among is estimated that nearly half a million these rolling hills. viewers Australia-wide tuned in to the 30-minute broadcast.

Poster: Urvasi devi dasi New Govardhana will host a Photo: Vrindaranya devi dasi special Holy Name Retreat this Photo: Nrsimhananda dasa year from 4–7 October. Featuring Bhurijana dasa and his wife, Jagattarini devi dasi, the retreat will include workshops on strengthening japa, dramatic readings, Krishna katha and kirtana. Assisting in the kirtanas will be Sri Prahlad dasa and Janardana dasa. For more information, please visit: holynameretreat.comThe New Generation ofNew GovardhanaBy Govardhana Seva dasa L to R: Nalayani Rose, Dandakaranya Gaurapriya Prasad, daughter of KisoriThe past 12 months have been dasa and Vrindaranya devi dasi. devi dasi and Nrsimhananda dasa.auspicious due to the birth of several Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP), who Karunika devi dasi and Dhaneshwarababies to devotees associated with recently moved to New Govardhana, dasa, together with Krishna Kirtanthe New Govardhana Community. became a grandmother on the 8 May dasa and Malini devi dasi becameOn the 15 October 2012, Ram Vijay when her eldest son Sri Madhava grandparents in June when AnikulaMcRae was born to Sita devi dasi and Gauranga dasa and his wife, Sri Radhe devi dasi and Bhisma dasa gave birthShyama dasa in Brisbane. Shyama is a devi dasi, were blessed with the birth to Ishaya Namoha, who was alsoformer resident of New Govardhana, of Anjaneya dasa in Nabadwip, India, a third generation baby for bothbut with his wife and new family a third generation ISKCON baby. families.member are still regular visitors.Dandakaranya dasa and Vrindaranyadevi dasi were blessed on 8 March2013 with the birth of daughterNalayani Rose at Murwillumbah.Shortly afterwards, on 23 March,Gaurapriya Prasad was born to Kisoridevi dasi and Nrsimhananda dasa atNambour on the Sunshine Coast. Thefamily now live locally and are regularattendees at New Govardhana.Catering Katha The evening was a great success as The kirtana group patiently explained doctors and teachers participated the benefits of singing the HolyBy Mandakini devi dasi in sravanam and kirtanam before Name, encouraging him to join in theAfter five hectic weeks on the road, partaking of the delicious prasadam chanting. Before too long, Johnno wasKrishna Gan dasa, Bhakta Steve and the crew had prepared. ‘into it’ and became very subduedBhakta Adam recently returned to Another successful home program and peaceful. He soon warmed toNew Govardhana, happy to see the was held at Airlie Beach, when former the devotees and asked if he couldhills of home. New Govardhana resident Carol made accompany them to Townsville asCatering for festivals in Townsville, herself known to the devotees at the a volunteer!Cairns and Mackay, the trio received Mackay Carnival. The kirtana group explained the benefitstheir usual enthusiastic welcome Special recipient of Lord Chaitanya’s of the Holy Name, encouraging Johnnofrom the many prasadam fans. mercy was Johnno, who happened to join with them in the chanting.This trip also included a couple of upon the devotees in a sit-down (L to R: Steve, Odin and Adam.)home programs. One came about kirtana at Airlie Beach. Intoxicated,when Krishna Gan spotted a notice troubled and on the run from the Photo: Krishna Gana dasaon Facebook asking if anyone police, Johnno was loud, outrageous 5would like to start a kirtana night in and obnoxious. Former abattoirTownsville. The request came from a worker, self-confessed murderer, thieflocal professional who invited all her and drug addict, he was not veryacademic friends. easily placated.

Snapshots by Trevor Gore Lord Balarama, Lady Subhadra and Lord Jagannatha ride on Krishna Bhakti devi dasi, Lalita Benson, Priya McCauley and their chariots during the recent Ratha-yatra festival. Kalindi Cozzie perform an Odissi dance for Lord Jagannatha. SPECIAL THANKS We would like to thank all the devotees who worked hard to make the Ratha-yatra festival weekend a huge success. Of special mention is the enthusiastic Bhakta Dennis (below right) for his tireless work backstage cleaning Krishna’s pots. Devotees and guests pull the chariot during the final phase of the procession. More than 600 people attended this year’s festival. The stage at the Bonfire Kirtana night (left); the Bonfire burned throughout the night (below left); decorations were organised by Guru Prasad devi dasi (below centre); Sharmi Scott and Mohini Murti perform at the Bonfire Kirtana night (below).6

Free the Bears drivetonature.blogspot.comBy Mandakini devi dasi Photographer Unknown Happy bears in the wild.Every week Phalguna dasa cycles a staggering 400km in his training sessions. Phalguna dasa (third from left) with hisHis discipline serves him well, as he recently made the longest bike ride of his cyclling buddies during a recent ride.life in aid of abused bears.Phalguna and three other vegetarian team members clocked up an impressive320km in 10 hours. Within that distance, they covered 3500m of rolling hills.This gruelling charity ride for abused bears managed to raise more than $3000.These unfortunate bears are locked in tiny cages with tubes attached totheir stomachs, as bile is gradually extracted from them to be used in themanufacture of perfume.Besides riding for charitable causes, Phalguna works at his co-ownedrestaurant, The Cardamom Pod, Broadbeach, which keenly supports theMurwillumbah Cycling Club. The club’s uniforms proudly display the slogan,‘Gourmet Vegetarian, Cardamom Pod’.Each week, five cycling grades enthusiastically compete in the popular‘Cardamom Pod Handicap’, with the winner of each grade receiving a generousfood voucher from the restaurant.Phalguna’s next big challenge will be in October when he takes on a 230kmride from Grafton to Inverell. In the meantime, he will be limbering up bycompeting in several mountain bike events.DEITY DEPARTMENT NEWS Editorial GuidelinesMandakini devi dasi interviews New Govardhana’s head pujari, Nrsimha Kavaca dasaQ: What’s the latest news from the Deity department? Articles for The Conch must containNK: At the moment, I am focusing on increasing the standard of cleanliness. 200 words or less. Submissions shouldSrila Prabhupada told ISKCON’s first pujari, Silavati devi dasi, “The idea is be supplied in MS Word format insummit cleanliness. That will satisfy Krishna.” an email to [email protected] am also working on ensuring we have a steady team for back-up services, such com. Articles and images may alsoas cleaning paraphernalia, washing towels and making garlands. be submitted via memory stick, diskAnother goal is to offer the Deities a night set. I am hoping to begin that or hard copy. Photos must be inservice for Radhastami this year. We can start by offering night outfits for major JPG format. Deadline is the 12th offestivals, then gradually increase as the community grows. each month for publication in futureQ: What are your plans for Janmastami? editions. Occasionally a submissionNK: This year, we are planning to have a swing festival and, of course, a maha could be held over to a later edition.abhisheka. There are four special kalashas for sponsorship: two gold and two Articles and photographs mustsilver. Sponsors will receive a bag of ‘goodies’. have the names of the author andI am striving to put Their Lordships very much in the centre of our community. photographer.We are most fortunate to have such beautiful Deities. I want to encourage Anonymous submissions may not bedevotees to come forward and engage in Their service. It is a rare and published. Names will generally appearwonderful opportunity and a great privilege. as submitted. All submissions may be edited, proofread or rejected without SERVICE VOLUNTEERS WELCOME notice. These guidelines are subject to change. The New Govardhana Deity Department seeks volunteers for : EDITORIAL BOARD: • Garlands Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP) • Paraphernalia Damodara Pandit dasa • Festivals Mandakini devi dasi Govardhana Seva dasa Take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity to render some loving Urvasi devi dasi service to our beautiful presiding Deities. For further details, please (layout and graphic design) contact: Nrsimha Kavaca dasa and Asesa Sadhini devi dasi on 0422 913 For enquiries, comments or 813 or Dandakranya dasa on 0450 965 992. suggestions, contact [email protected] 7

Poster: Urvasi devi dasi Upcoming Events Jhulana-yatraPhoto: travellingmonk.com His Holiness Bhaktividya Purna Saturday 17 August – Wednesday, Swami will visit New Govardhana 21 August from 7 August until 9 August. He will Each morning from 17–21 August be presenting a seminar ‘Cultures of 7.00 am: Darsana Civility’. The times for the seminars 7.05 am: Guru puja are 7.30 am for the morning sessions 7.15 am: Swing festival and 5.00 pm for the evening sessions. 7.40 am: Srimad Bhagavatam class Sunday feast program – 18 August His Grace Uttamasloka dasa is also visiting New 3.00 pm: Bhajanas Govardhana this month. 3.20 pm: Class and arati He will be here from Friday, 2 August until Tuesday, 4.00 pm: Arati, kirtana and swing 6 August. festival He will presenting a seminar, ‘Developing Self-esteem’ 4.45 pm: Feast based on teachings from the Bhagavad-gita. The seminar will be held on Saturday, 3 August, Sunday, Balarama Jayanti 4 August and Monday, 5 August; morning sessions at 7.30 am and evening sessions 5.00 pm. Wednesday, 21 August 9.30 am: Bhajanas Srila Prabhupada Vyasa Puja 10.00 am: Class (Fast until noon) 10.45 am: Gift opening 11.00 am: Abhiseka Friday 30 August 12.00 pm: Arati and kirtana 9.30 am Bhajanas 12.30 pm: Children’s activities 10.30 am Homages and Readings Transcendental treasure hunt 12.00 pm Gurupuja and pushpanjali 1.00 pm: Feast 1.00 pm Feast JanmastamiPhoto: back2godhead.com Photo: lazarev.org Thursday 29 August 5.00 pm: Bhajanas 6.00 pm: Gurukula dramas 6.30 pm: Sandhya arati 7.15 pm: Swing festival 8.00–9.00 pm: Bhajanas in marquee 8.15–9.00 pm: Class in temple room 9.00 pm: Odissi dance 9.30 pm: Bhajana 9.45 pm: Abhiseka 10.45 pm: Sponsor appreciation 11.00 pm: Kirtana in temple 12.00 pm: Midnight arati 12.30 pm: Feast Harinama August Calendar Sankirtana ki jaya (from Vaisnava calendar www.vaisnavacalendar.com) Wednesdays 10.30 am   3 Sat Fasting for Kamika Ekadasi   4 Sun Trayodasi  Break fast 6.27 am – 10.04 am Byron Bay Hari Nama at the 11 Sun Sri Raghunandana Thakura – Disappearance park opposite the Post Office. Sri Vamsidasa Babaji – Disappearance For further details and transport 17 Sat Fasting for Pavitropana Ekadasi information, contact Jhulana Yatra begins Parama Karuna dasa 18 Sun Dvadasi  Break fast 6.15 am – 9.58am 0439 280 362 Srila Rupa Gosvami – Disappearance Sri Gauridasa Pandita – Disappearance Friday Evenings 6.30 pm 20 Tue Caturdasi  Last day of the first Caturmasya month 21 Wed Jhulana Yatra ends Bhakti Centre Surfers Paradise Lord Balarama – Appearance (fast today) bhakticentregoldcoast.com.au Second month of Caturmasya begins (yogurt fast for one month) 22 Thu Srila Prabhupada’s departure for the USA Sunday Mornings 29 Thu Sri Krsna Janmastami: Appearance of Lord Sri Krishna (fast today) 30 Fri Nandotsava Northern NSW & Gold Coast Srila Prabhupada’s Appearance folkrishna.com/program.htm Isvara dasa 0411 825 5498

Krishna Kids Korner Find the words listed below and circle them with a pen or pencil. The words may appear horizontal, vertical or diagonal – even backwards. Achyuta - Balgopal - Gopal - Hari - Jagannath - Keshava - Krishna - Madhava Niranjana - Punyah - Shyamsundara - Trivikrama - Vasudevtwitsnaps.com