The Conch (Sep 2013)

September 2013 The Conch krishnafarm.com www.theconchnewsletter.org “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 SUNDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER 2013 Holy Name Retreat Register now! Snakeman Adventures WWOOFing to bhakti Erika’s Journey PRABHUPADA UVACA + GOSHALA GOSS + DEVOTEE PROFILE + BHAKTI SHORT FILM FEST Srila Prabhupada Uvaca + Catering Katha + Yasoda’s Meditation Magic

Radhastami: Image: bingimages.com the glorious appearance day of Srimati RadharaniImage: sdgonline.org By Ambika devi dasi Krishna. All beauty and lustre rest in ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace Srimati Radharani made Her divine Her body. All Krishna’s desires rest A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada appearance in Raval, near Varshana, Photo: Trevor Gore in Srimati Radharani. on the eighth day of the bright moon “Lord Krishna enchants the world, Srila Prabhupada Uvaca of the month of Bhadra. Although it but Sri Radha enchants even Him. was the eighth day, the moon became She is the full power, and Krishna Radharani is 15 days younger full on this auspicious day. possesses that power. The two than Krishna. When Krishna are non-different. Thus Radha and was a boy, He played with the “All beauty and lustre rest in Her body. Krishna are one yet have taken children of the countryside. All Krishna’s desires rest in Radharani.” two forms to enjoy the mellows Because He was so beautiful, all On this day, King Vrishabhanu went to of pastimes.” the girls prayed that someday He bathe in a lake. There, in the centre of Radharani embodies mahabhava – would be their husband. the lake he saw a golden lotus flower the essence of Sri Krishna’s pleasure Radha loved Krishna the most, shining wonderfully. Upon that lotus potency. When we chant the maha- even more than the others. flower was the effulgent, golden form mantra, we are addressing Her as She is the symbol of the greatest of Srimati Radharani as a baby. ‘Hara’ – or ‘She who steals Krishna’s worship. In jubilation and wonder, he took heart by fully inundating Him with Krishna and the girls were of that transcendental baby home to Her love’. the same age. Because girls are his devoted wife, Kirtida. They were Because Radha is filled with married earlier than boys, the childless and immediately decided compassion, we can approach Her girls were all married before to adopt Her. Srimati Radharani and beg for Her mercy. Radharani Krishna. Despite their marriages, was blind. can then plead our case with Her the girls all loved Krishna so Narada Muni soon appeared and transcendental lover, Krishna, the much that whenever He played informed them of Sri Radha’s divinity. Supreme Personality of Godhead. His flute, they would leave their He requested them to perform a References: Caitanya-caritamrita Adi-Lila homes and go to Him. This name-giving ceremony, which Mother Four, verses 90–98; and recollections continued until Krishna was 16. Yasoda and baby Krishna attended. As of narrations from Braja Mandala At the age of 16, Krishna left His soon as Srimati Radhika smelled the Parikramas. friends and went to live with His wonderful fragrance of Krishna, She real father. All His friends spent opened Her lotus eyes and beheld (Above) Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari. the rest of their lives weeping Her eternal Lord. (Below) Srimati Radhika. and longing for Him. This, too, Srimati Radharani is described in is worship. Caitanya-caritamrita, Adi-Lila Four, Photo: Trevor Gore Radha and Krishna met again verses 90–98: during a solar eclipse at “She is the original source of all Kurukshetra. It was a meeting goddesses of fortune. She fully of love, but they were again represents the six opulences of separated. Radha is Krishna’s beloved. By her blessing, Krishna will accept us. ‘Hare’ also means ‘Radha’, so when we chant Hare Krishna we chant Radha Krishna. Reference: Srila Prabhupada Radhastami lecture 23 September, 1966 “Radharani is hari-priya, very dear to Krishna. So if we approach Krishna through the mercy of Radharani, then it becomes very easy.” Cover Image: bingimages.com2

REGISTER NOW holynameretreat.comPhoto: Stoka Krishna dasa New Govardhana launches “The BTP is incomparable and bhakta training program will always remain in the heart of the participant,” he adds. 3 By Damodara Pandit dasa Devotees at New Govardhana officially launched their Bhakta Training Program The BTP offers a three-month (BTP), which will run from 1 September until 30 November 2013. Anyone who intensive program that will help is interested is welcome to attend. newcomers follow the rules and Uddhava Priya dasa, Program Director, says, “Newcomers to the Bhakta regulations of devotional service. Training Program will receive food, clothing, companionship, education, They can gain realisations about the entertainment, religion, science, social interaction, counselling and much Deities, chanting, the significance more. How could there ever be a better start for one’s devotional career? of association with devotees, the importance of street harinama and (L to R) Gokula Caitanya dasa, Jayananda dasa and Nrsimha Kavaca book distribution, and many other dasa perform a ceremony for the recent inauguration of the Bhakta aspects of spiritual life. Training Program. Whether they are going to stay full-time in the temple or serve as a congregational member, the principles they will learn during the three months of the BTP are invaluable. If the participants can acquire a taste for attending the morning program and for chanting attentive rounds during that time of the day, then their whole devotional future will be strong. For more information, please contact Uddhava Priya dasa: [email protected] or 0061-490 137 463

Not just a ‘Snakeman’Source: Ugrasrava dasa via Kurma dasa distressed persons needing to have George holding a 1.5m Eastern Brown Photo: A thankful Byron Bayitea snake removed from their vicinity.Snake he caught in central Byron Bay. But there is more to George thanGeorge (with beard) can be seen behind being a snake-catcher. George has SECOND ANNUAL BHAKTISrila Prabhupada during the Melbourne been a Hare Krishna devotee for YOGA SHORT FILMRatha-yatra in 1974. more than 40 years, beginning his FESTIVAL devotional life when Srila PrabhupadaBy Padma devi dasi graced the shores of Australia in 3 October 2013 at 6.00 pmMost local devotees have heard the 1970s. Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah.about the brave feats of George, the At that time, George was given the A number of new release‘Snakeman’. George is the regional service of being Srila Prabhupada’s devotional short films will besnake-catcher, on call for any snake personal bodyguard and responsible shown. Most of the films haveemergencies. During spring and for his safety in general. George been made by local devotee filmsummer, George can receive up to 14 has many special memories serving makers. Heading the bill is ‘Makecalls per day (the current record) from Prabhupada during those early Vrindavan Villages’, which is a years, and he continues to serve Srila film made by HH Bhakti Raghava Prabhupada with devotion and care. Swami. The night will include live For the past decade, George music and dinner. brings Srila Prabhupada’s murti Don’t miss out – tickets will be from his Vyasasana in Radha- available at the door ($10). Govardhanadhari’s temple to the For more information, contact Ratha-yatra cart at the bottom of the Damodara Pandit dasa farm, where Their Lordships 0415 190 313 Lord Jagannatha, Lord Baladeva and Lady Subhadra also board the Ratha cart in preparation for the annual Ratha-yatra parade. Thank you, George, for all of your service rendered over the past 40 years!From WWOOFing to Bhakti ...the true story of Bhaktine Erika By Damodara Pandit dasa Photo: Source unknown DPd: What do you do? Erika: I work in the restaurant, clean Many of you may remember Erika, a Bhaktine Erika (right) sits with Visnupadi Srila Prabhupada’s House, help with Japanese Willing Worker on Organic devi dasi from Chile, South America. Deity paraphernalia service as well Farms (WWOOFer), who stayed at Visnupadi was also a WWOOFer who as go on book distribution and hari- New Govardhana for many months first went to the Melbourne farm three nama sankirtana. earlier this year. years ago. Last January Visnupadi was Like many young people who initiated by HH Devamrita Swami. DPd: Oh, very nice. Did you come to experience the Krishna lifestyle, she Krishna first through the WWOOFer decided to track down the Krishna program at New Govardhana? Temple at her next stop. Erika: Yes, I did. The program gave In her case, it was the ISKCON me the opportunity to stay with the Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir. devotees and experience the lifestyle. On a recent visit to Melbourne, I had also visited the Lotus Room in I was surprised to see her in a sari Kings Cross. at the morning program – especially considering it was in the middle of a DPd: How long will you stay here very cold Melbourne winter. I caught in Melbourne? up with her for a brief interview: Erika: At least to next April. However, DPd: So what are you doing here? I would like to stay longer. I like being Erika: I now live in the [Melbourne] a devotee of Krishna, and Australia is4 Temple and do service. a nice place to serve.

Pump Reincarnation Photo: Trevor GoreBy Ajita dasa (Above) A recently repaired waterPrior to Ishvara dasa installing the main bore in 1995, a 1936 piston pump pump. (Below) The Gir herd rests besidesupplied the water on New Govardhana. Manasi Ganga where New GovardhanaAs part of an overall plan to supply water to the cows and agriculture from gets some of the water required forsources other than the main bore, the New Govardhana maintenance team agriculture and drinking.has completed the renovation of three piston pumps.The pumps will be installed on the bank of a newly dug pond below the templeand near the main lake (‘Manasi Ganga’) and Govinda Kunda. The pumps willbe filling tanks to supply water to the cows, the gardens and the lower areaof the farm. The dams are also now being raised so they can hold more water.Once the work is completed on the dams, installation of the pumps will begin,which we expect to have completed within three months.Currently water usage is estimated at 100,000 litres per day whenirrigating. The combined volume of water held in the four main ponds afterimprovements will total around 11 million litres. This plan aims at reducingdependency on the three-phase powered bore pump, which for now providesall the water on the farm – as well as a great deal of anxiety in down times!The piston pumps are powered by diesel engines, which can be fuelled withused rice bran oil from our Temple kitchen and catering woks once filtered.Enthused by this plan, Grantha Priya dasa, who also helps with the cows,volunteered to fully renovate one of the piston pumps and purchase a newdiesel motor for it at a cost of $1600.We would like to sincerely thank him for his enthusiastic and diligentmanagement of this renovation, as well as the generous funding.Relief in sightBy Mandakini devi dasi Photo: Urvasi devi dasi A member of the Australian Massage Gokula Caitanya dasa and his wife, GuruRelocating from Melbourne, Gokula Photo: Urvasi devi dasiAssociation (AAMT), Guru Prasad Prasad devi dasi, offer oblations into theCaitanya dasa, Guru Prasad devi offers health fund rebates. At present fire at their second initiation ceremonydasi and children Vrinda and Shyam the clinic is open on Wednesdays held at New Govardhana recently.became residents of New Govardhana from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. With thein January this year. positive responses so far, Guru Prasad Healing HandsWhile the kids are absorbed in their is looking forward to building up herstudies at gurukula, dad is very practice to 4–5 days a week. For an appointment, call Guruhappily immersed in cow seva and Gokula Caitanya dasa and his wife, Guru Prasad on 0417 130 191.Deity worship. Prasad devi dasi, and their daughter The first 10 devotees whoGuru Prasad, as well as being a busy Vrinda and son Shyam. mention this article whenmum, pursues her professionalhealing career as a myotherapist at booking will receive $10 offa clinic in Murwillumbah. their first treatment.This remedial therapy incorporates 5cupping, corrective exercises and dryneedling (or trigger-point therapyfor the needle-shy). It is a holisticapproach that treats the cause aswell as the symptoms. To facilitatethe treatment, remedial massage isalso offered.Many satisfied patients (ranging inages from 6 to 85) have found relieffrom lower back pain, tennis elbow,sciatica, scoliosis, migraine, discinjuries and a host of other ailments.

SnapshotsPhoto: Shyama dasa Photo: Trevor Gore Photo: Urvasi devi dasi Mentioned in the previous issue of The Introducing another new baby, Bhakti The work on the drainage channel Conch: (L to R) Sita devi dasi, baby Ram Madhuri, daughter of Maha Mantra from Manasi Ganga into the Parikrama Vijay and Shyama dasa. dasa and Manikuntala devi dasi. Paddock is almost complete.Photo: Urvasi devi dasi Photo: Urvasi devi dasi Correction In the August issue of The Conch, we incorrectly captioned the image on page 6 as “Sharmi Scott and Mohini Murti perform at the Bonfire Kirtana night”. It should have read “Mallika devi dasi and Mohini Murti”. Abisheka of Lord Balarama and Lord Krishna on Balarama’s Appearance Day.Doing what comes naturally By Mukunda Goswami Photo: Visnujana dasa New Govardhana resident Gokula dasa is building a mud-brick house Gokula dasa and assistants hard at work. Addendum that is nearing completion. A total of 4500 bricks of 8% cement and Many unusual fruit trees, including Due to space constraints, we 92% local soil, each weighing 20kg grumichana and japoticaba, grow were unable to print details of the and made on site, constitute the on their quarter-acre. The property interviewees for the Compass TV four walls of the 160sqm structure. is also home to three bovines of show mentioned in the August Another 1700 bricks will be made for varying ages. issue of The Conch. the floor. Sixteen trusses – all made Total cost: slightly under $50,000, These were Mukunda Goswami; by Gokula – were in place as of with $36,000 already spent. Aniruddha dasa; Chandra 10 August 2013. Gokula expects his project, which Ballabha dasi; Dhara dasi; and Gokula has also built a non-electric began in 2006, to be completed by Damodara Priya dasi. pump for water. He and his wife, January 2014. Vilasa Manjari devi dasi, use a clothes washing machine that operates entirely without electrics. They exclusively use a Zir non-electric refrigerator. The couple currently reside in a small, portable house next to the mud-brick dwelling-to-be, which also uses a compost toilet. All electricity in their new home will be supplied by roof-installed solar panels. Hot water will be solar, cooking and heating will be with6 locally sourced wood.

Multi-Faith film award for PujaBy Govardhana Seva dasa Together with Ricky, her brother, the Photo: Trevor GoreThe Griffith University Multi-Faith family perform services at the NewCentre held an awards evening on Govardhana Temple. On Saturdays, Tina Lashand wins award.Tuesday, 30 July 2013, celebrating they clean the Deities’ paraphernalia,the success of the High School and and on Sundays they organise andUniversity teams and entrants in help with the serving of the Temple’smaking it to the finals of the 2013 Sunday Feast.‘Many Faiths, One Peace’ film When asked about the award, Pujacompetition. said, “The film was made by Mai YangOver a six-month period, submissions and myself. The theme for the filmwere called for students of diverse was called ‘Many Faiths, One Peace’faith backgrounds to compile a short and our film was called ‘R.E.S.P.E.C.T.’.video that best interpreted the theme The film mainly outlined the idea ofof the competition. many different religions and beliefTina Lashand, or Puja, the systems, and the importance ofjoint winner, is the daughter of respect and understanding towardsShyamasundara and his wife, Rita. each other.Goshala Goss Sadly, we report New Govardhana’s ADOPT-A-COW first Gir bull calf was stillborn. MadhuBy Urvasi devi dasi (see left) the Gir bull, and Padma, a For as little as $1 a day you can three-and-a-half-year-old Gir heifer experience the bliss of sponsoring was the first successful pairing since Madhu arrived more than a year ago. one of Krishna’s cows. Two other Gir cows are expecting Please contact Venu Gopal dasa: calves soon and, hopefully, we will be able to offer the Deities gir milk, 0411 444 934 which is extra creamy.Photography: Urvasi devi dasi In just a matter of weeks the geriatric EDITORIAL GUIDELINES Photo: Kisori devi dasi and infirm herd will have their own purpose built shelter/mini goshala Articles for The Conch must contain (see left). There will be storage 200 words or less. Submissions should space, feeding bays, shelter from be supplied in MS Word format in the elements and space for the care an email to newgovconch@gmail. of incapacitated or dying cows or com. Articles and images may also bullocks. Maha Mantra dasa and a be submitted via memory stick, disk few contractors will complete the job or hard copy. Photos must be in in approximately three weeks. JPG format. Deadline is the 12th of each month for publication in futureDon’t shoot – Rev trev is back editions. Occasionally a submission might be held over to a later edition.By Damodara Pandit dasa The Conch is Articles and photographs mustBhakta Trevor is now The Conch’s very happy have the names of the author andofficial photojournalist. For the past to welcome photographer.few months, he has been submitting a new Anonymous submissions may not besome excellent photos of activities member published. Names will generally appeararound New Govardhana. The photos to the fold. as submitted. All submissions may bewere so good that we began to ‘Bhakta Trev’ Gore – the latest addition edited, proofread or rejected withoutpublish many of his shots. to The Conch team. notice. These guidelines are subjectHis enthusiasm and skill soon made to change.us realise he would be an excellent Articles published in this newsletteraddition to the team. He is now are not necessari­ly the opinions ofcommissioned to cover most snaps The Conch or ISKCON.needed for The Conch articles. EDITORIAL BOARD:We are requesting all departments Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP)and devotees to assist him with an Damodara Pandit dasa‘all-areas access’ pass. Mandakini devi dasi Govardhana Seva dasa Urvasi devi dasi (layout and graphic design) Trevor Gore (photography) For enquiries, comments or suggestions, contact [email protected] 7

Upcoming Events Radhastami HH Bir Krishna Goswami Sunday, 15 September 7.30 am–Darshan Monday, 2 September to Thursday, 8.15 am–Srimad-Bhagavatam class  5 September 12.00 pm–Arati and kirtana Artwork: Urvasi devi dasi (part of 12-hour kirtana) 2.20 pm–Drama 2.40 pm–Dance performance 3.00 pm–Class 3.40 pm–Puspanjali 4.00 pm–Arati and kirtana 4.15 pm–Puspa abhiseka 5.30 pm–FeastPhoto: bkg.com Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Appearance Day Program at Rupa’s Photo: stephen-knapp.com Tuesday, 17 September Monday, 2 September 10.30 am–Bhajanas 4.30 pm – 7.00 pm 11.00 am–Class Rupa Raghunatha dasa 12.00 pm–Arati and puspanjali 5 Coral Fern Circuit 1.00 pm–Feast Murwillumbah Harinama Morning Temple classes Sankirtana ki jaya 3–5 September 7.00 am–Darshan arati 7.15 am–Gurupuja 7.30 am–Srimad-Bhagavatam class Evening Temple class Wednesday, 4 September 5.00 pm onwards September Calendar Image: sdgonline.com (from Vaisnava calendar www.vaisnavacalendar.com) 1 Sun Ekadasi–Fasting for Annada Ekadasi 2 Mon Dvadasi–Break fast 6.00 am–9.52 am 10 Tue Srimati Sita Thakurani (Sri Advaita’s consort) Appearance Wednesdays 10.30 am 13 Fri Radhastami: Appearance of Srimati Radharani Festival celebrated Sunday, 15 September Byron Bay Hari Nama at the 16 Mon Ekadasi (Fast today for Vamanadeva) park opposite the Post Office. 17 Tue Trayodasi–Break fast 5.43 am–9.43 am For further details and transport Sri Vamana Dvadasi: Appearance of Lord Vamanadeva information, contact (Fasting is done yesterday) Parama Karuna dasa Srila Jiva Gosvami–Appearance 0439 280 362 Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura–Appearance 18 Wed Ananta Caturdasi Vrata Friday Evenings 6.30 pm Srila Haridasa Thakura–Disappearance Last day of the second Caturmasya month Bhakti Centre Surfers Paradise 19 Thu Sri Visvarupa Mahotsava bhakticentregoldcoast.com.au Acceptance of sannyasa by Srila Prabhupada Third month of Caturmasya begins (milk fast for one month) Sunday Mornings Northern NSW & Gold Coast folkrishna.com/program.htm Isvara dasa 0411 825 5492 26 Thu Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the USA

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