The Conch (November 2018)

2018 November 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 Govardhana puja Srila Prabhupada’s Giriraja, ki jaya! disappearance day GLORIES OF KARTIK The magic month Honouring ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya Historic gurukula graduation + vaishnavi forum event

Srila addition, he wrote and translated Photo: krishna.orgPrabhupada’s scores of books, met with manyDisappearance Photo: girirajswami.com scholars, scientists and well-known ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine GraceDay personalities, and “created a A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada revolution in the impious lives of aBy Ambika devi dasi misdirected civilization” (Srimad- Srila Prabhupada UvacaThis year, the Disappearance Day of Bhagavatam 1.5.11).ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya His Divine Always acting as a transparent While engaged with theGrace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami via medium, he passed on the brahmanas who were too muchPrabhupada is Sunday, 11 November instructions and teachings of his involved in the performanceat 7.25pm. guru, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati of Vedic sacrifices, Krishna andAlthough it is a difficult day for his Thakura, reminding everyone he Balarama also saw that thedisciples, who suffered immeasurable met that they are spirit souls, wholly cowherd men were preparing asadness at his loss, according unconnected with the body and similar sacrifice in order to pacifyto Vaishnava philosophy the mind. Along with teaching that the Indra, the King of Heaven, who isdisappearance of a pure devotee is goal of life is to love Krishna, our responsible for supplying water.actually more significant than the eternal Lord, he gave the method to As stated in the Caitanya-appearance. revive that love, that is, through the caritamrta, a devotee of KrishnaAt the appearance of an exalted chanting of the Hare Krishna maha- has strong and firm faith in themahajana, all future preaching is mantra and through performing understanding that if he is simplyin seed form. However, by the time devotional service to Krishna. engaged in Krishna consciousnessthe acharya leaves his body, he has All the spiritual opportunities and Krishna’s transcendentalalready bestowed upon all those and benefits we now have at our loving service, then he is freedconnected to him, his grace, mercy, fingertips – beautiful temples where from all other obligations. A pureknowledge, realisations and love. we can worship and serve the devotee of Lord Krishna doesn’tHe then returns to his nitya-lila, or Supreme Lord, wonderful farms, have to perform any of theeternal pastimes with Radha and schools, prasadam restaurants, ritualistic functions enjoined inKrishna in the spiritual world, having transcendental literature, devotee the Vedas, nor is he required toperformed the greatest service to association, and all manner of worship any demigods.the Lord. blessings – are available to us Being a devotee of Lord Krishna,This topmost service was executed through the superhuman efforts one is understood to haveby Srila Prabhupada in the form of and dedication of His Divine Grace performed all kinds of Vedicbringing Krishna consciousness to Srila Prabhupada. rituals and all kinds of worshipthe Western world, then returning All glories to Srila Prabhupada! to the demigods. One doesto India and spreading the science of not develop devotional servicebhakti-yoga there. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta for Krishna by performing theKrishna describes in His Bhagavad- Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON’s Founder- Vedic ritualistic ceremonies orgita, “For one who explains the Acharya, and dearmost devotee of Lord worshiping the demigods, but itsupreme secret to the devotees, Krishna. should be understood that onedevotional service is guaranteed, and who is engaged fully in the serviceat the end, he will come back to me. of the Lord has already fulfilled allThere is no servant in this world more Vedic injunctions.dear to Me than he, nor will there In order to stop all such activitiesever be one more dear.” (Chapter 18, by His devotees, Krishna wantedverses 68 and 69). to firmly establish exclusiveIn the 11 short years since he first devotional service during Hiscame to the West, Srila Prabhupada presence in Vrindavana. Becauseachieved so many extraordinary He is the omniscient Personalityfeats. To name a few, he incorporated of Godhead, Krishna knew thatthe International Society for Krishna the cowherd men were preparingConsciousness, circumambulated for the Indra sacrifice, but as athe globe at least 12 times to spread matter of etiquette He beganbhakti-yoga, established around 100 to inquire with great honor andtemples as well as numerous schools submission.and farms. He also established his Krishna Book Chapter 24:Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT). In Worshiping Govardhana HillCover photo: www. givegita.com 2

Photo: Trevor Gore New Govardhana’s resplendent Giriraja receiving worship at the Govardhana Puja festival 2017. This festival was celebrated at the replica Govardhana Hill created by Maha Mantra dasa and his crew. The hill was decorated and covered with sweets, beautifully adorned cows were present for feeding and go-puja and dance items were offered. Giriraja was transported to the hill in a bullock cart decorated with flowers expertedly led by Krishna Kirtana dasa. The 2018 Govardhana Puja festival will also be jubilantly commemorated with great love and devotion down by the lake. Kartik vrata It is recommended one observe the following foremost activities Kisori devi dasi throughout the month of Kartik: Kartik runs from 24 October to 23 1. Increase quality and quantity of November this year. chanting the holy names of the Lord. Lord Sri Krishna says, “Of all plants, 2. Offer a ghee lamp daily and sing the sacred Tulasi is most dear to Damodarastakam, meditating on Me, of all months, Kartik is most meaning. dear, of all places of pilgrimage, My 3.Practice brahmacharya – celibacy. beloved Dwarka is most dear, and 4. Worship of Tulasi Devi. of all days, Ekadashi is most dear.” 5.Give charity to qualified brahmanas. (Padma Purana, Uttara Khand 112.3). 6. Read or listen to Srimad-Bhagvatam Kartik or the festival of offering lamps daily. to Lord Krishna, glorifies the pastime 7. Perform extra austerities if of being bound with ropes by Mother possible, eg. a abstaining from sweet Yashoda. or oily foods. “As Satya-yuga is the best of yugas (ages), as the Vedas are the best among scriptures, as Ganga is best of rivers, so Kartik is the best of months, the most dear to Lord Krishna.” (Skanda Purana) 3

Bhaktivedanta congratulating each graduate as they only as educators, but also as friends. Swami Gurukula made their speeches, the school They are extremely proud of the historic principal Vinod Bihari dasa and many achievements of their first batch of graduation senior devotees and well-wishers Year 12 students. came to give their blessings to the To mark the occasion, a lavish formal By Kisori devi dasi graduates. dinner was also held lakeside, For the first time in ISKCON’s history, Another important and touching complete with lush red carpet, the High School Certificate (HSC) has aspect of the ceremony was the a sumptuous three-course meal been awarded to seven graduates symbolic ‘passing of the baton’ to the and live music provided by local from Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula, next cohort of seniors. The current kirtaneers.  here at New Govardhana. Year 11 students received blessings A large regional newspaper, The The graduation ceremony, held on and encouragement for their next Tweed Daily News, reported the 27 September 2018, was a true year of studies. graduation in a grand manner community affair with the entire Husband and wife team, with front-page coverage in their school and New Govardhana Madhavendra Puri dasa and Syama publication. community invited. Proudly Sakhi devi dasi are pillars of support We wish the graduates all success in for the high school students. They the next chapter of their lives. have been positive role models, notPhoto: Syamala Gopa Kishori Dasi Photo: Parvati devi dasi Teachers Syama Sakhi dasi and Madhvendra Puri dasa with the graduates. A rite of passage celebrated with a traditional Vedic fire sacrifice.Photo: Parvati devi dasi Photo: Parvati devi dasi 4

Bir Krishna Photo: Kisori devi dasi understand the Krishna consciousgoswami’s visit – philosophy in practical ways. (Hisshort but sweet Home program at Kisori devi dasi and Holiness Bir Krishna Goswami books Nrsimhananda dasa’s residence. can be obtained by contacting theBy Kisori devi dasi author of this article.)His Holiness Bir Krishna Goswami class and makes time for individual During Maharaja’s visit to Newvisited Brisbane and New Govardhana meetings, as well some daily exercise Govardhana, he commented, “Thisearly last month. for his health. is one of the most inspiring placesWell known for his fast-paced walk, Due to his down-to-earth manner on the planet that I visit. What awhich is impossible to keep up with, and approachability, many find him wonderful community you have here!his schedule was just as fast-paced very relatable. Two of his most recent It is like paradise.”with a great deal achieved in the four books – Realizing Our Empathic He really liked the climate here toodays he spent in these areas. Nature Connected to Krishna and and stated more than once that heMaharaja likes to conduct home You’re Not That Body – have proven would spend more time here on hisvisits at different devotees’ homes, extremely popular in helping people next visit.which he feels is a personal way to On his visit to New Govardhana, heencourage people in their Krishna gave two devotees second initiation.consciousness. Karunamayi dasi (who looks afterAs many as 10–12 home visits a the goshalla shop and the milkingday is a normal part of his schedule herd of cows) and Padmalocanwhen he visits Australia and New dasa (the kitchen coordinator atZealand. In addition to this, he gives New Govardhana) received seconddaily morning Srimad-Bhagavatam initiation on 4 October. Nrsimha Kavaca dasa expertly conducted the fire sacrifice.National Sunday, 2 December is another Don’t Miss Out!Vaishnavi Forum: jam-packed day, culminating in aNurture, Inspire, tasty pizza feast at Krishna Village. If you have not alreadyEmpower The retreat continues until Monday, registered, don’t miss out on 3 December, coming to a close at this event. Visit the NationalBy Krishnarupa devi dasi 1.30pm, when a delicious farewellNew Govardhana is hosting the Ekadasi feast will be served to the Vaishnavi Sanga: AustraliaNational Vaishnavi Forum – nurture • attendees. Facebook page for details oninspire • empower later this month Well-known senior Srila Prabhupadaat the lakeside marquee. Devotee disciples will be a drawcard for the how to register or contactwomen from around Australia Retreat. Visaka devi dasi, author and Krishnarupa on 0416 17 97 33 orwill be arriving 30 November to award-winning filmmaker, will be a [email protected] together for a weekend of keynote speaker, as well as authorinnovative workshops, presentations Sitala devi dasi (health allowing). for assistance.and seminars from experienced Other Srila Prabhupada disciples and Please note that registration isand interesting devotees, along a raft of enlivening Vaishnavis willwith inspiring discussions and also be sharing their experiences and essential.brainstorming. wisdom. For a detailed schedule, pleaseThis exciting event will kick off on Srimad-Bhagavatam classes will see the temple noticeboard orFriday, 30 November at 6pm, in be presented by Visaka devi dasi,the white marquee down by New Jahnava Mata devi dasi from New go to the National VaishnaviGovardhana’s tranquil lake, followed Zealand, and local devotee Padma Sanga: Australia Facebook page.by a full day of presentations and devi dasi, who will be speaking on theinteractive discussions on Saturday, topic of Mother Bhumi and the Bhumi1 December, starting at 10.30am. Gita: Lessons in Self-Identity, Self-Saturday evening will be the Interest and Self-Realisation.Entertainment Night, so if you want There will be special guided japato participate in the fun, make sure sessions in the mornings, led byyou don’t miss this. You may even devotees such as Camari devi dasiwant to perform! If you do, please from Sydney, Acintya Rupa devi dasicontact Ambika devi dasi on: from Melbourne and Ratipriya devi0434 214 186. dasi from New Govardhana. Sweet- voiced Vaishnavis will also be leading the morning temple program kirtanas for the three days. 5

The Future ofFarmingBy Syamala Gopa Kishori dasi Photo: Yossi NachumFrom November onwards, KrishnaVillage will be introducing a new and A new course on offer at Krishna Village will be one on Syntropic Farming.innovative course called ‘SyntropicFarming’, facilitated by Krishna Village of toxic chemicals and considerably SYNTROPIC FARMINGteam member Thiago Gimenez reduces financial and labour cost Upcoming Course Dates:Barbosa, a Syntropic Farming pioneer by understanding and respectingin Australia. nature’s complex system by imitating 16–18 November 2018Born in Brazil, Thiago is one of the how the rainforest functions. 25–27 January 2019world’s foremost experts in this This cutting-edge course is truly 8–10 March 2019field. He travels throughout Australia unique and we expect that it will For details, seefacilitating workshops and helping attract many new visitors to Krishnafarmer’s transition from conventional Village. https://krishnavillage-retreat.com/to regenerative practices using syntropicSyntropic Farming principles.The word ‘Syntropy’ is an agroforestryconcept that refers to increasing bio-diversity within the ecosystem. Whatmakes Syntropic Farming unique isthat it emulates the growth of therainforest, one of the planet’s mostbio-diverse ecosystems.According to the principles ofSyntropic Farming, we can savemassive amounts of water inagriculture. It also eliminates the useNew Martial Photo: Kisori devi dasi eventually started his own BJJ schoolArts Classes at in Brisbane. the Gurukula Happy students at the Gurukula Hall. Yadavendra also travelled to Sridham Mayapur to train students in BJJ.Tilakini McSween As soon as he met his teacher, he His senior students, Laxmipati dasa,Recently, the Gurukula has begun a began his BJJ journey in earnest, Balarama dasa and Ramavijaya dasacomprehensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training sometimes six days a week. have now become instructors whoprogram for adults, adolescents and In 2007, he moved to Rio, Brazil for continue to teach the next generationchildren. six months where he furthered his in Mayapur.The instructor, Yadavendra dasa has training and went on to compete in Yadavendra has begun trainingrecently started his own club, Point the World Masters BJJ Championship, students of all ages in BJJ onBreak Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in Brunswick where he won silver in his weight Wednesday and Friday at theHeads. He says that it is due to the division. Gurukula Hall.years that he spent in the Brisbane Upon returning to Australia, he foughtTemple ashrama and the guidance in many more competitions, became For mploeareseincfoonrmtaacttion,of the devotees, that he was able to a three-time Australian champion anddevelop the skills to appreciate and Yadavendra Dasa: 0423 034 584teach this Vedic martial art. [email protected] orYadavendra, known also as Rhys Tilakini McSween: 0403665073Dykes, joined the Brisbane,Graceville ashrama as a bramachari [email protected] 1996, where he studied Sanskrit Wednesdayand Ayurveda. After some years,Yadavendra settled in Melbourne Teens class 4–5pmwhere he discovered the academy of Adults class 6–7.30pmone of the world’s highest ranked BJJinstructors, Peter De Been. Friday Kids class 3.15–4pm Adults class 6–7.30pm 6

Opening doors Photo: Courtesy of Dandakaranya dasathe previous acharyas’ literature.to the Goswamis’ Photo: Anandalila dasiSuch books illustrate the sweetnessBooks and depth of their unalloyed devotion His Holiness Hridayananda dasa to Krishna and serve as an example to Goswami’s vyasa puja will be celebratedBy Dandakaranya dasa us all. at New Govardhana on 5 November.Gopiparandhana dasa was a disciple To purchase any of the mentioned Everyone is welcome to attend.of Srila Prabhupada, under whose books, please contact Dandakaranyaguidance developed a scholarly dasa or visit the Temple Shop. completed by translating the 10th,expertise in Sanskrit. He also served 11th, and 12th Cantos alongside hisfor many years as an editor for the Hridayananda godbrother Gopiparanadhana dasa. Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT). Dasa Goswami in In 1996, Hridayananda dasaAfter Srila Prabhupada entered his Australia Goswami received his PhD in Sanskritnitya-lila, Gopiparandhana served on & Indian Studies from Harvardthe three-man team that completed By Syamala Gopa Kishori dasi University. While completing histhe Srimad-Bhagavatam. His other His Holiness Hridayananda dasa Harvard education, he set historicalsignificant literary contributions Goswami has visited Australia for precedence with a perfect mark onare the Tattva Sandarbha, Brhad the first time since 1987, much to the Sanskrit comprehensive exam.Bhagavatamrita and Krsna-lila-stava. the appreciation of the devotees and At the forefront of contemporaryHe also established the Srimad- especially his Australian disciples. religious dialogue, Hridayananda dasaBhagavata Vidyapitham school in The purpose of his long-overdue visit Goswami is recognised for his uniqueGovardhana to train a new generation is to continue his writing work in a ability to adapt the wisdom of bhakti-of devotional scholars. Under the peaceful and serene atmosphere. yoga in ways that are attractive forbanner of Giriraja Publishing, they Hridayananda dasa Goswami is Western audiences.produce high quality translations residing in quiet solitude on the Gold While in Australia, he is also takingof the literature of the previous Coast, an environment he feels is the time out of his busy writing scheduleacharyas. perfect place for a writing retreat. for some preaching activities,Over the past few years, following Hridayananda dasa Goswami is a including temple classes, homein the footsteps of Gopiparandhana, senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada programs, as well as outreach eventsthe Giriraja Publishing team has and renowned scholar. He helped on the Gold Coast and Byron Bay.published quality translations of fulfil his spiritual master’s desirebooks such as Citra Kavitvani and the of seeing the Srimad-BhagavatamLaghu Bhagavatmrta, both by RupaGoswami. Secular academics haveexpressed recognition for the high-quality translation of these Vaishnavaliteratures.Recently Giriraja Publishing has comeunder the umbrella of the AustralianBBT and is working on some excitingnew projects – namely, a directtranslation of Rupa Goswami’sBhakti Rasamrta Sindu, for whichSrila Prabhupada wrote his famoussummary study Nectar of Devotion.We hope that by making qualitytranslations available in English,devotees will deepen theirappreciation of the Goswamis’ andSUBMISSION 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, Syamala Gopa Kishori devi 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

Recent Bridge upcoming events Prabhupada’s Works Disappearance Day Govardhana Puja Sunday, 11 November By Syamala Gopa Kishori dasi Saturday, 3 November Last month the bridge to the farm • Festival day 10.30am Bhajanas and class was closed for several mornings 11.50am Puspanjali and afternoons for repair. The 7.30am Morning class by Ramai 12.00pm Guru Puja timber bridge, which was built in Swami Arati and Kirtana 1983 by Janmejaya dasa, required 2pm Giriraja proceeds from temple to 12.30pm Feast maintenance due to the increase Govardhana Hill in farm traffic and damage from Class by Hridayananda das Goswami flooding. Odissi class, Kirtana, Feast Maha Mantra dasa and his team gave it an overhaul by replacing some of the old boards and bolts with the help of neighbours and volunteers. The bridge is now stronger and less likely to rattle. However, visitors to the farm are still advised to travel very slowly over the bridge.Photo: Dhriti Gopi devi dasi Govardhana Puja His Holiness Thursday, 8 November Devamrita Swami Building a bridge between two worlds – • Actual day 25–28 November no small endeavour! 6.30am Giriraja offering arrival Sun, 25 Nov 4.30pm Sunday Feast talk  7.00am Darshana Mon, 26 Nov 7.30am SB class Tue, 27 Nov 7.30am SB class & 7.00pm Krishna Village talk Wed, 28 Nov 7.30am SB class November Calendar For more information, please refer to www.krishnafarm.net (from Vaishnava calendar www.vaisnavacalendar.com) 3 Sat Govardhana Puja celebrated on this day Facebook: ISKCON New Govardhana 4 Sun Ekadasi (suitable for fasting) – Fasting for Rama Ekadasi 5 Mon Dvadasi – Break fast 5.51am – 6:56am NOTICE 8 Thu Go Puja. Go Krda. Govardhana Puja 11 Sun Srila Prabhupada – Disappearance There will be no 16 Fri Gopastami, Gosthastami December issue of The Sri Gadadhara Dasa Gosvami – Disappearance Conch newsletter. The Sri Dhananjaya Pandita – Disappearance Sri Srinivasa Acarya – Disappearance next edition will be 19 Mon Ekadasi (suitable for fasting) – Fasting for Utthana Ekadasi January 2019. Srila Gaura Kisora Dasa Babaji – Disappearance First day of Bhisma Pancaka 20 Tue Dvadasi – Break fast 5.43am – 10.15am 22 Thu Last day of the fourth Caturmasya month 23 Fri Last day of Kartik Sri Krsna Rasayatra Tulasi-Saligrama Vivaha (marriage) Last day of Bhisma Pancaka © 2018 The Conch copyright of New Govardhana www.conch.org.au