The Conch krishnafarm.com www.conch.org.au “Lord Sri and Arjuna blew their celestial conches to rally and enthuse the devotees.” Newsletter New Govardhana Community July 2016 Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Special Commemorative Issue The Hare Celebrate 50 Years

OPEN DAY at New Govardhana Cow Protection Basis for a Peaceful Life New Govardhana The Many Facets

ISKCON Begins + Our School + Krishna Village Eco Yoga Community In November of 1968 I drove to ISKCON Begins California where I met a former By Mukunda college mate, and together we started the second ISKCON temple at Mukunda Goswami, author and one 518 Frederick Street in the Haight- of the society’s initiating spiritual Ashbury neighbourhood of San masters, is one of the very first Francisco. The area was the mecca disciples of ISKCON’s Founder- of the hippies, and June-August of Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. 1967 became the famous ‘Summer Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. of Love’. The Swami (later to be Mukunda Goswami presents a peek known as Srila Prabhupada) regularly into those precious beginnings of an chanted with the ‘flower people’ in organisation that grew exponentially ‘Hippie Hill’, Golden Gate Park. in a very short period of time. From In September 1968, along with five one small shopfront in 1966, in 2016 others, I travelled to , where ISKCON is estimated to now have 650 after a year of scuffling financially, centres, temples, schools and colleges we rented a five-storey building on worldwide with approximately 95,000 Bury Place, a stone’s throw from formally spiritually initiated members. Where it all began – 26 Second Avenue, the British Museum. That year a The International Society for Krishna New York. colleague had met , and in Consciousness (ISKCON) has also April of 1969 we recorded “The Hare distributed an estimated more than On 13 July 1966 I signed a paper that Krishna Mantra”, which soon charted 3 billion vegetarian meals worldwide became the Swami’s first corporation. to number 13 in and rose to and published 516 million books It was called The International Society number one in other countries. and magazines. This year ISKCON for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON. is celebrating its 50th Anniversary I didn’t really think it very important At the same time, ISKCON was with many festivals and programs at the time and really didn’t care. I spreading rapidly all over the world. throughout the world. thought that whatever the Swami Note: Turn to page 3 for the history of wanted was okay. New Govardhana, Murwillumbah.

“ ‘From your letter I can understand how nice this farm is. I am very happy to see fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, grains, the devotees taking sumptuous prasadam and chanting Hare Krsna. This is the actual meaning

Photo: googleimages.com Photo: of human life. It is a very good farm, from your letter I can understand. ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Whatever you build, get the building materials locally. If you can Photo: googleimages.com Photo: Srila Prabhupada Uvaca manufacture tiles locally, then your Mukunda Goswami garlands Srila house problem is solved. Build up Prabhupada in the early days. “Srila Prabhupada was most bamboo frame, and on it place tiles. enlivened to hear the report of In any event get everything locally. I It was a hot, muggy day in lower New Govardhana Farm. His Divine wish to make a farm tour and then I Manhattan during the month of May Grace in the last month or so has shall surely visit your farm.’ 1966. I pedalled to 26 Second Avenue been stressing the importance where I met the Swami, a friend of these farm projects, and “So Srila Prabhupada wants you to named Carl and the rental agent, Paul said, ‘This is the next aspect develop this farm very nicely as it Gardiner, a short, chunky man who of Krsna consciousness which will be the future program to present was wearing blue denim trousers I wish to push forward. If I am to the world as the ideal of Krsna and a white, short-sleeved t-shirt. able to travel again, then I shall consciousness. In the cities, we are We hired the storefront at 26 Second visit the farms and make them interested for preaching but we Avenue for $100 per month and a perfect. On these farms we can cannot present the ideal varnasrama first-storey flat in the same building demonstrate the full varnasrama system, this is only possible at the for $85 per month. system. If these farms become farms, so they are very important.” successful then the whole world Excerpt of letter from Tamal Krishna The storefront soon became a will be enveloped by Krsna Goswami, 10 August 1977 to Hari Sauri temple, and the Swami lectured there dasa, ISKCON Melbourne (sent from Krishna consciousness. every day. By October he was hosting Mandir, Vrindavana). philosophical discussions in his small flat. Cover artwork by Urvasi devi dasi. Photo courtesy of Chand dasa. 2 bus, were installed in the upper level The pioneer of the White House. Everyone else Krishna Village days of New moved into the lower level, which Eco Yoga had only a dirt floor and walls that Govardhana were clad with spaced wooden slats. Community By Govardhana Seva dasa Conditions were primitive and by Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP) In 1977 a devotee by the name everyone slept on the dirt floor, Just over the bridge as you enter New of Sabhapati dasa, accompanied together with 50 to 60 rats and Govardhana Hare Krishna Community, by several new devotees were several large snakes. The bathroom before heading up the hill to the main driving around Australia in a bus facilities were also rudimentary with temple area, you will find signs on the preaching the message of Krishna everyone sharing the single outdoor left indicating the Krishna Village Eco consciousness. Attracted by the toilet, or ‘Thunderbox’. There was one Yoga Community. climate of northern NSW, he decided cold-water shower, which consisted of For the past few years we have been to look for some land where they a single pipe coming through the wall, developing the Krishna Village from a could set up a centre. They found a with no showerhead! completely volunteer-based farming property of 1000 acres up for sale In 1978, a candle factory was community to a retreat space for at $80,000. With permission from established downstairs in the White people focused on their personal ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission House and the profits from sales development and spiritual growth. (GBC), the purchase went ahead. Staying at the Village allows guests to be immersed in a supportive community of spiritual seekers from all over the world who are coming together with the intention of sharing their gifts and talents and supporting each other’s learning and growth. The Krishna Village endeavours to provide the blueprint of a simple, mindful, spiritually based lifestyle. Guests share this experience by way of short- or long-term stays in a myriad of ways. Apart from the volunteering

Photo: Supplied by Ajita dasa Ajita Supplied by Photo: aspect, Krishna Village offers a One of the only two houses on the property in 1977, the ‘White House’ served as the range of classes and activities, first temple including internationally certified yoga teacher training; accredited With just a handful of devotees, they built the existing A-frame temple, therapeutic massage courses; moved onto the property, which located at the top of the hill. Also at life coaching; and yoga classes. consisted of 350 acres of arable land that time Janmijaya dasa supervised And some visitors stay for just a and the rest mountainous forest. the building of the bridge across the friendly, peaceful place to have a There was no bridge across the Oxley creek that forms part of the Oxley short break by the river. River at that time and access to the River. property was by driving through For more information, please visit He was also innovative in making the creek. http://krishnavillage-retreat.com many pieces of equipment that were The whole area was well known used on the farm and the temple, locally for the amount of snakes on including the current altar gates. the property. One hill in particular In the early 1980s, Ramai Swami was was named ‘Death Adder Hill’. appointed director of the farm. He Besides the death adders, eastern was responsible for the installation of brown snakes and large pythons were the dams, lakes and the building of also prolific. more houses and other structures. There were only two houses on the Somehow, even though the early property at the time: the ‘White days were very austere with primitive House’ – which still stands and is conditions, the devotees laboured

the first building on the right as you Gore Trevor Photo: on and now we see New Govardhana drive up to the main temple area. with a school, the hall and all the The peaceful surrounds of the Krishna The second house was on the other infrastructure of a small village. We Village Eco Yoga Community located near side of the property, which also had a are looking forward to seeing what the entrance of New Govardhana. large cowshed. the future holds. The Deities, Gaura Nitai, who had previously been on the travelling

3 The Many Facets of New Govardhana

By Carsani devi dasi The New Govardhana community has come a long way since it was established almost forty years ago. Here’s a snapshot of some of New Govardhana’s major projects today: Purpose-built mobile catering unit travels all over the east coast of Australia. KRISHNA TEMPLE and in 2017 Year 11 and in 2018, dancing on the streets. This ancient The heart of New Govardhana is our Year 12 will be opening. In addition Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition has been temple, which is open seven days to offering high quality tuition in practised in India for thousands of a week from 4.30am until 9pm. It’s the major learning areas, the school years. To celebrate ISKCON’s 50th a lovely place to visit, and many places a strong emphasis on spiritual anniversary teams go out daily from guests enjoy the opportunity to pray, values and character building. For New Govardhana chanting and meditate or read spiritual books more information see page 5. dancing all around northern NSW and during their visit. southern Qld. CATERING KRISHNA VILLAGE ECO YOGA Srila Prabhupada sometimes COMMUNITY described his spiritual movement as ‘the kitchen religion’, due to Over recent years there has been a its emphasis on the widespread growing interest in holistic lifestyle distribution of sanctified vegetarian practices within the wider community food, prasadam. New Govardhana’s – a need that Krishna Village, New catering program with its hard- Govardhana’s Eco Yoga Community working crew, led by Krishna Gana is addressing through its retreat dasa travel up and down the east packages, workshops and other coast and beyond in their iconic programs. Turn to page 3 for more New Govardhana Temple. Govinda’s Catering vans. They information. successfully cater for music festivals, ACCOMMODATION SUNDAY FEAST community fairs and other large It is one of New Govardhana’s most public programs. Overlooking some of the farm’s most picturesque countryside, eight popular public events. Beginning GOVINDAS RESTAURANT at 3.30pm until 9pm, the Sunday new cabins provide comfortable Feast program consists of kirtana If you have a soft spot for Hare accommodation consisting of a (devotional singing), a discussion on Krishna food, make sure you visit double bed, two single beds, a small Bhagavad-gita (one of India’s ancient Govindas vegetarian restaurant, kitchenette and en-suite bathroom. yogic texts) and lots of delicious which is affiliated with and managed Two meals a day are also included in vegetarian food. The program is a by New Govardhana. Situated at the price – breakfast and dinner. 20 James Street in Burleigh Heads, great opportunity for those who are In addition, there are nine rooms Govindas has developed a great new to bhakti-yoga, or curious about available for visitors in the current reputation for some of the most meditation to learn more. Many Guesthouse Retreat located on the delicious vegetarian fare on the Gold guests also enjoy visiting the Temple hill facing the temple. These are of Coast. Visit: http://govindas.net.au/ Gift Shop where a wide variety of various sizes, and are suitable for devotional items are available. singles, couples and family groups. DAIRY Other features of the guesthouse include a charming communal The protection of cows is of great living room with space for yoga or importance in the Hare Krishna way meditation and shady verandas with of life and here at New Govardhana spectacular views. we tend to a sizeable herd of these gentle creatures. To find out more, If you have a special yoga event please turn to page 6. you want to host, it is available for hire. For more information about SCHOOL New Govardhana accommodation: New Govardhana farm is also home http://www.krishnafarm.net/ to one of Australia’s most unique accommodation/ independent schools. Bhaktivedanta CHANTING GOD’S HOLY NAME Swami Gurukula caters to children from pre-K up to Year 10, with a One of the things that Hare Krishna’s current enrolment of 90 students, are best known for is chanting and 4 Cow Protection HUG A COW AND CALM DOWN Due to their mode of goodness, Excerpt from www.levekunst.com/why- peaceful nature, simply being around the-cow/ by Urvasi devi dasi cows will cause a sense of calm and In most indigenous cultures cows and the lowering of blood pressure. bulls are considered the wealth of a Working around the cow shed, family or village. breathing in the air and walking barefoot in the dung (full of beneficial In certain African tribes, warriors microbes and antiseptic properties) is lay down their lives to protect their actually a health-giving experience. cows. In fact, one tribe prefers to go hungry rather than slaughter their There are workshops being given cows when food is scarce. The Vedic in in ‘Cow Cuddling’ and culture of India, which can be traced ‘Cow-munication’ aimed at relieving back at least 5000 years, was based stress. Cow cuddling or hugging on an agrarian lifestyle and culture, cows is known of widely in Holland which placed bovines at the centre of as a great remedy against stress. the social fabric. All mankind’s most Dutch cows not only give healthy basic needs could be met through the Gore Trevor Photo: milk, they also provide ‘Mindfulness protection of cows and bulls. Vedic There are many festivals and events Therapy’ against stress. This ‘Cow- culture has produced highly advanced throughout the year at New Govardhana munication Workshop’ originated systems of mathematics, astronomy, where cows, residents and guests get ‘up at a Dutch farm “Hof Noord Empe” astrology, medicine, architecture, close and personal’. and is now known internationally. agriculture, etc., so it would benefit Cow-munication inspires human us to take a look at why such a and Vitamin B, and even a capacity communication without violence, for sophisticated and developed culture for body resistance to radiation healthy co-operation between family would regard the cow with so much and for regenerating brain cells. (ii) and friends. respect. Goghruta (ghee): The best ghee is, (http://www.itbholland.com). as per Ayurvedic medicine, useful REAL WEALTH in many disorders. When used in Check out the links below for further Real, long lasting and sustainable certain Vedic rituals, it improves reading. wealth is realised through working the air’s oxygen level. (iii) Gomutra http://www.onegreenplanet. the land and tending cows. Cows are (urine): Eight types of urine are used org/environment/world-hunger- gentle creatures with the ability to for medicinal purposes nowadays, population-growth-ditching-meat/ turn ordinary, everyday grass into the among which cow urine is held to miraculous food – milk. From milk we be the best. The Americans are busy https://news.vice.com/article/drastic- get the basic ingredients (yoghurt, patenting it, as it contains anti- reductions-in-meat-consumption- cheese, paneer, cream, whey, butter, cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and worldwide-could-help-fight-climate- ghee) from which thousands of antioxidant properties. Cow urine change delicious and healthful preparations has immune-modulator properties, can be made. which makes it useful for immune deficiency diseases. In the classics Bulls are generally employed for there are many references to cow breeding, while bullocks (castrated urine as a drug of choice. Lastly, males) love to work. If left to live (iv), Gomaya (dung) is considered out their natural lives they will also as valuable as Gomutra and used provide leather, and much more. If to purify the environment, as it has protected and cared for, rather than radium and checks radiation effects. exploited for every last drop of milk (Subramanian Swami) or slaughtered for their flesh, bovines form the basis of an eco-friendly Cow milk contains all life-giving and sustainable economy that brings properties. In fact, the bos indicus about peace and prosperity, as well as (Indian cow) has a vein in the hump nourishing the body, mind and soul of called surya ketu nadi, which is those who protect them. absent in bos taurus (non-Indian breeds). This nadi (vein) absorbs all BENEFITS OF THE COW the energies and radiations from the

Utility of cow dung and urine for sun, the moon and the luminaries in dasi devi Urvasi Photo: sustainable agriculture as well as for the universe, producing gold salts in Bullocks are at the centre of an agrarian disease prevention was an integral the cows’ and bulls’ blood. These salts lifestyle. They are trained to till the land part of the Vedic culture. The cow, are present in the milk and urine and and other useful tasks such as pulling according to the , provides four can cure many diseases. These divine carts and driving turbines. Bovines also products for human use: (i) Godudha effects of surya ketu nadi are absent provide their dung, which is the perfect (cow milk): As per Ayurveda, cow in the milk, dung and urine of western fertiliser as well as a neutraliser of milk has fat, carbohydrates, minerals cow breeds. radiation. 5 He aims to create a wonderful Govardhana meditative space that everyone can Trail appreciate, both members of the Hare Krishna community as well as By Kishori devi dasi guests and visitors. Lying across two states – Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in India – there is a mystical mountain called

‘Govardhana’. Govardhana is located dasi devi Urvasi Photos: in the middle of a forest called Various festivals are held on the Vrindavana, Lord Krishna’s childhood Govardhana Trail each year. home. This mountain is considered sacred and non-different from Krishna Braj Gauranga dasa provided initial Himself. funding for the excavation works five Nowadays there are still some years ago, setting Maha-mantra off to pockets of the Vrindavana forest a good start. remaining and although Govardhana So far Indian-style bathing steps have has reduced in size externally and been built, lakes dug out and filled, is now more of a hill, it still remains trees planted, a small hill created, lushly green. with a beautifully painted pavilion Here, in Eungella, the Hare built, as well as many shady shelters Krishna Community is called ‘New along the walking path. Govardhana’, named after this sacred Maha-mantra is working towards Govardhana in India. landscaped gardens and displaying A member of the community at New impressive statues and dioramas Govardhana, Maha-mantra dasa depicting various pastimes that has taken up the task of creating a occurred at Govardhana in India more Students perform a drama depicting replica of Govardhana at the farm. than 5000 years ago. pastimes of Govardhana Hill.

EDUCATION above-national results in the 2015 NAPLAN test for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 AT NEW in both Literacy and Numeracy. To GOVARDHANA further the success of its Literacy and Numeracy Action Plan, at the start By Syama Sakhi devi dasi of 2016 the school engaged Direct Instruction coach, Donna Dressman Situated in the idyllic mountain from the US. In an Australian first, scenery of the ISKCON Hare Krishna Donna monitors live and recorded community in Eungella, NSW, the classroom sessions during the Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula Reading Mastery and Spelling School is the only Hare Krishna dasi Sakhi devi Syama Supplied by Photos: Mastery sessions to provide explicit school in Australia. It is a small but Primary school students of the feedback aimed at continuously enthusiastic school with a current Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula. raising best instructional practises. enrolment of 90 students and 17 recently proudly announced the teaching and support staff. The Complementary to enhancing the opening of Year 11 in 2017 and Year school was established more than academic program, at the forefront 12 in 2018. Hence, the school has 30 years ago, serving the community of the school’s vision is the social and become the only Hare Krishna school and its children by providing quality spiritual wellbeing of the students. in the entire Western world offering education that follows the Australian a complete educational package from Continued on page 7 curriculum and offering spiritual pre-K to Year 12. guidance and mentorship. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE The school is a member of the Australian Association of Independent The primary school at the Schools through which it receives Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula the ongoing professional support of School has implemented several educational consultants in relation highly acclaimed programs to to its academic program and positive ensure academic excellence. One behaviour development. This year, such framework is the Direct the school opened its first pre-K Instruction methodology utilised in class in a new purpose-built building the Reading Mastery and Spelling adjoining the K-2 classroom in the Mastery programs across Years K-6. School assembly with students and Primary School campus and just Consequently, the school achieved teaching staff. 6 Continued from page 6 support of parents and the wider community, students receive a In the primary school, the unique educational experience that value-based learning program nourishes their development on all systematically focuses on key themes levels. Its loving environment allows so that students’ minds and hearts every student to feel intrinsically safe grow with inspiration, dedication and to become the very best they can be realisation every day. and emerge as competent, conscious, HIGH SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT global citizens. The development of the high school over the past few years has also been a tremendous success. The students Sports Day is one of the most popular study subjects in accordance with the days of the school year where the whole Australian curriculum with a variety community gets together. of electives to choose from to support their various interests and growth. students also receive ongoing One of these is the first Board- mentorship to strengthen their approved Bhagavad-gita elective. resilience and improve their social wellbeing. One of the many highlights is the annual field trip. For the past two years students participated in overseas trips to India where they had the chance to offer service, deepen their connection with peers and challenge themselves within a whole different culture and lifestyle. Students created incredible memories to last a life-time. This year students High school students visit pilgrimage will attend the 50th anniversary of places in India each year. the International Society for Krishna Consciousness celebration in Sydney, followed by a trip to the snow. The high school follows ‘The Tree of Life” program, which supports With small classroom numbers, students’ academic, mental, physical, the high school students receive social and spiritual wellbeing. To an enormous amount of support nourish their hearts and minds and guidance from their teachers students start the day with that results in continuous academic chanting and worship. Following development. It has proven to be an that, they participate in various excellent way for students to bond spiritual activities such as value- in their friendships and support each based learning, hearing scriptural other throughout their education stories from the and and teenage years. In a significant , and meditative chanting. undertaking, plans are underway to expand the high school campus to For their physical and mental provide facilities for growing student wellbeing, students participate numbers and their diverse interests. in weekly PE and sport programs, encouraging them to move and stay The Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula The Bhaktivedanta Gurukula school physically fit. Through the Physical School is pleased to reflect upon offers a well-rounded and happy school Development and Health program, its growth over the years. With the experience.

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7 Upcoming Events Open Day Festival: The Hare Krishnas Celebrate 50 Years Sunday, 10 July 2016

Market Stalls, Kids activities, Live Performances, Feast & more …

10.00 am Assemble at the start of property just over the bridge 10.30 am Chariot Festival Parade-Ratha Yatra 12.30 pm Artika-kirtan singing 1.00 pm 50th Stage Show 3.00 pm Vegetarian Feast 4.00 pm Youth Stage Kirtan into the evening

Sunday Feast ‘Celebrating Women’ In order to help the women in the community connect with each other and offer support in a nurturing environment, Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP) will be organising a committee of ISKCON women – young and old – to come together

Artwork: Nitai Chandra aDas Chandra Nitai Artwork: and organise a special Sunday Feast program. Date to be determined. The theme will be ‘Celebrating Gaudiya Vaisnava Women’ with ladies cooking the feast, being MC, giving a discourse on great Vaisnava women, leading arati, kirtanas and so on. Please join us each Please contact Krishnarupa at [email protected] if you would like Ekadasi for to participate. Srimad-Bhagavatam class given by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. These classes will The Hare Krishnas feature subtitles. Celebrate 50 Years Darshan arati 7am 13 July Class 7.30am Harinama Sankirtana ki jaya!

July Calendar (from Vaishnava calendar www.vaisnavacalendar.com) 1 Fri Ekadasi: Fasting for Yogini Ekadasi 2 Sat Trayodasi: Break fast 6.39 – 10.06am 5 Tue Ratha-yatra (observed Sunday, 10 July)

6 Wed Sri Svarupa Damodara Goswami - Disappearance Gore Trevor Photo: Sri Sivananda Sena – Disappearance Wednesdays 10.30am 10 Sun New Govardhana Open Day – 50th Anniversary Ratha-yatra Byron Bay harinama at the park Sri Vakresvara Pandita – Disappearance opposite the Post Office. For 13 Wed The incorporation of ISKCON in New York further details and transport Hera Pancami (4 days after Ratha-yatra) information, contact 14 Thu Return Yatra (8 days after Ratha-yatra) Parama Karuna dasa 16 Sat Ekadasi: Fasting for Sayana Ekadasi 0439 280 362 Unmilani Mahadvdasi 17 Sun Dvadasi: Break fast 6.36 – 8.04am Daily at various locations 20 Wed Guru (Vyasa) Purnima Contact dasa for details Srila Sanatana Goswami – Disappearance [email protected] 24 Sun Srila Gopala Bhatta Goswami – Disappearance 27 Wed Srila Lokanatha Goswami – Disappearance Sunday Mornings 30 Sa Ekadasi: Fasting for Kamika Ekadasi Northern NSW & Gold Coast 31 Sun Dvadasi: Break fast 6.29 – 10.05am Visnujana dasa 0498 141 021

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