The Conch krishnafarm.com www.conch.org.au “Lord Sri and blew their celestial conches to rally and enthuse the devotees.” Newsletter New Govardhana Community February 2017 6 February Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada, Founder- of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Bhaktisiddhanta SarasvatiNarottama Thakura Dasa Govindas DisappearanceThakura Day – Restaurant ‘VaikunthaVaishnava Man’ Extraordinaire Success Story Appearance Day

Devotee Profile Special + BRC in Kolkata + Departures Pancatattva – Sri Krishna Chaitanya, Advaita Acharya Prabhu Nityananda, Sri Advaita, Appears and Srivasa.

By Kisori devi dasi Sri Advaita Acharya appeared in 1434 in Nabagram, Bengal to Sri Kubera Sri Advaita Acharya was the first Pandita and Srimati Nabha devi. He among the associates of Lord disappeared in the year 1559, at the Chaitanya and He appeared on age of 125 years. earth some 50 years before Lord Chaitanya’s own advent. Advaita Sri Advaita Acharya studied the Facebook.com Photo: Acharya is recognised as a combined and other scriptures under ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace incarnation of Maha and the scholar Santacharya in Phullavati A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Sadashiva, Lord Shiva in village near Shantipura, where He was dhama. awarded the title ‘Acharya’. Srila Prabhupada Uvaca In His latter years Advaita Acharya Before the appearance of This is a very nice song sung by became increasingly saddened by Mahaprabhu, all the devotees in Thakura. - the pursuit of materialistic goals that the Navadvipa area used to gather pada-kamala means the lotus He believed led to a dysfunctional, at the house of Advaita Acharya, feet of Lord Nityananda. It is just unhappy society. He concluded that where Krsna katha, Krishna nama and a shelter where you will get the the only solution was to offer prayers, Krishna worship would abound. soothing moonlight not only of one, but of millions of moons. begging His Supreme Lord Krishna to Sri Advaita Acharya was a spiritual Just we have to imagine what come as an and attract people and had many followers. By the is the aggregate total value of back to the joy of the spiritual life. momentum of His spiritual fervour, the soothing shine of millions Advaita Acharya prayed for several His loud cries pierced the coverings of moons. Koti-candra-susitala, months, crying out and worshipping of the material universe and echoing je chayay jagata juray. Jagat, Him in the form of -shila through the transcendental this material world, which is with sacred Tulasi leaves and lokas, reached the ears of Sri Krishna progressing towards hell, and there water. At the end of 13 months in Goloka. during an eclipse of the full moon, is always a blazing fire, everyone His prayers were answered when Hearing this urgent cry saturated is struggling hard, nobody finds appeared. with devotion, Sri Krishna advented peace. Therefore, if the world Himself as Sri Krishna Chaitanya in wants to have real peace, then In the Caitanya-caritamrta, Sri Mayapur, Bengal as the son of Sri it should take shelter under the Krsnadasa Kaviraja quotes from Jagannatha Mishra and Saci Devi. lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, Svarup Damodara’s diary to describe which is supposed to be cooling the position of Advaita Acharya: jaya jaya advaita isvara avatara krsna avatari kaila jagat-nistara like the shining moon, millions “Maha Vishnu is the master of the in number. Juray means relief. If universe, which He creates through “All glories to Advaita Prabhu, you actually want relief from the His power of Maya. Advaita Acharya the incarnation of the Supreme struggle of existence and if you is the incarnation of this form of the Personality of Godhead. He induced actually want to extinguish the fire Supreme Lord. He is known as Advaita Krishna to descend and thus delivered of material pangs, then Narottama because He is none other than the entire world.” dasa Thakura advises, “Please take , as Acharya because He is the The place on the banks of the Ganga shelter of Lord Nityananda. What preceptor of devotion. I take shelter where Sri Advaita Ahcarya worshiped will be the result of accepting the of the Supreme Lord Advaita Acharya the shaligram-shila and called out shelter of the lotus feet of Lord who is the incarnation of a devotee.” to the Lord to descend to the world Nityananda? He says “Unless you is known today as ‘Babla’. A temple take shelter under the shade of Sri Advaita Acharya was a disciple of the lotus feet of Nityananda, “it Srila and forms has been built in memory of Advaita Acarya’s pastimes there. will be very difficult to approach one of the main figures among the -Krishna.” This Krishna “Seeing the condition of consciousness movement is for the world, He began to approaching Radha-Krishna, to think seriously of how be associated with the Supreme all these people could Lord in His sublime pleasure be delivered from the dance. That is the aim of Krishna clutches of maya. consciousness. So Narottama dasa Thakura’s advice is “If you actually Srila Advaita Acharya want to enter into the dancing Prabhu thought, “If party of Radha-Krishna, then you Krishna Himself appears must take shelter of the lotus feet in order to distribute the cult of devotional service, of Nityananda.” then only will liberation be (Purport to Nitai-pada-kamala by possible for all people.” Narottama dasa Thakura)

Image: http://korg.cdn.krishna.org Image: CC Adi-lila 13.69 2 The large koi fish, , had lived The Iconic in six inches of slime for 15 years, Temple Pond together with a 12-inch goldfish. Few devotees knew they were there. By Mandakini devi dasi “Relocation proved to be difficult, due New Govardhana’s famous fishpond to the green water, lack of visibility has recently been beautifully and masses of entangled water reconstructed by Venugopal dasa. lilies,” says Venu. “It was only when From a neglected, run-down structure a handsome reward of two free curd originally built in the 1980s, Venu has

burgers from the goshalla shop was Gore Trevor Photo: created a tranquil space for guests offered that the job was done quick and residents. smart by young Nitai. The new pond is a peaceful haven for guests and residents of New Govardhana. “Visitors always seem to make a bee- “Upon hearing about the reward, he line for the fishpond, and I had often was in the slime like a hungry ‘gator. “After completion, I brought Matsya, felt embarrassed by its unhealthy Within five minutes, Matsya was in along with a couple of small goldfish condition,” says Venu. the bag and off to my place.” back to the new pond. A week later, I “I noticed that if I looked really The pond took months to complete, noticed tiny fishes everywhere. Now hard, I could make out through the with Ajita dasa on the excavators there are 80 or so juveniles of all murky water the forms of two large and Dhyanatma in the tip truck colours darting around and enjoying fish swimming around. I decided to transporting earth and boulders life in Krishna’s pond,” Venu says. relocate them to a couple of ponds I for the landscaping. Finer finishing have at home, and with the help of touches are still going on. the internet, learn the best way to Everyone is humbly requested to care for them. The pond holds 70,000 litres of water respect the sanctity of the area, complete with a natural gravel bog making sure that all the children are “There was some prior discussion filtration system, with the water well supervised by an adult at all that we should perhaps convert recirculating through the filter every the pond into a rose garden, but a times. water feature seemed to be the most 90 minutes. This is a natural cleaning appealing”. system.

In Focus: to interrupt him she left. When she from London, I am definitely not a returned later she realised that the city person. Remote and peaceful Bhaktine Clare person she thought was meditating communities are more my thing.” was actually the murti of Srila When asked what her future plans By Govardhana Seva dasa Prabhupada! are, she says, “At the moment I have Clare Meehan was born in Harrow, The devotees there were very kind no plans. I’m going with the flow and London where she spent the early and friendly and gave Clare her first seeing where Krishna takes me.” years of her childhood. The family bead bag and from then she started then moved to Watford, about five chanting. minutes from Bhaktivedanta Manor, which unfortunately she never In May she had a skateboard accident visited. and had to return home, but was able to return again in August where She went to the Sacred Heart she went to New Govardhana as a High School in London, which was volunteer at Krishna Village, intending originally an ex-Roman Catholic to stay only a week. On 22 October, Nunnery. After that Clare moved on Clare moved into the brahmacharini to a college that was also a rowing . academy. When she was 16 she fell off her bicycle breaking her wrist and When asked about New Govardhana dislocating her shoulder and had to and her affinity with cattle, Clare abandon the chance to enter the replied, “My dad was born on a cattle Olympics at Rio. farm in Ireland and worked on it until he moved to England. His brothers Flying to Brisbane in February 2016, were still running the farm and I the first place she stayed was Surfers would see and work with the cows Paradise. She went to Govindas in every holiday we spent in Ireland. Surfers Paradise on her third day in Australia and saw a poster about the “I love New Govardhana. The Centre Saturday feast. Turning atmosphere and energy here is Meehan Clare Supplied by Photo: up early, no one was there except beautiful and the devotees are very Bhaktine Clare with young Gir-cross calf a man meditating, and not wanting friendly and helpful. Although I come Bali Maharaja. 3 shock after having lived in Mayapur Quietly She for 18 years. I had post-traumatic Treads stress disorder from a serious car accident in India and as a result By Mandakini devi dasi suffered from depression. Although I was chanting my 16 rounds, I found In 1984 Bhakta Gana devi dasi it difficult to bring myself to go to relocated to New Govardhana the temple, except on festival days, from Bhaktivedanta Ashram, Colo although I lived only one block away.” River, with her husband, Bharat Maharaja dasa, and one-year-old In 2013 Bhakta Gana returned to

Srimati. Maitreya, her younger son, Murwillumbah to be closer to family. dasi Mandakini devi Supplied by Photo: was already at New Govardhana’s She celebrated the birth of her latest Bhakta Gana devi dasi (R) with her gurukula and Jiva, her eldest, was grandchild, Gwendolyn Lourdes Berry, granddaughter Nayana. enrolled in gurukula. daughter of son Maitreya Rsi and Vishnupriya, in August last year. As a former high school teacher, her Welcome: Bharat educational expertise was required to “Mandakini devi dasi encouraged me help set up Government accreditation to help out with the night dressing of and Rasarani for the gurukula. the Deities, which is perfect for me as I still suffer from insomnia.” By Mandakini devi dasi In 1987 the family moved to Mayapur where Bharata was asked to do Bhakta Gana would like her home New Govardhana welcomes Bharat the artwork on Srila Prabhupada’s to be an extension of the temple. Devanani and Rasarani Gaurangi devi Samadhi Memorial. Bhakta Gana Already she and Sri Hari Bhakti devi dasi, previously residing in Mayapur. embraced her new services there dasi read together once a fortnight Describing himself as a PR man, with – caring for Srila Prabhupada’s and share their realisations. a Public Relations Degree in Business quarters and managing the devotees She plans on hosting monthly Deity Management, Bharat has clocked responsible for the Deities’ garlands. workshops, where interested pujaris up five to six years experience in the With no girls’ educational facility at can learn from one another, as well as corporate world. the time, she was asked to set up a a bhajana group. At New Govardhana he has been girls’ school to cater for her daughter “I am deeply grateful to be part of very active in taking care of visitor Srimati and four little Bengali girls. such a wonderful, caring community accommodation bookings and In 2005, Bhakta Gana returned to of devotees,” says Bhakta Gana. welcoming new Krishna Villagers. Sydney. She notes, “It was a culture He also cooks once a week for the guests. Says Bharat, “I lived in Sydney from In Honour of together after the memorial service. 2001 until 2006 where I managed the Hari Nama also helped with the work, Sydney University vegetarian club. Goky which Vasu Srestha dasa thoughtfully After that I went on to teach at commissioned. the Adelaide temple. Most recently in By Mandakini devi dasi India I facilitated seminars on Farming Late last year, Gokulananda (Goky) Communities.” Brown – beloved son of Pesala devi Rasarani is already very appreciative dasi and Bhojadeva dasa, beloved of her new location and the sibling to Cintamani, Narottama opportunity to be able to assist (Nari) and Baladeva (Bala) and uncle her husband in his service. As an to young Zion – suddenly left his accomplished cook, she has taken body after just returning from a charge of cooking raja bhoga month in Vrindavana on pilgrimage regularly for the Deities. during the month of Kartika. A wonderful memorial program where many of Goky’s friends movingly spoke about their love and admiration for this young man of 24 years of age took place at New Govardhana the day before his cremation. Facebook.com Photo: The day before the memorial Goky in Vrindavana 2016. ceremony was to take place, Goky’s eldest brother, Nari, a carpenter by profession, expertly constructed Devanani Bharat Supplies by Photo: tables and seating under the temple’s Rasarani Gaurangi devi dasi (L) and kadamba tree for the family to sit Bharat Devanani (R). 4 commitment for two days a week GOVINDAS – The Did You Know? Deity dressings and she also helps Secret of Their By Mandakini devi dasi Ambika and Krishnarupa devi dasis with the practical devotee care Success Popular myotherapist and remedial program by cooking for devotees in massage healer Guru Prasad devi emergencies wherever time allows. By Malini devi dasi dasi decided last year to study Since mid-year 2016, she has In 2009, Govindas Restaurant opened Occupational Therapy (a specialised, reduced her usual five days a week at 20 James Street, Burleigh Heads four-year degree) at Southern Cross clinical hours at her therapeutic and was an immediate success. With University. massage clinic to two days. She is the original staff working tirelessly now available for consultation and day and night combined with the treatments at her Main Street clinic artistic décor, the enterprise was on Mondays and Wednesdays only. guaranteed to prosper. Seven years down the track Govindas employs mainly second-generation devotees and continues to go from A SOUL strength to strength, with a steady growth with up to 150,000 visitors REUNITED WITH per annum. HIS BELOVED

By Caitanya dasa Jayadeva’s final sojourn back to Krishna eventuated on Govardhana day in Mayapur dhama, as Photo: Mandakini devi dasi Mandakini devi Photo: planned by Nrsimha Kavaca dasa. Guru Prasad devi dasi. Wading out chest deep into Mother Ganga’s swirling waters, prior to Occupational therapy is a client- the placement of Jayadeva prabhu’s centred health profession concerned ashes, a small petition was offered to with promoting health and well-being the holy Ganga for the safe delivery through occupation. The primary goal of Jayadeva’s soul to be placed at is to enable people to participate Krishna’s Lotus Feet. in the activities of everyday life. Photos: Facebook.com Photos: Therapists achieve this outcome The holy names were joyfully Govindas’ second-generation devotees by working with individuals and resounded from this heartfelt place, at work. communities to enhance their ability as a humble, caring Vaishnava soul to engage in the occupations they proceeded on his triumphant journey We believe the secret to the success want to, need to, or are expected to back home to Krishna. is consistency in every area of the do, or by modifying the occupation or operation. With the focused kitchen environment to better support their staff, the cheerful servers, delicious occupational engagement. meals, tantalising desserts, tried-and- tested systems and the big, bright Once fully qualified, Guru Prasad may eyes of Lord Jagannatha watching be called upon to assist children with over, why wouldn’t the customers learning disabilities, assist adults to keep coming back? bathe and dress after experiencing a stroke, modify workplaces so that injured people can return to work, teach parents how to care for a child after a motor vehicle accident, or design renovation plans to ensure a person’s home is accessible for their wheelchair and much more. For Guru Prasad, this degree means mountains of study, particularly at the weekends, but she is embracing it wholeheartedly. Undaunted by

the fact that her workload may well dasa Seva Govardhana Photo: double next year, she is putting her Jayadeva dasa on his initiation day 2012. best foot forward for the long haul. Prasadam from Govindas. In spite of her busy schedule, Guru Prasad is maintaining her 5 Madhuri Adi Lila Bullock Steps out Boulevard

By Urvasi devi dasi By Krsna Kirtana dasa It is with much happiness that I can An exciting period for the bullock conclude the story of Madhuri Adi program, thanks to Maha Lila’s journey, from a very challenging dasa’s and Dhyanatma’s great start in life up until her full recovery. efforts – the new bullock facility is As you may all remember, Madhuri completed. It has three shelters, four was born with deformed front feet. yards, three paddocks as well as a However, as you can see from the storage room to enable bullock care according to their stages and ages. We both felt the love that is the basis of They all looked so happy and relaxed our connection. after their first night, nicely tucked in undercover. photographs, she is now able to dance with joy! Also behind this facility we are planning selective clearing of about On the eve of my departure from 10–15 acres that will create beautiful New Govardhana recently, after tree-studded pastures extending up almost seven years of serving the to the top temple car park. These cows there, Madhuri and I shared new pastures located west and south- some very precious moments of west of the temple will enable guests elation and completion. When she and devotees more interaction with was going through six weeks of physio the cows and bullocks. (at least three times a day) prior Photos: Gitanjali devi dasi devi Gitanjali Photos: to her surgery, I made a vow that I Venugopala dasa has given us notice Let the fun begin. would not leave New Govardhana that three young bullocks will be until she was out frolicking with the joining us very soon – the very cute rest of the milking herd. , Pandu and Panihati. Other devotees are also rendering valuable service: Syama McRae has made a new single yoke and is planning to make more. Brhat Mrdanga has finished a first-class new forecart for both training and work; it just needs a coat of paint and it’s ready to go. Anybody interested in getting involved please contact Krsna Kirtana dasa on 0428 727 627 or kkdasa@ bigpond.net.au or just wander down Madhuri was the instigator in what any day from 9.00am to 12.00pm. We turned out to be a very lively game of are now in the western paddock near Gokula and Vilasa’s home. running in circles and leaping high into Cow kisses can feel rough like sandpaper, the air. but nonetheless, sweet as nectar.

As she had also been abandoned by her mother, straight after her birth, Madhuri and I formed a very special bond that will last a lifetime. I will miss the morning feedings and sharing in the wonder of her new found freedom with her cow family. (Above) New bullock facility (Below) Her transition from pen to paddock New single yoke. the first time was truly a special moment that I will carry in my heart wherever I may be. I would like to thank her sponsors, The culmination of three months of and all the well-wishers who visited physiotherapy and eventual surgery has and spent time with Madhuri during

resulted in a happy ending to this story. her time of need. dasa Kirtana Krsna Photos: 6 manuscripts found in old temples and Bhaktivedanta libraries throughout . BOSCO’S PASSING Research Center BRC also continues the challenging By Govardhana Seva dasa By Hari Sauri dasa task of producing high-resolution Ekadasi devi dasi and I would like scans of its own inventory. So far, (Excerpted from a letter to Janananda to extend our sincere thanks to the it has scanned more than 1000 following devotees for their help Goswami) works. It’s a painstaking process during the final stages of their dog as each document involves many ISKCON’s Bhaktivedanta Research Bosco leaving his body. Bosco was a scans. This digitisation is not only for Center (BRC) in Kolkata houses many loyal and faithful friend to us both for preservation, but also for distribution. jewels of Gaudiya Vaisnava literature. the last 16 of his 18 years. Current copyrights notwithstanding, The library has been expanding the BRC plans to make the entire After earlier discussions with beyond expectations, including the collection of the BRC library’s more Venugopal dasa, Bosco’s auspicious creation of BRC Press formed to than 22,000 books and manuscripts passing and subsequent burial was publish these treasures of Gaudiya available online. arranged and carried out by Ajita dasa Vaisnavism held in the library’s and Mahamantra dasa, ably assisted collections. While all of these developments are by Bhakta Simon and Brihaspati dasa. extremely encouraging, we have The first three books currently in We also thank Krishnarupa devi dasi, completely outgrown our current production are Saraswati Jayasri, Urvasi devi dasi, Mandakini devi dasi, library facility. Visitors to the library unpublished recollections by Srila Asesa Sadhini devi dasi and Jhulan must now negotiate through stacks of Bhaktisiddhanta regarding his life up devi dasi for their prayers. Bosco also cardboard boxes. to the age of 18; Svalikhita Jivani, the received the auspicious blessings of autobiography of Srila Bhaktivinoda To continue to move forward, we Janananda Goswami and Mukunda from a hand-written manuscript must expand our facility. Fortunately, Goswami. by the Thakur himself; and The we do have space for expansion and Bosco was always hearing the holy names and would sit listening with rapt attention to the mangala-arati prayers held at home every day. Photo: Courtesy Hari Sauri dasa Courtesy Photo: An example of some of the ancient scriptures at the Bhaktivedanta Research Center.

History and Literature of the Gaudiya have readied it for renovation, which Vaishnavas, a scholarly PhD thesis will cost US $37,000. completed at London University by Therefore we are requesting devotees Sambidananda dasa, one of the three to please help with this highly worthy devotees sent to England in 1933 and project and donate to: written under the direct supervision of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati www.brcindia.com/donations/ Photo: Ekadasi devi dasi devi Ekadasi Photo: Thakur. or personally to Hari Sauri dasa: Bosco was a loyal friend and daily shared The travelling BRC manuscript [email protected] our devotional practice with us. mission team continues to locate and catalogue ancient, handwritten Vedic

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7 Farewell Sharne 27 January to 3 February Wednesday, 1 February By Urvasi devi dasi Srimad-Bhagavatam Class Dear friend to all and protector of Wednesday, 1 February 5pm-6.30pm cows, Bhaktine Sharne Teudt, left Manah Siksa Part 3 her body in the holy dhama of Sri Thursday, 2 February 3.30-6pm Vrindavana 9 January 2017 (Putrada Intro to system to encourage Ekadasi) while engaged in caring for autonomy in our children and Q & A the street cows there. for parents and teachers Having moved from Sri Mayapur (Above) Bhaktine Sharne Devi Dasi Friday, 3 February dhama only two weeks earlier to serving Krishna’s cows in Vrindavan, Srimad Bhagavatam Class about Sri be involved in the Street Cow Seva India. (Below) Sharne chanting in the Advaita Acharya project, Sharne was doing what she holy dhama. loved the most – caring for sick and injured cows. The hard blow of her tragic death was only slightly softened by the fact that due to leaving on the auspicious day of Ekadasi in Vrindavana, Sharne’s final destination is guaranteed. Her brother, Peter Teudt, and sister, Nickole Foss, wanted her to have the full Vaishnava funeral rites, so Peter and his wife, Madge, even travelled to Vrindavana, to in Peter’s

words, “bring her home”. When they Facebook.com Photos: return there will be a ceremony at Scarborough NSW, where her parents are buried, to honour her life. Please join us each Ekadasi for Srimad-Bhagavatam Artwork: Urvasi dev dasi dev Urvasi Artwork: class given by His Divine Nityananda Trayodasi: Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Grace Srila Prabhupada. Appearance of Sri Sarasvati Thakura Nityananda Prabhu Appearance These classes will feature subtitles. Wednesday, 8 February Thursday, 16 February Please check website for details as Please check website for details as Darshan arati 7am they become available. they become available. Class 7.30am (www.krishnafarm.com) (www.krishnafarm.com) Harinama February Calendar Sankirtana ki jaya! (from Vaishnava calendar www.vaisnavacalendar.com) 2 Thu Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura – Disappearance Srila Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami – Appearance 3 Fri Sri Advaita Acarya – Appearance (Fast today) 5 Sun Sri Madhvacarya – Disappearance 6 Mon Sri Ramanujacarya – Disappearance 7 Tue Fasting for Bhaimi Ekadasi(Fast today for Varahadeva) 8 Wed Dvadasi break fast 6.23 – 10.47am Dvadasi: Appearance of Lord Varahadeva (Fasting yesterday)

9 Thu Nityananda Trayodasi: Appearance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu (Fast) Gore Trevor Photos: 11 Sat Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura – Appearance Daily at various locations 16 Thu Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura – Appearance Contact dasa for details 22 Wed Fasting for Vijaya Ekadasi [email protected] 23 Thu Dvadasi break fast 8.06 – 10.50am Sri -- Disappearance Sunday Mornings 27 Mon Srila – Disappearance Northern NSW & Gold Coast Visnujana dasa 0498 141 021

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