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October 2014 October Newsletter New Govardhana Community Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Srila Prabhupada Tirobhava Mahotsava Govardhana Puja Holy Cow

Srila Prabhupada Uvaca + in Focus + Goshalla Goss + Upcoming Events read throughout the world. These SRILA wonderful books are admired and PRABHUPADA’S studied by scholars, theologians and devotees alike. Translated from DISAPPEARANCE Sanskrit and Bengali, as well as DAY written in English they are the ‘bricks’ of this movement because they By Ambika devi dasi provide the basis for philosophical On 14 November 1977, at 7.25 pm understanding of Krishna and the in Vrindavana dhama, during the process of bhakti-yoga. holy month of Kartika, the Founder- Thanks to Srila Prabhupada, there Acharya of ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada, are more than 200 temples, spread returned to the spiritual world to over every continent. There are engage in his eternal lila with Sri Sri also schools, prasadam restaurants, Radha Krishna. preaching centres, farms, Rathayatras

and preaching events throughout Facebook Photo: the world. His books are translated, ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace printed and distributed daily A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada throughout the world. They have been read by millions of people and are the catalyst for many to take up Srila Prabhupada Uvaca spiritual life. All who have been touched by Today Govardhanadhārī, this Hare Krishna movement owe Giridhārī, Lord Krishna lifted the gratitude to Srila Prabhupada mountain. According to Vedic for his austerities, his dynamic literature there are different preaching, his wonderfully loving demigods. Sometimes you will personal characteristics, and his pure find in Greek mythology gods dedication to pleasing his divine of the water [or] gods of the spiritual master. thunderbolt. These are not imagination. Actually they are Jaya Srila Prabhupada! facts. But due to our insufficient knowledge we do not know how the material nature is being controlled. So when Krishna was on this planet He was playing Photo: Facebook Photo: the part of a cowherd boy, We are celebrating that holy event on and it was known all over the 28 October (see page 8 for details), universe that “God has come, and everyone is invited to come taken incarnation, and He is on and participate in celebrating the the earth planet, and He is at life of this extraordinary and pure Vrindavana playing the part of a devotee of Lord Krishna and Srimati cowherd boy ...” Radharani. … when Krishna was actually Srila Prabhupada lived an exemplary present on this earth, it is not life of devotion. He used every waking that everybody understood moment to serve Krishna and reach that Krishna was the Supreme all the fallen conditioned souls of Personality of Godhead. So that Kali-yuga. He was the perfect acharya incident is today, Govardhana- because he taught by example. His puja. goal of life was to please his spiritual

master, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Facebook Photo: Lecture, New York, Thakura, and for that he worked 4 November 1966 tirelessly. Due to Prabhupada’s intense spiritual potency, he attracted thousands of disciples from the Western world, who assisted him in spreading the Vedic teachings back to India and throughout the planet.

The legacy of Srila Prabhupada’s Front cover image: Urvasi devi dasi life is nothing short of amazing. His books are printed in more Janaki (on the cover) was recently born at New Govardhana. than 100 languages and are widely Facebook Photo: 2 Tennis Champ The North Coast Independent New Arrival Schools Tennis Championship 2014 Anna-kuta-ksetra Mural was held on 3 September in Grafton. Congratulations to Rupa Raghunatha Abhay Reissenberger, aged 12, dasa and Krishna Rupa devi dasi on Vrnda Gleeson spent a number of represented the Hare Krishna School the birth of their new baby, Vishakha weeks creating the mural that can (gurukula), in the 14 and under age Priya Rose Hassal, who was born on be seen on the New Govardhana group (Juniors – High School). He 4 July 2014. The family would like to Parikrama Path. She will take up an defeted eight players on his way to offer a special thank you to Karunika artist residency in Orissa in October the finals and finished runner-up. devi dasi for all her wonderful help in and is selling prints of her drawings A mighty effort! the birth of their new daughter. to fund her trip. They are available Abhay, wearing the yellow cap, is in A4 ($15) and A5 ($10) on quality pictured above with his trophy. Pictured above are (L to R) Lalita 110gsm paper. Contact her at Sakhi, Vrindavanesvari and Vishakha [email protected] for more Priya Rose. information.

Kuli Catchup … A. The beautiful setting of the Q. How do you like it here? Varshabhanavi gurukula: the morning prayers with A. I love it – the beautiful temple in Mother Moksa; our special breakfast its lovely setting; the people are so time with its own prayers; but most of By Govardhana Seva dasa friendly and helpful that it feels like all the re-enactment lilas and plays of one big family. I feel so grateful to Q. Tell me where and when were Radha and Krishna. everyone for the welcome I you born? Q. What did you do when you left have received. A. In Watford, UK, on 26 July 1993. gurukula? Q. When will you be returning to the Watford is a few minutes drive from A. At eight years old I left to attend Manor? Bhaktivedanta Manor (BM). Bushey Meads Secondary School. A. At the end of the year, but my Q. Were your parents Krishna I completed my A Level Certificate father is planning to visit before devotees? at 18. I then worked at BM at the then, and I am looking forward to weddings, and then for a Market A. Yes, my mother, Rukmini devi dasi, introducing him to New Govardhana Research firm. I was saving money and all my new friends. was born into Krishna consciousness, to travel with my father. and my father, Jaya Krsna dasa, joined when he was 17. My mother works Q. Where did you travel with your full-time in Watford, while my father father? is a priest and conducts the many A. To Thailand, Bali, Cambodia, South weddings at BM. He also produces India, US, UK, Italy, Germany, France and directs the drama productions and Belgium. We visited most of the Bhaktivedanta Players. of each country’s major temples. Q. Did you attend the Bhaktivedanta Q. What made you decide to come Manor Gurukula? to Australia, particularly New A. Yes, I started in the Nursery School, Govardhana? aged three, moving on to Primary A. I was influenced by the many when I reached five. Australian friends I made while Photo: Source Unknown Source Photo: Q. What are your recollections of travelling in India, and it seemed like Varshabhanavi is visiting New your days in the gurukula? a wonderful place to be. Govardhana until the end of the year. 3 Goshala Goss by Urvasi devi dasi

Recently one of our Girs, Raga (pictured right) gave birth to a calf who has been named Janaki. She was born in late August, in the early hours of the morning. As Janaki was premature, she was not able to stand and remained in the cold mud for hours before being found. It took most of the morning for the cowherds to restored her temperature to normal, but once she was up on her feet her recovery was quick and complete. Although Raga did not suckle her last calf, Radhika, we are all very happy that this time around she has bonded nicely with her calf. Photography: Urvasi devi dasi devi Urvasi Photography:

The cowherds farewelled one of New Govardhana’s bullocks, Jaya (pictured right). He was born on the farm approximately 23 years ago and left his body peacefully on 9 September 2014. The cowherd team spent the last few days with him around-the-clock. A special big thank you to Bhaktine Sharne who went above and beyond the call of duty to care for him. Gita Govinda dasi made a wooden altar (inset right) for the Jagannatha Deities who will now be present whenever one of the cows or bullocks leave their bodies. Govardhana Puja The day after Diwali is called Annakuta, or Govardhana Puja. On this day the inhabitants of Vrindavana would hold a festival to honour King Indra, the demigod responsible for providing the rains essential for a successful harvest. One day, however, sensing that Indra had become overly proud of his position as king of heaven, Lord Krishna convinced the residents of Vrindavana to modify their festival and celebrate Govardhana Hill instead. They argued that it was the fertile soils on the hill that provided the grass upon which the cows and bulls grazed, and that the cows and bulls who provided milk and ploughed the lands should be worshiped instead. This turn of events naturally upset the mighty Indra, who retaliated with terrifying rains and thunderstorms. Seeing this, Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, calmly lifted Govardhana Hill with the little finger of His left hand and held it up like a giant umbrella, providing a shelter for the people and animals of Vrindavana from the torrential downpours. Finally, after seven days, beholding the wonder of the situation and realising the futility of his own actions, King Indra surrendered, with folded hands, offering prayers and asking for forgiveness. He then realised his true position as servant of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. To celebrate this festival, devotees build a replica of Govardhana Hill made of various opulent foods, worship Lord Krishna as the lifter of Govardhana Hill, worship the hill as His incarnation, and worship the cows and bulls who are dear to the Lord. At the end of the festival, the hill of prasadam (sanctified food) is distributed to the public. All Vaishnava temples in India and throughout the world observe this ceremony, and hundreds of people are fed prasadam according to the capacity of each temple. (Reference: krishna.com) iskcondesiretree.com Image: 4 After four years of intense service, The Emperor Madhudvisa left Australia and took of Kirtana up household life. He and his wife had three sons. When he returned By Ambika devi dasi to Australia in the mid 1990s, many The auspicious passing of Madhudvisa more devotees were able to take prabhu on 6 August 2014 invoked his association. They appreciated feelings of gratitude and respect in his honesty and his love for Srila those who knew him. Prabhupada. On Srila Prabhupada’s order he In his later life Madhudvisa lived entered the fledgling Australian near the Los Angeles temple. He yatra as a sannyasi in May 1972. loved Rathayatra festivals and was Madhudvisa endeared himself to the able to lead kirtanas in front of all devotees with his enthusiasm, his three carts, just two days before his kirtanas and his encouragement. Internet Photo: demise, despite being debilitated by His Grace Madhudvisa dasa. ill health, almost blind and confined He and Buddhimanta dasa inspired to a wheelchair. the devotees to become the top book distributors in the world. Among temples in Adelaide, Melbourne, Madhudvisa left his mortal frame other achievements, Madhudvisa Sydney and Brisbane, inspiring with a huge smile on his face. He also orchestrated the purchase of devotees with his classes and was hearing the holy name, and the Melbourne temple and organised exuberant kirtanas, tirelessly leading there were various auspicious signs and obtained permission for annual and dancing for hours on end. to indicate that the demigods came to offer respect to him before he Rathayatra festivals against great Srila Prabhupada was very pleased departed. odds. He headed up Sydney temple’s with Madhudvisa’s service, and on his double-decker bus and proceeded annual visits Prabhupada requested We offer thanks to a devoted servant to preach and perform kirtanas the devotees to simply follow of Srila Prabhupada, who assisted so nationally. As an integral part of Madhudvisa. He named Madhudvisa nicely in the sankirtana movement, his service, Madhudvisa visited the as the ‘Emperor of Kirtana’. and who inspired so many of us.

2012, eventually arriving at New was Prabhupada’s books. He was From WWOOFer Govardhana as a WWOOFer. answering all of my questions so perfectly. I just have to follow his to Devotee She soon became interested in instructions because everything Krishna consciousness. After some he said makes so much sense! In By Govardhana Seva dasa time Jue decided to become a addition, the devotees on the farm bhaktine and is mentored by Jue Kim was born showed me a good example of what Padma devi dasi. on 25 November life is like living as a devotee. Actually 1985, in Jeju, Jue is scheduled to receive first my life became much simpler after Korea. After initiation this month from HH I became a devotee. finishing school, Kadamba Kanana Swami. When “I would like to say a special thank she worked asked what influenced her to you to Madreya dasa. Without his in different become first a WWOOFer, then dedication to the WWOOFer program, part-time jobs a devotee, she replied, “The first

Photo: Urvasi devi dasi devi Urvasi Photo: what happened to me would never and helped thing was the Sunday feasts; it was have otherwise occurred.” at the family farm to make money the best food ever, so I decided to to travel. She came to Australia in stay on as a WWOOFer. The next

THE CONCH Krsnarupa (ACBSP) devi dasi, Damodara Pandit dasa and Mandakini Turns Three! devi dasi, all experienced with similar projects, have added professionalism By to The Conch. The Conch newsletter celebrates Currently, 100 issues of The Conch three years this month. The first issue are printed each month, and the was only four pages long but created online edition is sent out to more ‘pride of association’, to borrow a than 1600 people. phrase from the corporate world. To read the first issue, log on to the The mainstay of each issue has been, following link: from the very start, Urvasi devi dasi as the designer and Govardhana Seva http://www.conch.org.au/assets/ dasi devi Photo:Malini dasa on the editing team of october2011.pdf, then click on Everybody ‘reads’ The Conch – baby The Conch. October 2011. Ishaya Durr looking for Lord Jagannatha. 5 The now 15 year old (already a MAKE A DATE FROM MUSIC TO vegetarian for two years), made with STUDIO 88 MYSTICISM his own chanting beads and began following all the regulations of By Mandakini devi dasi By Mandakini devi dasi Krishna consciousness that he had Dhanesvara dasa (Benson) had long Venugopal dasa recalls seeing vividly read about. been on the lookout for a local studio graphic images in his childhood Taking note of Srila Prabhupada’s to exhibit his artwork. His search was dreams. These recurring visions definitive instructions on the recently rewarded when he came always featured an elderly spiritual importance of devotee association, across a first floor rental in Main gentleman and a handsome young Venu eventually joined ISKCON in Street, Murwillumbah. couple! 1973, becoming Srila Prabhupada’s After personally refurbishing the Not surprisingly, his early interest in formal disciple in 1974. whole floor, Dhanesvara rents some metaphysics blossomed at a rapid He was first based in Brisbane and of the rooms to other talented pace. He soon recognised the futility later in Adelaide, where he learned to devotees. The space has rapidly of mundane existence and yearned cook and make milk sweets as a full- become a hive of creative activity. for higher awareness. time pujari for Panca-Tattva. Ramana Benson designs and creates In 1977, Venugopal was requested for the fashion industry. Mohini devi to relocate to NG farm as head dasi teaches music and astrology as pujari. He nostalgically remembers well as offers astrological readings. serving Gaura- in the White Brhat Mrdanga dasa paints traditional House, cooking on an open fire and Aboriginal artefacts and Vilasa distributing prasadam to the many Manjari devi dasi teaches oil painting. Nimbin hippies who would visit. A special display area showcases the In 1981, Venu teamed up with devotees’ completed works and will Ramai Swami’s Travelling Bus Party, eventually include jewellery, health eventually taking over that service. products and alternative clothing. The visits to Cairns were found to be The large painting gallery becomes lucrative for the preaching mission transformed for Wednesday morning and Venu was encouraged to take up and evening yoga classes taught by the role of Temple President there. Tracy Litherland. Tracy specialises in Hatha Yoga and restorative classes In 1986 he returned to New for those in need of stress release Govardhana to manage Krishna’s or injury recovery. Workshops and cows. Inwardly he nurtured a desire seminars will also be held in this area. to populate the herd with the very transcendental Gir cows. WWOOFer facilitator, Henrike Schreer will be sharing her one-on-one life Venu works closely with Madreya coaching skills as well as teaching dasa in the WWOOFer programme; Mindset Mastery. looks after the worm farm; ploughs Venu Gopal dasa taking the herd out the land; and maintains the fencing. Additionally, there is a healing to pasture. room for massage therapy, and He is a Co-Manager of New practitioners of other modalities are Govardhana and is the official welcome to hire the space. An interest in music simultaneously Australasian Minister for Cow emerged. As early as seven years Protection. As Minister, these duties Pro-active Dhanesvara has had of age, Venu knew all the popular include acting in an advisory capacity much experience in the art world for radio songs verbatim, and would and submitting reports for the annual the past 40 years. His work graces sing himself to sleep. Much to his meetings. the homes of many well-known mother’s exasperation, this nightly Still involved in making music, Venu personalities such as Greg Norman ritual would take two or three hours. and John Fay. He has also shared fronts the local kirtana band ’The art exhibition space with famous From age 11, the course was set as Bhajana Babas’. This very lively and celebrities from the art world. Venu instinctively began his youthful popular group is presently working on career in various boy bands, including producing a CD. With his ever-infectious enthusiasm, a couple of memorable stints on TV. Dhanesvara is keen to put the devotees ‘on the map’ and is excited His obsession for ‘truth’ continued Adopt-a-Cow and was further stimulated when his that they are now assuming a Contact Venu Gopal dasa on drummer friend presented him with prominent presence in the town. 0411 444 934 if you would like to a Back to Godhead magazine in 1971. sponsor one of the cows, bullocks The intriguing editorial immersed his The official opening date of or calves at New Govardhana. consciousness fully. He wanted to give Studio 88 will be announced in an Sponsorships start at $35 p/m. upcoming issue of The Conch. up all other aspirations and simply surrender to guru and Krishna. 6 Photography: Trevor Gore SNAPSHOTS the nameof authorand in JPGformat. Pleaseprovide com. Photographs must be email to newgovconch@gmail. less andsupplied inMSWord via Articles shouldbe 300 words or submit articles for publication. newsletter, and we invite you to The Conch SUBMISSION GUIDELINES isyour community without notice. edited, proofread orrejected edition. Allsubmissions may be could beheldover to alater month. Occasionally asubmission Deadline isthe12thofeach submissions willnotbepublished. the photographer. Anonymous

Photography: Toowoomba Chronicle yatra winsprize. on hisrefurbishedvyasasana birthday. (Right column top to bottom) SrilaPrabhupada displays specialpreparationsmade for Krishna onHis Janmastami midnight arati; DamodaraPandit dasa being bathedduringtheRadhastami (Left column top to bottom) Small Radha Govardhandhari contact: [email protected] For enquiries,comments or suggestions, and graphicdesign). deviMandakini devi dasi(layout dasi,Urvasi Krishnarupa devi dasi(ACBSP), Damodara Pandit dasa, EDITORIAL BOARD: ; first Toowoomba Ratha- abhisheka; Govardhana Seva dasa, 7 Govardhana Puja Upcoming Events Sunday 26 October 2.00 pm Bhajanas 2.30 pm Intro, welcoming, discourse 3.00 pm Go Puja and feeding of the cows. 3.30 pm Giriraja Abhisheka 4.00 pm Play 4.30 pm Bhoga Offerings to Govardhana Hill 5.00 pm Feast Artwork: Urvasi devi dasi devi Urvasi Artwork:

HH Bir Krishna Maharaj Wednesday, 1 and Thursday, 2 October Harinama 7.30 am Srimad-Bhagavatam Class Sankirtana ki jaya Wednesdays 10.30 am Byron Bay harinama at the park opposite the Post Office. For further details and transport Srila Prabhupada’s information, contact Disappearance Day Tuesday, 28 October Parama Karuna dasa 0439 280 362 10.00 am Bhajanas and readings 11.45 am Bhoga offering Friday Evenings 6.30 pm 11.55 am Puspanjali Bhakti Centre Surfers Paradise 12.00 am Arati bhakticentregoldcoast.com.au 12.30 pm Feast Sunday Mornings 7.24 pm Candlelit arati for Northern NSW & Gold Coast Srila Prabhupada folkrishna.com/program.htm followed by movie Isvara dasa 0411 825 549 October Calendar (from Vaishnava calendar www.vaisnavacalendar.com)

Photo: kkswami.com Photo: 4 Sat Ramacandra Vijayotsava Sri Madhvacarya – Appearance HH Kadamba Kanana Swami 5 Sun Fasting for Pasankusa Ekadasi Thursday, 2 October 6 Mon Dvadasi break fast 6.20 – 6.58 am 6.00 pm Welcome talk and kirtana Srila Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami – Disappearance Srila Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami – Disappearance Friday, 3 October 7 Tue Last day of the third Caturmasya month 7.30 am Srimad-Bhagavatam Class 8 Wed Sri Murari Gupta – Disappearance 5.00 pm Maha Kirtana Night Fourth month of Caturmasya begins (till late) (urad dal fast for one month) 13 Mon Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura – Disappearance 19 Sun EkadasiFasting for Rama Ekadasi Hare Krishna Hare Krishna 20 Mon DvadasiBreak fast 9.12 – 10.22 am Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 25 Sat Go Puja, Go Krda, Govardhana Puja Hare Rama Hare Rama 31 Fri Gopastami, Gosthastami Rama Rama Hare Hare Sri Srinivasa Acarya – Disappearance © 2014 The Conch copyright of New Govardhana 8