New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

Thursday 22 December 2011Community Vision and Planning Team  Report to joint Board of Directors meeting

* 7 groups work report: each group was requested to have open meetings to discuss how to expand their specific category, and develop the following:

o Vision statement that’s harmonious with the overall NVC vision statement;

o 10 year vision

§ 3 and 1 year plans on how to achieve the 10 year vision

o Here are the various vision statements:

New Vrindavan Community Vision Statement

“New Vrindavan” is an intentional spiritual community centered on the practice of Bhakti yoga expressed as the Brijabasi Spirit, emphasizing simple living and high thinking, vegetarianism, agriculture and cow protection, places of pilgrimage, and the propagation of the teachings of the founder-acharya of the International Society of Krsna Consciousness, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Addendum

‘Bhakti yoga’ is the reciprocation of loving service in different rasas (moods) between the eternal individual living entity (jiva, or soul) and the Supreme Lord, Krsna.

The ‘Brijabasi spirit’ manifests abundance through the synergy of loving relationships with Krsna in the center. It is a mood of simply loving Krsna and giving ones’ very life in humble service to the Supreme Lord Krsna, His intimate followers, and associates in any of the rasas, or mellows.

‘Founder’ means he established the International Society for Krsna Consciousness (ISKCON).

‘Acharya’ means “one who teaches by example”. Srila Prabhupada taught us how to become Krsna conscious by his own personal example.

Srila Prabhupada is in the disciplic succession of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya sampradaya, one of four authorized Vaishnava sampradayas. A ‘sampradaya’ is a tradition of strict philosophical and cultural doctrine, wherein the conclusion is known and not deviated from, and the teachings are passed from teacher to disciple. There is no English equivalent word.

By ‘vegetarianism’ we mean foodstuffs that are offered to Lord Krsna for His pleasure. No meat, fish, or eggs are consumed. The principle is we eat what Krsna wants us to offer to Him.

His teachings are based on revealed scriptures, including Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad-bhagavatam, Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Nectar of Devotion, Sri Isopanisad, and others. He is the author of more than 70 books that explain the science of devotional service, or loving service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna.

The ‘International Society of Krsna Consciousness” (ISKCON) is a world-wide organization founded by Srila Prabhupada for the following purposes:

1. To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to Society at large and to educate people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.

2. To propagate a consciousness of Krishna (God), as it is revealed in the great scriptures of India, Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.

3. To bring members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the Prime Entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).

4. To teach and encourage the Sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy name of God, as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

5. To erect for the members and for society at large a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to the personality of Krishna.

6. To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life.

7. With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings.

Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, an incarnation of God Who appeared about 500 years ago, predicted “prthivite ache yata nagaradi grama/ sarvatra pracara haibe mora nama”. “In every town and village, the chanting of My name will be heard”. (Caitanya-bhagavata, Antya 4.126)

Education, Arts & Culture Vision Statement: The Education, Arts & Culture group empowers the individual to develop and express their natural talents in the devotional service of the Lord, and His devotees.

“Culture” we define as the expression of the eternal individual souls’ relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead in devotional service. (note: this is a work-in-progress).

Revealing the Dhama:

Vision Statement: “To award a voice to the Dham to facilitate Her in revealing and identifying various tirthas, and to participate in the development and maintenance of the holy places and temples. To facilitate devotees’ developing relationships with the Dham, by visiting and serving the holy places, as well as discussing, writing and contemplating Their lilas, glories and benefits.”

Devotee Care and Relations:

The mission of Devotee Care and Relations is to strive for the spiritual, mental/emotional and physical well-being of ISKCON devotees so that they are encouraged, inspired, and empowered to be happy and make progress in Krsna consciousness, and thus be enthused to expand Srila Prabhupada’s mission.

Agriculture, Cows and Self-reliance:

The New Vrindaban Community

§ produces locally the necessities of life

§ demonstrates a practical example of self-reliance and

§ engages and protects the natural resources, cows and the oxen.

Economic Development:

New Vrindaban’s community members are

* either employed directly by the Community or devotee businesses or

* are self-employed in the greater New Vrindaban area to maintain themselves.

Community Design and Facilities:

New Vrindavan Community Design and Facilities Group develops and maintains New Vrindavan in a environmentally responsible, sustainable manner, using locally sourced quality materials and personnel. (note: this is a work-in-progress).

Outreach, Preaching and Pilgrim Care:

Through outreach, preaching and pilgrim care, we provide the knowledge, education, concern, and training to enable all who desire to develop their spiritual awareness. We empower and assist every member to awaken their relationship with Krsna, to join Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual family, to teach his message and engage all our guests and pilgrims in the loving devotional service of Krsna. (note: this is a work-in-progress).

o 4 groups work is fine

o 3 groups work needs some refining

o New areas are needed to develop into the master plan: Deity, Governance, and Varnashram implementation

* WVU CDT meeting report

o 4 members of WVU’s Community Design Team (CDT) visited and met with 5 devotees. Two professors came for their 1^st visit to see if/how they can work with NVC.  Present from NVC were Varsana Swami, Jaya Krsna das, Gopisa prabhu, Madhava Ghosh prabhu, and Gaura Sakti das.

o The two teams decided upon the following projects:

§ Madhuvan project

§ Landscaping

§ Food storage

*Beans, grains, grinding mill; de-hydration, canning, and different forms of storage.

§ Tourism:

* Hindu

* Palace visitors

* ISKCON devotees

* Eco-groups

* How to market to each group

* How to ‘brand’ ourselves for each group

* On-site readiness; workshops, etc; “what do they want to do here?”

* Kudzayi expressed a strong interest in any guest database we may have.

o She has done consulting work for Marshall County and Moundsville.

§ Hospice project

o How to move forward:

§ Memorandum of understanding will be prepared and agreed upon

§ Each professor needs to decide individually how/if they can fit our needs into their current class.

§ Steve is particularly interested in conservation and community out-reach

§ Charlie is (exceptionally) eager for landscape management, mapping, and “How do we realize the Vrindavan vision?” On a previous visit he expressed enthusiasm for the building of the 7 temples of Vrindavan.

§ Steve  wants to bring his group of students in late January for a community discussion on the master planning. We will schedule a meeting for the 3^rd week of January, accordingly.

* Timeline

o Where are we now

§ See “8 steps…” below. We’re in steps 2 and 3. I’m intending to have this first iteration completed for Gaura Purnima 2012 (March 6 2012). By ‘first iteration’ I mean ‘first draft’, that we will see things that are not included that should be, perhaps the corollary as well, and there will be a process of review, additions, corrections, etc.

* Timeline for completion of 1^st iteration

§ 15 December Group works finished

§ 31 December: 1/3/10 year goals consolidated

§ 14 January 2012: Community Assessment finished (existing land use map, with all necessary data)

§ 4 February: 2 “future land use” scenarios developed: a) assuming no income from gas wells; b) assuming _________ $/year from gas wells. (note: $ amount to come from Gopisa prabhu).

§ 6 March, Gaura Purnima: 1^st iteration of the Master Plan completed.

* Finance report

o (waiting on precise figures from Rupanuga prabhu; approx. $7900+/-)

8 Steps of the Master Planning Process

1. Community Visioning: engaging the public and developing vision statements, goals and objectives.

2. Data collection and inventory: preparing the community assessment and existing land use map.

3. Data analysis: formulating future development scenarios based on vision statements, the community assessment, and land use maps.

4. Evaluating future development scenarios.

5. Selecting a preferred development scheme (the future land use map) and preparing and adopting a plan.

6. Implementing the plan.

7. Monitoring the plan.

8. Amending and updating the plan.

From Lilasuka

Haribol Brijbasis:  I’m back!!

After a 12 year hiatus spent in the nearby land of  Pittsburgh, and after much intense meditation and introspection on the matter over the last 3 years or so, Jesse and I firmly decided to move back to NV.

He had lived here for a month in the summer of 2000, shortly after we were engaged to be married, so he’s essentially moving “back” as well. I’m very excited and enlivened to be back in the flock again and Jesse is looking forward to joining me in a couple of months.

As the kids used to sing (almost): “(New) Vrindavan’s such a nice place”.

I’m still suffering from just a tad bit of re-entry culture shock so I’m asking for all of yinz Brijbasis’ mercy and patience please! Oops…sorry…as you can see, I’ve spent way  too much time in Pittsburgh.

I’m very happy to be here in my new service as Communications Director, which is kind of a journalist whose goal is to report to the various worlds (the NV world, the ISKCON world and the outside local world) about all that’s going on in NV.

I love you all!

Hare Krsna.
Lilasuka dasi

(this actually applies to all swans)

Hare Krishna:

The following information is being provided for those who are interested or concerned about the swans well fare. Our swans have three lakes to feed from in addition to fields and a daily supplant of cracked corn and whole wheat. Contrary to a popular current myth, they are not “starving.”

If you are interested to feed the swans, please note the following! Use extreme precaution when attempting to feed them. Best to bring a stick with you. They are very aggressive, they do bite, and their wings are very strong. They can break an arm or a leg with their wings if provoked. When stretching up on their legs and extending their necks, they become quite “tall,” able to attack the necks and faces of anyone 5’6″ and under. If they suspect you have food for them, they will come at you altogether. If this happens, back off and leave the area. (After reading this, I suspect not so many will remain interested to feed the swans!) I plan to post WARNING signs along the lake. Jaya Devi is the main caretaker along with myself when I am present, should you have any questions or concerns. Thank you!

Feeding Swans – the correct way

Please note that their natural diet is best for them and that filling them up with food that is not part of their natural diet should be avoided, as it will prevent them from getting the nutrition they need as well as being potentially harmful.

HOWEVER, when winter conditions set in and little food is available – our help in providing food is likely to be very appreciated and may be even life-saving.

What NOT to feed swans:

Anything that is NOT healthy for us: sugary, starchy, fatty foods, junk food, fast food
NO Bread, chips, cakes, cookies, and cereal, etc – as these foods can cause digestive and serious other health problems
NO Cooked and processed foods.
NO Raw Beans of any kind. However, cooked beans are alright.

What to feed swans:

Note: Any food fed to them should be in manageable size for swallowing. Foods should be as natural as possible, unprocessed without harmful additives.

Please refer to the natural diet as described above or on the relevant species pages … If possible, feed items that are close to their natural diet.

Particularly in the winter months when grasses or other plant vegetation is scarce, greens such as dark green lettuce, spinach, chopped/shredded carrots, celery and alfalfa sprouts and other vegetables and greens make a great supplement. Note that lettuce may be an acquired taste and the swans may take a while to get used to it. Any vegetables need to be cut up into small pieces. Remember, birds don’t have teeth!

Other foods to feed: Healthy popcorn (without artificial coloring and flavorings); corn / cracked corn; whole wheat GRAIN (not processed, not bread – natural state grain); whole oats; brown rice, lentils, split peas and smallish seeds

Equally loved and cherished are peelings from our own food preparations for dinner, such as broccoli, potatoes, green beans, cabbage — GENTLY steamed (only enough to warm up – NEVER cook and NEVER use the microwave to warm up) and feed warm (not hot) to swans who will especially appreciate that when it’s cold outside

Dear Brijabasis,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Malati Prabhu is unable to lead the memorial service for her Grace Yamuna on Tuesday this week.

The event takes place on:

Thursday, January 5, 2012
6:00 pm
Temple room

Please join us to glorify Yamuna’s service to Srila Prabhupada!

Your servant,
Jaya Krsna das

New Vrindaban Community, ISKCON’s first farm community, is in the process of completing a 25-year Master Plan. Srila Prabhupada gave a wealth of instructions regarding how New Vrindaban should be developed.

Right now, New Vrindaban is looking for devotees to help with the day-to-day operations as well as with implementation of Srila Prabhupada’s instructions through the Master Plan.

The following services are available:

– Temple Commander
– Congregational Preacher
– Cook for the devotee kitchen (April through October)
– Assistant cook for the snack bar (April through October)
– Receptionist at the lodge (April through October)
– Cleaning personnel at the lodge (April through October)
– Cleaning personnel at the snack bar (April through October)
– Devotees interested in agriculture
– Interns for agriculture (time span to be determined)

If you are interested in any of these positions, please send to Jaya.Krsna.SNS@pamho.net the following:

(1) a resume or brief statement of your work and devotional experience,
(2) a statement of your financial needs,
(3) indicate the services you are interested in, and
(4) state the date on which you would be able to re-locate to New Vrindaban.

Full Contact Info:

Jaya Krsna at the Palace Lodge (304 843 1600, ext. 111, jkda108@yahoo.com)
or myself (304 843 1600, ext. 149, jaya.krsna.sns@gmail.com)

for any service you are interested.

Hare Krishna.

Your servant,
Jaya Krsna das

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Friday, 30^th Dec. 2011

7:00pm            Gaura Arati by HG Rasa ChaitanyaPrabhu

7:30pm            Bhagavad-Gita Class by HG GaurNatraj Prabhu

8:30pm            Last Arati

Saturday, 31^st Dec. 2011.

5.00am            Mangala Artika

5:45am            Japa session

7:30am            Sringar Darshan

7:40am            Guru Puja

8:00am            Srimad-Bhagavatam by Shankaranand Das.

9:00am            Breakfast

12:30pm          Arati HG PremBhakti Pr

1:00pm            Bhagavad-Gita lec. by HG Rasa Chaitanya Prabhu

1:30pm            Lunch Prasadam

6:00pm            Kirtan in temple hall

7:00pm            Gaura Arati Shankaranand Das

7:30pm            New Year Resolutions – HG Yugal Kishore Prabhu

8:30pm            Shayan Arati

9:00pm            Light dinner prasadam

9:30pm            Kirtans continue in temple hall.

12:00am          Midnight Arati – kirtan by HG Rasikanand Prabhu

in front of the swing

Sunday 1^st Jan, 2012.

5.00am            Mangala Artika

5:45am            Japa session

7:30am            Sringar Darshan

7:40am            Guru Puja

8:00am            Srimad-Bhagavatam HG PremBhakti Pr.

9:00am            Breakfast

1:00pm            Arati HG Rasa Chaitanya Pr.

1:00pm            Sunday Feast Lecture – HG Yugal Kishore Prabhu.

2:00pm            Sunday Feast

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Hare Krishna,

By the mercy of Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Chandra and H.G.Chandrashekar prabhu, one prisoner became a devotee in Moundsville started chanting 16 rounds. That devotee requested the chaplin in the jail for regular Hare Krishna programs. Chaplin Taylor who is a very generous nice man contacted H.G. Malati Devi Dasi . At her request I started regular programs in the prison. At first we had two prisoners attend the class. Its been two months now and now we have 6 devotees in the prison regularly attend the program. The best part is that four of them are chanting 16 rounds daily , the remaining chant 4-5 rounds.

Personally for me this is a very special program. We are also at the brink of getting a chance to take prasadam for the prisoners every week. At first this request was denied. But the chaplin kept trying and I kept explaining to him that our programs are Chanting, Dancing and Feasting. So without the feast the program isn’t complete. So we kept trying. So hopefully from the next year 2012 we will able to bring in prasadam for the devotees in prison. I can only wonder if we take in prasadam how many more would join in.

Meanwhile we are having Gaura Poornima celebrations in the prison and we have permission to cook a special feast for the devotees in the prison.

The devotes are looking for donations of beadbags and CD’s of Prabhupada. They have facility to watch videos and also they can have their own mp3 players to listen to lectures. The prison ministry has donated a lot of Bhagavad-Gitas and Cd’s and last week we donated a few bead bags. But the number of devotees are increasing , so we need more beadbags, CD’s and Mp3 players.

So if you have any one of these please donate generously for the prisoners. They will remain ever thankful to you. Everytime I go they are thankful and want more association.

Hare Krishna !!!!

Your servant,

Gaura Nataraja Dasa

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Palace Restoration Committee

Minutes conf call December 2, 2011

Present: Gaura Shakti, Gopisa, Jaya Krsna, Malati,

1. Minutes last conf call, October 14, 2011

The minutes have been reviewed and accepted.

2. Update on the recent work

Main roof has been covered; water leaking stopped except at the office. Remaining water comes from the front dome and the middle dome.

The concrete of the front dome was completely destroyed (sand and pebbles) at one place opened during the work. Core samples of all different concrete sections have to be taken.

Stripes of heating materials will be applied for the drains; details will be discussed after the meeting.

Middle and front dome will be covered with a coat of the material purchased so far.

Application will be done as soon as the current work in the ashramas is finished.

The first quote of one mason came in: about $60.000 for the upper front stairs. The second quote is expected to come in soon. There will be a meeting arranged with both masons at Kayafas Architects’ office.

Gus suggested finding a good mason and putting him on payroll which would reduce the expenses substantially; the mason would be engaged for the overall work to be done at the Palace.

3. Update on the gift shop

Kayafas Architects sent the proposal for the gift shop. Gopisa distributed the proposal to the members of the committee.

Kayafas Architects propose two phases:

Phase 1: Roof, doors, electrical, plumbing, HVAC. Total $ 68,900, with10% contingency $ 75,790.

Phase 2: Bathrooms and decorative work $ 51,250, with 10% contingency 56,375.

The quotes are based on outside contractors. We will be able to do the work for a much lower price, about 30 to 40% the first phase. The second phase will be most probably integrated in the first phase. The overall costs will be about $ 70,000. Gopisa will come up with a detailed budget for next meeting.

Next steps: Finish the clean out, approving the budget, get the drawings from Kayafas Architects.

Do the roof first, the doors etc.

The INMV board has to give its approval during the next meeting December 8, 2011. ECOV has expressed their view that they will accept INMV’s discretion
on how we use their donation for the Palace renovations.

4. Activities in the near future

Core samples of the main structure have to be done soon to have a better view how to approach the overall project. The topic will be discussed with Gus next week (extend, time frame, costs).

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Sometime in spring 2012 New Vrindaban will be hooking up to Public Service District #3 for its potable water needs.

One advantage this will give us over our own system is sufficient pressure and volume for fire suppression.  Here is a picture of a current  excavation by Tejomaya being done behind the Radha Vrindaban Candra  temple for  a fire hydrant.

New Vrindaban will continue to maintain its current system to provide water for irrigation and toilet flushing.

New Vrindaban will continue to maintain its own sewage treatment facility.

Ranaka recently rescued two Brown Swiss heifers from an auction in Wisconsin.   Although they may have had a nice life as milk cows, in the end they would have been sent to slaughterhouse once they became economically nonviable.

Now that they are in New Vrindaban there is a commitment that they, and their calves, will  be allowed to live out their natural life span. The funds for the purchase were contributed by a donor.

The donor has requested the following 2 names: Anjali Soma… means gift offering; nectar of immortality & Asha Soma means ray of hope, nectar of immortality.

Anjali Soma & Asha Soma are very gentle and were able to be lead with a halter to the barn. Both will be a real asset to the herd.

Here they are being unloaded from the trailer that brought them across country to their new home.