New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

Please tune in for Kartika 24 Hour Kirtan Live from New Vrindaban, WV USA. The broadcast will begin at 12:00 pm EST, Saturday, October 15th.

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Betty Hickey, Palace rosarian

On September 28, New Vrindaban held a retirement party for Betty Hickey who, since 1985, has cultivated the Palace Rose Garden.  The garden has over one hundred varieties of roses and over 850 rose plants, and attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors every year.

Besides cultivating roses, Betty has cultivated hundreds of devotees and visitors with her warm heart, gentle nature, and no-nonsense attitude.  “I have made so many wonderful friendships over the years,” said Betty at her retirement party.

Betty was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and has lived in the local community her entire life.  “My entire family – my parents, my brother Bob, everyone – was always friendly with the devotees in New Vrindaban,” recalled Betty.  Many devotees spoke lovingly about Jim, Betty’s late husband, who had worked in New Vrindaban’s Maintenance Department for many years.

Betty will retire at the end of the 2011 gardening season.  In 2012, she will provide consulting services for the crew of gardeners who will continue to maintain the Palace Rose Garden and other annual flower gardens.   “I will definitely be around next year,” Betty assured the crew.  “I will not be doing the hands-on work, but I will definitely be involved.”

Please visit the Palace Rose Garden next year and take this final opportunity to meet one of the nation’s experts in roses.

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by Gaura Nataraja das

On Oct 1^st we had 60 people attending a marriage. The marriage was conducted in the temple hall. The bride’s name was Chelsea (Champakalata Devi dasi) and Michael. Chelsea is a practicing Hare Krishna devotee and Michael is new to Krishna consciousness. He is however a vegetarian. All the relatives were non-devotees and were coming to the Hare Krishna temple for the first time.

Chelsea wore a traditional saree and Michael wore a suit. All the attendees were new to Vedic marriage and hence I explained everything step by step and everyone followed all the rituals.  When the fire sacrifice began I explained that everyone should tell “svaha” every time I say “svaha”, everyone did so in one voice throughout. It was very purifying.

Then when the bride and bridegroom took the seven vows and steps together everyone was chanting “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Hare Hare”  making the atmosphere very spiritual and blessing the couple. When the fire sacrifice was over I asked everyone to circumambulate chanting the Hare Krishna mahamantra and everyone did so very nicely clapping their hands and tapping their feet.

After that we had arati of the Lord. That was the best part. First myself and my wife brought the couple to the middle of the temple and we started dancing chanting Hare Krishna mahamantra loudly. Soon all sixty guests joined and the circle almost as big as the temple hall. Everyone was dancing with great ecstasy and this went one for the next 30 minutes. It looked like the spiritual world where everyone simply chants and dances in great ecstasy. After the dance everybody was smiling for the rest of the ceremony.

When I was going back to my apartment I met a few couples who were leaving and stopped me and told me “ That was one of the best ceremonies I have witnessed. I really thank you. It was special”.

A few days later Chelsea called me up and told me she spoke to most people who attended and they mentioned the dancing as incredible and said it took them a  few days to get the Hare Krishna Mahamantra off their heads ! We however know that its etched in their heart forever !

Sri Sri Radha Vrindavan Chandra Bhagavan Ki Jai !

Ys,

GND

Here is a letter to Betty Hickey from the Palace Garden crew:

Dear Betty,

Last year when you confirmed your decision about retiring after this year, we felt devastated.  We know that’s a rather strong word, but for those of us who have worked alongside of you for so many years, it is hard to imagine the Palace Garden without you.

You have been so wonderful to work with.  We really have been blessed and very fortunate to have had your as a mentor and friend for all these years.  By your example, your dedication and steadiness you have taught us what it takes to create and properly maintain the Palace Garden in the highest quality that you have established for Prabhupada at his Palace.  Oftentimes the devotees boast about our award-winning Rose Garden – and those of us who know you, brag about Betty, our Master Gardener, without whose hard work, love and devotion the Rose Garden would not be as exceptional and special as it is.

Regardless of how busy you are, you’ve always taken the time to answer our endless questions, offer suggestions, help make decisions, and share your unlimited wealth of knowledge from years of study and hands-on experience.  And not only have you so generously given your time to us, but you have also spent countless hours talking with the thousands of pilgrims who have come through the Garden gate.  With your warm smile and gracious demeanor, you have definitely contributed to our visitors having a positive New Vrindavan experience and have been one of our community’s best ambassadors.

Betty, you have been such a loyal friend – not just to those of us who have worked with you – but also to the New Vrindavan Community itself.  You and your husband, Jim, have seen us at our worst, and regardless of what the outer community or your friends and peers have thought or said, you’ve stuck by us.  We thank you and will always be grateful to you for that.

When we arrive at the Palace each day and see your truck, we feel a certain comfort – like small children knowing their mother is near.  For the first time in 26 years, next year we will not have that comfort.  And that will be very difficult to get used to .  We will miss you more than you realize – even more than we realize.  But we are so thankful for those special years we have shared with you.  Thank you for everything, Betty.

Love,

The Palace Garden Crew

Tomorrow (Tuesday, October 11) is the first day of Karttik.  We will sing the Damodarastakam prayers and offer candles to Lord Damodar every morning and evening through November 10.  Please attend if you can!

Here is the schedule:

7:45 am – following Guru Puja

8:30 pm – final darshan

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27 September CVPT discussion

Hare Krsna devotees

On the 27 of September the Community Vision and Planning team had another presentation and group discussion. My thanks to all of you who came and participated.

We will NOT have these for a while, as we are now into group discussions based on the different Categories (see below).

For those of you who chose not to, or were unable to attend, here’s a summary of what we did.

We presented the results of our Values Statement survey in descending order of selection (top of the list were the most desired values). We then went through the top 11 that were previously selected, and put those into descending order (a second opportunity to select and decide). Here are the results:

Integrity, Accountability, Honesty, Authenticity

Respect, Consideration, Honoring the sacred in everything

Compassion, Forgiveness, Understanding, Listening, Empathic

Sadhana, Spirituality

Appreciation, Acceptance, Acknowledgment, Gratitude

Encouragement, Inspiration, Reassurance, Support

Service, Contribution, Participation

Healthy relationships with devotees, management, ourselves

Cooperation, Interdependence, Connection, Belonging (Inclusion)

Consciousness, Clarity, Self-Realization, Awareness

Learning, Growth, Empowerment, Challenge, Stimulation

We then asked “What values do you think are most important to see in the Community leaders?” Here are those results:

Sadhana, Spirituality

Integrity, Accountability, Honesty, Authenticity

Consistency, Continuity, Competence, Effectiveness

Healthy relationships with devotees, management, ourselves

Appreciation, Acceptance, Acknowledgment, Gratitude

(It’s interesting to note that for individuals, the values of integrity, respect and compassion are most important to see exhibited, while for our leaders, it’s Sadhana, integrity and consistency that rated highest. In other words, amongst ourselves we value integrity, respect and compassion, but for those who lead us Sadhana is most important, followed by integrity and consistency.)

We then had a very nice and open discussion to refine the vision statement. We spoke of concepts, ideals, principles that we wanted to see included, rather than focus on the grammar of the statement.

We again asked all devotees to join Division groups to help with the 1, 3, 10 and 25 year plans of action. Every group will have their 1st meeting by 8th of October. Again, the Divisions (or Categories) and leaders are:

Agriculture, Cows and Self-reliance; Jaya Krsna das

Community Design and Facilities; Gaura Sakti das

Devotee Care and Relations; Sukhavaha dasi

Economic Development; Yugala Kisore das

Education, Arts and Culture; Sankirtan prabhu

Outreach, Preaching and Pilgrim Care; Yugala Kisore das

Revealing the Dham; Varsana Swami

Please contact the individual leaders for their meeting schedules.

Pizza prasadam was served at the beginning of the discussion. We met for 90 minutes, from 6:00-7:30 pm.

The next day, the CVPT Steering group met, and refined what was discussed the previous night. Here’s what we propose for the New Vrindavan Community Vision Statement:

(Proposed) Vision Statement

New Vrindavan Community is an intentional spiritual community centered around the practice of Bhakti yoga expressed as the Brijabasi Spirit, emphasizing simple living and high thinking, agriculture and cow protection, places of pilgrimage, and propagation of the teachings of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

* The “Brijabasi Spirit” manifests abundance through the synergy of loving relationships with Krsna in the center.

This Vision Statement will be formally presented to the joint board of directors’ meeting in 2 weeks, for their approval or modifications.

Please let me know your thoughts and ideas!

Yours in service,

Gaura Sakti das

Hare Krsna Vaishnavas
 
Thanks to all of you who came to our 13 Sept, 2011 meeting and helped carry our discussion forward!  I hope you found it productive.

For those of you who chose not to participate, or who were otherwise engaged, here is what we covered.

We began with a short discussion on how writing a Vision Statement is a part of the planning process.  We discussed that the planning process is essentially a process of translating community values into public policy for the future development.  We then defined the terms “vision” and “vision statement” as ‘vision’ being a guiding image of what we would like the community to be, whereas the ‘vision statement’ is the formal expression of that vision.

In other words, the statement is our putting into words, pictures, graphs, etc. the vision.

This was followed by everyone completing the worksheet “Preparing a Vision Statement- Values”

Next 5 quotes from Srila Prabhupada specifically regarding New Vrindavan were presented, followed by Prabhupada’s document “The 7 Purposes of ISKCON”.  These were used as a reference to help everyone consider what, to them, is important to have here regarding our future.

We viewed a sample of a vision statement for New Vrindavan, and then everyone wrote an initial vision statement themselves. These were all collected (these were written anonymously) and collated into 1 document, which is attached to this text.

We next presented a variety of subjects that must be included, and others that can be included in our master plan. The mandatory ones are: vision statement, land use map, and implementation strategy. From a list of over 30 areas to consider (this list came from 4 different sources- 2 are professional references, 2 are from devotee groups) we combined everything into 7 broad categories.
 
These categories are (listed alphabetically):

• Agriculture, cows and self-reliance;
• Community Design and Facilities;
• Devotee Care and Relationships;
• Economic Development;
• Education, arts and culture;
• Outreach, preaching and pilgrim care;
• Revealing the Dhama

We showed how these major categories were a result of sub-topics that are of a similar nature, and how we therefore grouped them as we did.
 
Team leaders were announced for the various categories as well:

• Agriculture, cows and self-reliance- Jaya Krsna das, Varsana Swami.
• Community Design and Facilities- Gaura Sakti das
• Devotee Care and Relationships- Mother Sukhavaha
• Economic Development- no Leader selected
• Education, arts and culture- Sankirtan das
• Outreach, preaching and pilgrim care- Yugala Kisore, Sankirtan das
• Revealing the Dhama- Varsana Swami

Lastly, we ask everyone, including all of you reading this text, to select 1 or more categories that are of interest to you, and volunteer and participate in expanding that category. This information and work will be used for extensive future planning and development of our Community.
 
We will make priority lists of work; people and services needed to perform that work; resources needed- men, money, facilities, land, etc.
 
The more YOU get involved, the more you can help shape this community. It cannot, and should not, be done by an individual nor a small group, but by all the residents.

To contact any of the above Team Leaders:
Jaya Krsna das- temple phone; 304/843.1600
M Sukhavaha: 917.495.3646
Gaura Sakti das: cvpt.at.nvc@gmail.com or come into the CVPT office, cabin in front of Temple and Lodge
Sankirtan prabhu:845.6840 story108@juno.com
Yugala Kisore das- no phone
Varsana Swami- either through Sukhavaha or Gaura Sakti das, or just speak with him directly.

These devotees were selected as Team Leaders because of their ability to work with others in a Team environment, and their interests or knowledge of the specific category.

The Community Vision and Planning Team has a steering committee, who meet weekly to ensure all areas are being properly addressed, and to ensure the entire plan is completed nicely.  Members are: Varsana Swami, Gaura Sakti das, Sankirtan prabhu, Mother Sukhavaha, Jaya Prabhupada prabhu, Jaya Krsna prabhu.  Each devotee was selected by me.

Gaura Sakti das

The Palace is mentioned in an article in Pittsburgh magazine.

Read about  it in an article titled Step Into the Twilight Zone.

“Come with us on our search for the weird, the spooky and the just plain odd in our mysterious city.”

About the Palace: “Simply put, it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth.”

Participants:
GauraShkati Dasa, Gopisa Dasa, Malati Devi Dasi, Ramesvara Dasa, Jaya Krsna das

1. Palace roof:

Jeff Piasa from Kalkreuth, send by mail a quote for the lower roof.

1. Materials proposed for the lower roof (gift shop and restaurant) $48.500. It is a new material,it was never used by Kalkreuth before.
2. Upper roof: Jeff will give us all information so that we can do it ourselves.
3. Gopisa is still waiting for the input from Jeff for the temporary fix.
   1. i.      Jeff will provide ahigh endquote.
   2. ii.      He will give us a list of the materials needed.
   3. iii.      We can do the temporary fix ourselves and get protection for the Palace until we have the final design, hopefully next spring.
4. Gopisa’s discussed with Gus:
   1. i.      Are we able to do the final roof and change the dome later?

It can only be answered if we have decided on the dome.

1. ii.      Dome: There are two options: add an additional structure or rebuild the complete dome.
2. iii.      What do we need to take a decision:

We need to know the cost of the materials and labor.

1. Designers:
   1. Surabhi did not respond to email requests so far.
   2. Malati will organize the email address and phone number of Sadbhuja. He did not reply so far to an email request.
   3. Gupta and his wife are working with Douglas Cardinal from Canada. Gupta will contact him and see what kind of input we can expect from him.
   4. Historical preservation architects in the area could also do the design.

1. Meeting of Gopisa with Gus
   1. It was a 3 hours meeting; materials lasting for centuries was a major element of the discussion.
   2. The roof and the dome has been discussed.
   3. Gus does not have experience in Vedic design. He is an option if we continue with the style the Palace has so far.
   4. Gus has a nice sentiment for the devotees which is a good fundament for cooperation. He has good connection with local talents and contractors/suppliers.
2. Are we ready to decide if we want to go with a similar exterior style than in the past or something more elaborate?
   1. The redesign of the dome will affect the design of the back part of the Palace.
   2. There was an agreement that the design for the back part should not be more elaborate than the Palace itself. Similar design elements should be used.
   3. The material used has to be defined first as it is limiting the design.

1. What are the different phases of the Palace’s restoration?
   1. Temporary repair on the main roof; a decision has to be taken related to the material for the balustrade
   2. Change of the dome.
   3. Complete the upper roof.
   4. Temporary repair on the lower roof.
   5. Final roof, taking out the water. Drainage.
   6. Exterior of the Palace.
   7. Upper terraces and windows, terraces elements.
   8. Visitors center, parking.
   9. Museum building.

1. Design of the dome
   1. The committee recommends that the Krsna Balarama-style dome should be put up on the Palace

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Present:

Gaura Shakti Dasa
Gopisa Dasa
Jaya Krsna das
Malati Devi Dasi
Ramesvara Dasa

Absent: Tripad Dasa

Agenda:

1)      What part of the Palace of Gold is of historic relevance?

2)      Next steps

3)      How to utilize the architectural work done so far by Kayafas Architects

1. The members of the committee agreed that Srila Prabhupada’s house is the core of the Palace with the Rose Garden and should never be removed. The later on added part towards the pond is in its form not of historic value and can be destructed.

1. The following reasons request a new construction of a part of the Palace:

• Handicap facilities
• The visitors flow
• The planned content of a tour (visitor’s center, multi media show, Srila Prabhupada’s museum and the Palace itself)
• The desire to expand the glorification of Srila Prabhupada
• The deterioration of the materials used; it is intended to use materials which will last for centuries and not for only a few decades
• A proper design related to materials used, water drainage, mechanical infrastructure (water, electricity, AC)
• An orientation towards LEED certification
• Improved landscaping
• Parking capacities and arrangements such as cross walk
• Security issues

The committee decides that the facilities should allow having 250.000 visitors a year.  The layout should easily allow dealing with an average number of visitors plus 30%.

1. The followings steps have been identified for the near future:

• Get a quote from Kalkreuth for the immediate repair to gain time for a proper design and the fundraising                             Gopisa
• Get proposals for a new design/expansion
  • o Surabhi, contacted by                                   Jaya Krsna
  • o Sadhbuja and related designers of TOVP   Gaura Shakti
  • o Other individuals                                           all committee members

• Review each devotee repair by professionals in order to guarantee longevity

1. 4. A Story Board to be defined for the design teams.             Proposal by JKd

1. General decisions:

• The main dome should be renewed.
• The main elements of the outer area should be kept.
• The fountains and lightening should be reactivated.

Gopisa will visit Kayafas Architects in order to get a proper understanding of their service related to the Palace renovation. Gaura Shakti will arrange a visit. Ramesvara will send copies of potential design for the dome.

JKd July 14, 2011

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