New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

lyrics and music by Devananda Pandit

Kamsa rallied evil kings and then set out to commit atrocities.
He behaved inimically towards the Bhoja and the Yadu dynasties.
He first divided kingdoms then he conquered all according to his plans.
Soon he was the ruling king all throughout the land.

When the pure hearted Devaki was pregnant for the seventh time,
The incarnation named Sesa appeared in all His might to ease her mind.
She was joyful for she knew that Vishnu was now within her whom,
Though she feared that like her other children this newborn baby would be doomed.

When Krishna saw the situation He decided it was time to intervene.
He ordered the appearance of His spiritual power upon the scene.
Her name was Yogamaya also known as Ambika instead.
She was given these instructions here is what Lord Krishna said:

” In the prison house of Kamsa are Devaki and her faithful husband;
Devaki is pregnant and for many days and nights she has been
Mortified and anxious on account of the dealings of her brother;
Listen now’s I tell you how to help this divine mother.

The child within her womb is my expansion, now here is your duty:
Please arrange the transferal of this child to the womb of Rohini;
Rohini is the other wife of Vasudeva and presently is having
To reside with king Nanda and his queen in a town called Vrindavan.

Then I’ll become the son of Devaki and take birth in this dungeon
And you will be the daughter of Nanda and Yasoda in Vrindavan”.
When all was said and done the Lord entered into Vasudeva’s heart
soon He would walk the earth and manifest His transcendental arts.

copyright 2001 Denis Moreau

This is a letter to Srila Prabhupada, written by Hladini d.d. but never mailed…

Now some time after Mother Hladini left this planet, Vahna, her husband, found this 2 page, hand written letter among other things that he’d kept, like photos , etc.

Vahna has allowed me to copy it and just now Mother Ruparamesvari has typed it up so that it could be sent out.

(reflecting what a great personality she is…)

Dearest Srila Prabhupada,

I beg You, please accept my most humble obeisances at Your Divine Lotus Feet.

I have; after receiving so much mercy, after being rescued from the empty cold platform of material existence, fallen prey to the overpowering illusion that I can enjoy. It’s as if I’ve forgotten everything, a cloud of insanity-“My turn, Krsna.” It breeds from a platform of comfort. Sudama Brahmin could be comfortable and not wish to dethrone the king.

I can’t stand this consciousness. Srila Prabhupada, I want to be a servant-a good one- unconscious of me. Srila Prabhupada I’ve neglected my medicine haphazardly (obviously) thinking- I needed it no more-“How healthy I am-I can relax”. Now I am raging with fever-Embarassed to come back to the doctor due to my disregard for his selfless help.

Please Srila Prabhupada, help me become a serious disciple. Help me go back to a life of austerity, a life of remembering my service I’ve forgotten due to this impure desire. Please let it be gone.

Every second there is a choice: “Which energy do you want????” Maya is so quick to satisfy, but so quick to burn You are not cheap-but how much it is so worth it? Why am I so foolish-stubborn, stupid. Let me hear what You’re saying. Let me follow cent-per-cent. You’ve given me everything- You are my true father. My true deliverer-my greatest friend.

Dear Srila Prabhupada I am the greatest rascal, I only want to become a pure servant. Please don’t kick me away, but give me another chance. I’ll try so hard to be good.

Oct. 13th is Kartika. The gopis worshiped Durga for Krsna as their husband. They ate rice and moong bearns and prayed everyday for a month. Everything I do is motivated, but Prabhupada let me try to offer this austerity to try and gain control of these raging senses. Dear Prabhupada-all I want is Krsna-Please guide me on the right path-I have no desire on my own. You are my strength, my desire.

The road is there straight & clearly marked-though the detours seem easier and more pleasurable- keep my intelligence firm-Thank You. I have this immense loving propensity; let me repose it at Your divine feet.

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Applying Krishna Consciousness to Everyday Life

by Tapapunja das

 Welcome to New Vrindaban Community!

 The Vedic Heritage Seminar Series is designed to stimulate dialogue about life’s everyday practical challenges. People of Indian descent, who now live in America, are often faced with tough choices. “Do I follow my Indian spiritual heritage or conform to “less spiritual” Western codes of conduct?” Like it or not, everything we do is subject to karmic consequences. Making smart spiritual choices now guarantees a bright spiritual future later.

 Equally important is the fate of our children. As parents, we’re accountable for transmitting higher values to them. Have we taught them why and how to preserve the sanctity of Indian culture in the West?

 The Vedic Heritage Seminar Series carefully explores these issues in a simple format—the 20 minute workshop. Each workshop topic is presented for twenty minutes followed by ample time for your questions, insights and experience. Fact sheets are distributed so you can take the information back. Make the most of your pilgrimage to New Vrindaban Comminity by taking home the gift of transcendental knowledge. Hare Krishna, Hare Rama. 

 Topics for Discussion:

 1). Food Labeling: How Much Do Labels Really Tell You?

 Unfortunately, the current rules for food labeling leave a lot of room for vague claims. Here’s how to take the mystery out of reading those confusing ingredient lists. You’ll learn to distinguish between what’s really grown organically versus foods with just a few organic ingredients. You’ll also learn the difference between organic foods which deliver real nutrition to your body versus nutritionally deficient organic foods, produced by companies cashing in on an uninformed public.

 If you’re following a strict vegetarian diet, don’t miss this workshop. Did you know that it is completely legal for food manufactures to add meaty ingredients to their foods without mentioning it on the ingredients label? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows them to disguise the presence of slaughter house by-products by using ingredient names such as “natural flavors.” See you there.

 2). Bhumi’s Gift of Good Soil

Soil is a lot more that dirt. It’s a gift of grace from Lord Krishna, brought to us by His servant Bhumi or Mother Earth. Why is it important to understand soil metaphysics?  No civilization has ever prevailed once its soil base has been eroded and de-mineralized. Good soil is 45% minerals and one teaspoon of non-chemically treated soil contains more living creatures than there are people in the world. 

Most of us live in urban setting and are forced to buy food from sources who are waging chemical warfare against the Earth. Now, one out of every 150 children born in America is stricken with autism. Are neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and autism connected to our intake of chemical fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides?  When you make an enemy of your mother by poisoning her, she makes an enemy of you.

  3). Spiritual Yoga:

 There’s one kind of yoga for the body and there’s another kind of yoga for the soul. The yoga of the body is the kind most people know about. In the yoga of the body you can stretch your muscles and feel good for some time.

 

With the yoga of the soul you stretch your soul muscles and feel good forever. Is there a connection between physical yoga and spiritual yoga? This workshop describes the eight rungs of the yoga ladder and explains the techniques which lead to liberation from the bodily concept of life. Did you know that different types of yoga are recommended for different ages of time. Find out why.

 4). Holy Cow! I Didn’t Know That!

 For centuries, cows and bulls were the ecological cornerstone of Indian village life. As India races towards modernization, many people now view cow protection as a silly and superstitious remnant of the past. Recent scientific findings, however, identify animal agriculture—especially beef production—as the chief culprit behind climate change. Yes, you read it right—animal agriculture is more destructive than all the car and truck emissions combined.

Amazingly, both the main stream media and the government are silent about this most inconvenient truth. Let’s talk about it. Come hear about New Vrindaban’s Community’s fascinating 38 year old history of goraksha-seva.

 5). The Six Myths of Modern Education

 The generation now being educated will have to do many things that we, the present generation, have been unwilling to do: prevent climate change; protect biological diversity; reduce levels of consumption etc. The skills, aptitudes and attitudes that were necessary to industrialize the Earth are not the same as those that are needed to heal the Earth.

 Is the current Western education model preparing students for anything other than  an urban existence, and dependence on fossil fuel and global trade? Our kids are taught at an early age how best to compete, but they are not taught how best to live in a truly sustainable society.

  Six key myths—fallacies we have come to accept without question—underscore today’s increasingly global education system. Don’t mistake the information explosion as an increase in knowledge and wisdom. Education begins with understanding the difference between the body and soul….and the owner of both!

6). The Fast Food Monster Meets The Kitchen Religion

This is a workshop about the Hare Krishna contribution to the modern vegetarian and animal right movements. The fast food industry—and the values it embodies—has made an enormous impact on America’s social and cultural landscape. In many cultures, the family meal, provided by the father and prepared by the mother remains the essential family bond.

  Conversely, on any given day in the United States, one quarter of the adult population visits a fast food restaurant. In vivid contrast to this trend, New Vrindaban residents are teaching the art of preparing wholesome Krishna prasadam, vegetarian dishes offered in love and devotion to Lord Krishna.. We regularly cook and distribute prasadam on college campuses, at inner city soup kitchens, and in the privacy of people’s homes. Find out why we are jokingly referred to as the “kitchen religion.”

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Sorry to post such a poor quality picture, but This is all I presently have.

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by Hrishikesh

On November 2, 1986 , deities of Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman were installed at the New Vrindaban temple. Land of Krishna reported: (97)

For several weeks beforehand, the excitement of the event was in the air as devotees prepared to receive Their Lordships. All the mothers in the sewing room were working overtime to prepare at least four new outfits of silk, covered with pearls and jewels. Mother Ishani and her helpers carefully assembled the matched sets of crowns, armlets, bracelets, and anklets.

The kitchen was bustling as cooks prepared hundreds of sumptuous dishes, and the fundraising department was busy opening mail from hundreds of donors sponsoring the maha-abhishekham for Sita, Rama, Lakshman, and Hanuman.

Thousands of little colored lights were strung over the front of the temple building, while small children ran to and fro, gathering up floral decorations for the temple’s interior. . . .

On Diwali morning, one thousand pots of scented, spiced water were spread out over a large area of the temple floor. Each pot was topped with a coconut resting on four leaves. Large trays of fruit, sweets, and flowers formed the setting for the traditional agni-hotra (fire sacrifice), performed by Gaura Keshava Das, while hundreds of devotees and guests looked on. . . .

At midday , the Deities were placed on Their new gold and silver altar. The altar curtains were closed, and Gaura Keshava performed a private puja for Them. Then (Kirtanananda Swami) was brought behind the curtains and he formally welcomed Their Lordships and removed the blindfolds. Now it was time for the Sahsra Kalasa Abhishekham (bathing with one thousand pots). . . (Kirtanananda Swami) spoke about the importance of the occasion and poured the first pot of scented water over the deities. . . . After all the guests and devotees had participated, the Deities were again carried to Their new altar. After being elaborately dressed in Their new outfits, They were offered a huge feast of the devotees’ best cooking efforts. . . . All through the afternoon and most of the evening, loud congregational chanting of the Lord’s holy names continued: Shri Rama, Jaya Rama, Jaya Jaya Rama. Raghupati Ragava Raja Rama, Patita Pavana, Sita Rama.

A fourth altar was built and the big hand-carved Lord Jagannath, Lady Subhadra and Lord Balaram deities were also moved into the new temple. A huge skylight of dozens of stained-glass windows was installed high in the ceiling of the temple room (reported to be the largest stained-glass ceiling in North America), and two large back lighted transparencies graced the front and rear. The New Vrindaban temple room became a tourist attraction just like the Palace. Visitors to the Palace naturally also came to see the four beautiful altars at the temple, and the deities which resided there. New Vrindaban was increasingly becoming a veritable Tirupati of the West.

97. Bhavishyat Das, “Festival Is Highlight of Pilgrimage Season,” Land of Krishna, vol. 3, no. 8 (November 1986).

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by mrupa

circa early ‘70s

Bahulavana Prasadam Room, Ekadasi:

Picture the large front room of the old Bahulavana temple just before the little walkway into the temple room.

Picture devotees in work clothes and old saris sitting around the walls honoring prasadam, while Kutila brings out the serving pots.

One of the main preps is made from the government food program issued peanuts and raisins.

A devotee innocently asks Kutila where the occasional bits of plastic in the prep are from. “Oh”, she says matter of factly, “that’s where the mice in the store room nibble on the bags the raisins come in.”

The first speaker’s neighbor in the prasadam line notices some non-descript somewhat raisin-ish bits; puts two and two together, blanches and weakly asks the devotees in general, “Does anyone want my peanuts and raisins?”

Catching his understanding, devotees have several different reactions. Some push aside their own peanuts and raisins. Some shake their heads in the negative. Some, knowing its all there is or is likely to be that day, put all the literal faith they can in Krsna’s prophylactic, and antiseptic qualities and nonchalantly take the opportunity to have a small feast of peanuts and raisins on that particular Ekadasi.

SCENE SWITCH:

Summertime. Out on the low stone wall along the walkway leading to the Bahulavana temple side door, devotees are honoring lunch prasadam. Suddenly, into the quiet air the then temple commander Radha Kanta’s distinctive Georgia drawl exclaims, “Oh my Lord! I thought it was a chaunce!” as five flies do the backstroke through his half empty dhal bowl.

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(fourth installement adapted from the first chapter of Krishna book
lyrics and music by Devananda Pandit das)

When the first son was born, Vasudeva kept his word.
He took the new born child to Kamsa and was not disturbed.
Though it was painful he was a man of honor and fame,
He could never break a promise and spoil the reputation of his name.

They say a holy man can tolerate life in hell,
And a learned person carries out his duties well,
Now a wretch like Kamsa will act in any sinful way,
But a lover of God is surrendered to the truth they say.

Kamsa was surprised to see Vasudeva keep his word,
He said,” My dear brother according to what I’ve heard,
It’s the eight child of my sister that I am to fear,
So you can rest your soul and take this boy out of here”.

It was during this time that Narada came along,
This saintly person heard what was going on,
Being anxious for the Lord to descend amongst the human beings,
Well he created intrigue into the mind of the wicked king.

He said,” Listen carefully to what I’m about to say,
Nanda Maharaja and the cowherd boys on this very day,
Along with their wives, boys,girls and their whole entourage,
They’re all hanging around just like camouflage.

On the other side, Vasudeva, his father Surasena and all that be,
Born of Vrishni in the great Yadu dynasty.
They too are waiting for that fateful day ,
For the birth of the one who’s come to take your life away.

And the demigods they too are being born,
Amongst families and friends who are sworn
To have a better world to live in, that’s what they’re aiming at,
You’d better check with your buddies and maybe do something about that.

After being informed Kamsa quickly changed his mind,
Being driven by fear he put the noble couple behind,
Prison bars and shackled them in iron chains
He then killed each new born baby putting Devaki through so much pain.

Ain’t it surprising that someone could be so cruel,
It happens when a person forgets about the golden rule
Blinded by lust and greed he will victimize,
Pretty much anyone who stands in the way of their desires.

copyright 2002 Denis Moreau