New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

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by mrupa

It has been one year since devotees got the sad email that our dear Godbrother, Bhakta Seva had passed away alone in his apartment.

Bhakta Seva lived in New Vrindavana many years after coming here with his parents and one of his sisters. His father left his body here quite some years back.

He performed many kinds of service for Lord Nrsinghadeva and Prahlada, was like a loving parent to Krishna’s calves, was famous for his exquisite kachoris for Radha Vrindavana Chandra’s evening offering, and made first class whole grain bread for the devotees’ lunch prasadam.

Over and above all that, Bhakta Seva was known for his gentle, intelligent, steady determination and being a faithful friend to his Godbrothers. His sense of humor was also a great asset for all who knew, or worked with him. There was not a vicious or ambitious bone in his body.

We reverence his memory, the example he set in his dealings with devotees, and his association.

Join us this Friday evening as we build the heads of Ravana, to be burned this Saturday evening.

It begins at 5pm, next to the swan boat house near the lake. Bring your hands and plenty of head-making gusto. Pizza party follows!

WHEN: This Friday, beginning at 5pm. Pizza party will commence at 730pm

WHERE: Next to the swan boat near the lake, where we set off fireworks for the swan-boat festival

WHY: To build the heads of Ravana! Join us!

Lyrics and music by Devananda Pandit das

(Krsna Book Chapter One Song One)

When the world was overburdened
by the forces of unruly kings
who posed themselves as guardians
but who desecrated everything

The Deity of the Earth named Bhumi
went to see Lord Brahma in her plight
with tears in her eyes she was no more
than a sorry sight

Lord Brahma took compassion
‘pon the Earth and thus became aggrieved
So he gathered all the demigods
and Bhumi thus became relieved

Together they arrived upon the shores
of the great white milk ocean
where Vishnu the God of all Gods lay
resting in that motion

Brahma sat in meditation and a message
was translated to his heart
only he could understand the information
that Lord Vishnu did impart

He then related everything to all
of those who kept his company
Here are the words that would alter
the whole world’s destiny

The Supreme Personality of Godhead
will appear upon the Earth
along with many potencies
and His Name will be Krishna

From the Yadus He will
take His birth
To destroy all evil
and protect His devotees

Copyright 2000 Denis Moreau

(kindly granted permission to publish this by Devananda who says it really needs to be heard with the music. He is doing the whole Krishna Book, about 4 songs per chapter, and will eventually record them)

Check out these links for a peak into the past:

Short New Vrndavana story – a pipe, some robes and typical weirdness

Within Vrndavan’s Woods and Groves

excerpt:

Within Vrndavan’s woods and groves
Lord Krishna and Radha unite
To taste the joy of spiritual love
All glories to this holy sight

Lord Krishna’s beauty thrills the soul
Defeating even Cupid’s dart
The boy who lifted Govardhan
Has won away the gopis’ hearts

Yasoda mata’s darling son
Jamuna river’s pride and joy
The treasure of all devotees
All glories to this cowherd boy

Lyrics by H.H Umapati Swami.

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As you may know, the incidence of breast cancer has been on the rise worldwide over the last 30 years and is showing little or no sign of subsiding.  Cervical cancer is another disease for which we need to be alert.  In fact, two devotees in our community of Vaishnavi’s have recently been diagnosed with cancer – one with breast cancer and one with cervical cancer. Both of these cases were very advanced before being detected. Early screening could have detected their presence and allowed for intervention treatment.
 
With this in mind, it is strongly recommended that ladies pay attention to their health. In this case, in reference to regular mammogram’s and pap smear screenings.  Both tests are administered by Wheeling Health Right at no charge to Health Right members.  Mammograms are recommended yearly for women over the age of 50; tests may be run for women under 50 on a case-by-case basis for those who have a personal or family history of breast disease or abnormalities. Please see the current issue of Time magazine which feature an informative report on breast cancer.  Pap smears  taken to detect cervical cancer are for women of all ages.  The pap smear should be taken annually for the first 3 years; if the first 3 tests register normal, then testing is recommended every 5 years thereafter.
 
To set an appointment for either test, call Health Right at 304-233-9323.  Health Rite is a member of both the Ohio and West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Projects, and again, these tests may be taken through Health Rite free of charge for members.  If you are not on the Health Right plan, you may be tested at the Marshall County health department.  The health department charges fees on a sliding scale based on income/family size.  To inquire about cost and/or schedule an appointment at the health department, call
 
Early detection could have benefited our Vaishnavi sisters who are now dealing with cancers in the advanced stages.  Please consider not only your own health, but also the wellbeing of your family, friends, and the larger Vaishnava community who too suffer when a loved one is afflicted.
 
 Thank you and please take care, Malati devi dasi

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Dear Devotees,

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

Many devotees have been inquiring about the health of Shymasundar prabhu (ACBSP) and Gopinath prabhu after their successful liver transplant surgery and thus I am forwarding this update.

A couple of days after the surgery Shymasundar prabhu developed some bile leak from one of the tubes that connect the transplanted liver to his body. This is not an unusual occurrence in liver transplants. The surgeons performed a laparoscopy on Shymasundar prabhu on 9 Oct ‘08 and fixed the problem. He was in discomfort earlier due to the bile leak but is in good
spirits now. He should hopefully be discharged from the hospital in a couple of days.

Gopinath prabhu had some abdominal difficulties while he was at the hospital but that was taken care of by the doctors. He was discharged from the hospital on 9 Oct ’08 and is presently recuperating.

Before he was discharged Gopinath prabhu forwarded a copy of ‘Here Comes the Sun’ (a book on George Harrison by Yogeshvar prabhu) to the Liver Transplant Coordinator of University of Chicago Medical Center. She has began to read it and mentioned she liked the book. This is the same lady who had asked Shymasundar prabhu “Who are you?” when almost 35 devotees
came forward to donate their liver (since usually only immediate family members come forward). She was amazed to know about the Hare Krishnas.

Both the devotees will have follow-up checkup after a week to monitor their progress and check if the liver is regenerating properly.

Just want to inform all devotees who sent messages for Gopinath prabhu that I read out almost all the letters to him (which I received before and after the surgery) and also forwarded phone messages. Gopinath prabhu also informed Shymasundar prabhu that devotees across the world are praying for his quick recovery and especially devotees from London and Sri Sri Radha Gopinath, Mumbai have forwarded their best wishes and prayers. He mentioned to me that Shymasundar prabhu was visibly moved to know this and almost had tears in his eyes.
Both of them have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all the devotees for their support and prayers.

Your servant,
Parijata devi dasi

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 ( Recipe From the Bahulaban Deity Cookbook, as Complied by Mother Vedapryia, August 4th, 1980 )
Ingredients: (Makes 25 Cups)

1/2 Cup Butter

4 Cups Raw Potatoes, Peeled and Sliced

12 Cups Boiling Water

10 Cups Tomatoes, Peeled, Sliced, and Diced

4 Tsp. Sugar

2 Tsp. Salt

1/4 Tsp. Paprika

1 Tsp, Asafotida

Pinch of Basil

2 Cups Cream

Put Potatoes on to Boil, Saute Asafoetida in Butter, Then Add to Potatoes,  Simmer the Potatoes, Asafoetida, and Butter for 1/2 Hour. Now Add All the Rest of the Ingredients Except for the Cream, and Simmer, Covered, for 1/2 Hour.
Remove from Stove, Whiz in a Blender Just to Get Smooth, Uniform Consistency.
Serve Either Hot or Cold, Stir in the Cream Just Before Serving.
Garnish with Fresh, Chopped Coriander Leaves or Parsley,

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Today and with Close-Up

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By Srila Jiva Goswami dasa

Back when I had a hard wood floored classy room up on the third tier of the Prasadama Hall / Office / Ashram Building, Varshana Maharaja was one of a few Devotees I’d have to call “Best Friend.”

All the Devotees seemed wonderful, even the ones whose interaction generated a transcendental grating in me. A few however, integrated with my personality with the unavoidable precision and power of gear teeth. Like Revelations, they rang with a certainty which rocked me, whether I happened to understand it or not.

The lyrical interaction God granted me with Varshana Maharaja was one such mystic attachment. Sometimes, I was able to figure out parts of what Glorious thing had happened within a few weeks.

In the matter of this writing, one instance has taken about twenty-five years to begin to uncoil, and it is this I offer You now.

He was very devoted to Srila Prabhupada’s Caitanya Caritamrta. Varsana Maharaja often invited a few Brijabasis to discuss the pastimes of Lord Caitanya. With permission, there were times when I inserted myself among that number. When it came to matters of Lord Caitanya, I felt the Real Power, but did not understand it.

For example, from the Town Run, I’d deliver an order to Him, on a job site, and Varsana would most graciously accept what I’d delivered in a manner and spirit that said “This is more than money.” He’d take the gasket or part and cradle it as if He was going to use it in Dressing the Deities. With wide eyes, He’d accept the box and say something like “This is JUST what we needed.”

He’d thank me not profusely, but with a deep sincerity that made me want to chant Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. He’d look at me and say something about Lord Caitanaya. Or, I’d ask Him something about Lord Caitanya, because His Recollections were marvelous and inspiring. Almost no matter what Varsana Maharaja was doing, or moving, or causing, He was endlessly ready to talk about Lord Caitanya.

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