New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes – 07/20/2014

Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes a simple, sustainable lifestyle centered on the care and protection of cows, local food production and the loving service of Lord Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.

Participating Members of the ECOV Board of Directors: Chaitanya Mangala, Madhava Gosh, Krpamaya, Navin Shyam, Anuttama, Bhima and Ranaka.

Advisors present: Jaya Krsna

Recording Secretary: Jordanna Rock-Garden

1. Follow Up on a Rammed Earth Housing Request

The ECOV board decided to require a formal proposal from the devotee interested in building a house in New Vrindaban in order to make a more informed decision.

It was discussed in the meeting that Madhava Gosh and Krpamaya would meet with the devotee and show him the prototype earth sheltered house at the G7G, then report back to the Board any information they obtain. Navin Shyam will then follow up with him with additional questions.

2. Bahulaban Barn/Ox Project

WHEREAS: The ECOV Board wishes to support cow protection and ox training initiatives in the New Vrindaban community.

RESOLVED: The Board authorizes funding up to $60,000 (including the $10K already allocated) for the deconstruction/reconstruction of the Bahulaban barn.

The condition on this resolution is that before the work begins on this project, a more detailed budget and plan should be presented to the Board.

3. Housing for New ECOV General Manager/ECOV Investment in New Housing

ECOV now has committees for both of these items. These committees will work on recommendations for ECOV General Manager housing as well as ways to increase available housing in New Vrindaban.

4. ECOV Brickyard Building Restoration

Ranaka reports that the old cement mixer has been pulled out and they are in the process of removing the other equipment. Next report should be in six months.

5. INV Bahulaban Utility Building Roof & Window Repair

ECOV asked for an update on repairs to the Utility Building at Bahulaban. Jaya Krsna reports that INV will soon have funds that can be used to secure the Utility Building. The next report should be in about two months

6. Prabhupada’s Palace Renovation Update

Jaya Krsna prabhu shared news that Gopisa is the new Palace Restoration Project Manager.

7. INV “Reduce/Reuse” – Water Filling Stations

There are plans to install an outdoor water filling station near the playground, next to the lodge.

8. INV “Reduce/Reuse” – Signs

The committee working on this project needs to write literature on reducing waste, using water filling stations and the availability of water bottles for purchase. Currently, more efforts need to be made toward sales of water bottles. This project requires a manager.

A Progressive Community Dialogue

On Wed. July 30, 2014 Jaya Krsna Prabhu invited all the residents of the New Vrindaban Community to come together for a dialog.

He opened the evening by asking the devotees for their concerns, input or feedback on topics of their choice.

A discussion ensued on the topic of the need to reduce waste at the temple, and to recycle materials. Sukhavaha dasi and Bhakta Michael agreed to build a sub-committee to come up with proposals.

Community Dialog under the Lodge Aug. 2014

Then, Jaya Krsna presented Srila Prabhupada’s five-fold vision for New Vrindaban, including cow protection, self-sufficiency, a holy place of pilgrimage, spiritual education, and above all developing our love for Krsna.

Jaya Krsna concluded that New Vrindaban is currently in phase number four of the six phases of the transformation of a spiritual community. He feels that the painful transition phase is over; the current phase is the process of stabilization.

Different community members arriving since the last Community Dialog were officially introduced to everyone present. We very gratefully welcome Lakshmana Isvara das (Lakshman Poddar’s initiated name), Brihat Kirtan das, Mangala Carana dasi, Vrindavanesvari dasi, Daivata das (one of the very early Brijbasis), Premarani dasi, Rajesvari dasi, Pundarika Vidyanidhi das, his wife Janaki dasi, and their daughter Harina. We are glad to have Bhakta Trevor back from Denver, as well as two new bhaktas: Bhakta Michael and Bhakta Andre.

Six additional devotees have been helping out for the summer, doing a lot of nice service, namely Bhaktin Autumn, Bhaktin Rose, Madhava Kanti dasi, Madhavanta das, Premarani dasi and Sri Nama das.

Jaya Krsna has observed that many of our annual festivals have become even deeper this year than ever before, such as the Snana Yatra, Ratha Yatra and Puspha Abhishek, to name a few. New Vrindaban’s number of visitors is increasing year over year. He has also noticed that the cooperation amongst the devotees is increasing, as people are making more endeavors to work out their differences. The department heads are moving in the direction of solving challenges more on their own, supported by the devotee relations dept.

Jaya Krsna das speaks at Community Dialog

He went on to share some of New Vrindaban’s many successes. The monthly Palace sangams have been going on steadily. There is an official new department for devotee relations. And, interestingly, since the arrival of our new temple commander, it seems as though Krsna has reciprocated by sending some new bhaktas.

Overall, Jaya Krsna feels that the challenges this year have been minor, compared to some previous years.

To give an overview, we can start with reporting one very nice improvement at the Palace. The beautiful and unique Palace Rose Garden is entering an exciting new phase.   Great progress is already being made on its way to going “green” and sustainable.

Meanwhile, down at the temple area, fresh, organic vegetables have been delivered regularly throughout the summer to Krsna’s kitchen from our organic gardens. Fresh home-grown flowers can be seen in all the Deities’ garlands and vases as well.

The devotees who attended a recent workshop at the Lodge, on healthy diet have become encouraged by the move to decrease the use of sugar and oil in the devotee kitchen, and to increase the overall use of healthy produce.

ISKCON NV is about to acquire the land at Govardhan from Varsana Maharaj, with the aim of supporting its ongoing development, under the inspiration of Maharaj.

Renovations and improvements are taking place all around town. There is the elephant’s new facelift, the temple guest wing renovations, the upgrading of cabin two, and an extension on the small cow barn. You have probably also noticed all sorts of new signage around the community to help guide the guests. You may have also detected the quantities of mint sprouting up around the temple and lodge buildings.

In response to the requests of many residents, there are various new projects in the works. There will be an ox barn at Bahulaban, sponsored by ECOV. The basketball court down by the apartments will be fixed. Renovations on the swan boat house have already begun. There will be one or two apts. reserved as assisted living quarters for future hospice patients, to be overseen by Yasoda dasi.

The many projects to be financed by the Uttica lease bonus were presented during the meeting.

Jaya Krsna then spoke about some of the preaching in ISKCON from which New Vrindaban can take inspiration. He explained that throughout ISKCON, some of the Western preaching is being adjusted to appeal to the current new age scene. This is, of course, in line with Krsna consciousness and Srila Prabhupada’s vision. He is referring to such topics as expanding to deal with animal rights, not just cow protection; and focusing on the ECO movement, which considers four main necessities for success: water, energy, food and waste.

Jaya Krsna reminded everyone of a deep understanding offered in a workshop recently given in NV by Gauranga Prasad das from Mumbai. He warned us of the three “cancers” to be avoided in relationships in Kali Yuga.

They are:

• Comparing
• Blaming &
• Criticizing.

In the mood of avoiding these three “cancers”, Jaya Krsna is urging devotees who have any concerns, input or feedback to consider several options. They may feel free to approach the New Vrindaban Advocacy Sanga, which is not a management group, but rather a group of concerned residents available as potential advocates for any other residents. Its members are Caitanya Bhagavat dasa, Gaura Shakti dasa, Jesse, Lilasuka dasi, Lokadrsti dasi, Nityodita dasa, Pritha dasi, and Vyasasan dasa. Sukhavaha in the devotee relations department is also available, as is Jaya Krsna himself.

On the subject of gas drilling, Jaya Krsna informed the community members that Chesapeake is planning to drill at Bilvaban (dump field) in December 2014. Fossil informed the community informally that they do not plan to drill on our land due to the many limitations of the Uttica contract.

Some devotees who attended the community dialogue gave some feedback.

One devotee commented that New Vrindaban is “not just another Hare Krsna farm”. They wanted people to remember that in addition to a farm’s duties of protecting cows and practicing self-sufficiency, Srila Prabhupada made it clear that he very much wanted the NV devotees to keep NV a holy place of pilgrimage.

Sankirtan expressed his concerns about the imminent coal mine shaft that the coal company intends to put up on the Rose property right behind the temple

One devotee visiting from another temple asked for a copy of the overview of this community dialog. She exclaimed, “We never have such nice gatherings like this at our temple, so I’d like them to see what you are doing here at NV, to encourage them to also have such conversations.”

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On 5th August @ 5:00 pm a bundle of joy was delivered to mother Sita at New Vrindavan Goshalla. The new bull calf has named Ishan.

Please click here for more photos

The Palace is to Srila Prabhupada what a precious setting is to a diamond.

Srila Prabhupada’s “Only Prayer” is that New Vrindaban will be “More and More Successful” – November 1975.

An excerpt from a letter written by Srila Prabhupada outlining his vision for New Vrindaban.

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“I am always praying to Krsna that the New Vrindaban attempt will be more and more successful and ideal for your country. That is my only prayer. I am glad to note that Indians are coming and that you are constructing a large kirtan and prasadam hall and also guest rooms. Yes, so you should do it and it will actually be a New Vrindaban in America. According to our program we will have to construct seven temples, Govindaji, Gopinatha, Madana-Mohana, Syamasundara, Damodara, Gokulananda and Radha-Ramana. And later on if possible, Rangunatha also. These guests rooms, it is very good you are constructing because they were needed.

I am glad also that you have a new gosala. Let other farms see what is our behavior for the cows and how we derive benefit from them and that will be the living example to persons who are using cow flesh rather than cow milk.

Regarding the palace, when will you expect to finish it so I may go there?”

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Click here to read the rest of the letter.

Thanks to Vanipedia for the source material.

Lord Balarama’s Appearance Day Festival

Everyone is invited to celebrate the auspicious Lord Balarama Appearance Day Festival on Sunday Aug. 10, 2014

Schedule

4:30 PM          Bhajans
5:00 PM          Abhisheka
6:00 PM          Class
7:00 PM          Artika and Kirtan
7:45 PM          Feast

LORD BALARAMA’S APPEARANCE DAY

Balarama is a name of the Supreme Person, Who appears as Krishna’s brother. He is also in the category of God,   Krishna Himself is the origin of all other Personalities of Godhead.  Lord Balarama is the first expansion of Lord Krsna.

During Krishna’s childhood pastimes, Balarama also appears and plays like a human being with Krishna in the village of Vrindavan.

Whereas Krsna  always appears with a darkish complexion, like a bluish monsoon cloud, Balarama is always fair skinned.

Bhagavad Gita  states that when the earth was overburdened by demonic rulers who had amassed large military forces armed with deadly weapons to wage war for personal gain, Lord Brahma, the chief of the demigods in this universe, approached the shore of the ocean of milk. There, accompanied by Lord Siva and other celestial beings, he worshiped Lord Visnu, the supreme God of all gods. In response, Lord Visnu gave him instructions, which Lord Brahma in turn conveyed to the demigods. He told them that the Lord would soon appear on earth to diminish the burden of the world and that the demigods, to assist Him, should take birth in the Yadu dynasty. Lord Brahma further stated that Lord Balarama, who is also known as Sankarsana, would precede the Lord and serve Him in every respect:

vasudeva-kalanantah
sahasra-vadanah svarat
agrato bhavita devo
hareh priya-cikirsaya

“The foremost manifestation of Krsna is Sankarsana, who is known as Ananta.
He is the origin of all incarnations within this material world. Previous to
the appearance of Lord Krsna, this original Sankarsana will appear as
Baladeva, just to please the Supreme Lord Krsna in His transcendental
pastimes.” (SB 10.1.24)

New Vrindaban’s Transcendental Throwback Thursday – 08/07/14.

Each week we highlight an earlier era of ISKCON New Vrindaban.

Though there are at least half a dozen people in this photo, none are easily recognizable. Still, it chronicles a dynamic time in the history and evolution of New Vrindaban.

This week’s challenge: The “where” will be obvious to many. Can you identify “when” this was taken?

What to do: Post your guesses on the “who, what, when, where & why” in the comment section at the Brijabasi Spirit Website.

Technical stuff: We share a photo Thursday and confirm known details Sunday. Let’s keep it light and have a bit of fun!

Special request: If you have a photo showing New Vrindaban devotees in action, share it with us and we’ll use it in a future posting.

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The forms of Radha’s maidservants are wonderful bubbles from the particles of foam from the effulgent spiritual ocean of sweet transcendental love that flows from the beauty of Radha’s lotus feet. These young girls are filled with all artistic skill, and their wonderfully beautiful limbs are decorated with splendid garments and ornaments. O friend, please become the follower and servant of these maidservants of Sri Radha.

[Source : Nectarean Glories of Sri Vrindavana-dhama by Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura, Sataka-2, Text-86, Translation.]

Please click here for more photos 

Srila Prabhupada visits young calves at the Bahulaban barn, June 27th 1976.

Srila Prabhupada Emphasizes the Value and Practicality of Engaging Oxen in New Vrindaban – January 1974.

From a series of letters written by Srila Prabhupada outlining his vision for New Vrindaban.

Thanks to Vanipedia for the source material.

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7th January, 1974

Dear Kirtanananda Maharaja,

Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated December 30, 1973.

I was very pleased to hear your report of our cow protection program, and I had part of your letter read aloud to a group of devotees how you have one cow who will be giving 70-80 pounds a day. The cow is so wonderful and valuable in society. But you should also use the bulls by engaging them in tilling the ground. People may call this the primitive way but it is very practical for engaging the bulls–have them work in cart loading, transporting, etc.

Regarding Srutakirti, I proposed to him that he go to New Vrindaban but he said he did not like farm work and so he wants to go to Caracas and perform deity worship in the temple. So I have already asked him but I will say again, how you require him at New Vrindaban and how he should work nicely there with the cows, under your guidance.

You inquire whether you can make cheese? Why cheese? Make sufficient ghee. If you can send ghee to India that would be nice service as there is scarcely any ghee there. Cheese is not good. We should produce ghee so all our centers can have enough ghee.

Hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Jobs Available

The Palace Lodge at the New Vrindaban Community is looking for a few good souls to fill various housekeeping and receptionist paid positions. If you are friendly and upbeat and like people, this could be a good fit for you.

We receive many wonderful guests who are thrilled to be here – many coming for their first time. If you would like to assist Srila Prabhupada in this very important service of facilitating pilgrims that come to New Vrindavan Dhama, please call 304 843 1812. Ask for Rasalila, Gaurabhakta or Vasudeva.

Thank you!

New Vrindaban’s Transcendental Throwback Thursday – 07/31/14.

Each week we highlight an earlier era of ISKCON New Vrindaban.

This week’s challenge: Though the photo is a bit blurry, those familiar with New Vrindaban oxen programs, both in the 1970s and 2014, should be able to recognize the person driving the ox cart. Can you identify him?

Extra credit: When and where was this photo taken?

Extra, extra credit: What are the names of the two oxen?

What to do: Post your guesses on the “who, what, when, where & why” in the comment section at the New Vrindaban Facebook Page.

Technical stuff: We share a photo Thursday and confirm known details Sunday. Let’s keep it light and have a bit of fun!

Special request: If you have a photo showing New Vrindaban devotees in action, share it with us and we’ll use it in a future posting.

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