A Devotional Model for Health & Financial Self-Sufficiency
Part I:
Healthy Devotees, Happy Devotees
AUSADHAM – “I am the healing herb”
Free healthcare program by using Krishna’s natural remedies.
Krishna’s Medicine – Self-Healthcare for devotees
Our greatest assets – devotees
Our health has a crucial influence on a quality of our daily life and efficiency in our devotional service. The reality however is that devotees are often deprived of a proper and consistent healthcare due to either lack of resources or proper knowledge, or simply the cost is beyond their means.
How can we on the practical note take care of devotees’ need for a proper healthcare? Are there any preventive measures devotees can practice daily in the comforts of our homes? How can we provide devotees with affordable or even better, a free healthcare program?
Jayapataka Swami beautifully summarized during the ISKCON Leadership Sanga held in Mayapur in 2014: “ISKCON needs to be a caring organization that provides a family atmosphere based on love and trust, just as Srila Prabhupada instructed. The GBC Devotee Care Committee wants to provide the spiritual, mental, emotional, social, and physical care each ISKCON member deserves as a part and parcel of Lord Krishna.
“How can leaders carry this forward on a personal and institutional level? How can we create devotees who are encouraged, inspired, happy, and empowered to make spiritual advancement and expand Srila Prabhupada’s mission? How can we extend that care so devotees can remain committed to their spiritual lives? The Devotee Care Committee defines success in this regard as the creation and maintenance of a strong, happy, and loving Vaishnava community and a society that recognizes that the devotees themselves are its real assets.”
Krishna – the source of ultimate remedy
Srila Prabhupada’s desire was that our ISKCON society becomes self-sufficient as he has mentioned: “The first necessity is that you should be self-sufficient. That is God’s arrangement.” [Srila Prabhupada, Morning Walk, Mauritius, Oct.2 1975 ]
Self-sufficiency refers to all aspects of our lives, including healthcare. Rising costs of doctor’s visits and medications unable many devotees to properly care for themselves and their loved ones. At the same time we have become very dependent in our healthcare on modern, synthetic, often too fast, too much, and with many side effects solutions instead of relying more on cures that are in tune with our body building blocks and organic nature.
In the USA, the current condition of public healthcare has led many to seek alternatives. Economic hardships as well as a massive rise in costs for medical treatments have driven many persons, especially families with young children, to seek more cost-effective ways to meet their healthcare needs. This tendency has steadily grown for many years, shown by a report that there have been more visits to alternative healthcare providers than to conventional medical practitioners every year since 1991 (source)
In that scenario, what would be that ultimate remedy for devotees?
Lord Krishna has mentioned in Bhagavad-gita 9.16, “svadhāham aham ausadham” – “I am the healing herb.”
As we know in the past the remedies derived from fresh herbs were sufficient in themselves for treating maladies and improving one’s health. However, due to environmental degradation, soil depletion, and many similar factors, it is necessary to extract the healing potency from thousands of herbs to experience the same remedial force they were originally instilled with.
Essential oils are nothing else like aromatic compounds carefully extracted from the healing plants and herbs. Thus they are 50-70 times more powerful than dry herbs. Being pure extract, the essential oils have incredible power to heal, invigorate, and revive the body and mind; an experience easily available to those who try them. Through careful extraction processes the aromatic compounds of dozens of seeds, barks, roots, flowers, and herbs are harnessed into powerful elixirs for healing the body and mind.
Essential oils have a remarkable symbiotic relationship with the human body and brain. Being organic substances, essential oils are readily assimilated and metabolized by the body much like food nutrients. Rather than causing the disturbances that many foreign substances inflict on the body, essential oils have shown to have powerful healing effects both in contemporary studies and ancient history (provide source). Evidence shows that essential oils have been used as far back as 2,500 BCE, with references to their use both in the Abrahamic texts and the Vedic literature (see Krishna’s entering Dwaraka). In bygone ages the medicinal, therapeutic and spiritual applications for essential oils such as Frankincense, Myrrh, and Sandalwood were well-known. With the reevaluation of modern medicine has come a booming interest in holistic approaches to healthcare and a rediscovery of the profound effects of essential oils.
Essential oils are revolutionizing millions of people’s approach to healthcare, especially in the West. Families and the average individual are not the only ones taking advantage of this shift but also a growing number of allopathic medical practitioners and researchers. To date over 30,000 scientific articles in some of the world’s top medical journals have been published. (source) As the research mounts, more within the medical profession are implementing essential oils into their hospitals and clinics.
In this way the essential oils are used for a wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications. They can be used as single oil at a time or in complex blends. They are comforting and soothing to children and loved ones. They can be applied directly to the skin, inhaled, diffused into the air, and taken internally. They are effective without dangerous side effects and the risk of addiction.
The Ausadham Team
The Ausadham team was established to help every devotee to discover or rather rediscover Krishna’s natural remedies: herbs, in an easy to use form of essential oils.
The rediscovery of these organic healing techniques will provide an alternative to the controversial allopathic model of medicine, thus bringing holistic approaches to wellness into every home. A proliferation of sustainable models of health care, based on what Krishna created for us, will not only impact our bodily vitality but will also provide an opportunity for users to turn their attention back to the real source of healing – the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna.
Srila Prabhupada once commented in a newspaper interview, “…physical life, so you must keep yourself fit to execute Krishna consciousness. It is not our desire that you become sick and you cannot chant… our purpose is to chant and we require the physical necessities just to keep ourselves fit…” [New York, July 4, 1976]
By promoting a safe and effective self-care alternative we are helping others not only achieve relief of symptoms but achieve long-term management of health problems.
There are many essential oils available on a market today. Most of them however are synthetic. Those which are pure are still not made equal. The goal of AUSADHAM team is to provide devotees with the access to the highest quality and the purest essential oils available on the market today. These oils are sourced from plants grown and harvested in their natural habitat. Srila Prabhupada often repeated this well-known maxim: “purity is the power.” The state of the art testing procedures made it possible to maintain the unadulterated, original nature of essential oils, and thus guarantee their quality, safety, and efficacy. With great excitement and enthusiasm we are ready to share these superior quality essential oils with others.
Having been blessed by great sadhus and senior Vaishnavas who use these essential oils with great satisfaction, the Ausadham team would like to encourage all devotees to take advantage of them and improve their health.
The goal of Ausadham team is not only to facilitate a medicinal revolution but also to provide an excellent model for individuals in supplementing or replacing their income, contributing even more to devotees’ self-sufficiency. Thus born out of the Ausadham team is the department called Varna Prosperity Network. This initiative is meant to provide the perfect home-based, sattvic business opportunity to all in need. Simple economics shows the potential – the products we promote are highly in demand, they are affordable, and they are incredibly effective. Sharing them is simple, exciting, and rewarding.
The mission of Varna prosperity Network is described in details in the second part of this article.
In conclusion our desire is to see every devotee happy, healthy, and prosperous. Thus we invite you and encourage you to join the Ausadham team. We offer educational seminars, mentoring, and private consultations. For more information, please contact us directly at:
Our contact info is:
Krishnamayi & Surapala
(702) 324-7882
surapala@pamho.net
We hope that by facilitating devotees and offering them this wonderful opportunity we will contribute to 50 anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON institution and celebrate significant improvement on social issues within our society for Srila Prabhupada’s pleasure and benefit of all ISKCON devotees.
We are looking forward for your blessings that our mission becomes successful.
Your valuable feedback that can improve our performance is very much appreciated.
A Devotional Model for Health & Financial Self-Sufficiency
By Surapala dasa
Part II: Varna Prosperity Network – Financial Self-Sufficiency in ISKCON
The need for a change
Since 1980 I have been a member of our continually growing ISKCON family. In these few decades I have experienced difficult moments and joyful years alike. There have been times when I have been warned by other devotees for my own protection and times when I have received a helping hand while in need. In our Krishna conscious society, we alert each other about situations which may cause harm and we are also enthusiastic to share what may benefit us all. As members of ISKCON, it is our duty to help each other in a mood of love and trust. In this spirit I am writing this article about an amazing opportunity which I am considering to be Krishna’s causeless mercy – a gift which is my duty to share.
As a householder myself I have seen ISKCON shift from a residential model with most devotees living in the temples, to where we are now. Some estimates by senior devotees claim that 95% of our society now lives congregationally. Observing this change one must consider the necessity to introduce various aspects of the varnasrama project for the proper function and future prosperity of our society. Now is the time to carefully invest our energies in beneficial change, thus securing that our philosophy remains not only a part of our life but our way of life.
Bhakti yoga is the art of using whatever is available in loving devotional service to Krishna, the Supreme Source. As Srila Prabhupada said, “Our mission is to dovetail everything in the service of Krishna because everything belongs to Krishna.”[Srila Prabhupada’s letter to Gargamuni, Los Angeles, Nov. 22, 1968]
As the science of Krishna consciousness becomes more integrated in our lifestyle, the more our capacity for engagement in Krishna’s service increases. Our occupation, relationships, and assets all become tools for serving Lord Krishna’s interests. Of course, He is supplying us all the necessities for a peaceful and prosperous life. Knowing Krishna to be the ultimate proprietor, we can express our gratitude to Him by utilizing everything in our capacity in His service. As we practice the art of dovetailing everything for Krishna’s service, we are more able to taste the internal peace and joy which comes from sacrificing for His pleasure.
Srila Prabhupada on Wealth: Degradation or Elevation?
Is it a qualification of a devotee to be poor, always battling anxiety about finances?
“Material opulence can be the cause of degradation and also the cause of elevation, according to the purposes for which it is used. If opulence is used for sense gratification it is the cause of degradation, and if used for the service of the Lord it is the cause of elevation.” [Krishna Book Ch.82]
Srila Prabhupada also mentioned, “When a common man becomes opulent, he forgets God; but the more opulent a devotee becomes by the grace of the Lord, the more he becomes attached to the service of the Lord.”[CC.Ad.13.79]
“The only difference is that in materialism one works for sense gratification. The same work, however, can be performed for the satisfaction of Krishna, and that is spiritual activity. If one has sufficient money, he can help in building an office or temple for propagating Krishna consciousness. Or he can help with publications. There are various fields of activity, and one should be interested in such activities. If one cannot sacrifice the results of his activities, the same person can still sacrifice some percentage to propagate Krishna consciousness. This voluntary service to the cause of Krishna consciousness will help one to rise to a higher state of love for God, whereupon one becomes perfect.” [Bg.12.10]
It’s apparent from these quotes that improving personal finances can benefit a devotee by allowing him to sponsor different ISKCON preaching projects or contribute to spiritual initiatives like daiva varnasrama or devotees social welfare, all with ease and free from anxiety.
“Social structure – as originally designed by the Supreme Lord – is meant to provide material welfare and spiritual progress for all members of society. It is this original social structure, varnasrama dharma, sometimes known as daiva varnasrama, which Srila Prabhupada wanted his followers to establish for the benefit of people all over the world.” [“Speaking about Varnasrama” Vol.1]
Varna Prosperity Network – Financial Self-Sufficiency in ISKCON
Today there are many projects in ISKCON which require more financial support, even though an amazing amount of fundraising is in place every day. What if ISKCON devotees united as one in Srila Prabhupada’s family work together? Could we imagine developing an economic network meant to bring prosperity to all members of our society in a Krishna conscious environment – all the while supporting various projects and spreading Krishna’s glories? Is it possible to envision a model where families have enough funds to maintain themselves and offer what is extra to support Lord Caitanya’s mission, even fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s desire to adhere to the dadati principle?
“Whatever one’s income, fifty percent should be spent on behalf of Krishna and His devotees, and this will fulfill the demands of dadäti.” [NI 4]
With the growth of our movement around the world, there is no question of Srila Prahupada’s statement,“We require millions of dollars for developing…” [Srila Prabhupada’s conversation with devotees, New Vrindavan, June 9, 1969] An endless supply of ideas for pleasing Lord Caitanya are manifesting in hundreds of countries, but how to finance all of them? How to help our family households peacefully maintain themselves at the same time?
As ISKCON devotees, the leaders of the Ausadham team are fortunate to have the opportunity to help develop a social-welfare network which can supply natural healthcare and financial stability for devotees. As is the culture among devotees, we want to help each other. Srila Prabhupada once wrote to a disciple, “Now, when we live together, somebody may fall ill. Now, find some future main source of income for our institution…” [SP letter to Brahmananda, San Francisco, Mar. 23, 1969]
Thus born out of the Ausadham team is the department called Varna Prosperity Network (VPN) providing an excellent model for individuals in supplementing or replacing their income. This VPN initiative is meant to provide the perfect home-based, sattvic business opportunity to all in need. Simple economics shows the potential – the products we promote are highly in demand, they are affordable, and they are incredibly effective. Sharing them is simple, exciting, and rewarding.
As members of Srila Prabhupada’s international family, there is no one else who deserves a support system like this than devotees. Srila Prabhupada has given the world the most sublime opportunity – to assist him in the mission of spreading Lord Krishna’s glories. By helping all conditioned souls come back to their original, constitutional positions as eternal servants of God we have a chance to really bring bliss to the world. Those great souls who are contributing to this mission should be provided with only the best. This is the mission of Varna Prosperity Network.
Another aspect of Krishna conscious opportunity involved in this business is outreach. Members of the Ausadham have established a Natural Healing Department in their suburban preaching center; a department which is gaining popularity. Many new people are attracted by educational workshops offered and by developing friendly relationships with such people they quickly become interested in the other activities of the center. Although a young department at the center, the success of attracting several new devotees through this venue is incredibly exciting.
As a concluding message the team would like to ask all devotees who have ever considered using natural medicine, have a passion to share Krishna consciousness with others, and would be interested in supplementing or replacing their income – we offer you an opportunity to change your life and others!
The success of all members and the greater mission of Srila Prabhupada’s movement is the top priority. By enthusiastically providing support, mentoring and tools for growth, Ausadham team will help each devotee achieve their goals. Thus in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON, together we can make a humble offering to educate, facilitate, and push forward the improvement of our society for Lord Krishna’s satisfaction.
For more information on free educational seminars offered on natural medicine, financial self-sufficiency, and more please contact us. We are more than happy to answer questions about any of the above topics.
Our contact info is:
Krishnamayi & Surapala
(702) 324-7882
surapala@pamho.net
By Matsyavatara Dasa
By Govinda dasa
