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Real Heroes Retreat

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Śrīla Rūpa Goswāmī explains how to practice Rāgānugā-sādhana, in three verses of Bhakti-Rasāmṛta-Sindhu (1.2.294-296):

kṛṣṇaṁ smaran janaṁ cāsya preṣṭhaṁ nija-samihitam
tat-tat-kathā-rataś cāsau kuryād vāsaṁ vraje sadā

“Remember Krishna with his beloved devotee whose love for Krishna exemplifies your own aspirations. Dwell there in Vṛndāvana by always discussing them and their love.”

sevā sādhaka-rūpeṇa siddha-rūpeṇa cātra hi
tad-bhāva-līpsunā kāryā vraja-lokānusārataḥ

“Emulate the essence of the Vṛndāvana-bhāva you adore, by executing the practical forms of devotional service with relevance to their prefect forms.”

śravaṇot-kīrtanādīni vaidha-bhakty uditāni tu
yāny angāni ca tany atra vijñeyāni manīṣibhiḥ

“The wise know that the practices of Vaidhi-bhakti previously described, especially those beginning with hearing and chanting, are the practical forms of devotional service to be executed.”

Here are important points I would like to clarify.

From the first verse:

(1) We need a clear aspiration for a specific relationship with Krishna before we can begin.

(2) Three things should always be remembered: Krishna in the form that we adore, the devotee whose love exemplifies what we aspire for, and the intimate relationship between Krishna and that devotee.

(3)  Smarana (rememberence of these three) is the essence of Rāgānugā, but this smarana is based on kīrtana (kathā)

(4) By doing kīrtan of these three things we become absorbed in memory of them and thus live in Vṛndāvana. To physically live in Vṛndāvana is also very important (one of the five most powerful spiritual practices) but its not what Śrī Rūpa is talking about here. Rāgānugā can be practiced outside Vṛndāvana-Mathurā. Mahāprabhu, for example, practiced it in Jagannātha Puri.

From the second verse:

(1) The first verse was what Śrī Bhaktivinoda would probably identify as śravaṇa-daśa. This second verse is what he would probably call varaṇa-daśā.

(2) We should engage in devotional service (seva).

(3) The devotional service has two forms, a practical form (sādhaka-rūpeṇa) and a perfect form (siddha-rūpeṇa). We have to engage in service in both ways. Not just externally (sādhaka-rūpa), and also not just internally (siddha-rūpa). 

(4) We do this be correlating the external activity to a perfect activity performed by the Vrajabāsī whose relationship with Krishna exemplifies what we aspire for. (the whole second line explains this).

From the third verse:

(1) If we ask the second verse, “You said to do devotional service (seva)… what devotional service should we do?” The answer is the third verse: the practices defined when discussing vaidhi-sādhana are the devotional service the rāgānugā-sādhaka should engage in. Especially those that are based mostly on hearing and chanting.

(2) If we ask, “Then how is it different from vaidhi-sādhana, the answer is in the first and second verses.

— Vraja Kishor dās

VrajaKishor.com

Opportunity:

ECO-Vrindaban is a non-profit organization serving in the New Vrindaban community, located near Wheeling West Virginia, USA.

ECO-V promotes simple living, cow protection, engaging oxen, local agriculture, and above all, loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.

We seek an individual with experience in engaging oxen, who can handle both the challenges of managing a robust ox training program as well as maintaining positive relationships with New Vrindaban residents, pilgrims and guests.

Duties:

• Oversee the ox training program, facilities and staff

• Handle department related logistics and budgets

• Serve as an educational resource for local cowherds

• Coordinate ox training volunteer activities

• Act as an organization liaison and representative

All potential candidates must be:

• Excited to develop Srila Prabhupada’s vision for self-sufficient farm communities

• Passionate about cow protection and related issues

• Physically able to work with oxen; training, plowing, transporting, logging, etc.

• Willing to live in New Vrindaban, WV

The ideal candidate will have:

• A proven track record and expertise in cow protection and engaging oxen

• Management or leadership experience, preferably with a non-profit

• A regular practice of individual chanting and participation in temple programs

Compensation: This will be a full-time, salaried position subject to a multi-year contract.

Please send cover letter, resume and any other inquires to Ranaka dasa: dfintel@msn.com

Dakṣa’s Demise

Rudra came before Bhṛgu and declared, “While you poured oblations into the fire, people warned you to dedicate some portion to Śiva. You merely smiled at this advice, and proudly stroked your beard…” Then he grabbed hold of Bhṛgu’s beard and tore it off.

When Rudra came furiously before him, Bhaga fell to the ground in fear. “While Dakṣa ridiculed and cursed me,” Rudra shouted, “you encouraged him with your eyes…” He lifted Bhaga’s head and gouged out his eyes.

Then he announced to Puṣa. “Like Bhaga, you also encouraged my accursed curser. You smiled at him, so…” With that, Rudra knocked out all of Puṣa’s teeth, just as Balarāma did to the King of Kaliṅga.

Rudra’s fury then fell upon Dakṣa, who he forced to the ground and sat on his chest. Rudra sliced Dakṣa’s neck with a cold, bright blade, but Three-Eyed could not decapitate him. He tried many different blades, axes, arrows, and so on – but the Destroyer could not even scratch Dakṣa’s skin. Very perplexed, the Lord of Creatures thought about it carefully. When that lord saw the altar where Dakṣa had been sacrificing creatures, he dragged Dakṣa upon it and successfully tore his head from his body, turning the sacrificer into the sacrificed.

Seeing this, Rudra’s warlocks, ghouls, and monsters exclaimed, “Sādhu! Sādhu! You’ve done a great deed!” But Dakṣa’s followers protested, “This is horrible!”

Furious Rudra ceremoniously offered that head into the southern fire, which then erupted into an inferno consuming the entire sacrificial arena. He left the place in ashes, returning with his minions to the invisible, hidden realm.

Note: Dakṣa was so powerful from all the sacrifices he had performed, not even Rudra could destroy him. I am wondering why he was able to do so on the sacrificial altar, but was unable to do so elsewhere with any weapon. In this section of verses there is a lot of subtle play on the word Paśu (animal), this seems to be the key to understanding Dakṣa’s weakness, which Rudra exploited.

In Vedic culture there is a split of opinion over whether sacrifices should involve the slaughter of animals or not. The ritualistic Brāhmaṇas tend to support the opinion that animal slaughter should be included, and most of the gods support them. But the sādhus and sages tend to support the opinion that animal slaughter should not be included in a Vedic sacrifice.

Dakṣa was undefeatable due to the power gained from executing so many sacrifices, but his weakness was that he had killed many, many animals to gain this power. Rudra is addressed here as Paśupati (“protector of animals”), and by putting Dakṣa himself on the altar of sacrifice – transforming the sacrifier into the sacrificed – he exposed Dakṣa’s weakness (specifically, that he would have to suffer as a result of gaining power by harming other creatures), and utilized that weakness to tear Dakṣa’s head from his body.

— Bhāgavatam 4.5.19 ~ 26 [End]

Vraja Kishor dās

VrajaKishor.com

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Jai Nitai dasa Prabhu Srimad Bhagavatam 10 82 48 20150408074303

Gopisa’s India Journal, continued…..

Please see the first few installments of Gopisa Prabhu’s timeless and  intriguing India journal on this Brijabasi Spirit at Gopisa’s India Journey Begins

<<<>>>

Vrindavan Day 3

Dearest family,

The trips to the temples and Loi Bazaar have been via bicycle rickshaw. I’d gladly trade some of my girth to the walla to make him stronger and make his portly fare easier to bear. Jaya Krsna takes it all in stride saying that this is their dharma and we are helping them out as they are the poorest of the lot seeing that they can’t afford a motorized rickshaw, but he still beats them up on the price! A ride to Loi Bazaar use to cost 5-7 rupees, now it’s 40 (after bargaining).

Loi Bazaar, a Unique Shopping Experience

We purchased some fruits, the quality is so nice. Also drank fresh squeezed pomegranate juice and sugar cane juice. It’s challenging to keep in mind that these are the residents of Vrindavan and therefore Krsna’s personal friends…but we do our best to remain humble and peaceful. Personal space is not a luxury one can afford in this town. In America people have a real need for physical contact but be assured that such necessities are well funded in this land of intimacy.

While it appears that much of the town is being overrun with capitalism and its maidservant technology, still there are remnants of the spirituality of the past tucked away in secret spaces hidden from the untrained eye. And I failed to mention that the rickshaw wallas don’t have horns for pedestrian traffic, the call out “Radhe-Radhe”. The chanting of Krsna’s holy name is ever present as we traverse this hallowed ground. Every time I pay obeisances, I make a point to take a little dust on my head…vancha calpa tarubyas ca….

Today we will endeavor to gain the audience of Syamasundar, the self manifest diety of Syamananda Pandit. As the story goes, he found an ankle bracelet and would not return it to a disguised Lalitadevi insisting on gaining the association of Srimati Radharani Herself. He was given a temporary spiritual body to accomplish this feat, initiated by Sriji Herself and given a beautiful diety of Krsna that self-manifest for Her pleasure.

This journey has been both humbling and enlightening…I cannot imagine what will come next. There is no way to predict Krsna’s plan…I canonly put one foot in front of the other and trust in Guru and Gauranga that They have my best interest in mind.

Love and Krsna to you all!   g

<<<>>>

Vrindavan Day 4

Dearest family,

Today was rather exceptional…up early (3:00 am), japa finished before breakfast. Had every intention to attend class with Vashiseka but wanted to check on Jaya Krsna as he’s been getting progressively sicker and didn’t get out of bed this morning. Entering the MVT, there’s Dhanudara Maharaja with a group of Iranian matajis and 4 bramacharis heading out to Radha Kunda. Needless to say, I was on my way down the rabbit hole. Though it would take considerable time to write the whole story, sufficient it to say that Maharaja feels he needs to reciprocate for some some small gesture on my part from 40 years ago.

Off we go to Radha Kunda to receive the mercy of Srimati Radharani in Her pure liquid form. Maharaja is careful to set the mood with kirtan on the way there and our first stop is our godbrother, Svarupa Damodara Maharaja’s temple to pray for his mercy. After kirtan in the temple room, two bhajans in his personal quaters and japa in front of his samadhi, we’re ready to go. Onward to Raghunatha das Goswami’s samadhi, Janavidevi’s sitting place with a specially constructed private bathing entrance and finally we offer obeisances on the steps and I get the mercy of Radha Kunda from Maharaja! A nice brahmana offers puja on our behalf and then it’s off to Bhaktisiddhanta’s house for a special treat. A cabinet is opened and out comes His Divine Grace’s cane for benedictions on our heads. These Iranian matajis are VERY enthusiastic chanters and we are all in a special state of grace.

Radha Kunda

All told we were gone 6 hours and there was no time for breakfast, yet I did not experience any hunger.

Tomorrow Maharaja has a special place he wants to take Jaya Krsna and me, it’s 15 minutes’ walk and through a gate the he says will take us back to the way Vrindavan was in the past. More on that tomorrow.

I’m still amazed at the animals here. When I describe the monkeys, pigs, cows, dogs, green parrots, etc… It’s not that they are an occasional occurrence here, they are EVERYWHERE! All the dogs are docile as are the cows and pigs. Only the monkeys get a little rambunctious and that’s mostly in the bazaar where they’ve learned to steal glasses to trade for bananas. It’s not surprising to see 20 monkeys, 5 pigs, 4 cows and a half dozen dogs in a single block.

Fortunate Vrindavan Monkeys

And the driving is a state of perpetual chicken (or cow, dog, pig, monkey…you get my drift) yet all survive and one learns to take it all in stride. One truly must be convinced that they are not the body to adapt. Safety is non-existent, no seat belts, lines in the road, traffic lights, nothing! It’s chaotic symmetry on the highest order.

I found out that there is a swan boat festival here once a year where they flood the courtyard and give Their Lordships a nice ride. This temple is amazing! The deities are the absolute center of attention and the lines of people that stream in every single day for morning and evening darshan is incredible. There are so many fragrant flowers offered that it boggles the mind. The marble floors and walkways are swept two or three times a day and washed at least once. The crew that runs and maintains this facility is large, motivated and efficient. All wear neck beads and respond to a Hari Bol. The restaurants, sweet shops and snack bars are all top quality. They announce their book distribution totals every morning to Their Lordships and it’s typically 1400-1600 books every day! Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental book distribution Ki Jaya!

Enough for today. This took 1 1/2 hours to write…   I know the subject matter is more than a little esoteric and may be a bit much to absorb…..I can only beg for your tolerance and ask that you all bear with me on this rather extraordinary journey.

Love and Krsna to you all!     g

<<<>>>

Vrindavan As It Is

Dearest family,

Today Dhanudara Maharaja took a small group of us to see Vrindavan as it is. There is no describing the experience of passing through a dimensional portal into a world of 5000 years past. We turned off a road and went through a solid black steel gate and into paradise. Lest you think I exaggerate, there are pictures to prove it. What lies beyond is a Vrindavan untouched by the cold finger of “progress”.

This land is in the flood zone and therefore cannot be developed, at least not yet… It is all gardens, neatly arranged in multiple plots divided by 12″ high mounds. Within this remarkable vision of pastoral delight are countless rows of marigolds, roses, banana trees, large bale fruit trees, amala trees, and other strange and exotic varieties of plant life. Kalindi, you would be in ECSTASY! Try to conjure up the ideal rose fragrance….now multiply it tenfold. That’s how fragrant these roses are. Now I know where all those garlands and bushels of flowers come from that are offered to Their Lordships. For one tuned in to the olfactory sensations, this is a veritable gold mine. Yet in this land of Krsna, one instinctively feels, ” Oh, what a nice flower, let me offer it to my beloved Gopinatha”. It’s not that I have any love or realization, it’s just this place…one simply knows from somewhere deep within.

And the residents! Today is Ekadasi, fasting from beans and grains. The streets were buzzing all day with pedestrian traffic of chanting and singing people in blisstacy as they follow the parikram path that surrounds the town. At the temple every morning and evening, these same residents file through with banana leaf plates overflowing with garlands to offer both the Lord and His pure devotee. To see so many people coming through in droves, trying to get the merciful audience of Srila Prabhupada and the presiding deities. Today is Tuesday yet there are so many visitors…yes it’s Ekadasi, but yesterday was the same….I took both still pictures and a video so you can see what I mean. AND, there is 24 hour kirtan, every day, all day and all night. There’s a dozen large oriental rugs covering the floor for these kirtanias. And these rugs must be rolled up every day for the sweepers to clean and wash the floor.

Vrindavan Parikrama

Though Jaya Krsna is still quite sick (and I’m not far behind), we made it to Loi Bazaar to finish our shopping. I got a little incense, a bell for offerings, neck beads, counting beads and some other something or other…….;-) Suffice it to say, the flight home will be challenging. Jaya Krsna and I will have to sit on opposite sides of the plane to keep it from listing.

That’s all for now. We’re off to Govardhana tomorrow to begin the next retreat…or should I say “re-treat”?

Love and Krsna to you all!   g

<<<>>>

Govardhana

Dearest family,

We left Vrindavan today for the Govardhana retreat. I was quite sick last evening and couldn’t sleep, gave up at 3 am and got up for the morning program. Well worth the effort to get one last look at the heartbreakingly beautiful countenances of Sri-Sri Gaura-Nitai, Sri-Sri Krsna Balarama and the stunning Sri-Sri Radha Syamasundar, Lalita and Vishaka.

Sri Giriraja (the personality of Govardhana hill) is the greatest facilitator of Krsna’s pastimes and is not without a sense of humor. We finally arrived at our destination and my suitcase, which I watched them load, is missing. Apparently an Indian gentleman from Houston mistook mine (which is half again bigger, a lot heavier, a different hrand and doesn’t have a red ribbon on it) for his and it took him almost an hour to figure it out. So there I am with one set of dirty clothes, wet socks (because the drains here are flexible plastic pipe stuck in a hole in the floor which the rats displace when they come top side) and I’m facing the loss of all my clothes and the silver deity paraphernalia I’d just purchased. Can’t say it’s not an adventure!

We went out to a special place near the hill with very old pilu trees that appear to be in a state of frozen perpetual motion. Hard to describe, you’ll just have to see the pictures to understand. These entities are ancient and graceful. They could easily be thousands of years old.

The Pilu Tre

The next 5-6 days will be filled with lectures, philosophy and deep discussions of the answers to God, the universe and everything…..and no, it’s not 42. Just foolin’, but suffice it to say that there is insufficient time or space to explain it. There’s 5 speakers, 4 lectures per day and it’s all taking place next to Govindaji’s garden in an elaborate tent that would rival the sultan tents of Persia AND right next to Govardhana Hill.

Don’t know if I’ll have much to write over the next several days but we’ll see…you’re probably getting overloaded anyway…

Love and Krsna to you all!   g

The peeps over at Elephant Journal just published an article by yours truly entitled Yoga for “People Who Can’t Do Yoga”. Check it out for some easy morning reading, and let me know what you think.

(this blog is recorded on the full page: quick time player needed)

[Originally published on 09-23-2011]

Today, the sun didn’t rise
I kept waiting, perplexed
the wind howled
rain came in sheets
electric power failed
no machines worked
not even computers
I lit candles
the ancient technology
altar Deities again illuminated
“O Lord, what is going on?”
Going upstairs, my wife vanished
“Such things can’t be happening!”

read more

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 05 April 2015, Durban, South Africa, Ratha Yatra Lecture: The secret of spiritual advancement)

Each service in Krsna consciousness is a service in itself, for example, cleaning the temple. That is a service, absolutely, but then a person may go to the next level. He may be very serious while cleaning the temple but then, later on, he will be the one who eventually sits up here, giving the lecture. Over time, service increases and gets bigger and bigger.

Therefore, I would like to say that each service is the preparation for a bigger service and it should be like that if we want to feel alive spiritually. We do not want to be spiritually dry. Many devotees become dry over time. They say, “Hare Krsna.” (depressed voice) It should be, “Hare Krsna!!” It should be full of happiness. Hare Krsna is not about being depressed. Hare Krsna is about realising that life is a wonderful gift.

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Gita Verse-by-verse Study Podcast:

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Hare Krishna! Bhubaneswar Temple Update April 2015
There has also been extensive renovation in the front of the temple placing nice strong tiles over the entire area so that it will remain very clean and there is now virtually no chance of flooding. That has now been completed. Please see the pictures. The water now runs off the area and away from the temple onto the highway and drains away. The Bhubaneswar guest house is also gradually being renovated room by room and is coming to an international standard. So far 6 rooms have been completed and another 4 are on the way.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16903

Hare Krishna! Bhubaneswar Temple Update April 2015
There has also been extensive renovation in the front of the temple placing nice strong tiles over the entire area so that it will remain very clean and there is now virtually no chance of flooding. That has now been completed. Please see the pictures. The water now runs off the area and away from the temple onto the highway and drains away. The Bhubaneswar guest house is also gradually being renovated room by room and is coming to an international standard. So far 6 rooms have been completed and another 4 are on the way.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16903

Hare Krishna! What’s Wrong with Our Politicians – Three Examples of Perfect Leadership
To say that most politicians are incompetent, and in many cases downright dishonest, isn’t very controversial. We’ve all read about their blunders, their tricks, and their schemes. So the aim of this article is not to give proof of their failure to bring about world peace and prosperity; it is rather to show that the root cause of their incompetence is selfish materialism, and that the remedy is the re- spiritualization of society through the worldwide propagation of Krishna consciousness.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16900

Hare Krishna! What’s Wrong with Our Politicians – Three Examples of Perfect Leadership
To say that most politicians are incompetent, and in many cases downright dishonest, isn’t very controversial. We’ve all read about their blunders, their tricks, and their schemes. So the aim of this article is not to give proof of their failure to bring about world peace and prosperity; it is rather to show that the root cause of their incompetence is selfish materialism, and that the remedy is the re- spiritualization of society through the worldwide propagation of Krishna consciousness.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16900

The post Sivarama Swami talks about Radha Syamasundara appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Amsterdam Will Dance! Kingsday Harinam 2015
This year’s Kingsday Harinam party in the streets of Amsterdam will be 200 strong and counting. Although the proportions of the Harinam party to the party-goers are slightly uneven, everyone who comes into contact with the Harinam party will be given the mercy of the holy name– whether they like it or not!
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16897

Harinama in Boston, USA (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: One must engage his tongue in the service of the holy name. Our Krishna consciousness movement is based on this principle. We try to engage all the members of the Krishna consciousness movement in the service of the holy name. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.16 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/gY6vQz

Massive Harinama in Kumeu, New Zealand (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: One is understood to be an eternal servant of the Supreme Personality of Godhead if he considers himself a servant of the holy name and in this spirit distributes the holy name to the world. (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.16 Purport)
See them here: http://goo.gl/OooeHL

Invitation for ISKCON Baltimore’s Bhumi Puja (Ground Breaking) Ceremony on May 2nd 2015
We are humbly requesting your sincere participation. You can even involve your friends & other family members in joining hands. Further you can plan to take time off to help the progress of the temple.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16894

Hare Krishna! Strengthening The Vision: Prabhupada’s Third Visit to New Vrindaban
From July 18th to 23rd 1974, Srila Prabhupada visited New Vrindaban for the third time, to further establish his vision for it as a sacred place known worldwide for five primary things: cow protection, simple-living, holy pilgrimage, spiritual education, and above all, loving Krishna. In a letter one year earlier, the ISKCON Founder-Acharya had written to encourage the expanding farm community: “Yes! Go on acquiring the surrounding lands, and in this way we will establish a local self-governing village and show all the world a practical example of spiritual life as Krishna Himself exhibited in Vrindaban.”
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16891

Hare Krishna! Strengthening The Vision: Prabhupada’s Third Visit to New Vrindaban
From July 18th to 23rd 1974, Srila Prabhupada visited New Vrindaban for the third time, to further establish his vision for it as a sacred place known worldwide for five primary things: cow protection, simple-living, holy pilgrimage, spiritual education, and above all, loving Krishna. In a letter one year earlier, the ISKCON Founder-Acharya had written to encourage the expanding farm community: “Yes! Go on acquiring the surrounding lands, and in this way we will establish a local self-governing village and show all the world a practical example of spiritual life as Krishna Himself exhibited in Vrindaban.”
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16891

Open Weekend in Krishna-valley: “Outsiders” Experimenting with the Hare Krishna Lifestyle (4 min video)
A short video of “outsider” people trying out the Hare Krishna lifestyle for a weekend in Krishna-valley Indian Cultural Center and Ecofarm, Hungary.
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/fN1KNa

Jaganatha Ratha Yatra, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia (Album with photos)
Kavicandra Swami: We joined a local festival.. Many pictures of are of the local culture, which is based on Ramayana and Mahabharata. Thousands of souls got prasadam, books and the holy names.. 12 book distributors could not reach everyone..
See them here: http://goo.gl/YndAF6

Bhagavad Gita class by Romapada Swami at ISKCON Boston Temple, April 8 2015 (video)
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/Q4VqcT

2015 04 10 SB 10 60 35 Krishna Protects his Devotees Bhaktivishwambhar Madhav Maharaj ISKCON Chowpatty

ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 03/29/2015

Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes Simple Living, Cow Protection, Engaging Oxen, Local Agriculture, and above all, Loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.

Participating Members of the ECO-V Board of Directors: Anuttama (partial attendance), Bhima, Chaitanya Mangala, Kripamaya, Madhava Gosh and Ranaka.

Participating Advisors: Sri Tulasi Manjari (partial attendance)

Participating Managers: Mukunda

Recording secretary: Jordanna

1. New Vrindaban Village Council

A joint board sub-committee was formed, consisting of Ananga Manjari, Chaitanya Mangala, Jaya Krsna, Keval, Madhava Gosh, Mukunda, and Ranaka,. This group will discuss what next steps they recommend be taken in the formation of a Village Council.

2. INV Grant Request: $75K for Prabhupada’s Palace

INV has requested $75K ($50K for fundraising, $25K to complete current projects) in addition to the $350K that ECO-V has already allocated for Palace restorations.

WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to support the on-going restoration efforts of Srila Prabhupada’s Palace.

RESOLVED: The Board approves up to an additional $75K for this project. $50K will be specifically used to kick start a fundraising campaign. INV is expected to make sincere fundraising efforts before approaching ECO-V for additional funding from limited available resources.

Additionally, it was expressed by some of the board members that fixing the Palace roof should be made a priority.

3. Update on Mukunda’s Relocation Plans

Mukunda informed the Board he is anticipates arriving in New Vrindaban the third week of April.

4. Garden & Ox Program Managers Search

Ranaka reported he has been announcing the Garden Manager position via word-of-mouth, but thus far, no formal campaign has begun.

Chaitanya Mangala will speak to Madhava Smullen regarding an article advertising the positions for both Garden Manager and Ox Program Manager, which will be posted online and shared locally and internationally.