Astami - Gopastami, Damodara Masa, Gaurabda 528
Hare Krishna! Welcome to the Introductory Issue of the IDVM Newsletter.
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In this Issue:
- Srila Prabhupada Speaks...
- Welcome Message from IDVM Minister
- IDVM Logo Designed and Released
- Sahayadri Varnasrama College Accepting Applications
- Cow Care Management Course Concludes in Sridham Mayapur
- GVIC Holds Meetings at ISKCON Tirupati
- Tamil "Adopt-a-Village" Brochures Launched
- "Tour de Farms": Nilachal Dham on the Radar
- Traditional Food - Millets
- Living Wisdom - Duties in Varnasrama
- Applying Varnasrama - Bulldozer vs. God-given Muscle Power
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Srila Prabhupada Speaks...
"Before coming to the standard of varnasrama-dharma there is no question of human civilization. Therefore, the Krishna consciousness movement is trying to establish this right system of human civilization, which is known as Krishna consciousness, or daiva-varnasrama-divine culture."
-- An excerpt from the book "Science of Self-Realization"; Pg.126, Chapter entitled "Krsna Consciousness: Hindu Cult or Divine Culture?"
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Welcome Message from IDVM Minister, HH RP Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaja
Om Sri Surabhyai namah! Om Sri Gurave namah! Gomaye vasate laksmi!
Make Vrindavana Villages was first conceived as a book title in the year 2007, the author's first publication. It was then produced as an IDVM Varnasrama Media Production (VMP) documentary in the year 2013 by Sriman Bharat Chandra das, then National Coordinator for IDVM-India. Now, in this year of 2014, the same title is appearing in yet another multi-media format, the IDVM-India Newsletter by the good efforts of Sriman Sri Rama das, Sriman Vamsuli das, Sriman Mahamantra das and their team of dedicated volunteers.
“Make Vrindavana” is an expression coined by Srila Prabhupada himself. He genuinely wanted us to not only convert our own environment as like Vrindavana, indeed he wanted to turn the entire world into the spiritual atmosphere of Cintamani Dham by focusing on the basic practices of cow protection, brahminical culture and self-realization, following in the footsteps of the residents of bhauma Vrindavana. The verse and purport to “go vipra sura sadhunam” (SB 8.24.5) wonderfully explains this point.
Our Goswamis of Vrindavana have listed 64 items of devotional service, out of which five are described as the most important angas or limbs of bhakti. Srila Krishnadas Kaviraja Goswami explains in his Sri Caitanya Caritamrta: 1) sadhu sanga, 2) nama kirtan, 3) bhagavat sravana, 4) Mathura vasa, and 5) sri murtira (CC Madhya 22.128), “One should associate with devotees, chant the holy name of the Lord, hear Srimad-Bhagavatam, reside at Mathura (Vrindavana) and worship the Deity with faith and veneration.” Srila Rupa Goswami considers these five items to be superior to all other items.
The theme Make Vrindavana Villages is the continued vision of Srila Prabhupada's essay on Gita Nagari wherein he urges us to live in a place following the teachings of Bhagavad-gita. This is the essence of the Vedic culture, the essence of the varnasrama culture: live as Krishna and the residents of Vraja lived 5000 years ago in the simple yet sublime atmosphere of Vrindavan Dham, depending on the land, the cows and Lord Krishna. We have yet to realize the 50% of Srila Prabhupada's mission, that of establishing varnasrama dharma. Modern day society is feverishly running after materialism through increased sophisticated technologies, complicated mechanization and global urbanization thus forgetting the real purpose of life. Vedic culture propounds the glories of simple technologies and spirituality through a predominantly localized agrarian lifestyle based on the principles of simple living and high thinking.
The ISKCON Daiva Varnasrama Ministry (IDVM) of India has been established for that purpose; to bring awareness to individuals and society at large on the urgent need to lead our lives based on the tenets of the eternal scientific teachings of the Vedic knowledge whose foundational instructions we find in the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
By bringing such awareness we hope to inspire more people to take up this simplified lifestyle. There is an urgent need to protect existing village communities in India and around the world; beginning with the protection of mother cow.There is a need to create new communities as well. We therefore hope to attract individuals who can join us in the many on-going and unfolding outreach programs of the Ministry. We very much want you to be part of this exciting 4th wave of Srila Prabhupada's mission. I pray that the IDVM Make Vrindavan Villages Newsletter can help us all make tangible steps towards fulfilling Srila Prabhupada's complete mission to spread the sacred mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu in every town and village.
Krsne matir astu.
RP Bhakti Raghava Swami
Minister, IDVM-India
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IDVM Logo Designed and Released
IDVM has just released its official logo, seen below. This logo is the product of two young and talented devotees, Shubh Raj prabhu and Manjunath prabhu, who labored long hours over several months. They were inspired to design this logo after discussing the matter with Rama Laksman prabhu, Director of IDVM Secretariat in Sridhama Mayapur. The logo content and design went through different phases over a period of many months, receiving suggestions for improvement from various members of IDVM as well as His Grace Bhaktarupa prabhu, a long standing well-wisher of the varnasrama mission.
An excerpt from the booklet describing the logo is given below. Find the full booklet in PDF form at IDVM Logo Booklet.
"COLORS
The logo has four prominent colors that convey specific meanings: saffron, white, green and golden.The color saffron represents dharma, the color found in three of the four asramas: brahmacari (student life), vanaprastha (retired life) and sannyasa (renounced life). All the varnas and asramas center on dharma. The color white represents pure milk from our mother, the Surabhi cow. The color green represents Vedic farming based on organic agriculture. These two colors, white and green, represent the economic foundation of the Vedic culture, the basis for a truly sustainable economy, as mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita 18.44, krsi (agriculture), go-raksya (cow protection) and vanijyam (trade based on these two). These colors, white and green are especially for the grihastha asrama since the principal occupation for householders is meant to be agriculture (SB-7.14, Summary). The golden color (inner circle) represents the golden avatara, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu who introduced the yuga-dharma for Kali Yuga, the chanting of the Hare Krsna maha-mantra. Saffron, white and green are also the three colors on the Indian flag. The land of Bharata-varsa, India, is meant to uphold the principles of religion by promoting the eternal religious principles called “sanatana-dharma” (saffron color), by promoting the protection of Mother Cow.
IDVM has just released its official logo, seen below. This logo is the product of two young and talented devotees, Shubh Raj prabhu and Manjunath prabhu, who labored long hours over several months. They were inspired to design this logo after discussing the matter with Rama Laksman prabhu, Director of IDVM Secretariat in Sridhama Mayapur. The logo content and design went through different phases over a period of many months, receiving suggestions for improvement from various members of IDVM as well as His Grace Bhaktarupa prabhu, a long standing well-wisher of the varnasrama mission.
An excerpt from the booklet describing the logo is given below. Find the full booklet in PDF form at IDVM Logo Booklet.
"COLORS
The logo has four prominent colors that convey specific meanings: saffron, white, green and golden.The color saffron represents dharma, the color found in three of the four asramas: brahmacari (student life), vanaprastha (retired life) and sannyasa (renounced life). All the varnas and asramas center on dharma. The color white represents pure milk from our mother, the Surabhi cow. The color green represents Vedic farming based on organic agriculture. These two colors, white and green, represent the economic foundation of the Vedic culture, the basis for a truly sustainable economy, as mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita 18.44, krsi (agriculture), go-raksya (cow protection) and vanijyam (trade based on these two). These colors, white and green are especially for the grihastha asrama since the principal occupation for householders is meant to be agriculture (SB-7.14, Summary). The golden color (inner circle) represents the golden avatara, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu who introduced the yuga-dharma for Kali Yuga, the chanting of the Hare Krsna maha-mantra. Saffron, white and green are also the three colors on the Indian flag. The land of Bharata-varsa, India, is meant to uphold the principles of religion by promoting the eternal religious principles called “sanatana-dharma” (saffron color), by promoting the protection of Mother Cow.
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Sahayadri Varnasrama College Accepting Applications
The Sahyadri Varnasrama College (SVC) is now accepting applications for its one-month course to be given from January 1 to 31, 2015 on the campus of Sahyadri Sri Krishna Balarama Ksetra (SSKBK) located near the small town of Hebri in the district of Udupi, South Karnataka. Registration is limited to 10 students and should be completed by November 31, 2014.
For more information on courses and other Faculty members, please contact
Sriman Raya Ramananda das at Raya.Ramananda.BRS@pamho.net
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"Cow Care Management" Course Concludes in Sridham Mayapur
ISKCON Daiva Varnasrama Ministry organized a course on “Cow Care Management” in association with the Mayapur Institute at Sridham Mayapur. Twenty devotees registered for the course. Read more at Cow Care Management Course.
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GVIC Meetings at ISKCON Tirupati: October 14-18, 2014
Representatives of the Global Village Initiative Committee (GVIC) from three continents (Asia, Europe and North America) met at the ISKCON Tirupati temple along with members of various global committees from October 14th to 18th to share insights and prepare strategies to further the purpose of the committee. The Strategic Planning Team (SPT), in conjunction with the GBC body, has been organizing these exchanges over the last 8 years.
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Tamil "Adopt-a-Village" Brochures Launched
HH RP Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaja recently released the Tamil version of brochures for the "Adopt-a-Village" project of the India Daiva Varnasrama Ministry. Below, we see a Copy of the Telugu brochure being given to Venkata Ramana of the Palle Govindam program of SVBC (Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel) under the TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam).
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"Tour de Farms": Report on Rural ISKCON Farms
HG Rama Lakshman prabhu, Director of IDVM Secretariat located in Sri Mayapur Dham, and HG Arjuna Krsna prabhu, Co-Director of IDVM Department of Education, undertook an extensive tour to various ISKCON rural projects in India. Their travels took them to Nilachal Dham, a new project under the leadership of ISKCON Juhu in Maharashtra, Nandagram Farm in Gujarat, Pathmeda on the border of Rajasthan and Gujarat, Panchavati in Tamil Nadu (close to Salem), Venu Madhuri farm in Maharashtra, Govardhan Eco Village in Maharashtra, a project run under the ISKCON Chowpatty temple, and to Gokula Dham near Belgaum in Northern Karnataka.
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| Vegetables Grown at Nilachal Dham Project, Talasari, Maharashtra |
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Traditional Foods: Millets
Millets have a history of more than 5000 years, over which they were widely grown and consumed in Asia and Africa. There are many varieties of millets which are grown all over the world--the most known varieties in India are Barley (Hordeum vulgare), Jowar (Sorghum vulgare), Jowar (Sorghum vulgare)etc. Millets can be grown in semi wet to dry lands and the crop easily thrives in excess heat. Millets have excellent nutritional value consisting of high protein, vitamins and fibre when compared with rice and wheat. Millets are farmer friendly crops and does not require much care and requires very low inputs. Organic manure like Jeevanamrutha (a mixture of cow dung, cow urine, jiggery etc) and low pest control is enough to grow millets. In comparison to rice which requires around 2500 litres of water per kilo, millets are totally rain-fed (average rainfall is enough).
Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
It contains eight essential amino acids. Barley is a great
source of magnesium, potassium, selenium, phosphorous. People wanting to lose
weight need to incorporate this millet in at least one of their main meals. It
is beneficial for diabetics, people with high cholesterol and high blood
pressure. Barley contains high amounts of beta-glucan, which is a form of
soluble fibre. Eating barley can regulate blood sugars for up to 10 hours after
consumption as compared to wheat.
Jowar (Sorghum vulgare)
It is a very good source of proteins. It contains essential
nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium, and phosphorous. It contains good
amounts of B-vitamins like thiamine and riboflavin. Sorghum is rich in
phytochemicals including tannins, phenolic acids and anthocyanins. Studies have
shown that sorghum can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer in humans.
The phytochemical levels are so high in this millet that they have shown
potential usefulness in reducing obesity as well. Sorghum is also known to be
heart healthy. Jowar rotis are commonly eaten in India. Jowar flour can be
mixed with other flours to make multi grain flour. The flour can also be used
to make pancakes, chappatis, chips and porridge.
Bajra (Pennisetum glaucum)
It is high in protein as compared to other cereals. It
contains all essential amino acids and is particularly high in lysine,
methionine, and cysteine. It is rich in folate, potassium, magnesium, copper,
zinc and vitamin E and B-complex. It is rich in calcium and iron too. Bajra
helps maintain cardiovascular health and helps reduce acidity problems.Pearl
millet is consumed in the form of chappatis, bhakris (eaten in Indian states
like Gujrat, Maharashtra) porridges, boiled or steamed food. It can be mixed
with other flours to be eaten in the form of a fibre rich multigrain chappatis.
Ragi (Eleusine coracana)
Ragi has a high content of protein. It is an extremely good
source of iron and calcium. Ragi flour can be used to make flat breads,
chappatis, dosas, idlis. Ragi grains are malted and the grains are ground. The
ground flour is then mixed with milk, boiled water or yoghurt and consumed.
Ragi bhakri, and ambli (a sour porridge) are popular foods in Goa and
Maharashtra. Because of its high nutritional content ragi flour is recommended
as a weaning food especially in the southern parts of India. The Ragi based
foods are highly suited for expectant mothers and elderly due to their high
calcium and iron content.
Rajgira (Amaranth seeds)
Rajgira is a very
good source of protein containing 15 to 17 percent protein by weight. It is a
good source of essential amino acids, especially lysine which is present in
higher levels as compared to other cereals.It has more than 20 percent of the
recommended daily amount of calcium, iron and magnesium. It is rich in
tocotrienols and phytosterols, the two phytochemicals known to help reduce
cholesterol. This millet is also a good source of potassium, phosphorus,
vitamin A and vitamin C. In our fast paced lives, where we need maximum fitness
but really don’t have time to try innovative health recipes, the best and the
easiest way to derive maximum benefit is by combining various millet flour with
the standard wheat-soya flour mix to get the healthiest of the foods. Refining
whole wheat flour leaches out various nutrients and hence mixing other millet
and pulse flours makes them wholesome. It is also a long term precautionary
measure for obesity and lifestyle related health conditions.
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Living Wisdom: Duties in Varnasrama Dharma
In a society, the qualities and activities of a conditioned souls are of various kinds. The qualities of a conditioned person are based on the influence of three modes on him. Since qualities are different of each one, activities can be different. Every one needs food to maintain body, place to sleep, protection from attacks and education to realize the god. A single individual cannot accomplish all of above necessities. So he needs the cooperation from others. That’s why human being is a social animal (sanga-jeevi). Since people are living together, their cooperation also should be planned and organized. So merciful lord Krishna has given wonderful plan to organize the society. He divided society into four categories broadly. One group will produce the food(vaisya). One will give the protection (kshatriya) and another will lead to reach the higher consciousness (Brahman). One more will assist above three categories (sudra). This categorization is done by the god based on quality (influence of three modes of material nature) and activity.
catur varnyam maya srstam guna karma vibhagasam
tasya kartaram api mam viddhy akartaram avyayam (B.G 4-13).
The life phase of human being is divided into divisions. Those are educational period (Brahmacari), married life (gruhasta), preparation to retire from married life (vanaprasta) and complete retirement from family life (sannyasa). Some may think the structured and organized social life (varnasrama dharma) is meant for fulfillment of bodily necessities. But this consciousness is not ultimate. The goal of varnasrama dharma is meant for satisfying the Supreme lord Visnu.
varnasrama caravata purushena parah puman visnur aradhyate pantha nanyat tat tosa karanam (Visnu Purana 3.8.9)
The characteristic of varnasrama dharma should be devotion to the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. In a eleventh canto of Srimad Bhagavatam Uddhava mentions as follows,
yas tvayabhihitah purvam dharmas tvad-bhakti-lakshanah
varnasrama acaravatam sarvesam dvi-padam api (S.B 11.17.1)
This nature is multiple combinations of three modes known as goodness (sattva guna), passion (rajo guna), and ignorance (tamo guna). The qualities of human beings are also based on the various proportion of these three gunas. The mode of goodness is the cause for righteous religion (dharma) and passion and ignorance are the cause of irreligion (adharma). So by cultivating the mode of goodness in the people, this kind of behavior should be killed. On top of this this religion should be with characteristic of devotion in Sri Krishna. The increment of goodness can be done in the people by following the sattvic duties, i.e varnasrama duties, since these things are given by the lord himself as explained in 17th and 18th chapters of eleventh canto S.B.
sattvad dharmo bhaved vriddhat pumso mad-bhakti-laksanah
sattvikopasaya sattvam tato dharma pravartate (S.B. 11.13.2)
So now we have four categories based on qualities and activities(i.e varnas). There are another four categories based on life phase (i.e four asramas). So we have the different combinations of above two classifications. We shall discuss the duties of various combinations in the upcoming issues.
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Applying Varnasrama Practices: Bulldozer vs. God-given Muscle Power
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