Archive for May, 2007
Thursday, May 31st, 2007
Urban Agriculture and Green Roofs
Posted at Food for Thought
I am currently in the midst of creating an online documentary about a group called the Urban Orchard, a community-based urban agriculture project in Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs.
The Urban Orchard was initially formed to allow people with backyard fruit trees to get together with others in their local area and swap surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste. So someone with a plum tree, for example, could swap their excess plums for some other fruit that they didn’t have – apricots, say, or lemons or figs. Quickly, though, the project expanded to include vegetables, herbs, seeds and plants, and even home-made jams. Members now meet once a week at the CERES market in Brunswick East, where they swap produce, as well as gardening advice, recipes and general neighbourly chit-chat.
As well as the simple pleasures of being able to grow and share one’s own food, the program has a myriad of beneficial outcomes: it reduces food miles and environmental impacts associated with food production and transportation; it supports biodiversity through seed saving and sharing; it encourages the consumption of healthy, seasonal produce; and it strengthens local community networks.
It has been a fascinating process to visit and interview members of the group. Their gardens range from the modest to the awe inspiring - it’s amazing to see how productive a small urban backyard can actually be.
But it is inevitable that as cities grow, the space for gardening will shrink. Like most Australian cities, Melbourne’s long-term urban planning vision involves increased subdivision and the development of higher density housing in existing suburbs, to counter the negative environmental and social impacts of urban sprawl.
Will this trend towards increased densification reduce the ability to produce food in the city? Take a look at the satellite-view of Melbourne on Google Maps and you’ll soon see a vast under-utilised area that could be turned into productive green space – the city’s rooftops.
Check out the Green Roofs for Healthy Australian Cities blog to learn more about green roofs and urban rooftop ‘micro-farming’. The benefits and possibilities seem endless, and extend far beyond urban agriculture:
“Green roofs can provide a wide range of public and private benefits, including significantly reduced fossil energy use, reduced peak runoff of roofwater, aesthetically pleasing cityscapes, longer roof life, and reduce ‘heat island effects’ of cities.â€
- Green Roofs for Healthy Australian Cities
There is some innovative research and development in this area going on in Queensland at the moment, including a CQU study looking at the production of ‘roof-food’ using urban organic waste. Read about it at the Urban Agriculture Network blog.
Also, have a look at this post on Dwellblog for some awesome photos of green roofs in the US and Europe. And more inspiring pics here, at Urban Agriculture online.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by AR
Thursday, May 31st, 2007
The Vraja Vasis are the Real Preachers
Among all persons on earth, these cowherd women alone have actually perfected their embodied lives, for they have achieved the perfection of unalloyed love for Lord Govinda. Their pure love is hankered after by those who fear material existence, by great sages, and by ourselves as well. For one who has tasted the narrations of the infinite Lord, what is the use of taking birth as a high-class brahmana, or even as Lord Brahma himself?
How amazing it is that these simple women who wander about the forest, seemingly spoiled by improper behavior, have achieved the perfection of unalloyed love for Krishna, the Supreme Soul! Still, it is true that the Supreme Lord Himself awards His blessings even to an ignorant worshiper, just as the best medicine works even when taken by a person ignorant of its ingredients.
When Lord Sri Krishna was dancing with the gopis in the rasa-lila, the gopis were embraced by the arms of the Lord. This transcendental favor was never bestowed upon the goddess of fortune or other consorts in the spiritual world. Indeed, never was such a thing even imagined by the most beautiful girls in the heavenly planets, whose bodily luster and aroma resemble the lotus flower. And what to speak of worldly women who are very beautiful according to material estimation?
asam aho carana-renu-jusam aham syam
vrndavane kim api gulam-latausadhinam
ya dustyajam sva-janam arya-patham ca hitva
bhejur mukunda-padavim srutibhir vimrgyam
The gopis of Vrindavana have given up the association of their husbands, sons and other family members, who are very difficult to give up, and they have forsaken the path of chastity to take shelter of the lotus feet of Mukunda, Krishna, which one should search for by Vedic knowledge. Oh, let me be fortunate enough to be one of the bushes, creepers or herbs in Vrindavana, because the gopis trample them and bless them with the dust of their lotus feet.
The goddess of fortune herself, along with Lord Brahma and all the other demigods, who are masters of yogic perfection, can worship the lotus feet of krishna only within her mind. But during the räsa dance Lord Krishna placed His feet upon these gopis’ breasts, and by embracing those feet the gopis gave up all distress.
vande nanda-vraja-strinam
pada-renum abhiksnatah
yasam hari-kathodgitam
punati bhuvana-trayam
I repeatedly offer my respects to the dust from the feet of the women of Nanda Maharaja’s cowherd village. When these gopis loudly chant the glories of Sri Krishna, the vibration purifies the three worlds.
Srimad Bhagavatam 10.47.58-63 Uddhava’s prayers in glorification of the gopis
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Gauranga Kishore Das
Thursday, May 31st, 2007
Milk: It Is Not All One
“Cows constitute the stay of all creatures. Cows are the refuge of all creatures. Cows are the embodiment of merit. Cows are sacred and blessed and are sanctifiers of all. One should never, in even one’s heart, do an injury to cows. One should, indeed, always confer happiness on them.”
The above and following excerpts are […]
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Madhava Gosh
Thursday, May 31st, 2007
Volunteers Needed For GBC Meeting
Dear Devotees,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
As you may know, the International Governing Body of ISKCON will be meeting in New Vrindaban from June 3-7. We are hosting this meeting after twenty-one years and hope to provide the GBCs with a pleasant and memorable stay.
In order to do so, we […]
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by mg
Wednesday, May 30th, 2007
From Hell to Heaven to the Spiritual World
Finally it was time to depart New York, none of us were sad too leave this hellish place. I can’t say that I will miss smells, sights, or sounds of New York City. But i will miss the association of the devotees there, it was sad to part company with so many wonderful devotees, but duty calls, soon New Vrindaban will be hosting the international GBC meetings so that means it is time to hurry back and get prepared.
Tara Prabhu being the wonderful example of vaishnava seva that he is arranged to pick us up in a limousine. It was not so difficult for him, as part of his job he has access to one, he works as a servant for one of the richest people in the world, but really he loves to serve vaishnavas. Wed parked our car at his house in New Jersey and then he drove us into the city and he came to pick us up as well. We spent the night at his house, and of course were fed extravagantly at every meal. The next morning as we were preparing to leave I saw that he had perfectly cleaned every inch of the car, He washed and waxed the exterior, he buffed and shinned every inch of the interior of the car, he vaccumed the rugs, fixed the broken knob on the glove compartment, it was truly a beautiful act of love and devotion. He not only filled up the gas tank but also left a donation in the ashtray. They fed us sumptuously for breakfast and they packed us lunch for the road. There was nothing more they could have possibly done to serve us. This is real culture.
This is the same person who sponsored Balaramachandra prabhu’s entire trip to India as well as bringing back from India new slippers, flutes, jewelery and more for the deities here in New Vrindaban, and he also regularly supports our college and rainbow preaching, and he donated us the car that we have been using for the last year and half or two. He is the most generous person that I’ve met. He just loves to give. I really feel blessed to know such a humble, sincere, and generous person.
In the morning before we embarked on our 7+ hour ride home I thought I would try to get a little exercise and went for a japa walk around the neighborhood. I never thought that I would appreciate the suburbs of New Jersey so much. It was so clean and quiet and the people were so friendly, everyone who I passed waved and said hello. It was like a heavenly planet compared to New York City.
After a little kirtan and breakfast we were all packed up and on our way, Soon to be back in the spiritual world. The suburbs were nice but they can’t compare with the spiritual realm of New Vrindaban full of beautiful desire trees, desire cows, and the supremely merciful desire tree like devotees of the Lord. Even the most pleasant place in the material world devoid of the association of devotees is like hell.
It was wonderful to be back in New Vrindaban, nowhere in the material world, heaven or hell has any appeal to the devotees of the Lord.
By the time we arrived home it was six ‘o clock and we had a seven o’ clock program to attend so we quickly went for darshan. That first darshan after being away for so long is always wonderful. Then we went up stairs to get ready for a very special program, it was Govinda’s sixth birthday. I was excited, he is my best friend in New Vrindaban, and it was also going to be my first time going to see Gopijana Vallabha and Nrsimha Deva since I left them in the care of Harinam and Govinda. They looked very happy to be served so nicely. We did kirtan, and then had wonderful prasadam, and did some vaishnava seva by entertaining Govinda. Since he turned six he is now chanting two rounds a day, every year he will increase by one round until he reaches sixteen. At least that’s the plan.
Eventually we made it home and crashed out, after all the hectic travelling it was tough to get back on a regular morning program schedule but somehow I made it up and through the entire morning program, and the reward was Malati Prabhu’s wonderful bhagavatam class.
Afterwards it was off to see my old friends Keshava and Madhava, as well as meet my new friends, the five new Jersey cows that came while we were gone.
All in all it is wonderful to be and looking forward to having the opportunity to be able to serve all the great personalities who will soon be here for the GBC meetings.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Gauranga Kishore Das
Wednesday, May 30th, 2007
From Hell to Heaven to the Spiritual World (pictures)
The flower airplane that came to take out of hellish planet known as New York City.
Chaitanya’s all business, he was the only one who didn’t look out of place in the limo.
Our beat up old civic looked brand new after Tara was done with it.
Our wonderful hosts, Tara Rajput Prabhu and his wife Pallavi, preparing breakfast for us.
Govinda hiding in the other room while we do kirtan, he was too excited to chant, all he wanted to do was play, but he does know how to play mrdanga and chant very nicely.
We know what boys like so we got Govinda a little present, two nerf guns. Actually I just wanted to play with them so I bought them for Govinda so that when I come over I can play with them.
Govinda doing his best to look cute, he doesn’t have to try too hard.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Gauranga Kishore Das
Wednesday, May 30th, 2007
From Heaven to Hell to the Spiritual World (more pictures)
Home sweet home, at last.
A beautiful kunja in New Vrindaban. Jaya Radha Madhava Jaya Kunjabihari.
They grow up so fast.
Our newest additions to the herd. 
Jersey cows are so cute.
I was worried they might be a little skittish but I was pleasantly surprised when all walked right up to me.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Gauranga Kishore Das
Wednesday, May 30th, 2007
Transplant Anniversary Day
It’s official — I am a one year liver transplant survivor. One year ago today I was strapped to a table being gutted. My factory original liver was being replaced by 65% of my son’s.
I had just had an esophageal varices bleed, a 40-50% chance of mortality, according to our local boy now interning […]
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Madhava Gosh
Wednesday, May 30th, 2007
John Tallmadge on Writing as a Window into Nature
   “Thoreau was a self-taught naturalist and writer . . . and he had learned how to use both his learning and his imagination to uncover the hidden life of places. For him writing was a form of discovery . . . and like him we can learn to use writing as a window into […]
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Ms. Rural
Wednesday, May 30th, 2007
THE 2007 FOI -A Photo Essay Final Installment
Our final installment, as we gaze lovingly upon the devotees who gave their all in the transcendental loving service of the Lord….
ACTS OF DEVOTION
The Lodge Snack Bar is the place to see and be seen. Our beloved Atmarama Prabhu is here demonstrating the fine and careful art form of preparing unique and family-friendly […]
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by bc
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007
Sleeping soul sisters.
I just got back from a transcendental weekend road trip. Unexpectedly, after finishing a batch of speculation sweet potato kicheree for breakfast, I was rescued in time to miss Memorial Day weekend madness and thrown into Malati Prabhuji’s van last Friday. Our first destination was Towacco, New Jersey. Ahhh Jersey. I am astounded by any good you have to offer and yet I seem to be surrounded by your byproducts wherever I go. Traveling with Malati Prabhuji is a unique experience. Two things are guaranteed. Passengers never experience a moment of hunger and passengers never experience a moment of hunger. Transcendental smarties and caramel chews lofted liberally to the back seat…I find it simultaneously hilarious that originally my intention was to move to the temple so that I could renounce, and, slightly sickened by the opposite extreme that seems to have presented itself. But, whatever, different strokes for different folks. The only truly important thing to recognize is that we are all sleepy, conditioned souls in temporary, human bodies.
After an early darshan and bhajan with Sri Sri Sita Rama, Laxman and Hanuman, the blue chariot headed north to Brooklyn and arrived just in time for the ceremony on Saturday evening. The assembled devotees were more brilliant than ever. The initiations were profoundly moving and inspiring. I have to admit, however, that after everything, I was most fascinated by my newly found detachment to the ever attractive lure of NYC. Upon departure, I didn’t feel a single tinge of hankering or lamentation. My stays in the past have always revolved around a show, an exhibition, a culinary rendezvous, a vinyl mission, etc. NYC has for many years been a utopian abode of curiosity and unlimited potential. A piece of my heart has always hankered to live in a funky Brooklyn neighborhood, surround myself with a tight crew, open up a small vegan soup and sandwich joint, make big rooftop community gardens, and play ball in the streets. I guess for now, the company of cows and devotees is all I’m hankering for.
Which brings me to the best part of the trip. Gita Nagari Dhama ki jaya! Gita Nagari, located in Port Royal, PA, is my home. I feel alive and compelled to serve enthusiastically without inhibition whenever I visit. Bhakti Tirtha Maharaj disciples feel like my true brothers and sisters, so it’s like a big reunion from lifetimes ago whenever I go there. The Thursday after the Festival of Inspiration, Mother Salini gave birth to lady Premunjana, pictured above. Both are doing well and in good spirits.
Mother Kaulini is my inspiration. She has lived at Gita Nagari for over 30 years. She milks the cows day and night, dresses the deities, cooks for the devotees, cleans the temple, organizes the accounts and serves as temple president. It is imperative I spent more time in the company of this saintly soul. My desire is to be her right hand milker.
The nice folks opened up a great little dinner down the hill from the farm. Complete with Kraft macaroni & cheese and soft serve ice cream, this joint distributes the goodness. These kids are really living the dream. Of course it’s all prasadam and lovingly served with big ol’ compassionate Vaisnava smiles.
Soul sista’ Deva Deva is one of my favorite residents in the greater Gita Nagari community. The first time I ever visited, she invited me over for popcorn and tea at her new home, an old refurbished 19th century stone house. We were friends instantly. This weekend I crashed at her place and decided to walk to the temple the next morning rather than drive. What should have been a half hour walk turned into two and a half hours and I still never made it. The adventure was a blessings, however, and only reconfirmed in my heart the love I feel for this area. John & Joan Fry, an old covered bridge, and Dame’s rocket bouquets were the high lites of my stroll.
At present count, Gita Nagari’s cow protection program gives shelter to 16 cows and oxen. Two mothers are milked daily by hand. Mother Kaulini told me a story about one cow they cared for named Vishaka who gave birth to one calf and continued to give milk for 14 consecutive years! At one point she was sent to a hospital for eye surgery and the veterinarian took Mother Kaulini aside and explained that in his 20 years of practice, he’s never met such a trusting animal. She replied, “Well that’s because she knows we will never kill her.” The vet was moved to tears.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by strictlymedicinal
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007
Water, Water Everywhere…
By Bhakta Chris, Life Comes From Life
Last Tuesday night, at a jam-packed program at the Astanga Yoga Studio and Sri Ganesh Temple in Manhattan, His Holiness Radhanath Swami spoke about the need to clean the pollution from the ecology of our hearts,so that we will be able to clean the pollution from the ecology of our surrounding natural environment.
Maharaja gave a startling, personal example, in which he related that during a recent visit to the Himalayan Mountains, the same mountains he had wandered through thirty-five years ago in search of the Truth, he noticed that the formerly pure-white snow-capped peaks had become stained gray and black from the immense air pollution spewing from India’s major cities.
He then related a very sobering bit of news he had heard from one of his scientist associates, in which because of this pollution and its resultant climatic alterations, there is every chance that two of India’s biggest and most sacred rivers, the Ganges and the Yamuna, may dry up by 2050.
The fact is that the body of this planet and our own physical and emotional bodies are on the verge of chaotic collapse. Who can chant Hare Krsna in the streets of Manhattan when the streets of Manhattan have been swallowed up by the Atlantic Ocean?
My first reaction, being a prideful rascal, was one of dare I say pleasure to hear one of the most spiritual personalities alive on this planet using the plight of our earthly environment to forcibly get across his point of the drastic need for a immediate re-spiritualization of the planet.
As I try to become more absorbed on this path of devotion to Krsna, to rid myself of my lusty attachment to all that is material, I cannot shake the plain truth that unless we as devotees move more towards the forefront of the worldwide movement for sustainability, we will be losing a grand portion of our ability to spread the rays of the benediction moon that is this sankirtana movement.
What must we do within our institution of ISKCON to make these environmental issues a priority in our outreach? What can we do as individual devotees and as individual temples to help make these issues a priority? At New Vrindaban, even though we live in a vegetarian community and are trying to systematically protect a number of cows, we struggle to convince the majority of the community to not use wasteful styrofoam, and previous composting and recycling programs have been lost in a haze of inefficiency and indifference. It is a very uphill battle.
Radhanath Swami said that the waters of the Ganges are always completely pure, but when mixed with polluted elements, the waters appear to be unclean. We must remember that the Ganga water, like the nature of the soul, is never contaminated.
Like the filtering of this water, we must begin by filtering out all polluted elements within our selves so that we can face the challenges of this world with positive, forward-thinking consciousness. True action begins within ourselves, but we must begin now, and move quickly, because it may already be too late.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by AR
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007
Seeing New Vrindaban
by Kaviraja Goswami dasa (from the June 1981 Issue of the Brijabasi Spirit)
       As I walked along, I tried to understand how the woods surrounding me were actually non-different from the forests in which Lord Krishna exhibited His childhood pastimes. I remembered reading in one of Srila Prabhupada’s purports that New Vrindaban, Gokula Vrindaban, and […]
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by jm
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007
Reading the Landscape, after Barry Lopez
pond
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by Ms. Rural
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007
Local Wildlife
chipmunk
deer
“It is remarkable how many creatures live wild and free
though secret in the woods . . .”
—Henry David Thoreau, Walden