Samadhi Now

[Guest guest]

Srila Prabhupada Samadhi Mandir, Vrndavana

 

November, 2002

 

Dear Maharajas and Prabhus,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila

Prabhupada.

This year marks 25 years in separation from Srila Prabhupada . Time

has taken its toll on the Samadhi itself and thus time calls all of us who

have been touched by Srila Prabhupada.

 

So far:

We are installing netting to solve the pigeon problem, have begun

repair on the all-pervasive termite damage, fixed the leaks from the

gurukula bathrooms and the roof on the Museum side, and have spent time

trying to mouse-proof the altar and it seems successful.

 

There is urgent work that needs to be done NOW:

1. Termite damage repair is urgently required inside the altar cupboards and

especially for the wooden supports holding up the dome hanging right over

Prabhupada's head–@ $3,000

2. Marble fixtures, ornaments and slabs are showing signs of loosening and

falling out–@ $5000

3. Fans need to be hung in the Samadhi and Museum–@ $1600

4. Two walls inside of the Samadhi altar room must be finished with black

granite–@ $1000

5. The Museum walls damaged by water leaks must be repaired and painted–@

$500

6. English and Hindi captions are still needed in most of the Museum

exhibits–@ $200

7. Diorama displays damaged by rats and termites must be renovated–@ $1500

8. Many of the photos damaged by water leaks must be replaced--@ $2000

9. The large paintings behind the altar must be replaced by bronze bas

relief–@ $10,000 each

(10. Yearly maintenance and puja--$10,000, covered by incoming funds.)

 

INCOME

1. The Vrndavana Samadhi Maintenance Fund $20,000 fixed deposit (many thanks

to major donors H.H.Giriraj Swami, Parthasarathi dasa of Spain, Chandi dasi

and others) – now yields 10% interest, or about $4,000 for some of it's

operating costs, like pujas and cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. 55 devotees

are now donating $108/year to increase this fixed deposit by $6,000/year.

These donations perpetually serve Srila Prabhupada with the interest. This

is a wonderful program.

2. The Hundi donations--generally $5,000/year.

This $5,000+$4,000 FD interest give us $9,000--barely the annual

minimum costs.

 

INCOME NEEDED

1. To do the above work we need $30,000 now.

2. Our goal is to establish a fixed deposit of $200,000 for an average

interest yield of $20,000 per year. Samadhi structure is aging (as yet

undetermined yearly costs). This will cover inevitable costs and give an

increased cushion for future surprises.

 

 

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Srila Prabhupada's Vrndavana Samadhi Maintenance Fund needs you now.

All participation is welcome. Please choose a convenient method for your

personal service to Prabhupada's Samadhi Mandir:

1. Annual commitments to the Fixed Deposit presently vary from $108, $501

to $1,001.

2. One-time donations are really needed for the Fixed Deposit to reach the

goal:

A. $1,000 (50 donors are needed in this category)

B. $5,000 (20 donors are needed in this category)

C. $10,000 (7 donors are needed in this category)

3. Substantial donations to any of the above on-going projects.

 

Names of our lifetime donors as well as the one time donors will be

inscribed high above the wall in back of the altar. We will reciprocate

with you by keeping you informed of our activities and will be organizing

special gifts for your special photos albums.

 

HOW TO HELP

Whether you wish to give to the Vrndavana Samadhi Fixed Deposit, or

to some specific project of the Samadhi, contact me please

(parvati.acbsp (AT) pamho (DOT) net) here in Vrndavana. I will let you know the

easiest and least complicated way to send your donation, and will be very

happy to answer any other questions you may have. There is probably one of

our reliable representatives near you who can carry your generous donations

directly to Vrndavana.

International money orders (NO personal checks, please), bank drafts

of foreign money (made out to ISKCON, account # 321, SBI, Pratap Bazaar,

Vrndavana, U.P.) or Travelers Checks and cash sent by hand reach here more

reliably than something sent through the mail. Drafts in rupees may be made

out to ISKCON ac/#208, ISKCON Ext. Counter, Vrndavana. Even Western Union

has agents in Vrndavana! However you do it, communicate it to me so I know

to look for it in case of technical delays.

To insure appropriate handling, address your envelope to Samadhi

Maintenance Fund, attention Parvati devi dasi WITH A COVERING LETTER

(stating your name, address and the purpose of the donation, so proper

documentation can be made and receipts can be sent).

 

I thank all of you for helping me to serve the Samadhi better and beg to

remain your servant,

 

 

Parvati devi dasi, Samadhi Office

 

P.S. Kindly post a copy of this on your temple notice board.