Observations on Mayapur & Vrndavan goshallas.

[Guest guest]

> Dandavad. Prabhupada kijaya!

>

> I am not part of the management in Mayapur, but I try to voice my concerns

> about the cows and thus I've learned a few things. ON the whole I fully

> agree with the spirit of your report. However, some facts may need to be

> clarified:

>

 

Dear Pancaratna Prabhu, Maharajs and Prabhus.

 

Please accept my obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

 

I met with Shyamasundara Prabhu, the author of this report when he passed

through Delhi. We had some long talks about establishing cow protection as

Srila Prabhupada envisaged, and we met also with Dhiraj Narayan, one of the

planners who has helped to design the Sri Mayapur Township.

 

It does seem that Shyamasundara prabhu has some serious points, which may

well have some consequences for the current management in Mayapur, and the

future planning of the town.

 

I have spoken with Abhirama prabhu, and he hopes to meet with Shyamasundara

prabhu in London in a few weeks time. (I will also be in London, so I will

help to set this meeting up).

 

Your Servant

 

Bhagavat Dharma das

[Guest guest]

I was part of the cleanup for the cow program in NV after Bhaktipada went off

the deep end and starting seeing cows as objects and not as individuals. It

was

a very stark and tough time, with lots of heartaches, but eventually we saw

our way through, and today it isn't too bad, although there is a long way to

go yet. So you have my prayers and well wishes.

 

Establishing Trust funds should be an intregal part of any solution. My

prediction is that as the cows are well cared for, the whole project will

prosper. Some storms may need to be weathered, but hang in there.

 

Land is an issue, but if the project actually thrives, prices will only go

higher so more land sooner, even if necessary to go some distance away,

should

be a priority.

 

When growing up in North Dakota on a farm, we routinuely farmed parcels of

land

10 miles or more separated. Of course, we were mechanised, but the thought

of

having a retirement home, or heifer and oxen raising facility at some distance

away might be a necessary evil.

 

COM: Pancaratna (das) ACBSP (Mayapur - IN) wrote:

 

> [Text 2145270 from COM]

>

> Dandavad. Prabhupada kijaya!

>

> I am not part of the management in Mayapur, but I try to voice my concerns

> about the cows and thus I've learned a few things. ON the whole I fully

> agree with the spirit of your report. However, some facts may need to be

> clarified:

>

> > The answers to these questions is unpalatable. It points at a management

> > system that has systematically sent cows and bulls away for perhaps

> > decades. Perhaps every year for the past 10-15 years 50 cows from Vrndavan

> > and 40 cows from Mayapur have been sold or donated to local farmers and

> > families. The problem I fear is that this management system cannot

> > guarantee a full life for the cows and bulls. My thoughts are that a

> > significant number of these `protected animals' have been slaughtered. One

> > major problem is that nobody can trace all these animals and confirm or

> > deny the worst.

>

> Many of us have argued against this policy and to my knowledge it has

> stopped, finally.

>

> > Mayapur Goshalla is breeding about 30--40 cows each year. They should then

> > have around 540-720 animals (based on an 18 year lifespan). They have 145.

>

> The present population is not all from breeding. Many cows were donated to

> the goshalla. Wouldn't this influence your calculations?

>

> > Why has there not been hundreds of acres of land purchased for the welfare

> > of the cows and bulls in both Mayapur and Vrndavana. Mayapur should have

> > no less than 700 acres of land just for grazing, what to speak of

> > agricultural land to engage the oxen.

>

> The big obstacle is land cost. In the areas adjoining us, the land price has

> shot up to $6000 per acre and is no less than $3000 per acre some distance

> away. 700 acres of land would cost at least $2 million.

>

> Obviously alternatives need to be examined. This is one area which I am

> trying to help.

>

> My service is to direct an organization called Sri Mayapur Vikas Sangha,

> which is an autonomous, "secular", NGO (non-governmental organization)

> dedicated to sustainable development in the region of Mayapur.

>

> We are currently making studies of the animal husbandry in the area to

> provide a basis for a project to try to implement a cow protection program

> based on current village dairy activity. One aim is to guarantee a supply of

> milk from protected cows to the future Mayapur township. Another is to

> create improved systems for using the bulls for various purposes. Part of

> this effort is to restore indigenous breeds which are better suited for cow

> protection than the cross breeds.

>

> Unfortunately, I have little time to report everything we are doing, but I

> hope to keep you in touch with our progress.

>

> Your servant,

> Pancaratna das

[Guest guest]

These are very serious charges which -- if they are true -- point to

fundamental

problems of mismanagement which are certain to have grave consequences if they

are not corrected and proper public atonement is not made for the offenses

already committed.

 

This seems to warrent the establishment of an outside investigation team, as

outlined in the Minimum Cow Protection Standards presented by the Ministry of

Cow Protection and Agriculture.

 

Who is the GBC for Mayapura? Who is the GBC for Vrndavana?

 

your servant,

 

Hare Krsna dasi

[Guest guest]

<Mahaman is it true that our Cows are being slaughtered?

<Please let me have some feedback in this issue.

 

<yspda

 

-------------

Dear Prithu Prabhu,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupad.

I is not true that our cows are being slaughtered!!!! We have learnt

at least that much by being in this movement!!!

Since I assumed presidentship of Vrindavan 10 bulls were sent to

ISKCON's farm in Chandrapur, where they are engaged in farm work. However,

in 1997 the management of the Goshala was transferred to H.H. B.B. Govinda

Swami, who appointed Ganapati Prabhu to manage the Goshala. So, 50 cows and

bulls were transferred during -97-98 to a wellmanaged Goshala in Kanpur.

This Goshala is maintained by persons, who are very much devoted to Cow

Protection and there is no danger whatsoever that the cows and bulls

transferred there be neglected or mistreated. In any case, since B.B.

Govinda Swami directly assumed responsibility for the Goshala, he would be

in a better position to clarify this matter.

Please note that in any case we do not sell any cows or bulls, but

only give them to persons, in whom we have a high degree of trust that they

will not mistreat them.

The present management team is very much committed to protecting the

cows and the bulls, and we are making many skims for their protection,

including trying to purchase more land for the cows.

Presently, the Goshala in Vrindavan is flourishing and

well-supported. It was false that cows are neglected in Vrindavan. Rather

the temple subsidizes the Goshala to the tume of Rs.40 000/- per month.

Gomata ki jaya!

Thanking you

Your Servant

[Guest guest]

COM: Mahaman (das) ACBSP (TP Vrindavan - IN) wrote:

 

> [Text 2169037 from COM]

>

> <Mahaman is it true that our Cows are being slaughtered?

> <Please let me have some feedback in this issue.

>

> <yspda

>

> -------------

> Dear Prithu Prabhu,

> Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupad.

> I is not true that our cows are being slaughtered!!!! We have learnt

> at least that much by being in this movement!!!

> Since I assumed presidentship of Vrindavan 10 bulls were sent to

> ISKCON's farm in Chandrapur, where they are engaged in farm work. However,

> in 1997 the management of the Goshala was transferred to H.H. B.B. Govinda

> Swami, who appointed Ganapati Prabhu to manage the Goshala. So, 50 cows and

> bulls were transferred during -97-98 to a wellmanaged Goshala in Kanpur.

> This Goshala is maintained by persons, who are very much devoted to Cow

> Protection and there is no danger whatsoever that the cows and bulls

> transferred there be neglected or mistreated. In any case, since B.B.

> Govinda Swami directly assumed responsibility for the Goshala, he would be

> in a better position to clarify this matter.

> Please note that in any case we do not sell any cows or bulls, but

> only give them to persons, in whom we have a high degree of trust that they

> will not mistreat them.

> The present management team is very much committed to protecting the

> cows and the bulls, and we are making many skims for their protection,

> including trying to purchase more land for the cows.

> Presently, the Goshala in Vrindavan is flourishing and

> well-supported. It was false that cows are neglected in Vrindavan. Rather

> the temple subsidizes the Goshala to the tume of Rs.40 000/- per month.

> Gomata ki jaya!

> Thanking you

> Your Servant

 

Hare Krsna dasi

****************************

 

Who is B.B. Govinda Swami?

 

I do not find the following statement reassuring:

 

<<So, 50 cows and bulls were transferred during -97-98 to a well managed

Goshala

in Kanpur. This Goshala is maintained by persons, who are very much devoted to

Cow Protection and there is no danger whatsoever that the cows and bulls

transferred there be neglected or mistreated.>>

 

The example is presented by Krsna that every cow should have a name. When we

read Krsna Book, we find that Krsna called each cow by its name. We address

Krsna by His name, otherwise it is impersonalism. We should also keep track of

the cows by their names.

 

Every cow (or bull) should have a name. That name should be recorded. The

offspring of every cow should also be recorded. And we should know what

happens

to all the offspring.

 

The reason why the Minimum Cow Protection Standards presented by ISKCON's

Ministry for Cow Protection and Agriculture prohibit the transfer of cows

outside ISKCON (even to "well managed Goshallas") is because as soon as we

give

our cows to someone else, we have given up responsibility for protecting them.

 

Such a program is called a "cow use" program, rather than a "cow protection"

program. A "cow use" program means breeding cows to get milk out of them.

When

you are done using them, you give them to someone else. This is not a cow

protection program. And, generally under this program, the bulls are never

trained to be engaged in work. The bulls are untrained. And, they are

unemployed. We are supposed to respect the bull because he is our Father. But

in every society in the world it is a proven fact that children will not

respect

their father if he is unemployed. And when Father Bull is unemployed, he is

seen simply as a burden. Unemployed means unprotected.

 

What are the names of the cows that were given to the goshalla? What are the

names of the bulls? Did the cows have any offspring? What were the names of

their offspring? Where are these offspring now? Were the bulls trained to be

engaged in productive work?

 

Simply because a lot of money is invested in a program does not mean that the

animals are well protected. That should be obvious. This is not to say, in

itself that they are not protected, but evidence that they are being properly

protected would have to come from an outside review panel assessing your

goshalla. Such a review panel could describe the conditions of the animals,

whether they are being put on pasture on a regular basis as desired by Srila

Prabhupada, whether all the offspring are accounted for, whether the young oxen

are being trained up to work, etc. That is really the only evidence that would

be convincing at this stage.

 

Certainly, it is commendable that you are working to protect the animals and

purchase more land for them, but probably the next important step in protecting

the animals will be for the temple president, the herdsmen and herdswomen, and

the GBC to read over the Minimum Cow Protection Standards and become familiar

with them. Otherwise you are sure to breed cows without making sufficient

plans

for engaging their offspring and other mistakes are sure to be committed.

 

your servant,

 

Hare Krsna dasi

[Guest guest]

This text by Hare Krsna Dasi is very encouraging to see. It will take more

than just a few of us to effect change in these subjects.

 

I totally agree, that Cow protection means we have to keep and look after

the cows we have bred and milked or worked, other wise it is like sending

our children away one day - never to see them again, and now we hear of them

breaking free and running home.....

 

If we had had this policy from the beginning we may never have got

into the situation we are in today. But also I think that part of the

solution to this problem is to fully realize the potential of the cow and

bull; even after their most productive days. This is my programme.

Harikes prabhu made a comment in a paper I got translated from German, some

time ago, and the only point I did not agree with was 'when the cow becomes

old and useless.'

 

Instead of always trying to realize profits from large scale milk production

and do not give them full protection which is completely condemed in the

sastra.

we should look at the other aspect of the Cows production.

My understanding of the cow, and bull, is that they are forever wonderful.

They are walking goldmines! They are like Cintamani. Their dung, which is

all antiseptic, can be multiplied seven or eight fold simply by the addition

of garbage and kitchen waste, what to speak of so much stool!! For by their

hugely underestimated waste product we can turn garbage into food. They are

the catalyst for the ALCHEMY OF THE MODERN AGE. They are they key to

fertility and thus healthy and properly balanced food. They are the key to

clearing up Vrndavan! and make a profit at the same time!

 

See Punyatama prabhu from Vrndavana, whom I just met in England. He was

fired up about the programme of collecting the garbage around ISKCON mandirs

and composting with dung to make saleable fertilizer or grow ORGANIC food

for the cows and the devotees. He says he is on the brink of collecting some

big funds.

Not only was he fired up about this - he wanted to clear up ALL the garbage

of Vrndavan in such a way!. Plant more trees, replant all the ones that have

died around the parikrama and this time give them a generous helping of

nutrient rich compost in which to grow instead of just sand. This and higher

fences in their earlier days should see a much higher success rate.

 

P.S. Incidentally for those who don't know. This is not a western idea. It

was developed in India and I beleive it is originally Vedic.

[Guest guest]

 If we had had this policy from the beginning we may never have got

into the situation we are in today. But also I think that part of the solution

to this problem is to fully realize the potential of the cow and bull; even

after their most productive days. This is my programme.

 

Comment:

Yes this is the proper mentality.

 

 We should look at the other aspect of the Cows production. My

understanding of the cow, and bull, is that they are forever wonderful. They

are walking goldmines! They are like Cintamani. Their dung, which is all

antiseptic, can be multiplied seven or eight fold simply by the addition of

garbage and kitchen waste, what to speak of so much stool!! For by their

hugely underestimated waste product we can turn garbage into food. They are

the catalysts for the ALCHEMY OF THE MODERN AGE. They are they key to

fertility and thus healthy and properly balanced food. They are the keys to

clearing up Vrndavan! and make a profit at the same time!

 

Comment:

Please take care that the ‘profit motive’ is subservient to the ‘principle of

utility’, if profit becomes the main priority then all you have done will be

destroyed.

 

 See Punyatama prabhu from Vrndavana, whom I just met in England. He

was fired up about the programme of collecting the garbage around ISKCON

mandirs and composting with dung to make saleable fertilizer or grow ORGANIC

food for the cows and the devotees. He says he is on the brink of collecting

some big funds.

 

Comment:

Better to use it to improve the crop-land or pasture-land. Profit motive has

become priority. You say you need more land, but it is so costly. Why is

costly? Because Krsna has seen you are missing the point so Mayadevi is now

empowered. Better try to improve the fertility, the carrying capacity of what

you have. Then you will be able to support the animals and people that are

dependent on you. Then Krsna will send more land, if that is His desire, for

you to use, He will do this without any separate endeavour on your part.

 

 Not only was he fired up about this - he wanted to clear up ALL the

garbage of Vrndavan in such a way!. Plant more trees, replant all the ones

that have died around the parikrama and this time give them a generous helping

of nutrient rich compost in which to grow instead of just sand. This and

higher fences in their earlier days should see a much higher success rate.

 

Comment:

Yes, the money must be used in some preaching activity. Krsna is now the main

focus. What I would suggest is that first the compost be used to build up some

of the present agricultural lands, then say 25% be used on this planting of

trees.

 

 P.S. Incidentally for those who don’t know. This is not a western

idea. It was developed in India and I believe it is originally Vedic.

 

Comment:

It could very well be.

Ys,

Rohita dasa