Good cow protection - HKDD Improving our Cow Protection Programs

[Guest guest]

Rabindranatha (das) ACBSP (Los Angeles, CA - USA) wrote:

 

>What does it mean to have a good cow protection program?

>

>I was thinking that:

>

>1) The cows and bulls should be able to live out their whole lives.

>2) The oxen should be fully employed.

>3) The cow and bulls should be kept healthy

>4) One should give out regular "cow reports" to encourage one to nicely

>follow the above.

>

>

>Is there anything else that could be added to this list or any comments on

>the above?

>

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

>To from this mailing list, send an email to:

>Cow-Owner (AT) pamho (DOT) net

>

>

 

Additional important points:

 

1. Don't breed a cow unless you have plans for lifetime training and use

of a bull calf

2. Maintain excellent accounting records

3. Use your cow protection program as a means of spreading Krsna

consciousness

4. Following the example of Lord Krsna, make the comfort of the cows a

priority

 

Other prominent points are included in my January 2003 article on Chakra

 

ys

hkdd

 

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

 

Improving Our Cow Protection Programs

*by Hare Krsna devi dasi

Posted January 30, 2003*

 

/Abstract: Appalled by modern dairy practices, devotees struggle with

the question of whether to be vegetarian or vegan. But neither dietary

style - by itself - fulfills the needed spiritual dimension of actually

protecting cows. For that, both must turn to cow protection programs.

But many of these are poorly managed and inadequate. Can donors make a

difference? The answer is yes - by understanding basic cow protection

guidelines and linking funding increases to program improvements./

 

Devotees in the Gaudiya Brahma sampradaya acknowledge Lord Brahma, the

first created being in this universe as the head of our line of

disciplic succession, thousands of years ago. The very first spiritual

instruction that we receive from the founder of our line indicates that

the Supreme Lord loves the cows: "Govindam adi purusam," meaning that

the Original Person can be called Govinda or "One who pleases the cows."

Govinda, of course, is another name for Krsna.

 

The Supreme Lord loves the cows, and somehow or other He has arranged

things so that human beings can progress in their spiritual

understanding of Him and in their love of Him by protecting the cows.

Srila Prabhupada notes that the bull and cow are father and mother of

humanity, "The bull helps in the agricultural process of producing

grain, etc., and thus in one sense the bull is the father of humankind,

whereas the cow is the mother, for she supplies milk to human society.

(Srimad Bhagavatam 3.5.7) Prabhupada calls the protection of the cows

and the brahmanas "the two pillars of spiritual advancement." (SB

1.17.20) He states that, "One cannot become spiritually advanced without

acquiring the brahminical qualifications and giving protection to cows."

(SB 6.18.52)

 

VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN?

 

Thus, all devotees recognize the important role of milk in a natural

diet. On the spiritual side, we have the example of the Supreme Lord

Himself as a transcendental cowherd boy in Vrndavana, who delights in

many milk preparations offered by His mother and Srimati Radharani and

the devotees. On the practical side, Srila Prabhupada informs us that,

"The body can be maintained by any kind of foodstuff, but cow's milk is

particularly essential for developing the finer tissues of the human

brain so that one can understand the intricacies of transcendental

knowledge." (SB 3.5.7 Purport)

 

From the point of view of anthropology, there is good reason why we see

no examples of vegan society in any historic culture. Nutritionists

inform us that nerve cells, including those that make up the brain,

require vitamin B12 or cobalimin, which is naturally found only in meat

and milk. "In adults typical deficiency symptoms include loss of energy,

tingling, numbness, reduced sensitivity to pain or pressure, blurred

vision, abnormal gait, sore tongue, poor memory, confusion,

hallucinations and personality changes. [These symptoms may take years

to develop.] Infants typically show more rapid onset of symptoms than

adults. B12 deficiency may lead to loss of energy and appetite and

failure to thrive. If not promptly corrected this can progress to coma

or death." (Vegan Society website) Thus, from the physiological

standpoint, before the modern age, it was not possible to have a vegan

society, since its members could not survive for any length of time. The

natural diet of any non-violent society, which did not kill animals,

would have had to include milk.

 

However, some devotees nowadays point to the modern dairy industry,

whether in the West or in India, and recoil at the violent treatment of

cows and bulls. The way we get our milk is no longer natural. On one

hand technological advances have created large-scale dairy operations

with terrible conditions for cows and bulls, but on the positive side,

technological advances have also created advances in the artificial

formulation of nutritional supplements, so that the critical vitamin B12

component can now be provided by yeast-based products. Thus, rather than

drink milk, some devotees become vegans.

 

On the other hand, many other devotees, though uncomfortable about the

inhumane aspects of both modern and traditional dairies around the

world, have made the decision to continue to offer Krsna milk products.

They note that Srila Prabhupada allowed devotees to offer commercial

milk products to the Deities. In addition, due to their economic or

family situation or remoteness from sophisticated urban markets, many

find it simply impossible to meet the nutritional needs of their

families - for calcium, proteins, B vitamins, vitamin D, etc. -- without

using milk. They avoid the most unhealthy aspects of modern milk

products by using products containing less fat, using yogurt and other

cultured preparations which do not cause lactose intolerance reaction,

and avoiding the use of cold milk, which can be digested only by people

of nothern European genetic make-up.

 

In addition, this latter group points to Krsna's liberation of the

demoness Putana (SB 10.6; Krsna Book 6). Although her intent was to kill

Krsna by offering Him her poisoned breast milk, Krsna accepted the milk

and liberated her from all her sinful reactions. Because He accepted her

milk, He accepted her as mother. If Krsna could be so merciful to the

evil Putana, then surely He cannot fail to be merciful to the cows, who

are offering Him their milk with no tinge of animosity.

 

Which group is right? It is difficult to make a judgement in answer that

question. It seems that both groups should be respected. But at this

point of the analysis, it is crucial to note that the element that is

missing from either group is actual cow protection. Simply to be a

vegetarian does not protect cows - but simply to be a vegan does not

protect cows either. And without that element, spiritual growth will be

stunted.

 

In a recent Chakra article, "What Is the Cost of Milk?"

<http://www.chakra.org/living/SimpDec31_02_02.html>Prema Bhakti dasa and

his wife Tapati dasi suggest the beginning of a solution of how work

towards offering to Krsna milk that comes from protected cows. They

propose that devotees who drink milk should observe a self-imposed "cow

protection tax" on all the milk they drink. For example, if the cost of

milk from protected cows would be $5.00 per gallon, and the milk they

buy in the store is $2.00 per gallon. They would use the difference of

$3.00 per gallon as a "cow protection tax." If they used 12 gallons of

milk per month, they would donate $36.00 per month to the cow protection

program of their choice.

 

This way, when they offer milk to Krsna, they know that despite their

awkward circumstances, the Lord can understand that their desire is to

protect His cows and to eventually be able to offer Him actual milk from

protected cows, as well as grains produced by protected oxen. Coming

from their somewhat different perspective, vegan devotees could maintain

a similar practice of participation in cow protection programs.

 

This could be the beginning of a solution to the dilemma of how to offer

Krsna milk from protected cows and grains produced by protected oxen, in

the modern context.

 

But, for such a program to be successful, much depends on the integrity

and competence of the cow protection program. And, sad to say, around

the world, within ISKCON and outside of it, there are numerous so-called

cow protection programs, goshallas and pinjrapols (homes for retired

cows) where the level of protection is inadequate. One might say that

the solution is to support only well-organized programs, and withdraw

support from those which are inadequate. But the fact is that very, very

few are well organized - and by withdrawing support from poorly

organized programs, it means that the cows there will suffer even more.

 

So, how can inadequate programs be encouraged to improve? Surprisingly,

donors to these programs can play an important role in upgrading the

quality of programs. They can do this by showing that the level of

donation they give hinges directly on seeing (1)progress in the quality

of care provided to cows, (2)conscientious accounting and handling of

funds, (3)a commitment to providing good training and fair compensation

for cowherds, and (4)opportunities for donor input and participation.

 

Under the auspices of ISKCON's Ministry for Cow Protection and

Agriculture, devotee cowherds around the world have formulated ISKCON's

Minimum Standards for Cow Protection. These standards, which are

available on the ISCOWP website

<http://www.iscowp.com/cowprotection/protect.html> (also on Chakra), are

the basis of ISKCON's Law 507, which provides for the protection of cows

and oxen. They contain many specific guidelines for proper care of

animals, which can be applied even to organizations outside ISKCON.

Donors to any cow protection agency would do well to read over the

guidelines, but here are some important ones. After familiarizing

themselves with these guidelines, donors can communicate to the cow

protection agency their willingness to increase their level of support

as different milestones of improvement are certifiably reached.

 

The word "Cows" in the text below includes cows, bulls, oxen (bullocks)

and calves - unless otherwise indicated. This was Srila Prabhupada's

understanding also:

 

*Prabhupada*: The duty of the agriculturist is to give very careful

protection to the cows especially.

*C. Hennis*: This doesn't apply to bulls and bullocks and male animals

generally, does it?

*Prabhupada*: No, bullocks also. Cow means bullock also...Cow is

feminine, bullock is the masculine, that's all.

*C. Hennis*: So it's the whole bovine race that's protected, and not

just the female cows?

*Prabhupada*: No, both the male and female. The bullocks are used for so

many other purposes. They can till the field. They can be used for

transportation, so many other purposes. Or even we are using them to

spread Krsna consciousness. During Krsna's time... Krsna was born of a

very well to do father, but at that time the bullocks were engaged for

transportation from one village to another. (Geneva, 31 May 1974)

 

Following are guidelines for developing good cow protection.

 

MONITORING AND RECORDS

 

*1. The entire herd should be counted daily.* This principle was

established by Lord Krsna Himself. Srila Jiva Gosvami recounts, "When

Krsna calls out 'Hey Dhavali (the name of a white cow),' a whole group

of white cows come forward, and when He calls 'Hamsi, Candani, Ganga,

Mukta and so on, the twenty-four other groups of white cows come... Thus

being called by name, the cows are coming forward, and Krsna, thinking

that when it is time to bring them back from the forest none should be

forgotten, is counting them on His jewel-beads." (cited Srimad

Bhagavatam 10.35.18-19) Daily counting is a safeguard to protect cows

that may be lost, injured or even stolen.

 

*2. Every cow should have a name.* This principle was also established

by Krsna. As Srila Prabhupada describes, "The cows, oh, as soon as they

see Krsna, they become... They lick up His face and body, and every cow

has got a different name. As soon as He will call, the cow will come

immediately and dropping milk." (Lecture - New York, 5 Dec 1966) Unless

every cow has a name, it will not be possible to be sure they are all

cared for properly.

 

*3. Records should be kept* with the name, sex, date of birth of each

cow. When a cow or calf dies, the cause of death and date of death

should be recorded. Annual records should be provided to members each year.

 

*4. Calf mortality should be less than 10%*. In the absence of proper

records, this can be determined retroactively by seeing how many cows

have been milking in the last 2 3 years and determining how many of

their calves are still alive.

 

*5. Analyzed by sex, the herd should be approximately 50% cows, 50%

bulls or oxen.* If there are far more females than males, it is usually

a sign of a discrepancy - either in the organization's incomplete

understanding of cow protection, or in substandard protection for bull

calves.

 

*6. Any cow who has taken shelter on Krsna's land or in Krsna's temple

should never be subsequently sold, traded, given away or killed.* A cow

protection program should not participate in grazing beef cows destined

for slaughter on its land. No temple should practice "borrowing" a bull

calf from a commercial dairy and then returning it after a ceremony

(such as Govardhana Puja), since that means the animal will eventually

be killed.

 

BREEDING AND AQUIRING COWS

 

*7. No cow should be bred for milk production alone, without plans for

the resulting calf.* No cow should be bred unless there is a clear and

concrete plan for the care of the calf for its entire life, which may be

10-20 years. This means there must be adequate land, adequate funding

and adequate trained personnel to care for the resulting calf.

 

*8. Cows should not be acquired based on sentiment alone.* A goshalla

should not allow itself to be exploited by those who "donate" animals

with mixed motives. Teijas dasa recounted that Srila Prabhupada did not

want devotees to accept cows just because someone wanted to give them

away, "Prabhupada told us not to take any more donations of cows unless

the person gave a donation of 5,000 rupees to cover the maintenance of

the cow. He said, 'Our business is not to take old cows.' You know, they

have a good sentiment plus an ulterior motive mixed together. Sentiment

plus some motive. So it doesn't come out to be the varnasrama system."

(ISKCON Farm Newsletter Vol. 2, No. 1, 1983) A responsible goshalla

should not accept more animals than it can care for, simply out of

sentiment.

 

*9. Milking should be a pleasurable experience for the cow.* "The milk

bag was so fatty and full with milk. Why? Muda - they were so happy.

They were so happy. So if you keep the cows happy, then cow will supply

large quantity of milk. " (Lecture SB 1.10.4, London 25 Nov 1973) No

painful or unhealthy method should be used to stimulate milk production.

 

*10. Milk production should not be developed primarily as a

profit-making venture.* "You say we must have a gosala trust, that is

our real purpose. krsi-goraksya-vanijyam vaisya karma svabhava-jam, [bg

18.44]. Where there is agriculture there must be cows. That is our

mission: Cow protection and agriculture and if there is excess, trade.

This is a no-profit scheme. For the agriculture we want to produce our

own food and we want to keep cows for our own milk. The whole idea is

that we are Iskcon, a community to be independent from outside help.

This farm project is especially for the devotees to grow their own food.

Cotton also, to make their own clothes. And keeping cows for milk and

fatty products. Our mission is to protect our devotees from unnecessary

heavy work to save time for advancing in Krsna consciousness. This is

our mission. So there is no question of profit, but if easily there are

surplus products, then we can think of trading. Otherwise we have no

such intention. " (Letter to Yasomatinandana -- Vrindavan 28 Nov 1976)

 

TRAINING OF OXEN OR BULLOCKS

 

*11. In general, all bull calves should be trained to work.* As Srila

Prabhupada stated to Teijas dasa at ISKCON's Hyderbad farm in the

1970's, "If you do not use the bulls for plowing, one day you will say,

let us cut their throats." (ISKCON Farm Newsletter Vol. 2, No. 1, 1983)

 

*12. No ox should be overworked or worked by force only.* Overworking

and working by force develops when there is no obvious personal

relationship between the ox and the teamster. Excessive use of whips,

beating, rough treatment, and violence to the oxen are not acceptable. A

properly treated ox will not shy away from his master. Rather he will

approach the master, expecting kind treatment and affection. Examples of

instructions for relationship-based training of oxen are available at

ISCOWP's website <http://www.iscowp.com/resources/oxpower.html>.

 

*13. In general, bull calves should be castrated* by the time they are 1

year old, or whatever age is appropriate for that breed. This can be

done with minimum discomfort by using a bloodless emasculator or

burdizzo, which only pinches the semen tubes to achieve sterilization.

The presence of a bull often leads unplanned breeding, expanding the

herd beyond the carrying capacity of the land, and beyond the ability of

the manpower to care for it. A bull can also create unexpected danger to

the public or inexperienced cowherds. A bull should be kept only where

there is a willing and experienced cowherd, of proven stability, with

ample funding, time and facility to care for him properly.

 

SHELTER, GRAZING AND FEED

 

*14. The cows' living conditions should be clean and comfortable.*

Animals can be brushed so their coat is clean and healthy. "Krsna's

pastimes in Gokula, His dhama, are always favorable to the brahmanas and

the cows. His first business is to give all comfort to the cows and the

brahmanas. In fact, comfort for the brahmanas is secondary, and comfort

for the cows is His first concern." (SB 10.8.16 Purport)

 

"While engaged in talking about New Vrindaban during Prabhupada's

massage yesterday, I mentioned how we used to do cow aratis. At that

point Prabhupada frowned. I asked if they were okay to do, and he said

no. I asked if there was anything special to do for the cows. He said

keep them clean, brush them nicely, bathe them, and also you can polish

their horns and hooves." (Prabhupada Nectar, Vol. 4, by Satsvarupa dasa

Goswami, p. 11, excerpt from a letter from Srutakirti dasa to Kirtananda

Swami, September 27, 1972)

 

*15. All cows should have adequate shelter. *Adequate shelter (not

overcrowded) with fresh air and access to sunlight should be available

to all cows. In hot weather, cows should be provided with shade and

adequate water. "Thereafter, all the cows entered their different sheds

and began mooing loudly, calling for their respective calves. When the

calves arrived, the mothers began licking the calves' bodies again and

again and profusely feeding them with the milk flowing from their milk

bags. " (SB 10.13.24)

 

*16. Adequate fencing should be maintained. Krsna and Balarama

personally supervised Their cows throughout the day.* But if such

constant supervision is not available, it is essential to provide

fencing for the cows. Well maintained fencing is necessary to keep cows

away from areas where they could be injured or lost or even captured and

sold to slaughter. Good fencing prevents unplanned breeding with

neighbors' bulls. Krsna and Balarama took Their cows to a new pasture

every day. Similarly, by using suitably designed temporary fencing, it

is possible to improve pasture quality and nutrition by implementing

rotational grazing (as described on the Hare Krsna Rural Life website

<http://hkrl.com/pasturemanagement.html> ).

 

*17. Cows must be provided sufficient grazing opportunity.* And, as

stated by Bhismadeva in the Mahabharata, no cow should be kept always

tethered.

 

*18. The program should maintain adequate pasture for animals.*

Generally the minimum would be at least 1/2 acre (1/4 hectare) per

animal, preferably 1 acre per animal. Ideally this land should be

protected by a goshalla trust so it cannot be sold for so-called

"development." Prabhupada emphasized the importance of adequate grazing

ground, "For the proper pursuit of human happiness, there must be

arrangements for the protection of cows. This means that there must be

forests and adequate pasturing grounds full of grass and water." (SB

10.5.26) Not only are the cows made happy by such arrangements, but the

minds of human beings are pacified simply by living in such environment.

 

*19. Cows should be sufficiently well fed.* "Vaisya's business is to

give protection to the cows, not to send them to the slaughterhouse - to

see the cows are very well-fed, they are fatty, strong, that they must

be given food, sufficient food. " (Bhagavad-gita 4.2 lecture - Bombay 22

March 1974)

 

*20. Ideally, feed for the cows should be grown on site, not purchased

from outside.* Srila Prabhupada stated, "We must be able to grow our own

fodder for the cows. We don't want to have to purchase food for the cows

outside from some other party. That will run into a great expense. Cow

protection is the business of the vaisyas and along with our preaching,

this is the most important work." (Letter to Hasyakari -Honolulu 26 May

1975)

 

FUNDING AND ACCOUNTING

 

*21. The goshalla should have an accurate and clear method of keeping

accounts,* and members should be presented with an annual statement of

accounts. Prabhupada noted, "Bookkeeping is the most important item. As

you are growing in stature, our accounting system should become very

perfect. We have to publish now a short statement of accounts. As we

increase our life membership number, we must submit our audited accounts

and that will convince the public of our stability." (Letter to

Karandhara -- Bombay 18 March 1971)

 

*22. Ideally, funds collected for a goshalla or cow protection program

should be kept separate* from other accounts, such as that of a temple

or community facility. Funds should not be invested in any speculative

business enterprise.

 

COWHERD TRAINING AND SUPPORT

 

*23. Cowherds should be recognized as important members in the spiritual

community.* Prabhupada states, "For the cowherd men and the cows, Krsna

is the supreme friend. Therefore He is worshiped by the prayer namo

brahmanya-devaya go-brahmana-hitaya ca." (SB 10.8.16 Purport)

 

*24. Ideally, the goshalla should maintain a well designed program for

training cowherds and ox-power farmers.*

*Visnujana:* For example, in New Vrindaban we have brahmanas that are

very expert at tilling the soil and taking care of cows. They could

travel around and teach others how to do that as well.

*Prabhupada:* Yes. That's right. He is brahmana, but he's teaching how

to take care of the cows and ploughing. (Morning Walk "Varnasrama

College" - 14 March 1974, Vrndavana)

 

*25. Cowherds should be facilitated and supported so they can have a

decent, if simple, standard of living and so that they have time to

participate in the community's spiritual program.* Cow herding should

not be considered a "lower" service. People who are treated as inferiors

will inevitably leave. On the other hand, it is a sign of a healthy

program if the spiritual leaders of a community acknowledge the

contribution and instructive experiences of the cowherds in Bhagavatam

classes and other occasions.

 

In the long term, cowherds should be able see a future for themselves

and their families, working the land with oxen and taking care of cows,

because only in this way can long-term cow protection - together with

its concomitant spiritual dimension - be established in a community.

Without proper training, facility and care of its cowherds, a cow

protection program is threatened by constant turnover of staff and may

eventually collapse.

 

MEMBERSHIP AND OUTREACH

 

*26. A goshalla should use its cow protection program as a means of

attracting the public to Krsna consciousness.* When people have a chance

to see cows, oxen and calves being well cared for and productively

engaged, and to pet the animals and interact with them, their hearts

naturally become softened and receptive to hearing about the Krsna's

pastimes.

 

*27. Activities of the cow protection program should be highlighted on

community websites and during religious holidays and festivals such as

Gaura Purnima, Janmastami, Govardhana Puja and Ratha Yatra.* The Deities

can be read accounts of the activities of the year, not only how much

milk or burfi was produced, but also how many oxen were trained, how

much area they plowed, how much wood they hauled, how many bushels of

vegetables they produced, etc - showcasing the offerings of the animals

to the Lord and highlighting their value as contributors to

self-sufficiency and gentler environmental practices. Members should

participate not only as guests, but should also be given a chance to

help organize and present activities in glorification of Krsna's cows

and oxen.

 

*28. A cow protection program should provide opportunity for members'

input and participation.* This can be achieved through questionnaires,

newsletters, workshops, and pre-festival meetings.

 

CONCLUSION

 

Thus, by knowing what to look for in a cow protection program, members

can let organizers know that they are willing to give a certain amount

per month and that they plan to increase the amount based on different

milestones of improvement. Several simple but important practices, such

as daily counting of cows and naming of cows, cost nothing to implement.

Other aspects, such as providing a well-developed training program for

cowherd and ox workers are the sign of a first-class cow protection

program, and will take longer to develop. Yet, with the confidence from

having many committed donors, a goshalla can gradually attain such goals.

 

Other practices, such as giving greater prominence to cow protection

activities during religious holidays and festivals, will benefit not

only the cows and the members, but the whole community. In this way, by

steadily increasing their funding, many small cow protection programs

can be developed and gradually lead to a more peaceful, spiritual way of

life. Thus more and more people can participate first-hand in cow

protection, to provide the very best products to offer to the Lord with

love and devotion.

 

"For protecting the cows and brahminical culture, the Lord, who is very

kind to the cow and the brahmanas (go-brahmana-hitaya), will be pleased

with us and will bestow upon us real peace." SB 1.17.9

 

 

http://www.chakra.org/living/SimpJan30_03.html

[Guest guest]

Ooops! Cow protection link needs to be updated:

 

ISKCON cow protection standards

http://www.iscowp.org/Cow%20Protection%20Standards/Cow%20Protection%20Standards

..htm

 

ys

 

hkdd

 

Noma Petroff wrote:

 

>Rabindranatha (das) ACBSP (Los Angeles, CA - USA) wrote:

>

>

>

>>What does it mean to have a good cow protection program?

>>

>>I was thinking that:

>>

>>1) The cows and bulls should be able to live out their whole lives.

>>2) The oxen should be fully employed.

>>3) The cow and bulls should be kept healthy

>>4) One should give out regular "cow reports" to encourage one to nicely

>>follow the above.

>>

>>

>>Is there anything else that could be added to this list or any comments on

>>the above?

>>

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

>>To from this mailing list, send an email to:

>>Cow-Owner (AT) pamho (DOT) net

>>

>>

>>

>>

>

>Additional important points:

>

>1. Don't breed a cow unless you have plans for lifetime training and use

>of a bull calf

>2. Maintain excellent accounting records

>3. Use your cow protection program as a means of spreading Krsna

>consciousness

>4. Following the example of Lord Krsna, make the comfort of the cows a

>priority

>

>Other prominent points are included in my January 2003 article on Chakra

>

>ys

>hkdd

>

>*******************************

>

>Improving Our Cow Protection Programs

>*by Hare Krsna devi dasi

>Posted January 30, 2003*

>

>/Abstract: Appalled by modern dairy practices, devotees struggle with

>the question of whether to be vegetarian or vegan. But neither dietary

>style - by itself - fulfills the needed spiritual dimension of actually

>protecting cows. For that, both must turn to cow protection programs.

>But many of these are poorly managed and inadequate. Can donors make a

>difference? The answer is yes - by understanding basic cow protection

>guidelines and linking funding increases to program improvements./

>

>Devotees in the Gaudiya Brahma sampradaya acknowledge Lord Brahma, the

>first created being in this universe as the head of our line of

>disciplic succession, thousands of years ago. The very first spiritual

>instruction that we receive from the founder of our line indicates that

>the Supreme Lord loves the cows: "Govindam adi purusam," meaning that

>the Original Person can be called Govinda or "One who pleases the cows."

>Govinda, of course, is another name for Krsna.

>

>