Sarva gattah Posted June 27, 2008 Report Share Posted June 27, 2008 A photo graphic history of ISKCON Australian pioneers The first pioneering Australian devorees July 1972 <TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD> Devotees at Murwillumbah New Govardhana November 13 1977, the day before Srila Prabhupada departed this world </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> November 1977 New Govardhana before Temple was built Just after the Temple was built at Murwillumbag New Govardhana 1979 Srila Prabhupada at 1974 Ratha yatra Melbourne Australia Melbourne with Prabhupada 1974 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bija Posted June 27, 2008 Report Share Posted June 27, 2008 Haribol Sarva. In Australia most temples and sangha's are in the main cities, or around Northern New South Wales. Considering Lord Caitanya's movement is for every town and village, do you think oneday temples may appear in rural areas across oz? And how can this come about? I am unqualified and not fixed enough for such an undertaking. In Warrnambool, devotees come here from Melbourne normally during the marathon in December. Bhakta Glen and Sandhini Mataji have been very faithful in this service. And for me it has been a joy to see them on the street. They sell a heap of books, give a few crossways cards out and leave. Not everyone has finance to travel the 3 hours to Melbourne for association and accomodation and various costs regularly. Personally as a pensioner I have been unable. I often wonder why Iskcon does not offer back up, or follow up in Warrnambool. Surely those who buy the books would advance if there was follow up. It is really important I feel if lots of books are sold here to have follow up. Otherwise it looks like the number of books being sold, rather than the receivers of the books, is more important (please forgive my critique). Will Iskcon Melbourne ever move beyond vision of the the big smoke only do you think? I hope so. My house is open for use if any would like it. I have heard of Iskcon brahmacaris starting small centres in homes, like mini-temples, and expanding from there. I have one godbrother (a disciple of Gurudeva) who lives with brahmacaris in a small home temple in Switzerland (Iskcon). They are now finishing building a proper temple after several years of intense preaching in the home temple. They had a mini-ashram in the home (5 devotees). I have often thought to open my two bedroom ministry house for this service. I would cover rental and electricity etc with my pension. And if the brahmacaris stayed for free maybe ministry would allow (maybe we would not have to mention it). I have a small indoor dog which is a problem. Would any devotees be interested in starting a small temple down this way? Or are they all focused on Melbourne and the dynamic sangha there? Just imagine my spare room. Small deities, computer, all of Prabhupada's books are here already. The bedroom could be fitted out with two bunk beds. I have a small yard were we could make a small veggie patch and flowers. I would love to see devotees on the streets in Warrnambool everyday (it would inspire me to be more fixed maybe). And my god Warrnambool needs a crossways oneday. It would be a very happening venture, there is no vegetarian place here, no where to sit and chill, it would be a goer. Should we do this lol:). I am keen. Need some confident, enthusiastic support lol. Can you put the word out for me please. When Rasa Mataji left to live with you all in Melbourne I determined to carry the flame here and hope for Lord Caitanya's movement to manifest oneday. Is it possible? Even though I am not an Iskcon devotee, I would be happy for Iskcon to start a mission down this way. Long term. I have wanted this for years Sarva, but don't know how to approach it, or even if Iskcon Melbourne has any interest. I have felt a block (maybe it is just me). In my heart I have felt they have no interest for this? Can we begin? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarva gattah Posted June 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2008 Ask Annirudha prabhu to put a regular program on there. Years ago (1988)we used to go to Warrnambool and hire out a hall every month that cost 29 bucks back then from the CWA. Many turned up for great PRASADAM cooked by Venu gheeeepal dasa but when our Bus moved on up north, it was not continued. 'If you arrange the hall, they will come' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bija Posted June 28, 2008 Report Share Posted June 28, 2008 I was just talking to a friend today who recalls when we were teenagers back in the 80's. Many of our friends went to these gatherings in town you mentioned. My first girlfriend went too actually. She ended up becoming a yoga teacher in Melbourne. Good fruit hey! As far as hiring a hall, I would have to save money which is not easy for me presently. But hey, every town and village. I am totally serious Sarva if devotees would like to use my house as a base to extend Lord Caitanya's dream. This is the only way to be every town and village....just do it. I have dreamt for years and years mate of devotees dancing often in the street here. Any way....my friend is an old hippie christian. His church tonight is having a bonfire out in the sticks. He asked me to come...it should be fun. Nice prasadam:). bye...Hari Hari! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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