When Srila Prabhupada first registered ISKCON as a legal entity in New York in 1966, he gave seven purposes as its aim. The sixth aim is directly in relation to ISKCON‘s farm communities, and reads as follows: ‘To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life.‘ Therefore at Hare Krishna Valley we have chosen as our motto, ‘Natural living, high thinking,‘ based upon Srila Prabhupada‘s vision for our farm communities.
ISKCON‘s first farm was purchased by several of Srila Prabhupada‘s followers in West Virginia in the United States in 1967. Srila Prabhupada named the property ‘New Vrndavana.‘ He wanted the farms of our movement to demonstrate a lifestyle that replicated the rural atmosphere that Krsna and Balarama enjoyed as cowherd boys in Vrndavana. This was an important part of Srila Prabhupada‘s strategy for spreading Krsna consciousness throughout the world: to practically demonstrate a simplified way of life.
If we analyze Srila Prabhupada‘s purpose for our farm communities, the first line states, ‘To bring the members closer together‘ As we all know from personal experience, it is becoming increasingly difficult to successfully bring people together in a cooperative spirit. This is because the Age of Kali – where we currently reside – is known as the age of quarrel and hypocrisy. Therefore we require a practical solution to this difficulty. Srila Prabhupada taught us that in order for people to live harmoniously together, it is necessary that they place Krsna in the center of their relationships. At Hare Krishna Valley we are regularly holding kirtana and Srimad Bhagavatam classes in the temple for the pleasure of our presiding Deities Sri-Sri Gaura-Nitai. In this way we are able to constantly remind ourselves that we are performing our duties for Krsna‘s pleasure, and we naturally feel close to each other on the spiritual platform.
The next part of our farms purpose reads, ‘for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life.‘ As we are currently experiencing, the world has become an extremely complicated place. Life in modern cities is more hectic and stressful than ever before. People‘s lives are becoming less satisfying as they are being forced to live under increasing pressure at an ever-quickening pace.
Hare Krishna Valley, on the other hand, is demonstrating a positive alternative to modern, industrialized life. In the mornings, the devotees at Hare Krishna Valley rise early, chant Hare Krishna, worship the Deity and hear Srimad Bhagavatam in a relaxed fashion, without the pressure of having to rush off to some other engagement. They then engage in their daily activities surrounded by the peaceful, country environment. Srila Prabhupada pointed out that the cities, which are created by man, are in the mode of passion; whereas the country, which is created by Krishna, is in the mode of goodness. Hare Krishna Valley is therefore conducive to practicing Krsna consciousness. We thus encourage other devotees who are interested to practice a simple, Krsna conscious lifestyle in a natural environment to contact us if they are interested in making a change to country life. No doubt this is a challenge, but with appropriate planning, this dream can manifest into a reality.
Srila Prabhupada mentioned that ISKCON‘s farms should develop ‘cottage industries.‘ In other words, the economy of those residing around the farm should be generated from the natural resources provided by the farm. This is now one of the essential focuses of those residing at Hare Krishna Valley. We have developed several strategies to create an income to maintain the resident devotees. These include accommodation for guests, retreats, organic farming and a nursery.
If you are interested in investing your time or money for developing this important project, we would be happy to discuss our plans with you. Please feel free to take advantage of our excellent guest facilities at your leisure. We look forward to seeing you at Hare Krishna Valley soon.
Please contact Keshava on 0405 577 453 or keshava.tkig@pamho.net for more details
