© 1999 VNN
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WORLD April 7, 1999 VNN3521 Secretaries Report On Meeting Of WVA-VVRS BY WVA INDIA, Apr 7 (VNN) — GAURA PURNIMA 1999 Dear respected Vaishnava Acharyas, Sannyasis, Ladies and Gentlemen; Dandavat Pranams. Managerial Meeting On February 28th 1999, the managerial meeting of the WVA-VVRS was held at the Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mission, in Sri Dham Mayapur. In spite of numerous commitments to come to the meeting, the actual attendance was quite poor. After greetings from the secretary a number of topics were discussed as enumerated below. 1.Vrindavan Symposium 1999. The organizers of the symposium reported on the developments to date. The symposium will be held during Kartika at the Moghur Mandir on the Mathura road, next to the Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math. Eighteen speakers have to date been slated to speak on a wide variety of topics concerning our Gaudiya Vaishnava Siddhanta. It was reported that should the speakers choose to speak in Hindi or Bengali they will provide English translation for the benefit of the International Vaishnava audience. The organizing committee will be posting information about the details of the symposium. Anyone speaker wishing to avail of the opportunity to present a specific topic of interest may contact Swami B.V. Parivrajak at <parivrajak@hotmail.com>. The organizers prayed for the cooperation of all our member missions to make the symposium a great success. 2. The Audarya Awards. Srila B.A. Paramadvaiti Maharaj introduced the idea of recognizing the efforts of individuals who have significantly contributed to Vaishnavism throughout the world. It was suggested that an award could be given to both Vaishnavas and non-Vaishnavas alike. Examples of non-Vaishnavas who may be given awards were: Michael Gorbechev, the former Premier of Russia who ordered the release of all Vaishnava preachers from Russian prisons; and another would be a group of nationally famous top musicians from Brazil who have produced and released a music CD of the Bhagavad Gita which is sold in music stores in Brazil along with a Bhagavad Gita. Maharaj explained that Audarya means the highest magnanimity for the fallen souls. This is the spirit of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as expressed by Srila Rupa Goswami. This name was chosen for the Audarya awards since the main consideration for the choice of the winners will be the effecting of the contribution to help uplift the fallen souls from the kingdom of Maya. It was decided that a committee would be chosen who would choose the recipients of the awards by secret ballot. 3.Urgent Need for Unity and Participation in WVA. The secretary, Acharya das, gave a presentation about the urgent need for cooperation and active participation in WVA-VVRS affairs and programs. The need for unity is required as; defense against Anti-Vaishnava interests, to defend Vaishnavas and their work outside of India, and to protect/ project the image of Vaishnavism as a world religion. He presented information and examples to stress this need. a)In many countries especially Eastern Europe, governments and other organized religions have persecuted Vaishnava preachers. Everyone was informed of a recent attempt in Poland to charge in court Gaudiya Vaishnavas (specifically the Chaitanya Mission) as being preachers of an immoral religion and dangerous cult. WVA was represented in the case by Tusta Krishna Prabhu who gave evidence and presented our Siddhanta in court. The courts ruled favorably to allow the continued preaching work of the Chaitanya Mission in Poland. Many devotees in India are unaware of the dangers and difficulties being undertaken by foreign devotees to bring the teachings of Lord Chaitanya and the Holy Name throughout the world. b)Western media and public personalities must be discouraged from defaming Vaishnava/Hindu Deities, Religion and things which we hold to be sacred. In this regard there were recent controversial incidents which the WVA strongly reacted to. Madonna a world famous musical star who is an idol of millions of teenagers around the world, performed on TV before an audience of tens of millions. She wore Vaishnava tilak and had pictures of Radha Krishna and demigods projected behind her. She wore a see- through garment revealing her breasts and danced and gyrated in a highly sexual manner imitating the sex act with another musician on stage. "Xena ö Warrior Princes" a popular TV series viewed by millions around the world recently cast Krishna and Hanuman in supporting roles as completely fictional characters. Originally initiated by the World Vaishnava Association (WVA), the protest has spread worldwide, gaining support from Hindu religious societies and organizations in nearly 30 countries. Hindu associations around the world are joining the growing protest against Universal Studios and the producers of "Xena" over their fictionalization of Lord Krishna, Hanuman, other Hindu deities, and the Vedas in recent "Xena" episodes. The secretary of the Vishva Hindu Parishad stated; "We Hindus are deeply hurt by this program depicting Hindu religion and Gods contemptuously. We hope that Universal Studios and the producers will appreciate the sentiment of millions of Hindus in India and abroad and cancel this misconceived and offensive show(s)." The Ramayana was recently shown in the Philippines as a musical production. The producers however took license to make a change that was highly offensive. They attempted to portray a "love triangle" between Sita, Rama, and Laksmana. WVA representation with the producers forced them to correct the offensive portion. Most members of the different Gaudiya missions inside of India are unaware of the fact that India and China are being targeted by the industrialized and rich nations of the world. The countries see the large populations of China and India as ideal consumers of their products and so they have begun an extensive campaign to radically alter the thinking and lifestyles of people in these countries. One of the principal means of doing this is through television and movies. The main target being the young people. Everyone in amazed at the rapid changes taking place in India, including the widespread eating of non-vegetarian food. India has become a major exporter of meat and leather to third-world countries, something unimaginable ten years ago. Many of our member-missions agree that in the cities of India a sannyasi is hardly respected. As a result much of the active preaching work is being carried out in the towns and villages. But we must realize that if we lose the fight in the cities then we will lose India, for the towns and villages quickly follow the examples of their big brothers ö the cities. It is also appalling how little power and influence Vaishnavas have in India. Because of their united front the Mayavadis have great influence inside and outside of government. Internationally the widest read periodicals amongst Hindus outside of India are also Mayavad. We cannot forcefully enough call for vigorous cooperation from our member-missions under the banner of the WVA. The careful use of media and large-scale programs must be employed so we can again raise awareness of Lord Caitanya's message and His sankirtan movement in India to combat these influences. As world preachers of Lord Chaitanya's mission we experience the ignorant opinions of many people, even those inside of India, who think India and Indians are backward and superstitious. We should be taking every opportunity to defend and propagate the beautiful Gaudiya Vaishnava Siddhanta for the benefit of humanity at large. If we are to succeed in the propagation of this siddhanta and Harinama world-wide then more cooperation and joint efforts are needed. 4. Vrindavana Report. We received a wonderful and encouraging report about the efforts and progress to restore Sri Dham Vrindavana to its former beauty and glory. We are all aware of how the environment of Vrindavan has become so degraded due to ignorance and negligence of the residents and pilgrims who visit. This was pointed out by many efforts of members of the WVA the government has now become more active and its participation in the renewal of Vrindavan is being headed by no less than the District Magistrate of Mathura. They are also spending government funds to promote Vrindavan world-wide through the Internet. Beautiful colored print-outs were shown to everyone of what people see when they visit the Vrindavan site on any computer anywhere in the world. The wonderful program of Temple adoptions was also reported on, where people or missions adopt a temple and contribute to its restoration, improvement and upkeep. Nevertheless it was stressed that Vaisnava missions should be more actively involved in the Dham Seva and for that reason the WVA has the WVA Vrindavan Dham Seva Committee. Cleaning the streets, collecting to fix holy sites such as the Brahma Kunda and a host of other Service opportunities are there to participate both personally as well as financially. Going to pray to Radha Krishna in Vrindavan but doing nothing to serve the urgant causes of the Dham seems to be contradictory. 5. Vaishnava Internet News Agency (VINA). The creation of an international Internet news agency called VINA was reported. VINA has been adopted as the official news site for the WVA-VVRS. They maintain a website at http://www.vina.org/ and report on the latest Vaishnava new and carry philosophical articles. 25,000 people daily visit this site to read the articles posted there. An appeal was made to all member-missions to submit information about your missions and Acaryas so that the Vaishnavas and others of the world will know about you. This is a wonderful preaching opportunity without any charge. Anyone wanting to submit articles or news may do so. 6. WVA Press Kit. It was also anounced that Sri Vidagdha Madhava Prabhu is preparing a presskit for the WVA-VVRS which will hopefully be ready at Kartik and which shall present features that will benefit all membermissions in their presentation to the public etc. He can be contacted: jjram@ilhawaii.net 7. Urgent Call For Local Secretaries. The only way in which we can grow as a world organization is if we have each member-mission appoint at least one secretary to the WVA-VVRS. This secretary must be an intelligent and active participant in WVA-VVRS affairs. We understand that the Acaryas of the different missions are always very busy with preaching and managing the affairs of their own missions. But without a bigger view of things, without full cooperation and the joint planning for the promotion of Vaishnavism as a great world religion, we will not be able to aggressively expand the wonderful mission of Lord Chaitanya. We therefore need this local secretary to be appointed who can communicate with the leaders of their own missions and participate as an active member in the managerial affairs of the WVA. The secretary ideally needs access to the internet (most places in India provide rental services if you do not have a computer of your own) and a fax contact. WE HUMBLY BEG ALL MEMBER- MISSIONS TO IMMEDIATELY APPOINT SUCH A SECRETARY AND INFORM US OF MAIL, PHONE, FAX AND INTERNET CONTACTS FOR THAT PERSON. If this cannot be immediately implemented then we ask that at least we be provided with an address where we can direct communications from the WVA- VVRS to different missions. 8. Calcutta Monthly Sankirtan. Srila B.A. Paramadvaiti Maharaj circulated a small booklet outlining the proposal for all the Gaudiya Maths based in Calcutta to hold a monthly Maha Sankirtan. There should be literally thousands in attendance with banners etc., and prominent members of society should be involved, i.e. big businessmen, judges, and other respectable members of society. Such an activity would have a wonderful impact on the population and be featured in all major media. The proposal was meet with great enthusiasm and everyone was asked for their feedback to this idea and how it could be implemented. 9. Plastic and Ecology Concerns. Srila B.A. Paramadvaiti Maharaj reminded all member missions that the use of plastic cups and other articles is a very bad habit that has now been adopted by many Gaudiya Maths. These plastic cups etc. then end up polluting the Ganga or Yamuna after being thrown out. We should instead use clay cups and leaf plates as they are perfectly environmentally friendly and support local village industries, instead of putting money into the pockets of rich industrialists. Plastic has also become widely used as decoration during festivals. Since plastic is derived from oil, which is the rotten remnants of the bodies of animals, plastic can never be considered auspicious. There was a call for the return to the use of natural and auspicious articles such as flowers and leaves etc., for use in decorating our temples during festivals. 10. Site for Next Meeting. It was agreed that the next meeting of the WVA will be held at the Mugir Mandir around the time of Rama Ekadashi in the month of Kartika in Vrindavan. 11. Other Matters. The list of WVA committees were presented: The proposed joint book Mela was to be postponed for an indefinite period: An SGVA questionnaire was circulated and everyone was asked to submit their comments as some of the questions contained points contrary to our Siddhanta: Due to shortness of time other matters which were on the agenda but not discussed are listed here: Srila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Maharaj had proposed to use WVA symbol on all members publications and programs to show our unity in purpose. There was to be a report from the Unification Committee head. The promotion of vegetarianism in India via a Vegetarian Society MAIN WVA-VVRS MEETING On the following day, March 1st 1999, the international meeting of the WVA-VVRS was held, also at the Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mission, in Sri Dham Mayapur. The meeting was graced by the presence of Srila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Maharaj, the WVA Vice-President. He addressed the assembly and gave a wonderful talk on the need to embrace the principal of unity in diversity and admonished all to appreciate how diversity is not a bad word. We next heard an address from Srila Bhakti Vaibhav Puri Maharaj who had hosted the meetings in his new and very beautiful Math. The Function and Event Secretary Sripad Bhakti Prakash Mahavir Maharaj from the Haribol Mission, then addressed the assembly giving a summary of the previous days discussions. Relevant materials were handed out and members were asked to respond, and where required in writing, to the different proposals. Member-missions were also asked to submit any suggestions or proposals which may contribute to expand or improve the WVA-VVRS cause and activities. There was to be a report from the Unification Committee head. Swami B.V. Praivrajak Maharaj the coordinater of the Unification Committee invited help from all the other members to increase the awareness to the efforts and benefits of the WVA. Srimati Parama Karuna devi dasi from Italy presented her expierience in the promotion of vegetarianism in India. This was done by forming Vegetarian societies in Italy and in Orissa to gain friends for the Vaisnavas and to inform people who are absolutly unaware of the implications of the dangers of the non vegetarian diet. It was left up to individual members for now to see if they wanted to participate in such a effort locally. Acarya das WVA secretary Comment on this Story This story URL: http://vaishnava-news-network.org/world/WD9904/WD07-3521.html
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