Welcome
Spring is upon us as we enter our second
year. Last winter was colder than usual with several short cold spells (+/- 32
degrees), some frosty mornings, and two deep freezes, which lasted for less than one day each. Our winter garden was fair
this year, but certainly not as we expected for winters to come, as we learn more about the area, the climate, soils, etc.
Devotees in nearby Morriston are
also working on their gardening endeavors. A lot of landscape work was done this past season, and we always welcome volunteers
for our summer maintenance and gardening at the camp.
Interest in the Camp Garuda project has
been overwhelmingly kind, so I would like to take the opportunity in this installment on our webpage to answer some of the
most commonly asked questions.
Q.
Is the Camp Garuda project a part of ISKCON and only for ISKCON devotees?
A.
Camp Garuda is a privately funded center for Vaisnava Studies. We regard Srila Prabhupada as our Spiritual Master and
distribute his books. Yes, we are affiliated with ISKCON, however we also welcome devotees from all sides, no matter what
their connection wit Krishna Consciousness may be, to join us here and share ideas and begin to work in a more unified way.
We are all devotees of Krishna, we are all Vaisnavas . . . . it really is just as simple as that.
Q. What are your plans for future
growth, and what are the core objectives of the project?
A. The core of the project is
a self-sufficient Varnashram Agriculture base combined with Book Distribution and preaching, and infused with a constant flow
of spiritual knowledge and personal encouragement. Unlike some community efforts in the past, we intend to grow outward rather
than inward. That is, devotees, (both men, women, and families), who are interested and have the desire will be encouraged
to reach out from our Williston base and preach, open businesses, bookstores, restaurants, and more in nearby cities and towns.
We will support these efforts in every way possible.
To sum it up, our two prime directives
are, One: Vaisnava unity, and Two: Gradual growth here in North Florida. “Every town and Village”. This is not
complicated - it is basic preaching.
Q. Has anything from your personal
past led you to have doubts about what you are doing now?
A. None whatsoever. There have
been times in the past where I have taken issue with the leadership and direction of our movement. It is time to leave all
that behind and heal. Now, more than ever, is the time for unity and the type of “grassroots” preaching effort
I have outlined.
Q. Will you travel outside of
North Florida?
A. Yes, in the summertime to Texas
and New Mexico with campers for Sankirtan. But first this program must become solid. The nearby center at “Braja Retreat”
is a perfect example of that. We need more devotees to become the “new pioneers” of Lord Chaitanya’s movement.
Please join with us, everyone is welcome.
Thank you for your interest in this work
and please call or visit us sometime soon.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada, All
glories to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, all glories to the assembled devotees.
Your servant,
Cyavana das
