“We have made a buildable design that is pleasing to look at.”

— ABHIRAMA PRABHU

Mayapur Project Presentation
By Vipramukhya Swami

CHAKRA (Mayapur, India) - February 13, 2001: His Grace Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu kicked off the GBC meeting this morning with a reading from SB 9.10.20:

te 'nikapa raghupater abhipatya sarve dvandvam varutham ibha-patti-rathasva-yodhaih

jaghnur drumair giri-gadesubhir angadadyah sitabhimarsa-hata-mangala-ravanesan

"Angada and the other commanders of the soldiers of Ramacandra faced the elephants, infantry, horses and chariots of the enemy and hurled against them big trees, mountain peaks, clubs and arrows. Thus the soldiers of Lord Ramacandra killed Ravana's soldiers, who had lost all good fortune because Ravana had been condemned by the anger of mother Sita."

In the purport, Srila Prabhupada writes that the soldiers Lord Ramacandra were recruited in the jungle and were all monkeys. Therefore they did not have proper equipment with which to fight the soldiers of Ravana, "for Ravana's soldiers were equipped with weapons of modern warfare whereas the monkeys could only throw stones, mountain peaks and trees."

Srila Prahupada says that it was only Lord Ramacandra and Laksmana who shot some arrows. "But because the soldiers of Ravana were condemned by the curse of mother Sita, the monkeys were able to kill them simply by throwing stones and trees."

Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport that there are two kinds of strength, called daiva and purusakara. "Daiva refers to the strength achieved from the Transcendence, and purusakara refers to the strength organized by one's own intelligence and power. Transcendental power is always superior to the power of the materialist. Depending on the mercy of the Supreme Lord, one must fight one's enemies even though one may not be equipped with modern weapons."

Srila Prabhupada concludes: "Therefore Krishna instructed Arjuna, mam anusmara yudhya ca: [Bg. 8.7] 'Think of Me and fight.' We should fight our enemy to the best of our ability, but for victory we must depend on the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead."

This morning's presentation to the GBC concerned the Mayapur Project, a huge temple comparable in size to the Vatican, along with accompanying city. Kalakantha took feedback from the GBCs and guests regarding the pluses and minuses that they saw regarding building a huge temple and city in Mayapur.

After finishing up the plus and minus exercise, Abhirama Prabhu, a senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada, took the microphone. "This exercise is extremely interesting to me," he said. "I think that both sides of the pluses and minuses seem balanced. There are many issues that need to be addressed before the project receives your full enthusiasm."

He said he is here to take direction from the GBC. He has been given the assignment to develop the designs for a temple envisioned by Srila Prabhupada. Over the years they have developed and refined a concept design. He said they would look seriously at the issues.

When Srila Prabhupada's gave the instruction to build this temple, it was in spite of the fact that many devotees back then thought other projects should have priority. He did not lack inspiration or understanding, yet he chose to push this project. It is a bold idea to build this temple, in spite of the negative environment we may sometimes find ourselves in today. "We must keep faith and encourage the faith in others," said Abhirama. "It is easy to have faith when things are going well, but it is a test of true faith to keep that faith when things are not going well." He said that the idea to build the temple is not losing momentum, though the money flowing into the project has reduced. "I am more certain than ever that this project is on course," Abhirama said. "If we do not succeed in this life I pray we all come back life time after life time until we all finish all of Srila Prabhupada's work."

He told the GBCs to carefully examine the work they have done so far. Abhirama made the frank comment that he needs an intact organization before they can build the temple. "We have made a buildable design that is pleasing to look at." He said they could begin the construction today if they had the money.

"If we just keep the idea alive, it doesn't have to crush finances. How it's introduced, how aggressive it is, that is up to you," he said. He envisions that it may not be finished in our lifetimes. "We need to take a longtime view of it, and just be content that we are working toward realizing Srila Prabhupada's dreams."

Prithu made the comment Cologne Dom Cathedral in Germany took 600 years to complete, from the 14th to 19th century.

"We are paced by what is realistic," Abhirama said. "This project will be built." It is just a question of time, he said. "It will manifest because it is the will of Lord Caitanya," he said.

GBC members were then ushered into a room across the hall to look at scale models of the Mayapur Project and Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

© CHAKRA 13 February 2001

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