By Jagabandhu das
I have some ideas for massive prasadam distribution supported by a soup cannery with a sellable product unlike any others currently on the market. The inspiration came to us many years ago when we were feeding the poor and homeless out of five gallon plastic buckets on the streets of downtown Oakland, CA/USA in 1987. The idea was in part inspired by how actor Paul Newman had started a salad dressing/spaghetti sauce company which ended up using the proceeds above operating expenses to donate millions to charity. Such a project would create jobs in a very difficult time and sustain the feeding of many hungry people with a virtual prasadam factory based on local, seasonal food production. And it could be replicated in each local area according to each unique geographic agricultural circumstance.
When my wife Krishnaashrita dasi and I started feeding the poor and homeless it was the first time I had ever really cooked (but she was a good teacher). And the happiest time in my life as we absorbed ourselves completely, dedicating seven days a week to help others. It was about time I had done something for somebody else! For a change. I quickly learned how to make basic split pea kichuri (when soon evolved into “anand” because of all the fresh vegetables we were using). Eventually we were mostly feeding elderly people who although very poor (they were often unable to afford food, but not homeless per se). We quickly learned how to use Indian spices in a subtle blend for seasoning suitable to the Western palate. We created a mock-chicken noodle soup which even non-vegetarians thought to be the real thing. And a very “meat-like” vegetarian lentil stew. So we have recipes. A lot of em(in fact I once wanted to do the Vegetarian White Trash Cookbook).
As I have watched unemployment/poverty/hunger rates skyrocket in the USA and elsewhere this idea from long ago has again forced it’s way into the foreground of my consciousness. I recently heard that Srila Prabhupada had wanted all of his householder disciples to leave the cities and move to the farms in the mid-70s. The general excuse given for not doing so at the time was because of their having jobs in the cities. His Divine Grace responded by saying that “soon” there will be no jobs. Thirty-four years later is “soon” in the eyes of God and eternity. If we study the shape of things in our contemporary world in crisis: “soon” has become now.
I was told recently that Srila Prabhupada had also mentioned that 10,000 hungry people would be coming to the Gita-nagari farm to take shelter. Meanwhile, I also recently heard that Gita-nagari only had barely a handful of fulltime members. That’s a far cry from having the necessary manpower with which to serve in the growing war on hunger. And I don’t mean just a mere million hungry children a day. To fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s vision of feeding the whole world would mean each day feeding untold millions of people of all ages, races and creeds who have been harshly disappointed by the best intentions of governments and politicians who have failed at being God. Hunger relief, just as hunger itself doesn’t know anything about ideological differences. It’s long overdue for the many fortunate followers of the beautiful teachings of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada to rise up together from the ashes of socio-economic apocalypse and help fulfill his awesome vision of feeding the whole world. Krishna Himself is the only one with the capacity to give shelter to the masses with the merciful assistance of the kind-hearted bhaktas who are convinced that He alone is the Doer.
“It is called prasada-seva, not ‘prasada-enjoyment.’ Seva means giving service.” Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
“Yes, preaching is more important than managing. Just because you are preaching nicely and distributing so much prasadam, the management will follow like a shadow and Krishna will send you no end of help.” (Srila Prabhupada letter to Satsvarupa Maharaj, 11-21-71)
“Yes, I fully agree that, ‘What is the use of a temple if there is no prasadam distribution?’ Prasadam distribution on a large scale must be resumed. Such a temple where there is no such distribution has no value, I agree.” (Srila Prabhupada letter to Tamala Krishna Maharaj 1-11-74)
“Please accept my blessings. Now you must arrange in each temple there must be sufficient stock of prasadam for distribution. You can keep first-class cooks, two or three, and they should always be engaged. Whenever any guest comes, he must get prasada. This arrangement must be made, that the cooks prepare ten-twenty servings at a time, of puris and sabji, and you can add halavah and pakoras, and the visitors must be supplied immediately. Whenever a gentleman comes, he must be served. As the twenty servings are being distributed, immediately the cooks prepare another twenty servings and store it. At the end of the day, if no one comes, our own men will take, so there is no loss. You cannot say, ‘It is finished. It is not cooked yet. There is no supply for cooking, etc.’ This must be enforced rigidly. The temple is managed by Srimati Radharani, Laksmiji; so why should there be want? Our philosophy is, if anyone comes, let him take prasada, chant Hare Krishna and be happy. Everything is being supplied by Krishna, Krishna is not poor, so why should we deny them? This should be done at any cost. There is no difficulty, it simply requires nice management. At the end of the day you may sell or give away. If we believe that Krishna is providing and maintaining everyone, then why should we be misers. This means losing faith in Krishna and thinking that we are the doers and suppliers. We are confident Krishna will supply! Let the whole world come, we can feed them. So, please, do this nicely, begin at once.” (Srila Prabhupada letter to all ISKCON, 1-18-1977)
I wish you all success with these essential inspirational ideas in your local area. After finally buying our first home it’s unlikely that we’ll be able to move ever again. Also, adjustment difficulties with our autistic daughter after our last forced re-location almost killed us in the process. We’re not likely to survive another such move. To those in my area (or thinking of coming here) I welcome the notion of progressive discussions about how we might work together to help the world in a positive way through sustainable living/food production/businesses that could support that. And most of all engaging in massive prasadam distribution like never before. With all credit going to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna (because it’s Their idea).
I won’t hide the fact that I’m a poor man with Faith (Deep Conviction) as my only asset. But my life has been rich in Grace(although some might also justifiably say rich in fiber). My wife and I have commitment, courage, staunch determination and a nearly unshakeable enthusiasm to help others. We also know our way around a kitchen pretty well too!
As I try and look around me with the affection which binds the vision of “seeing” as “a kindly friend to all”: I see that my “friend” the World is in great despairing trouble as extremely severe times are now upon us. For everyone. If my friend is in peril, I must help him. I would consider it a great honor to be permitted through Lord Krishna’s help to be allowed to work conjointly with any of you. In concerted action for that one aim of extending Mahaprabhu’s Relief to our “friend” the World around us.
As our sandcastle civilization and it’s artificial economy collapses and dies there will be tremendous opportunity for the natural old way of daivi-varnashram to re-assert itself in the vacuum created when all else fails. And “recovery” to previous standards of “prosperity” within the same decrepit socio/economic system seems very unlikely despite the best intentions of governments, mice and men.
For those who wish to contact me for progressive discussions about mutual participation based on deep inspiration from Sri Guru and Faith in the Holy Name resulting in mutual benefit for all the Earth’s denizens: I’m easy to reach in Florida at (386) 497-3970 or at hantz108@aol.com
In the meantime, as I go out to look for employment (where there is considerably less and none), I will also be approaching my local civic community leaders and business owners with a plan to create jobs and help others.
My good friend Gurudas (ACBSP) once told me how Srila Prabhupada thought when he undertook a new project. First he would have the idea (or inspiration). Then he would arrange for the manpower. Lastly he would find the funding. As if to say that when we know that Krishna is the Doer, inspiration itself is always of primary importance. Along with a strong back and the willingness to work hard without cessation for the real benefit of others. And the compassion which compels going to great lengths to do so. Forever, if need be. To such a Fellowship of Mercy, I would gladly pledge my undying allegiance. Again and again.
All the best to you and yours…
Humbly with affection,
Jagabandhu das