becoming self sufficient, natural tooth care

Even though we have all lived on farms most of our lives and we know how to grow our own food and store it and cook it. We are not totally self sufficient. We still run up to the store to get things like shavers and tooth brushes and we use our technology (This laptop for instance) daily. I am not dependent on my laptop, however, my father's main business is selling rock machines and gem stones on eBay. That is not a self sufficient business and it is something he will not be able to do in Belize. So since we won't have an income in Belize like we have here and the point of self sufficiency is independence from everything but your own devices and of course Krsan, I will be posting alternatives to modern conveniences, and necessities.
The first one is an alternative to plastic toothbrushes. This one is actually very easy. You can chew on rose twigs (strip the thorns off) or neem twigs (which grow in Belize) or eucalyptus tiwgs. These all have essential oils in them that will kill bacteria in the mouth and strengthen the teeth. Here is a cool link on how to make toothbrushes out of marshmallow root, alfalfa root and licorice root. It also has some tooth powder recipes. Taking care of your teeth naturally.
Your servant,
Rasalila

The Solution

Real independence is dependence on GOD.

This blog is called The Solution because the life style we are promoting is the solution to all problems arising from economic development and a lack of social structure in the world today.

Srila Prabhupada: But that is very nice, that economic development means you produce more food grains and more milk. Then it will solve all posit... There will be no scarcity of food or happiness........
So you keep animal, cows, and grow food grain; then your food problem is solved. So if your food problem is solved and your cloth problems is solved, then where is your economic necessity? Then you save time and cultivate Krsna consciousness. (July 26, 1975, Laguna Beach)

Many world economies are starting to fall apart because of their dependence on an artificial system of trade and a dependence on oil. Soon the system will have to change. It will go back to more local and more self-sufficient/God-dependent systems.

Prabhupada: So we have to live that. Plain living, high thinking. The necessities of this bodily existence, that should be minimized and not unhealthy. Healthy. To keep oneself fit. But the time should be utilized--develop Krsna consciousness, spiritual life. Then his whole problem is solved. (May 11, 1969, Columbus, Ohio)

Prajapati: Actually, I was concerned this morning about inflation. The government and the newspapers, they say the biggest problem today is inflation. From our Krsna conscious standpoint, how can we cure this problem of inflation?

Prabhupada: It is very simple. Don't accept paper currency. It must be gold or some metal worth. Just like one dollar, it must be worth one dollar metal. Then it is solved. But they want to cheat. How it can be solved? Because if I pay you one dollar, I must pay you value for one dollar. But it is the cheating process is going on, "I pay you one dollar, a piece of paper. That's all." So you accept cheating, and I also cheat. Government allows. So how the problem can be solved? It is cheating. But the government allows it as law. And you accept, I accept. Then how they can be solved, solution? This is the solution.

Prajapati: In the economy itself there isn't actually enough money to, that's even in the banks...

Prabhupada: That is cheating. Therefore I say cheating. I have no money. I give you simply paper. I promise to pay hundred dollars. What is the use of that promise if I have no money? But you want to be cheated. I cheat you. That's all. You are satisfied of being cheated by me; so I take the advantage and I cheat you. I give you a paper. That's all.

Bahulasva: Real money is gold and silver.

Prabhupada: Any... It must be value. According to the market price, it must be value. Whatever it may be. Gold is taken, because gold is the most valuable metal. A small piece of gold, it can carry two hundred dollars. But if I give you iron, then you have to bring another, what is called, bus, to carry it. (laughter) So therefore gold standard is accepted everywhere. There is a standard price of gold, so when I pay you money, it must be, carry the value in gold. That's all. Then there is no inflation. The people want to be cheated, and people cheat. That's all. (December 31, 1973, Los Angeles)

Another faulty system of dependence we have embraced in modern society is the political system.

Prabhupada: There is no question of minority. Support the right person. Krsna supported Maharaja Yudhisthira in place of Duryodhana. So formerly it was monarchy. That is perfect politics. This democracy is useless. It has proved. One man, the king, he should be properly educated how to rule, what is the aim of ruling, how the people will be, I mean to say, culturally elevated, what is that culture. (break) There was a consulting board of learned brahmanas saintly persons. They would advise the monarch how to rule. ( March 7, 1974, Mayapura)

Prabhupada: Everything is there. For Vaisnava there is no suffering, personally. But he is very much anxious: "How these rascals will be happy?" That is his business. "These rascals are misled. They are going astray, unhappy. So how they should be happy?" So that is Vaisnava's business. So the Vaisnava, therefore, will have no politics. Politics means planning for one's own happiness. That is politics. So in our society there should be no diplomacy, no politics. Everyone should be eager how to do good to others. That is Vaisnava. If he's planning something, that "I shall be leader," "I shall be doing something," that is not Vaisnavism. That politics is not good. (March 15, 1974, Vrindavana)

So the solution is to live simply so there is time for Krsna Consciousness so we can all go back home back to godhead. Then there will be peace and happiness.

Prabhupada: So therefore our business should be only to surrender to Krsna. And if you artificially want to be more happy by economic development, that is not possible. That is not possible. (June 28,1976, New Vrindavan)

Prabhupada: When we had cat's and dog's life, tree's life, we could not do that, development of Krsna consciousness. Now we have got human form of life, we should fully utilize it for developing Krsna consciousness. Why should we waste our time for economic development? Economic development is not possible. Then every work, every city, they are trying to develop this economic condition, but they're struggling. Why they word it of "struggle for existence" is there? It is not possible. (July 31, 1976, Paris Farm)

Our aim is to create these communities everywhere so everyone has a peaceful life and peace of mind. Then they can focus on the real goal of life, K.C. Our desire is to start first in Belize. Because even though you can be self-sufficient anywhere a warm climate makes it easier. Our success will make it easier for others to start new communities everywhere.

Prabhupada: ...fact is that Indians cannot work so hard as the Western people can work. The climate does not allow. India's climate is good for peaceful living, less work, and brain engaged in spiritual advancement. That is India's gift. They are not meant for hard work. Hard work is not required for anyone. This is animal civilization, to work very hard. Then what is the difference between animal and man? A man has to work so hard like animal; then what is the difference? Here in the Western countries their climate is also suitable, and they are taught to work very hard like animals. And they do that. Therefore materially they become so-called prosperous for committing suicide. Is it not? (October 18, 1975, Johannesburg)

Prabhupada: In warmer climate you can live inexpensively, and freely. In winter climate, there is no freedom, neither it is inexpensive. Very expensive. (October 25, 1975, Mauritius)

Prabhupada: First of all why nation? Why manufacture nation and create trouble and again ununited? Nation--this word is not there in the Vedic language. There's no conception of nation. There is conception of varnasrama, everywhere. Not for any particular nation or any particular country, but everyone, according to quality--first-class men, second-class men, third-class men. That is there everywhere. Everywhere you go, you find some people first-class intelligent, some people less than him, some people less than him, up to fourth class, that's all. And then fifth class. So everything is there in the Bhagavad-gita. Now you try to implement. (June 22, 1976 New Vrindavan)

Questions and Answeres

Here are some questions about the community and Belize in general that I have been asked. If you have anymore questions please email me and I will post the answer here.
Your servant,
Rasalila Dasi.


Q: Why should someone support a project like this?
A: Because a devotee like Srila Prabhupada is so dear to Krsna, when one gives service to such a devotee then one makes rapid advancement in KC. It is Srila Prabhupada's direct order that all his disciples establish these varnashrama communities all over the world, and there has never been a time when it was needed more than now. So by your contribution you are not only helping your own spiritual advancement, you are also helping to build a facility where so many can come and make advancement.

Q: What will the housing situation be?
A: We have had a lot of discussion on this topic, and we have decided that we will have a two fold system. The main system will be for the community itself where members will be given land and a house because they have given themselves completely to the simple lifestyle and are following the four regs and are chanting 16 rounds. The second system will be for those people who are not yet ready to commit completely but would still like to be a part of the community. They will be able to purchase land from us at fair market value and they will own it in their name with the agreement that if they want to sell they will give the community the first chance to buy it before offering it to the greater real estate market. The land in the second system will not be attached to the main community but it won't be to far away. There will be more about this in the "Spirit of the community" which will be posted soon.

NEW!
Q: What is the spiritual position of the Community in terms of who will perform the fire sacrifice for new members who wish to be initiated into the Gaudiya Vaishnav Sampradaya, and what their Guru/Shiksya relationship will be with the person who performed the fire sacrifice?
A: We accept Srila Prabhupada as the current link to the Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya. However, now or in the future we are not providing initiation to anyone. If someone desires they may find someone else who is willing to preform the ceremony and take ritvik initiation from them. What must be understood first is what initiation means. When a someone has this understanding, then and only then should he or she pursue such a path.
Currently in the group we have five young devotees who have not been formally initiated with a fire sacrifice. However because of their own desire they have started following the 4 regs and chanting 16 rounds. In our opinion, for someone to take such a vow on their own is greater than any ceremony we could provide. So many in the past have been pushed into making promises that they were not able to keep. We do not want to create an atmosphere where anyone could be pressured into doing something they are not ready to do. This is our position.

Q: How easy is it to immigrate to Belize?
A: It is very easy. However you cannot do it from outside the country. Everyone who comes to the country as a visitor gets a 30 day visa and after you are in you have to apply for an extension every month it costs about $12.50 US. You do this for a year and then you apply for a green card. That is it except that during your stay in the country before you get the green card you cannot leave the country for more than 2 weeks total.

Q: Can I own land in Belize?
A: Yes anyone one from anywhere can own land in Belize.

Make Vrindavana

If divided and alone (although we are never truly alone) people become weak and fearful. But when unified and organized, a people can gain the strength, faith, and discipline needed to do great things. In many cases turning the seemingly impossible into reality. This has been demonstrated throughout history. However, in every instance of these inspiring events there has always been a personality of specific quality that was needed to light the spark of unification and organization in the hearts of the people, and provide the vision for the future. We have that vision for the future and we have found that personality or rather, he has found us. He is no ordinary man. He is a soul of the highest quality, unsurpassed and unconquerable. This personality is Srila Prabhupada. If we are to win the war against Maya, Srila Prabhupada is the only one who will lead us to victory.
This varnasrama community will be a manifestation of the vision of Srila Prabhupada. It will be a fully self-sufficient farming community, a center for learning and culture, and a sanctuary for all.
Rajavidya Das

Make Vrindavan is a compliation of everything Srila Prabhupada ever said about Varnasrama, self-sufficiency, simple living and farming. This book was compiled by Gopinatha Acarya Dasa. Below are some quotes from the book. We can send you a copy of the CD version for $10. email me for more info.

Prabhupada: You economically prove that Krsna consciousness is simple and inexpensive life.
Devotees: Yes, jaya, mercy.
Prabhupada: Food, diet, living condition, healthy, hygienic, everything. You prove that this is the best way of life. That's a fact. From all sides, prove that Krsna consciousness movement is essential for the human society, to make them happy in this and the next life. That is a fact.

Prabhupada: Therefore the constitution of manava-darma of the institution of varnasrama must be interesting for the whole world, and it should be village organization as Mahattma Ghandi contemplated.

Our Mission

Haribol!

We are a group of Prabhupada centered devotees, who are starting a self-sufficient, varna-asrama comunity, in Belize. Our mission is to provide a model community based on Srila Prabhupada's instructions on varna-asrama, cow protection, simple living and high thinking and unity and diversity. The main focus will be farming and we are hoping that through our success we can help others start communities everywhere in the world.
This community will have an Ayurvedic Healing center, a Vedic Wisdom library, a Ksatriya Training Center, a Center for Sustainable Agriculture, a Center for Development of alternative energies and technologies that support and encourage simple living, and high thinking.
We have found a piece of property in Belize that we would like to purchase to start this community, however at this time we do not have sufficient Lakshmi to continue in our mission. Therefore we are appealing to the larger devotee community to help us make this part of Srila Prabhupada's mission a reality.
Our reasons for choosing Belize as the country in which to start this project are very simple. First off we wanted to do this project in a climate conducive to simple living therefore we chose a tropical climate and Belize is also relatively undeveloped and does not have an extremely expensive cost of living. It is also easy to immigrate to and for us it is not too awfully far away.
If you would like to be a part of this great mission you can make donations through Paypal of any amount from $1 to $100,000. Or you can send them to the address on the right. Everything is appreciated.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Your Servant,
Rasalila Dasi

The Area

There are a lot of wonderful things about Belize however it is not a place to go to to make money. The country is not set up to make anyones fortune and it is not a place where you can get a 9 to 5 job. Most people are farmers or they work in the very small cities on a small scale. The biggest city in Belize is Belize city and there is almost a third of the population of the entire country there. It is not a nice city. It used to be the capitol but then it got run over by a hurricane in the 60s. So they moved the capitol and kind of just left the city to fend for its self. This shows on all the run down buildings and roads in most parts of the city. It really hasn't completely recovered since as far as I can tell. Also most of the land on the coast of Belize is marsh and mangrove and not beaches. There are some down south and on the Islands but that is about it.
We are planning on purchasing land in the interior of the country where their is less of a threat of hurricanes and the land is fertile.
Here are some pictures of Belize and the area where we want the community to be.




The markings on this map are not to show exactly where the property we are going to buy will be. The map is only to give you an idea of the area in Belize where it is.

About Us

Currently our group consists of nine people. (not all are pictured) Hargreaves family which consists of Haribolananda, Garudi, Acharya, Rasalila, Harikirtana and Rajavidya have been Organic gardening since before the birth of the four children. They have had huge market gardens and sold to local markets wherever they lived. All the children, Harikirtana especially, have been in some way involved in alternative energy ideas and development and in sustainable living groups. The family was joined a while ago by Gaudiya and Niladri Crowells who lived in New Vrindavan through all the good times and the bad times. Gaudiya has cultivated knowledge on how to work with cows and oxen and construction of earth friendly homes and buildings. Niladri growing up in New Vrindavan and Sarangati, in BC, has learned the rewards of a simple life and hard work. She also, like the Hargreaves children, is very proficient in gardening harvesting and is learning herbology. Pavana Prabhu and his family have lived in New Vrindavan for many many years and they have seen the failures and success, what has worked and what hasn't. They have also learned that following Srila Prabhupadas instructions, with understanding, is the most important in any endeavor. Haribolananda and Gaudiya Prabhu have also lived in and been in the beginning of many communities and therefore in the group there is a well rounded mix of seasoned experience and young enthusiasm. This combination is pushing us forward in our mission and goals to serve Srila Prabhupada by trying to understand and carry out his orders.

Haribolananda Das: He has been organic gardening for over 30 years and is also a geologist.
My name is Haribolananda das. I joined Krsna Consciousness movement in 1972, was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in ’74, on Rathyatra day at Trifalgar Square in London, a most memorable event. By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada, I was one of the early devotees of the Bhaktivedanta Manor. In ’75, I got the opportunity to serve Srila Prabhupada on his garden in Vrndavana, India. After returning to the West, in ’76, I was able to serve at the Paris temple and then on the French farm, New Mayapura, where I met a devotee called Garudi devi dasi who has been my devoted wife and good friend for 31 years. Later in ’79, we came over to the states, did a lot of traveling to some of the temples and farm communities that were going at the time, finally ending up in LA temple and Three Rivers farm. In ’81, I became somewhat independent from the greater ISKCON community for many reasons, which I will not go into here. I will say though in my 35 years of endeavoring to be Vaisnava, I have seen a lot of water go under the bridge. Some of it crystal clear, some murky and some down right dirty. Anyway, enough of my intro.

I’d like to say a little about our current project of establishing a Krsna Conscious self-sufficient community. It is very clear throughout Srila Prabhupada’s books that he wanted to introduce this Vedic system of Varnasrama to the masses of people all over the world. I personally have been organic gardening and farming over 40 years, amongst other things. Such communities should be established all over the world. There has never been a greater need than the present. In fact, time is running out. Srila Prabhupada’s desire and instructions for establishing these communities is very clear in his books and especially the three volumes of Make Vrndavana, where he explains that the present so-called civilization will not last and will be forced by material nature to bring about their own destruction. One has just to look around and see the undeniable truth.
My family and I believe that the only way to preach is by example, from the platform of truthfulness, inspired by our individual realizations and serving Srila Prabhupada and the Vaisnava community. We feel strongly that trying to establish a community of this nature will give more opportunity for like-minded devotees to support and participate in a practical hands-on way. Thus, we will be spreading Krsna Consciousness through the principle of unity and diversity. When you have experienced a personality as supremely unique as Srila Prabhupada and what he has done for the world, you just know that all things are possible. So, with Srila Prabhupada at the helm of our flag ship we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. As Sanjaya said to King Dhrtarastra in the Bhagavad- Gita Chapter 18 verse 78.

yatra yogesvarah krsno
yatra partho dhanur-dharah
tatra srir vijayo bhutir

dhrva nitir matir mama

“Wherever there is Krsna, the master of all mystics and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power and morality. This is my opinion.”
So, I encourage you to take part in this wonderful journey in whatever way you can.
Your servant in the service of Srila Prabhupada,
Haribolananda das

Pavana Das: Musician, sound man, jack of all trades.
I'm your servant Pavana. Thanks for reciprocating. After searching Europe, India, America (second hand) the choice just made sense. Economically cheap, Socially, multi culturally diverse and simplistic, stable politics. Healthy, happy, helpful locals. I love challenge and travel. And sticking out my neck for Krsna is a sure way to become recognized by him. The tropical climate is recommended by Prabhupada as being very conducive for spiritual life.
A little labor picking the fruit from the existing orchard there, plunging into a cool pool by the waterfalls, with time to ponder the absolute truth, makes much more sense to me than driving 1oo miles a day back and forth to work to maybe have enough money left over from the plummeting dollar to buy some bread. Simple living and high thinking with like minded loving devotees. It's past time to unplug and just do it. Come join us and be happy!
I've been struggling very hard in New Vrindavan since 1981. The devotional environment is slowly diminishing due to a lack of actual self-sufficiency and strained devotee relationships. You need a simple life style and a few good souls to wake up early with and chant the Holy Name. Bas done, back to home.
Haribol.

Gaudiya Das: Jack of all trades, builder and mechanic.
Every since I joined the movement I have always wanted to live in a warm climate on a self-sufficient devotee community take care of the cows, work with the oxen and chant Hare Krsna.

Garudi Devi Dasi: Is a wonderful stable personality who helps keep everything running smooth. She's also a wonderful cook.
It is exciting to be a part of a Krsna Conscious project!I was expecting my children to leave home and make their own ways in the world, just as I had done. I see now that keeping our family together is much better for all of us. We are our Krsna Conscious association and the second generation is carrying on the battle against Maya. We all work together in whatever needs to be done, cooking, cleaning planting, harvesting, digging holes, chanting, celebrating and praying. We are using Srila Prabhupada’s books as our guide in understanding how we can have a happy life together and speaking for myself, I am happy. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Acharya Das: Artist, graphic designer, web master, author.
Hare Krsna,
My name is Acharya das Hargreaves,I was born a devotee and have been a devotee all my life. I enjoy being a devotee because Krsna Consciousness is the most diverse understanding in the whole world. At least to me it is. There are so many ways one can serve the Lord and be very happy doing them.

I am a published author of two health books and I have a job designing book covers for the American book Publishing company. All my life I have been into Art, drawing, painting, designing, media, web etc.. Its what I enjoy doing the most.
To me developing a self sufficient devotee community as Srila Prabhupada wanted is a great way to preach to the whole world how anyone can be 100% self sufficient and still have all the modern facilities of daily life. I believe anyone can use any kind of technology for Lord Sri Krsna and become self sufficient. To me this is the biggest desire for building this self sufficient devotee community. To show the world that anyone can live a much better and happier life being self sufficient, vegetarian and God conscious.
Hare Krsna,
your humble servant, Acharya das

Rasalila Dasi: Dance teacher, and very willing to help.
I was born in Oregon and I have always lived on a farm. I believe the farm is the best place on earth because with out the farm no one has food. Especially now more than ever, because of the growing prices of everything. I believe we should start communities like these for the benefit of all man kind, and we should go all out and really do it and do it now.
Love you all,
Rasalila Dasi




Harikirtana Dasa: Scientist, inventor, in charge of alternative energies, martial artist.
I took birth in Paradise, CA in 1985 to Haribolananda Dasa and Garudi Devi Dasi.
Many devotees struggle to maintain their Krsna consciousness while supporting their families and holding a job, or two. Srila Prabhupada called this the hard struggle for existence. There is a better way, a simpler way of life. We have the desire to tell the world about that better way of life and what better way to do that than take the example Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada is an Acarya, because he lived what he preached. The very meaning of Acarya is “one who preaches by example”We have to live what we want to preach.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Servant to the kirtana of lord Krsna,
Harikirtana Dasa

Niladri Devi Dasi: Enthusiastic helper, photographer.












Rajavidya Das: Martial artist and personal trainer. Is trained in several different martial arts.
I was born in 1988 in Cottage Grove OR. My parents are Haribolananda Das and Garudi Devi Dasi.
If divided and alone (although we are never truley alone) people become weak and fearful. But when unified and organized a people can gain the strength faith and discipline needed to do great things. In many cases turning the seemingly impossible in to reality. This has been demonstrated throughout history. However, in every instance of these inspiring events there has always been a personality of specific quality that was needed to light the spark of unification and organization in the hearts of the people, and provide the vision for the future. We have that vision for the future and we have found that personality or rather, he has found us. He is no ordinary man. He is a soul of the highest quality, unsurpassed and unconquerable. This personality is Srila Prabhupada. If we are to win the war against Maya, Srila Prabhupada is the only on who will lead us to victory.
This varnasrama community will be a manifestation of the vision of Srila Prabhupada. It will be a fully self-sufficient farming community, a center for learning and culture, and a sanctuary for all.
Rajavidya Das