Living like a Hindu Monk at New Godruma Dharma Farm

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Nestled in the heart of the Malaysian rainforest there is a rolling hill that leads to New Godruma Dhama Farm. The path leads to orchards of jackfruit, coconut, papaya, and banana trees. The cowsheds stand as landmarks at the farm and the daily routines allow the cows time in the meadows, for feeding and for washing. Along the path there are flowers that are regularly blossoming and being picked for ‘Puja’ a ceremony for feeding the cows, where they are dressed in fine fabrics and sang to with incense and candles. “How are you today?” Sundaari, the talented chef and Hare Krishna woman of the farm greets the cows with a warm familiarity and reverence. The farmland is vast and abundant, and the workers rise at sunrise to begin their work and work diligently to fulfil their tasks by the time the sun sets. Life is natural at New Godruma Dhama Farm.

Upon arrival, Prabhu, Co-Regional Secretary of ISKCON Malaysia greets you with generosity and a kind smile. Having dedicated 37 years to monastic life, his wealth of knowledge becomes evident in his engaging conversations. The volunteers keenly listen as he recounts ancient stories from across Asia, international history and teachings from the Bhagavad Gita (a greatly respected Hindu scripture). The stories are woven into the daily activities as though we are learning of the Hare Krishna way by example.

In the bustling kitchen, plant-based food is prepared by volunteers lead by the skilful Sundaari or Prabhu. Witnessing the grace, respect, and efficiency with which each meal is prepared for over twenty workers and volunteers is astounding. We chop jackfruit, chillis, carrots, potatoes, tofu, roll out pancakes, cook rice, squeeze out coconut milk from fresh coconuts and each action is so precise and intentional that it takes no time at all before a feast is standing before our eyes. No food can be tasted, even by the chefs until it is placed elegantly on a plate and offered at a special alter to the Hare Krishna deities. The food is different at every meal and extraordinarily delicious, with only natural ingredients and plenty of spices. The locals eat using their fingers and Prabhu tells us that this enforces our connection with our food and our body.

In the farm itself, the work is diverse and demanding. The farm workers are generous and accommodating and the volunteers are encouraged to find work for themselves. Through this process, they find the role that they feel most comfortable with. “That’s the most important thing, to be happy with what you are doing.” Prabhu exclaims “I always say, if somebody’s not happy, they should move”. The tasks range from harvesting fruit, feeding the cows sweet treats (like bananas, jackfruit, or molasses), nursing the bulls after fights have caused injuries, feeding the dogs to hosing down cow sheds, mixing soil, creating fertiliser from cow dung, and spreading it around the fruit trees. “You have to do things with your whole heart” Sundaari teaches the volunteers, encouraging us to see the value and meaning in our activities.

The experience of working at New Godruma Dhama farm can give you as much as you wish. If there is something you would like to create or make happen, people here will gladly partake and even facilitate it. The question of whether we could be taken to the elephant sanctuary 30 minutes away was enthusiastically received by two farm workers, Alegu and Shankar, who gave us a lift in the car. Before sunrise, Prabhu performs his daily prayers with 108 beads and sings mantras with a drum. We asked if we could join and were gladly welcomed. We cleaned and organised one of the cowsheds so thoroughly, that we were able to gather by the bulls one evening for a Kirtan (a social event of devotional singing), followed by yoga led by one of the volunteers.

After five, maybe more hours, the daily tasks of the volunteers are completed by midday, leaving time to socialise, rest and reflect. In a conversation about our time here, Sam, a volunteer from the United States begins “there are lots of lessons that I’m going to take back home with me” saying “I want to treat my friends in the way that you all have treated me”. Victor from Sweden shares that “My biggest takeaway is that people here live very simply, work really hard, but they are very happy”, As Bhavitra dewi, Sundaari’s fifteen-year-old daughter wisely concludes “Simple living, high thinking”. Merel, a volunteer from Holland summarised everyone’s thoughts with the words “I have had an amazing experience. It’s a really nice, peaceful place, and I think the way we treat each other is really special. I’ve never been in a place like this”.

When stepping foot on the land of New Godruma Dhama Farm, it is advisable to momentarily suspend where you came from and who you are and embrace the local way of life. Put yourself out there to do the work and take initiative, making your own plan for the day. Introduce yourself to the cows and dogs, letting them smell you and familiarise themselves with your presence. Learn everyone’s names and be kind. Keep your space clean and ask if you have any questions. Embrace simplicity and enjoy your time here, your experience is what you make it.

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Written by Elizabeth Maggio-Kotkowska

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