Conceptions of Gitagrad

In an article appearing in Back to Godhead magazine in 1956 Srila Prabhupada wrote an explanation of what that place would be like where everything was done as an act of devotional service to the Supreme Lord. This paper is titled “Conceptions of Gita Nagari.” The Sanskrit word “nagar” means place, so the title means “the place of Bhagavad-gita.” Similarly the suffix “grad” in the Russian language also refers to place, and hence the name “Gitagrad” has the same meaning as “Gita Nagari.” The plan and activities of Gita Nagari, already having been established by His Divine Grace, there is no actual need to speculate further about what to do or how to live. We need only take up the activities as he has directed.

The intention and purpose of Gitograd is to fulfill the desire of Srila Prabhupada to establish a transcendental place of activity dedicated to, and focused on the Supreme Lord, the speaker of the Bhagavad-gita, Sri Partha Sarathi. Below are the main points covering the philosophy and activities of Gitagrad, which are essentially the main points that Srila Prabhupada mentions regarding Gita Nagari. Srila Prabhupada had intended that Gita Nagari remain as a transcendental village whose inhabitants are engaged in pure devotional service. As such it is understood to be functioning on the basis of daiva-varnashrama. At this point in time, the early 21^st century, and in this place of Ukraine, we feel it necessary to accommodate persons who are not able to live at that high standard. Thus we have allowed for the expansion of the community to include those who will follow the principles of varnashrama dharma, leading eventually to the standard of daiva-varnashrama. A detailed explanation of these terms and principles can be found in the Gitagrad Charter.

The Foundational Principles of Gitagrad are as follows:

1. The concepts and activities of Gitagrad are to be based on the Bhagavad-gita, and on Srila Prabhupada’s statements of Gita Nagari.
2. Those who have abandoned all fruitive work and speculative thinking based on empiric knowledge, and have taken to pure devotional work and knowledge, transcendentally engaging all their wealth, attention, intelligence and words in the service of Godhead, are called Bhakta Yogis, or devotees of the Lord. The main function of Sri Gitagrad shall be to increase the number of such devotees.
3. Gitagrad’s residents will exclusively follow the social arrangement of daiva-varnashrama. For those unable to attain this standard of pure devotion, the principles of varnashrama dharma will apply for neighboring residents.
4. Sri Krishna will be worshipped in His transcendental form as Partha Sarathi along with His transcendental associate Sri Arjuna. Krishna and Arjuna will be the presiding Deities of Gitagrad, along with Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, and Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Lady Subhadra.
5. All activities at Gitagrad shall be so done on account of Sri Partha Sarathi, Who shall remain eternally the sole Enjoyer of the results out of such activities.
6. Sri Partha Sarathi shall remain eternally the sole proprietor of the lands and facilities of Gitagrad.
7. All residents of Gitagrad will be given boarding and lodging as prasadam of the Deity, and will perform their activities in loving reciprocation, without expectation of material gain, as the Lord’s servants.
8. A gurukula, The Abhidheya Cultural Academy, will be established at Gitagrad for training the children of the inhabitants. This school will teach the parents as well as the children in responsibilities of varna, ashrama, and other aspects of Vedic culture. Efforts will be made to raise the boys to the level of brahmana as far as possible, for the purpose of fulfilling the lack of such qualified men to lead society. Cultural lessons will also be offered to non-residents such as may come to Gitagrad for training.
9. Gitagrad will arrange for distribution of Krishna prasadam as far and wide as possible.
10. The qualified and empowered preachers of Gitagrad will preach the mission of Gitagrad as far as possible in Ukraine, but also in other parts of the world, as circumstances will allow.
11. All available facilities for the preaching work of Gitagrad shall be accepted as long as they do not interfere with the principles of Gitagrad. Among such facilities, the following can be accepted immediately:
1. Broadcasting the message of Gitagrad using all technologies, such as internet, etc.
2. To answer all the inquiries from all parts of the world English and Russian languages.
3. Production of literature explaining the principles of Gitagrad as the solution to the problems of modern society.
4. Traveling festivals, drama, etc.
12. Holy days such as the birth day anniversaries of Lord Krishna, Sri Ramacandra, Lord Caitanya, Sri Nrisimha Chaturdasi, and similar other functions shall be properly celebrated, and Ekadasi shall be strictly observed by cessation of all unnecessary activity for focus on hearing and chanting the holy names of the Lord.
13. As far as we are able to accommodate new residents, facility shall be offered to inquisitive and sincere souls who shall endeavor for transcendental profit by the use of such facilities, and who agree to strictly follow the rules and regulations of Gitagrad. The governors of the community shall remain vigilant that no person will be allowed to enter who has some motive other than the pure service of Sri Partha Sarathi.