Drivers Training

   Giving a new meaning to that term. I had some lessons in drivers training with Nandi, the 13-year old bull of Krishna Katha, here in New Gaudadesh (Lithuania). Nandi is massive - about 9 feet long and 5 ft. tall at the shoulder. He's quite smart and likes to work, giving him a reason to get out of the barn and see the scenery. It was a real treat working with a living being instead of a machine! I can see how a synergy develops between man and animal creating a more personal world. Much different than driving a tractor!

   In English speaking countries "Haw" is left; "Gee" (hard G rhymes with knee) is right;  'Whoa" is stop. Here they use "Na" to start, and "Ch-ch-ch" to stop. They haven't been using right and left commands, using the reigns instead. Voice commands are much better however, and we will begin to use them. Since "Na" is too close to "Haw" we cannot use that word as it will confuse the animal. So we will need to create a unique sound to mean left, something like "Ray".

   Balabhadra Prabhu, ISKCON's Minister of Agriculture and Cow Protection will be coming to Belarus in about 3 weeks. Afterwards we are bringing him to New Gokula Dham, near Nikolaiv. The devotees there have a large herd of animals, now numbering at 19. While there he will instruct them on proper care of the animals, as well as conducting training exercises for those interested in learning how to work with cows and bulls. Please let us know if you want to join in the fun.