sattvät sanjäyate jnänam

Remincient of the story of the slaying of the Dhenukasura Demon by Balarama-

The cowherd boys were complaining that the presence of the donkey in the Goshalla was a little unorthodox. Jaya Prabhupada das- a resident of New Vrindaban said “In my country we just don’t do this.” Jaya Prabhupada, who has been working with the New Vrindaban Cows for 3 years, went on to explain “we don’t put cows and donkeys together”. Donkeys have a tendency to kick (the cows). This endangers the well being of the other animals. “If a cow has horns, like Surabhi, she is able to protect herself from the donkey but if not… we are in trouble.”

The donkey’s presence in the Cow Protection barn began 2 years ago when Bodhisattva, a 7 year old standard gelded jack, first came to New Vrindaban. He started out living out at Bahluban with the large herd. When it was discovered that donkeys have a low toleration the cold weather- shelter was needed. Last winter Bodhi moved out to the Big barn and then relocated to the goshalla- on a trial basis. Tapah Punja das, the owner of the donkey, said the donkey makes a nice addition to the farm because donkeys can pull carts and do precision cultivation. “Unlike Oxen, which are slow and cumbersome, donkeys can walk a straight line” said Punja. He went on to say, “We got the donkey because they are great for herding. The cow herder gets more respect from the animals when he is higher off the ground”

Donkeys, known in the wild as burros, are used in many types of trekking. The are easily able to carry moderate loads in the mountainous regions. Last summer when Jaya Prabhupada found himself without a vehicle- Jaya Prabhupada was spotted happily trotting out the back road to work at the “Big barn” on Bodhi. At lunch time, during the warmer weather, one can see Bodhi parked at the apartment building accepting carrots from the children and waiting for Jaya Prabhupada.

However useful the donkey might be- the controversy over whether or not Bodhisattva should live with the cows still exists. Should the donkey live with Krishna’s cows? One New Vrindaban resident stated; “We have a donkey out there- passing his “not so pure stool” along side the stool of the cows? He will contaminate the entire place. We offer that milk to Krishna?” Another resident said, “If the donkey might hurt the cows- what is he doing out there?”. The majority of the people in the community feel that Bodhisattva is a nice guy who should be given a chance. Mother Dhara said, “well he does his service, and keeps out of trouble- we should leave him alone and let him live where he wants”

Jaya Prabhupada said “In the beginning (of his stay in the Goshalla)- He would guard the doors. He wouldn’t allow the cows to enter the Goshalla. I thought OK- this is it. I am going to have to move him but this was not possible. He is stubborn as a mule.” Jaya Prabhupada consulted Tapah Punja who told Jaya Prabhupada he would take care of it- to “give Brody-sattva one more week in the Goshalla.” Jaya Prabhupada- his face lighting up in ecstasy, “I was surprised! He is a cow now!” Jaya Prabhupada was delighted to report that “This morning- it was AMAZING- one of the cows, Kamadenu, was licking the Donkey. They have accepted him as one of their own.”