Someone has poisoned me! part four

CHAPTER 20: HEALTH CHRONICLE:

DECEMBER 1975 - DECEMBER 1976

To reconstruct accurately and completely the particulars of Srila Prabhupada's health history in 1976-7, being twenty two years ago, has been a challenge. No single source is available which fully chronicles Srila Prabhupada's medications or health history, or the various doctors who visited Prabhupada, their diagnoses and their treatments.

The synoptic, synthesized chronicling that follows is based on:

1. Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita, Volume 6, by Satsvarupa das Goswami

2. TKG's Diary by Tamal Krishna Goswami

3. Conversations With Srila Prabhupada, Vol. 29-36, Bhaktivedanta Archives (transcripts of actual 1977 tape recordings)

4. Abhiram Prabhu's Memoirs, recorded November, 1978 (Archives)

5. Srutirupa Prabhu's Memoirs, recorded October, 1978 (Archives)

6. ISKCON in the 1970's by Satsvarupa das Goswami (1997)

7. Letters From Srila Prabhupada (Royal Thai BBT)

8. Letters from Tamal Krishna Maharaj and others (Archives)

9. Satsvarupa's little red Prabhupada Nectar series (5 volumes)

10. Miscellaneous other minor biographical sources

The resultant blending of all accounts actually provided a great deal of medical information, especially coming from the tape recordings. This account of Srila Prabhupada's illness in 1977 allows us to closely examine the historical facts to ascertain exactly what medical condition Srila Prabhupada suffered from. First we will briefly back-track into 1976 to earlier origins of Srila Prabhupada's poor health. There are indications that poisoning of Srila Prabhupada may have started in 1976. In this way, an assassin's cover would be generated by a long previous history of illness which begins gradually, wanes and waxes, and eventually culminates in death. In 1976 the symptoms of illnesses in Hawaii, New Vrindaban, New York, and London are compatible with arsenic poisoning, but could just as well have been simply Srila Prabhupada's weak kidneys and the manifestations of kidney problems. Since we have now verified arsenic poisoning by hair analysis in October 1977 (see Chapter 33 ), it is only natural to wonder when or how far back the poisoning began. Judgment is not rendered about 1976; this information is part of the health biography and is included for future investigative work.

DECEMBER 24, 1975

Morning Walk, Bombay

Dr. Patel: You have taken that tablet for passing more urine?

Prabhupada: Yes.

Dr. Patel: Daily or..., yes or no.

Prabhupada: I am passing (laughing).

Dr. Patel: Yes, sir, but you have got the edema on the leg, and I mean, when...

Prabhupada: It is cured. That one tablet, two tablets, has cured.

(Con:18.52)

AUTHOR'S COMMENT: This establishes that Srila Prabhupada almost certainly had kidney problems long before arsenic poisoning began. END

MAY 1976

At 1:00 AM on May 4, 1976,in Hawaii, Srila Prabhupada rang His bell and Hari Sauri and Pusta Krishna Swami rushed in to attend His Divine Grace's summons. "Looking strained, Prabhupada informed us that he was ill and would not take his usual walk or give the morning Bhagwatam class. He is again having trouble with uremia, using the bathroom every hour. His feet are badly swollen and he is suffering dizzy spells." Coincidentally, Tamal Krishna Goswami and Dristadyumna had arrived from New York "with a written report to give Srila Prabhupada on their China preaching endeavours. Since the Mayapur festival, when Srila Prabhupada ordered Tamal Krishna Maharaj to begin something in China, they have been very seriously studying books..." The report detailed the immense difficulties there would be met in trying to preach in China. Tamal said that the prospect was hopeless, saying, "it may be possible fifty years from now." Srila Prabhupada said, "Then give it up. If it is too difficult, don't waste time."

Thus the mission to China was cancelled. Dristadyumna thought that when it was described how Christians had resorted to floating Bibles in balloons on the ocean from hundreds of miles off shore, hoping some would reach Chinese coastal peasants, Srila Prabhupada was impressed with the difficulty of Tamal's China program. Srila Prabhupada dictated a letter to His secretary for all American GBC's, re-installing Tamal to his pre-Mayapur responsibilities as head of the Radha Damodar travelling parties and as a BBT trustee for North America. Tamal returned to Los Angeles on May 7 and soon thereafter relieved Madhudvisa as GBC for the New York zone.

Hari Sauri chronicles that on May 8, in Hawaii, Srila Prabhupada was "now feeling a little better."For a few days He had taken a half tablet of a diuretic daily and the swelling cleared up. On May 10, Srila Prabhupada complained that He was not sleeping well due to "feeling ill with dizziness and passing too much urine."

While in Hawaii, Srila Prabhupada went on regular morning walks and dramatically increased His Bhagwatam translations while also spending hours a day with Hayagriva on the upcoming book Dialectic Spiritualism. On May 22, however, Srila Prabhupada rested long in the afternoon and "complained of weakness due to heart palpitations." Thereafter, Srila Prabhupada visited Los Angeles, Detroit, and Toronto, going to New Vrindaban on June 21. Since His illness in Hawaii, Srila Prabhupada had no other striking health problems except for a short and minor cold and a serious toothache in Toronto.

JUNE - JULY 1976

Hari Sauri Prabhu states in his Transcendental Diary, Volume 3, in the preface: "...warning signs of His Divine Grace's deteriorating health grew stronger. He suffered attacks of toothache, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, kidney disease and flu with stoic indifference, and relentlessly pushed himself on despite his weakening bodily condition."

On June 23, in New Vrindaban, Hari Sauri describes, "Prabhupada said very little on his walk and the class was short. He is experiencing disturbing heart palpitations and his uremia has caused his legs and feet to swell again...(but) his face is no longer swollen."

On June 24 Srila Prabhupada had further heart palpitations and did not go on a walk. On June 25 and 26, again there were no morning walks, and Srila Prabhupada's heart was "still giving him trouble." On June 28 Srila Prabhupada felt "heart strain" while riding in a pickup truck on a bumpy road. Later He said, "Even in this weak (condition)... I am very weak nowadays. Still I am working... I think I shall not be able to go for walks. This morning my heart was beating too much."

On June 30, Hari Sauri describes, "Srila Prabhupada was not well again today and had an ashen pallor... He took only a very short walk..."and notes that Srila Prabhupada had Pradyumna Prabhu give class. He spoke for a few minutes at the end to make some comments. "When Srila Prabhupada is unable to discourse on Krishna conscious philosophy, it is a serious matter indeed."Later in the morning Srila Prabhupada began to feel better. However, the next day Srila Prabhupada skipped His walk and His class was short, perhaps fifteen minutes. "He is still weak and congested with mucus... He doesn't eat much of anything..."On July 2 there was no morning walk, and on July 3 His health was "still not good."On July 4, Hari Sauri describes, "His respiratory system is quite blocked with mucus, making his voice sometimes thick and husky."

Srila Prabhupada arrived in New York on July 9th and was hosted by Tamal Krishna Goswami as GBC and Adi Keshava Swami as temple president. On July 12 at 2:15 AM Srila Prabhupada called for Hari Sauri. "...he looked very ill. He was gaunt and complained of severe chest pains and an inability to either rest or work. He had already changed his diet to simple kichari because of these symptoms, but the problem has persisted... Despite his illness during the night, Srila Prabhupada still went on his walk this morning." At noon Srila Prabhupada again complained of chest pains, which He attributed to "too much anxiety." In the afternoon Srila Prabhupada had a pain in His foot, which Hari Sauri massaged for almost two hours.

On July 14, "illness forced Prabhupada to cancel his afternoon darshan." Early in the morning of July 16, while visiting Gita Nagari farm, Srila Prabhupada again called Hari Sauri to His room. Srila Prabhupada was sitting at His desk but was not using the dictaphone. "He was ashen, and told me he was experiencing severe kidney pain and could not translate. It was the same problem..." Later that day, back in New York, Dr. Bhagat, a life member, examined Srila Prabhupada. The diagnosis was very high blood pressure, a weak heart, and uremia which was probably due to a kidney stone. A diuretic, an antibiotic, a pain reliever, sleeping pills and a psychotropic relaxant were prescribed. No sugar or salt were to be taken either. However, Srila Prabhupada took no medicines and did not change His diet.

On July 20, Srila Prabhupada "now has a heavy cold which is worsening," causing Srila Prabhupada to take only a dry bath and skip His massage. Senior devotees encouraged Srila Prabhupada to delay His scheduled departure that evening so He could rest and recover without the difficulty of travel. Srila Prabhupada could not be convinced to stay. The overnight flight to London was very very hard on Srila Prabhupada. "Racked by a heavy cold, Prabhupada spent practically the whole flight lying down, coughing up large amounts of mucus every few minutes." He hardly moved for over six hours.

Coming off the plane, Srila Prabhupada walked slowly, wobbly, and hesitatingly. He was very ill. On the ride to the temple, it was necessary to stop twice on the roadside for Srila Prabhupada to vomit. "It was alarming because it consisted more of thick, yellow bile and mucus rather than food waste." Arriving at Bhaktivedanta Manor, Srila Prabhupada went straight to His rooms and "immediately took rest for the remainder of the day." Resting until the next morning, Srila Prabhupada "seems to have recovered a little... He had heart palpitations," was very weak, managed to eat only two spoonfuls of fruit, refused massage, ate no lunch except a few bites of kichari, and asked Harikesh that arrangements be made to return to Bombay at once. Srila Prabhupada rested all afternoon again, still very ill. On July 23 and 24 His health improved a little and the "cold" receded.

The strain of preaching, stairways, and lectures weakened Srila Prabhupada and on July 26 He rested all morning, "although he has begun to eat more today." When George Harrison visited and asked about His health, Srila Prabhupada replied, "I have old man's disease, cough and cold, so coughing.” On July 27 Hari Sauri notes that Srila Prabhupada was still coughing and full of mucus. The next day Srila Prabhupada flew to Paris, and "he is at least well enough to walk and resume his travels." On His first night in France, He resumed some translation work, the first since leaving New York a week earlier.

At the farm in France, Srila Prabhupada is reported on July 30:

"...still weak, and after a very short morning walk... He is still full of mucus and alters his diet frequently to speed recovery." On July 31, Hari Sauri describes, "Since we arrived Prabhupada has been resting until late in the morning, after 7 AM. He has not taken a full morning walk since leaving New York. This morning he ate very little for breakfast. He also told us to make all endeavour necessary to prevent him from catching cold. He said that, 'With an old body, it means thin blood, and this turns to mucus. And when there is too much mucus it blocks the heart, and this is very dangerous.' He has spent the last couple of days sitting quietly in his room, but at least he is once again having his massage in the sunshine and taking a full bath."

AUGUST - OCTOBER 1976

On August 1, Srila Prabhupada felt strong enough to make a short tour of the France farm grounds. On August 3, Hari Sauri says, "It was good to see him eating with relish even though it wasn't much. His appetite appears to be increasing, and he has requested fresh fruit and milk with Chyavana-prash for the morning. 'And when I'm feeling little better, someday we can take puri and...'" The next day Srila Prabhupada asked for some bada, made with dal paste and some neem leaf powder, which He had not taken since April in Bombay. Late on the 4 th, Srila Prabhupada "...fell silent for a while, occasionally still coughing, but at least not dislodging the heavy mucus of just a few days ago."

In Tehran on August 9, Srila Prabhupada again ate some bada which contains neem leaves, something He explained was very good to maintain a good appetite. On August 11 Hari Sauri observed that Srila Prabhupada ate at regular times in spite of the fasting till noon due to Lord Balaram's appearance day. "His health is always bad and even to miss one meal would be very detrimental to his body."

Back in Bombay on August 14, "Dr. Patel, Srila Prabhupada's Bombay walking partner, showed up... to go out onto Juhu beach with Prabhupada. However, because of the persistent swelling in Prabhupada's legs caused by his malfunctioning kidneys he wasn't feeling up to it..."

On August 15 Srila Prabhupada gave one of His teeth to Hari Sauri upon request. It had loosened and Srila Prabhupada simply took it out of His mouth the night before and placed it in the drawer of His desk. Hari Sauri says, "Prabhupada is attempting to treat his disease by adjusting the spicing in his diet. In the morning he instructed Palika to (cook)... We were delighted to see him eat and he told us that the spicing had given him a good appetite." In Hyderabad, on August 19: "We are all fasting for half a day (Vyasa-puja day) but unfortunately Srila Prabhupada is also practically having to fast. He has had bad digestion and is coughing up a lot of mucus. He had only a very small amount of fruit for breakfast and simply khichari and yogurt for lunch."

On August 22, Hari Sauri says, "Prabhupada's digestive problems are continuing, and so for lunch he elected to have only steamed vegetables and khichari, with a small amount of ghee in a separate bowl." It is also noted that a month after becoming ill upon leaving New York, Srila Prabhupada "...is still not going out for his morning walks." On August 27, in New Delhi, Srila Prabhupada's "physical health is still weak, and so he took the opportunity for a little well-earned rest." The next day on His morning walk, He was "still feeling weak. He sat for most of the time on a bench... Since returning from Europe his health has definitely improved."

In Vrindaban on September 11, Hari Sauri states, "Prabhupada's health is not very good. He has been suffering from high blood pressure for several days, and today he has toothache. Indeed, he seems to be suffering a general decline in health and strength. At this time last year he was striding strongly down the road every morning for at least an hour and seemed quite full of vigor. Now he rarely takes such walks." Srila Prabhupada went for a walk on the roof and had strained to manage the last few steps, commenting, "Now I am old." Harikesh also observed that Srila Prabhupada's muscle tone had declined.

On September 13, Srila Prabhupada is noted as having "great difficulty speaking very much at the moment due to his high blood pressure." His classes were becoming noticeably shorter. On September 19 and 20, Srila Prabhupada felt quite ill due to "high blood pressure." It is not understood from Hari Sauri's accounts exactly what led to this unofficial diagnosis of high blood pressure. On September 30, Hari Sauri again mentions the high blood pressure problems. In the night of October 7, Srila Prabhupada complained of chest pains.

The above information was obtained from Hari Sauri Prabhu's Transcendental Diary, Volumes 2, 3 and 4. Volume 5, which will begin

with October 9, 1976, has not yet been published as of this printing, but it is anticipated with great enthusiasm. We have very little information of Srila Prabhupada's health or activities between October 9, 1976 and January 8, 1977 since Satsvarupa Maharaj did not include anything in his biography from July 20, 1976 to January 9, 1977.. The only known source of information at present is the tape recordings transcribed in the Conversations Books.

DECEMBER 26: In Bombay, Giriraj, Srutasrava and Dr. Patel were discussing the challenges presented by the American deprogrammers.

Giriraj: And then Adi Keshava Maharaj is going with a swami? Chandra Swami, some Indian swami in America. He's going with Adi Keshava Maharaj to meet the new President of the United States on January 27th.

Srila Prabhupada: He's going to see?

Giriraj: Yes, Jimmy Carter… So Adi Keshava Maharaj and this one Indian sannyasi, they are going to make a representation to the new President.

Srila Prabhupada: Who is that Indian swami?

Srutasrava: His name is Chandra Swami.

Srila Prabhupada: Chandra Swami? So why…?

Guest: He's a young man.

Srila Prabhupada: He must be Mayavadi. He's taking advantage of this.

Guest: He's a man who is following Tantric.

Srila Prabhupada: So what is this nonsense? This should not be… He should not accompany. He's taking advantage of it.

Guest: He's also directly associated with the Prime Minister, this young man. Chandra Swami. (Con:28.72-3)

DECEMBER 27: The next day, Chandra Swami again is mentioned by Srila Prabhupada, Who apparently had been informed of Chandra Swami's being favorable to ISKCON because it was the only organization converting Christians back to Hinduism. It was also noted that Chandra Swami had spoken to Indira Gandhi about ISKCON in that regard, and that Gopal Krishna Swami knew of him quite well also. Srila Prabhupada then noted that "(Chandra Swami) said that 'I am not very much interested in Hare Krishna…" but that he appreciated the conversion back to Hinduism of many people. (Con:28.120-1)

SUMMARY 1976: Srila Prabhupada had an illness in Hawaii for a few days in May, a renewal of illness in New Vrindaban, and a more serious illness in New York in July, worsening upon leaving New York and lasting for months in Europe and India. The European illness was characterized by general weakness, heart palpitations, swelling, poor appetite, and respiratory infection-like symptoms of cough, cold, and mucus. It is certainly an unusual combination of symptoms to find all at once: digestive, cardiac, and respiratory. Is it possible that Srila Prabhupada's arsenic poisoning began in 1976? The symptoms, especially those upon leaving New York, appear wholly compatible with this possibility. That Srila Prabhupada was old and had a long-standing weakness in the kidneys is acknowledged, yet, we find that the May to August period of illness in 1976 resembles arsenic poisoning, if we judge by the symptoms.

Since we now know there was poisoning in progress in October 1977, it is only natural to wonder how early it may have begun. (see Chapter 33 ) How far back in time did the poisoning begin? The symptoms support the possibility that it may have begun as early as May 4, 1976 when Tamal and Dristadyumna visited Srila Prabhupada in Hawaii.

CHAPTER 21: HEALTH CHRONICLE:

JANUARY 1977

Until January 1977, Srila Prabhupada remained in fairly good health, maintaining an energetic and busy schedule, and the first significant downturn in health occurred while at the Kumbha Mela on January 12-13.

JANUARY 8:

Srila Prabhupada: So that, some Swami Chand?

Hari Sauri: Chandra Swami, minister for Air India. He's supposed to be wanting to see Prabhupada. He's coming to the Mela.

Gurudas: I'll look into that. You told me last time… So do you think I should organize this meeting with Chandra Swami also…? Or just meet him to get him to see you. Not any special, but I mean to say that he knows the situation. He can…

Srila Prabhupada: Or if he wants to see, he may come. He may find out.

Gurudas: Yes. He should come to see you.

Srila Prabhupada: Orissa is good for health?

Gurudas: Yes, he (Gargamuni) says.

Srila Prabhupada: Let him come to Bhubaneshwar, and I want to start a temple.

Gurudas: Yes. Your health is…?

Srila Prabhupada: From yesterday it is good.

Gurudas: 'Cause you cooked for yourself.

Srila Prabhupada: No. Because I could eat a little… Just rice, dahl, and vegetable.(A15) That's all, nothing extraordinary.

Gurudas: And you put lot of spice in it or not?

Srila Prabhupada: No. (Con:29.7-13)

Later, Srila Prabhupada spoke with a life member/ doctor:

Guest: How is your health?

Srila Prabhupada: Not good.

Guest: No, but you are taking that medicine or…?

Srila Prabhupada: I stopped that medicine.

Guest: Too much bitter, I think.

Srila Prabhupada: Not only bitter. I got some trouble in the teeth.

Guest: Pills are taken or not taken?

Srila Prabhupada: Pills? No. If required I shall take again.

Hansadutta: I heard you're not feeling well.

Srila Prabhupada: No. (Con:29.44)

Later, speaking with Mr. Asnani, the lawyer, and another guest:

Srila Prabhupada: And because my health is not good, if Allahabad atmosphere or Bhubaneshwar atmosphere helps me little, it is… Of all foodstuff, I see the kitri is good for me, little kitri.

Mr. Asnani: Easily digested also.(A15)

Srila Prabhupada: So I shall begin again kitri.

Guest: I came other day and you were advised by the doctors not to see you.

Srila Prabhupada: No- doctor says like that. I see everyone.

Guest: That was the first day with the doctor. You accepted that doctor's decision.

Srila Prabhupada: So I did not like that idea.

Guest: No, but sometimes, just to keep… So we, all the devotees, always pray to our Lord to give you long physical body and healthy so that the cause which you have taken up in your hand should be completely fulfilled. So for our sake your body has to last… because medically you are not advised to. You talk less… (Con:29.63-7)

Later Srila Prabhupada discusses His own medical neem program:

Srila Prabhupada: Then I can take two pills in the morning. That will help. This neem (A15), tickly, and bara is very good. But you people say that…(laughs)

Hari Sauri: The ghee's not.

Srila Prabhupada: Ghee's not good, that I can understand. But without little ghee, we cannot eat at all.

Hari Sauri: There's no harm for a small amount.

Srila Prabhupada: We have to take very little.(A15)

Srila Prabhupada then asked that Arundhati cook fresh neem leaves in chick pea flour batter, like spinach pakoras, called baras. Neem had a good medical effect on Srila Prabhupada's digestion problems.(A15) (Con:29.76)

JANUARY 9: Srila Prabhupada told Gopal Krishna that a certain medicine was "very bitter." Palika was cooking for Srila Prabhupada, and asked today what kind of dahl He would like. (Con:29.144, 152)

Setting out before dawn, Srila Prabhupada walked for an hour on the beach in Bombay so briskly that His disciples "were flagging"behind Him. Srila Prabhupada suddenly said, "There is a very big conspiracy against us." Dr. Patel inquired, "By the church? By the society?" Srila Prabhupada answered, "No. Hmm. Now they are determined to cut down this movement." Despite further inquiries, Srila Prabhupada would not give further details, but deprogramming was the current issue. (Sat:6.213)

Rameshwar replaced Jagadish as the monthly GBC secretary, and said in the morning, "Srila Prabhupada, you look well." (Sat:6.215)

JANUARY 10: The vigor with which Srila Prabhupada gave lectures and had numerous daily meetings, darshans and discussions during early January 1977 is to be noted. Yet, Srila Prabhupada "was now 81 and was bothered by certain persistent illnesses." (Sat:6.215) It seems that the reader of Satsvarupa's biography is being prepared for Srila Prabhupada's oncoming health deterioration, but it does so without much in specifics or detail whatsoever. No train tickets were available to Allahabad for the Kumbha Mela, but R.N. Gupta, Chief Engineer of Railways, arranged for a special car for Srila Prabhupada and the devotees. (Sat:6.219)

JANUARY 11: En route to the Kumbha Mela by train, Srila Prabhupada preached to His disciples for four hours and then took some lunch. Later, Srila Prabhupada asked, "You have got sugar candy?"H

After Hari Sauri could not find any, Srila Prabhupada asked again, "Sugar? Where you'll find?"When Rameshwar offered that Pradyumna had some sweet mango, Srila Prabhupada declined the offer. Again He asked, "Mango candy? Grape candy?" Finally Hari Sauri located some mango candy. This demonstrates that Srila Prabhupada's diabetes was not so serious to the point that He could not take candy or sugar. (Con:29.182-236)

JANUARY 12: KUMBHA MELA Srila Prabhupada arrived in Allahabad at 9:00 AM and met with His old doctor friend Dr. G. Ghosh. (Abhiram) Arriving at the site of ISKCON's camp, Srila Prabhupada became very upset at the poor location, lack of electricity, and absence of food for distribution. Srila Prabhupada asked Bhavananda and the Mayapur devotees to salvage the event with walking Sankirtan party and book distribution. (Sat:6.227)

JANUARY 13: All night Srila Prabhupada was very cold, sitting fully clothed by His desk with a small kerosene heater. "By morning, Srila Prabhupada had a bad cold with runny nose and eyes (A8)....His hands and feet were swollen (AK17), something that had happened to him before during illnesses."(Sat:6.228)

JANUARY 14: Abhiram Prabhu noted that, "Srila Prabhupada was a little swollen, not feeling well, very uncomfortable.(A4) His hands and feet were swelling, He was very ill with a mucus problem (A3)." Srila Prabhupada went for a slow walk. Rarely had Srila Prabhupada been so sick; He was finally convinced to leave for Calcutta. Edema and conjunctivitis together is peculiar.

JANUARY 15: R.N. Gupta, again arranged a special private railcar to be brought up from Bombay to Srila Prabhupada take to Calcutta. (Sat:6.228)

JANUARY 16: Srila Prabhupada arrived in Calcutta. (Sat:6.232)

JANUARY 18: Then: "After the intense cold of Kumbha Mela, Srila Prabhupada had recuperated a couple of days in Calcutta. His head cold had gone away, but the swelling (AK17) in his hands and feet persisted, as did other maladies(?). Externally, he was diabetic and suffered from poor digestion(A15), as well as from the general dwindling of physical powers common to an 81 year old body. His condition was not suited for continual travel, hard work, frequent lectures, and taxing management. Yet Prabhupada was transcendental to his apparent material condition. Although sometimes he would inquire about cures, mostly he was callous toward his poor health. Even after receiving a doctor's advice or concluding himself what was good for his health, he would often ignore it in favor of what he thought was best for spreading Krishna consciousness."(Sat:6.232-3)

At 10:00 PM Srila Prabhupada left for Bhubaneshwar from Calcutta on the Puri Express, arriving the next day at 10:00 AM. (Abhiram)

JANUARY 19: "Srila Prabhupada said that He has no digestion (A15) and that He was not feeling strong (AK5). His digestion was failing Him and He could not eat foods cooked in ghee. Srila Prabhupada referred to His kidneys (AK15)." Srutirupa and Palika cooked for Srila Prabhupada. (Abhiram)

"Srila Prabhupada's failing health prevented him from eating fried foods (A15)."(Sat:6.236)

Srila Prabhupada said, "Our immediately problem is toward my health. I am not digesting food, so therefore there is some swelling (AK17) in the hands and the legs."

Rameshwar: That's due to the kidney?

Srila Prabhupada: Kidney or whatever it may be.

Rameshwar: So is it affecting your translation work?

Srila Prabhupada: That is not affected. That is going on.

Rameshwar: We know you have a very low opinion of doctors.(laughter)

Srila Prabhupada: I wish to die without a doctor… I may be seriously ill, but don't call a doctor. Chant Hare Krishna.

Gargamuni: But maybe we could give you some temporary relief.

Srila Prabhupada: Yes, but no severe treatment should be accepted. Better not to take. Better to chant Hare Krishna.

Gargamuni: Maybe for the swelling we can increase the massaging to three times a day.

Hari Sauri: That's what this guy told me, not to massage very much. At least not while the swelling is there. Actually that medicine that Shiv Sharma gave you, that was reduced. I don't think this homeopathic medicine is any good.

Srila Prabhupada: So you can give me that.

Gargamuni: My father, he also used to get swelling, but this was due to diabetes.

Srila Prabhupada: I have got diabetes also… There are many gentlemen who take insulin at least once a day. (Con:29.289-292)

Jayapataka Swami was present today. Gargamuni said that he was going to leave India proper for "a few days"to Dacca in Bangladesh because his visa was expiring. This was a common problem for foreign devotees in India; their tourist visas had to be reapplied for periodically by leaving and then re-entering India. It is thought that Tamal's visa was thus conveniently renewed in August when Srila Prabhupada flew from Vrindaban to London (six months from February 14 is August 14). (Con:29.275)

JANUARY 20: In Bhubaneshwar, Srutirupa dasi, Abhiram's wife, noted in her October 1978 memoirs that she brought Srila Prabhupada "medicine pills with water" twice daily at 11 AM and 6 PM.

JANUARY 21: Both Arundhati and Palika could not cook today, so Srila Prabhupada asked if Srutirupa dasi knew how to use His special cooker to prepare His "special diet" lunch (A15). She did and cooked well. (Con:29.332)

JANUARY 23: Satsvarupa das Goswami arrived in Bhubaneshwar around January 23 and replaced Rameshwar as the secretary to His Divine Grace for a month. Rameshwar left maybe the next day. Brahmananda visited for at least two days on January 23rd and 24th. (Sat:6.248; Con:30.38-292)

Srila Prabhupada's course was to follow a careful diet which He could digest satisfactorily(A15), avoiding ghee and spices. But sometimes He was not so strict, to the distress of His servants. Srila Prabhupada conceded that sometimes He wanted spices, "otherwise there is no taste."(Sat:6.236-7)

JANUARY 25-27: In the early morning of January 25, Srila Prabhupada drove to Jagannath Puri to look at properties, and ended up walking on the beach, remembering His last visit there in 1920. "Now I am walking with stick." Srila Prabhupada and His party stayed the night at the Tourist Bungalows and the next day Srila Prabhupada ate a hearty meal prepared by Gargamuni's cook in the back of his travelling van. Afterwards the devotees held an impromptu abhiseka for Srila Prabhupada at the ocean's edge; then Srila Prabhupada walked to the hotel and was carried upstairs in a chair.

That evening Srila Prabhupada spoke at a local pandal program and then went to visit two different Gaudiya Math temples in the area. Srila Prabhupada, sitting in a chair, prepared to leave: "…he (Srila Prabhupada) began to stand, using his cane as a support, but suddenly, as he was about halfway up, he dropped down again onto the chair. Hari Sauri had to lift him to his feet…Not everyone had noticed Prabhupada's temporary collapse, (A17) but Hari Sauri… wrote in a letter…"yet another sign that Srila Prabhupada's health is very quickly dwindling away." (Sat:6.241-7) There are two known incidences in early 1977 where Srila Prabhupada showed sudden leg weakness before the onset of His serious illness on February 26. They were here in Puri and on Sridhara Maharaj's temple steps in Navadwipa.

Gargamuni reminisced with Srila Prabhupada about His 1967 heart attack and how he had to stop the doctors from taking some blood.

Srila Prabhupada: They were examining my brain. Then I thought, 'I must go away.' I told, 'Doctor, I am all right. I can go.'

Gargamuni: They wanted to do so many tests. They wanted to take also from spine.

Srila Prabhupada: Yes.

Satsvarupa: They did that. They did give you that spine needle.

Srila Prabhupada: Oh. Never call doctor. Never give me hospital. Let me die peacefully if I am in trouble. (Con:30:108-9)

Srila Prabhupada returned to Bhubaneshwar on Jan. 27, and Palika cooked thin chapatis, rice, etc for Srila Prabhupada's lunch. (Con:30.164)

JANUARY 30: At 2:50 AM this morning, Srila Prabhupada began His translation of the Tenth Canto of Srimad Bhagwatam. "His words were faint…(A2)" (Sat:6.247)

CHAPTER 22: HEALTH CHRONICLE:

FEBRUARY 1977

FEBRUARY 1: Jayapataka was present today for at least one day. (Con:30)

FEBRUARY 2: Srila Prabhupada laid the cornerstone in a ceremony marking the beginning of construction on the ISKCON temple in Bhubaneshwar. Bhagwat das was personally asked by Srila Prabhupada to stay and supervise the construction project. Later Srila Prabhupada spoke about restricting His diet from ghee which He said "was not good for him." (A15) Hari Sauri expounded on the purported benefits of an all-fruit diet. (Sat:6.251-2)

Satsvarupa wrote: "We discussed Christ. Srila Prabhupada said that Christ's followers were so low-class that they killed him. I said, 'People say he didn't resist when the soldiers came.' Prabhupada said, 'Oh, does that mean you should kill him? What rascals.' I said, 'Christ is so compassionate that even if one insists on being a sinner, Christ wants to save him.' Prabhupada repeated, 'Yes, Christ is compassionate, but you are a rascal.'" (ISK70, 248-9)

FEBRUARY 4: Srila Prabhupada left Orissa at 11:00 PM the previous night and arrived in Calcutta today. (Abhiram)

FEBRUARY 6: Srila Prabhupada went on to Panihati today. (Abhiram)

FEBRUARY 7: Srila Prabhupada arrived in Mayapur. Srila Prabhupada's room had been decorated with thousands of flowers grown on the property. Later He went to survey the progress on construction work, walking about the grounds and inspected all the rooms of the 700 foot long guest house. "The next few days were quiet." (Abhiram; Sat:6.253)

Hari Sauri wrote to Radhaballabha, and after describing the tour of Orissa just completed, said: "As far as his health goes, Srila Prabhupada is not really any better. The swelling (AK17) is still there and digestion (A15) is still bad, although his appetite (AK1) is picking up now that his sister is doing some cooking. He is still avoiding ghee and salt though, so that vegetable salt is very important." (Archives)

FEBRUARY 8: "But Prabhupada's ill health persisted - an imbalance of pitta and vayu (bile and air), he said. One morning when his servant asked him how he felt, he replied, "Very bad." But sometimes after a "very bad" morning, he would feel much better.(Sat:6.255)

FEBRUARY 10: Srila Prabhupada went by car and ferry to visit Sridhara Maharaj's Math in Navadwip for lunch. But, "while walking up the steep stone steps, Prabhupada's legs suddenly gave way, and he collapsed. (A17) Fortunately, Hari Sauri was close enough to catch him. It was the second time Prabhupada had collapsed in less than two weeks."(Sat:6.255) In Satsvarupa's diary called ISKCON in the 1970's, there is no mention of any illness with Srila Prabhupada in Bhubaneshwar, no mention of the collapse at Sridhar's Math, no mention of Srila Prabhupada's terrible, near-fatal fever on February 26, and no mention of the London operation in September.

Tamal proffers an explanation for this weakness in Srila Prabhupada's legs : "Srila Prabhupada's health was not strong, even at that time. … he could only take short walks…upon leaving (Sridhara's Math) he had stumbled and almost collapsed… Apparently the food had been prepared in mustard oil… which… was very difficult for Srila Prabhupada to digest."(TkgD.1)

Question: Was Srila Prabhupada coming to or from lunch at Sridhara Maharaj's when He collapsed, going up or down the stairs? Also, how would mustard oil cause weakness in the legs one hour after lunch, or if He was going up the steps on the way to lunch?

FEBRUARY 11: The next day there were still after-effects of the lunch.

Jayapataka: So this morning you won't go, be going on a walk. You're not feeling up to a walk (AK11, A17) this morning? It affected your kidney or your digestion?

Srila Prabhupada: That I cannot say. But the foodstuff is not digesting. (A15) That I can say. I am not feeling at all appetite (AK1). (Con:30.325)

FEBRUARY 12: Palika dasi cooked Srila Prabhupada's meals according to His direction and choices. Oil, ghee and spices were avoided because Srila Prabhupada could not digest these things.(A15) Pishima came and cooked for Srila Prabhupada also, then one day, not even allowing Palika into the kitchen. Srila Prabhupada ate her lunch and "became sick. For the next two days he did not take anything except hot milk and medicine." (Satsvarupa: Prabhupada Nectar, Vol. 3, pg 98-100)

FEBRUARY 14: Tamal states: "I began my secretarial work for Srila Prabhupada on February 22, 1977. I arrived in Mayapur with His Holiness Brahmananda Swami…" (TkgD.1) However, the tape recordings clarify that Tamal's arrival date was the 13th or 14th, as he and Brahmananda were present in conversations with Srila Prabhupada from February 14th and on.

Tamal: Adi Keshava is here in India… He'll be coming here in about three days, he and Tripurari Maharaj.

Srila Prabhupada: So, when you arrived at the airport?

Tamal: Well, we first… The airplane that we came on landed in Delhi, and we went down to Bombay yesterday morning. So we stayed the day in Bombay… (and then) we took off in the plane to Calcutta…

Speaking about the imminent New York deprogramming trial:

Tamal: As long as we stay within the law they cannot find any fault with us. They are trying like anything, but they cannot find any fault.

Srila Prabhupada: Yes. The poison has already entered. (laughs)

AUTHOR'S COMMENT: Is this a pun?

Tamal: I've brought some medicines for you from Bombay.

Srila Prabhupada: Hm. What is that medicine.

Tamal: I can bring them. I don't know.

Brahmananda: Were you expecting something?

Hari Sauri: We already got one big bag full.

Tamal: Oh. There's so many more things now.

Hari Sauri: Did Karttikeya give it to you?

Tamal: I don't know… Giriraj gave them to me.(Con:30.339)

FEBRUARY 15: In the evening, Srila Prabhupada asked Bhavananda to bring Him "one plate" of "freshly prepared" prasadam today at 1:00 PM. (Con:30.15-6) Later, Tamal instigated a lengthy narration of medical horror stories assisted by Brahmananda and Hari Sauri, leaving the impression that modern doctors were to be avoided at all costs, as they were cruel, careless, callous, inexpert and so on. Tamal also broke the news to Srila Prabhupada that Jayananda Prabhu had cancer and told about some nightmarish trouble Jayananda had while in the hospital. Tamal said that he personally went and rescued Jayananda from further harm at the hands of the "crazy" doctors. Tamal explained that doctors were now using electric shock treatments also. (Con:31. 29-33)

FEBRUARY 16: Srila Prabhupada spoke to Hari Sauri while they stood on the balcony veranda overlooking the surrounding land in Mayapur: "Actually it does not matter even if I die immediately. I have given the basis for everything, and now if they simply manage things nicely and follow whatever programs I have begun, then everything will be successful."(Sat:6.256)

FEBRUARY 17: The Conversations Books show that Adi Keshava Swami arrived in Mayapur today and for several days thereafter had lengthy discussions with Srila Prabhupada about American deprogramming cases and the specific court battle in which he himself was a central defendant.

When Adi Keshava Prabhu came from New York, Srila Prabhupada was energetic and showed few signs of illness or weakness. (Sat:6.260)

Adi Keshava was distressed about how he had been "dumped" by Tamal who wanted nothing to do with his legal troubles and would not allow any funding from the temple for legal expenses. Adi Keshava was on his own. Adi Keshava went to Srila Prabhupada privately and explained what had happened and said, "I can't deal with Tamal." Later, Srila Prabhupada called for Adi Keshava and told him privately, "I will take care of Tamal," and offered all funds and other assistance he might need. Accordingly, Tamal was asked by Srila Prabhupada to become His permanent personal secretary, which Tamal was definitely not at all happy about. Once again, Tamal had been removed from his prominent position in ISKCON. (Adi Keshava)

FEBRUARY 18: Srila Prabhupada, during deprogramming talks, asked that the light be turned off. Just a while later, He asked for some sweet water, some misri. Srila Prabhupada gave many arguments to make a counter-attack against the deprogrammers' false accusations, but emphasized that the devotees should go to court with robes and shaved heads, bringing all the books in the forefront. Tamal asked if Srila Prabhupada wanted to go on a walk the next morning, and whether He would just walk on the roof, or if going around the pond, would He need a chair to be carried up the walkway steps (AK11, A17). Srila Prabhupada said He would go around the pond without a chair-lift. (Con:31.88-142)

FEBRUARY 19: The first mention of Bhakticharu's presence is noted on this date, but he was known as Kshirachora Gopinatha. Satadhanya, Jayapataka, and Bhavananda Maharajas are also present during Srila Prabhupada's stay in Mayapur. (Con:31.161)

Srila Prabhupada: If Christ were not crucified, then his cult would not have spread so much all over the world. The Christian cult was spread all over the world after the demise of Christ, not during his time. Is it not? Because he was persecuted, his cult became so spread. (Con:31.163-4)

FEBRUARY 22: Tamal Krishna Goswami states that today he became Srila Prabhupada's personal secretary, replacing Satsvarupa Maharaj. Each month, by rotation, a different GBC would come to spend a month with Srila Prabhupada by serving as His secretary. However, Tamal remained as Srila Prabhupada's permanent personal secretary, assistant, and primary guardian until Srila Prabhupada's departure on November 14, a total of exactly nine months since Tamal's February 14th arrival.(TkgD. 1) In a letter some months later, Tamal told Radhaballabha that the GBC had voted and requested him to stay on indefinitely as Srila Prabhupada's secretary.

On Satsvarupa Maharaj's last day as Srila Prabhupada's secretary, Srila Prabhupada ordered a breakfast of soaked mung dal, cucumber and fruits (AK1), not the diet of one with good digestion. Srila Prabhupada attended the evening programs and walked with a government minister through extensive displays of preaching around the world. Srila Prabhupada was still very active at this time. (Sat:6.264-5)

Hundreds of devotees arrived for the annual Mayapur festival, including 350 on the first Boeing 757 to land in Calcutta. (Sat:6.266)

FEBRUARY 24:

Srila Prabhupada said: "I am not feeling very well, but I am living in Vaikuntha. I am not fit for this place." Later on, Srila Prabhupada said, "So let me take prasadam. Then we can talk some more."(Con:31.205, 216)

FEBRUARY 25: Bali Mardan reported that there was a nice house in Australia available for Srila Prabhupada to stay in if He chose, and Srila Prabhupada asked about the climate. "One can get good appetite? (AK1) Nowadays I cannot eat." Also, Srila Prabhupada twice asked why certain light bulbs were not working. (Con:31.260, 267)

FEBRUARY 26: Satsvarupa's biography relates that Srila Prabhupada "became very ill again." (Sat:6.266) Late in the day, "Srila Prabhupada's health deteriorated noticably. Then a very serious illness began. His temperature rose to 104 or 105 degrees.(AK19) For three days and two nights the high fever continued, and he was always moaning." Tamal relates that he, Navayogendra and Hari Sauri were always attending Srila Prabhupada in shifts, constantly massaging Him. Srila Prabhupada could not eat (AK1), His body was very swollen (AK17), there was great difficulty in urinating (AK14), and Srila Prabhupada could not even talk to the devotees. He remained confined to His quarters and did not come down for the programs. Gradually the fever subsided, and Srila Prabhupada said later that He thought He was going to leave His body. (TkgD.2)

From Satsvarupa's book, Prabhupada Nectar, Vol. 4, pg.147: "In Mayapur, in February 1977, when Prabhupada first started to get really sick, we were taking turns sitting in his bedroom with him. He was just lying in his bed, so one person would always have to be there... If he coughed, you would have to make sure he had his spitoon there (A3) and a handkerchief to wipe his face, or you would help him with his blanket or give him water, or help him to go to the bathroom (AK5)... Prabhupada was so sick that he was sometimes moaning (AK4), and he could not sleep (AK21), because he would be coughing (A3) so much."

Srila Prabhupada's old friend Dr. G. Ghosh from Allahabad came and prescribed various allopathic medicines, "…including Lassix tablets, which helped Srila Prabhupada pass urine.(AK14) As these medicines were very strong, Srila Prabhupada passed not only urine but sometimes also blood." (AK16) Therefore Srila Prabhupada was forced to discontinue these medicines. Srila Prabhupada was left extremely weak (AK5) and semi-invalid (AK11) needing help with most activities, including going to the bathroom (A17). (TkgD.2)

Bhavananda began to give massages which helped greatly. "It was apparent to many who attended the festivals during Gaur-Purnima 1977 that Srila Prabhupada was extremely weak (AK5) as he required to be carried on a palanquin." (Dhaneshwar)

Srila Prabhupada said in late February, "The last fortnight I was thinking I was dead…"(Sat:6.269)

Srutirupa dasi, Abhiram Prabhu's wife, recalls that in February at Mayapur, "This is when Srila Prabhupada began getting ill, and it never stopped. He became weaker and weaker. Some deer musk grains were obtained…" (and given to Srila Prabhupada as medicine on March 10)

FEBRUARY 27: While discussing BBT business with Radhaballabha Prabhu, there is twice a mention of Srila Prabhupada taking some medicines. (Con:31.291, 294)

CHAPTER 23: HEALTH CHRONICLE:

MARCH 1977

MARCH 2: Abhiram: "Until recently, Srila Prabhupada has eaten full course meals (AK1), with Srutirupa Prabhu cooking for Him."

The GBC meetings endorsed Tamal as Srila Prabhupada's "permanent secretary," and another GBC would also rotate monthly to spend time with His Divine Grace. Satsvarupa read the GBC resolutions regarding Tamal's zone, concluding with: "And also Tamal Krishna Maharaj will retain responsibility for Red China, whatever can be done there."

Srila Prabhupada: That's very good. (laughter) I asked him to do this last year. Very good.

Later, Tamal spoke for the GBC: "Srila Prabhupada, we were wondering that one time when you were ill in Vrindaban you requested that the devotees in our temples around the world could chant kirtan all the time, twenty-four hours, till you recovered your health. So the GBC was wondering whether we could request again for that." Srila Prabhupada replied: "Yes... Bhavausadhac chrotra-mano-bhiramat. This is the real remedy for any disease." Soon thereafter Giriraj discussed whether Srila Prabhupada would see guests when He came to Bombay later in the month. "…if your health permits and if you could come every day (from Kartikkeya's to the temple), then we could arrange very leading people (to see You) for all of those days…" (Con:31.336, 363-7) Apparently Srila Prabhupada was still very ill and weak from the sudden attack of ill health on February 26.

NOTE: THERE ARE NO TAPE RECORDINGS FOR MARCH 3 - 21.

MARCH 6, 7: Abhiram: "Srila Prabhupada is getting sick and His appetite (AK1) is failing Him. He is feeling very bad, but He drank some barley water."

MARCH 10: Abhiram: "Srila Prabhupada is becoming very, very ill."Abhiram and Jayatirtha went to Calcutta and returned with Bimala Tanka Tirtha, Srila Prabhupada's old and blind Ayurvedic doctor, who prescribed medicines, allopathic and Ayurvedic. A very expensive medicine containing musk, gold and pearls produced no visible results. After two or three days, the doctor left and Srila Prabhupada discontinued the medicines. Abhiram left Srila Prabhupada's association from March 10 until July 19. (Abhiram)

Devotees recall being asked to donate for medication during the 1977 Gaura Purnima festival, and many believed that this was for makharadhvaja. Interviewed, Abhiram said the collection was for a medicine called Somara-rasayana, prescribed by Bimala Thakur. Abhiram personally went to Calcutta, purchased the ingredients for this medication, and brought these ingredients back for Srila Prabhupada. (Dhaneshwar, Abhiram)

MARCH 13: Hari Sauri left Srila Prabhupada's service and Tamal became the masseur as well as personal secretary. Srila Prabhupada did not like Tamal's massages, however. Bhavananda was recruited for this service. Giving two hour massages in the morning sunshine, Srila Prabhupada's "health improved." Navayogendra Swami cooked for Srila Prabhupada, Who began to eat again, although He was not fully recovered. (TkgD.3)

Earlier Dr. Ghosh from Kodaikanal (not the one from Allahabad) had invited Srila Prabhupada to his health resort in South India, where, he asserted, no one would die. Now Srila Prabhupada remembered Dr. Ghosh and told Tamal to write and confirm the journey there as soon as possible. Dr. Ghosh was well-known as a natural healer, using massage, dieting and no allopathic drugs. Srila Prabhupada also thought a change of location to be beneficial to His health. But, no word came from Kodaikanal. (TkgD.3)

MARCH 20: Swarup Damodar came in to see Srila Prabhupada, Who commented, "Sit down. I am little better today. Sometimes for the last… How many days? I am…" (?) When Swarup Damodar mentioned getting a visa for Srila Prabhupada's planned visit to Manipur, Srila Prabhupada said, "That may be suspended for the time."

Swarup Damodar: Prabhupada's health. It may not be so wise.

Srila Prabhupada, to Tamal: What is this? The same tablet? No.

Tamal: I've gotten a week's supply of these other tablets. I got the prescription filled.

Srila Prabhupada: Keep it here… That has given me great relief.

Tamal: Oh. Swelling (AK17) is reduced, Srila Prabhupada?

Srila Prabhupada: That I do not know. But internally I am feeling relief.

Swarup Damodar: Swelling here?

Tamal: No. His feet.

Srila Prabhupada: Not very much, but there is.

Tamal: Not so much. I think that pill (Lassix?) works for swelling. The swelling is due to urine, not…

Srila Prabhupada: (heavy coughing) (A3)

Then Swarup Damodar reported to Srila Prabhupada that he had just seen Upendra at the Calcutta airport waiting for some lost luggage, and that Upendra would be arriving that night to join Srila Prabhupada's party as personal assistant to replace Hari Sauri. Srila Prabhupada said, "Oh. He has received that telegram. He is coming from Hawaii?" Tamal said, "Yes." Tamal reminded Srila Prabhupada about the upcoming Bombay programs. Tamal: "A lot of the senior devotees are still there. They've gone from here to Vrindaban, and now they're in Bombay, and they're waiting for your coming."Srila Prabhupada said, "I am therefore going. In spite of my so much inconveniences, I am going there."

When Srila Prabhupada heard that policemen in Manipur were wearing tilak, He decided to go after all. "April 5 th. No harm. We are… Kodaikanal, we wanted to go by the end of the…"Tamal then postponed the planned trip to Dr. Ghosh's medical treatment center in Kodaikanal until about April 15 or 20. Later Srila Prabhupada was eating and Tamal asked: "Did this tangerine remove the bad taste? (AK20) So every day we can give some tangerine. Especially if you can give with this medicine, then it will take away the bitter taste." Later Srila Prabhupada asked for hot water and a chaddar and said, "So this tablet is effective. Prepare this." Tamal and Srila Prabhupada talked about the 8 tablets that were to be taken twice a day.

Tamal: Nobody can go through it. It's such trouble. An ordinary person can't do it. Unless you have a servant, you can't take kaviraja's medicine. (Con:31.180-201)

MARCH 22: An invitation has been received earlier from Bombay to participate in their upcoming pandal program, but "the senior devotees in Mayapur felt Srila Prabhupada was too ill to travel." Srila Prabhupada accepted the invitation, being very enthusiastic to preach in Bombay. Driving to Calcutta, Srila Prabhupada and His party flew by Bombay. When Srila Prabhupada arrived at the Bombay airport, Srila Prabhupada was lowered off the plane by hydraulic lift due to His weakness (AK11) and inability to negotiate the steep stairs. Several devotees assisted Him in walking (AK11, A17) and He appeared frail. Srila Prabhupada refused to stay in His old apartment, upset that His new quarters were not finished, and defiantly camped out in His unfinished rooms for one night. (Sat:6.269-70; TkgD.4)

Thereafter He moved to Karttikeya Mahadevia's home, and preached strongly every evening to the thousands who came for the lecture, kirtan and free prasadam. Bhavananda Maharaj assisted with the personal services given to His Divine Grace, and it is noted that Srila Prabhupada "could not stand and walk without assistance…(AK11, A17)" (Sat:6.272; TkgD. 4)

Srila Prabhupada was carried on a palanquin, and He attended the week long Bombay pandal programs. Srila Prabhupada's voice was weak (A2) and He remained motionless (AK18), yet somehow commanded enough energy to answer questions forcefully but briefly, saving His limited energy. "Ever since Srila Prabhupada's extreme weakness (AK5) of health had occurred in Mayapur, he would often sit for hours alone and silent (A11, AK18). When he spoke his voice was often hoarse or faint.(A2)." (Sat:6.274-5)

MARCH 25: Srila Prabhupada wrote to Gurudas: "Thank you, yes, I am feeling a little stronger now. On the 28th instant I shall be moving into my new quarters…" (Letters Books)

MARCH 26: Bhavananda questioned if Srila Prabhupada should strain Himself by going to this evening's pandal program, saying: "This Dr. Oja says that your blood pressure is about 210 to 220 over 100.(AK6) He said it should be about 150 over 90. He said any strain moving around will cause this." Srila Prabhupada remarked, "But after taking my meals, I require a little rest. One hour." Hari Sauri had come back from Australia for a few days. (Con:32.20-3)

Bhakticharu was by now in the personal service of Srila Prabhupada as of this date and remained so almost constantly until Srila Prabhupada's departure. After lunch, Srila Prabhupada stated, "I have taken six chapattis."

Tamal: Six chapattis!

Bhakticharu: Do you require anything specific at night?

Tamal: By starving you at night, Srila Prabhupada, your appetite (AK1) in the noontime is becoming increased.

Srila Prabhupada: No, I should not take at night. At night, a little milk and barley water. Light. (Con:32.26)

Later in the day, Tamal talks with Srila Prabhupada:

Srila Prabhupada: Still I am eighty percent not good. But twenty percent.

Tamal: It's very strange even now, because it doesn't seem to be anything apparently wrong, yet it's not good health. You know, like in Mayapur you were visibly ill, from fever and so many other things. So those visible symptoms have gone, but still, full health is not…

Srila Prabhupada: Strength, strength.(AK5) That requires a little time.

Tamal: I think it just requires some gradual recuperation… if there is still a chance of going to Kodaikanal for a month, you should take that opportunity.

Srila Prabhupada: Yes.

Tamal: It may be Krishna's will that you… I think that if for one month you are under the care of Dr. Ghosh in a very first class healthy weather…

Srila Prabhupada: I think also. He is a very kind doctor. Whole family is attentive… This misri water and dob water… Always ready. That will clear my urine.(AK16) That I have experimented. And I don't require that exacting tablet (Lassix). That tablet by chemical reaction exacts. And when there is no urine, it exacts blood.

Tamal: That's what's wrong with these modern medicines. They work mechanically. They don't take consideration of the particular conditions.(Con:32.35-6)

MARCH 27: Srila Prabhupada had a cough.(A3) (Con:32.44) Ratan Singh Rajda, a member of Parliament, came to visit Srila Prabhupada, relating how he and 150,000 others had just been released after being jailed for 19 months, including J. K. Prakash, J. P. Narayan and Morarji Desai, due to the recent defeat in elections of Indira Gandhi. Srila Prabhupada remarked to Mr. Rajda, "I am not keeping good health at the moment…"(Sat:6.284)

MARCH 30: Srila Prabhupada wrote in a letter: "I was expecting to come to Vrindaban to be with my disciples during the Gour Purnima time but I was suddenly forced to change my plans due to illness. Now, by the grace of Krishna, I am gradually recovering." (Letters Books)

MARCH 31: Srila Prabhupada moved into His new private rooms upstairs in the Juhu temple. There was lots of light, a constantly blowing breeze and everything was very nicely done by Surabhi Swami, the architect. (TkgD.5)

Moved in, Srila Prabhupadasaid: "I shall go daily (to guru puja in the temple) in the morning. At seven. And I'll stay there half an hour or more… Those who are visitors, they can see me. And for lecturing, on Sunday I shall lecture (from Bhagwatam)… Walking should be stopped (AK11, A17) at least for some time. And if I walk, I may walk on the roof." (Con:32.64-5)

CHAPTER 24: HEALTH CHRONICLE:

APRIL 1977

Srila Prabhupada, of course, no longer went on His morning walks, (AK11, A17) and remained almost constantly in His quarters for the next month, except for daily attendance at the morning greeting of the Deities in the temple room. Srila Prabhupada arranged for quiet and solitude so that He could focus on His translation work. Srila Prabhupada had no appetite (AK1) and his health neither improved nor worsened. In early April Srila Prabhupada considered going to Kashmir but postponed those plans when Gurudas sent word that it was very cold there. (TkgD. 5)

"But Srila Prabhupada had little appetite.(AK1) He could not eat anything heavy,(A15) and sometimes he had no appetite even for a cup of milk. One morning Srila Prabhupada asked for orange juice..." When the cook, Ksiracora Gopinath (Bhakticharu), took longer than expected to deliver the juice, Srila Prabhupada reprimanded by saying, "I am sick with no appetite, and when I have a little hunger,(AK1) then you take hours!" (Sat:6.289-90)

Bhavananda Maharaj had been intimately serving Srila Prabhupada since His arrival in Bombay, but now took leave and returned to Mayapur. Srila Prabhupada said that Bhavananda's massages had been the best, but "for my bodily comforts, preaching should not suffer." Upendra Prabhu, newly arrived around April 1, noted the difference in Srila Prabhupada, His diet and lifestyle. "His intelligence was ever sharp and alert, and yet his health did not improve…(Upendra) could no longer cook the kichari which Prabhupada had previously liked."(A15) No more kicharis. Glances, nods, hand motions and "Hmmm's" (AK18) were common methods by which Srila Prabhupada communicated His desires. (Sat:6.296, Con:32.102-4)

APRIL 5: Srila Prabhupada gave an interview to a B.T. Koshi of The Current, a weekly magazine. At the end, Srila Prabhupada said, "And from the fifth year to fifteenth year you should chastise the sons and disciples just like tiger. After five years.

Mr. Koshi: Using the stick.

Srila Prabhupada: Yes.

Tamal: That's how you trained us, Srila Prabhupada… Even though we were not five years old, he treats us just like as if we were five. Because spiritually we are still like that. So he is very strict with us.

Srila Prabhupada: All these boys I chastise vehemently. Even a little mistake. (Con:32.126)

An unnamed doctor came in the morning to check Srila Prabhupada, and said. "I would like to have the history of the present program which is going on. It will be apparent that so much will be there. The same thing is going on."

Srila Prabhupada: I have no appetite.(AK1) I cannot digest.(A15) This is going on.

After the doctor had left, Srila Prabhupada and Tamal discussed doctors. Srila Prabhupada felt that this last doctor was no good because he had asked about the history rather than ascertain the problem simply from feeling the pulse. Tamal added that present-day Ayurvedic doctors could not make enough money since their cures were too slow to suit people.

Srila Prabhupada: To study Ayurveda is now lost. Nobody takes seriously Ayurveda… As soon as he wanted history I rejected him. He is not Ayurvedic. And Kartikkeya was sorry that I did not give him for one and a half hours.

Tamal: He wanted you to stop talking to the reporter and begin talking to the doctor. What good the doctor will do, but the reporter can do so much good.

Srila Prabhupada and Tamal agreed that Bhakticharu and Upendra would make a good crew to serve Srila Prabhupada's needs. (Con:32.128-132)

During the darshan later in the day, a guest made a request: "Srila Prabhupada… I have a friend who is M.D., and he is doing research in Hyderabad. He is about 83 years old. So I was just wondering whether you would like to meet him some time for consultation. He has established one Ayurvedic college… whether you would like to take his advantage of the knowledge of the…

Srila Prabhupada: Yes, I can take advantage, but no medicine.

Shortly after this, Srila Prabhupada inquired whether Gurudas had reported back from Kashmir about the house offered by Dr. Karen Singh.

Tamal: You are eager to go there, I think.

Srila Prabhupada: Not very eager. I was eager only that if I simply get regular appetite, (AK1) then… I can get some strength (AK5) to work, that's all. So ask them to give me little orange… A little salt. (Con:32.152-154)

NOTE: THERE ARE NO TAPE RECORDINGS FOR APRIL 6 - 9.

APRIL 6: Srila Prabhupada wrote to Radhaballabha: "Just now I am not completely fit but as soon as I become fit I shall write an introduction to the Kapila book."(Letters Books)

APRIL 8: Srila Prabhupada met with Parliament member Sri Ratan Singh Rajda and asked him to arrange a meeting with Prime Minister Morarji Desai. Srila Prabhupada would meet important guests around 4:00 PM every afternoon. (TkgD.5)

APRIL 10: Srila Prabhupada resumed regular translation work again, recording 30 to 40% of a tape nightly while working of the Tenth Canto. Srila Prabhupada heard the political news of India from the newspaper daily now, very interested in that now the new government might afford better preaching opportunities. (TkgD.5-6)

Tamal advised Srila Prabhupada to take some rest, and noted that Srila Prabhupada had translated a little bit last night, but stopped, which Srila Prabhupada said was due to feeling "sleepy."

Tamal: Yeah, I mean you are taking so little prasadam that it is not to be expected that you can do very much physical activity… I think simply it is just weakness now (AK5)… You've been maintaining a fast now for nearly two months.

Srila Prabhupada: Yes. I like that. If there is no appetite,(AK1) what is the use of forcibly eating? When appetite will come, we shall eat. Natural.

Tamal: So we are not at a loss. We can chant Hare Krishna.

Srila Prabhupada: Yes, I am chanting… What can be done with this physical impediment?

Tamal: Yesterday you were questioning if we had an extra quantity of that, er, to fill up your container… of one of the things that you use… Oh, tooth powder.

Srila Prabhupada: Ah, yes, that.

Tamal: Do you know where it is?

Bhavananda: It hasn't been filled up yet?

Srila Prabhupada confirmed that Bhakticharu had already refilled His container with more tooth powder. Tamal stated that one of the advantages of Srila Prabhupada's fasting was that it cures diseases and was perhaps responsible for reducing His swelling (AK17). Srila Prabhupada added that it was His experience that doctors are only after money, sometimes using water injections as a means of cheating. (Con:32.155-7)

AUTHOR'S COMMENT: That Srila Prabhupada was poisoned is now known, but not how it was done. White, tasteless arsenic powder could easily have been mixed with Srila Prabhupada's tooth powder and the poison readily absorbed over the gums just like nicotine is absorbed from chewing tobacco. Tooth powder or another ingredient among Srila Prabhupada's personal items could easily have been laced with poison. In this way, the poison is taken in small doses regularly, maintaining a constant drain on Srila Prabhupada's health while the conspirator stands by innocently or may have already gone to "preach" elsewhere. END COMMENT

APRIL 11: Today another Parliament member, and India's most eminent attorney, Sri Ram Jethmalani came to visit Srila Prabhupada. The guest was quite impressed and pledged full support for ISKCON's preaching work. (TkgD.6) Tamal stated to Srila Prabhupada: "Anyone that is in power too long… There's a saying, "Power corrupts." Anyone who becomes too long in power becomes corrupted. That's why change is required."(Con:32.183) (Not bad advice!)

Tamal answered Srila Prabhupada's inquiry about Indira Gandhi, "Some young yogis she was keeping?"

Tamal: Yes, there was one (Chandra Swami) who was coming to America who seemed to have been very intimate with her. He was able to call her on the telephone. She would come to the telephone. He helped us, though, in our court case. Adi Keshava warned him. Because he was sometimes meeting all these women. Many women were coming to see him in New York. Many fashionable wealthy people. So Adi Keshava Maharaj warned him that 'If you associate with these women, you will fall down.' He liked Adi Keshava very much and helped him, because he could see that he was strict sannyasi. (Con:32.185)

APRIL 14: Upon reviewing the photographs in the Bhaktivedanta Archives of Srila Prabhupada in Bombay for early 1977, it was shocking. Most of the scenes showed only a silhouette of Srila Prabhupada in His darkened rooms. Already Srila Prabhupada was averse to light, becoming photophobic. (A1)

APRIL 15: Srila Prabhupada instructed that some of His disciples should learn to preach by writing articles. He was very weak (AK5) and did not have the strength for vigorous preaching as before. (TkgD.7)

Again Mr. Rajda came to visit, this time with his family.

Mr. Rajda: How is your health now?

Srila Prabhupada: Not very good, but as Krishna's mercy going on. These are some of our latest publications. (Con:32.208)

APRIL 16: Srila Prabhupada sent Bhavananda Swami back to his important preaching work in Bengal. Bhavananda had been giving massage and personal service since Srila Prabhupada arrived in Bombay. Massages were up to two hours long, and were giving Srila Prabhupada much benefit. (AK12?) (TkgD.7)

Srila Prabhupada wrote to Vasudeva in Fiji: "Your suggestion that I come to Fiji for recovering my health is very good. We are now thinking of going to Kashmir… My health is very slowly improving. I am simply trusting in Krishna." (Letters Books)

Srila Prabhupada was brought some medicine before breakfast. Later, a conversation ensued about Jesus Christ.

Srila Prabhupada: Therefore according to history, he retired. That is resurrection. He went to Kashmir. "It is hopeless."

Tamal: He didn't die on the cross.

Srila Prabhupada: It is not possible to kill him. Such a great personality, representative of God, he is not killed. That is not possible.

Tamal: Simply by putting some wounds. (Comment: or poison?)

Srila Prabhupada: He made a show that "I am killed." That is resurrection. And when you finished your business, then he will go (away)… He was a great yogi. I know that he is powerful representative of God. He sacrificed everything for God. He cannot be ordinary man. (Con:32.241-2)

APRIL 17: Palika dasi was called by Srila Prabhupada at 4 AM to cook various neem preparations, saying, "Now I have a taste for neem, and this will also be good for me." (AK1) A young, intelligent devotee, Dr. Sharma, came to see Srila Prabhupada and offered to do Russian translations of the books. Dr. Sharma also examined Srila Prabhupada's health condition. (TkgD.8)

Srila Prabhupada ate some bara and Srila Prabhupada said Palika's neem preparations were "very, very good. Have sukta-neem also. Pick the neem." (Con:32.277)

APRIL 18: Dr. Sharma examined Srila Prabhupada again and found excess water (AK17) in parts of the body, also noting diarrhea (AK3) and high blood pressure.(AK6) Srila Prabhupada refused some proposed injections and pills, preferring to stay with His special neem diet. "Srila Prabhupada has little confidence in western medicines. …if Krishna likes, He can help him get better. Prabhupada prefers dependence on Krishna to injections and pills and other artificial methods of treatment." (TkgD.9)

Very few devotees were allowed to see Srila Prabhupada and most information to and from Srila Prabhupada was filtered through His secretary, Tamal Krishna Goswami. Srila Prabhupada became more reclusive, withdrawn and apparently internalized. (AK18, A11)

Tamal wrote Radhaballabha: "…Regarding the UHER tape recorder… So I am keeping it here as the spare. Regarding the tapes of Srila Prabhupada's daily conversations and lectures, I am doing this, not Upendra. Enclosed please find a list of the tapes which were sent. I have noted on a list which of the tapes are particularly excellent." (Tamal letters)

Tamal rote Bir Raghava: "Srila Prabhupada is continuing his translation work every night even though he is not very fit in health. (Tamal letters) Srila Prabhupada wrote to Ranadhir: "Do not worry. I have not stopped my business. I am writing at night even though I am not quite fit. Thank you all for your prayers." (Letters Books)

Srila Prabhupada instructed Tamal and Bhakticharu how to make neem paste compresses for His feet and legs, meant for reducing the swelling.(AK17) (Con:32.299)

APRIL 19: Srila Prabhupada, due to lack of energy, (AK5) had a hard time doing translation work last night. Swarup Damodar held a press conference in Bombay. (TkgD.10)

APRIL 20: Again Srila Prabhupada had trouble (AK5) translating last night. Dr. Sharma came, being "very insistent about Prabhupada's taking the medicine," which Srila Prabhupada declined firmly since he had made up his mind not to "take western drugs."Tamal criticized the doctor, saying that Dr. Sharma's "intention all along had been to get Prabhupada to allow him to be his doctor, rather than translate the books into Russian." (TkgD.11)

APRIL 21: Srila Prabhupada's swelling (AK17) in the hands and legs had decreased almost to nil, and His appetite (AK1) had increased. His diet of taking neem in all His foods has continued. Srila Prabhupada was thinking of going to Lonauli, a cooler climate zone between Bombay and Poona.(TkgD.12)

APRIL 22: Srila Prabhupada became "very angry" when "no one could be seen working on the construction." Srila Prabhupada chanted japa throughout the afternoon and evening. (AK18) (TkgD.13)

Tamal: I was amazed to see how much you translated last night. You translated more last night than in months, almost 200 digits. I think it was 190. I think eating those pakoras at night is giving you strength.

Srila Prabhupada: No, not that. Something must be eaten. I was feeling weakness (AK5) in the evening. But what can I eat? I have no taste (AK20) for fruits. Milk also, not very much taste I have got.

Tamal: You have a taste for neem?

Srila Prabhupada: That is compulsory. Whatever little benefit is there in the leaf of neem… Still I have got taste for neem begon… I think I shall take little, little milk. That will give strength. Milk produces strength. And it is suitable for everyone: children, diseased, invalid, old men. It is such a nice food. Everyone in any condition can get some benefit.(Con:32.352-3)

A discussion ensued about Hansadutta's problems in Germany, as he apparently had tried to assume a post of initiating guru, causing complaints.

Srila Prabhupada: No, you become guru, but you must be qualified first of all. Then you become…What is the use of producing some rascal guru?

Tamal: Well, I have studied myself and all of your disciples, and it's clear fact that we are all conditioned souls, so we cannot be guru. Maybe one day it may be possible…

Srila Prabhupada: Hmm.

Tamal: …but not now. (COMMENT: How about in 7 months?)

Srila Prabhupada: Yes. I shall choose some guru. I shall say, "Now you become acharya. You become authorized." I am waiting for that. You become acharya. I retire completely. But the training must be complete.

Tamal: The process of purification must be there.

Srila Prabhupada: Oh, yes, must be there. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu wants that. Amara ajnaya guru hana. "You become guru." (laughs) But be qualified. Little thing, strictly follower…

Tamal: Not rubber stamp.

Srila Prabhupada: Then you'll not be effective. Just see our Gaudiya Math. Everyone wanted to become guru, and a small temple and "guru." What kind of guru? No publication, no preaching, simply bring some foodstuff… My Guru Maharaj used to say, "Joint mess," a place for eating and sleeping. (Joint mess means a type of cooperative hotel in India) (Con:32.356-7)

AUTHOR'S COMMENT: On May 28, Srila Prabhupada said that his disciples could become guru "on my order." No order ever came, however, for disciples to become acharya or full guru. END COMMENT

APRIL 23: Tamal was explaining an article from a small newspaper describing the "Moon hoax," and said about astronauts that may have been eliminated by the government, "Killing to them is nothing."

Srila Prabhupada: They can kill even the president. Because they are meat-eaters, there is no mercy… Mercilessly they kill animals, and they have become accustomed to merciless…

Tamal: Yeah. (Con:33.2)

Srila Prabhupada: (sound of metal dishes) …No taste.

Tamal: The milk has no taste or you have no taste, Srila Prabhupada?

Srila Prabhupada: I have no taste. (AK20)

Tamal: You might have more taste for lassi. That's a little sweet and nice. And it's also very good for digestion.(A15)

Srila Prabhupada: So give me.

Tamal: How are you feeling today, Srila Prabhupada?

Srila Prabhupada: Not feel so… That jhuri (?) was very heavy for me.

Tamal: Last night you translated only a little bit?

Srila Prabhupada: Not feeling well at all… Now I am getting old, old age, not good health, so try to give me relief… from this managerial…(Con:33.3-9)

Mr. Dwivedi came from Pohri, near Gwalior, wanting to donate land and buildings to ISKCON. Srila Prabhupada had been considering some travel, maybe to Kashmir or Lonauli, but now decided to go to Pohri for a four day program starting May 5. (TkgD.14)

APRIL 24: TKG's Diary notes that Srila Prabhupada's deteriorated health made it difficult to deal with the management of finance and construction, so more of His time was spent on preaching, chanting, translating. Mr. Dwivedi came again today and Tamal thought that Srila Prabhupada should arrive a day or two early after the long journey to rest sufficiently before the preaching programs would begin. Tamal: "I'm only trying to think for your well-being." Srila Prabhupada added, "And if I actually feel little healthy, I shall stay there for some time to improve my health." (TkgD.15; Con:33.21)

APRIL 25: Today Mr. Dwivedi said that he was in touch with Sri Jethi, the President of India, who might be able to open the Pohri programs in person. The tape recordings show Bhakticharu offering to Srila Prabhupada some Chyavana-prash, a herbal health tonic. (Con:33.46-55; TkgD.15-16)

APRIL 26: Srila Prabhupada received reports from Gopal Krishna on preaching in Chandigarh, Vrindaban and Delhi. (TkgD.16)

APRIL 27: Srila Prabhupada was very concerned about being cheated in the Bombay construction, so He asked Brij Ratan Mohatta to "oversee the rest of the construction himself," so cheating could be avoided. Mr. Mohatta readily agreed to help. (TkgD.16)

APRIL 28: There was expectation that the new Prime Minister Morarji Desai would come to Bombay in the next few days, and that he would be agreeable to meeting with Srila Prabhupada. But unless Desai came to see Srila Prabhupada, as was proper that a politician would seek out a sadhu, and not vice versa, Srila Prabhupada would not go to see him. Some disciples could go instead. (TkgD.16-17; Con:33.60-71)

APRIL 29: J.P. Narayan was going to the USA for medical treatment, just having been released from jail and house arrest after 19 months. Srila Prabhupada "commented that he and J.P. had the same disease."Apparently J.P. Narayan had gone to Jaislok Hospital without being cured, the same hospital Dr. G. Ghosh had wanted Srila Prabhupada to go to. On April 5, Gopal Krishna and Giriraj had gone to visit Jaya Prakash Narayan in his hospital room. Srila Prabhupada concluded that hospitals and doctors were no guarantee of a cure, and that "under no condition should we ever allow anyone to take him to a hospital or administer drugs, even if he was unconscious. He would rather die." Srila Prabhupada ate only fruit on this day.(AK1) (TkgD.17; Con:33.75, Con:32.141)

AUTHOR'S COMMENT: There is a possible connection between J.P. Narayan and Srila Prabhupada in that both had the same ailment and a possible tie with Chandra Swami, the notorious Tantric and Ayurvedic sannyasi. Chandra Swami was closely connected to Indira Gandhi and her political intrigues, possibly being involved in the mysterious poisonings of imprisoned rival politicians rumored in the newspapers. Chandra Swami was also the source of at least some of the medicines which Srila Prabhupada was given. END COMMENT

MAY 26: Today a large number of GBC's arrived. For lunch, Srila Prabhupada was offered fruit from many countries, but ate little (AK1) and drank some orange juice from Jaffa and tasted a puri. Tamal wanted to know where to repose Srila Prabhupada's body after His departure and Srila Prabhupada said He would answer later. (TkgD.49-50)

Srila Prabhupada appreciated the kirtans in His room. "It is very palatable. Not this ordinary medicine, some of them very bitter, pungent. It (kirtan) is always palatable. So kindly administer this medicine. It doesn't matter whether I survive or die. It doesn't matter. Both ways it is beneficial." (Con:33.227)

Satsvarupa noted that he was regularly commuting between Los Angeles and India: "Each time we were called, there was an urgency that Srila Prabhupada was about to leave his body any day, so we always had the feeling that we should go there and be with him." However, after going, he described that after awhile, Srila Prabhupada would seem to get a little better and the GBC would return to their zones, being restless with no service in the midst of the hot Indian summer.

"Tamal told us the position. Srila Prabhupada was not eating, (AK1) not sleeping, (AK21) and had written out his will. We should pray and chant and sometimes go in turns to his room to chant and read. My own thoughts are so fallen (?) I am ashamed to even note them here." A summary of other points made by Satsvarupa are:

*Srila Prabhupada had called for the GBC because His disease was fatal, being the inability to eat.(AK1) His body was finished.

*There was also some hope; a special doctor was coming, and Srila Prabhupada spoke of preaching.

*Tamal said that if Krishna desires, there could be a recovery.

*There is no talk that Srila Prabhupada is "disgusted" with His disciples.

*Until coming to Vrindaban, Srila Prabhupada had been eager to recover, by taking neem with His meals in Bombay and going to Hrishikesh.

*Between the struggle to survive and the preparation to depart, Srila Prabhupada has decided to come to Vrindaban to die.

*Bhavananda told Srila Prabhupada that "they felt mixed sadness that he was departing, but also joy that" He was leaving the nasty material world and rejoining Krishna. (ISK70, 279-283)

MAY 27: Today Srila Prabhupada felt a little better and received some "relief" from taking Gargamuni's Mahabaleshwar fresh strawberry-raspberry syrup, and defiantly ate fried food three times, saying, "that which is poison can sometimes be medicine." Gopal Krishna received the anger of His Divine Grace today due to pinching pennies and not getting books printed quickly enough. Atul Krishna Goswami visited and wondered who would take charge of the ISKCON property after Srila Prabhupada had departed. "Now I can understand there is a very big undercurrent to take our property. Our position, property, everything, is enviable. Now make everything so it is safe." (TkgD.50-53; Sat:6.326-7)

The exact quote from the tape recordings is, "Among yourselves, there is no strong man. That is the defect. All like child. That is the defect. And it requires a very strong man. That is lacking. In every minute details I have poked my nose."(Con:33.233)

Srila Prabhupada was disturbed and warned of a large plot and "undercurrent" of those who envied the assets of His movement, and worried that others would try to take over ISKCON assets after His departure. (It is interesting to note that perhaps the greater danger was from within, the takeover of ISKCON by Srila Prabhupada's own ambitious disciples in ways contrary to Srila Prabhupada's desires or instructions.) Srila Prabhupada wanted His will completed immediately. It was done soon thereafter and Srila Prabhupada thus felt relieved. Today, the GBC met and drew up a draft will to arrange for at least three GBC directors to sign on every ISKCON property before it could be sold. (TkgD.50-53; Sat:6.326-7)

Kirtanananda asked Srila Prabhupada if He could trade His old age with His disciples' youth. Srila Prabhupada answered, laughing: "No, why? You are my body. So you live on. There is no difference. Just like I am working, so my Guru Maharaj is there. Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati. Physically he may not be, but in every action he is there… So I am not going to die. Kirtiryasya sa jivati. One who has done something substantial, he lives forever. He doesn't die." (Con:33.248-9)

Later Srila Prabhupada, as He was fond of doing, made an imitation of a man choking at the point of death, "Ghara, ghara, ghar... Choking and… But in the kirtan if we die, oh, it is so successfully… Injection, operation… Who needs it?… Krishna-kirtan death, glorious death. Oxygen gas, (laughs) dying and so much trouble. Never call. Please accept my request. Chant Hare Krishna, bas, and let me die peacefully. Never be disturbed, call doctor- no. Chant Hare Krishna. Go on chanting."

Later Srila Prabhupada said further, " So I have called you for this purpose. So if death is to take place, let me die in your association and chant Hare Krishna. There is no harm. That is glorious." (Con:33.252,256)

MAY 28: Srila Prabhupada went for a car ride through the Vrindaban streets and the forests. After some encouragement through Yasodanandana's prayer to stay longer with the devotees, Srila Prabhupada ate some solid food and displayed a more positive mood. Late in the afternoon, Narayan Maharaj came and led kirtan and also gave some medical advice. (TkgD.052-3)

The GBC discussed the will which would protect and secure the various ISKCON properties and bank accounts, but also had some other questions. Herein took place the famous "appointment tape" conversation regarding initiations after Srila Prabhupada's departure. (Con:33.269-70)

A committee of six, including Tamal, were set up for governing the Mayapur-Vrindaban Trust. In Bombay, the signers were Tamal, Gopal Krishna and Giriraj, and in Los Angeles, Rameshwar and Satsvarupa. (Con:33.266-7).

AUTHOR'S COMMENT: Satsvarupa Maharaj's biography subtly alters the actual May 28 statements of Srila Prabhupada, the oft studied "appointment tape" discussion, by portraying Srila Prabhupada's choosing "rtviks" as the appointment of regular gurus. Today, in 1999, most leaders of ISKCON admit there was not an appointment of gurus, and now ISKCON has a system of no-objection certification for new gurus "authorized" to initiate their own disciples. For over twenty years, senior disciples of Srila Prabhupada have variously interpreted or twisted Srila Prabhupada's teachings and instructions for the sake of their own positions.

Satsvarupa's quotations do not quite match the actual tape transcriptions. His biography was written in 1983 when the self-appointed "acharyas"were busy establishing their supposedly divinely ordained positions. To compare Satsvarupa's version in his "authorized"biography, Volume 6, pgs. 324-5, and Tamal's version in TKG's Diary pg 52-53, with the actual transcription of tape recordings (Con:33.269-270) published by the Bhaktivedanta Archives, see APPENDIX 5, and note the differences and omissions. END COMMENT

MAY 29: Jayatirtha remarked, "You're feeling a little stronger today, Srila Prabhupada?" Srila Prabhupada replied, "Yes. Little improvement is there… I am very much confident of this medicine because nobody is prepared to die. That much strength I have got. Generally people do not like to die. But I will be very glad to die if Krishna wants… I have no objection either way. But I am not afraid of death. That much strength I have got. Why shall I be afraid?" (Con:33.277)

Srila Prabhupada chastised Bhagwat and Gargamuni for not keeping their heads clean-shaven. (Con:33.285)

MAY 31: Tamal describes that three devotees took sannyasi initiation today, but mistakenly identifies one as Bhaktiruci Swami instead of Bhakticharu Swami. (Con:33.289-293; TkgD.55-56)

AUTHOR'S COMMENT: This error was intentionally retained from the original diary to demonstrate the "untouched" and "untampered" quality of the book, as explained by Rabindra Swarup in the foreword to TKG's Diary. However, a photocopy of the original diary, or better yet, the original diary itself, donated to the Bhaktivedanta Archives would be a much better verification of the authenticity of TKG's Diary. If Tamal wants to earn credibility, then let us see the original diary! END COMMENT

CHAPTER 26: HEALTH CHRONICLE:

JUNE 1977

There are 14 days of missing tape recordings from June 3- June 16.

JUNE 1: The first days of June brought hope of recovery, and Srila Prabhupada wanted to start His morning car rides again. Srila Prabhupada began a new routine of going to see the Deities every morning while kirtan was held. Srila Prabhupada often sat in His private garden next to His main downstairs room, and it is noted that His voice was still "soft and weak." (A2) (Sat:6.330-1)

Narayan Maharaj's assistant, Sukhananda das brahmachary, came today to do expert massage and apply hot and cold compresses. Srila Prabhupada asked him to stay on for some days. Thus, Sukhananda would, on most days, come three times a day for this treatment which helped Srila Prabhupada greatly, (AK12) but did not increase His appetite.(AK1) Tamal quotes Srila Prabhupada: "Now it is not so bad. I am drinking fruit juices. It is hot, but by midnight it cools off. There is no need for me to eat cereals, (AK1) except that sometimes, someone must help me to the bathroom.(AK11, A17) And gradually, I will increase my translating." Tamal also notes that, "During the gurukula kirtana, Prabhupada is drooling more and more. (A6) These are transcendental symptoms."(TkgD.57-8) It appears certain from the description that drooling was common and not simply a one day occurrence. Whether transcendental symptoms or not, they are also arsenic symptoms.

Encouraging Swarup Damodar to press on with his scientific preaching, Srila Prabhupada said: "I can give you ideas… So I wanted to see that you are all busy. That I want because now I am becoming invalid. (AK11) I cannot move very swiftly here and there. But if you move, I take pleasure." Sometimes Srila Prabhupada would go up on the roof, and today He asked Kirtanananda for some cut oranges. (Con:33.302)

JUNE 2: Srila Prabhupada asked to resume His morning car rides, and, coming down to the car, He said, "Soon I will get down and walk myself." (Sat:6.328)

During Srila Prabhupada's massage, Sukhananda applied hot and cold compresses on the belly; Srila Prabhupada appreciated these massages greatly. (AK12) Dr. Ghosh from Kodaikanal finally arrived with his family and examined Srila Prabhupada, felt His aura, and diagnosed the disease as anxiety over the movement and devotees. Srila Prabhupada agreed, and Dr. Ghosh assured that He would be cured, wanting to bring Srila Prabhupada to Kodaikanal in south India for treatment and recovery. He was organizing a "Prabhupada Village" there with a nice house for Srila Prabhupada under construction. (TkgD.058-9)

Bhavananda told Dr. Ghosh that Srila Prabhupada was taking fruit juice, some cooked vegetables and black cow's milk. The GBC reviewed a draft of a will with Srila Prabhupada. A provision stated that all properties and accounts were the property of ISKCON, and Tamal suggested that Dr. Ghosh could be a witness at the signing. (Con:33.307-319)

Dr. Ghosh made a diagnosis (?), prescribing medicines, treatments and blood pressure monitoring. But Srila Prabhupada did not follow this program, instead taking the massages and saying that He hoped for recovery in six weeks. Satsvarupa misidentifies Dr. Ghosh as the doctor from Allahabad instead of Kodaikanal. (Sat:6.328)

JUNE 3: Dr. Ghosh's treatments were combined with Sukhananda's treatments: "hot and cold massages three times a day, special organ massages, spinal nerve massages, etc. Prabhupada slept well and ate three and a half puris with fried portals." (TkgD.059)

At the end of May, (actually in early June) after the assembled GBC had completed Srila Prabhupada's final will and made arrangements for the future management and protection of ISKCON, they all returned to their places of service around the world. Srila Prabhupada's health seemed to improve a little, and He even ate and digested some fried food, (A15) talking of resuming His translation work. (Sat:6.329)

The Times of India ran a front page story entitled, "Srila Prabhupada Seriously Ill,"but a few days later, on page three, the paper responded to a statement from a devotee under the title, "Srila Prabhupada Now Better." This confirms the improvement in Srila Prabhupada's health. (Sat:6.332)

JUNE 4: Srila Prabhupada spoke with Dr. Ghosh of going to Bangalore and on to Kodaikanal for health recovery, yet, at the same time, stated, "I am not leaving Vrindaban until I am well." Dr. Ghosh's opinion was that there was a grave danger of a fatal coma due to very high urea content of the blood, (AK15) and thus Srila Prabhupada's condition was critical. However, Srila Prabhupada admitted to feeling better from the massage program, which Sukhananda said would cure Srila Prabhupada within six weeks. Srila Prabhupada managed two chapatis for lunch, after which Dr. Ghosh took a blood pressure reading and wanted to start certain unspecified treatments. Srila Prabhupada became irritable, (A4) confiding to Tamal later, "They will introduce so many things- injections, operations- therefore I don't want it. Gradually he is introducing so many things." (TkgD.060)

AUTHOR'S COMMENT: Keep in mind that the bibliographical references are tacked in after every piece of information in this health biography. Since Tamal is considered a suspect in the poisoning, we must note what it is that he says happened and whether it is verified by other sources. In this case, we have no verification how it was that Srila Prabhupada disagreed with Dr. Ghosh's treatment. END COMMENT

Satsvarupa's biography notes that Srila Prabhupada's "moods moved and varied within the realm of transcendental emotions…" Emotions ranged from feelings of being a burden to His caretakers to becoming upset over a disciple's carelessness. (A11) (Sat:6.333)

JUNE 5: Srila Prabhupada was so weak (AK5) He could not go on the morning car ride. In the morning, Dr. Ghosh concluded that Srila Prabhupada had no chance of recovery. "His organs were finished; his body was filling with urea." (AK15) Dr. Ghosh recommended going to Delhi for dialysis and other treatments, and, if Srila Prabhupada did not want this, then He should be made as comfortable as possible by kirtan and no worries. Srila Prabhupada asked Bhavananda for help in removing the rings from the fingers of His swollen hands. (AK17) (TkgD.60-61)

JUNE 6: Again there was no morning car ride; even sitting was too tiring for Srila Prabhupada.(AK5) Most GBC's have returned to their far-flung posts around the world, but a few returned from Delhi upon hearing of this recent downturn in health. Dr. Ghosh and Sukhanda's treatments seemed to have improved Srila Prabhupada greatly today, with the swelling (AK17) reduced more than in many weeks. Tamal says, "The alternate hot and cold compresses and frequent massages throughout the day and night seemed effective, and Dr. Ghosh was hopeful." Srila Prabhupada took a bath in a tub and liked it so much He arranged for it three times a day from now on. Upon request, Srila Prabhupada was taken to see the Deities, and He sat under the tamal tree in His palanquin-chair gazing upon Their Lordships Krishna Balarama. (TkgD.62)

Tamal wrote to Kirtanananda: "Srila Prabhupada's health has not at all improved. Dr. Ghose (sic), who we were waiting for, has finally arrived, but he is not very hopeful of Srila Prabhupada's condition." (Archives)

JUNE 7: Srila Prabhupada awoke in the night very weak due to the massaging having been too hard, "suitable for a horse." Upon awakening in the mornings, the first order of business was to have His back scratched. (AK8) Temperatures sometimes reached 130 degrees in the Vrindaban summer daytimes. Srila Prabhupada was transported to the temple, the garden, the roof or the car by his rocking chair palanquin.(AK5, AK11, A17) Tamal believes that the massaging was reducing the swelling. (AK17) Appetite (AK1) and taste (AK20) have not returned yet, however. Mr. Arora, the lawyer, came today to have an affidavit signed and to register the will. (TkgD.63-4)

Tamal wrote Hansadutta: "Unfortunately, His Divine Grace's health has taken a turn for the worst. Prabhupada's body is practically worn out and all of the internal organs are no longer functioning properly. This includes the kidneys (AK15), the liver (A18), and the heart (A20). Dr. Ghose (sic) is here giving him treatment throughout the day but he himself admits that there is no way to know exactly what will be the outcome." (Tamal letters)

JUNE 8: Dr. Ghosh predicted that Srila Prabhupada would walk again within a week, being past the worst stage. Since Sukhananda was giving the massage treatments, and Srila Prabhupada refused to take any medicines, cow urine, or even the Yogendra Ras after ten years of use, Dr. Ghosh decided to return to South India, thinking there was little he could do. "Dr. Ghosh seemed a little frustrated, since he had practically not been able to treat Prabhupada at all." Asked how He was feeling, Srila Prabhupada said, "Now there is some hope. Before it was hopeless."(TkgD.64-5)

Srila Prabhupada instructed His disciples to focus on His instructions and not His physical condition or presence. He said, "I may stay or go, but in my books I will live forever." Srila Prabhupada thrived on reports of devotees preaching, especially those of book distribution. Taking very little food (A1), it appeared He was being sustained by kirtan and these good news preaching reports. In touring the new Gurukula building, Srila Prabhupada's voice was again noted by Satsvarupa to be "soft," (A2) and "sometimes lost in the noise of construction." At one point, Srila Prabhupada commented, "my life is ending." (Sat:6.337-342)

Tamal wrote Yasomatisuta in Hong Kong: "Srila Prabhupada's health has deteriorated since Mayapur. In fact his health has become so bad that Srila Prabhupada came to Vrindaban and said, 'Now I will prepare for my departure.' We are giving him constant massage (AK8) and other treatments."(Tamal letters)

JUNE 9: Srila Prabhupada often slept soundly (A10) through the day, as He had last night. Srila Prabhupada "declared that if Upendra and Bhavananda could take care of him" like Sukhananda had been doing, then surely He would recover. In the afternoon, Srila Prabhupada asked, "All the doctors are leaving; does it mean it is hopeless?…(A11) So long as there is no appetite it is hopeless. Good sleep means appetite (AK1) will increase." Later, Srila Prabhupada said:

"Whatever I have wanted to say, I have said in my books. If I live, I will say something more. If you want to know me, read my books. Now I'm not going to travel here and there anymore, no more speaking to large gatherings. Let my disciples do that. Physically I am unfit." (TkgD.65-6)

Tamal wrote Bhumata dasi: "As you know, Srila Prabhupada's health has not been good and now His Divine Grace is seriously ill." (Tamal letters)

JUNE 10: Last night Srila Prabhupada translated again after many days of not doing so. Srila Prabhupada complained that Dr. Ghosh was mixing naturopathic, Ayurvedic and allopathic practices. "Why Dr. Ghosh prescribes cow urine?" Tamal surmised that he was observing ecstatic, transcendental symptoms in Srila Prabhupada, as described in the Nectar of Devotion: "He can be seen with his eyes closed, always meditating with an intense, concentrated expression.(AK18?) Sometimes he stretches his neck (A19?), and sometimes he drools (A6) in his sleep and his body shakes (AK7?). Sometimes there is loud belching." Tamal has now fully taken over Srila Prabhupada's correspondence, answering them himself, almost always without reading them or the replies to Srila Prabhupada for review. (TkgD.67-68)

JUNE 11: Srila Prabhupada was not pleased that Bhavananda Maharaj wanted to return to Mayapur rather than stay on caring for His Divine Grace. (TkgD.69)

JUNE 12: Srila Prabhupada wanted to go for a car ride today, but became upset when Tamal was off to chant in the local forests. (TkgD.70)

JUNE 13: Srila Prabhupada had heart palpitations (AK22) preventing Him from translating at night. Bhavananda Maharaj had returned to Mayapur, so Satadhanya Maharaj became the new masseur. Srila Prabhupada requested that a regular palanquin be constructed for his transport (AK5) to replace being moved around in His rocking chair. (TkgD.070-1)

JUNE 14: According to Tamal, Srila Prabhupada is quoted as saying, "I have analyzed the disease as blood pressure. (AK6) When I eat foods not easily digestible (A15), it forms gas that pushes up on the heart. (AK4) I will change my diet. And this Brahmi oil gives me great relief." Srila Prabhupada then instructed Bhakticharu Swami as to what to cook and how. Satadhanya and Sukhananda both gave massages today. Alice Coltrane visited. (TkgD.71-2)

JUNE 15: Srila Prabhupada met with Krishnan Meyer, who decided to return to Vrindaban with his wife in a week and stay for a month. (TkgD.73)

JUNE 16: Srila Prabhupada recalled an unpleasant situation in Los Angeles in August 1970, when He called Tamal in Paris to come and take His Divine Grace back to India. "I want to go back. There is some conspiracy… I do not wish to recall that. It was intolerable… I made my headquarter in Los Angeles. And they made a conspiracy against me." Tamal replied, " It was such a shock to you. We were massaging your heart and reading Krishna book. And you developed a very bad cough."

Srila Prabhupada: That conspiracy was… (break)

Tamal: I could understand later on how it… very subtle.

Srila Prabhupada: Very.

Tamal: Anyway, now we're trained to the point where that can never reoccur. Not… Never. That could only happen because we were so new at that time. (Con:33.327-8)

JUNE 17: Srila Prabhupada invited His godbrother Srouti Maharaj to come visit, and yesterday and today he has been speaking with Srila Prabhupada. (TkgD.76-8) In Los Angeles Satsvarupa received word that Srila Prabhupada was feeling better. (ISK70.291)

JUNE 18: Today Srila Prabhupada had lengthy discussions with Yasodanandana and Bhakti Prema Swamis about designing a model of the universe for the planned Mayapur planetarium. (Con:33.330-342)

JUNE 19: His Divine Grace translated some last night, in spite of trouble from flying insects. Srila Prabhupada drank pineapple juice from Manipur and milk "in various ways throughout the day." Milk was important to restoring Srila Prabhupada's health. (TkgD.78-9)

JUNE 20: Last night, Srila Prabhupada's heart was giving pain (AK22), and He awoke early. He was unhappy to hear from Gopal Krishna that the Bombay opening was delayed due to slowed construction. (TkgD.80) Swarup Damodar had returned to Vrindaban to visit Srila Prabhupada, and said in the garden today: "You look better today, Srila Prabhupada."(Con:33.351)

JUNE 21: Tamal recounts a story told by Srila Prabhupada (not available from the tape recordings): "One of my Godbrothers' wife was an adulterer. When her son found her out, he said he would tell his father. So the mother poisoned him. And when the father found out his son was poisoned by his mother, he committed suicide. The only hope of Western civilization is to chant Hare Krishna. Otherwise they are finished!" (TkgD.81-2)

JUNE 22: Srila Prabhupada, during a scientific preaching strategy conversation, said: "You are all young men. Who wants to become an invalid man like me? With three men I have to walk. Nobody wants. But you have to accept, cumpulsory." (Con:34.31)

During a private Bhagwatam class in His garden, Srila Prabhupada became quite upset that the BBT book editors had changed the translation for a word; the meaning was changed and confused completely. (Con:34.20-7)

JUNE 23: Tamal inquired as to how He was feeling, Srila Prabhupada answered that as long as He was sitting and translating, there was no problem, but to walk, He required help. Srila Prabhupada remembered His early days in New York when He was alone. (TkgD.84-5)

Tamal wrote to Guru Kripa: "Srila Prabhupada's health is a lot better than when you were here. He is eating regularly now, although not very much. (AK1) And every night He is translating again. During the morning from 9:30 to 10 He goes before Krishna and Balaram for darshan and the devotees sing bhajans. So his health has improved, although not that much." Tamal letters)

Tamal wrote to Kirtiraj: "You will be glad to know that Srila Prabhupada's health has come to the point where He is able to translate regularly in the evening. His health is not very much improving but neither is it deteriorating any further." (Tamal letters)

JUNE 24: Bhagatji came to Srila Prabhupada with a unique medicine made from 45 different trees by an "old Baba." Srila Prabhupada's swelling (AK17) had increased since the cold water treatments were discontinued due to Srila Prabhupada's dislike of the icy water austerity. Srila Prabhupada commented about the new medicine: "I cannot make so many experiments. Everyone says in four days you will be cured. Dr. Ghosh said I would walk in four days. But actually he left in four days." Later Srila Prabhupada took this medicine and by June 28 thought it had been effective, asking for more to be gotten. (TkgD. 086, 89, 93) Srila Prabhupada has been translating and also has been talking more lately. Bhagatji had brought six days worth of the new medicine, to be taken twice daily. (Con:34.40-58)

JUNE 25: The tape recording marked June 26 is, according to Tamal, June 25. Srila Prabhupada toured and inspected the new Gurukula building, emphasizing more students and less managers were needed. (TkgD.87-9)

JUNE 26: No tape recordings. Srila Prabhupada slept well the previous night and was taking Bhagatji's medicine. Srila Prabhupada spoke about the intelligence of the mongoose, who, if bitten by a snake, rushes to rub himself against a particular plant to counteract the poison. Srila Prabhupada later cried when Tamal voiced appreciation for His books. He chastised Upendra for leaving the cabinet doors open. (TkgD.89-90)

JUNE 27: No tape recordings. Jaidayal Dalmia and family visited and Mr. Arora delivered the original will back from the registrar. An incredible (literally) incident is purported to have occurred in the middle of the night, when Srila Prabhupada called for Tamal. Unverified, Tamal reports : "'Amongst the GBC, have you selected one after me who will succeed?' I replied that we felt that we should manage together as a group, that none of us was more qualified than the others. 'Yes, each of you can be acharya of your zone.'"Then Srila Prabhupada told Tamal not to worry about finally going to China, but to stay as His personal secretary. (TkgD.91-2)

AUTHOR'S COMMENT: It is the little surprises like this one that really arouse suspicion in the veracity and authenticity of Tamal's diary. END

JUNE 28: Srila Prabhupada asked if more of the herbal medicine had been brought from Bhagatji's old Baba, and asked if they should bring the Baba to see Srila Prabhupada.

Tamal: No, no… And then, if it works, we can bring him. I'm still not fully satisfied. I think it works, but I'm not sure.

Srila Prabhupada: Working very slowly… Slow and sure.

Tamal: Yes. But let us see. (Con:34.102-3)

JUNE 29: Srila Prabhupada took some Phillips Milk of Magnesia, a laxative. (AK3) Bhakti Chaitanya Swami came to report on preaching in Delhi and north India. (Con:34.111-121)

JUNE 30: During His afternoon translation work on June 30, Srila Prabhupada could not see properly and called for eye drops, (A8) which were lost, causing some inconvenience while new drops were located. Srila Prabhupada's eyesight had become so poor (A9) by now that He could hardly do His translation work. (TkgD.096-8)

When an unmarked bottle of clear liquid was delivered third hand to Srila Prabhupada through Tamal, Srila Prabhupada asked, "What is that?"Srila Prabhupada grilled Tamal for verification of its source, and Tamal said it was supposedly rosewater from Seth Visanchand. Quite irritated, Srila Prabhupada emphasized that its purity could only be known by confirming its origin. Tamal agreed to look into it. The eyewash cup had also been misplaced. Srila Prabhupada also wanted to know why it had been so difficult to find a common eye-washing cup "from any medical shop."Upendra had not shown the bottle of Optrix eye wash (A8) to Srila Prabhupada that he had brought back from a shop in town. (Con:34.136-8) This incident reveals how Srila Prabhupada had conjunctivitis; His eyes runny and filled with mucus. Adi Keshava also remembers that Srila Prabhupada was characterized as having "conjunctivitis" at this time.

Srila Prabhupada stopped Sukhananda's cold bath and cold friction massage and since His swelling (AK17) was worse than in many weeks, He talked of perhaps using Lassix tablets (AK14) again. (TkgD.096-8)

Srila Prabhupada asked that some special creeping herb called punarnava be collected in Mayapur and sent to Him immediately.

Satadhanya: It is good medicinally?

Srila Prabhupada: For me. This medicine, what I am drinking, that is punarnava. Yes, as much as possible... Then I can prepare this medicine. And I know that is the medicine for my disease, punarnava... It is available here also.

Tamal: So they should get it here, then.

Srila Prabhupada: Yes, I have asked him.

Later in the day, Tamal mentioned that Mahaksha had gone to get the herbal medicines at a place some three hours distant, and would return late in the evening. (Con:34.124-130)

Replies

Tamohara dasa ADMIN. September 28, 2012 3:55

"Srila Prabhupada had no regular doctor. From time to time a kaviraja might show up to give a diagnosis and some medicine. But Srila Prabhupada wouldn't take it very seriously." (Sat:6.294) Srila Prabhupada had low opinions of these kavirajas, and stopped taking their prescribed medicines, Ayurvedic or homeopathic, whenever they were bitter or produced ill effects. Srila Prabhupada was more interested in preaching than health, which was determined by Krishna regardless of what doctors would do. Srila Prabhupada occasionally would speak of departing from this world, asking his disciples to manage everything nicely without spoiling the work He had done to establish the Krishna Consciousness movement. Meanwhile, Srila Prabhupada wanted to concentrate on writing His books. (Sat:6.300)

Srila Prabhupada: But now you can take charge of all money, one or two or three of you, and let me remain free from all management. And only request is, don't spoil it… I can live without any food, simply taking these fruits. (AK1) There is no difficulty… So, so far my physical necessity, there is no necessity of food… I have seen many men, for rising up, they require help.

Tamal: Oh, that's normal in old age. That's not unusual.

Srila Prabhupada: I can walk, there is no difficulty. But getting up…(AK11, A17) I can, if I try, I can get up also.

Tamal: But why should you take that risk?

Srila Prabhupada: No, I shall not. I fell down (AK11,A17?) in Calcutta. That is bathroom, very slippery.

Later Srila Prabhupada said: "…mentally to keep the brain, little fruit, milk, is sufficient. So I may live on fruit or milk.(AK1) There is no difficulty. What is the use of taking chapatis and rice?"(Con:33.75-76)

APRIL 30: Srila Prabhupada: "We are not after any degrees like Ph.D. The only title we will accept is to be know as a pure devotee." During the massage, Srila Prabhupada directed preparation of a special vegetable. (TkgD.18-19)

CHAPTER 25: HEALTH CHRONICLE:

MAY 1977

MAY 1: Srila Prabhupada gave His darshan by standing on His room's balcony at the request of about three hundred kirtan performers. Srila Prabhupada accepted the decision of His servants to not go as planned to Pohri in Madhya Pradesh, near Gwalior, due to weakness (AK5) and poor health. (TkgD.21-2)

            Patita Uddharan had brought a Ramanuja pandit from South India to Bombay to help design the planetarium and who supposedly knew the layout of the planets in the universal structure. Srila Prabhupada greeted him, "Hm. Hare Krishna. Jaya. I am little weak." (AK5) When the pandit astronomer could not answer any of Srila Prabhupada's specific questions, Srila Prabhupada dismissed him, and Tamal was emphatically derogatory of Patita Uddharan's intelligence. (Con:33.89-97; TkgD.22)

            Srila Prabhupada wrote to Hari Sauri in Australia: "You will be glad to know that I am feeling a little recovered now and every evening I am again able to do my translation work. Now my only disease is that I have no appetite." (AK1) (Letters Books)

MAY 2: Srila Prabhupada discussed with some Hindu guests about different locations that would be favorable for His health. Bombay was hot in May, and it was decided to go to Rishikesh at the base of the Himalayas, where the air, water and climate were very pleasant. Jaidayal Dalmia would make arrangements to allow use of his bungalow there. (Sat:6.304-5) Srila Prabhupada participated in Lord Nrsinghadeva's appearance day feast, eating parathas also. (TkgD.23-4)

Tamal: Today there's a little swelling (AK17) in your… It seems to come and go. Is it bothering you? Is it disturbing?

Srila Prabhupada: Yes. From last night things have gone bad.

Tamal: What in particular, Srila Prabhupada?

Srila Prabhupada: There is spasm in the heart.(AK22)

Tamal: On the heart. Still?    (Comment: How often previously?)

Srila Prabhupada: Hm. If I lie down straight… Lie down means spasm. Sit up, not so painful.

Tamal: Maybe some gentle massaging on the heart would be good. (Con:33.104)

MAY 3: Srila Prabhupada shed tears remembering His dear disciple Jayananda, who had recently left his body. Srila Prabhupada complained of the slow progress with the Bombay construction. (TkgD.24)

            Srila Prabhupada wrote to Akshayananda Swami: "My health is not very good, the doctors have advised against making the long train journey as well as the vigorous preaching involved." (Letters Books)

MAY 5: At midnight, Giriraj Swami remembers visiting Srila Prabhupada to inform Him of a meeting in the morning with the new Indian prime minister Morarji Desai. Srila Prabhupada decided to send Tamal and Giriraj in His place, and said: "Actually, with this sickness I cannot sleep at night. Even if I want to, I cannot sleep. (AK21) Due to this illness, I cannot eat also." (AK1) (Satsv 6.303)

MAY 6: Ratan Singh Rajda brought Tamal and Giriraj to Morarji Desai's office very late and thus the meeting was only a few minutes long. Srila Prabhupada was disappointed. (Sat:6.303-4; TkgD.25)

            This author clearly recalls reading a story about Srila Prabhupada but was unable to locate it in any book. One day, while sitting at His desk in Bombay, Srila Prabhupada smiled and showed how His teeth were loose and wiggling by pushing on them with His tongue. He opened a drawer on His desk and showed Tamal a tooth which He had just hours earlier taken out of His mouth. Later Tamal went and took the tooth as a keepsake. (A21)

MAY 7: Srila Prabhupada and His party flew to Delhi from Bombay, and He chose to walk down the plane's steps by Himself. That night at 10:30 PM they all took the train to Hardwar. Srila Prabhupada's limbs were greatly swollen (AK17) again, but His Divine Grace slept better on the train than the whole previous period spent in Bombay. (TkgD.027)

MAY 8: From Hardwar, the party went by car to Hrishikesh to stay at the Swarga Ashram. Srila Prabhupada liked Rishikesh and right away ate jalebis and kicharis heartily, and then drank Ganges water. Later, Srila Prabhupada complained about the absence of chilis to help digest (A15) some ghee in the lunch. Kirtans were held morning and night, with darshan daily for one hour at five in the afternoon. (TkgD.27-8)

Tamal states on his Matchless Memories tapes that Srila Prabhupada wanted the fresh hot jalebis because it was the best treatment for a sore throat, (A2) which He had at the time. Tamal also acknowledged that he would personally give many of the various medicines to Srila Prabhupada during the time of His illness. Once Srila Prabhupada taught Tamal a type of massage to give relief to Srila Prabhupada wherein the fingertips barely touched the skin.(AK8) (Tamal tapes)

MAY 9 and 10: Srila Prabhupada directed and taught the cooking of many preparations, making chapatis Himself. Srila Prabhupada also increased His translation work. (TkgD.29)

MAY 11: Many local people and some Westerners are coming to see and hear Srila Prabhupada in the evenings, asking many questions. Followers of Maharishi also came but were philosophically "thrashed" by Srila Prabhupada's forceful preaching. (Con:33.141-150; TkgD.31)

            Tamal wrote Radhaballabha: "Srila Prabhupada's health is slightly improving since we have come here to Rishikesh… the conversations are extremely enlivening as you will be able to tell when you get the cassette tapes."(Tamal letters)

            Srila Prabhupada wrote to Giriraj: "Yes, my health is improving a very little. The house that we have been given is the best in Rishikesh. It is very nice and the climate is much better than Bombay's." (Letters Books)

MAY 12: Srila Prabhupada wanted that cow's milk be obtained wherever He traveled, because this was the bulk of His diet. (TkgD.031)

MAY 13: Srila Prabhupada made plans to go to New Delhi on May 29 and then to Srinagar in Kashmir by May 31. Srila Prabhupada said He did not want to eat food unless it was cooked by His own disciple. (TkgD.32)

MAY 14: Srila Prabhupada "very much appreciated" the Ekadasi lunch today and thought He would try to follow a non-grain diet. Bhakti Chaitanya Swami came from Chandigarh with a box of fruits. Srila Prabhupada immediately took some litchis. Travel plans were changed to go on the 20th to Chandigarh, then to Solon on the 23rd. (TkgD.33)

All went well in Hrishikesh for about a week, and it is noted that Srila Prabhupada's voice was extremely faint. (A2) (Sat:6.307)

MAY 15: Last night, with severe windstorms and no power, Srila Prabhupada could neither translate nor sleep, (AK21) and at 5 AM told Tamal He was feeling very weak. (AK5) Being massaged for an hour, Srila Prabhupada then felt better. In the night, His hands, legs and feet had swollen again (AK17) and Srila Prabhupada said that His symptoms were not good. (TkgD.34)

Satsvarupa's relates: "But on the eighth night (in Hrishikesh), a violent storm hit, and with the storm came a drastic turn in Srila Prabhupada's health. He said the end was near, and he asked to go immediately to Vrindaban..." In the evening, Srila Prabhupada's hands and feet were swollen, and He said: "From the material point of view, it is not good. Please consider how everything may be turned over to the G.B.C., so that in my absence everything will go on. You may make a will, and I will sign it." (Sat:6.307-8)

MAY 16: At 1:30 AM, suddenly Srila Prabhupada called Tamal and Bhakticharu, and said: "As I was telling you, the symptoms are not good. I want to leave immediately for Vrindaban. If I am going to die, let it be in Vrindaban. What time can we leave by?"Every time Srila Prabhupada had laid down that night, "he would have heart spasms." (AK22) Tamal found there were no train seats available from Hardwar to Delhi, so at 10:00 AM Srila Prabhupada, Tamal, Upendra and Damodara Pandit drove by car for four and a half hours to Delhi, surprising the devotees there with their arrival. Srila Prabhupada stopped on the way for some cucumbers, which He said were good for quenching thirst. The Kashmir, Chandigarh and Solon programs were all cancelled by the sudden downturn in Srila Prabhupada's health. "Practically, eating is finished," (AK1) Srila Prabhupada said after resting and eating a little at the Delhi temple. (TkgD.35; Sat:6.308))

MAY 17: This morning, staying overnight at the Delhi temple, Srila Prabhupada left for Vrindaban by car at 5 AM. Until now Srila Prabhupada could still walk and stand up, (AK5) but arriving in Vrindaban, He was carried by palanquin before the Krishna Balaram Mandir Deities and then was taken to His quarters, where He was offered worship. Srila Prabhupada spoke solemnly about His return to Vrindaban:

            "So I cannot speak. (A2) I am feeling very weak. (AK5) I was to go to other places like Chandigarh program, but I cancelled the program because the condition of my health is very deteriorating. So I preferred to come to Vrindaban. If death takes place, let it take here. So there is nothing to be said new. Whatever I have to speak, I have spoken in my books. Now you try to understand it and continue in your endeavor. Whether I am present or not, it doesn't matter… So you have been taught to serve Krishna, and with Krishna we'll live eternally. Our life is eternal… Body is meant for disappearance… So live forever by serving Krishna. Thank you very much." (Con:33.197)

            Srila Prabhupada had but a little cheese at lunch, later telling Tamal, "Yes, you become my eyes… You must give me complete relief from management… Now take it that I am dead." Tamal relates, "Since he speaks often about death, I feel I must now consider how everything should be managed by all of us, as if Prabhupada were not present…" (TkgD.37-38)

MAY 18: Due to heart palpitations (AK22) last night, Srila Prabhupada could hardly sleep. (TkgD.38)

Srila Prabhupada's lower room had an air cooler, and in His upper room, devotees had set up a desk, chair and bed on the outdoor veranda.

Srila Prabhupada instructed Tamal, His personal secretary and trusted assistant, that there were the two things, namely to try to survive and to prepare for death. He wanted to have always some men with Him, reading Bhagwatam or doing kirtan. "Now I am trying to take little food. (AK1) Pariksit Maharaj would not even take water."

Tamal suggested a will and Srila Prabhupada agreed to dictate one which could be signed by witnesses. (Sat:6.311-312)

Srila Prabhupada wrote to Guru Kripa: "I was staying in Rishikesh hoping to improve my health, but instead I have become a little weaker. (AK5) Now I have come back to my home, Vrindaban. If anything should go wrong, at least I will be here in Vrindaban. Vrindaban is for residence, Bombay is office for organization, and Mayapur is for worship…" (Letters Books)

Srila Prabhupada wrote to Hari Sauri: "For ten days I was staying in Rishikesh in a very nice house on the side of the Ganges River. But my health was not good and so I have come to Vrindaban where I will stay indefinitely." (Letters Books)

MAY 19: In the morning Srila Prabhupada went for an invigorating drive in the car, and enjoyed breathing the fresh air. Srila Prabhupada took a half bath late in the afternoon and met with Sri Sita Ram Singh, a Parliament member from Bihar. (TkgD.39-40; Con:33.198-203)

MAY 20: Srila Prabhupada recalled how Bhaktisiddhanta had made a will on a "scrap of paper" that prevailed in court over opposing parties. The will was made before an operation was to take place.

Tamal: He recovered from the hernia operation.

Srila Prabhupada: (laughs) No… He thought it that 'The doctor has been called to kill me.' So he did not undergo the hernia operation.

Tamal: He thought the doctor was paid off to kill him.

Srila Prabhupada: Yes.

Tamal: 'Cause sometimes people were paid off to kill him.

Srila Prabhupada: So he did not go.

Tamal: Actually you and your Guru Maharaj are the greatest enemies of modern civilization in this century, Srila Prabhupada.

Then Tamal explained to a Hindi guest: "So Prabhupada has decided that the best medicine will be Srimad Bhagwatam and kirtan, and no need of any doctors who've promised that 'I will save your life' or anything like that. We shouldn't bring them. And no outsiders. No outsiders."

Hindu guest: No medicine for the body?

Tamal: No medicine.

Srila Prabhupada: Whatever medicine I am taking, that…

Tamal: He's taking a little bit. Yogendra-rasa he's taking. He's tried so many medicines. That is the point. Every doctor has come, and they've each given their medicine, and he's tried them. But they don't work. This medicine always works, Bhagwatam and kirtan.

Srila Prabhupada: …It pleases the ear and mind… Bhagavan, glorification of His activities.

Tamal: Prabhupada will come and he'll sit in front of Krishna Balaram every day for a couple of hours, and he's calling some of his, all the devotees here. They'll be here. No… Perfect medicine.

Srila Prabhupada: No, he's calling all the GBC.

Then Srila Prabhupada explained what to do after His departure.

"The system of management will go on as it is now. There is no need of changing. The money which is in my personal name in different banks, that is being spent for the society, and it will be society property."

Later Tamal spoke to Srila Prabhupada: "So I was thinking that when Krishna wants His devotee to come back to Him, then it seems like He gives the devotee notice… when you were in Bombay you were very much hoping to recover. Seems like you're not… You know… That will seems not to be as strong as it was then, maybe because there's been so many… You've made such an effort to get better and it still hasn't improved. So how long one can keep trying like that?

Srila Prabhupada: Therefore I do not wish to leave Vrindaban.

Tamal: Yeah.

Srila Prabhupada: If by Krishna's desire I survive, then we shall see later on. Otherwise… (Con:33.204-209)

MAY 21: Today there was a morning car ride. Now Srila Prabhupada would spend his mornings and evenings listening to kirtan or readings, usually lying in bed with eyes closed. (AK18) His translation work still continued in the middle of the night, his massage and bath in the morning, and Tamal's daily report on ISKCON news. Tamal would carefully restrict most visitors and letters, answering them all himself and freeing Srila Prabhupada from all worries. (Sat:6.312)

Srila Prabhupada's morning rides and deity darshans all but ceased. Lying in bed, and sometimes sitting at his desk, He would be mostly silent, (AK18) but would sometimes speak on Krishna conscious subjects, albeit so weakly that His disciples would need to lean close to hear.(A2) "Eating was almost nil." Srila Prabhupada requested all the GBC's to be brought to Vrindaban for the preparation of His final will and to prepare for His departure, if it were to come soon. (Sat:6.314)

Tamal notified the GBC of the urgent situation and called them to Vrindaban on Srila Prabhupada's request. Tamal expressed his mixed feelings; that although he was sad that Srila Prabhupada's health was failing, he was also happy that Srila Prabhupada seemed relieved by giving up the struggle for life and giving up all worldly concerns. Bhavananda Maharaj also was sad that Srila Prabhupada was leaving, but also happy that He was leaving this horrible material world to rejoin Krishna. Srila Prabhupada warned the gathered GBC not to "spoil ISKCON and become another Gaudiya Math by splitting up." (Sat:6.315)

Srila Prabhupada did not take the mid-day heat very well. On the roof, Tamal massaged His heart from front and back, while Bhagatji massaged the legs. Tamal notes that at this time he felt that Srila Prabhupada's desire to "live was no longer as strong… I felt that he had tried hard to recover since Mayapur, but everything had failed. Since Bombay and Rishikesh he had grown increasingly weaker… it was a great strain for him to remain within his body, which was now malfunctioning so badly. It would be much easier to give up his body and join Lord Krishna…" (TkgD.41-2)

MAY 22: Srila Prabhupada went for a ride in His car this morning. Later, Tamal was massaging Srila Prabhupada and found a hard knot in His abdomen, and states that "his condition was deteriorating. For some time we discussed his health, the value of doctors and medicines, and diet. Prabhupada said the defect was in the kidney.(AK15) The problem was he had no appetite (AK1) and no digestion (A15)." That night, (TkgD.42-4)

Srila Prabhupada said: "This disease is not ordinary. It is always fatal. But by His special mercy anything can be done. That is another thing. Lost appetite (AK1) means life is finished." (Con:33.210)

Srila Prabhupada had grown very thin, (AK1) appearing like an ascetic described in the Bhagwatam, saying, "There is no hope of life…" "…from the physical condition there is no hope." Srila Prabhupada's voice was hoarse and weak.(A2) Speaking about His imminent departure, Srila Prabhupada said, "You are my body. Then you can do it", referring to the pushing on of His movement. Tamal said, "…for whoever follows the guru, the guru lives with him eternally." Srila Prabhupada said, "But if in the kirtan you die, oh, it is so successful. Not the injection and operation - that atmosphere. But in Krishna-kirtan. That is glorious."(Sat:6.319) Several devotees read or disclosed prayers they had made for Srila Prabhupada's restored health, including Tamal, who said, "…we may all pray to Krishna Balaram to save you." Srila Prabhupada replied, "…you are all pure devotees with no other motive."(Sat:6.316-323)

MAY 23: At 3:00 PM Srila Prabhupada signed His will which was witnessed by Upendra, Tamal and Bhakticharu. Srila Prabhupada said, "Your love for me will be tested how after my departure you maintain this institution." (TkgD.44-46)

MAY 24: Jayapataka and Bhavananda Maharajs arrived from Mayapur. Translating at night has gradually decreased due to its difficulty (AK5) for Srila Prabhupada, Who said to Bhavananda that there was now no hope, "I can only die. But if Krishna wants (I may live)." Today "Srila Prabhupada was unable to eat. There was no motion in his stomach." (A15)

Ikshvaku had returned after ten days with Dr. Ghosh in Kodaikanal, reporting that construction on the 15 room house for Srila Prabhupada had been discontinued since Srila Prabhupada was not able to go there. "Now, with the mention of Dr. Ghosh, who was not only a world-famous doctor but very devoted to Srila Prabhupada as well, a faint glimmer of hope came in Prabhupada's eyes. Although he had refused any doctors and medicines so far, he was now willing to be treated by Dr. Ghosh." Srila Prabhupada decided to ask Dr. Ghosh to come to treat Him, and if He became well enough to travel, He would then go to Kodaikanal. Tamal was supposed to write to Dr. Ghosh accordingly, asking him to come straight away. (TkgD.46-7)

MAY 25: Srila Prabhupada took His early morning car ride, chased for a mile by a barking dog. Srila Prabhupada said the dog was thinking, "You have not stopped and obeyed my command." Atreya Rsi brought fresh fruit from Iran, and Srila Prabhupada took some orange juice. Rupanuga, Adi Keshava, Dristadyumna, and Balavanta arrived today. Srila Prabhupada asked about Dr. Ghosh again, but later said to Bhavananda Maharaj that there was no hope. "I shall appoint some sannyasis as acharyas; the symptoms are very bad." (COMMENT: this acharya appointment statement is unverified and Tamal's account) In His room, Srila Prabhupada would now spend much time lying down and less time sitting up. (AK5)

Srila Prabhupada has had much trouble at night, His sleep and translations were interrupted by heart palpitations, (AK22) often caused simply by speaking. Massages of the heart area, front and back, were initiated to help calm the heart. Awaking, Srila Prabhupada told Tamal, "Now, either you will see me pass away or eat four chapatis." (TkgD.48)

Srila Prabhupada spoke of how Bhaktisiddhanta was sending 700 rupees a month to maintain Bon Maharaj in London, saying, "But he was a waste of money… What he has done? Has he published any books like that?"

Tamal: Well, he has a big degree now.

Srila Prabhupada: (laughs) Nonsense degree. Who cares for his degree?(Con:33.211)

Tamal: I was just inquiring whether you were drinking fruit juice.

Srila Prabhupada: Fruit juice is very good.

Bhavananda: I noticed, Srila Prabhupada, your complexion is yellowish. (AK10) Liver is…

Srila Prabhupada: There is no hope of life. Therefore we have called you. This condition is hopeless. We have given our will. Now we can.. If I die in Vrindaban, there is no harm. But Krishna can play anything wonderful. But from physical condition there is no hope… We have become very, very weak. (AK5) No appetite .(AK1)

Bhavananda: What can we do, Srila Prabhupada?

Srila Prabhupada: You can pray to Krishna. That's all. Krishna is all-powerful." (Con:33.212)

Later Srila Prabhupada was speaking about some of His godbrothers, saying, "These rascals, Gaudiya Matha." Srila Prabhupada compared them to a hooded snake that bites without poison. "Similarly, these people are envious. Although they have become so-called Vaishnava, they are ferocious. They have not acquired the qualification of Vaishnava." (Con:33.215)

AUTHOR'S COMMENT: Was this when Srila Prabhupada had discussed with Tamal about rtviks prior to the May 28 rtvik appointment? Since Tamal did not use the word rtvik in his May 28 diary entry, perhaps he is omitting the use of this word for the May 25 entry? At some point in the sorting out of the guru question in the Hare Krishna movement, Tamal will be asked to bring forth his diary for examination by an investigative committee to see exactly how the original diary entries were expanded or paraphrased in his book, TKG's Diary. END COMMENT
- Tamohara dasa ADMIN. > Tamohara dasa ADMIN. September 28, 2012 3:55
  
  MAY 26: Today a large number of GBC's arrived. For lunch, Srila Prabhupada was offered fruit from many countries, but ate little (AK1) and drank some orange juice from Jaffa and tasted a puri. Tamal wanted to know where to repose Srila Prabhupada's body after His departure and Srila Prabhupada said He would answer later. (TkgD.49-50)
  
              Srila Prabhupada appreciated the kirtans in His room. "It is very palatable. Not this ordinary medicine, some of them very bitter, pungent. It (kirtan) is always palatable. So kindly administer this medicine. It doesn't matter whether I survive or die. It doesn't matter. Both ways it is beneficial." (Con:33.227)
  
              Satsvarupa noted that he was regularly commuting between Los Angeles and India: "Each time we were called, there was an urgency that Srila Prabhupada was about to leave his body any day, so we always had the feeling that we should go there and be with him." However, after going, he described that after awhile, Srila Prabhupada would seem to get a little better and the GBC would return to their zones, being restless with no service in the midst of the hot Indian summer.
  
              "Tamal told us the position. Srila Prabhupada was not eating, (AK1) not sleeping, (AK21) and had written out his will. We should pray and chant and sometimes go in turns to his room to chant and read. My own thoughts are so fallen (?) I am ashamed to even note them here." A summary of other points made by Satsvarupa are:
  
  *Srila Prabhupada had called for the GBC because His disease was fatal, being the inability to eat.(AK1) His body was finished.
  
  *There was also some hope; a special doctor was coming, and Srila Prabhupada spoke of preaching.
  
  *Tamal said that if Krishna desires, there could be a recovery.
  
  *There is no talk that Srila Prabhupada is "disgusted" with His disciples.
  
  *Until coming to Vrindaban, Srila Prabhupada had been eager to recover, by taking neem with His meals in Bombay and going to Hrishikesh.
  
  *Between the struggle to survive and the preparation to depart, Srila Prabhupada has decided to come to Vrindaban to die.
  
  *Bhavananda told Srila Prabhupada that "they felt mixed sadness that he was departing, but also joy that" He was leaving the nasty material world and rejoining Krishna. (ISK70, 279-283)
  
  MAY 27: Today Srila Prabhupada felt a little better and received some "relief" from taking Gargamuni's Mahabaleshwar fresh strawberry-raspberry syrup, and defiantly ate fried food three times, saying, "that which is poison can sometimes be medicine." Gopal Krishna received the anger of His Divine Grace today due to pinching pennies and not getting books printed quickly enough. Atul Krishna Goswami visited and wondered who would take charge of the ISKCON property after Srila Prabhupada had departed. "Now I can understand there is a very big undercurrent to take our property. Our position, property, everything, is enviable. Now make everything so it is safe." (TkgD.50-53; Sat:6.326-7)
  
  The exact quote from the tape recordings is, "Among yourselves, there is no strong man. That is the defect. All like child. That is the defect. And it requires a very strong man. That is lacking. In every minute details I have poked my nose."(Con:33.233)
  
  Srila Prabhupada was disturbed and warned of a large plot and "undercurrent" of those who envied the assets of His movement, and worried that others would try to take over ISKCON assets after His departure. (It is interesting to note that perhaps the greater danger was from within, the takeover of ISKCON by Srila Prabhupada's own ambitious disciples in ways contrary to Srila Prabhupada's desires or instructions.) Srila Prabhupada wanted His will completed immediately. It was done soon thereafter and Srila Prabhupada thus felt relieved. Today, the GBC met and drew up a draft will to arrange for at least three GBC directors to sign on every ISKCON property before it could be sold. (TkgD.50-53; Sat:6.326-7)
  
  Kirtanananda asked Srila Prabhupada if He could trade His old age with His disciples' youth. Srila Prabhupada answered, laughing: "No, why? You are my body. So you live on. There is no difference. Just like I am working, so my Guru Maharaj is there. Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati. Physically he may not be, but in every action he is there… So I am not going to die. Kirtiryasya sa jivati. One who has done something substantial, he lives forever. He doesn't die." (Con:33.248-9)
  
              Later Srila Prabhupada, as He was fond of doing, made an imitation of a man choking at the point of death, "Ghara, ghara, ghar... Choking and… But in the kirtan if we die, oh, it is so successfully… Injection, operation… Who needs it?… Krishna-kirtan death, glorious death. Oxygen gas, (laughs) dying and so much trouble. Never call. Please accept my request. Chant Hare Krishna, bas, and let me die peacefully. Never be disturbed, call doctor- no. Chant Hare Krishna. Go on chanting."
  
  Later Srila Prabhupada said further, " So I have called you for this purpose. So if death is to take place, let me die in your association and chant Hare Krishna. There is no harm. That is glorious." (Con:33.252,256)
  
  MAY 28: Srila Prabhupada went for a car ride through the Vrindaban streets and the forests. After some encouragement through Yasodanandana's prayer to stay longer with the devotees, Srila Prabhupada ate some solid food and displayed a more positive mood. Late in the afternoon, Narayan Maharaj came and led kirtan and also gave some medical advice. (TkgD.052-3)
  
              The GBC discussed the will which would protect and secure the various ISKCON properties and bank accounts, but also had some other questions. Herein took place the famous "appointment tape" conversation regarding initiations after Srila Prabhupada's departure. (Con:33.269-70)
  
              A committee of six, including Tamal, were set up for governing the Mayapur-Vrindaban Trust. In Bombay, the signers were Tamal, Gopal Krishna and Giriraj, and in Los Angeles, Rameshwar and Satsvarupa. (Con:33.266-7).
  
  AUTHOR'S COMMENT: Satsvarupa Maharaj's biography subtly alters the actual May 28 statements of Srila Prabhupada, the oft studied "appointment tape" discussion, by portraying Srila Prabhupada's choosing "rtviks" as the appointment of regular gurus. Today, in 1999, most leaders of ISKCON admit there was not an appointment of gurus, and now ISKCON has a system of no-objection certification for new gurus "authorized" to initiate their own disciples. For over twenty years, senior disciples of Srila Prabhupada have variously interpreted or twisted Srila Prabhupada's teachings and instructions for the sake of their own positions.
  
  Satsvarupa's quotations do not quite match the actual tape transcriptions. His biography was written in 1983 when the self-appointed "acharyas"were busy establishing their supposedly divinely ordained positions. To compare Satsvarupa's version in his "authorized"biography, Volume 6, pgs. 324-5, and Tamal's version in TKG's Diary pg 52-53, with the actual transcription of tape recordings (Con:33.269-270) published by the Bhaktivedanta Archives, see APPENDIX 5, and note the differences and omissions. END COMMENT
  
  MAY 29: Jayatirtha remarked, "You're feeling a little stronger today, Srila Prabhupada?" Srila Prabhupada replied, "Yes. Little improvement is there… I am very much confident of this medicine because nobody is prepared to die. That much strength I have got. Generally people do not like to die. But I will be very glad to die if Krishna wants… I have no objection either way. But I am not afraid of death. That much strength I have got. Why shall I be afraid?" (Con:33.277)
  
              Srila Prabhupada chastised Bhagwat and Gargamuni for not keeping their heads clean-shaven. (Con:33.285)
  
  MAY 31: Tamal describes that three devotees took sannyasi initiation today, but mistakenly identifies one as Bhaktiruci Swami instead of Bhakticharu Swami. (Con:33.289-293; TkgD.55-56)
  
  AUTHOR'S COMMENT: This error was intentionally retained from the original diary to demonstrate the "untouched" and "untampered" quality of the book, as explained by Rabindra Swarup in the foreword to TKG's Diary. However, a photocopy of the original diary, or better yet, the original diary itself, donated to the Bhaktivedanta Archives would be a much better verification of the authenticity of TKG's Diary. If Tamal wants to earn credibility, then let us see the original diary! END COMMENT
  
  CHAPTER 26: HEALTH CHRONICLE:
  
  JUNE 1977
  
  There are 14 days of missing tape recordings from June 3- June 16.
  
  JUNE 1: The first days of June brought hope of recovery, and Srila Prabhupada wanted to start His morning car rides again. Srila Prabhupada began a new routine of going to see the Deities every morning while kirtan was held. Srila Prabhupada often sat in His private garden next to His main downstairs room, and it is noted that His voice was still "soft and weak." (A2) (Sat:6.330-1)
  
  Narayan Maharaj's assistant, Sukhananda das brahmachary, came today to do expert massage and apply hot and cold compresses. Srila Prabhupada asked him to stay on for some days. Thus, Sukhananda would, on most days, come three times a day for this treatment which helped Srila Prabhupada greatly, (AK12) but did not increase His appetite.(AK1) Tamal quotes Srila Prabhupada: "Now it is not so bad. I am drinking fruit juices. It is hot, but by midnight it cools off. There is no need for me to eat cereals, (AK1) except that sometimes, someone must help me to the bathroom.(AK11, A17) And gradually, I will increase my translating." Tamal also notes that, "During the gurukula kirtana, Prabhupada is drooling more and more. (A6) These are transcendental symptoms."(TkgD.57-8) It appears certain from the description that drooling was common and not simply a one day occurrence. Whether transcendental symptoms or not, they are also arsenic symptoms.
  
  Encouraging Swarup Damodar to press on with his scientific preaching, Srila Prabhupada said: "I can give you ideas… So I wanted to see that you are all busy. That I want because now I am becoming invalid. (AK11) I cannot move very swiftly here and there. But if you move, I take pleasure." Sometimes Srila Prabhupada would go up on the roof, and today He asked Kirtanananda for some cut oranges. (Con:33.302)
  
  JUNE 2: Srila Prabhupada asked to resume His morning car rides, and, coming down to the car, He said, "Soon I will get down and walk myself." (Sat:6.328)
  
  During Srila Prabhupada's massage, Sukhananda applied hot and cold compresses on the belly; Srila Prabhupada appreciated these massages greatly. (AK12) Dr. Ghosh from Kodaikanal finally arrived with his family and examined Srila Prabhupada, felt His aura, and diagnosed the disease as anxiety over the movement and devotees. Srila Prabhupada agreed, and Dr. Ghosh assured that He would be cured, wanting to bring Srila Prabhupada to Kodaikanal in south India for treatment and recovery. He was organizing a "Prabhupada Village" there with a nice house for Srila Prabhupada under construction. (TkgD.058-9)
  
  Bhavananda told Dr. Ghosh that Srila Prabhupada was taking fruit juice, some cooked vegetables and black cow's milk. The GBC reviewed a draft of a will with Srila Prabhupada. A provision stated that all properties and accounts were the property of ISKCON, and Tamal suggested that Dr. Ghosh could be a witness at the signing. (Con:33.307-319)
  
              Dr. Ghosh made a diagnosis (?), prescribing medicines, treatments and blood pressure monitoring. But Srila Prabhupada did not follow this program, instead taking the massages and saying that He hoped for recovery in six weeks. Satsvarupa misidentifies Dr. Ghosh as the doctor from Allahabad instead of Kodaikanal. (Sat:6.328)
  
  JUNE 3: Dr. Ghosh's treatments were combined with Sukhananda's treatments: "hot and cold massages three times a day, special organ massages, spinal nerve massages, etc. Prabhupada slept well and ate three and a half puris with fried portals." (TkgD.059)
  
              At the end of May, (actually in early June) after the assembled GBC had completed Srila Prabhupada's final will and made arrangements for the future management and protection of ISKCON, they all returned to their places of service around the world. Srila Prabhupada's health seemed to improve a little, and He even ate and digested some fried food, (A15) talking of resuming His translation work. (Sat:6.329)
  
              The Times of India ran a front page story entitled, "Srila Prabhupada Seriously Ill,"but a few days later, on page three, the paper responded to a statement from a devotee under the title, "Srila Prabhupada Now Better." This confirms the improvement in Srila Prabhupada's health. (Sat:6.332)
  
  
  
  JUNE 4: Srila Prabhupada spoke with Dr. Ghosh of going to Bangalore and on to Kodaikanal for health recovery, yet, at the same time, stated, "I am not leaving Vrindaban until I am well." Dr. Ghosh's opinion was that there was a grave danger of a fatal coma due to very high urea content of the blood, (AK15) and thus Srila Prabhupada's condition was critical. However, Srila Prabhupada admitted to feeling better from the massage program, which Sukhananda said would cure Srila Prabhupada within six weeks. Srila Prabhupada managed two chapatis for lunch, after which Dr. Ghosh took a blood pressure reading and wanted to start certain unspecified treatments. Srila Prabhupada became irritable, (A4) confiding to Tamal later, "They will introduce so many things- injections, operations- therefore I don't want it. Gradually he is introducing so many things." (TkgD.060)
  
  AUTHOR'S COMMENT: Keep in mind that the bibliographical references are tacked in after every piece of information in this health biography. Since Tamal is considered a suspect in the poisoning, we must note what it is that he says happened and whether it is verified by other sources. In this case, we have no verification how it was that Srila Prabhupada disagreed with Dr. Ghosh's treatment. END COMMENT
  
  Satsvarupa's biography notes that Srila Prabhupada's "moods moved and varied within the realm of transcendental emotions…" Emotions ranged from feelings of being a burden to His caretakers to becoming upset over a disciple's carelessness. (A11) (Sat:6.333)
  
  JUNE 5: Srila Prabhupada was so weak (AK5) He could not go on the morning car ride. In the morning, Dr. Ghosh concluded that Srila Prabhupada had no chance of recovery. "His organs were finished; his body was filling with urea." (AK15) Dr. Ghosh recommended going to Delhi for dialysis and other treatments, and, if Srila Prabhupada did not want this, then He should be made as comfortable as possible by kirtan and no worries. Srila Prabhupada asked Bhavananda for help in removing the rings from the fingers of His swollen hands. (AK17) (TkgD.60-61)
  
  JUNE 6: Again there was no morning car ride; even sitting was too tiring for Srila Prabhupada.(AK5) Most GBC's have returned to their far-flung posts around the world, but a few returned from Delhi upon hearing of this recent downturn in health. Dr. Ghosh and Sukhanda's treatments seemed to have improved Srila Prabhupada greatly today, with the swelling (AK17) reduced more than in many weeks. Tamal says, "The alternate hot and cold compresses and frequent massages throughout the day and night seemed effective, and Dr. Ghosh was hopeful." Srila Prabhupada took a bath in a tub and liked it so much He arranged for it three times a day from now on. Upon request, Srila Prabhupada was taken to see the Deities, and He sat under the tamal tree in His palanquin-chair gazing upon Their Lordships Krishna Balarama. (TkgD.62)
  
              Tamal wrote to Kirtanananda: "Srila Prabhupada's health has not at all improved. Dr. Ghose (sic), who we were waiting for, has finally arrived, but he is not very hopeful of Srila Prabhupada's condition." (Archives)
  
  JUNE 7: Srila Prabhupada awoke in the night very weak due to the massaging having been too hard, "suitable for a horse." Upon awakening in the mornings, the first order of business was to have His back scratched. (AK8) Temperatures sometimes reached 130 degrees in the Vrindaban summer daytimes. Srila Prabhupada was transported to the temple, the garden, the roof or the car by his rocking chair palanquin.(AK5, AK11, A17) Tamal believes that the massaging was reducing the swelling. (AK17) Appetite (AK1) and taste (AK20) have not returned yet, however. Mr. Arora, the lawyer, came today to have an affidavit signed and to register the will. (TkgD.63-4)
  
              Tamal wrote Hansadutta: "Unfortunately, His Divine Grace's health has taken a turn for the worst. Prabhupada's body is practically worn out and all of the internal organs are no longer functioning properly. This includes the kidneys (AK15), the liver (A18), and the heart (A20). Dr. Ghose (sic) is here giving him treatment throughout the day but he himself admits that there is no way to know exactly what will be the outcome." (Tamal letters)
  
  JUNE 8: Dr. Ghosh predicted that Srila Prabhupada would walk again within a week, being past the worst stage. Since Sukhananda was giving the massage treatments, and Srila Prabhupada refused to take any medicines, cow urine, or even the Yogendra Ras after ten years of use, Dr. Ghosh decided to return to South India, thinking there was little he could do. "Dr. Ghosh seemed a little frustrated, since he had practically not been able to treat Prabhupada at all." Asked how He was feeling, Srila Prabhupada said, "Now there is some hope. Before it was hopeless."(TkgD.64-5)
  
  Srila Prabhupada instructed His disciples to focus on His instructions and not His physical condition or presence. He said, "I may stay or go, but in my books I will live forever." Srila Prabhupada thrived on reports of devotees preaching, especially those of book distribution. Taking very little food (A1), it appeared He was being sustained by kirtan and these good news preaching reports. In touring the new Gurukula building, Srila Prabhupada's voice was again noted by Satsvarupa to be "soft," (A2) and "sometimes lost in the noise of construction." At one point, Srila Prabhupada commented, "my life is ending." (Sat:6.337-342)
  
  Tamal wrote Yasomatisuta in Hong Kong: "Srila Prabhupada's health has deteriorated since Mayapur. In fact his health has become so bad that Srila Prabhupada came to Vrindaban and said, 'Now I will prepare for my departure.' We are giving him constant massage (AK8) and other treatments."(Tamal letters)
  
  
  
  JUNE 9: Srila Prabhupada often slept soundly (A10) through the day, as He had last night. Srila Prabhupada "declared that if Upendra and Bhavananda could take care of him" like Sukhananda had been doing, then surely He would recover. In the afternoon, Srila Prabhupada asked, "All the doctors are leaving; does it mean it is hopeless?…(A11) So long as there is no appetite it is hopeless. Good sleep means appetite (AK1) will increase." Later, Srila Prabhupada said:
  
  "Whatever I have wanted to say, I have said in my books. If I live, I will say something more. If you want to know me, read my books. Now I'm not going to travel here and there anymore, no more speaking to large gatherings. Let my disciples do that. Physically I am unfit." (TkgD.65-6)
  
  Tamal wrote Bhumata dasi: "As you know, Srila Prabhupada's health has not been good and now His Divine Grace is seriously ill." (Tamal letters)
  
  JUNE 10: Last night Srila Prabhupada translated again after many days of not doing so. Srila Prabhupada complained that Dr. Ghosh was mixing naturopathic, Ayurvedic and allopathic practices. "Why Dr. Ghosh prescribes cow urine?" Tamal surmised that he was observing ecstatic, transcendental symptoms in Srila Prabhupada, as described in the Nectar of Devotion: "He can be seen with his eyes closed, always meditating with an intense, concentrated expression.(AK18?) Sometimes he stretches his neck (A19?), and sometimes he drools (A6) in his sleep and his body shakes (AK7?). Sometimes there is loud belching." Tamal has now fully taken over Srila Prabhupada's correspondence, answering them himself, almost always without reading them or the replies to Srila Prabhupada for review. (TkgD.67-68)
  
  JUNE 11: Srila Prabhupada was not pleased that Bhavananda Maharaj wanted to return to Mayapur rather than stay on caring for His Divine Grace. (TkgD.69)
  
  JUNE 12: Srila Prabhupada wanted to go for a car ride today, but became upset when Tamal was off to chant in the local forests. (TkgD.70)
  
  JUNE 13: Srila Prabhupada had heart palpitations (AK22) preventing Him from translating at night. Bhavananda Maharaj had returned to Mayapur, so Satadhanya Maharaj became the new masseur. Srila Prabhupada requested that a regular palanquin be constructed for his transport (AK5) to replace being moved around in His rocking chair. (TkgD.070-1)
  
  JUNE 14: According to Tamal, Srila Prabhupada is quoted as saying, "I have analyzed the disease as blood pressure. (AK6) When I eat foods not easily digestible (A15), it forms gas that pushes up on the heart. (AK4) I will change my diet. And this Brahmi oil gives me great relief." Srila Prabhupada then instructed Bhakticharu Swami as to what to cook and how. Satadhanya and Sukhananda both gave massages today. Alice Coltrane visited. (TkgD.71-2)
  
  JUNE 15: Srila Prabhupada met with Krishnan Meyer, who decided to return to Vrindaban with his wife in a week and stay for a month. (TkgD.73)
  
  JUNE 16: Srila Prabhupada recalled an unpleasant situation in Los Angeles in August 1970, when He called Tamal in Paris to come and take His Divine Grace back to India. "I want to go back. There is some conspiracy… I do not wish to recall that. It was intolerable… I made my headquarter in Los Angeles. And they made a conspiracy against me." Tamal replied, " It was such a shock to you. We were massaging your heart and reading Krishna book. And you developed a very bad cough."
  
  Srila Prabhupada: That conspiracy was… (break)
  
  Tamal: I could understand later on how it… very subtle.
  
  Srila Prabhupada: Very.
  
  Tamal: Anyway, now we're trained to the point where that can never reoccur. Not… Never. That could only happen because we were so new at that time. (Con:33.327-8)
  
  JUNE 17: Srila Prabhupada invited His godbrother Srouti Maharaj to come visit, and yesterday and today he has been speaking with Srila Prabhupada. (TkgD.76-8) In Los Angeles Satsvarupa received word that Srila Prabhupada was feeling better. (ISK70.291)
  
  JUNE 18: Today Srila Prabhupada had lengthy discussions with Yasodanandana and Bhakti Prema Swamis about designing a model of the universe for the planned Mayapur planetarium. (Con:33.330-342)
  
  JUNE 19: His Divine Grace translated some last night, in spite of trouble from flying insects. Srila Prabhupada drank pineapple juice from Manipur and milk "in various ways throughout the day." Milk was important to restoring Srila Prabhupada's health. (TkgD.78-9)
  
  JUNE 20: Last night, Srila Prabhupada's heart was giving pain (AK22), and He awoke early. He was unhappy to hear from Gopal Krishna that the Bombay opening was delayed due to slowed construction. (TkgD.80) Swarup Damodar had returned to Vrindaban to visit Srila Prabhupada, and said in the garden today: "You look better today, Srila Prabhupada."(Con:33.351)
  
  JUNE 21: Tamal recounts a story told by Srila Prabhupada (not available from the tape recordings): "One of my Godbrothers' wife was an adulterer. When her son found her out, he said he would tell his father. So the mother poisoned him. And when the father found out his son was poisoned by his mother, he committed suicide. The only hope of Western civilization is to chant Hare Krishna. Otherwise they are finished!" (TkgD.81-2)
  
  JUNE 22: Srila Prabhupada, during a scientific preaching strategy conversation, said: "You are all young men. Who wants to become an invalid man like me? With three men I have to walk. Nobody wants. But you have to accept, cumpulsory." (Con:34.31)
  
              During a private Bhagwatam class in His garden, Srila Prabhupada became quite upset that the BBT book editors had changed the translation for a word; the meaning was changed and confused completely. (Con:34.20-7)
  
  JUNE 23: Tamal inquired as to how He was feeling, Srila Prabhupada answered that as long as He was sitting and translating, there was no problem, but to walk, He required help. Srila Prabhupada remembered His early days in New York when He was alone. (TkgD.84-5)
  
              Tamal wrote to Guru Kripa: "Srila Prabhupada's health is a lot better than when you were here. He is eating regularly now, although not very much. (AK1) And every night He is translating again. During the morning from 9:30 to 10 He goes before Krishna and Balaram for darshan and the devotees sing bhajans. So his health has improved, although not that much." Tamal letters)
  
              Tamal wrote to Kirtiraj: "You will be glad to know that Srila Prabhupada's health has come to the point where He is able to translate regularly in the evening. His health is not very much improving but neither is it deteriorating any further." (Tamal letters)
  
  JUNE 24: Bhagatji came to Srila Prabhupada with a unique medicine made from 45 different trees by an "old Baba." Srila Prabhupada's swelling (AK17) had increased since the cold water treatments were discontinued due to Srila Prabhupada's dislike of the icy water austerity. Srila Prabhupada commented about the new medicine: "I cannot make so many experiments. Everyone says in four days you will be cured. Dr. Ghosh said I would walk in four days. But actually he left in four days." Later Srila Prabhupada took this medicine and by June 28 thought it had been effective, asking for more to be gotten. (TkgD. 086, 89, 93) Srila Prabhupada has been translating and also has been talking more lately. Bhagatji had brought six days worth of the new medicine, to be taken twice daily. (Con:34.40-58)
  
  JUNE 25: The tape recording marked June 26 is, according to Tamal, June 25. Srila Prabhupada toured and inspected the new Gurukula building, emphasizing more students and less managers were needed. (TkgD.87-9)
  
  JUNE 26: No tape recordings. Srila Prabhupada slept well the previous night and was taking Bhagatji's medicine. Srila Prabhupada spoke about the intelligence of the mongoose, who, if bitten by a snake, rushes to rub himself against a particular plant to counteract the poison. Srila Prabhupada later cried when Tamal voiced appreciation for His books. He chastised Upendra for leaving the cabinet doors open. (TkgD.89-90)
  
  JUNE 27: No tape recordings. Jaidayal Dalmia and family visited and Mr. Arora delivered the original will back from the registrar. An incredible (literally) incident is purported to have occurred in the middle of the night, when Srila Prabhupada called for Tamal. Unverified, Tamal reports : "'Amongst the GBC, have you selected one after me who will succeed?' I replied that we felt that we should manage together as a group, that none of us was more qualified than the others. 'Yes, each of you can be acharya of your zone.'"Then Srila Prabhupada told Tamal not to worry about finally going to China, but to stay as His personal secretary. (TkgD.91-2)
  
  AUTHOR'S COMMENT: It is the little surprises like this one that really arouse suspicion in the veracity and authenticity of Tamal's diary. END
  
  JUNE 28: Srila Prabhupada asked if more of the herbal medicine had been brought from Bhagatji's old Baba, and asked if they should bring the Baba to see Srila Prabhupada.
  
  Tamal: No, no… And then, if it works, we can bring him. I'm still not fully satisfied. I think it works, but I'm not sure.
  
  Srila Prabhupada: Working very slowly… Slow and sure.
  
  Tamal: Yes. But let us see. (Con:34.102-3)
  
  JUNE 29: Srila Prabhupada took some Phillips Milk of Magnesia, a laxative. (AK3) Bhakti Chaitanya Swami came to report on preaching in Delhi and north India. (Con:34.111-121)
  
  JUNE 30: During His afternoon translation work on June 30, Srila Prabhupada could not see properly and called for eye drops, (A8) which were lost, causing some inconvenience while new drops were located. Srila Prabhupada's eyesight had become so poor (A9) by now that He could hardly do His translation work. (TkgD.096-8)
  
  When an unmarked bottle of clear liquid was delivered third hand to Srila Prabhupada through Tamal, Srila Prabhupada asked, "What is that?"Srila Prabhupada grilled Tamal for verification of its source, and Tamal said it was supposedly rosewater from Seth Visanchand. Quite irritated, Srila Prabhupada emphasized that its purity could only be known by confirming its origin. Tamal agreed to look into it. The eyewash cup had also been misplaced. Srila Prabhupada also wanted to know why it had been so difficult to find a common eye-washing cup "from any medical shop."Upendra had not shown the bottle of Optrix eye wash (A8) to Srila Prabhupada that he had brought back from a shop in town. (Con:34.136-8) This incident reveals how Srila Prabhupada had conjunctivitis; His eyes runny and filled with mucus. Adi Keshava also remembers that Srila Prabhupada was characterized as having "conjunctivitis" at this time.
  
  Srila Prabhupada stopped Sukhananda's cold bath and cold friction massage and since His swelling (AK17) was worse than in many weeks, He talked of perhaps using Lassix tablets (AK14) again. (TkgD.096-8)
  
  Srila Prabhupada asked that some special creeping herb called punarnava be collected in Mayapur and sent to Him immediately.
  
  Satadhanya: It is good medicinally?
  
  Srila Prabhupada: For me. This medicine, what I am drinking, that is punarnava. Yes, as much as possible... Then I can prepare this medicine. And I know that is the medicine for my disease, punarnava... It is available here also.
  
  Tamal: So they should get it here, then.
  
  Srila Prabhupada: Yes, I have asked him.
  
  Later in the day, Tamal mentioned that Mahaksha had gone to get the herbal medicines at a place some three hours distant, and would return late in the evening. (Con:34.124-130)
Tamohara dasa ADMIN. October 1, 2012 15:37

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