CHAPTER 27: HEALTH CHRONICLE:
JULY 1977
JULY 1: Srila Prabhupada met with Alice Coltrane after He went to see the Krishna Balaram Deities. (TkgD.99)
Tamal discussed with Srila Prabhupada the loans that Jayapataka had taken from funds which Tamal was apparently managing. Tamal: "After I received the second payment, I said, "This is very good. If you continue to pay off to me, you can expect to get more loans." (Con:34.150)
Tamal then explained how his tourist visa was going to expire soon, requiring him to leave India for some time before returning to get a new tourist visa.
Tamal: The visa people gave me notice earlier that on such and such date I have to leave, and I have to think how to appeal.
Srila Prabhupada suggested that Tamal simply write to Indian Immigration that his name has been submitted to the Home Minister for special consideration for permanent residency.
Tamal: Yeah, by the time I write my letter, my name will be one of the people on the list, so it's a fact… Yeah, I mean, I'm your personal secretary…
Srila Prabhupada: "…he's acting as secretary, so important, and he's serving." (Con:34.151)
Tamal said, regarding Srila Prabhupada's going to attend the temple opening in Fiji: "I think it may be too difficult for you to go there at this time." Then Tamal read a letter from a devotee which included some news that had been circulating at this time, "…and now you are better. We are informed by the devotees that Guru Maharaja is better."
Srila Prabhupada: You reply that I am progressing little. (Con:34.162-3)
JULY 2: Srila Prabhupada went for Deity darshan, and Bhakticharu Swami continued his personal service to Srila Prabhupada. (Con:34.184,196) In the evening, Srila Prabhupada went back upstairs to His quarters, having spent time in His garden. (TkgD.101)
JULY 3: Satadhanya Maharaj was assisting with Srila Prabhupada's personal service. (Con:34.199)
Tamal asked many questions about the shape of the earth, as discussions were taking place regarding the plans for the Mayapur Planetarium. Then he felt that he had offended Srila Prabhupada, so he went and apologized. Srila Prabhupada replied that there was nothing wrong, but after awhile called for Tamal. "'Why you are thinking this way, that I am offended?' My mentality seemed to disturb Prabhupada. He said, 'Now the atmosphere is disturbed. I cannot translate.' The emotions produced by this situation were very difficult to understand." (A11, A12) (TkgD.103)
Krishnan Meyer and wife were initiated today by Srila Prabhupada, the fire sacrifice and mantras done perfectly by Yasodanandana Maharaj. Srila Prabhupada again spent the afternoon in His garden. (TkgD.104-5)
JULY 4: There are no tape recordings for this day.
Usually Srila Prabhupada awakened around 6:00 AM, when He would sit up and Tamal would scratch His back. (AK8) Later, Tamal took care of banking matters. Srila Prabhupada's son Vrindaban De came today, wondering about the arrangements on the apartment Srila Prabhupada will leave for His ex-family to live in. (TkgD.105-6)
JULY 5: It is specifically noted that today Srila Prabhupada drank some pineapple juice and had a cough. (A3) Tamal advised waiting another day before taking a Lassix tablet. (AK14)
Tamal: Until you're over your cold, (A3) it's better not to take anything strong. That Lassix is like a brahmastra. It's like an ultimate weapon. It should only be used as a last resort.
These days Srila Prabhupada regularly received massages. (Con:34. 218-238) Srila Prabhupada had "a cold" (A3) for the last two days. He relieved constipation (A13) with "a medicine called Purnarnava."(TkgD. 08)
JULY 6: Srila Prabhupada again preached to His son in His garden and went upstairs in the evening, but still had a cough. (A3)(Con:34.243-252)
JULY 7: Srila Prabhupada still had His "cold," (A3) took a third of a Lassix tablet, and urination was easier (A14) that day. Tamal gave an hour and a half oil massage in the early morning sunlight. "Because I was treating him, Srila Prabhupada acted as though I was his doctor. He told Bhakticharu to consult me regarding which foods he should be served and asked Upendra to consult me about the kind of massage and bath to give." (TkgD.110-111)
Tamal wrote to Harikesh: "His health is maintaining, not getting any worse but not significantly better." (Archives)
JULY 8: Srila Prabhupada appointed nine disciples who will initiate for Srila Prabhupada as rtviks (according to Tamal it was July 8th). Srila Prabhupada's cold (A3) has not improved, and Vick's Vaporub was used. Srila Prabhupada wanted a very strong massage (AK8). (TkgD.111-2) Tamal pointed out to Srila Prabhupada that the cough medicine (A3) He has been taking, called Expectrin, contains one fourth chloroform, which might cause drowsiness. (Con:34.275)
JULY 9: There are apparently no tape recordings from this day.
At night, Srila Prabhupada took some of the cough medicine (A3) which contained chloroform and alcohol and He slept many hours, not translating. (TkgD.112)
Srila Prabhupada, upon awakening in the mornings, was too weak (AK5) to sit up on His own strength and a disciple would need to pull Him up by His arms. Few devotees were visiting Vrindaban, fewer still were allowed to visit Srila Prabhupada. His health seemed stable, not improving but also not at a crisis level as it had been in May. Srila Prabhupada remained very weak because He was eating so little. (AK1) (Sat:6.342)
On July 8 and 9, Srila Prabhupada chose 11 disciples to initiate disciples on His behalf, acting as rtviks. Tamal sent out letters to this effect, one signed by Srila Prabhupada Himself.
JULY 10: After hearing of the Muslim attack on Mayapur where two devotees were seriously injured, Srila Prabhupada became emotional with choked voice and crying. (A11) (Sat:6.348) Satsvarupa's biography notes that during July, Srila Prabhupada worked well on His Bhagwatam translations, despite His physical infirmities, which included heart palpitations (AK22), faint voice (A2), and such weakness (AK5) that it was difficult to even sit up. Massages were given often, little ones, big ones (AK8). Srila Prabhupada was simply not eating anything (A1) of significance. (Sat:6.349)
Tamal wrote to Hansadutta: "Srila Prabhupada is suffering from a cold (A3) just now, but amazingly enough his translation work has doubled."(Archives)
JULY 11: No tape recordings. Srila Prabhupada's son departed and Prabhavananda came from Mayapur to tell a different story of the Muslim attack than had been reported in the newspapers. (TkgD.114)
JULY 12: No tape recordings. Srila Prabhupada called for a Sri Bonamali Das, an Ayurvedic kaviraja who had treated Srila Prabhupada years ago. "The physician, after examining Srila Prabhupada, said the trouble was inability to pass stool and urine. (A13, AK14) The pulse was very fast: 118. (AK24)" Bonamali prescribed a week-long milk-only diet plus some medicines, and the rubbing on all over the body of cow dung ashes (AK17). No bath or massage was allowed afterwards. (TkgD.115)
In an interview with Bhakticharu Swami of November 1998, the following was learned. In the summer of 1977, prior to Srila Prabhupada's decision to go to the West, in very poor condition of health, Srila Prabhupada one day spoke with Bhakticharu Swami. Did Bhakticharu know of a particular bazaar in Vrindaban? No, but he could find it. Srila Prabhupada asked Bhakticharu to find an old friend named Bonamali, who was an Ayurvedic physician. Bhakticharu brought Bonamali to see Srila Prabhupada and Bonamali examined Srila Prabhupada. Bonamali was sure he could cure Srila Prabhupada's illness and prepared two fresh local herbs plus two salts, one being sodium nitrate. These preparations improved Srila Prabhupada's condition markedly, giving new strength and improved function of the bowels. Bhakticharu offered that Bonamali could stay in the guesthouse to prepare the fresh herbs daily, but Bonamali could not, so Bhakticharu was shown where to collect the herbs and how to prepare the potion. Bhakticharu Swami was in charge of Srila Prabhupada's medicines. Thus Srila Prabhupada was treated with Bonamali's prescription by Bhakticharu Swami, and his condition improved so much that Srila Prabhupada felt able to travel to the West. (Bhakticharu interview)
Bhakticharu Swami said he did not notice any uremic frost on Srila Prabhupada, the white dust which is produced by the perspiration of those with kidney disease. He also noticed that Srila Prabhupada's hands and feet would swell often (AK17), but that the swelling would decrease when Srila Prabhupada would pass urine.(AK14) (Bhakticharu)
JULY 13: No tape recordings. The ash treatment began today, but Srila Prabhupada, by afternoon, was disturbed (A4?) because He could not translate or rest without His regular massage (AK8) and bath. In the evening He took both anyway, and felt better. In the night, the cough syrup (A3) prevented any translation work. (TkgD.115)
JULY 14: Srila Prabhupada's swelling (AK17) is down to less than in many months, "which undoubtedly has been working to help the passing of urine (AK14) and thus reduce the swelling."Srila Prabhupada discussed medicines with Tamal and Bhakticharu, agreeing to take Bonamali's medicines but not the ash treatment, however. Bonamali came again today. (TkgD.116)
During this time Bhakticharu Swami cooked for Srila Prabhupada and was the administrator of all medicines. (Bhakticharu) Srila Prabhupada took a little of some special preparations sent from Yamuna and Dinatarini, as well as some digestive spices.(A15) When Tamal offered to give another Lassix tablet because the feet were swelling (AK17) again, Srila Prabhupada declined, saying, "No, let me see," but mentioned that He had a bowel movement (A13) earlier. Srila Prabhupada asked for something from the medicine cabinet which Upendra had put in it, and also asked that the chalk (AK17) be put away. (Con:34.292-3)
JULY 15: Translation work last night was more than any day since February. Due to rain, Srila Prabhupada sat on the porch instead of going to the garden. Gauridas Pandit took leave of Srila Prabhupada's service today due to visa expiration. Tamal, who differs with Gauridas's accounts of Srila Prabhupada's instructions regarding rtviks and future initiations, minimizes his role in serving Srila Prabhupada: "Gauri das, who was simply the servant of the servants of Prabhupada, was thus blessed."
AUTHOR'S COMMENT: Here is another subtle indication that Tamal's diary was doctored. Tamal developed a conflict of memories with Gauridas in 1989. In 1990 Tamal wrote in the ISKCON Journal that Gauridas was just a minor assistant and thus could not be considered Srila Prabhupada's servant. Now Tamal's 1998 book coincidentally reinforces this minimization of Gauridas's position, apparently to discredit Gauridas's claim hearing Srila Prabhupada say that rtviks were meant for initiating after His departure, not just before. Actually, when reading Tamal's diary, although one can feel Srila Prabhupada's presence, one also feels very queasy and dubious whenever such questionable sections appear. END COMMENT
Srila Prabhupada, Himself a pharmacist and chemist, instructed that equal amounts of calcium chloride, China clay and chalk be mixed, producing "the pure ingredient" of the kaviraja's prescribed cow dung ash, "which itself consists of only sixty percent calcium chloride." Similar to baby powder and having a cooling effect, this mixture was rubbed all over Srila Prabhupada thrice daily.(AK17) Srila Prabhupada said, "Like Lord Shiva." Later, Srila Prabhupada became very emotional (A11) and began to cry when speaking of the Mayapur devotees being attacked. (TkgD.117-8)
JULY 16: No tape recordings. The previous evening, Srila Prabhupada exerted much energy speaking with Bhagatji, and as a result (AK5) did not translate much in the night. Tamal has been encouraging Srila Prabhupada to conserve His energy by speaking only to important persons. (TkgD.120)
JULY 17: Tamal asked Srila Prabhupada, "It seems like your voice has become a little congested tonight. Are you feeling congested (A3)?" Later, Srila Prabhupada said, "They say, 'You are great, great, great.' But don't make it small while I am living… And people are recognizing I am great. Don't make me small. I'll not give much trouble, but I am now invalid. What can I do?" (Con:34.337-341)
JULY 18: Prabhavananda took sannyas initiation, becoming Bhakti Prabhava Swami. A report came from Jayapataka about Mayapur and the recent trouble there. (TkgD.120-2) Abhiram came to Vrindaban (Tamal says on the 19th) and spoke to Tamal at length. (Con:34.329)
Tamal wrote to Viswakarma: "You will be glad to know that His Divine Grace's health is gradually improving. Although Prabhupada cannot move around or sit up without assistance, still his work goes on unhindered."(Archives)
JULY 19: In the morning, Srila Prabhupada's "swelling was the least I have seen (AK17)."Srila Prabhupada attributed this to the calcium chloride (lime) powder, of which He had experience as a child of fifteen with beriberi fever. The oil massages and bathing are discontinued for several days. Bonamali came again, explaining that due to Srila Prabhupada's age and condition, the medicines given were mild. (TkgD.122)
Abhiram Prabhu visited Srila Prabhupada, Whom he noted to be "very ill, requiring a lot of physical assistance. It was taxing upon Upendra and Tamal."(Abhiram)
Tamal wrote to Krishna Katha: "Generally I am only reading 'good encouraging news' to His Divine Grace…" (Archives)
JULY 20: This morning Srila Prabhupada commented to Tamal as He looked at His hands and legs, "It is reducing so much, soon I will be only bones (AK1)." (TkgD.125)
Srila Prabhupada received news from Hansadutta in Ceylon and dictated a reply, "Nobody is going to disturb you there. Make your own field and continue to become rtvik and act on my charge. People are becoming sympathetic there. The place is very nice.'" Hearing of the Sunday feast preparations in Ceylon, Srila Prabhupada commented, "I want to eat, but I cannot. (AK1) Very good… Although I cannot eat, simply by hearing the names, I am satisfied."(Con:34.353)
JULY 21: Pranavdas Gupta, influential, wealthy and from Delhi, gave a report on an astrological reading he had received about Srila Prabhupada. The report indicated stomach troubles and great difficulty until September 7th, but then ten years or more of good health. Apparently three readings had been sought out, but only the detail of this one were located.
Tamal: So now we have one. That is one horoscope. Now we make comparison the next two that come in. They're both coming tonight to give reports. Bhakti Prema has returned, and Yasodanandana Maharaja has returned. So after we hear all three, then, if necessary, you can consult a kaviraja. Or everyone may say the same thing. Then we'll all know if it's confirmed.(Con:34.358)
Some gentleman brought some massage oils for Srila Prabhupada, but oil massage was only given every few days or so because the Bonamali kaviraja advised against them. Srila Prabhupada liked them because, "It makes the whole body soothing." (AK8?) (Conv.34.360)
JULY 22: Srila Prabhupada requested Abhiram Prabhu to assist with His care, and Abhiram went to Mayapur to bring back his wife and things, returning late on the August 25. On July 22, while speaking with Tamal, Srila Prabhupada again became emotional, crying and closing His tearful eyes (A11) when He thought of His disciples sincere service. (Sat:6.354) Abhiram notes that Srila Prabhupada had to be carried under His arms (AK5) when going to the bathroom. (Abhiram)
Tamal wrote to Radhaballabha: "His Divine Grace just does not want to hear such letters anymore. I only read to Him 'good news.' All management He wants us to handle. Srila Prabhupada no longer personally replies any of His letters. The last letter He signed was a letter to Ambarish Prabhu, perhaps one month ago." Radhaballabha was upset with Tamal due to not getting replies from His Divine Grace directly, and Tamal challenged Radhaballabha to seek help from the GBC if he did not like how Tamal was managing his affairs as personal secretary to Srila Prabhupada. (Archives)
JULY 23: No tape recordings. Srila Prabhupada was visited by his old friend Sri Hitsaran Sharma in the evening. (TkgD.128)
JULY 24: Gaurasundara came with a new wife to Vrindaban and met with Srila Prabhupada, Who asked about Govinda dasi. (Con:35.1-4; TkgD.128-9)
Tamal wrote to Giriraj: "Srila Prabhupada has been putting all over His body throughout the day a powder composed basically of calcium carbonate which absorbs water through the skin. As a result of this powder recommended by one Ayurvedic physician of Vrindaban, as well as some medicine also given by the same physician, the swelling (AK17) in His body has nearly reduced to normal." (Archives)
JULY 25: There are apparently no tape recordings of this day. Srila Prabhupada has not had oil massages for a few days, as they had been discouraged by the kaviraja. But powder massages continued daily. Today He got a short "bird bath." Abhiram arrived back from Mayapur with his wife, reporting that the ISKCON devotees were still in jail. (TkgD.129-130)
JULY 26: Dr. Kapoor arrived amidst positive worldwide preaching reports. Bonamali arrived to find that in three weeks, Srila Prabhupada's pulse has gone down from 118 to 62 (AK6) and "that the internal fever had gone." The kaviraja thought that Srila Prabhupada's appetite (AK1) would return within two weeks. Srila Prabhupada now washes His tongue (AK20) in the mornings with lemon and ground ginger. Srila Prabhupada discontinued Gaurasundar's massage today due to his hands being too hot. (TkgD.131) There is no explanation from any source as to what this "internal fever" was.
At 8:30 pm, Tamal asked if Srila Prabhupada still wanted His massage, since they were about an hour late in their schedule due to enlivening preaching reports that came in. (Con:35.9)
When Srutirupa dasi, Abhiram's wife, came to Vrindaban to serve Srila Prabhupada, she observed that He had no appetite (AK1), eating very little, maybe a palmful a day, and that the previous three weeks she heard He had taken only 2 or 3 sips of milk a day. Bhakticharu Swami was cooking for Srila Prabhupada. (Srutirupa memoirs)
JULY 27: Apparently there are no tape recordings of this day.
Abhiram notes that Srila Prabhupada's health is very deteriorated, translating has decreased to very little, and that He is restless at night. (A4)
Satsvarupa's biography then describes:
"Towards the end of July, Prabhupada's health seemed to be worsening again. And again he mentioned that the end might come at any moment. Tamal Krishna had been acting as Srila Prabhupada's personal secretary for six continuous months, and he had become Prabhupada's eyes and ears and his spokesman, especially in dealing with ISKCON management. And he had also become a personal confidant, assisting Srila Prabhupada in his transcendental moods." (Sat:6.355)
Alex and his wife, of Prasadam Distribution International (PDI), came to visit Srila Prabhupada. (TkgD.132)
JULY 28: Srila Prabhupada's translation work in the last few days was decreasing; yesterday and last night there was none. Upendra and Tamal observed a change in Srila Prabhupada's "disposition" through the last week. He was increasingly weaker (AK5) from not eating anything for many days. At 10 PM, Srila Prabhupada called Tamal to His room, appearing "very depressed (A11)" and said, "I think no one recovers from this disease. It is called dropsy. Look it up in the dictionary. My present health is so weak that death can take place at any time."(See Ch. 32 ) Tamal found the definition of dropsy to indicate swelling of the body due to liquid in the skin and muscles. Srila Prabhupada's eyes were being washed with rose water 2 or 3 times daily (A8,A9), and now they appeared cloudy. It appeared to Tamal that Srila Prabhupada was not feeling encouraged to struggle for life. (TkgD.133-5)
Tamal proposed the notion of traveling to the West on a preaching tour. The rationale was that the transcendental enthusiasm in doing so and the love of His disciples would give Srila Prabhupada increased will to live. Srila Prabhupada became "very enthusiastic about going abroad," and asked that three astrologers be consulted, "whether I should go, whether I shall be cured, how long I shall live." Srila Prabhupada became hopeful, saying, "Tamal is arranging a big party."(Sat:6.357, TkgD.133-135)
Satsvarupa relates: "Prabhupada said that according to allopathic medicine, the only hope for him was to enter a hospital and undergo intensive medical treatment. According to Ayur Vedic medicine, however, there were specific medicines." Srila Prabhupada was wearing "dark" sunglasses regularly, even late in the day or in a darkened room. He appeared to have troubles with His eyes, seeing properly (A9), and with sensitivity to light. (A1) (Sat:6.358-360)
Yasomatinandana came from Ahmedabad to report on the 100 acre farm that had been donated to ISKCON by Seth Bhogilal Patel.
Yasomatinandana: How are you feeling?
Srila Prabhupada: Not very good. Old man's disease… So it is not very good to live like an old man. It is troublesome. Body will be weakened, and all kinds of disease will be strong. Unless one is very strong in body, old age means suffering.
Later, Gopal Krishna came to discuss about books and Diwali cards.
Srila Prabhupada: (laughs) So I thought that unless he brings some book, he won't come. Because every time I criticize him, "Where is the book? Where is the book?"(Con:35.10-23)
Satsvarupa: "Lately I've been thinking I should go and be with TKG and Srila Prabhupada. I would go if invited for the purpose of writing the biography of His Divine Grace." (Isk70,295)
JULY 29: No tape recordings of this day. Srila Prabhupada said to Tamal, "I was praying to Krishna, 'What is this slow death?'… I must enthuse them…"Thus a proposed itinerary was read by Abhiram and Tamal to Srila Prabhupada, Who became very eager to go to the West. Said Tamal, "Srila Prabhupada, by going West, I know you will recover." Srila Prabhupada replied quickly, "May Krishna make your words fulfilled." (TkgD.136)
JULY 30: No tape recordings of this day. Srila Prabhupada awoke and spit into the spittoon, "saying that this spitting was another problem (A3)." He commented that the interpretation of His spitting and drooling (A6) as being a transcendental symptom was sahajiya thinking. Sitting up, He said, "This disease is in the kidney (AK15), so wherever I go, this kidney will go… According to medical science, the only cure is cutting or dialysis. But kaviraja medicine says there is cure." Srila Prabhupada was brought onto the balcony verandah and put on His sunglasses (A1). Tamal feared Srila Prabhupada may be developing eye problems since "later in the day he again put on sunglasses, though we were sitting inside a dark room (A1)."(TkgD.137)
Three different astrological reports came in today, brought by Yasodanandana Swami, Dr. Sharma and Bhakti Prema Swami. Bhakti Prema's "was useless, Dr. Sharma's "was fair," and Yasodanandana's, done by Asutosh Oja of Delhi, "seemed the most reliable." All three were read to Srila Prabhupada, and all agreed that August and September would be the worst months for health and that travelling should be avoided. Asutosh Oja recommended wearing a blue sapphire to mitigate the negative effects of Saturn. Srila Prabhupada said: "So it is not hopeless. At least for the next five weeks, keep me very carefully. For the time being, no travel. Secure this blue sapphire, and chant Hare Krishna." "I am suffering because my belly department (A15) is not working." (Sat:6.359, TkgD.137-8, Abhiram)
Tamal wrote to Mahabuddhi: "P.S.: Srila Prabhupada had us consult three different astrologers regarding His travelling. All three strictly advised against travel at this time, so Srila Prabhupada has decided to stay in Vrindaban for now." (Archives)
JULY 31: Satsvarupa's biography summarizes July as a time when Srila Prabhupada continued to have no appetite, hardly eating anything (AK1) in the past six weeks. Srila Prabhupada was irregular in His various daily activities, including sleep (A10), massage, translating, etc. He gave permission that devotees may recite a prayer on His behalf: "My dear Lord Krishna, if You desire, please cure Srila Prabhupada." (Sat:6.359)
Srila Prabhupada was proud of His having translated 85 points worth on the dictaphone during the night. In the afternoon, the governor of Tamil Nadu, Sri Prabhudas Potwari, came to visit quickly for only a half hour. (TkgD.138)
Srila Prabhupada: …difficult to go from this room to that room. Unless one or two men help (AK5), I cannot go even to the toilet.
Governor: I see. Whose treatment is going on?
Tamal: One local kaviraja, Ayurvedic doctor.(Bonamali)
Governor: I see. I invite you warmly to come to Madras. Stay at Raj Bhavan (governor's mansion). And we have the best medical team of Madras government at your disposal. We have got the best doctors in whole of South Asia. The physicians are the best government doctors… very good physicians.
Srila Prabhupada: Thank you very much. But I am not very inclined for medical treatment, their injection, operation.(laughs)
Governor: No, they won't give you injections. They also… There, doctors give yogic treatment also, and nature cure treatment…
Srila Prabhupada then preached about the temporary nature of the body, quoting often from Bhagavad Gita.
Srila Prabhupada: …at the present moment, I am suffering because my belly department is not working nicely…(A15)
They discussed the trouble in Mayapur and the governor said tomorrow he would speak about it to the prime minister, Indira Gandhi.
Governor: So I would request you to come to Madras, and we'll arrange some of your lectures also.
Srila Prabhupada: (to Tamal) If possible, take me there. Madras is not far away. It takes about two hours from Delhi.
Governor: From Delhi only one and a half hour…
Srila Prabhupada: Think over. His Excellency is inviting. It is a good opportunity.
Governor: We'll keep Maharaj in our Raj Bhavan in very comfortable place to stay. It's like ashrama, because in our lands in my garden we have got 1300 deers of various type. We feel as if we are in Valmiki-ashrama…
Srila Prabhupada: So accept this invitation and fix up.
Governor: Very good trees… 200 mango trees in our compound. Various fruit trees. Everything beautiful. Nearly 200 acres of land … very fine, very cool… There is our small bungalow on the sea also.
Srila Prabhupada: So when you think it will be suitable?
Governor: …I'll be in Madras on the 8th back. Then I am there.
Srila Prabhupada: Eighth, August…
Then Srila Prabhupada asked the governor for help with obtaining permanent residency for a list of His foreign disciples, and the governor promised to discuss the matter with the Home Minister the very next day.
Governor: Don't take much strain… because your life is precious to.. And that should not be… I will help to my best… (Con:35.24-29)
Afterwards, Srila Prabhupada appeared enthused by the invitation to Madras, where He said there were "many good Ayurvedic kavirajas. I am 50 percent decided. If you agree, then we will go." Tamal notes , "I said I would have to contemplate the trip first." (TkgD.139) Srila Prabhupada and His servants discussed the merits of travel to Madras and other places around the world. (Sat:6.359)
AUTHOR'S COMMENT: There is no record of this prime opportunity for restoring Srila Prabhupada's health being discussed or contemplated further. There are no more tape recordings until August 8, a span of 8 days. Here was a chance to receive the best allopathic or Ayurvedic treatment in India for free in a Governor's Mansion without injections, operations, etc. One can only wonder why Srila Prabhupada was not taken to Madras, where there certainly would have been qualified medical attention. END COMMENT
CHAPTER 28: HEALTH CHRONICLE:
AUGUST 1977
There are no tape recordings for August 1 through August 8.
AUGUST 1: By now, Srila Prabhupada was "bedridden (AK5)." "There was constant sickness now, being sick all day today with pain in the right side of His chest (A18)." (Abhiram) Srila Prabhupada did no translation work last night or today, and other activities had become irregular while His sleeping (A10) has increased. (TkgD.141)
AUGUST 2: "Srila Prabhupada is worse than He has ever been, taking some milk and fruit juices only. Today He has been vomiting (AK2), eating nothing (AK1), and there is nausea (AK2) and lack of digestion (A15)." Srila Prabhupada had slept the whole night and most of the day (A10), awaking at 1:10 AM. (Abhiram)
Tamal quotes Srila Prabhupada as saying, "I can no longer see properly (A9). My brain is not working (A12)."Tamal characterizes: "Prabhupada has become very weak (AK5). Never in his life has he been this ill." The kaviraja came and analyzed that the previous swelling (AK17) was actually transformed blood and that the reduction in swelling was like losing blood. "Therefore, Prabhupada was experiencing weakness and poor vision (A9)." Although Srila Prabhupada has practically not eaten (AK1) in over a month, the kaviraja believed the main problem would be solved when Srila Prabhupada's appetite (AK1) would gradually return, which he expected. Srila Prabhupada still managed to go to see the Deities every morning, however, and enjoyed the dancing in kirtan by the gurukula boys. In early evening, Srila Prabhupada drank some apple juice, but later He vomited (AK2) and "felt very ill all night." (TkgD.141-2)
Srila Prabhupada thought of going to London and then America, particularly the Gita Nagari farm. Satsvarupa's biography notes that this talk was accompanied by increased weakness (AK5), lessened conversation, no translation work and darkened quarters (A1). Going to the temple in the mornings, He wore His "dark sunglasses (A1)" and sat expressionless (AK18, A11) before the Deities and in kirtan. Srila Prabhupada is quoted, "I am going through a difficult time and am now feeling restless (A4)." (Sat:6.361-2)
Tamal wrote to Hrishikeshananda in Bangkok: "As you may know, His Divine Grace has been very ill since Gaura Purnima. Practically he is invalid (AK11) and just to go to the latrine He requires the assistance of two persons (A17). On His instructions we have contacted two astrologers and they have recommended the wearing of blue sapphire of 7 carats weight. If it is possible for you to procure such a gem and send it to His Divine Grace here in Vrindaban, this could be very beneficial for his health. He is suffering from an acute case of dropsy (AK15) and now even His translation work has become affected."(Archives)
AUGUST 3: In the morning, Srila Prabhupada remained nauseated (AK2). (TkgD.142)
AUGUST 4: After awakening, and while Tamal scratched His back (AK8), Srila Prabhupada explained how to bury His body with salt and where to build a memorial. It is to be noted that Srila Prabhupada's swelling (AK17) was "very minimal", even though the ash treatment was now used less often. Tamal mentioned that it appeared that the kaviraja's medicine was working, but Srila Prabhupada said He had stopped it. "I've taken the medicine (Bonamali's) for three weeks. Now let me depend on Krishna. The astrologers say the time is bad." (Medicine taken: July 12-August 3 ?) From hearing Yasodanandana Swami's astrological report repeatedly, Srila Prabhupada drew some enthusiasm to go in some weeks to the West. The reading mentioned stomach and digestion troubles for two more years. No travel was recommended until August 10 or 11, and if there was no improvement, He should wait until September 4 or 5. Srila Prabhupada, although very weak (AK5), was still able to sit at His desk in the main sitting room. (TkgD.143-4)
Tamal wrote to Bhagavan: "Srila Prabhupada's health has taken a slight turn for the worse. He has not eaten practically in one month (AK1) except for taking milk. So now He has become very very weak (AK5). He has not translated for the past week. The swelling (AK17) has gone away due to the treatment of a Kaviraja who is now going to attempt to revive Srila Prabhupada's taste (AK20) or appetite (AK1) which is the actual problem." (Tamal letters)
Satsvarupa: "Just received word that Srila Prabhupada is 'worse than ever' in ill health - dropsy (AK15). He has given us a prayer to say: 'My dear Lord Krishna, if You desire, please cure Srila Prabhupada.'" (Isk70,295)
AUGUST 5: Srila Prabhupada could not sleep (AK21) from the previous afternoon until 3:00 AM this morning; He blamed the kaviraja's medicine. He still could not do any translation work. Srutirupa Prabhu began cooking for Srila Prabhupada today, asking for singhara and kachori, but he noted, "And anyway, where is appetite (AK1)?" (TkgD.145) Srila Prabhupada ate some solid food cooked by Srutirupa, since Palika was in Bombay. (Abhiram)
AUGUST 6: Abhiram recorded that Srila Prabhupada "started to eat (AK1) again, but His eyesight is gradually failing (A9). He could not properly see (A9) a deity of Himself that was brought for His inspection. He sat up today to chant, which was unusual." Tamal notes that Srila Prabhupada was in such condition that He neither rose nor spoke (AK18) when important guests came to visit. (TkgD.146)
AUGUST 7: Srila Prabhupada awoke from a night's good sleep, and, in the afternoon, hearing Asutosh Oja's chart again, said of Saturn's movement into His eighth house in September and October, "Indirectly, this means fatal. From the circumstances, it appears hopeless."There was discussion of Srila Prabhupada's father who did not eat in his last four months. (TkgD.146)
AUTHOR'S COMMENT: Here we have the hint that Srila Prabhupada's ailment was perhaps hereditary. Again, we would like to see the original diary to see if things have been doctored up. END COMMENT
AUGUST 8: Abhiram recorded that "Tamal is filtering through all the letters and reports to Srila Prabhupada, bringing only positive news to His Divine Grace. Srila Prabhupada only takes solid food very occasionally (AK1)." Tamal's entry for the 7th appears to include August 8th as well.
Gopal Krishna and Surabhi came; Srila Prabhupada complained of money squandering in Bombay and became very angry that Gopal Krishna was being penny-wise, pound-foolish by not printing books quickly enough. Srila Prabhupada spoke wryly of Gopal's projected Bombay opening date, "Do it. Do it. But after all, do it in time. I'm not going to live for long." Srila Prabhupada was very critical of Mahatma Gandhi, who He said wasted 50 years accomplishing nothing, yet distorted the sacred Bhagavad Gita.
Surabhi Swami related how he had gone to consult a numerologist, the former advisor of the Maharaj of Mansingh of Jaipur. The reading cautioned that the next three months were very critical. The advice was for taking milk from a black cow, fruit juice and tulasi. Bhagatji was searching for a black cow, and when Srila Prabhupada asked what medicine was recommended, Surabhi replied, "No medicine."Tamal chimed in and said, "Good doctor." (Con:35.30-34)
Tusta Krishna Swami wrote to Srila Prabhupada: "I have just learned you are ill again."When Srila Prabhupada heard the devotees in New Zealand were having 24 hour kirtan for Srila Prabhupada's health, He said, "That is the only way I will recover." (Archives)
AUGUST 9: Srila Prabhupada rose early, the sun shining on Him. Guru Kripa Maharaj arrived and presented a blue sapphire ring for counteracting the planet Saturn's ill effects. Tamal observed that Srila Prabhupada seemed to losing His health and strength by the day (AK5). "He speaks less and with more difficulty (A2). His sleep is not sound (AK21). He walks with more difficulty (AK11, A17) Worst of all, I have trouble encouraging him because I am increasingly aware of how hard this period is for him." Srila Prabhupada often asked to hear the astrologer's report. Today He took His massage just after noon today. (TkgD.148; Con:35.38-40)
AUGUST 10: Bhakticharu Swami attended Srila Prabhupada every morning from 3:30 to 5:30 AM. Today He remarked how the blue sapphire was having a good effect, giving good dreams. He thought of going to Hawaii for His health, as Guru Kripa had advised Him of the ideal climate there. Srila Prabhupada questioned why the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and reviewed the astrological reading again. Srila Prabhupada: "So if I feel little strength, I shall go to Hawaii… So you can bring milk?" Pradyumna began to read Chaitanya Charitamrita. In the evening, asked how He felt, Srila Prabhupada answered Tamal, "Not at all good. I am very, very weak (AK5)." (TkgD.49-150; Con:35.41-4)
AUGUST 11: Thursday: After a night of having difficulty sleeping (AK21), Guru Kripa Maharaj gave Srila Prabhupada a new pair of Polaroid sunglasses, which Srila Prabhupada used increasingly, even inside when there is a light on (A1) and also when going to the temple for deity darshan. (TkgD. 50-1)
Prabhavishnu Swami came and reported on his preaching in Bangladesh and Nepal. Bhakticharu Swami came with some medicine:
Srila Prabhupada: Actually I do not like to take. What do you think? Should I take?
Tamal: This is that kaviraja medicine?
Bhakticharu: Yes.
Tamal: Well, I don't see how it is having so much effect.
Srila Prabhupada: No effect.
Tamal: Powder isn't working effectively, and milk is keeping you going. I don't see that this medicine is doing anything. It's not giving you appetite (AK1).
Srila Prabhupada: Not even taste (AK20).
Tamal: No. It's giving you bad taste. You don't like to take it.
Srila Prabhupada: So your opinion not to take?
Tamal: My opinion is that if you feel that… I don't see that it's having any effect. I think the milk is the best thing, milk, mango milk like you're taking, little juices. This is for creating appetite, I think. (Con:35.47)
In the afternoon, Srila Prabhupada called for Tamal and asked, "…continue this kaviraja or shall we change? If we have to change, whether that astrologer has got any information?"(Con:35.50) "Now the kaviraja's medicine is doing nothing." (TkgD.151) Abhiram and Yasodanandana Swami returned from Delhi with an expanded analysis from Asutosh Oja and his elderly father, both expert astrologers, elaborating on the initial report received July 30. Coming into the darkened room, Srila Prabhupada had the light turned on (A1). Abhiram read the report to Srila Prabhupada and is found in the Conversations Books, Vol. 35, pg.50-52. (See Appendix 14)
Abhiram described the details, including a warning, "Then he mentioned that there may be some trouble from… maybe financial or maybe from juniors, from subordinates." Abhiram explained that February 28, 1978, six months hence, was the calculated fatal date, but that since Srila Prabhupada was an exalted devotee, He could well live beyond that date. It was up to the will of the Supreme Lord. If Srila Prabhupada survived these next difficult months, there was shown to be up to five years after that with good health. Abhiram had also arranged for Sunday that the chief resident physician from the Ayurvedic Hospital in Delhi, plus his physician wife and another Ayurvedic professor, would come to examine Srila Prabhupada. This hospital physician had already recommended pearl with oxidized gold and the bark of the Arjuna tree. (0Con:35.50-52)
Tamal quotes Srila Prabhupada: "Throughout the Society, we should be prepared. Take it for granted, the day is given. Now do everything carefully. Everyone knows when there is no appetite (AK1), it is warning: life is over." (TkgD.152)
Satsvarupa: "Now I am thinking I should go to India and render service to my spiritual master, as he is very ill. Three months ago, all GBC members rushed to his bedside in Vrindaban. Then he made all legal preparations for his departure. But he appeared to recover a little and thus we left him. New word is that he is 'even worse,' but we have not been ordered to gather… Still, I think I should go." (Isk70,297)
AUGUST 12: There appears to be no tape recordings for this day. Srila Prabhupada thought of asking Palika dasi to come from Bombay for a few days to cook South Indian iddli, but then changed His mind, saying, "I have no taste (AK20). What is the use?" Tamal then summarizes his observations: "For the past few days, Prabhupada had been very quiet, almost transcendentally morose (AK18, A11). He would hear the correspondence without making any comment." (TkgD.152-3)
AUGUST 13: Tamal describes that a report from Hansadutta came this day regarding the public defeat of Dr. Kavoor in Ceylon, and it is recorded in Conversations Book 35, pgs. 53-62. Tamal describes some intimate discussions with Srila Prabhupada in his diary, pgs. 153-4.
AUGUST 14: There appears to be no tape recordings for this day. Tamal asked Srila Prabhupada if he could go for bathing in the Yamuna, but Srila Prabhupada discouraged the idea. "I also feel that as long as Srila Prabhupada is so ill, I have no right to think of such things as sporting in the Yamuna." (TkgD.154)
Tamal wrote Giriraj: "I always remember our walk on the beach with Dr. Patel when Srila Prabhupada said, 'Giriraj makes so many friends and our Tamal Krishna is expert in making enemies.'"
Tamal wrote to Hansadutta: "He now sits every morning on the veranda before going to the temple for darshan at 9:30. He was reclining on a round bolster pillow and wearing sunglasses (A1), which He always does now because His eyes are giving Him some trouble." (Archives)
It is estimated that Tamal's tourist visa expired today and he needed to leave India soon to get it renewed if planning on staying longer in India. Srila Prabhupada's trip to London apparently solved this problem.
AUGUST 15: There are no tape recordings for this day, which is unfortunate considering the next statement. "Today was the day of doctors." Abhiram Prabhu brought the head physician from an Ayurvedic hospital in Delhi, who checked Srila Prabhupada with a stethoscope. Tamal says, "Immediately I concluded he was bogus," and delineates five reasons why he thought so. What exactly were the results of this medical examination is unknown, except that this physician left. Later, Srila Prabhupada's disciple Naveen Krishna brought his father, a doctor, who urged Srila Prabhupada to go to a hospital for kidney dialysis (AK15) treatment. "When he saw Prabhupada did not want that, he suggested an Ayurvedic hospital in Delhi, not knowing that the bogus chief physician had already made his appearance earlier." Before noon, Bhagatji appeared bringing a vaidya recommended by Seth Bishan Chand, who then took the pulse, and offered to return that evening and the next morning. Srila Prabhupada appreciated that this vaidya seemed very careful. Srila Prabhupada said, "Regarding the Bhagwatam translation, when I get inspiration I will take it up. Don't try to force me. I am going through a difficult time and am now feeling restless (A4). It is not mechanical."(TkgD.155-6)
AUGUST 16: There are no tape recordings for this day. During the middle of the night, Guru Kripa and Tamal were called in by Srila Prabhupada, Who said He could not sleep (AK21), feeling disturbed (A12). Srila Prabhupada supposedly questioned the authenticity and honesty of Bhagatji's vaidya, and wanted to find out about him. Bhagatji's vaidya came again in the morning and tested a urine sample with a drop of oil, exclaiming, "You will be cured!" and promised to restore Srila Prabhupada's appetite (AK1). At 11:00 AM Bonamali and Bhagatji's vaidya met together and with Srila Prabhupada, agreeing that the past treatments were appropriate and coordinating on a joint program from that point on. The vaidya would stay with Bhagatji nearby for a week, and declined payment. Coincidentally, Srila Prabhupada had felt better these last few days, which Tamal suggested was due to the blue sapphire. Srila Prabhupada replied, "Yes, otherwise how this vaidya has suddenly come? No one called for him?" (TkgD.156-8)
AUGUST 17: Satsvarupa, Srutikirti, Balavanta and Madhudvisa arrived and Srila Prabhupada became choked with emotion (A11) in speaking to Madhudhvisa. Srutikirti showed Srila Prabhupada some candles that the devotees were making in Hawaii. Srila Prabhupada spoke, "…according to my horoscope, these are my last days. But if Krishna saves, that is a different thing… It doesn't matter I leave this body. Even in death I'll live."
Srutikirti: I remember last time when you were sick, you recovered very well in Hawaii.
Srila Prabhupada: Let us see. Tamal Krishna wants me to go back to…
Tamal: I was encouraging Prabhupada to… I said that if he goes to the Western temples, that the welcome from his disciples would be so much that he would live for hundreds of years. (Con:35:65-71)
Later, Tamal spoke with the devotees and explained that Srila Prabhupada's mood seemed to change depending on who was present and what news He received (A11); he explained Srila Prabhupada's plans to travel back to America via London. Satsvarupa states that Srila Prabhupada wanted to hear only good news; it "inspired him to continue." (Sat:6.363)
Bhagatji's vaidya came and found the pulse to be high (AK24), and advised Srila Prabhupada not to strain Himself. "He said four things were bad for Prabhupada's illness (dropsy) (AK15): salt, sleep during the daytime, unnatural air movement (from the fan), full bathing."He gave a regimen of taking milk five times daily. (TkgD.159)
The vaidya said it would take four days for the medicine to begin to act. (Con:6.366)
Srutadeva wrote to Tamal: "I was just told that Srila Prabhupada's eyesight is failing…(A9)" (Archives)
Satsvarupa Goswami: "Tamal said that Srila Prabhupada's illness is psychological and subtle. A few days ago he was very bad. Gurukripa Swami brought a sapphire ring and twelve men with him, and Srila Prabhupada has improved. He was talking of going to the West… Srila Prabhupada is very thin (AK1). We watched through the doorway as he ate his lunch. He takes a little of his vegetable on his chapatti and eats here and there (AK1). He eats about three fourths of a chapatti and a little vegetable." (Isk70,02)
There are no tape recordings from August 18 to October 2.
AUGUST 18: Srila Prabhupada decided to go to the West immediately and then postponed that decision at the request of the vaidya. (TkgD.160) There are no known tape recordings from August 18 for a total of 45 days, the longest stretch of "missing tapes." The Bhaktivedanta Archives requested Tamal to advise whether there were any tapes made during these days, and whether some might still be sitting in the Dallas temple. Tamal replied that he did not remember if there were tape recordings made during these 45 days and that he had looked in Dallas, but had found none. (Archives)
Satsvarupa: "Suddenly Srila Prabhupada said he definitely wants to travel to the West to the Pennsylvania farm. As for his health condition, he said, 'The worst thing that could happen is death and I am not afraid of that.' He wants a cooler climate. He said he is slowly dying here. 'Let there be change, good or bad. I've decided. Let me go. I've tried to be cured here for the last six months. I have still a taste for milk, a little taste (AK20), so it is not hopelessness.' Everyone assured Him that (in Gita Nagari) there would be enough milk to bathe in." (Isk70,302-3)
AUGUST 19: Medicines given by the vaidya seemed to be too strong, as during the night there were incontinent bowel movements (AK3). Srila Prabhupada seemed weaker (AK5) than usual. Srila Prabhupada was anxious to go to the West immediately, but there were problems getting his passport and green card, and Srila Prabhupada appeared mentally exhausted by all the uncertainty. (TkgD.161-2)
Satsvarupa: "…we hear His Divine Grace wants to leave as soon as possible. 'I'm disgusted,' he said. 'These kavirajas come, say they will get me well in four days, and then later they say it will take a long time.' 'Just get me out of here,' he asks TKG. He has said, 'These are my last days.' He's asking about direct flights to London, but he had to be carried to the bathroom (AK11) in a chair. No translating for weeks." (Isk70,303-4)
AUGUST 20: Tamal states that Bhagatji's vaidya gave an overdose, and he switched to another medicine. But Srila Prabhupada did not take the medicine and called for Bonamali to come. "The vaidya has not proven satisfactory."(TkgD.162) Preparations continued for the trip to the West, and a letter arrived from Panchadravida Swami in Mexico offering to exchange his youth for Srila Prabhupada's old age. Srila Prabhupada is quoted by Satsvarupa: "Surely, I am practically living on your prayers. I haven't eaten in the last six months…(AK1) So many devotees are praying, it cannot be frustrated. I think this is why I am feeling inspiration to go out. In this condition, anyone else would prepare for death, but I am going on a tour." (Con:6.363-4)
AUGUST 21: Satsvarupa Maharaj, Rupa Vilas and three gurukula boys, as per Srila Prabhupada's instruction, went to the Yamuna River to deposit the cremated remains of Jayananda Prabhu into the sacred waters. (Isk70,305)
In the evening a report arrived that Abhiram had "secured" the passport and that the American consulate in Calcutta was helping with Srila Prabhupada's green card renewal. Upon hearing the news from Tamal, Srila Prabhupada, lying in bed, "began to clap his hands, saying, 'Give me good news and keep me alive! I think if I go to London, I will be half cured.'" Srila Prabhupada reminisced about how He began His movement in New York, and "thought with anticipation of his forthcoming tour." (TkgD.163-5)
Satsvarupa says, "Srila Prabhupada spoke on, carried by waves of transcendental emotion and carrying his loving disciples with him. 'When I go to America,' he said, 'especially Los Angeles and New York, I feel at home.'"(Con:6.367)
Satsvarupa noted that in the evening Srila Prabhupada was wearing His sunglasses while lying on His back on a cot on the roof (A1). Abhiram had consulted the astrologer again, who said travel on the 29th would be good. Srila Prabhupada's voice was tiny and weak (A2). (Isk70,306-7)
AUGUST 22: Tamal went to Delhi for booking plane tickets for Srila Prabhupada's party. Meanwhile, K.J. Somaiya arrived to visit Srila Prabhupada, but broke down and cried when he saw His Divine Grace's deteriorated condition (A1). Tamal returned by 9:00 pm. (TkgD.165-6; Sat:6.368) Satsvarupa: "We think there will be a delay of three or four more days to get clearance out of the country for TKG and Upendra…" But Srila Prabhupada was ready to go immediately with Srutikirti and without Tamal. (Isk70,307)
AUGUST 23: "Srila Prabhupada is scheduled to leave Saturday, five days from now. Various formalities are required for his entrance to England. Now he says he very much wants to live. I walked him to the bathroom on my shift today. First I had to pick him up in my arms to a sitting position in his bed. He is so weak (AK5)." (Isk70,308)
AUGUST 24: Kutichuk's slightly retarded, young daughter took some pills found in the garbage and within minutes was in a coma, dying some time later. Srila Prabhupada commented, "This is the danger of allopathic medicine… No one gave her, this is destiny." The next morning, however, Srila Prabhupada said to Tamal, "I am thinking about the girl taking poison. It is a little mysterious." Among Srila Prabhupada's assistants and servants at this time were Satsvarupa, Guru Kripa, Madhudvisa, Srutikirti as well as Tamal, Balavanta, Abhiram and Upendra. (TkgD.166-7)
While waiting for His US green card, Dr. Arkasomayaji, an astrologer and qualified academic from Tirupati with a Ph.D, sent a horoscope, including all supporting calculations and planetary positions. Hearing the report, Srila Prabhupada confirmed, "The calculation is good. He is a learned scholar." Tamal gives the report in his diary, which glorified Srila Prabhupada's exalted position and asserted that Srila Prabhupada would overcome His present illness by His own spiritual strength, living at least until January 19, 1984. (TkgD.167-8) Departure for the West was scheduled for early in the morning of the 26th, the day after next. (Sat:6.368)
AUGUST 25: In the middle of the night Srila Prabhupada called Tamal and reassured him that He knew how to deal with some troublesome Vrindaban bankers that came the evening before. Then, during the night, Tamal describes that Srila Prabhupada "was very sick. All night, he was awake and moaning. He said, 'Last night there was colic pain (AK4). It was a death-like pain. Just thinking of it, I am horrified. It is due to mucus (A3). Indigestion (A15). It is a very critical situation.'" Due to the "severe pain," Bonamali was brought, who gave lavan bhaskar (black salt), saying it was acid indigestion (AK4), but that Srila Prabhupada's condition was actually better. (TkgD.168-9) Many devotees urged Srila Prabhupada not to go to London. (Sat:6.368)
Srila Prabhupada tried to vomit all the previous night and all through the day (AK2), and considered taking a Lassix tablet (AK14). "If he passed urine and stool (A13), he would automatically regain his appetite (AK1). For six months, all doctors and medicines have failed to produce an appetite." At about noon, it was learned there was an airport strike in London. Tamal states, "Because of his indigestion (A14), Prabhupada decided to postpone going to London. Since we were scheduled to leave Vrindaban tomorrow morning, our departure was delayed."
In the evening Srila Prabhupada called for His servants and asked for help. "He could not sit in any one position (A4) for more than a few minutes because of the pain. I (Tamal) felt the area which appeared to be in the colon (AK4)." Guru Kripa and Upendra, assisted by Madhudvisa and Tamal, gave enemas while Srila Prabhupada lay on the bathroom floor. Srila Prabhupada tried Bhagatji's suggestion of drawing out "the gas"by placing some cotton with hing on His navel. Then Tamal gave a "strong dose of Phillips Milk of Magnesia. During the night Srila Prabhupada became relieved (A13)." (TkgD.168-9)
AUGUST 26: In the morning, Srila Prabhupada was weak (AK5) but was no longer suffering from intestinal pain, or as Tamal says, "from the gas."Balavanta Prabhu returned from Delhi in the morning with the original tickets, yet uncancelled and still valid for Saturday the 27th. Tamal was asked by Srila Prabhupada to file for His Divine Grace's American citizenship. Preparations went all day for leaving at midnight. (TkgD.169)
AUGUST 27: At 12:00 AM, Srila Prabhupada's party left for the Delhi airport in a caravan of three cars, with Srila Prabhupada lying in the back seat of His Mercedes, on a mattress with a quilt and a pillow. His feet and hands were slightly swollen (AK17). Srila Prabhupada assured his friend Bishan Chandra Seth, upon leaving Vrindaban, that "if the trip became too difficult, he would return immediately." After two hours over badly damaged roads, the caravan reached the Delhi airport, where Srila Prabhupada remained lying in His car with the doors open. Bhavananda had just been released from jail in Mayapur, and met Srila Prabhupada at the airport. (TkgD.169-170; Sat:6.368-9; Isk70,308-9)
Departure was not smooth, and when Srila Prabhupada was finally moved by wheelchair to the plane, He was more swollen (AK17) than in many weeks. Tamal, Guru Kripa, Pradyumna, Arundhati, Abhiram, Srutirupa and Upendra accompanied Srila Prabhupada. (TkgD.170)
Abhiram Prabhu describes that at the Delhi airport, "Srila Prabhupada seemed to withdraw within Himself, not looking or advising…(AK18, A11)" On the unusually exhaustive flight Abhiram worried about the cabin pressure and Srila Prabhupada's blood pressure. Landing in Rome, Srila Prabhupada waited in an airport lounge for four hours while the flight was delayed. Above London the plane circled above for hours due to the strike. Twenty hours after leaving, they finally landed at Heathrow Airport. As Srila Prabhupada emerged from the plane, the devotees greeting Him were shocked to see Him so thin (AK1), weak (AK5), expressionless (AK18), and wearing dark sunglasses (A1). (Abhiram; TkgD.170)
Srila Prabhupada "appeared like a powerful sage who had been undergoing long austerities for the benefit of humankind and who had become transcendental to his body, although living in it." (Sat:6.372)
Srila Prabhupada went through immigration quickly and upon arriving at Bhaktivedanta Manor, He went to see the Deities Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda and then went to His quarters. All the devotees came to sit with Him in His room, and He tasted various fruits from a large plate made up for Him. "Then, being very tired, he took rest." (TkgD.170-1)
AUGUST 28: At 2:00 AM, Tamal and Bhagavan Prabhu went to see Srila Prabhupada, just awakened, Who was feeling well. When Bhagavan presented some newly printed books, Srila Prabhupada shed tears from His eyes (A11) and rubbed Bhagavan's head in deep appreciation, saying, "You have no problems." Srila Prabhupada came gliding down the stairs to the temple room, borne by carriers in His palanquin (AK11), again wearing His "dark sunglasses (A1)." Srila Prabhupada sat almost expressionless (AK18) during the ecstatic kirtan, although Satsvarupa notes there were tears (A11, A8?) behind the sunglasses. The devotees chanted and danced, knowing that Srila Prabhupada had come just to be with them, in spite of the great inconvenience that meant due to His grave condition. (TkgD.171; Sat:6.374)
AUGUST 29: Srila Prabhupada had some pain around the left kidney (AK15) and asked that Kruschen Salts be prepared, a drink which Srila Prabhupada took, but then complained of its bitterness. Srila Prabhupada rested peacefully all day. "He talked hardly at all. He was constantly in trance as he sat absolutely still with his eyes closed (AK18)." (TkgD.172-3)
Tamal requested the London devotees not to sing the guru-puja prayers as "it created too much emotion (A11) for Srila Prabhupada." Srila Prabhupada confided that He no longer wanted to return to India, saying about the Indian government and His countrymen, "They do not appreciate me. By such treatment, I have lost my health… I am doing such great work and they are suspecting CIA." Srila Prabhupada "became choked with tears in anguish (A11),"saying, "I sometimes cry." (TkgD.172-3; Sat:6.376)
AUGUST 30: Jayatirtha finally arrived and Srila Prabhupada admitted He was now feeling better. Srila Prabhupada spoke inspiringly about developing Gita Nagari, which He had just recently re-named as such, being formerly New Varsana. "I want to introduce varnashram at our Pennsylvania farm, the biggest problem of life is solved: food."(TkgD.173; Sat:6.377)
AUGUST 31: Srila Prabhupada was consuming mostly juices and had some trouble passing urine (AK14), but resting well. (Abhiram) Tamal confirms that Srila Prabhupada has been "resting very soundly (A10)."Srila Prabhupada again confided to Tamal that He was concerned that the Indian government would imprison Him due to the Mayapur attack. "They would have ruined me, humiliating me by placing me under arrest. If I had been put in that small jail cell, I would have died." (TkgD.174)
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