CHAPTER 19:
ARSENIC POISONING SYMPTOMS
WHY ARSENIC?
Srila Prabhupada displayed the symptoms of poisoning, as He Himself stated twice. But which poison? There are many poisons which are effective in causing death. The factors which led this author to examine arsenic poisoning as the best match to Srila Prabhupada's symptoms, as studied in His 1977 health history, are as follows:
1. The opinion of an Ayurvedic doctor, Dr. Mehta, detailed below
2. Arsenic is an age-old method of choice for poisoning in politics and intrigue, during the Middle Ages and in India (see Appendix14 )
3. Arsenic is readily available in India
4. The speech reversals (see Chapter 37-38 ) reveal arsenic poisoning
5. It was found that Srila Prabhupada's symptoms were incredibly similar to those of Napoleon
6. Arsenic poisoning is very difficult to recognize, and looks like kidney disease and a normal "old-age" deterioration of physical health
Dr. Mehta, an Ayurvedic physician who lives in Houston, was shown several photographs of Srila Prabhupada during His last days, and he also observed the video documentary of Srila Prabhupada's last months entitled: "The Final Lesson." Dr. Mehta has been a practicing Ayurvedic physician since 1948. His summary comments are:
"The expression and symptoms of the face, the eyes and the manner of speaking indicate to me that Srila Prabhupada was poisoned, most probably by arsenic or mercury. He Himself said that He was poisoned, confirmed by dullness of the face and how the natural color of the body is gone. This is very hard for the average person to understand; only the experienced eye can tell."
Srila Prabhupada, as we shall see, clearly displayed the symptoms of arsenic poisoning, and not simply the symptoms of kidney failure alone. The symptoms of kidney failure were definitely present and are repeatedly observed. There are, however, many other very prominently displayed symptoms which are synonymous with arsenical intoxication, and these symptoms are not found in any condition of kidney disease or diabetes. Let it be stated here again that arsenical intoxication produces kidney malfunction and failure. Thus it is so easy to mistake arsenic poisoning for kidney disease, as many, perhaps about half, of the symptoms are identical or similar.
In consulting with Dr. Stopford of the Duke University Department of Toxicology, it was also confirmed that many of Srila Prabhupada's symptoms cannot be explained by kidney or diabetic diseases, but most surely can be attributed to arsenic poisoning. Symptom analysis is a very critical element of the research into Srila Prabhupada's cause of "death."
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Chronic and acute poisoning differ in that chronic means exposure over a prolonged period of time in smaller amounts and acute is more all at once. Subacute poisoning is in between the two. Because Srila Prabhupada's health declined over ten months, chronic poisoning is compatible with His health history, whereas acute poisoning might apply to the final days and subacute poisoning applies to marked and drastic downturns in His health.
Arsenic is found in nature in low levels, and has been a common environmental contaminant in the twentieth century. In its various chemical forms, it can be highly poisonous and has actually been used for thousands of years for killing others, in political intrigue, revenge, murder, war, and the elimination of perceived enemies. Medicinally, arsenic compounds have been useful in the West at least since the time of Hippocrates in the 5th century BC. In modern times, arsenic has been used to treat skin diseases, anemia, syphilis, and other ailments.
Arsenic is a natural element having both metal and non-metal physical and chemical properties. In its chemical behavior, it resembles nitrogen, phosphorus, antimony and bismuth. In nature it exists as an element, and also in stable compounds, trivalent (-3 or +3) and pentavalent (+5). It binds covalently with most non-metals (notably oxygen and sulfur) and with metals such as cadmium and lead. In biochemical behavior, it resembles phosphorus, competing with phosphorus analogs for chemical binding sites. Toxicity of the various arsenic compounds in mammals extends over a wide range, determined, in part, by unique biochemical actions of each compound, but also by absorbability and efficiency of biotransformation and disposition.
Arsines (gaseous) are most poisonous, followed closely by arsenites and arsenates (inorganic trivalent compounds). Inorganic pentavalent compounds are somewhat less toxic than arsenites, while the organic (methylated) pentavalent compounds incur the least hazard of the arsenicals, with widespread use in pesticides. Inorganic arsenite as arsenic trioxide is the most prevalent natural form and is also the most toxic form of arsenic besides arsine gas. Arsenic metal is thought to be nonpoisonous due to its insolubility in water or bodily fluids. In animals and plants arsenic combines with hydrogen or carbon to make organic compounds.
Pentavalent arsenicals are relatively water soluble and absorbable across mucous membranes, while trivalent arsenicals, having some water solubility but greater lipid (fat) solubility, are more readily absorbed across the skin. The arsenite salts are more soluble in water and are better absorbed than the oxide. Experimental evidence has shown a high degree of gastrointestinal absorption of both trivalent and pentavalent forms of arsenic, most compounds exceeding a 90% absorptive rate. The greatest absorption occurs predominantly in the small intestine and colon.
Goldfrank's text states: "Tasteless and odorless, arsenic is well-absorbed via the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and parenteral routes." Ingestion has been the usual basis of poisoning and gut absorption efficiency depends on: the physical form of the compound, its solubility characteristics, the gastric Ph, gastrointestinal motility, and gut microbial transformations.
Once absorbed, many arsenicals accumulate in and cause extensive toxic injury to cells of the kidney, liver, spleen, lungs, heart, nervous system, blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract, and other tissues. Much smaller amounts accumulate in muscle and neural tissue, but cause great toxic injury there as well. If a victim survives arsenic poisoning after the first few days, the liver and kidneys show degenerative changes.
Two biochemical mechanisms of toxicity are recognized with arsenic:
1. reversible combinations with thiol groups contained in tissue proteins and enzymes
2. substitution of arsenic ions for phosphate in many reactions, including those critical to oxidative phosphorylation.
Arsenic is thought to cause toxicity by combining with sulfhydryl (-SH) enzymes and interfering with cellular metabolism.
Most arsenic compounds are tasteless and odorless. Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) used to be a common cause of accidental poisoning because it is readily available, is practically tasteless, and has the appearance of sugar as a white crystalline powder. Arsenic trioxide, also known as arsenious oxide, white arsenic or simply as arsenic, is extremely toxic as one of the deadliest known poisons, with 60 to 200 milligrams being fatal. This amounts to about 1/300 of an ounce or the weight of one quarter of a 3 by 3 inch post-it note. Arsenic also has been used and is stored around the world for military purposes as a poison gas. Arsenic is extracted from nature by smelting arsenopyrite, found widely around the world.
Children, embryos, the chronically-ill, and the elderly are more sensitive to arsenical intoxication. The type of compound, dosage, health condition and duration of exposure are critical factors. Arsenic compounds are commonly found commercially in treated lumber, wood preservatives, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, dyes, and paints, and is often present in tainted tobacco and some old folk remedies. Tryparsamide, carbasone and arsphenamine are a few arsenic compounds used in medicine to treat ailments such as intestinal parasites, syphilis, psoriasis and dysentery.
In arsenic poisoning, urinalysis may reveal proteinuria, hematuria, and pyuria. Urinary arsenic excretion varies inversely with the postexposure time period, but low-level excretion may continue for months after exposure. In cases of suspected arsenic toxicity in which the urinary arsenic measurements fall below accepted toxic levels, analysis of hair and nails may permit a diagnosis. Because of the high sulfhydryl content of keratin, high concentrations of arsenic are deposited in hair and nails. Chronic ingestion of small amounts of arsenic, as is suspected in the case of Srila Prabhupada's poisoning, result in highest concentrations in hair, nails, and skin, tissues which are rich in cysteine-containing proteins. Chronic accumulation also occurs in the lungs.
Deposition in the proximal portions of hair can be detected within 30 hours of ingestion, and arsenic stays fixed at this site for years (in Napoleon's case, 150 years). Hair grows at a rate of 0.4 mm per day (half inch a month) while nail grows 0.1 mm per day. Total replacement of a fingernail takes 3-4 months while toenails require 6-9 months of growth. Because of its chemical similarity to phosphorus, arsenic is deposited in bone and teeth and is retained there for long periods.
Humans eliminate and detoxify inorganic arsenic by a metabolic process of methylation, yielding cacodylic acid (dimethylarsinic acid) as the chief urinary excretion product. Biomethylation can quickly become saturated, however, the result being the deposition of increasing amounts of arsenic in soft tissues. Otherwise arsenic can be eliminated by many routes (feces, urine, sweat, milk, hair, skin, lungs), although most is excreted in urine. The half-life for urinary excretion is 3 to 5 days, during which time great damage is done to the internal tissues and organs. Another half of the remaining amount is eliminated within another week, the next half-life in another month, etc. Thus after 6 weeks there still remains about 10 to 15 % of the original amount in the urine. Thus repeated doses will begin to accumulate in the body quickly despite the process of elimination. As arsenic takes its toll, the body loses its ability to eliminate it, compounding the toxic accumulation and the rate of internal destruction of tissues and organs.
In single or acute arsenic poisonings, the arsenic is deposited throughout the body in most organs and tissues. If there is chronic poisoning of repeated doses over a long period of time, the efficiency of elimination by the body dramatically decreases and arsenic accumulates much more permanently in the internal organs and tissues. The blood, liver, brain, heart and kidneys are top priority in the body's cleansing, while arsenic is pushed out the urine and into the hair, nails and skin as much as possible. Chronic poisoning gradually takes a serious irreversible toll of damage to the blood manufacturing capability, the kidneys and liver, the brain and heart, the central nervous system progressing from the periphery inwards, and the muscular system, among other areas of acute damage.
Some of the symptoms of arsenic poisoning can be seen with other illnesses, making it very difficult for a doctor to detect it, and it is easily mis-diagnosed as more commonly understood ailments and diseases, such as kidney disease. (see Appendix 13) Chronic (low level) arsenic poisoning from repeated absorption of toxic amounts generally has an insidious (subtle or stealthy) onset of clinical effects and is very difficult for a doctor to recognize.
Arsenic poisoning can be detected by studying the patient's symptoms, or by the testing of tissue samples, hair, fingernails, teeth, or urine. The onset of gastrointestinal symptoms may be so gradual that the possibility of arsenic poisoning would be easily overlooked. Over all, arsenic intoxication has not been extensively studied due to its rarity, and its effects are not fully known.
In observing Srila Prabhupada's stubborn reluctance to take any food or drink for many months, and in light of the fact that Srila Prabhupada Himself stated He was being poisoned, it is interesting to quote Goldfrank's text with this advice:
"For all cases, if homicidal intent is suspected, patients should be advised against accepting food or drink from anyone. Visitors should be closely monitored and outside nutritional products should be forbidden."
SYMPTOM DESCRIPTIONS:
Signs and symptoms of arsenic toxicity vary depending on the amount and form ingested; the rate of absorption, metabolism and excretion; and the time course of ingestion (chronic, sub-acute or acute). The principal manifestations of arsenic poisoning are gastrointestinal disturbances and result in four most common symptoms: thickening skin, discoloration of skin, swelling and muscle weakness. In chronic cases, skin manifestations may not appear for years. When toxicity is more acute, symptoms typically begin with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea which may be rice water or cholera like. Gastrointestinal ulcerative lesions and hemorrhage can occur.
Arsenic poisoning results in the gradual onset of skin, blood and neuralogic manifestations, and less dramatic gastrointestinal symptoms. Initially patients (or victims) report progressive weakness, anorexia and nausea. With prolonged ingestion of small doses there may be increased salivation, inflammation in the mouth, running nose, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and many other symptoms. Small and repeated doses of arsenic poisoning may finally result in death or totally broken health after many months or years, as was the case with Napoleon Bonaparte and his son, the Duke of Reichstadt. (See Chapter 34: Napoleon: A Case History)
Cardiovascular instability often accompanies or quickly follows these symptoms. Intravascular volume depletion, capillary leak myocardial dysfunction, and diminished systemic vascular resistance contribute to the hypotension, or low blood pressure, that follows. Patients with severe poisoning may also quickly develop acute encephalopathy with delirium, seizures, coma, dysrhythmias, fever, pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, hepatitis, rhabdomyolisis, hemolytic anemia, acute renal failure, and death. The encephalopathy may develop over several days following an acute ingestion and is attributed to underlying cerebral edema and focal microhemorrhages.
Fever may occur and reinforce a misdiagnosis of sepsis, or blood poisoning from pathogenic micro-organisms. Hepatitis can develop. Acute renal failure has occurred in many cases. The etiology may be multifactorial, including renal ischemia secondary to hypotension, myoglobinuric- and hemoglobinuric-induced failure, renal cortical necrosis, and a direct toxin effect on renal tubules. Glutathione depletion, which can exist in alcoholics and malnourished patients, may enhance the nephrotoxicity of arsenic. Unilateral facial nerve palsy, acute pancreatitis, pericarditis, and pleuritis are also possible. Arsenic will also cause fetal demise in pregnant women.
Arsenic poisoned patients with less severe illness may experience persistent gastroenteritis and mild hypotension, necessitating hospitalization and intravenous fluids for days. This prolonged course is atypical for most viral and bacterial enteric illnesses (flu, etc) and should alert the physician to consider arsenic toxicity, especially if the gastroenteritis recurs. Patients may complain of a metallic taste. The garlicky breath odor of arsenic is typical.
Arsenic irritates mucous membranes. The irritated mucous membranes can appear to be pharyngitis or laryngitis, leading to a misdiagnosis of upper respiratory tract infection. Dry hacking cough and buildup of mucus is common, necessitating further coughing to spit out the mucus. Other respiratory symptoms include rales, hemoptysis, dyspnea, chest pain, and patchy interstitial infiltrates. Again, the possibility for misdiagnosis of bronchitis, viral pneumonia, flu, cold, or persistent upper respiratory infection exists. Usually several hospital visits may occur before a correct diagnosis can be rendered in the case of chronic arsenic poisoning.
Further signs and symptoms may develop sub-acutely in the days to weeks following the acute toxic episode. Peripheral neuropathy due to axonal degeneration typically develops 1-3 weeks after arsenic ingestion. Sensory symptoms predominate early, with patients complaining of "pins and needles" or electric shock like pains in the lower extremities. Early on, there may be diminished or absent vibratory or positional sense in the limbs. As the neuropathy progresses, symptoms include numbness, tingling, and formication with physical findings of diminished to absent pain, touch, temperature, and deep tendon reflexes in a stocking-glove distribution. Obliterative arterial disease may occur in the legs and feet. Blackfoot's disease, a type of gangrene of the extremities, may occur, as is common in southwest Taiwan due to highly contaminated well water.
Encephalopathic symptoms of headache, confusion, decreased memory, personality change, irritability, hallucinations, delirium, and seizures may develop or persist. Cerebral edema may occur. Sixth cranial nerve palsy and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss have been reported during this subacute period. Superficial touch of the extremities may elicit severe or deep aching pains. Diffuse, symmetrical painful neuritis begins in the peripheral extremities and progresses proximally. It also involves distinct muscle and motor weakness and wasting, perhaps manifesting as an ascending flaccid paralysis mimicking Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
In addition, prolonged central nervous system effects have been described. Abnormal electrocardiograms, peripheral blood vessel damage, and liver damage have been reported. Many types of cancer may follow arsenical poisoning: skin, lung, liver, bone, kidney, bladder and others, often as long as 30 to 50 years later. Virtually all parts of the human body are effected by arsenic poisoning. Laboratory tests for diagnosis should include complete blood count, liver and renal function tests, and blood and urine arsenic levels. An abdominal radiograph (X-ray) may well show radiopaque contents after ingestion of arsenic. Keep this in mind when you read about Dr. Gopal wanting to bring an X-ray machine to Srila Prabhupada's room in Vrindaban in October 1977. Such an X-ray could very well have shown a large white splotch in the liver or abdomen, as arsenic is radiopaque.
Dermatologic lesions can include patchy alopecia (hair loss), oral herpetic-appearing lesions, a diffuse pruritic macular rash, and a brawny, nonpruritic desquamation. Mees lines of the nails, horizontal 1 or 2 mm white lines which represent arsenic deposition, occur about 5 % of the time in acute or chronic cases. In those cases where Mees lines are found, a delay of 30-40 days after ingestion is required for the lines to extend visibly beyond the nail lunalae. Facial and peripheral edema may develop as well as diaphoresis. Numerous dermatologic lesions can develop.
Other potential toxic manifestations include pancytopenia, nephropathy, fatigue, anorexia with weight loss, as well as persistence of acute gastrointestinal symptoms. With chronic, low-level arsenic exposure, many sub-acute symptoms may develop or persist, including headache, chronic encephalopathy, peripheral sensori-motor neuropathy, malaise, chronic cough, and peripheral edema. Gastrointestinal symptoms may be absent, although cases with colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and persistent diarrhea have been reported. Other results of arsenic poisoning may be lung damage, eventual atrophy and degeneration of extremities, terminal hypoxic convulsions (in acute poisoning) due to lack of oxygen reaching the body, severe damage of the blood (hemolysis) and bone marrow, resulting in the decrease of blood manufacture and the inability to regenerate tissues.
Slow, partial recovery from peripheral neuropathy most commonly occurs, with mild cases having a better prognosis. In a case series of 40 patients followed for variable time periods, 60 % experienced partial recovery over 5 months to 5 years, 15 % had full recovery from 40 days to 6 years, while 5 % had no recovery over 5 years. The remainder either were lost to follow-up or died. Improvement in the peripheral neuropathy is often accompanied by transient severe pains in the extremities. Patients who develop encephalopathy may recover poorly.
The minimum lethal exposure of ingested arsenic is only about one milligram per kilogram of weight. A dose of 200 milligrams would usually be lethal in an adult, but considering Srila Prabhupada's weight, much less would be lethal. For arsine gas, immediate death has occurred at 150 parts per million. These figures demonstrate the extreme toxicity of arsenic.
As we progress through the health history, keep in mind these descriptions of chronic, low-level arsenic poisoning. A partial review of such general conditions are:
1. The principal manifestations are gastrointestinal disturbances
2. Initially victims report progressive weakness, anorexia and nausea.
3. Small and repeated doses of arsenic poisoning may finally result in death or totally broken health after many months or years
4. The irritated mucous membranes can appear to be pharyngitis or laryngitis, leading to a misdiagnosis of upper respiratory tract infection. Dry hacking cough and buildup of mucus is common.
5. Toxic manifestations include nephropathy, fatigue, anorexia, weight loss
While we see that Srila Prabhupada displayed some symptoms contrary to kidney disease and many contrary to diabetes, we also see that:
SRILA PRABHUPADA HAD NO SYMPTOMS CONTRARY TO THOSE OF ARSENIC POISONING. The consistency of Srila Prabhupada's physical symptoms with chronic arsenic poisoning is quite apparent and amazing. The health history in Chapters 20 -31 is very convincing in demonstrating that Srila Prabhupada displayed the symptoms of arsenic poisoning. It is to be remembered that arsenic poisoning causes kidney disease.
LIST OF SYMPTOMS:
A full list of symptoms variously manifested in arsenic poisoning are:
SECTION ONE:
Symptoms Common to Kidney Disease & Arsenic Poisoning
Those symptoms which are common to both arsenic poisoning and various kidney diseases are marked "AK" for arsenic/kidney. Between arsenic poisoning and kidney disease there may be some subtle differences in some of the symptoms, but are similar enough to represent both.
AK1 LACK OF APPETITE, WEIGHT LOSS, ANOREXIA
AK2 VOMITING, NAUSEA, "VOMITING TENDENCY"
AK3 DIARRHEA AND LOOSE STOOLS
AK4 ABDOMINAL CRAMPS, GASTRIC PAIN due to inflammation of stomach and intestines
AK5 EXTREME WEAKNESS, LACK OF ENERGY, ANEMIA, beginning as a marked general fatigue (low-level doses of arsenic)
AK6 HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: hypertension
AK7 SEIZURES, SPASMS, and convulsions
AK8 GENERALIZED ITCHING (parethesia): tingling, burning; abnormal skin sensations, especially of the extremities; wanting to rub, brush or massage the body for relief
AK9 STOMATITIS: inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes of the mouth and esophagus
AK10 SKIN COLOR CHANGES: Bronzing, yellowing coloration
AK11 PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE WEAKNESS (electromyography)
AK12 MUSCLE ACHING OR CRAMPS, GENERALIZED
AK13 SMALL AMOUNTS OF URINE; infrequently or frequently
AK14 DIFFICULTY IN URINATION: or inability to urinate (anuria)
AK15 KIDNEY MALFUNCTION (renal failure or damage)
AK16 DISCOLORATION OR CASTS IN URINE: hematuria (blood), proteinuria (protein), or oval fatty droplets in urine; cloudy, brown
AK17 EDEMA: the swelling of tissues
AK18 LISTLESSNESS, LANGUOR, LETHARGY
AK19 FEVER
AK20 UNPLEASANT TASTE No taste or metallic taste in mouth
AK21 INSOMNIA OR SLEEPING BADLY
AK22 HEART PALPITATIONS (delayed cardiomyopathy), and heart damage due to direct toxic action and electrolyte disturbances.
AK23 IRREGULAR HEAT BEAT: ventricular arrhythmia, electrocardiographic abnormalities such as a prolonged Q-T interval
AK24 HIGH PULSE RATE: tachycardia: quickened heart beat, and sometimes a slow pulse due to varying amounts of arsenic
SECTION TWO:
Symptoms Unique To Arsenic Poisoning And Not To Kidney Diseases
Those symptoms unique only arsenic poisoning and NOT kidney disease are listed in Section Two and are marked "A" for arsenic.
A1 PHOTOPHOBIA: extreme sensitivity by the eyes to light
A2 HOARSE, WEAK, OR SLURRED VOICE: sore throat,
inflamed pharynx and larynx, thickened vocal chords
A3 MUCUS AND COUGH: discharging mucus, clogged with mucus; inflammation and irritation of the respiratory and nasal mucosa, persistent dry cough, coryza
A4 RESTLESSNESS, IRRITABILITY, TOSSING & TURNING
A5 HYPERKERATOSIS: Abnormal enlargement of thick skin areas
A6 DROOLING: excessive salivation
A7 HYPOTHERMIA: coldness in body, especially limbs: poor blood circulation in extremities due to peripheral vascular insufficiency
A8 CONJUNCTIVITIS: watering eyes, mucus in eyes, tearing eyes
A9 LOSS OF VISION due to brain damage or optic nerve damage
A10 HEAVY WITH SLEEP: sleeping unusually long and deep, or disturbance in sleep rhythm; somnolence alternating with insomnia
A11 BEHAVIORAL CHANGES or changes of disposition such as unusual emotional displays, insecurity, depression, sensitivity, tearfulness, exaggerated optimism. Tendency to periods of emotionalism expressed by tearfulness.
A12 MENTAL DISTURBANCE OR LOSS OF MENTAL FUNCTIONS due to encephalopathy (brain damage)
A13 CONSTIPATION (alternated with diarrhea)
A14 HEARING LOSS: dysesthesia, impairment of senses
A15 INDIGESTION due to bile duct obstruction and intestinal damage
A16 FAINTING, DIZZINESS
A17 SUDDEN WEAKNESS OR COLLAPSE OF LEGS, WEAKNESS IN CALF MUSCLES, especially in early stages, due to fatty degeneration of muscles, difficulty in walking
A18 PAINFUL OR MALFUNCTIONING LIVER OR SPLEEN
A19 LACK OF MUSCULAR COORDINATION (ataxia)
A20 PARALYSIS OF AND PAINS IN LEGS(motor and sensory) due to nerve damage (peripheral neuritis and neuropathy) pains or numbness
A21 LOOSENING & LOSS OF TEETH or nails, bleeding, swollen gums
SECTION THREE:
List of symptoms unique only to arsenic poisoning and not kidney disease which were not exhibited by Srila Prabhupada, as far as we know at present. Further information may verify more symptoms.
1. Garlic odor of breath, perspiration or stool
2. Exfoliative dermatitis: Scaly, flaky, inflamed skin (after about 3 years in low-level arsenic poisoning)
3. Mees lines: Transverse white striae of fingernail arsenic deposits
4. Frequent headache; delirium, coma
5. Nose bleeds (epistaxis)
6. Severe thirst and fluid loss
7. Paralysis of eye muscles (ophthalmoplegia) due to brain damage
8. Blisters and open sores, usually in more acute or prolonged poisonings (Srila Prabhupada had "bedsores")
9. Dysphagia: difficulty in swallowing (from the tapes, it sounds like Srila Prabhupada's swallowing and drinking were difficult).
10. Paresis (partial paralysis) to quadriplegia (paralysis from neck down)
Srila Prabhupada could not move his legs or torso near the end of His illness, but that may have also been due to extreme weakness.
11. Anesthesia: loss of tactile or skin sensation, numbness
12. Disappearance of the fine body hairs resulting in very smooth skin
In arsenical poisoning, or in any medical condition, not all possible symptoms may be manifest, and probably will not be present. This was confirmed again in consultation with Dr. Page Hudson, retired Chief Medical Examiner and forensic pathologist. One devotee said that because Srila Prabhupada showed no obvious sweating (an arsenic poisoning symptom), therefore arsenic poisoning could not be the cause of His ill health. This is not the way to diagnose or understand medical conditions except for those looking to support their conscious or unconscious prejudices. May the reader try to set those prejudices aside in the search for the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Bibliographical Sources: for Ch. 17, 18, 32, 33, App. 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 22.
1. Internet /re: Symptoms of Arsenic and Mercury Poisoning
2. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, McGraw-Hill, 14th Ed
3. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics: Goodman & Gilman, McGraw-Hill, 9th Ed, pgs 1660-1661
4. Merck Manual of Medical Information, 1997 Home Edition
5. Kidney and Urinary Tract: Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook, Ed. By L.M. Ross 1997
6. Handbook of Poisoning: Prevention, Diagnosis & Treatment, 12th Ed, Dreisbach & Robertson, pgs 221-224.
7. Assassination at St. Helena, Weider & Forshufvud, John & Wiley, 1978, 1995 (Revisited)
8. Hazardous Materials Toxicology: Clinical Principles of Environmental Health, Ed. By Sullivan & Krieger, Williams & Wilkins
9. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies, 6th Ed., Appleton & Lange
10. Website: http://hammock.ifas.ufl.edu/txt/fairs/15460
11. Poisindex (R) Toxicologic Managements: Arsenic
12. Comprehensive Review in Toxicology, 2nd ed., Peter D. Bryson, An Aspen Publication, 1989
13. The Heavy Elements: Chemistry, Environmental Impact and Health Effects, Jack E. Fergusson, Pergamon Press
14. Comprehensive Review in Toxicology for Emergency Clinicians, 3rd ed., Peter D. Bryson, M.D., Taylor & Francis Publishing, 1996
15. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Poisonings, 2nd ed., Matthew J. Ellenhorn, M.D., Williams & Wilkins
16. Case Studies in Poisoning, Shirley K. Osterhout, M.D., Medical Examination Publishing Co., Inc., 1981
17. Loomis's Essentials of Toxicology, 4th ed., Ted A. Loomis, A. Wallace Hayes, Academic Press, 1996
18. Basic Toxicology, Fundamentals, Target Organs, and Risk Assessment, 3rd ed., Frank C. Lu, Taylor Francis Publishing, 1996
19. Manual of Toxicologic Emergencies, Eric K. Noji, Gaber D. Kelen, Year Book Medical Publishers, Inc., 1989
20. Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals, 2nd ed., Volume II: Specific Metals, eds: Lars Friberg, Gunnar F. Nordberg, Velimer B. Vouk, Elsevier (pub), 1987
21. Case Studies in Environmental Medicine: Arsenic Toxicity, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 1990
22. Handbook of Poisoners, Raymond T. Bond, Rinehart & Co., Inc., 1951
23. Arsenic, Committee on Medical and Biologic Effects of Environmental Pollutants, National Academy of Sciences (pub), 1977
24. Casarett and Doull's Toxicology, 4th ed., eds: Mary O. Amdur, Ph.D., John Doull, Ph.D., Curtis D. Klaassen, Ph.D., Pergamon Press, 1991
25. Disposition of Toxicological Drugs and Chemicals In Man, by Baselt and
Cravey, 4th Ed. published in 1995 by the Chemical Toxicology Institute.
26. Preacher's Girl: Life and Crimes of Blanche Taylor Moore, Jim Schutze
27. Death Sentence, by Jerry Bledsoe (Account of Velma Barfield's crimes)
Instances in which a symptom is unique only to arsenic poisoning and not produced by kidney disease or diabetes will be identified and prefixed with "A". For example, photophobia is caused by arsenic and not by kidney failure, being listed as arsenic symptom (A1), and drooling is marked in the health history with (A6).
In the following lengthy account of Srila Prabhupada's health history, the reader is asked to study the various physical symptoms and compare them to the lists above. You will find a case of chronic arsenic poisoning.
Srila Prabhupada was afflicted with poor digestion, persistent colds, mucus, and cough, and weak kidneys. Was this due to arsenic poisoning or natural causes?
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 20, 1975
"Prabhupada is not feeling well; swelling in his legs, feet, and hands trouble him. To see his body puffed with fluid is very disturbing. During his massage I pressed gently on Prabhupada's foot with my thumb to show him the swelling. It left an indentation for several minutes. Prabhupada said this is due to uremia, a toxic condition caused by waste products in the blood normally eliminated in the urine. It makes it very difficult for him to climb the steps to his apartment when returning from the temple. Yet, he tolerates the inconvenience without complaint and dismissed the sight of the dent with a smile and a shake of his head." (Tran Diary Vol 1)
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)
Comments
Anyone associaing with, taking initiation from, or otherwise supporting in any way the Judas murderers, themself may absorb terrible sinful reactions. There is no question of letting bygones be bygones or any such trash. We will finish them all, rebuild, and take back everything they and their sycophantic dupes stole, and continue to steal, from Srila Prabhupada.
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)