srila prabhupada said...!!!

[chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)]

In the morning, Srila Prabhupada spoke of how so much land was being offered to us.  "Our program is to engage the villagers for cultivating the land, and they can enjoy the produce."

A newspaper clipping was received from Jayatirtha Prabhu about Maharishi.  Srila Prabhupada commented, "Simply rubbish.  Anyone who reads this article will understand how bogus he is.  So one can fly.  What does he gain?  Crows are also flying.  So he has become a big crow.  Even a small insect can fly.  At night there are many thousands of millions of such insects.  Are they important?  A mosquito can fly at three hundred feet high.  And in the latrine, there are flying cockroaches.  Is this flying very glorious?"

A report from Mahabuddhi and Dhira Krsna, who are preaching in the Communist countries of Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary, told of twenty-five standing orders, plus textbook orders, book reviews and many programs.  It was a total success, and Prabhupada was ecstatic.  During the report  Dr Kapoor came, and Prabhupada had me re-read the highlights.  It was Krsna's arrangement that Dr  Kapoor should hear how the world, and even the Communists, were eager to purchase Srila Prabhupada's Caitanya-caritamrta.  Dr Kapoor had published a book about Lord Caitanya and wanted us to distribute it.  But what demand will there be, when the scholars and masses want the BBT published Caitanya-caritamrta, which is superior in every way?  Hearing of our preaching must have brought home the point to Dr  Kapoor, whom Prabhupada also told about the forthcoming seminar being organized by the Bhaktivedanta Institute.  Of Dr Svarupa Damodara, Srila Prabhupada said, "He was a stubborn atheist.  I was walking on the seaside and chastising him like anything.  Now he has organized the Bhaktivedanta Institute."  Dr Kapoor made so many suggestions how scientists should preach.  He also suggested that Prabhupada stop translating and rest.

The kaviraja came and found Prabhupada's pulse to have reduced from 118, three weeks ago, to sixty-two.  He also found that the internal fever had gone.  In the mornings now, Srila Prabhupada washes his tongue with a mixture of lemon and ground ginger.  The kaviraja said that within two weeks, Srila Prabhupada should have an appetite.

In the morning Gaurasundara was giving Prabhupada oil massage on the back, but Prabhupada told him to stop because his hands were too hot.  By the evening, Gaurasundara shaved his head; and Prabhupada commented that he looked very nice.

Bhakti Prabhava Swami was feeling anxious to return to Haridaspur, to make sure everything was all right.  But when I asked Srila Prabhupada about this, Srila Prabhupada said that he should stay permanently, as he was very useful.  "Whatever I ask him to do, he does expertly."

Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada-TKG's Diary: Prabhupada's Final Days-July 26^th-Tamala Krsna Goswami

[chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)]

Alex and his wife came to visit Srila Prabhupada and to inform him of their activities.  They had purchased a temple for the devotees in San Diego.  Their company, Prasadam Distribution International, produces a cookie product called "Bionic Bits," which is being distributed very professionally.  Eventually they want to use the profits to distribute Srila Prabhupada's books, encyclopaedia-style,  with large promotional campaigns.  His Divine Grace encouraged them. "These cookies are a good invention.  You have a good brain." Prabhupada turned to Upendra and Srila Prabhupada said, "Give me tomorrow with milk, today is Ekadasi."  Then he continued talking to Alex.  "Thank you very much for inventing this.  Krsna will give you intelligence.  This is intelligence-according to time and circumstance, try to push Krsna consciousness.  You have to see in which way they will be able to accept.  Your wife has understood-very intelligent girl.  Dadami buddhi-yogam tam. You are ideal husband and wife.  People will learn in America how to be ideal.  Keep our principles intact and preach according to the circumstances.  Keep your health nice.  The unique feature of yours is that husband and wife are beloved to each other.  Just like Visala.  Visala can have hundreds of children." I had told Srila Prabhupada that Visala would only try to conceive a child after taking permission from me.

The next morning, I mentioned to Srila Prabhupada that Alex and his friends had difficulty in following the four regulative principles.  Still, I felt they should be very much encouraged to go on serving.  Prabhupada asked, "Are they chanting Hare Krsna?  That is most important." I said that at least ISKCON devotees must strictly keep the principles.  There should be some ideal society to show the world.  Prabhupada replied, "Without being strict, how it can be called ideal?"

Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada-TKG's Diary: Prabhupada's Final Days-July 27^th -Tamala Krsna Goswami

[chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)]

"I was praying to Krsna, 'What is this slow death?'  Then, you quoted that verse [Bhagavad Gita: 2:37].  At least my disciples will know I came at the risk of my life.  They are the future hope.  I must enthuse them.  Krsna ordered Arjuna, and I am Arjuna's servant.  I am not so limited [that I say,] this is my country.  Everything is Krsna's.  Why should I limit Krsna."

Later in the morning, Abhirama and I read to Srila Prabhupada a proposed itinerary.  I gave a brief description of each place, and Prabhupada was very eager.  Srila Prabhupada said that Bhakti Prema may also go, as Prabhupada promised to take him the next time he went to the West.

After lunch, Bhakti Prabhava Maharaja requested Srila Prabhupada to permit him to return to Haridaspur, and Srila Prabhupada approved.  He also asked for funds to build a temple there.

In the afternoon, I again began encouraging Srila Prabhupada.  His Divine Grace had called me in, just for this.  He turned to Upendra and Srila Prabhupada said, "His words are making me feel different.  Just hearing, I become enthused."  I said, "Srila Prabhupada, by going to the West I know you will recover."  Prabhupada responded at once, "May Krsna make your words fulfilled."  Then I suggested reading Caitanya-caritamrta and Prabhupada immediately approved.  After some time, Prabhupada was feeling great bliss.  Srila Prabhupada said, "You read Caitanya-caritamrta always to me.  These three books: there is no comparison in the world.  I may boast like this.  I am fortunate to be able to present these books throughout the world; and people are accepting them, even blindly."

To Abhirama, Srila Prabhupada said, "Your wife is fit to be a rich man's daughter and a Vaisnava's wife.  She is not proud.  Women who are very opulent are usually proud.  My wife was the only daughter of a rich man; but she was very proud, even though uneducated."

Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada-TKG's Diary: Prabhupada's Final Days-July 29^th-Tamala Krsna Goswami

[chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)]

When Prabhupada woke up, he spat into the spittoon and Srila Prabhupada said that this spitting was another problem.  I mentioned that some of the devotees were saying that his drooling was a transcendental symptom; but he corrected this mistake, saying that such devotees' thinking was sahajiya.

Prabhupada then sat up in bed and expressed some doubts about going to the West.  "Even if you go to heaven, your forehead, which is considered fortunate, will go with you.  This disease is in the kidney, so wherever I go, this kidney will go."  I retorted, "But here, you are not translating."  "Who says I shall never again translate?  Every action has some relaxation period and then activity again.  According to medical science, the only cure is cutting or dialysis.  But kaviraja medicine says there is cure."

After bathing, Prabhupada went out on the balcony verandah, opposite the side on which he sleeps.  Srila Prabhupada said that for the rainy season, this would be a better sitting place than the garden because it was lighter and not so wet.  He put on sunglasses. I fear that Prabhupada may be developing eye problems because later in the day he again put on sunglasses, though we were sitting inside a dark room.

Gaurasundara had started fanning Prabhupada and carrying his chair, reading to him and massaging him.  While he was fanning, Srila Prabhupada said, "In Hawaii, jackfruit, mango, and avocado-all are important fruits; but they don't want, so uncivilized, simply cutting animals' throats.

Later, after Prabhupada had enjoyed Gaurasundara's reading, Srila Prabhupada said, "Make Gaurasundara also your assistant, like Abhirama.  Two or three assistants."

Today, on Sanatana Gosvami's disappearance day, Bhakti Prabhava Maharaja and Bhakti-Caru Maharaja went to his samadhi and returned with a garland and prasadam for Srila Prabhupada.

Srila Prabhupada had asked us to consult an astrologer, regarding whether he should travel.  This afternoon, Yasodanandana Swami, Dr Sharma, and Bhakti Prema Swami each presented a report from a different astrologer.  I asked each to give his report separately, so that we could see how they agreed and differed.  Bhakti Prema's was useless, Dr Sharma's was fair, and Yasodanandana's seemed the most reliable.  All three agreed on one point: the next two months would be the most difficult of Srila Prabhupada's life, and traveling was to be avoided.  The astrologer Yasodanandana consulted recommended the wearing of a blue sapphire.  After hearing all the reports that forecast his future, His Divine Grace said, "So it is not hopeless.  At least for five weeks, keep me very carefully.  For the time being, no travel.  Secure this blue sapphire and chant Hare Krsna."

Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada-TKG's Diary: Prabhupada's Final Days-July 30^th-Tamala Krsna Goswami

[chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)]

Upon awakening in the morning, Srila Prabhupada said in a voice resembling that of a child proud of his achievement, "Tamala Krsna, I've translated."  I went over to the dictaphone and read the indicator.  Srila Prabhupada had translated eighty-five points!  Srila Prabhupada lay in his bed smiling.  "The other night, I became depressed because I could not translate.  I thought, 'What is the use of this slow death?'  If I can translate, everything is all right." I suggested that when he couldn't, I should read Caitanya-caritamrta. "Yes, sravanam kirtanam.  Translating is kirtanam, and reading Caitanya-caritamrta is sravanam."

In the afternoon, Srila Prabhupada was visited by the governor of Tamil Nadu, Sri Prabhudas Potwari, and the district magistrate of Mathura.  Prabhupada preached for a short time; but because the Governor could stay for only a half-hour, he was unable to hear with complete attention.  Mr. Potwari invited Srila Prabhupada to be his guest at Raj Bhawan in Madras, where he would arrange the best medical treatment.  He described the Raj Bhawan grounds: two hundred acres with over 1,100 deer, as in Valmiki Muni's asrama.  Prabhupada stressed to him that we needed permanent residency.  Mr. Potwari said he would try to help.  The central government would make a general policy for all religious foreigners; but at present, there were troubles from foreign religious persons (Pondicherry and Mayapur).

Later, Srila Prabhupada seemed enthused by the governor's invitation.  Srila Prabhupada said, "In Madras, there are many good Ayur Vedic kavirajas.  I am fifty percent decided.  If you agree, then we will go."  I said I would have to contemplate the trip first.

Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada-TKG's Diary: Prabhupada's Final Days-July 31^st-Tamala Krsna Goswami

[chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)]

1^st

"My name was kept Abhay, which means, 'there is no fear of death of this child.'  In my maternal uncle's house, they called me Nandulal because I was born on Nandotsava."

Prabhupada did not translate at all last night or today.  His sleeping has increased; and he is not at all regular with his sleeping, massage, sitting, etc.

2^nd

This morning, when I suggested he could perhaps translate later in the morning, Srila Prabhupada said, "I can no longer see properly.  My brain is not working."  Prabhupada has become very weak.  Never in his life has he been this ill.  The kaviraja came and explained that the fluid which had collected in his body was actually transformed blood; and now that the fluid had gone, it was like losing so much blood.  Therefore, Prabhupada was experiencing weakness and poor vision.  The kaviraja said that gradually the appetite would return.  That was clearly the main problem: no appetite.  Prabhupada has eaten practically nothing in more than one month.

While taking darsana of the Deities during the last two days, Prabhupada had different boys dance individually before him in kirtana.  He likes to see this dancing, as it enlivens the kirtana.  I had anticipated this by introducing a mrdanga about four days ago, and this action led to the dancing now.

Early in the evening, Prabhupada drank some apple juice but vomited it later and felt very ill all night.

Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada-TKG's Diary: Prabhupada's Final Days-August 1^st-August 2^nd-Tamala Krsna Goswami

[chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)]

Again this morning, Srila Prabhupada was feeling nauseated.

I read to him the reply by Gaurasundara to the article about Maharishi, and Prabhupada laughed very much, saying that Gaurasundara should be engaged for literary work.

A very favourable newspaper article with many photos arrived, based on the New Varsana farm community.  , Srila Prabhupada said that it was very important and should be sent to all important men in India, especially Joti Basu, Communist Chief Minister of West Bengal.  It proved that we were engaged in community projects all over the world, not just in India, for propaganda.  , Srila Prabhupada said that Paramananda and Dhrstadyumna were a very good combination.

When Gopala Krsna came to read Caitanya-caritamrta to Srila Prabhupada, Prabhupada stopped him after a few verses and , Srila Prabhupada said that he could not pronounce the Bengali properly.  Srila Prabhupada had Bhakti-Caru read instead.

Sushil Asnani, our Bombay lawyer, came to Vrndavana to ask for initiation from Srila Prabhupada.

Satsvarupa Maharaja inquired in a letter about the difference between first and second initiation.  Srila Prabhupada explained, "First initiation is more important.  You can go without second initiation.  First initiation stands strong.  If it is executed very thoroughly, that is sufficient.  The Vedic system was to give sacred thread at the first initiation.  We follow pancaratriki.  Vedic initiation was given to persons born of a brahmana.  That is not possible in this age.  Therefore he has to be prepared by harinama, then second.  He's given a chance.  Therefore, others are protesting: he is not born of a brahmana, how can he be initiated?  The spiritual master accepts the disciples' sinful reactions at the time of first initiation."

For the past few days Prabhupada has had Pradyumna do all the reading to him.

Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada-TKG's Diary: Prabhupada's Final Days-August 3^rd-Tamala Krsna Goswami

[chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)]

Early in the morning, Srila Prabhupada awoke.  I began to massage him to help him go back to sleep; but there were many disturbing sounds, as usual, from the kitchens and from devotees chanting their japa too loud.  After some time, Srila Prabhupada asked me to raise him.  I got under the mosquito net and began to scratch his back.  Prabhupada asked me, "How do the Christians bury their dead?"  I explained the system as I understood it.  "Our process is to put salt in the hole, then the body is placed in and then more salt is put.  For translation work, I have instructed Pradyumna how to do.  I have given hint how to do it.  Hints are already there in the English Krsna book.  If he can, he can expand it.  He will be able to do Eleventh and Twelfth Cantos as well.  He should be entrusted.  A memorial or tomb, if it is small size, it can be in this garden."  Prabhupada pointed to his private garden.  "Or if big size, then in that open land on the left side between the temple and entrance way.  And for Mayapur, you can take some flowers and then build a memorial.  Things are going on, both inside India and outside.  I have got hope that things can be managed.  That horoscope made in Delhi which Yasodanandana had arranged, what did it say?  It made some sense."

Prabhupada then went for his bath.  I mentioned that, even though the powder was not put on so much, still the swelling was very minimal; the kaviraja's medicine seemed to be working.  Prabhupada informed me, however, that he had not been taking the medicine.  "I've taken the medicine for three weeks.  Now let me depend on Krsna.  The astrologers say the time is bad."

It was raining very hard, but Prabhupada insisted on going to the temple for darsana of Krsna-Balarama.

After lunch, Srila Prabhupada had me read again the astrologer's report brought by Yasodanandana Maharaja.  Prabhupada found it to be quite accurate regarding his past.  For the future, it stated that Saturn was exerting a very bad influence, which could be counteracted by wearing a blue sapphire.  Abhirama contacted Guru-krpa Swami in Hong Kong, who was going to purchase one there or in Delhi.  Srila Prabhupada described the precaution to be taken with the valuable stone when it was purchased.  "It should never be allowed to pass into another's hands.  A goldsmith should be called to our house.  After seeing the stone, he can prepare the ring at his shop.  Then he can bring the ring and we will give him the stone.  In front of us, he can fix the stone.  It is simply curing the teeth of the setting and the stone becomes locked up.  And while the ring is being prepared, the gem can be wrapped in some silk cloth and tied around the arm.  But the stone should never pass into others' hands."

The horoscope stated there would be trouble with Prabhupada's stomach.  For two more years, there might be difficulty with digestion.  In September Saturn would enter the eighth house, and it might create further health trouble.  The period beginning during September and October and lasting until February 28^th 1978, did not appear to be auspicious.  After that time Saturn's influence would diminish a little, but it would continue until February, 1980.  Then, Venus would initiate a better period.  If Prabhupada lived until then, there was a good chance he could live to one hundred years of age.  Until August 10^th or 11^th no travel was recommended.  After that time, and with a check-up by an Ayurvedic physician, Prabhupada could travel if there was definite improvement.  If there was not, he must wait twenty-seven days, five hours (September 4^th or 5^th).  Then, if a physician approved, he could travel, but for health reasons only.  Srila Prabhupada said, "I will go then to our Pennsylvania farm."  This report gave Srila Prabhupada some hope.  Previously, he was again becoming hopeless, as he had been a few months ago.

A letter from Tulasi dasa in South Africa was a great source of inspiration for Srila Prabhupada, who responded, "Your letter has given me life, though I am a dead man.  I wanted to see a little more, that Krsna consciousness should take over the world.  Your report of your farm is very encouraging.  Without such schemes [as these farm communities], how they can declare themselves jagat-guru?  Simply brahma, brahma...."  I said, "Srila Prabhupada, Your Divine Grace is the farm acarya."  But Prabhupada corrected, "Krsna is farm acarya.  Balarama is holding a plow, and Krsna is with calf.  Krsna advised His father not to perform Indra puja; just worship Govardhana, the land which is maintaining the cows and people.  This letter makes my chest swell, that I have such disciples performing such activities."  Prabhupada was sitting at his desk in his main sitting room.  Bhagatji had come in during the report.

Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada-TKG's Diary: Prabhupada's Final Days-August 4^th-Tamala Krsna Goswami

[chitralekha devi dasi (bcs)]

Srila Prabhupada could not sleep from yesterday afternoon until 3:00 a.m.  Srila Prabhupada said the cause was the kaviraja's medicine.  He was still unable to translate.

I asked Srila Prabhupada whether Abhirama's wife could cook.  Srila Prabhupada said, "No.  In my party there are so many young men.  Butter and fire must act.  There is no exception.  And anyway, where is appetite?"  Later, Prabhupada encouraged her by saying that when his appetite returned, she could cook.  "In the meantime, let her make experiment by preparing singhara and kachori.  I have no disturbance.  I make no distinction.  I am above these things.  She can serve me.  But the condition must be that she cooks alone, no man can go in the kitchen.  If she needs help, Abhirama can help."

When Rajeev Gupta, the young Hindi translator came, Prabhupada preached very strongly to him.  Rajeev reported that one man on the train said to him that the name of India should be changed from Bharata-varsa to Prabhupada-varsa, since Srila Prabhupada had performed even more yajnas than Maharaja Bharata.  This statement pleased Srila Prabhupada very much.

Abhirama's wife, Sruti-rupa, began cooking today.

Biographies and Glorifications of Srila Prabhupada-TKG's Diary: Prabhupada's Final Days-August 5^th-Tamala Krsna Goswami