Distribution of Arsenic in Napoleon's Hair By
Dr. Hamilton Smith, Dr. Sten Forshufvud and Dr. Anders Wassen The illness Napoleon suffered during most of his
captivity on St. Helena was actually the syndrome of chronic arsenic intoxication with
intercurrent attacks of acute arsenic poisoning, as reported briefly in Nature and discussed at length in a reassessment
of the disease history by one of us (S.F.). Among
the facts adduced in support of this theory was the finding that a few rather short hairs
known to have been taken from Napoleon's head, presumably the day after death, showed a
total arsenic content of 10.38 p.p.m., a value approximately thirteen times higher than
the normal mean arsenic content. It would
have been interesting to examine the distribution of the arsenic, but the sample was too
small (1.72 mgm.) and we were then unable to obtain further hairs from the same source. However, on November 6, 1961, not long after the
news of Napoleon's deliberate poisoning and tragic mode of death had become public
property, M. Clifford Frey, a textile manufacturer of Munchwilen, Switzerland, called at
the Department of Forensic Medicine, Glasgow. He
brought with him a family heirloom in the form of a small bundle of Napoleonic hairs. It was attached to a piece of paper with
intricately knotted twine. We were permitted
to take as many hairs as required within reason, provided the knot was not undone. Thus, although some of the brittle hairs broke
when being pulled free of the knot, we were able to acquire a supply of hairs which were
appreciably longer than those we had previously analysed, the longest measuring 13 cm. It could be distinctly observed that most of these
hairs had been shorn off with a razor and not cut off with scissors. The paper to which the hairs were attached was
folded into a small envelope inscribed 'Cheveux de l'immortel Empereur Napoleon'. It was inserted in a larger envelope which, in the
same characteristic handwriting, bears the names of the addressee and sender,
respectively, "Monsieur Mons-Riss, St. Gall, Suisse", and "Abram Noverraz,
La Voilette pres Lausanne, le 8e, 7bre 1838"; it is post-marked
Lausanne, Sept. 9, 1838. The larger envelope
includes a covering letter written in the same characteristic hand, signed by J. Abram Noverraz. It states, among other things: "...Je me fait
un plaisir aujourd'hui Monsieur Mons de vous envoyez quelques cheveux de l'Empereur
Napoleon que j'ai pris sur sa tete apres sa mort, c'etait le six Mai 1821". The hairs remained in the possession of the Mons
family until, according to documentary proof, it was procured by M. Clifford Frey, sen.,
an officer of the Swiss Army, from Mme Mons-Im-Hoff, the widow of the aforementioned
Monsieur Men's grandson. A Swiss, M. J. Abram Noverraz, born in the
neighbourhood of Vaud, was appointed to Napoleon's domestic staff in 1809 and became his
valet throughout the captivity on St. Helena. After
Napoleon's death he returned to Switzerland. Noverraz
has the reputation of being completely reliable and absolutely faithful to his master and
his memory. Napoleon died on May 5, 1821, and
during the following night his entire head was shaved, with the alleged two-fold aim of
providing as much hair as possible for distribution as souvenirs and of facilitating the
making of a death mask. The barber on this
occasion was none other than Noverraz. Accordingly, it seems beyond doubt that the
hairs donated to the laboratory by M. Clifford Frey came from an authentic souvenir of
Napoleon. The average daily growth of hair on the scalp is
about 0.35 mm. On this basis a 13-cm. hair should register a record of the exposure to
appreciable amounts of arsenic for a period of a little less than a year. Hence, the longest hairs in Clifford Frey's sample
should tell us whether Napoleon was exposed to significant doses of arsenic over the last
year. The hair was irradiated for 24 hr. by a flux of
1012 thermal neutrons/cm.2/sec. in a nuclear reactor at the Atomic
Energy Research Establishment, Harwell. On
return from the pile the hair was fixed by means of self-adhesive tape to a piece of graph
paper and then cut into 5-mm. lengths, suitable for counting by an end-window Geiger
counter. The results were plotted in a graph
against distance from an end of the hair. The graph in Fig. 1 shows the distribution of
activity along a hair, the distal end of which is at A. It is evident that for a period of about 4
months Napoleon was exposed to abnormally large amounts
of a substance which was transformed into a radioactive isotope by the irradiation. Other hairs gave similar graphs. (Comment: Fig 1 was omitted . Another graph was made
by this reporter depicting the nine arsenic readings mentioned below.) In order to ascertain whether the isotope really
was arsenic-16, the arsenic content was estimated in consecutive 1-cm. lengths of a 9-cm.
hair, the respective values being 11.0, 7.70, 4.20, 3.79, 1.06, 4.46, 5.80, 2.79, and 3.44
p.p.m. (average 4.91). Since this hair was
3.cm. shorter than that yielding the graph in Fig. 1, it lacked the older portion which
was relatively free from arsenic. The arsenic
content was estimated in two pooled samples of broken hairs, the respective values being
3.75 and 3.27 p.p.m. Estimation of arsenic by activation analysis is
an extremely sensitive method. Nevertheless,
the method has its limitations. When it is
used on less than about 1 mgm. of ordinary hair it yields values which tend to be obscured
by the background. Accordingly, it is rather
risky to apply this method to 1-cm. lengths of Napoleonic hair weighing about one-
thirteenth of
a mgm. We
have done so merely to provide a general picture of the distribution of arsenic in
Napoleon's hair, knowing that any quantitative error will be well on the conservative
side. These distribution studies show that Napoleon
was exposed to arsenic intermittently. Indeed,
judging by the only hair with the distal end uncut, the periodicity of the exposures
agrees very well with what can be deduced about the course of Napoleon's disease from the
accounts of the eyewitnesses. The arsenic cannot have been added afterwards,
by spraying, dusting or dipping, as suggested by some critics. No estimate of the size of the arsenic dosage
given Napoleon can be made on the basis of our results; such very desirable information
could probably be obtained after exhumation of the corpse.
In a forthcoming paper it is hoped to publish the results of similar distribution
studies on hairs from other sources and other periods of Napoleon's life. The work of one of us (H.S.) was supported by the
Medical Research Council (Great Britain). AUTHOR'S COMMENTS:
It is interesting how 1 cm (1/2 inch) portions of Napoleon's hair, consecutively,
in a piece 3 or 4 inches long, were tested to find how the arsenic content changed from
one end to the other. The average content of arsenic was 4.91 ppm, compared to the half
inch of Srila Prabhupada's October 1977 hair that contained about 3 ppm. The points to be
made are: 1. Napoleon's hair ranged
from 1.06 ppm to 11.0 ppm of arsenic during intermittent poisoning. Srila Prabhupada's 3
ppm reading falls therein. 2. Out of nine arsenic
measurements with Napoleon, four were below or just slightly above Srila Prabhupada's
reading of 3 ppm. 3. In the months before
October 1977 for which there are no Srila Prabhupada hair samples in hand (yet), the
amounts of arsenic in Srila Prabhupada's hair could very possibly have been far more than
3 ppm, if we look at Napoleon's wide range of 1.06 ppm to 11 ppm as an example. 4. Depending on the amounts
of arsenic ingested by Srila Prabhupada in 1977, His hair readings, month after month,
could very well also have varied from 1 to 11 or more ppm, taking Napoleon as an example. 5. Srila Prabhupada's hair
content of arsenic might have varied, for
example, from 11 ppm in March 1977, reduced to 1 ppm in July, increased to 6 ppm in
August, and then gone to the 3 ppm reading which was actually obtained for October 1977. 6. In other words, even
though 3 ppm does not represent the high end of the range in chronic arsenic poisoning, it
in no way implies that this was the amount of arsenic present in Srila Prabhupada's hair
throughout 1977. The 3 ppm was present only in October, and is a serious health hazard. 7. The reading of 3 ppm
nevertheless represents TEN times the average. 8. The reading of 3 ppm in
Srila Prabhupada's hair, compared to the average of 4.91 ppm over many months required to
kill Napoleon, constitutes a level which is seriously life-threatening and so highly
unusual that no other explanation besides foul play can be entertained. The study of the case
history of the arsenic poisoning of Napoleon was provided herein to help appreciate the
seriousness and abnormality of Srila Prabhupada's hair containing 3 ppm. Let us not
pooh-pooh a level of 3 ppm of arsenic as being even half-way usual, normal, or unalarming
! It proves that Srila
Prabhupada had been poisoned. Other points in
comparing Napoleon's and Srila Prabhupada's cases are: *Napoleon's walks became
fewer and shorter, then ceased, as did his carriage rides. So it was also with Srila
Prabhupada's walks and car rides. *Napoleon's swelling in
the extremities came and went with the timing of the individual poisonings. Srila
Prabhupada's swelling also came and went often. *Antommarchi, Napoleon's
doctor, noted lung damage, suspected tuberculosis -so also, Dr. Gopal suspected
tuberculosis with Srila Prabhupada. *Both Napoleon's and
Prabhupada's subacute symptoms lasted up to a week. *On Dec. 3, 1816,
Bertrand noted Napoleon's skin had become yellow, suggesting that his liver was affected.
Bhavananda noted the same and suggested the same with Srila Prabhupada on May 25, 1977. *On Dec. 14, 1816,
Napoleon's severe illness caused muscular spasms and a brief fainting. The same occurred
with Srila Prabhupada on Sept. 8, 1977. *The entire Napoleon
poisoning description is remarkably similar to the case of Srila Prabhupada: one sees
innumerable parallels and similarilities.
A total of seven different hair specimens were collected from various owners and
countries, all authenticated as that of Napoleon between 1805 and 1821. The report on the
hair from the day after Napoleon's death on May 5, 1821, was given above, with its reading
of 10.38 ppm arsenic. A hair specimen collected from the head of Napoleon in 1805 revealed
10.53 ppm of arsenic. It is stated by
Forshufvud, "This high arsenic content - about 20 times more than the normal value -
suggests that the poisoning of Napoleon had already begun in 1805." Another hair specimen from Napoleon was subjected
to 120 neutron activation analyses and revealed 40 separate occasions of arsenic poisoning
between the summer of 1820 and April 1821. The values of arsenic content swayed from 2.8
ppm to a high of 51.2 ppm.
A hair specimen was given by Napoleon to someone as a keepsake on March 16, 1818,
while he was in exile at St. Helena. Sectional analyses revealed arsenic levels from 6.7
ppm to 26 ppm over a three month period. Another hair sample from 1816-1817 was analyzed
to have between 1.75 ppm to 4.94 ppm or arsenic, a time when Napoleon's health was not as
drastically bad as it became in the coming years up to 1821.
Napoleon was poisoned in the classical 19th century manner, with a gradual,
inconspicuous arsenic poisoning to deteriorate the health, ending with a final, lethal
dose of mercuric cyanide. Thus no one would be surprised by a gradual decline in health
which naturally ends with death. Suspicion of foul play in a sudden death was avoided with
the appearance of a lost battle with a long-term disease, even if it was undiagnosed. For
example, over the last 100 years or so, numerous medical doctors and historians have
attributed Napoleon's illness and death to over 30 different causes from gonorrhea to
syphilis and from scurvy to hepatitis to cancer. The cause of Napoleon's death by murder
was never seriously entertained until previously unavailable diaries containing accounts
of symptoms and subsequent hair analyses proved it.
CHAPTER
35: BLANCHE TAYLOR
MOORE This reporter explained
to the local UPS driver one day about the investigation into Srila Prabhupada's poisoning
by arsenic, and was told about a woman named Blanche Taylor Moore. She had been sentenced
to death in 1990 for the capital murder of her boyfriend by acute arsenic poisoning. She
was also charged with, but never tried for, the murder of her first husband in 1973, and
for the attempted murder of her second husband in 1989. She is also suspected in the
deaths of her father, mother-in-law, and possibly several others. All of the victims are
thought to have been fed food laced with an arsenic formula ant poison found in a
convenience store. As coincidence would
have it, the attorney representing Blanche Moore in her trial had later handled a speeding
ticket for this reporter. Blanche had lived but twenty miles away in Burlington, NC, but
was now on Death Row in a Raleigh prison. She continues to deny everything and is still
appealing her conviction. A book about her life
story was written by Jim Schutze, called The Preacher's Girl: The Life and Crimes of Blanche
Taylor Moore. In this chapter will be excerpted a few passages from the Schutze
book to detail the symptoms of arsenic poisoning and also to illustrate how arsenic
poisoning is still a method of committing murder even in the modern world. Actually, 45 known murders have been attributed to arsenic
poisoning in the last 50 years in North Carolina alone. These passages also demonstrate
how difficult it is to detect arsenic poisoning and how easy it can be to get away with
it. Blanche was pretty,
well-liked, charming, and a church-going Christian and grandmother. She had raised two
daughters diligently and successfully. She had no criminal record. She apparently loved
all three men in her life. She worked hard and no one could believe that these evil deeds
were her actions. The prosecution succeeded in obtaining her conviction because of
overwhelming circumstantial evidence and because of her own adamant lies which
contradicted numerous witnesses' testimony. Otherwise, no one had actually seen her poison
anyone, although the 2 % arsenic ant killer was found in her home. It was a sweet syrup
that was readily mixable in almost any food. After 21 years of
marriage, Blanche is believed to have poisoned her husband James Taylor over several
months until he unsuspectingly received a massive anf final, lethal dose. "...the arsenic
boiled off the inner lining of his stomach and bowels. He sat up straight in bed, and a
jet of vomit shot out of his mouth and splattered against the far wall. His bowels
exploded in a volley of thin rice-water stools. He fell back flat on the bed, fully awake,
eyes wide open, convulsing and totally unable to control himself. But even as the toxin
destroyed his muscles and nervous system, it already was sprinting even deeper into the
physical and chemical structure that was his life. Moments after the vomiting began, his
abdomen bulged and then drooped, horribly distending as the external tissues of the walled
organs and the blood vessels turned to mush and all of his fluids began to leach into the
open areas of his body cavity. He was conscious and in
his own mind for at least the first hour of his death process. He cried out, moaned, and
screamed in agony. There were waves and explosions of pain as the basic synaptic chemistry
of his nervous system began to pull apart. His body was flung about the bed and against
the wall both by the pain and by the chaotic electrical storms taking place in his nerves
and muscles. Then finally, as the oxygen-bearing cells in the blood began to collapse, he
began to suffocate from within. His face turned a deep purple. His body went flacid as the
muscle cells ceased to be able to convert sugar into energy. In the last hour of brain
suffocation, the arsenic allowed him to escape into a universe of hallucinations. The
ferocious grimace on his dead face told his sister Dot that his body had experienced wild
pain to the very last instant. 'It must have been a
heart attack,' Dot whispered. But James' death had
nothing to do with a heart attack. Rather, he'd been eaten alive, minutely and gradually,
cell by cell, by arsenic. The secret of arsenic is that it loves life, races to life,
embraces it, combines with it quickly and consumes it hungrily, converting it chemically,
molecule by molecule, from life into death. He had been extremely sick with flulike symptoms of
sore throat and diarrhea for two weeks. He had seen the doctor several times..." Schutze discusses the
difficulty in which arsenic poisoning is recognized. "Those same symptoms could just as easily steer a
doctor toward acute alcohol poisoning, Guillain-Barre syndrome, diabetes mellitus, vitamin
deficiency, lupus, blood disease, diphtheria, multiple sclerosis, or any of a host of
other common diseases, including tick bite. In fact, it is the ability of arsenic to
duplicate the symptoms of other diseases that makes it so difficult to detect... common as
arsenic may be and common as are incidents of arsenic poisoning, it remains one of the
least accurately diagnosed of all afflictions. For some reason, the possibility of arsenic
poisoning simply is not a thought that leaps easily to the minds of physicians." Schutze explains that
the individual symptoms of arsenic poisoning resemble those of many other diseases, but "all of these things together can mean almost
nothing but... arsenic poisoning." In
hospitals, each separate symptom is analyzed by a specialist, and the correct diagnosis
for arsenic cases is rarely achieved until several visits. The difficulty is that arsenic "attacks life in so many ways and at such a
fundamental biochemical level that each of its effects on the body perfectly mimics the
effect of some other disease or problem." Schutze lists some other
North Carolina arsenic poisoning cases: 1.) Nannie Doss of Lexington, a grandmother who
died in 1965 doing life in prison, had killed her husband of three months with massive
doses of arsenic. 2.) Rebecca Case Detter of Kernersville was
sentenced to life imprisonment for killing her husband with arsenic-laced, household Terro
ant killer. 3.) Sally M. Holloman of Smithfield was sentenced
to life imprisonment for the arsenic murder of her husband. She had slowly poisoned him
right up to the last few doses while he was in his hospital bed. Eleven years after his
death she was found out and convicted. 4.) Susan Broadaway of Greensboro was sentenced to
life imprisonment for the attempted murder of her husband. She had mixed arsenic in his
coffee. 5.) Velma Barfield, or "Death Row
Granny," died by lethal injection in North Carolina in 1984, the first woman executed
in the USA in 22 years. An arsenic poisoner, she was invariably described as pleasant,
kindly, and friendly, or so she appeared. Under the influence of prescription drugs such
as Valium, Mrs. Barfield admitted to using ant poison in the deaths of her husband, her
own mother, and three others. She had fed her husband oyster stew laced with arsenic, and
he died a horrible tormented death of excruciating pain within hours. She sympathetically
stood by and watched. 6.) Robert F. Coulthard
married into a prominent High Point furniture family, but soon began an affair and took
out a $351,000 life insurance policy on his wife. He spiced a fast-food hamburger with
arsenic and his wife, mother of two children, died soon thereafter. She had been
transferred to Duke University Medical Center, one of the best in the world, but none of
the physicians were able to correctly diagnose her condition until it was too late.
Coulthard fed his wife her final dose in her hospital bed. In the coming
descriptions of Blanche's victims and their symptoms, note the similarities to Srila
Prabhupada's illness. Keep in mind that Srila Prabhupada was poisoned with low-level doses
while Blanche's victims received much more acute poisonings. Thus the following symptoms
are often much more dramatic than seen with Srila Prabhupada. Blanche Taylor Moore had
already developed a friendship with Raymond Reid before she killed James Taylor. She
developed an intimate relationship with Raymond through a dozen years or more. Blanche
filed a multi-million dollar sexual harassment suit against her long-time employers,
Kroger Food Stores, and Raymond, assistant manager at the Kroger's in Burlington, was
caught in the middle. Apparently Blanche then
decided to eliminate Raymond and began to feed him arsenic in her good home cooking.
Raymond went to the local hospital several times but the doctors sent him home each time,
thinking it was some stomach flu. When Raymond again checked in to the hospital, more
tests and specialists came and went. Raymond had nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme
weakness, swelling, anemia and blood irregularities, heart irregularities, and failing
kidneys. Then his kidneys stopped producing urine
and he began coughing up large quantities of mucus. His intestinal tract was not
working and he had a weak and raspy voice. He required a painful circumcision due to
persistent inflammation and infection of the genital. This last manifestation resembles
the incident of Srila Prabhupada's surgery in London, a case of hyperkeratosis complicated
by infection. Raymond Reid was transferred to Baptist Memorial Hospital
where it was discovered that his urine was blocked by inflammation in the urethra. He grew
worse, thick-tongued and restless. Blanche visited the hospital often during Raymond's ups
and downs, bringing food for him whenever he could manage to eat something. Finally
Raymond received one last fatal dose of arsenic in his favorite foods that Blanche made so
well: banana pudding and peanut butter milk shakes. Of course, arsenic in milk delays the
attack of illness a few hours or more, so suspicion of the food was never aroused. Raymond
changed his will at the last moment to give one third of his assets to his beloved Blanche
who faithfully came to care for him every day at the hospital. He died horribly, with
gargantuan swelling and open skin lesions everywhere. He leaked like a sieve, his body
bursting from swelling and retained fluids. Blanche was able to
convince the doctors that Raymond had died from Guillain-Barre syndrome. She netted
handsomely from the division of his estate. A urine test for heavy metal contamination
detected 6 1/2 times normal arsenic, but the test report was unnoticed and buried in his
file until years later. These levels of arsenic can only be produced by ingestion through
the mouth. Environmental contamination through the lungs and skin could not produce
anywhere near these levels, as was established with expert witness testimony at the trial.
Keep this in mind when we arrive at the results of Srila Prabhupada's hair analysis in
Chapter 33. Blanche had already
become involved with a divorced preacher, who "fell in love" with her. After
some time he pressed her for marriage and she began to poison him as well with tainted
food. Preacher Dwight Moore went to doctors and the hospital repeatedly; no one could
figure out his problem. He had nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and severe nasal congestion.
They married and the poisoning continued. Finally Dwight was
transferred to the UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. It took six days, a battery of tests and
several experts to determine that arsenic was at the root of symptoms that included
paralysis and a potentially lethal staph infection. It was discovered at the last moment,
with Dwight on the verge of death, that someone was administering arsenic to him at the hospital; tests revealed his body had 20
times the lethal amount of arsenic. Amounts of
arsenic sufficient to kill many men were somehow withstood by Dwight Moore and he was put
under guard and intensive care. Semi-crippled, he barely survived, but not without serious
neuropathy. Law enforcement became
involved, Blanche failed a lie detector test, and a lengthy investigation ensued while
Blanche remained in jail for a year. The prosecution had great difficulty in preparing
their case because of the great span in time involved between the deaths of Blanche's
first husband and her boyfriend, and the attempted murder of her second husband. Many
exhumations were ordered, including that of Blanche's father and her mother-in-law.
Everyone had clearly died from arsenic poisoning or had highly abnormal amounts of arsenic
in their bodies. Neutron activation analysis was done on hair from Dwight Moore and the
exhumed bodies. While in jail, Blanche
received a letter from a local diabetic alcoholic who claimed to have committed the
murders. The drunk had died only a few days earlier. Extensive handwriting tests were done
and it was proven with 80% certainty that Blanche had written the letter. The final
convincing feature was that the envelope exactly matched those Blanche had used while in
jail. The jury deliberated and found her guilty. Judge Freeman looked at the defendant and
said: "Blanche Kiser
Taylor Moore, you will be put to death as provided by law. May God have mercy on your
soul!" The story of Blanche
Taylor Moore was hot news constantly for a year. A TV special movie was made as well. Blanche Taylor Moore's story is reviewed here for
the purpose of better understanding acute and sub-acute arsenic poisoning from real case
histories, showing the grotesque results of arsenic poisoning and how difficult it is to
detect it and prosecute it as a crime. Another
interesting point in the instance of Isla Taylor, Blanche's mother-in-law, is given by
Schutze: "Isla Taylor was
found to have had elevated arsenic levels at the time of her death. She was old enough and
weakened enough by other ailments that Dr. Butts was uncertain it could ever be proved the
arsenic had killed her. A large dose was found undigested in her stomach, suggesting she
had been given arsenic moments before she died." Hair analysis showed
James Taylor having 42 times normal arsenic at the time of death. Raymond Reid showed 70
parts per million of arsenic at his death. Dwight Moore, who rewrote the texts on how much
a man can withstand in arsenic poisoning, had 50 parts per million in his first poisoning
episode, and 100 ppm in his second, near-fatal episode. A lethal dose may be indicated by as little as 5 ppm
of arsenic in the hair. Compare this to the 3 ppm found in Srila Prabhupada's hair.
(see Chapter
33 ) While Blanche Taylor
Moore's victims were acutely and sub-acutely poisoned and their symptoms were thus very
dramatic, nevertheless their study helps to understand Srila Prabhupada's chronic
poisoning symptoms and the amounts of arsenic required to cause deteriorating illness
compared with amounts required to cause a quick death. The similarities of symptoms
between Blanche Moore's victims and Srila Prabhupada is very outstanding.
CHAPTER
36: OTHER
ARSENIC CASE STUDIES A large number of
suicidal, homicidal, or accidental arsenical poisonings by ingestion have been described
in various medical texts.
* In 1955 in Japan over 12,000 infants were fed powdered milk contaminated with
arsenic. There were 130 deaths. The infants ingested 1.3 to 3.6 mg of arsenic daily but
did not show symptoms of illness for two to three weeks. The subacute poisoning symptoms
were fever, abdominal swelling, enlarged liver, coughing, runny nose, conjunctivitis,
vomiting, diarrhea and melanosis. As the surviving children grew up, there were increased
rates of mental retardation, epilepsy, and brain damage.
* In 1901 Reynolds reported on a case of over 500 patients who had been drinking
arsenic contaminated beer, noting a variety of symptoms manifestations of arsenical
poisoning. The first symptoms were digestive, especially vomiting and diarrhea. In a few
weeks other symptoms appeared: conjunctivitis, runny nose (rhinitis), laryngitis,
bronchitis and skin eruptions. Gradually effects were noticed in the nervous and muscular
systems. Mental confusion, heart irregularities and scaly skin lesions followed
thereafter. This incident is regarded as sub-acute poisoning.
* In 1956 Mizuta reported on 220 patients poisoned by arsenic contaminated soy
sauce in Japan. This amounted to about 3 mg of arsenic being ingested daily for 2-3 weeks,
with results similar to but more acute than in the 1901 Reynolds case. Symptoms were: 85%
had facial edema and anorexia, 20% had peripheral neuropathy, less than 10% had skin
problems. Liver swelling and symptoms of the upper respiratory tract were predominant in
most cases. Hair analyses were performed and found to contain from 3.8 to 13.0 ppm near
the root. This was a very serious poisoning with dramatic onset of poisoning symptoms. We
can understand that if Srila Prabhupada had 3 ppm in His hair compared to 3.8 to 13.0 ppm
in these Japanese patients, then His symptoms would be somewhat less dramatic but still
very seriously toxicological in nature, especially if the poisoning lasted from 9 to 18
months.
* In the early 1960's reports came from Antofagasta, Chile of many cases of chronic
arsenic poisoning from a contaminated water supply with 0.8 ppm of arsenic. Children were
most seriously effected, and symptoms were primarily: broncho-pulmonary disease history,
abnormal skin pigmentation, thickening of skin (hyperkeratosis), chronic coryza (mucus),
loss of nerve and muscle function of the extremities, and abdominal pain. Also typical was chronic cough, diarrhea, and
ischemia of the tongue, a condition of reduced blood flow resulting in loss of taste.
* In 1969 a report appeared about a large number of chronic arsenic poisoning cases
due to wells contaminated with geologic deposits in 37 villages of southwest Taiwan.
Drinking the water for up to 45 years had resulted in skin diseases and cancers plus
Blackfoot's disease, where the extremities atrophy and gangrene due to nerve and muscle
deterioration.
* In 1973 Feinglass reported on 13 persons exposed for 75 days to well water
contaminated with arsenical insecticides. The prominent feature was gastrointestinal
symptoms related to the timing of water ingestion.
* In 1952 a study was made of use of arsenic in a old folk's cure for treating
asthma called Fowler's solution. About 8.8 mg arsenic was ingested daily for 28 months.
Symptoms appeared in 13 months as skin freckling and darkening, gastrointestinal troubles,
and facial edema. Neurological symptoms appeared after two years. Another study of 362
persons also taking Fowler's solution for many years revealed that skin symptoms appeared
only in those who had taken the larger doses. * In 1940 Butzengeiger
reported on 180 French vineyard workers who had been chronically poisoned by arsenic from
insecticides and herbicides used in and near their work. Symptoms were similar to the
cases in Taiwan, manifesting vascular disorders, hyperpigmentation and keratosis.
Thickening of the soles and palms, gangrene in the fingers and extremities, and heart
irregularities were common. Hair testing found only 0.4 ppm of arsenic, however. This
normal hair reading shows that past exposure will result in future health consequences,
even though the blood which feeds the hair becomes quickly cleared of arsenic when arsenic
exposure ceases. AUTHOR'S
COMMENT: Similarly, Srila Prabhupada may have had His major exposure to arsenic
earlier in 1977 with hair readings far above the elevated reading of His October hair.
Very little additional arsenic may have been required later in 1977 to maintain a Srila
Prabhupada's declining health after initial heavy doses of poison early in 1977. Once
poisoned with adequate amounts of arsenic, Srila Prabhupada's body would have naturally
worsened in health due to the latent effects as the year wore on. END * A 55-year-old Asian
female was hospitalized for diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and weakness of unknown etiology. The patient had diabetes and had been in her usual
state of health until 5 weeks earlier when, after eating noodle paste, she and her husband
developed persistent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Both were admitted with dehydration and hypokalemia and treated for one week. On discharge the patient's weakness necessitated
the use of a cane for walking. Approximately 3 weeks later, the patient's husband
complained of weakness, then vomited and had a syncopal episode. He was resuscitated with intravenous (IV) fluids
and admitted to the hospital. The following
day he suddenly became hypotensive, had a cardiopulmonary arrest, and died. Four days later, the patient again developed
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. She
also noted numbness in her hands and feet, described as "pins and needles." She distinguished this from the numbness in her
toes previously ascribed to diabetic neuropathy. The patient had also been bedridden for
the past 10 days due to weakness and inability to walk.
There were no further neurologic complaints. Her
past medical history revealed no history of alcohol abuse.
Review of systems was pertinent for a 20-lb weight loss over the past month and
diffuse tissue swelling. Physical examination
revealed a weak Asian female lying in bed. Vital
signs were: blood pressure, 120/75 mm Hg;
pulse, 90 beats/min; respirations, 20 beats/min; and temperature, 100.4ºF (38ºC). HEENT examination demonstrated periorbital edema
and bilateral carotid bruits. Lungs were
clear to auscultation, and the cardiac examination revealed normal rate with a 2/6
systolic ejection murmur radiating to the aortic region.
Abdominal examination revealed mild distention with bowel sounds present, with no
tenderness or organomegaly. Pulses were 1+ in
all the extremities. Neurological exam
revealed disorientation to person, place, and time; cranial nerves II-XII intact; motor
examination with muscle strength 4 to 5/5 except for quadriceps and iliopsoas strength of
3/5 bilaterally; deep tendon reflexes 1+ biceps with absent brachioradiatis, knee and
ankle reflexes. Plantar reflexes were normal. Sensory examination revealed absent position sense
and decreased vibration and pin prick in the lower extremities, and decreased vibration,
position sense, and pin prick in the upper extremities. During the next 3 days
the patient's muscle strength diminished in a caudal-to-rostral pattern, and she was
transferred to the ICU with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Review of the records from the first
hospitalization revealed a prolonged QT interval on routine ECG and a finding of mild
hypotension requiring 6 days of intravenous crystalloid infusions, an unusual requirement
for the presumed diagnosis of gastroenteritis. In
the ICU, laboratory examination revealed a hemoglobin (Hb) of 8.1 g/dL with a mean
corpuscular volume (MCV) of 93.3 µ3, and a white blood count (WBC) of 2400
cells/mm3. Other laboratory tests
were within normal limits, including serum iron, cortisol, vitamin B12, folate,
and thyroid function tests. Westergren
sedimentation rate was normal at 19mm/h. Her
ECG demonstrated a normal sinus rhythm, QRS axis of +60 degrees, and a QT of 0.61 seconds. Lumbar puncture measured a normal opening pressure
of 135 mm H2O and the CSF contained 5 WBC/mm3, ORBC/mm3,
protein 0.042 g/L, and a glucose 98 mg/dl. Radiopaque
material was noted on a plain abdominal radiograph.
The toxicologic consultant ordered a stat spot urine for arsenic, which measured
16.422 µg/L. The patient underwent chelation
therapy until the urinary arsenic was sufficiently reduced. During recovery the patient
experienced extreme pain with even light touch to the extremities. After 10 months the patient had recovered from her
peripheral neuropathy enough so she could feed herself.
The purpose of reviewing
these various case histories from the medical literatures is to provide a general overview
of the effects of sub-acute and chronic arsenic poisoning in various peoples and places
and in various circumstances. Thus we can better appreciate how much damage a hair reading
of 3 ppm of arsenic meant in destructive consequence to Srila Prabhupada's body.
CHAPTER
37: REVERSE
SPEECH THEORY
What may eventually become recognized as one of the greatest discoveries of the
modern age, reverse speech is a phenomenon that was discovered by an Australian insurance
broker, John David Oates. Oates has researched reverse speech for many years and has
founded the David Oates Reverse Speech Association with chapters all over the world. His
website at "reverse speech" is very helpful in educating the newcomer, and it
includes many illustrative examples, such as some on the President Clinton- Monica
Lewinsky controversy. Clinton's denial of involvement with Lewinsky is reversed to say,
"She's a fun girl to kiss."
Most people are familiar with the hidden messages embedded in "backward
masking" on rock and roll records, begun by the Beatles in the 1960's. Innocuous,
satanic, or meaningless messages and words were "reverse-buried" in the forward
music and could only be discovered by manually turning the turntable backwards. A furor
arose in the 1980's over the phenomenon, and legislation was even passed in some locales
restricting such reverse messages, lest the youth be secretly brainwashed with satanic
messages. Upon closer examination, it was found that many of the angry and "heavy
metal" lyrics contained shockingly clear satanic phrases in reverse, phrases that had
not been intentionally designed or embedded, but just were.
Oates discovered that recordings of music, speeches, arguments, conversation, even
infant babies' pre-speech sounds, were filled with intelligible and hidden messages
simultaneous to the forward sound recording. He found that all human verbal communication
contains not only overt and conscious messages but also covert and unconscious messages as
well. The "reverse speech" confirmed the forward speech, and often contained
more truthful and unabashed messages. Oates accumulated an immense repertoire of studies
on the various forms and structures of speech reversals, and how they related to the
subconscious mind. He developed a detailed theory of the verbal human communication
process called The Theory of Reverse Speech and Speech Complementarity.
Oates' theory states that human speech contains two separate and complementary
modes which are interdependent. The conscious, forward mode is produced by conscious
cognitive processes. The unconscious, reverse mode, spoken simultaneously with the forward
mode, is produced by subconscious cognitive processes. Integrally, the two modes
constitute a communication of the total psyche of a person, conscious and unconscious.
While a person may say one thing formally in forward speech, examination in reverse often
reveals his true message, feelings, or purpose.
The frequency of reverse messages increases dramatically when the speaker is
emotionally aroused, occurring up to every 2 or 3 seconds. Emotions are a function of the
right side of the brain, while forward speech is generated from the left hemisphere. Thus
the two sides of the brain work together to produce and choose forward speech words that
simultaneously form intelligible words in reverse speech. The wonders of the brain! Thus
we see often that an emotional speaker may pause, stutter, and fumble over his choice of
wording as he speaks. The brain becomes very busy blending the conscious and subconscious
messages into one communication. Our unconscious thoughts and feelings are thus expressed
in reverse speech.
The implications of reverse speech are enormous. There will be very few secrets
anymore. Truth will become prevalent as deceit and dishonesty can be exposed easily.
Politicians and cheating spouses, beware! David Oates has discovered the ultimate lie
detector, or rather, truth detector. May truthfulness once again prevail. Suspects in
crimes may now be interviewed and the "truth of their words" can be ascertained
by reverse speech analysis. Speech reversal has already become a popular tool with law
enforcement agencies to ferret out leads and information useful in solving crimes. Speech
reversals were employed in the Jean Bennet Ramsey murder case, for example. Reverse speech
has not been accepted as legal evidence in court as yet, however. The science is in its
early stages of research and acceptance.
Reverse speech is a universal language as much as is forward speech. We all speak
and hear both at the same time. Reverse speech contains: 1. similar or different
information than the corresponding forward speech, 2. and its own peculiar
language involving a variety in the syntax, tense, and intended audience. Reverse speech is
extremely direct in its language and content; it is not diplomatic, polite, or obscure. It
gets right to the point and is often profane and unabashed, communicating the unconscious
psyche explicitly and completely truthfully. Reverse speech is always truthful, and when it contradicts the
forward speech, the conclusion is that the speaker is knowingly lying. Reverse speech is
interesting in that it contains information about what is really on a person's mind,
either consciously or unconsciously. Often it provides additional information not spoken
in forward. Reverse speech can be
either "external dialogue" or "internal dialogue," spoken to others or
to oneself. Sometimes, "link reversals" will appear where two or more speakers
each contribute a piece to a single message in reverse. The subconscious minds are
communicating while we are absorbed in the conscious arena. A wealth of secrets lie
dormant within, accumulated from past communications in the subconscious. Acoustic analysis of
speech has identified features such as frequency, amplitude, harmonic structure,
resonance, co-articulation effects, accents, cadence and more. As a result, a forward
spoken word, phrase, or sentence will most often produce totally different speech
reversals from one time to the next and one person to the next. Reverse speech is not
coincidence or a simple mechanical phenomenon. Obviously, sometimes words spoken forward will coincidentally
sound like something intelligible in reverse. But reverse speech is far beyond
coincidence, being a veritable language of communication that has been verified and
studied by dozens of researchers over the last decade. Reverse speech will
often discuss emotions or events not contained in the content of forward speech. The
subconscious mind assists in producing forward speech by constructing meaningful,
grammatically correct phrases and statements in reverse that are recognized by others'
subconscious minds. In other words, during communication, we have the conscious discussion
and also on another level, the subconscious discussion. The conscious secrets of one are
communicated to others subconsciously through reverse speech. The subconscious,
however, "thinks" in pictures and thus communicates with metaphors, many of
which are common to the language of reverse speech. Examples are pa for father, muck for mess up, hurt, etc, and so on. As much as
forward speech languages comprise a wide range of disciplines and branches of science due
to its vastness of complexity and diversity, so also reverse speech is only understood in
the beginning stages of its own complexity and diversity. In studying speech reversals,
one must master the art and become proficient after some training in the field. There are
increasing numbers of professionals and amateurs alike who are becoming expert in this
exciting and revolutionary field. Doubt of the validity of
reverse speech is natural, but after one actually researches the subject, usually the
criticism melts and is transformed into awe, curiosity, and amazement. The astounding
truth of reverse speech will make a believer of any honest person and change their lives
forever. Hopefully the development of research into the reverse speech phenomenon will
also change the world for the better.
CHAPTER
38: REVERSE
SPEECH ANALYSIS
Reverse speech analysis is becoming increasingly popular with law enforcement
agencies who use cutting edge technology to assist in their investigations and gathering
of evidence to use in the prosecution of criminals. Obviously it would be of great
interest, and possibly of great application, to research the poisoning of Srila Prabhupada
with reverse speech analysis. Those who were
close to Srila Prabhupada and who were His caretakers or leading, dedicated servants might
reveal much critical information if the tape recordings of 1977 were subjected to such
study. Suspects and those who may have conversed with the poisoners, whoever they may be,
could be holding critical information about Srila Prabhupada's poisoning in their
subconscious minds. Also, if interviews could be obtained in the present day of those who
were there in 1977 or those who are poisoning suspects, reverse speech could open the door
to solving the investigation's dilemma of crossing a span of 22 years to discover what
really happened.
Dhaneshwar Prabhu joined the Krishna Consciousness movement and was initiated as a
disciple of Srila Prabhupada in the early 1970's. He has been actively involved in Hare
Krishna temples since then, devoting his life to the mission of his spiritual father,
acting as temple officer, BBT production manager, and publisher of the Hare Krishna
Directory in 1992. He was the Vancouver temple president 1993-4. As a side interest, he
has always been handy with sound recording procedures and equipment, and has a background
in that area from his college education. In 1995-1996 he became interested in the reverse
speech phenomenon and studied under David Oates, conducting his own research and
experimentation. In late 1997 Dhaneshwar heard about the "poison whispers" and
obtained the "poison tape" to study in reverse. He was quickly shocked and
depressed. The confirmation of poisoning was clearly indicated in the reversals. Dhaneshwar then spent
hundreds of hours studying all the recorded conversations of late October and November
1977, a total of twenty-five tapes. The result was that repeated confirmations turned up
in the speech reversals of several persons that Srila Prabhupada was indeed poisoned. He
became convinced that the unthinkable crime was a fact, and proceeded to document his
studies carefully, compiling hundreds of pages of research on three hundred and fifty (350) speech reversals.
Dhaneshwar discovered a very high level of consistency in the indications of foul play and
malicious intent throughout the reversals. Dhaneshwar suffered from
conflicting emotions as a consequence of his discovery and the compilation of
"poison" reversals into a manuscript ready for press. How should he use it? What
would be the most effective use of his work in assisting the investigations? Should he
publish his work now or later? How should it be presented to have a constructive effect?
He sent his work to Balavanta and Naveen Krishna Prabhus, receiving polite but limited
feedback. He showed his work to several devotees for advice, and somehow copies of his
work began to circulate "underground" in certain circles of devotees. This
reporter has encouraged him to not wait further, but to go ahead and publish his work, and
that would be the best course to take in the furtherance of discovering the whole truth of
Srila Prabhupada's poisoning. This reporter has studied Dhaneshwar's work and become
convinced that the science is bonafide and that his reversals are accurate. The
consistency and inter-locking verifications of details were amazing and obviously
authentic. The reversals point to
certain individuals as being complicitly involved in the assassination of the pure devotee
of the Supreme Lord, Srila Prabhupada, namely Tamal Krishna Goswami, Bhakticharu Swami,
Bhavananda, Jayapataka, and the kaviraja
Sastriji. Others were unconsciously aware of the poisoning by dint of communicating with
those who were involved. The discussions therefore contain reversals acknowledging
poisoning in the speech of non-conspirators as well, such as Hansadutta and Lokanath
Swami. Other reversals showed Brahmananda and Swarup Damodar to be not involved. The self-talk,
confessions, guilt, conflicting emotions, motivations, and attitudes revealed by
Dhaneshwar's extensive study are extremely shocking and almost too much to absorb at once
by anyone who has any devotion to Srila Prabhupada. However, Dhaneshwar was never a critic
of ISKCON until he discovered these reversals, and his work's authenticity and veracity is
thoroughly convincing. Almost every voice on the poison tape contains reversals confirming
a poisoning of Srila Prabhupada, using the words muck, pa, arsh, and arsenic. According to the
reversals, the following individuals were studied: Kaviraja:
Fully complicit in the poisoning, but distressed and concerned for Srila Prabhupada. He
expressed fear as a motive for maintaining secrecy, and was apparently also bribed and
bullied. Reversals only:
The following are
forward speech and the reversals found therein. Bhakticharu
Swami: Received financial compensation for his involvement.
Lokanath
Swami: He subconsciously realized the crime at hand, became angry and protested in
his reversals. 1. "And
if we travel" = "you arshed with him"
Hansadutta
subconsciously protested the poisoning also, asking why had they poisoned Srila
Prabhupada. Tamal Krishna
Goswami: Revealed conflicting emotions, those of love and indebtedness to Srila
Prabhupada, but also of revenge and maliciousness.
Srila
Prabhupada: He acknowledges in reverse the poisoning, sees the celestial
"starship" waiting for His departure, and subconsciously communicates with Tamal
to stop the poisoning. 1. "But
he has not also come?" = "Muck my soul, how dare you do?" 2. "to move me from this..." =
"You want me money"
Unknown devotee:
(Reversals above are
copyrighted by Dhaneshwar/ Don Rousse; from his study, Are You
Mucking Pa?: A Reverse Speech Investigation of the Death of His Divine Grace A.C.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, 1998) The full impact of these
reversals in their complementations with other reversals, their exact contexts, their
links, and much more can only be appreciated in the study by Dhaneshwar as a whole. The
above is just a tiny sampling of his enormous research, and it is hoped that he will soon
publish his very well detailed work. Controversial it is, but
reverse speech analysis may provide or point to all the details of Srila Prabhupada's
poisoning, as it already has done with the research of one very concerned and disturbed
follower of Srila Prabhupada (Dhaneshwar Prabhu). Further validation of these findings are
looked forward to so that the truth may be established where otherwise the secrets of
darkness would remain hidden forever. May the truth set us free, and the poisoners in
prison!
CHAPTER
39: BALAVANTA'S
INVESTIGATION
Since December 1997 (up to April 1999) nothing has been heard publicly about the
supposedly ongoing investigation into the poison issue by Balavanta Prabhu in Alachua,
Florida. As far as is known, Balavanta is still conducting his investigation on behalf of
the GBC. His assistants include Rupanuga and Naveen Krishna Prabhus. Balavanta has not
made any formal disclosures as to the results he has accumulated, and no one knows if or
when his report will be presented to the GBC, and if or when it would then be made
available to the devotees in general.
Every indication is that Balavanta is dedicated to the discovery and establishment
of truth in his investigation. His program does not appear to be a whitewash or biased;
neither does he appear to be rushing to conclusions. Surely, Balavanta is trying to do a
good service to Srila Prabhupada by volunteering his time on this GBC investigation, but
his efforts appear to some as underfunded, unaggressive, perhaps unenthusiastic or
uncreative. Many devotees outside ISKCON
(there are more out than in) have little faith or hope in the GBC "independent"
investigation except for the fact of the specific persons involved. Balavanta also is in
possession, since December 1998, of the results of a neutron activation analysis of the
arsenic contents in a sample of Srila Prabhupada's hair which he received from Hari Sauri
Prabhu. The hair was from Srila Prabhupada's last hair cutting in November of 1977. The
arsenic content is 3.0 ppm of arsenic, at least 5 to 10 times above average and close to
the average amounts which have been analyzed in Napoleon's hair from trhe last months of
his life in 1821 on the island of St. Helena. Naveen Krishna,
assistant to Balavanta, would not discuss his findings or research with this reporter when
he was called for an interview. In early 1999 it was
learned from reliable sources that Balavanta had re-instructed Norman Perle as to exactly
which whispers needed analysis, and that he had obtained verification of the POISON IN THE
MILK and THE POISON'S GOING DOWN whispers. It was also
learned that he had received verification and confirmation of these whispers, and maybe
others, from at least two other "top-notch" audio forensic laboratories (not
sound studios), one being a world renowned outfit in London. The multiple verifications of
the poison whispers from many labs is conclusive proof of the whispers' actual content.
Exactly what Balavanta's strategy for further investigation is, is not known. It is
thought that he has not yet interviewed Tamal Krishna Goswami or other possible suspects.
Hopefully the results of his investigation will bear substantial fruit and bring full
illumination to the questions involved in this most disturbing issue. Hopefully those
results will be made available to those who care to know what happened to Srila
Prabhupada. Meanwhile, this publication attempts to begin serving that purpose. CHAPTER
40: POISONING
METHODOLOGY The nature and
progressive history of Srila Prabhupada's 1977 declining health, with its ups and downs,
level plateau periods, and sudden worsenings, reveals a scenario of mixed chronic and
sub-acute arsenic poisonings. With the confirmation in hand of the highly unusual amounts
of arsenic in Srila Prabhupada's last hair cutting, we now begin to examine exactly how
the poisoning could have taken place. From the constant anemia, lack of appetite, no taste
for food, and muscle weakness we see that a constant background of chronic poisoning was
ongoing. Just enough arsenic could have been given to Srila Prabhupada to produce a
"starvation program." Gradually
Srila Prabhupada lost weight and became progressively weaker, primarily from being unable
to eat or digest. As Forshufvud states in his Napoleon book, 1995, pg 505: "The dosages
(chronic arsenic intoxication) may be small enough that none will produce immediate
distress though a general sense of discomfort and sickness will be apparent and may baffle
diagnosis."
Then, every so often, every week or month, as the situation deemed
"best," the poisoners would administer a larger, sub-acute dose of poison to
generate increased illness and health decay. The dramatic downturns at Kumbha Mela in
January, Gaura Purnima in March, in Hrishikesh in May, in Vrindaban in July and August, in
London in September, and so on were probably times of increased poisoning. Travel was thus
prevented, avoiding awkward situations with possible new doctors or treatments which might
discover the true nature of Srila Prabhupada's ailment. Srila Prabhupada's return to India
from London conveniently avoided any chance that further Western medicine or doctors would
frustrate or uncover the plan of the poisoners.
Finally, after a program of chronic poisoning had reduced Srila Prabhupada's health
to the brink of extinction by November 1977, a final dose could have been administered in
keeping with the whisper by Jayapataka Maharaj, "Poisoning
for a long time... get ready to go... you're taking it now..." Perhaps this whisper is actually the last conversation with Srila Prabhupada late on
November 13, just before He went into coma or internal consciousness, and it ended up on
the third to last tape by mis-labeling or the "time-jumbling" that we have
already established happened to several other tapes in October and earlier. At least this
is what comes to mind as a possibility which further investigation may or may not confirm.
It is also very
interesting to note that the very next day
after Srila Prabhupada said He thought someone was poisoning Him, the disturbing poison
whispers are found in the background. It may have been that whoever was doing the
poisoning became alarmed that Srila Prabhupada would discover them and decided on
intensified or final poisoning. Srila Prabhupada entered a "coma" about 60 hours
later, and departed about twenty hours after that. The chronology of the tape's events is
in doubt, however, as described earlier.
Forshufvud states: "Napoleon was not
killed with arsenic, but instead he was poisoned to death in two phases, by a method used
by professional poisoners of the period. The "classical method" of killing
somebody without making it appear to be a criminal act consisted of a cosmetic phase
followed by a lethal phase... Napoleon was poisoned slowly and chronically with arsenic in
order to break down his health and make it appear that he was deteriorating in a normal
and natural way from disease... In their diaries and notes, (eight) eyewitnesses record
very carefully more than 30 symptoms (Comment: and we have 45!) that indicate chronic arsenical intoxication. When
you take these symptoms and compare them with the arsenical intoxication symptoms
described in any modern book on toxicology, you will find that they are identical... The
second phase, which I call the lethal phase, was done through toxic medications such as
tartar emetic, followed by orgeat and calomel (the combination of which, in the stomach,
produces highly lethal mercuric cyanide)."
Whoever master-minded the arsenic poisoning of Srila Prabhupada knew that the
resulting symptoms would closely resemble those of kidney disease, and that this was a
near-perfect cover. Srila Prabhupada was known to already have some sort of kidney
problems from past incidences of swelling in the bodily extremities. Knowledge of the
means and techniques of arsenic poisoning are readily available from the stock of modern
literatures and medical research. The discovery of Napoleon's murder by poisoning in the
1960's brought much attention to the subject of assassination by poison.
In India one can easily find tantric yogis and kavirajas who are expert in the arts of curses,
success-enhancement pujas and mantras, and sinister things like poisoning your enemies.
There is the history of the king in India who trained beautiful women with small doses of
poison from childhood, building their resistance to the point where their very kiss was
lethal. These "kiss of death" women were sent to seduce the king's enemies. More
recently, we have seen that some of the current ISKCON "gurus" have been
associated with these kinds of tantrics and yogis. (See Appendix 20
) Harikesh, Jayapataka, Bhavananda, and Tamal Krishna Maharajs have been reported in
these associations. Therefore, the "Chandra Swami Connection" presented earlier
in this publication becomes very interesting and perhaps all too relevant. The history of Europe
and India is filled with the intrigue of poisonings for thousands of years. In the case of
Napoleon, for example, historians now know that he was killed by arsenic and cyanide, and
that Empress Josephine, Napoleon's son (the Duke of Reichstadt), and Napoleon's aide
Cipriani were probably also poisoned to death by arsenic. Tests on samples of Napoleon's
hair from his earlier years show high levels of arsenic at the times of the Battles for
Moscow and Waterloo, times when he fell too ill to effectively command his troops, and was
thus defeated at these critical junctures of history. (See Appendix 14:
Poisoning Throughout History.) The poisoners of Srila
Prabhupada would have had to have been very close to Srila Prabhupada to administer the
periodic sub-acute doses of arsenic. Using the proper timing and circumstances for
"cover," the poisoners would terminate the brief moments when Srila Prabhupada
began to feel better with the onset of yet another attack of the mysterious and persistent
"ailment." Thus another worsening of health occurred. A sub-acute dose of
arsenic would bring on an increase of pain and illness that appeared to be nothing more
than "Srila Prabhupada's body being old and
worn-out from constant travelling and preaching." The effects of a sub-acute
poisoning of arsenic would bring days and weeks of intensified degeneration of health. A consistent and gradual
deterioration of health would have been achieved by regular small administrations of
arsenic, perhaps through the contamination of some personal ingredient used daily by Srila
Prabhupada. Such as tooth powder. Or Srila Prabhupada's special vegetable salt. Or Srila
Prabhupada's personal supply of rosewater eye wash, cooking spices, compress ingredients,
or medicines. No one else would use these items which were specifically reserved only for
His Divine Grace. In this way, someone could have come to visit Srila Prabhupada, secretly
poison some of these aforementioned items, and then gone away on other activities while
innocent caretakers of Srila Prabhupada unknowingly (or knowingly) became assistants in
serving poison to Srila Prabhupada. A tiny sprinkle of colorless, tasteless, and
odorless arsenic powder, such as what might fit on the very end of a small key's tip,
could produce another serious downturn in health with subacute symptoms, such as the
February or May incidents of 1977. Even smaller sprinkles in milk, fruit juice, medicine
or food would be unnoticed but would easily produce the slow debilitation and starvation
program we find in Srila Prabhupada's health history. Such a
"cosmetic" poisoning of small doses which would result in a feeling of malaise,
increased weakness, and a reduction in the body's general strength, could have begun well
before Srila Prabhupada's serious illness of February 1977. Therefore the health history
in Chapter
20 begins with late 1975 and mid 1976 to show that gradual poisoning could have
begun as early as May 1976. The illness in New York and London in July and August 1976 is
fully compatible with arsenic poisoning. If Srila Prabhupada's hair in October 1977
contains highly elevated levels of arsenic, as it does in fact, then we begin to look
backwards in the health history to the earliest signs of arsenic poisoning. It might have
begun soon after the Mayapur 1976 festival when Srila Prabhupada became weak and ill with
arsenic poisoning type symptoms in Hawaii and New Vrindaban in May and June of 1976. It is
quite possible, but not established. The
poisoners knew that arsenic was the best choice of poisons for Srila Prabhupada because it
would be confused with His already existing kidney problems. Clever planning and
execution, indeed. Now that we know Srila
Prabhupada was poisoned, we should immediately understand that the method of poisoning was
carefully planned and executed in a most secret, clever, and sinister manner. The
poisoners would want to carry out their nefarious plan without arousing any suspicion on
the part of other devotees or physicians. Arsenical poisoning, especially in a chronic and
gradual application, becomes extremely difficult to recognize. Who would suspect that
Srila Prabhupada was poisoned? Devotees, hearing of poisoning rumors, find it almost
impossible to even entertain. Only now, 22 years later, are we able to assemble bits and
pieces of evidence together to demonstrate that this was a certainty. It must be Lord
Krishna's arrangement that the truth can be revealed even after so long. We cannot
remember what happened yesterday, what to speak of in 1977, and yet there has been an
almost miraculous assemblage of pieces of evidence
which cannot be denied or swept under the rug except by those dishonest persons whose
interests may be threatened by emergence of the truth of this tragedy. Also, some will be reluctant, maybe vehemently so,
to accept that Srila Prabhupada was poisoned because the concept disrupts their personal
attachments, conceptions of ISKCON, psyche, and life's major paradigms. It is also very
suspicious that almost every time a doctor was conscientiously treating Srila Prabhupada
with medicines and careful attention, inevitably there appeared some serious or
distressing side effects that caused Srila Prabhupada to abandon and reject that doctor
and treatment. This recurring coincidence was probably sabotage perpetrated by the
poisoners by their giving to Srila Prabhupada more arsenic, diuretic, laxative, etc to
cause an adverse reaction which was then attributed to the treatment and medicines.
"Oh, just see! This doctor doesn't know what he's doing either! They are all idiots,
cheaters, and just want to kill you, Srila Prabhupada! Reject them, and just depend on
Krishna and the chanting!" Of course no medicine or
treatment could be anything but ever so slightly effective in improving Srila Prabhupada's
condition as long as arsenic was continuously being administered in small doses. The best
doctor in the Mathura District, Dr. Gopal, became perplexed that his medicines and
treatment were showing no signs of improvement after a week of administration in October
1977. Dr. Gopal began to re-think his diagnosis and he wanted further testing to discover
the cause of ill health. Immediately Dr. Gopal was criticized severely by Tamal, and his
treatment and future presence was rejected. Dr.
Gopal did not get to bring the X-ray machine for examination of the internal organs, nor
did he get a blood sample for analysis. Either
of these two things could have easily discovered the arsenic poisoning which is now
established by the October growth of Srila Prabhupada's hair recently tested as containing
highly abnormal amounts of arsenic. It would serve the
interests of the poisoner or poisoners well if an atmosphere of intense distrust and
suspicion of doctors and medicines, especially allopathic, were to prevail with Srila
Prabhupada and His caretakers. When Satsvarupa Maharaj came to visit in October 1977, he
was indoctrinated by Tamal with the understanding that all possible attempts had already
been made with doctors and medicines, leaving no choice except to chant and pray to
Krishna for a miracle. Without questions, Satsvarupa passively accepted Tamal's opinions
and began to chant and pray while Srila Prabhupada lay bedridden, His body filled with
highly toxic levels of arsenic. It was necessary that
the poisoners prolong the "assassination" of Srila Prabhupada over an extended
time period, lest suspicions be aroused due to the sudden death of a healthy person. The
cause of death would need to look natural, entailing a gradual and frustrating decline of
health. In spite of "so many doctors and
medicines, nothing worked." If any reason for suspicion arose, an autopsy and
investigation might reveal the poisoning and poisoners. Deaths in India do not require
autopsies by law as is often the case in the West. If Srila Prabhupada had expired in the
USA under the suspicion of foul play, certainly tests would have been done by the local
coroner and an official autopsy report prepared. Conveniently, Srila Prabhupada wanted to
die in Vrindaban where autopsies and coroners are not part of the process of dying. It was
also necessary to maintain a state of chronic
invalidism in Srila Prabhupada until He made His will and turned bank accounts and
management over legally to His disciples. After
all, it was the assets of ISKCON that the poisoners were undoubtedly interested in
controlling and inheriting from their "father." Who could the assassins
be? They must have been very close to Srila Prabhupada, and well trusted. As history commonly shows, it is likely to have
been a trusted confidant or close associate with direct access who engaged in the
poisoning of Srila Prabhupada. The poisoners would need to be very clever, good actors,
intelligent and manipulative, patient, and with full knowledge of the inner workings of
Srila Prabhupada's life, habits and health philosophy. And, most importantly, the
assassins would need a motive to eliminate Srila Prabhupada, a chance to gain things that
were to them surely worth the risk, trouble and karma of committing such an abominable
deed. So who had that motive, and what was it?
CHAPTER
41: POSSIBLE
MOTIVES OF THE ASSASSINS It does not take a
rocket scientist to guess as to what motive someone may have had in poisoning Srila
Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada stood between
them and something they very much wanted, namely the absolute position, absolute power,
tremendous assets, and prestige of taking Srila Prabhupada's place as leader and virtual
owner of ISKCON. Also there is the
possibility of a secondary motive of revenge or anger, wanting to repay Srila Prabhupada
for perceived injustices or mistreatment. Suffice
it to say at this juncture that there was certainly ample motive for a number of persons
to try to eliminate Srila Prabhupada from the scene of ISKCON in 1977. Further, we must
note that some of those who actually did gain position, power, money, prestige and so on
are still in those positions today. It only makes sense that they be taken as primary
suspects in an investigation as to who poisoned Srila Prabhupada. See also Appendix 15: Colorful
History of Tamal Krishna Goswami. Questions to ask
regarding possible motives in any plan to eliminate Srila Prabhupada through poisoning
are: 1. Who made constant
criticism of doctors and medicines, discouraging Srila Prabhupada from obtaining qualified
medical attention even on Srila Prabhupada's terms of no injections, no operations, etc.? 2. Who had cause for
revenge against Srila Prabhupada? Who did Srila Prabhupada disgrace in front of the entire
ISKCON society? Who did Srila Prabhupada shame, dishonor, embarrass, and chastise
severely? 3. Who displayed serious
and strong ambitions for power and prestige in the years leading up to Srila Prabhupada's
departure? Who among the ISKCON senior leaders is known for his relentless and personally
motivated ambition? 4. Who stood to gain from
Srila Prabhupada's departure? Who became absolute acharyas, worshipped as good as God by
hundreds and thousands of disciples who became like personal servants to the emperor? Who
would be provided for in royal style for the rest of their life? 5. After Srila Prabhupada's
disappearance and the immediate emergence of eleven absolute zonal acharyas, who among
them claimed to be the sole inheritor of Srila Prabhupada's position? Who claimed that
they had become the via medium to approach the disciplic succession, even for the rest of
Srila Prabhupada's disciples? 6. Who became the kingpins
of the new guru system which gave so much money and power to so few? Rochan Prabhu wrote in a
letter to IVC members in March 1998: "When we logically consider the zonal acharya
system, which quickly manifested after Srila Prabhupada's departure, we can conclude that
those inhabiting the topmost rungs on the institutional ladder had grandiose
expectations..." With Srila
Prabhupada gone, the eleven chosen rtviks quickly pounced on the authority "to approve and appoint diksha gurus, assign
them(selves) exclusive geographical areas, change Srila Prabhupada's books, make decisions
on siddhanta, i.e., spiritual qualifications for diksha gurus that empower instant uttama
adhikary or kripa siddha status, etc." If Srila Prabhupada was
poisoned by one or more of his disciples, we can easily understand their motive. To inherit Srila Prabhupada's movement as one of
His few "intimate" disciples, becoming the new gurus in His Divine Grace's
place, would be the envy of anyone desiring great wealth, many devoted followers, prestige
or power. It is now obvious to most devotees
how most of the original eleven new gurus in 1978 were overwhelmingly tainted by these
material desires. Some of them remain in
power as GBC, zonal acharyas and supposed spiritual leaders of ISKCON, several of which
are now implicated in the poison whispers. Our Divine Guide and
Master was poisoned in front of our eyes, and He decided to leave our association. The
pure devotee of the Supreme Lord, the ambassador from the spiritual world, was cruelly and
horribly tormented with arsenic, a most painful and despicable poison. Srila Prabhupada
was frustrated in His mission and we were frustrated in His consequent departure. Is there any greater
crime?
CHAPTER
42: PARADE
OF DOCTORS, TREATMENTS, AND MIS-DIAGNOSES As soon as Srila
Prabhupada began having serious health problems in early 1977, there followed a parade of
doctors, kavirajas and treatments over the next
ten months. This parade is documented in the 1977 biographical section of this
publication. One is easily confused by reading of the repeated start, stop, start again
series of medical programs and medicines. It is only natural to wonder about the unusual
nature of Srila Prabhupada's medical care in that year. There is no clear conclusion as to
what Srila Prabhupada's illness was. There is even less logic or sense as to why
treatments were abandoned one after another, as well as doctors switched one after
another. To better analyze the history, let us make an abbreviated list of the doctors,
treatments, and medicines and see what can thus be ascertained or deduced. The list below
is only partial; many other doctors and
medicines are omitted.
CHAPTER
43: WHO
ARE THE SUSPECTS?
This publication makes no accusations as to who poisoned Srila Prabhupada. Until we have solid proof, we risk committing
serious Vaishnava aparadha (offense) in such accusations.
Therefore we must proceed cautiously on this front. We know Srila Prabhupada was
poisoned, but we do not know exactly by whom. Any
suspicion that has been cast upon any individual in this book is due to the evidence. This author has tried hard
not to cast any undue aspersions upon any
individual, including Tamal Krishna Goswami. As
in any murder investigation, sometimes innocent parties are suspected, at least until the
guilty are identified and convicted by the evidence in a court of law. It is a big jump from establishing the crime,
which this book does, to a legal conviction. Let's not forget this as we proceed with
further investigation. Let us not jump to conclusions or accusations.
Nevertheless, there are primary suspects as a result of the evidence accumulated to
date.. Further evidence may exonerate or further implicate these suspects, or bring new
suspects into the investigation. Those presently under suspicion as possibly involved in
poisoning Srila Prabhupada are: Tamal Krishna Goswami,
Jayapataka Swami, Bhakticharu Swami, and to a lesser degree others who were present in
Srila Prabhupada's room during those last months, such as Bhavananda, Hansadutta,
Satadhanya, etc. This author is not accusing any of these individuals
of any crime. The evidence in this book, however, casts substantial suspicion on them.
The whispers indicate at least 3 poisoners; Tamal and Jayapataka are quite clearly heard
in some of the whispers. Jayapataka uses the poison word in "Poisoning for a long
time," to which Srila Prabhupada answers, "To me?" Tamal and Bhakticharu
were in charge of food and medicines. A review of all evidence relating to suspects is not
given here, but is throughout this book.
It is hoped that the suspects in the poisoning of Srila Prabhupada will cooperate
with further investigation as proposed by this author. Specifically: 1. Agree to take lie
detector and sodium pentathol tests. 2. Agree to be deposed for
questioning as required. 3. Agree to provide
documents and diaries as requested. 4. Agree to reverse speech
analyses, tests on hair and teeth relics (Tamal) 5. Fully cooperate with the
investigation. This affair is not a
pleasant one, but it cannot be avoided. With
cool heads, let us proceed towards resolution of this matter as soon and as fairly as
possible. Not to do so, in the opinion of
some, would make us complicit in the crime by tacit
approval. Knowledge of a crime, which
this book and its evidence has established, requires appropriate action and not a turning
away out of apathy, fear of intimidation, or due to vested interests. Let us pray that the
poisoners will be found out, indicted and tried in courts of law. If the suspects are neither cleared or convicted
by the evidence, they should "honorably" resign their posts for the sake of the
Mission.
CHAPTER
44: DATELINE
OF POISONING HIGHLIGHTS 1976 5.4: SP in Hawaii, TKG
visits, illness; weakness, heart palpitations 6.23: SP in New Vrindaban; weakness,
heart palpitations, indigestion, cold 7.9: SP arrives New York
as TKG's guest for Rathayatra 7.20: SP very ill; edema, weak,
pain.Becomes very ill on plane to London 8.2: By now, SP recovered
enough to eat and walk a little at France farm 8.27 SP back in Bombay, still
weak with poor digestion 1977 1.13
SP
becomes very ill at Kumbha Mela; weak, edema, cold, mucus 1.19: SP arrives Bhubaneshwar; weak,
indigestion 1.26: SP collapses in Puri due to
sudden leg weakness 2.10: SP collapses in Navadwip due to
sudden leg weakness 2.14: SP in Mayapur; TKG arrives with
other GBC's 2.26: SP becomes extremely ill; fever,
pain, vomiting, weakness 3.10: SP in Mayapur, worsening of
illness, very sick, not eating 3.13: Hari Sauri leaves SP's service;
Bhavananda, Upendra replace him 3.22: SP arrives in Bombay for pandal
program; cannot walk without help 3.31: SP moves into His new rooms at
Juhu temple 5.8: SP goes to Hrishikesh
for health recovery 5.16: SP becomes so ill that He wants
to return to Vrindaban to die 5.17: SP arrives in Vrindaban, prepares
His will, arranges to depart 5.28: SP instructs GBC about rtvik
acharyas to initiate on His behalf 6.5: After GBC's leave,
another downturn in SP's condition 7.8-9: SP chooses 11 rtvik acharyas, signs
& sends "Final Order" letter 7.12: SP calls for Bonamali kaviraja to tend to His health treatment 7.25: Abhiram arrives as SP's nurse and
assistant (until 10.16) 7.27: SP's health takes another turn
for the worse 8.25: SP becomes very ill with another
downturn, just before travelling 8.27: SP departs for London and the
West, bedridden, very weak 9.8: SP has health crisis;
goes to hospital for one day; minor operation 9.13: SP's health declines so He
decides to return to Bombay 10.2: SP returns to Vrindaban thinking
His end is near 10.16: Dr. Ghosh and Dr. Gopal treat SP for kidney
infection, etc 10.22: Dr. Gopal rejected; SP has dream of
Ramanuja's makharadhvaja 10.26: SP takes Chandra Swami's friend's makharadhvaja twice, quits 10.28: D.P.Sastri arrives and begins SP's final
treatment program 11.9: SP says He heard someone saying
someone has poisoned Him 11.10: SP says again that someone has poisoned Him,
nothing is done 11.11: The whispers: "Is poison in the
milk?" and "Poison's going down" 11.13: SP enters internal consciousness (coma)
around midnight 11.14: SP departs from this mortal realm at 7:25 PM;
chaos ensues
CHAPTER
45: CONCLUSIONS
& SUMMARY WHY EXPOSE THE
CONSPIRACY? This reporter is beset
by heavy anxiety and is troubled over the responsibility undertaken for the collection of
the evidence in the poisoning of Srila Prabhupada. Should it be openly distributed and
what effects will this information will have on the ISKCON body that was so dear to Srila
Prabhupada? Why expose the poison conspiracy? After all, some say, so much time has passed
and what is done cannot be undone. Perhaps, as some have suggested, this matter is best
forgotten. In answer, we need only
look to what happened to the teachings of Jesus Christ, a sad phenomenon being pieced
together only recently by modern historians. In essence, the teachings of Christ have been
lost, changed, perverted, and adapted for use by those with less than pure motives. It is
now even doubtful whether Christ died on the cross or that he said or did many of the
things attributed to him. One shocking book on the subject is Bloodline of the Holy Grail.
There is still faith in Christ and some potency in Christianity, but the full spiritual
power of his teachings have been corrupted and is missing. But without digressing
to a discussion on modern Christianity compared with Christ's original teachings, suffice
it to say that we stand at a critical crossroads in the history of the world in regards to
the future of Lord Chaitanya's movement. We do not want what happened to Christ's
teachings to happen to Srila Prabhupada's mission. The number and magnitude of setbacks to
Srila Prabhupada's mission and His ISKCON in the last 22 years have been such that if the
present course is continued, there will be little left in another 10 years. It behooves those
dedicated to the Mission to come forward at this time and strive earnestly for the
restoration of purity and potency to Srila Prabhupada's Mission. At the risk of some
unavoidable and initially acrimonious debate over the poison issue, we must strive to
establish the truth of how Srila Prabhupada was poisoned and seek full accountabilities thereof. Only then can
we hope to restore His Mission when those who usurped it by such a horrible crime are removed from the Mission. Their continued
presence as supposed leaders of the Mission, and the effects of their "spells"
of philosophical twists and deviations on Srila Prabhupada's teachings must be cleansed.
In short, the poisoners of Srila Prabhupada have also poisoned ISKCON and the Mission. All
the problems in ISKCON will be solved by removing the poisoners and their poisonous
effects, and then centering the Mission on Srila Prabhupada. ISKCON can be thus restored. Srila Prabhupada was
poisoned because those who wanted His assets thought they needed Him out of their way. The
assassins of the pure devotee must be apprehended, removed, and chastised according to the
laws of God and the state. Assuming that some of the "original eleven" and their
allies are responsible for the poisoning, which is definitely indicated by the evidence,
then it follows that ISKCON has been seriously adulterated by their takeover of Srila
Prabhupada's assets. The systems and policies instituted since 1977 need to be reviewed in
light of the poisoning of the acharya. The misguided course that the assassins have set
His Mission on must be corrected and secured by those who have proven themselves dedicated
to Srila Prabhupada and above self-aggrandizement. How long will it take us to finally
realize that those who want to be gurus have
corrupted this movement with their less than spiritual ambitions? As long as those who had
anything to do with the poisoning, and perhaps those who cooperated with the poisoners
afterwards, remain as leaders of and "gurus" in Srila Prabhupada's Mission,
there will persist a loss of faith by the common members in the leadership. and a lack of
purity in the leadership as well. It is time to clean house and do repairs ! SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE
To begin, let us review a quote from a Mr. Schippers during some of President
Clinton's legal and moral difficulties: "Please do not be
cajoled into considering each event in isolation and then treating it separately. That is
a tactic employed by defense lawyers in every conspiracy trial...(in history) Events and words that may seem innocent or even
expulpatory in a vacuum may well take on a sinister or even criminal connotation when
observed in the context of the whole plot." We can expect the
entrenched ISKCON leadership to try and dissect the case for poisoning Srila Prabhupada
into little bits and pieces, and then discredit each one individually. They will say the
whispers can't really be heard, the symptoms are of kidney disease and colds, Srila
Prabhupada did not mean such and such when He said this and that, the hair analysis is
misleading or faulty, reverse speech is voodoo hocus-pocus, this is just the work of those
"rtviks," etc, etc, etc. But we need to look at the whole picture. When we add
all the evidence together, things begin to confirm each other and it becomes obvious as a
conspiracy. Srila Prabhupada used to say,
"Where there is smoke, there is fire," and there is both here. Nevertheless,
the further facts and evidence that are required to completely
resolve the issue will be found out, rest assured. The
investigation has reached a point of no return. Poisoners beware: we will find you! Let us review the
evidence presented in this report. MOTIVE: Before Srila Prabhupada's departure, the
eagerness of some to become initiating spiritual masters was so great that Hansadutta and
Kirtanananda did not even wait until Srila Prabhupada's departure. They began long
beforehand, but were curtailed by Srila Prabhupada. That the motive for becoming absolute
initiating gurus existed in many of the senior disciples of Srila Prabhupada cannot be
contested. It was a fact. For Srila Prabhupada to have remained with us another five, ten,
or more years, would have severely tested the patience of these guru-aspirants, evidenced
by how quickly they began to initiate their own disciples after Srila Prabhupada's
departure. Furthermore, the assets
of Srila Prabhupada's movement were up for grabs: private deluxe quarters, money,
followers, power, worship. In other words, profit, distinction, adoration. There most
certainly WAS great motive for removing Srila Prabhupada from the scene so that His
position and assets could be assumed. Fathers, brothers, children, and spouses have often
been killed throughout history for the position of king or even just a little money, what
to speak of attaining the most absolutely glorious seat of God's representative, replete
with all the accompanying amenities. WITNESSES: There is serious and substantial evidence
that at least one witness may be available to confirm the poisoning. A renewed search for
that witness may be fruitful. There are rumors of other witnesses as well. The best witness would be for one of those involved in
the poisoning to confess and implicate the others. As the pressure mounts and the
investigation pushes forward, someone will crack and spill the beans. WHISPERS: The opinions produced in the amateur sound
studios of Harikesh, Bir Krishna, and Rabindra Swarup pale in comparison to the
professional analyses done in top-notch audio forensic laboratories around the world.
There is no doubt that the poison word is repeatedly whispered in the background on the
third to last tape. Given the context of conversations on the tape, the poison whispers
become especially more suspicious. Further, the exact wording of the whispers, such as, "poisoning for a long time," leaves
little doubt in the unbiased mind as to what was happening. Nevertheless, whispers are
whispers, and a case cannot be built around them alone. But alone they are not, as there is plenty of other
supporting evidence. Does it not seem
coincidental that the day after Srila
Prabhupada states that He has been poisoned, is the day we find the poison whispers in the
background? The day after! November 9 and 10: Srila Prabhupada says, "Someone has
poisoned me." November 11: "The poison's going down!" and "The
poison's in the milk," etc. Coincidence? The chances in a year are microscopic that
the two incidents would follow each other as they have. MEDICAL
SYMPTOMS: The challenge is put forward to all toxicologists and pathologists:
study the health biography in this publication and tell us that the physical symptoms
exhibited by Srila Prabhupada are anything other than those of chronic arsenic poisoning !
Thank you to Tamal for providing so much of the information necessary for this
reconstruction of Srila Prabhupada's health history. However, most information came from
careful review of the taped recordings that survived and are found in the Conversations
Books. SRILA
PRABHUPADA SAID: For a good perspective on the value of Srila Prabhupada's
statements that He was being poisoned, refer to Appendix 18. Even the GBC apologists admit
confusion and perplexity at how to explain away Srila Prabhupada's words, "Someone
has poisoned me." But they will not take the words of the pure devotee seriously. REVERSE
SPEECH: This is a controversial area
of evidence, but the case of Srila
Prabhupada's poisoning is not made or broken by
speech reversals. However, they are shocking in their consistency and revelations, they
are further confirmation of the fact, and the method deserves further research. Many law
enforcement agencies are also using reverse speech analysis; why shouldn't we? HAIR ANALYSES: Further neutron activation analyses of
Srila Prabhupada's 1976-77 hair samples would provide the confirmations we need to
reconstruct the precise history of Srila Prabhupada's poisoning. The more evidence the
better. However, even with only ONE test, that done on Hari Sauri's October 1977 hair, we
find that by conservative estimation, Srila Prabhupada had 10 times the average level of
arsenic. This alone constitutes definite confirmation of His being poisoned. Further, this
author's hair sample was analyzed to have 4 times the average amounts of arsenic. SUM TOTAL OF
EVIDENCE: We have sufficient evidence to assuredly and unequivocally state: Srila Prabhupada was poisoned. The mass of
corroborating evidence herein establishes this fact as a certainty. The mass of evidence
at this point is too compelling to ignore or dismiss. Now we must move to conclude the
investigation, remove the poisoners, and rebuild our beloved Spiritual Master's Mission. CONCLUSIONS Was Srila Prabhupada
killed? Definitely not. The pure devotee is fully under the protection of the Supreme Lord
and whatever takes place in the lives of such fully surrendered souls is a divine
arrangement, not the result of material factors or conditions. As Srila Prabhupada said on
April 16, 1977, to Tamal: "It is not possible
to kill him (Christ). Such a great personality, representative of God, he is not killed.
That is not possible." Was Srila Prabhupada
poisoned? Definitely, yes. He knew He was being poisoned, maybe long before He finally
said so on November 9-10, 1977. Srila Prabhupada's references to Ravana and Rama (November
11, 1977), and the statement, "Better kill me
here," (October 22, 1977) also indicate He knew He was being poisoned. Yet, Srila
Prabhupada seemed to accept it in the mood of complete dependence on Lord Krishna. He
incredibly made hardly any complaint about His physical condition and ill health, what to
speak of any protest of being poisoned. Srila Prabhupada was fully empowered with all the
mystic yoga perfections; He was capable of physically defeating any opposition, by the
grace of the Lord. Srila Prabhupada departed because it was a private decision between
Himself and His worshippable Lord. When Srila Prabhupada
was no longer wanted, being poisoned by those He gave His mercy to, He decided to depart,
a decision confirmed in a September 25, 1976 letter to Bhaktijan Prabhu in New York, who
was concerned about Srila Prabhupada's health: "I'll not leave the planet until you order."
Being poisoned could
easily be taken as an order to leave or not being wanted. Srila Prabhupada several times
expressed in His final months that His staying depended on His disciples desire and love.
We failed to demonstrate it; we failed in convincing His Divine Grace to stay with us. Or
rather, the poisoners decided that for the rest of us. Nevertheless, we failed to protect
our Spiritual Master. Now knowing what happened, can we still remain silent, passively
accepting this greatest of injustices? Who poisoned Srila
Prabhupada? To uncover the reality of this
issue is a daunting task, as twenty-two years already has passed to hide the evidence. It constitutes a challenge of tremendous
proportions, and whatever the outcome, the issue is one of great importance to the
spiritual health and future of Srila Prabhupada's divine Mission and the upliftment of
humanity. Our greatest obstacle to achieving justice and a restoring of the Mission is not
the poisoners' cleverness or determination to remain anonymous- it would be the apathy and
inaction of Srila Prabhupada's followers. WHAT TO DO NOW? There is the very small
chance that Srila Prabhupada was poisoned from outside ISKCON, although, given the
evidence on hand already, that just doesn't make sense. The assassins are almost certainly
still inside ISKCON in positions of power and leadership. The consequences of the discovery of Srila
Prabhupada's poisoning must now be dealt with. The example may be given of Kirtanananda
Swami and New Vrindaban. It was not until Kirtanananda's final departure to jail that the
once-largest devotee community in ISKCON was able to rectify itself and move forward with
renewed purity (relatively speaking). Similarly,
we must of necessity completely purge the saboteurs from ISKCON before the Mission can be
properly restored to purity and reset on the proper course that Srila Prabhupada charted
out. Since 1977 there has
been a disease in Srila Prabhupada's body, namely ISKCON, evidenced by the pain,
confusion, turmoil, cheating, and deviations experienced in the past 22 years. The cure for the disease in the Mission is offered
with the following steps: 1. Completion of the poison
investigation, leading to a full resolution including legal proof of the crime,
apprehension of the murderers and their accomplices, their removal and legal convictions. 2. Select a new GBC body
from scratch, elected by the devotees, who would then have renewed faith in ISKCON
leadership. 3. Select a group of
qualified brahmanas, elected by the devotees, to oversee an open, ongoing philosophical
convention to sort out the current divisive issues at hand, such as the guru issue, etc.
Until the next empowered representative of the Lord comes who can unite the various
factions with singular leadership, let us try to cooperatively and democratically
establish an ISKCON Constitution based on the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. We have
already seen that tyranny and the heavy-handed rule of the GBC-guru elite will not work.
Now let us try another path, one of open discussion leading to consensus and cooperation.
Let us assume the grass roots members of this movement are basically sincere and will
accept philosophical siddhanta when it is openly and honestly discussed and ascertained
rather than forced down their throats. After all, everything is in Srila Prabhupada's
books. If we avail ourselves of His books, all issues can be settled by the above
mentioned method. 4. Move forward again with
cooperation, honesty, and openness in following Srila Prabhupada's teachings, without any
more tyranny, and push on the Mission of delivering the fallen souls of this planet. This can be accomplished
if enough of the followers of Srila Prabhupada are sufficiently interested to become
involved in a final and full reform effort. The partial so-called reforms of 1982, 1986,
1992, 1996, etc have not addressed the real problem: the poisoners and their poisoning of
the Mission. Let us not forsake Srila Prabhupada and His desire that Lord Chaitanya's
Mission be realized. We may be battered, bruised, disgusted, alienated, confused, and
disheartened by the cloud of darkness over Srila Prabhupada's Mission. But at least let us
not end our lives without having tried to restore Srila Prabhupada to ISKCON. We can try, and Krishna will decide the results. CONTINUATION OF POISON
INVESTIGATION The investigation into
the poisoning of Srila Prabhupada has just only begun; it must be continued until the
whole truth has been uncovered. The present situation is that there are two underfunded,
oppressed, and under-manned investigations working separately, but both facing an ISKCON
leadership entrenched in denial. Probably the only way this situation can be altered is by
a massive groundswell of protest and demand for action from the worldwide Vaishnava
community. Pressure on the present leaders
and "gurus" may precipitate some progress. Typically, a leader is able to remain
in his position only so long as he inspires faith and confidence in his constituents. Thus
leaders will respond to the devotees who, if in sufficient numbers, demand action. Obviously, a very
serious expansion of the investigation is required. Pressure on the ISKCON leadership can
bring about the formation and funding of an expanded and empowered investigative team
(EXIT) chosen from the existing investigations with additional, neutral parties inside and
outside of the official ISKCON structure. If the GBC will not do so, then the followers of
Srila Prabhupada must organize such an effort themselves. It is understood that
Balavanta Prabhu's team is working under the extreme hardship of no funding and the subtle
intimidation of finding results in keeping with ISKCON's official policy of absolute
denial that poisoning took place. Balavanta seems to have his hands tied by de facto
non-cooperation from the GBC, while the GBC simultaneously wants him to provide
confirmation of their denials. Again, only grass roots pressure can change that. The GBC
and all ISKCON members and supporters must require that any member, guru, or GBC consents
to being interviewed and questioned, Tamal, Jayapataka and Bhakticharu Swamis especially.
Actually, those three should be placed under "house arrest" at once by the GBC
until their full and separate depositions are taken.
The non-cooperation of these individuals should meet the full power of the GBC's
disciplinary measures. Once an expanded and
empowered investigative team (EXIT) is formed, the following are some of the things to do: 1. Interview Tamal Krishna
Goswami, Bhavananda, Satadhanya, Bhakticharu Swami, Hansadutta, Jayapataka Swami and many
others, including lie detector tests, sodium pentathol interviews, and reverse speech
analysis. 2. Obtain and test further
samples of Srila Prabhupada's hair and teeth, such as those in Tamal's possession. 3. Procure complete
translations of Hindi and Bengali portions on the 1977 tape recordings. 4. Contact the government
authorities in India, where the crime was committed, for assistance and participation in
the investigation. The Indian law enforcement agencies may take up the case as well. 5. Conduct further audio
forensic analysis as may be necessary to confirm known and presently unknown whispers, and
to test for tape editing. 6. Conduct reverse speech
analysis to provide leads. 7. Maintain an internet
website for the discussion of the issues, the evidence, the consequences, the healing. 8. Mount a renewed effort
to locate rumored witnesses. 9. Establish a public
relations office to deal with the publicity, and an 800 number hotline for leads and
general participation. 10. Requisition of vital
documents and evidence, such as Tamal's original diary and the original 1977 tape
recorders. 11. If a legal resolution
cannot be achieved due to lack of sufficient evidence for obtaining murder convictions,
the GBC must decide whether those suspected should be allowed to remain in their
positions, considering the unity and health of Srila Prabhupada's mission. It may come to
the point where some suspects, perhaps, will need to be sent off to remote parts of the
world to preach alone, as their continued presence would be too controversial and
disturbing. There's the Amazon, the Congo, Greenland, China etc. That would be the
"honorable" thing for them to do voluntarily. SUMMARY We want the truth! We
want the directors of ISKCON to be responsible to the many thousands of devotees whose
spiritual lives hang in the balance over this issue. Will ISKCON be the institution which
Srila Prabhupada created and put into motion, or will it become a Kaliyuga production, a
impotent pseudo-spiritual sideshow? This question must be answered, for can an institution
which gives safe harbor to those who have killed the Founder-Acharya have any effective
future? It must be noted that
not one GBC member or ISKCON "guru" has contacted the IVC, any of its members,
or this author to offer help, sympathy or even to ask questions. Even the noted liberal
and free thinking Bhaktitirtha Swami declined any involvement in this issue, begging a
busy schedule as an excuse. To be optimistic,
though, let us assume that when this compilation is put in their hands, they will awaken
to the gravity and substance of the poisoning evidence, and meet up to their
responsibility as ISKCON leaders. Hopefully
there will be at least a few devotees who hold positions in ISKCON who will demand a full
scale and truly impartial investigation. If our ISKCON leaders,
even after this compilation is made available to them, do not aggressively act to set up
an impartial and full-fledged investigation, we will conclude that their sincerity and
honesty has been compromised by political or personal considerations. Then we must demand their resignation and find out
new and honest leadership to steer Srila Prabhupada's movement to success through the
choppy waters of Kaliyuga. The evidence
contained herewith should be more than sufficient to cause each and every sincere follower
of Srila Prabhupada to rise up and act for the welfare of ISKCON. We must now bring an atmosphere of honest review
and investigation into the poison issue and other significant and related topics, one of
which is the initiation and guru question. No
longer can we afford to allow the Mission of Srila Prabhupada to be run by those who would
reject and expel any who do not conform to their self-interested policies. Surely, Lord Krishna
will make arrangements for the preservation and rectification of Srila Prabhupada's
Mission, and it is just a matter of time before this situation is set right. The poison issue, the initiation/guru issue, the
changing the books issue, the guru's money issue and much more of the causes for
disturbance in ISKCON will be resolved soon. We must not become
depressed and cynical or resort to the same
inappropriate behavior we have abhorred in others. We must have faith that Lord
Chaitanya's predictions will come to pass and that Srila Prabhupada's incarnation was
divinely arranged and that His hard work and austerity will not be futile. Meanwhile, we all must
become prepared to participate meaningfully in a new and cleansed ISKCON of the near
future. We have learned so much since Srila
Prabhupada's departure about the what-not-to-do's and the pitfalls to avoid in preserving
and perpetuating His spiritual movement. Exactly
how we can contribute to the preservation and rectification of ISKCON will be revealed by
the prayer and sincere soul-searching of each individual.
Let us prepare ourselves by becoming fixed in Krishna consciousness and soundly
situated in simple living with sufficient arrangement for basic economics. Our extra time in life can then be used to
cooperatively push on Srila Prabhupada's mission to save this planet and its six billion
human inhabitants from the progressive hellish degradations of the Age of Kali. ENDNOTE The investigation into
the poison issue began as a team effort of IVC members and supporters ever since its
inception in late 1997. Rochan Prabhu
maintained much relevant information on a web site (although it has become somewhat
outdated) and acted as a clearinghouse and coordinator.
Mahabuddhi and Isha Prabhus organized the first audio forensic analyses on the
whispers. Dhaneshwar Prabhu worked on the
aborted CD project and reverse speech research, the work for which was invaluable to this
publication. Mrigendra and Gupta Prabhus gave
practical and legal advice, both being long-practicing attorneys. Many were interviewed or
consulted by Dhaneshwar Prabhu or this reporter, such as Pradyumna, Arundhati, Bhagwat,
Udayananda, Hansadutta, Niscinta, Rupanuga, Yasodanandana, Garuda, Badarayan, Paramrupa,
Ekanath, Ranjit, Isha, Bir Krishna Maharaj, Adi Keshava, Pusta Krishna, the editor of
Hinduism Today, various forensic experts and many, many more. A few others also gave support and assistance in
various ways. The IVC has become functionally inoperative, and since early 1998 this
reporter has worked quietly and basically alone on research and compilation of this book. Since November, 1997,
this reporter's conscience has pushed relentlessly for the completion of this publication.
It is with singular and great determination that this author will continue this
investigation in league with those sincere and concerned devotees that require the truth
rather than standard political maneuverings and predictable denials, obscurements, and
obfuscations. In the attempt to obtain balanced information, an interview was sought with
Tamal Krishna Goswami, but it was declined by deferring to Balavanta's investigation. Unfortunately, there has
been no financial support to date, and any contributions received would be much
appreciated and are tax deductible. The only
reason we ask for a donation for this publication is to fund future investigative costs.
We do not intend to profit from this book, and, any funds received will be used for
continued investigative efforts. This reporter hereby
makes an official appeal for assistance on this poison investigation. Any donations, big or small, to our tax exempt
corporation will be most appreciated and wisely spent on forensics, publications and the
many other expenses of the investigation. Also,
any leads or information regarding witnesses, Srila Prabhupada's health, or possible
poisoning suspects, as well as anything one may think useful, would be much appreciated. Please send contributions (tax deductible receipts
provided on request) or information to: Restore the Mission, PO
Box 208, Mayodan, NC 27027 (rivervillage@mindspring.com.) Toll Free 1.800.252.0115
(phone use limited to
substantial purposes only, please) You may also find
information on the poison issue at harekrishna.com. You may also contact
Balavanta Prabhu at: William Ogle, PO Box
4118, Ormond Beach, Fl 32175 (whogle@worldnet.att.net) To order a copy of
Balavanta's Independent GBC Investigation report, which is expected to be completed by
mid-1999, please inquire from your nearest GBC, ISKCON center, or Balavanta directly. It
is assumed that the report will be available upon request. But do not be surprised if it
is not. We encourage you to
share this documentary publication with others who are concerned for the future of Srila
Prabhupada's mission, and we especially encourage you to make your opinions known to the
GBC members; ISKCON sannyasis, life members, and supporters; Vaishnava news websites VNN
and CHAKRA; government officials as may be
appropriate; and your friends. PRAYER AND LAMENTATION Why was I not there to
protect Srila Prabhupada? What can I do now, 22 years later, learning of the most horrible
manner in which my beloved father and spiritual teacher was slowly, tortuously murdered by
an excruciatingly painful poison? If only I
had known then! But knowing it now, will I become passive and weak in my protest and in
taking action for justice and truth? Srila Prabhupada! Please guide me in how to deal with
this terrible revelation! Please enable me to maintain my sanity and proper Vaishnava
behavior in spite of the anger that arises from discovery of this most vile crime! Please
forgive me for waiting so long before standing up in protest to defend my savior and
eternal benefactor! Could I have taken Your place, or maybe prevented Your departure, had
I only known? Forgive me, Srila Prabhupada, for not being there to protect you. But I
promise, I will not be silent any longer. APOLOGY TO THE
DEVOTEES Forgive me if I have
done any wrong or made any unfair offense. I
apologize if this information or my proposals have offended or upset anyone. My true
purpose is to stand up for what I believe to be right, and I am open to being corrected
and chastised by anyone. I have tried not to be prejudicial in this presentation of
evidence, and I ask for pardon if that has not been accomplished. It is a difficult and
emotional issue. My hope is found in the common sayings: Nothing ventured, nothing gained; and failure is the
pillar of success. We must all continue trying to set right what has happened to Lord
Chaitanya's and Srila Prabhupada's Mission, and that can best be done by taking shelter of
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Srila Prabhupada. Your servant, and
praying to be in Srila Prabhupada's service,
APPENDIX
1: PERLE
APPOINTMENT TAPE ANALYSIS National Audio Video
Forensic Laboratory Norman
I. Perle, B.C.F.E., F.A.C.F.E. 8357 Shirley Avenue -
Northridge, Ca., 91324-4146 Voice - 818/989-0990 -
Fax - 818-993-8550 E-mail:
perle@ix.netcom.com or 71601.771@compuserve.com Homepage:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/perle Board Certified Forensic
Examiner: American Board Of Recorded Evidence, - Fellow, American College Of Forensic
Examiners. ***Computerized Noise
Removal/ Sound Enhancement: Video/Audio Authentication: Video
Enhancements; Voice ID and Comparison. State Of The Art, Full Service Recorded Evidence
Forensic Laboratory. September 22, 1997:
Attention Harvey Mechanic Esq. TAPE ANALYSIS REPORT On August 26, 1977 I
received a standard analog tape recording from your office for examination. On the label
of the cassette I affixed a tamperproof Security Seal Number 16959 for identification. My assignment was to
review and analyze the recording in order to determine if the content appears to be
authentic, in that the words spoken are in context and appear to be all the words spoken
at the moment of time the recorded event occurred. Additionally, there should be no signs
of inappropriate stopping and re-starting of the recorder as well as the other
classifications of signs suggestive of falsification. The analysis procedure
included computer waveform analysis, spectrographic chart analysis, FFT spectrum frequency
analysis and a critical aural review of the audio. EXPLANATION OF ATTACHED
SUPPORTIVE EXHIBITS: The attached exhibits
are the results of Waveform and Spectrogram Analysis. The upper window is a Waveform of
the acquired audio. This pattern represents audio relative to time and amplitude (volume).
The large lower window is a Spectrogram. The Spectrogram
represents audio relative to: 1) Time--as shown on the bottom scale, horizontal axis. 2)
Amplitude--as shown as the varying shades of pattern, vertical axis. 3) Frequency-as shown
in the horizontal axis. Each exhibit is
annotated with an explanation as to the area of audio acquisition, and that is located in
the "Title Bar" on top of the Waveform. A more detailed explanation of the
spectrogram patterns is located in the "Title Bar" above each window. EXPLANATION OF EXHIBITS
AND CONCLUSIONS: EXHIBIT no.1
It is a display of how the sound starts on this recording. Absent is the Recorder
Start Signature. Examples of what a Start Signature looks like can be seen on EXHIBIT no.
3, no. 4, and no. 5. This is consistent with a recording made from an EDITED master
recording. EXHIBIT no. 2
Is a display of the audio located approximately 10 seconds into the recording. The
deficiencies revealed are audible, and are consistent with EDITING procedures wherein
WORDS are ELIMINATED or REARRANGED to CHANGE the context of what is said. EXHIBIT no. 3
is a display of the audio located approximately eleven minutes, thirty four seconds into
the recording. The deficiencies are audible and are significantly similar to what one
would expect to hear and see should the Master recording be an edited version. EXHIBIT no. 4
is a display of the audio located approximately eleven minutes thirty seven seconds into
the recording. This segment is located just after the area shown in exhibit number three.
This deficiency is audible and is significantly similar to what one would expect to hear
and see should the Master recording be an EDITED version. EXHIBIT no. 5
is a display of the audio located approximately twenty two minutes, thirty three seconds
into the recording. This is the end of the segment(s). One can hear, as well as see on the
chart, representation strikingly similar to STOP/RE-STARTS(s) signatures. There is a
remnant of audio after these patterns. EXHIBIT no. 6 is
a display of the audio located at the end of sound on this recording. Similar to the
beginning (Exhibit #1) there is an absence of the anticipated stop signature. SUMMARY In conclusion, this
recording exhibits strong signs suggestive of FALSIFICATION. I do not believe that these
deficiencies might possibly the product of some mechanical process or problem within the
recording or duplication process, and I believe that they exist at what is considered to
be a higher degree than that of a coincidence. I strongly recommend
that an independent Forensic Analysis be conducted on the Master recording in order to
determine the authenticity and originality of the evidence. This analysis requires what is
represented as the original recording and the original tape recorder upon which this
recording was represented to be made. The forensic instrumental tests include computer
analysis, FFT spectral analysis, spectrogram chart analysis, and microscopic photography
of the magnetic field on the original recording. Additionally, the recordings will be
compared for dissimilarities as a critical listening procedure is performed. These tests are directed
to discover (1) if the recording has been edited in any manner so as to effect the context
of the words, (i.e. erasures, inappropriate starting and re-stating of the recorder), (2)
If in fact the audio material is an original source recording and not a re-recorded
version. The testing would determine the cause of any deficiency within the audio track
and is focused on establishing an opinion as to the integrity and authenticity of the
evidence. If you have any
questions, please call me. Norman I.
Perle
APPENDIX
2: AUDIO
FORENSIC ANALYSIS: THE WHISPERS
AUTHOR'S
NOTE: The full color spectrogram of the whispered phrase "PUSH
REAL HARD, IT'S GOING DOWN (HIM)" is found in color on the rear outside cover
on this book. It is titled for identification, Segment 1, Phrase 1. The full color spectrogram of Segment 1, phrase 2,
namely, the whisper "THE POISON'S GOING DOWN," is found
in color on the front outside cover of this book.
AUTHOR'S
NOTE: The
full color spectrogram for the whispered phrase by Jayapataka Swami "POISONING
FOR A LONG TIME" is included as the second page of the color inserts in this
book, titled Segment 4, Part 1a. Srila Prabhupada's response "TO ME?" is represented by a color
spectrogram on the third page of the color inserts, marked Segment 4, Part 1b. The subsequent words by an unknown speaker and
Jayapataka Swami, "(THAT'S REALLY) ORIGINAL. GET READY TO GO,"
is represented as the fourth page of color inserts in a spectrogram marked Segment 4, Part
1c.
APPENDIX
3: AUDIO
FORENSIC ANALYSIS: NO EDITING
APPENDIX
4: STATEMENT BY ABHIRAM November 5, 1997: I have
recently become aware of incredible theories of the poisoning of Srila Prabhupada,
circulated by some poorly informed devotees. As you may know I acted
as Srila Prabhupada's nurse and assistant secretary from 25th July through 16th October of
1977, and was therefore in the best position to evaluate the factors influencing his
health during this time. I kept a diary which often documented his physical condition,
food intakes, and discomforts. I also was the primary player when he was taken to hospital
in Watford England during his last stay at the Manor. I convinced his divine grace to go
to a hospital, accompanied him there, negotiated with the surgeon not to give general
anesthetics and intravenous feeding (as was the policy), provided most of the post
operative care to Srila Prabhupada etc. I give this background to emphasize not only my
intimate role in his care, but also to let you know that this same surgeon, Dr. McIrving,
made a very clear and definitive diagnosis of Srila Prabhupada's condition, namely that
he, 1) had, due to diabetes
(and dropsy) suffered swelling which affected the flow in his urinary tract over many
years 2) That he had since
birth a slightly constricted urethra which further reduced the urinary flow. (This was the
reason for surgery and gave a great deal of relief to Srila Prabhupada) 3) The combination of
these two major factors had put a constant and harmful back pressure on his kidneys, which
along with a general deterioration due to age had inflicted serious renal damage.
Prabhupada complained that he had difficulty urinating and finally was blocked completely
leading to this surgery 4) The kidney failure
would naturally cause an increase in uric acid in his system, which would probably affect
digestion and appetite. Both being prominent symptoms in Srila Prabhupada's condition. 5) The loss of digestion
and appetite led to malnutrition which caused an already aged and intensely taxed system
to go into a total collapse. ***This is an accurate
account of the diagnosis of the doctors who examined Prabhupada at Peace Memorial Hospital
on 9.8.77, and all of my/our observations prior and subsequent to this generally confirmed
this diagnosis. When Srila Prabhupada
first arrived at the hospital, they had refused to treat his urethra constriction unless
he was totally hooked up to intravenous feeding and any other life support systems they
may need to employ. Srila Prabhupada had warned me many times that he did not want to die
in a hospital and I had convinced him to visit on a promise that he would receive only
minor surgery to open the urethra ("some minor plumbing work" as I described it
to him). I had to use considerably persuasive arguments to convince the surgeon to risk an
operation on someone he said was nearly dead, without all the support systems required by
hospital policy. In making my (magnum
opus) arguments to the doctor, I pleaded that Srila Prabhupada wanted only enough relief
to be able to travel back to his home (Vrindavan) to die as he wished. I challenged the
doctors that "if he submits to all of your treatments, how much time can you extend
his life?" They answered that he was so far deteriorated at that point they could
hardly understand how he was living at all; and they could not even propose adding three
more months to his life with all of their medical interventions employed. From this point forward
I/we knew that the exoteric indications were completely negative. Of course we never
stopped hoping against hope that the esoteric reality would alter the future that we all
so greatly dreaded. In time we brought him
to Bombay and back to Vrindavan, for what had to become the greatest tragedy of our life
and simultaneously another glorious event in his illustrious life; namely his departure.
As his nurse I had been instructed by him to "never leave my side day or night"
and had spent most days in 24 hour contact with him. I slept holding his hand, I bathed,
dressed, fed and carried him. In short, I am a credible witness. I left his direct
physical service under circumstances which may shed additional light on the issue. I have
always been very goal driven and able to focus intently on the desired objective, often to
an extreme. As his nurse I saw only one acceptable result, and that was improvement of his
health and continuation of his life. No other possibility was tenable in my mind. One day
in mid October, I noticed some coolies delivering salt bags and a stretcher, to the back
porch of Srila Prabhupada's house. As preparations for a funeral at this stage would have
been an unthinkably offensive act, I guessed that only Srila Prabhupada himself could have
dared to request it. My inquiries confirmed my suspicions, and it was then that I finally
came to terms with the fact the he (Srila Prabhupada) had made an irrevocable decision to
leave this world soon. Again, as I had become a near fanatic to maintain his physical
condition, I felt an overwhelming sense of defeat, hopelessness and could not adjust to
this new paradigm (due to spiritual immaturity). I therefore asked Prabhupada to transfer
my duties to Bhavananda and Satadhanya who were by now fully attending to him with equal
or greater skill. *My assessment of the
accusations of Srila Prabhupada being poisoned are: 1) Srila Prabhupada's
exoteric conditions were carefully observed by a variety of care givers and medical
professionals. 2) All diagnoses
generally confirmed that his body was in an overall crisis, precipitated by his diabetes,
dropsy, kidney damage, and overstressed due to age, travel, etc. 3) Prognosis was not
optimistic; death seemed imminent, at least from Sep '77. 4) There was no
indications of any other cause of his ill health (i.e. poisoning) noticed by me or any
medical professional up to 16 October 1977 and Srila Prabhupada did not say anything to
indicate that he suspected such a thing during my time with him. 5) His eventual physical
departure within one month of my departure as his nurse, was a logical and expected
conclusion to the above mentioned indications. I was not at all surprised, although I will
remain broken hearted over his departure throughout my life. I have written these
details for the first time to benefit those who wish to know them. I have no ulterior
motive and pray that my effort will be pleasing to the Vaisnavas and help to maintain a
truthful historical perspective on Srila Prabhupada's departure.
APPENDIX
5: APPOINTMENT
TAPE MISQUOTED Below is a comparison of
the actual tape recording (CON) with Satsvarupa's (BIO) and Tamal's accounts. Note the
underlined portions. CON: Satsvarupa:
…Then our next question concerns initiations in the future, particularly at that
time when you're no longer with us. We want to know how first and second initiation would
be conducted. Prabhupada: Yes. I shall recommend some of you.
After this is settled up, I shall recommend some of you to act as officiating acharyas. Tamal: Is that called rtvik-acharya? Prabhupada: Rtvik, yes. BIO: "Our
next question," Satsvarupa proceeded, "concerns initiation in the future,
particularly at that time when you are no longer with us.
We want to know how a first and second initiation would be conducted."
"Yes," said Prabhupada, "I shall recommend some of you. After this
is settled up, I shall recommend some of you to act as officiating acharya."
Tamal Krishna interjected, "Is that called rtvik acharya?"
"Yes," Prabhupada said, "rtvik." CON:
Satsvarupa: Then what is the relationship of that person who gives the initiation and
the… Prabhupada: He's guru. He's guru. Satsvarupa: But he does it on your behalf. Prabhupada: Yes. That is formality. Because in my
presence one should not become guru, so on my behalf, on my order… Amara ajnaya guru
hana. Be actually guru, but by my order. BIO: "Then what is the relationship of that
person who gives the initiation?" asked Satsvarupa. "He is guru," said
Prabhupada. "But he does it on your behalf," said Satsvarupa. "Yes, that is
the formality. Because in my presence one should not become guru. So on my behalf, on my
order - amara ajnaya guru. He is actually guru, but on my order." CON: Satsv:
So they may also be considered your disciples. Prabhupada: Yes, they are disciples. Why
consider? Who? BIO: "So
they may be considered your disciples," said Satsvarupa, referring to those persons
initiated on Prabhupada's behalf by the rtvik acharyas.
"They are their
disciples," said Srila Prabhupada. Now he was speaking of initiations after his
passing away.(Comment: Says who?) CON: Tamal:
No, he's asking that these rtvik acharyas, they're officiating, giving diksha. Their…
the people who they give diksha to, whose disciple are they? Prabhupada: They're his disciple. Tamal: They're his disciple. Prabhupada: Who is initiating. BIO: (Prabhupada): "They are the disciples of the one who is
initiating.. " CON: Prabhupada
(continues): He is granddisciple. Satsvarupa: Yes. Tamal: That's clear. Satsvarupa: Then we have a question concer… BIO: (Prabhupada):And
they are my granddisciples. CON: Prabhupada:
When I order, "You become guru," he becomes regular guru. That's all. He becomes
disciple of my disciple. That's it. BIO: (Prabhupada):When
I order you to become guru, you become regular guru, that's all. And they become the
disciples of my disciple." The GBC members present
were satisfied that Srila Prabhupada's reply to the intricate inquiry was clear and
conclusive. Later, he would select "some of you," and whoever he selected could
become an initiating guru. What he had already described many times throughout his
Bhaktivedanta purports was now being implemented: his disciples would become gurus and
accept disciples of their own.
In TKG's
Diary, for May 28, Tamal very simply says (with not even the mention of the word
rtvik!): "I shall appoint
some of you to give initiation. Those who they initiate will be their disciples and my
grand-disciples. They will be guru by my order." To be noted here is how,
on May 28, before Srila Prabhupada used the word "rtvik",
and Tamal asks, "Is that called rtvik
acharya?", meaning, quite clearly, that he had previously discussed these same
matters with Srila Prabhupada. What those
previous conversations about rtviks and Srila Prabhupada's desire for future initiations
may have been, or what additional information Srila Prabhupada had given in this regard is
not known because Tamal has never disclosed such, not even in TKG's Diary, his
detailed account of his time as Srila Prabhupada's secretary. Also, there are many days prior to May 28 for
which there are no available tape recordings. In December, 1980, at
the Pyramid House center, Topanga, California, however, Tamal's tape recorded statement, "We GBC have done the greatest disservice to
Srila Prabhupada's movement these last three years by interpreting the appointment of
rtviks as the appointment of gurus in their own right." It is an aggravation to
devotees everywhere that they cannot avail themselves of the private information Tamal
holds about Srila Prabhupada's instructions regarding rtviks and other controversial
subjects currently under discussion in the worldwide Vaishnava community.
The whole point of this exercise here is to illustrate that we cannot blindly trust
Satsvarupa and Tamal Krishna Goswamis' accounts of events and conversations in their
biography and diary. Satsvarupa Maharaj has subtly reinforced his own self-serving
interpretation of Srila Prabhupada's instructions by slightly changing them, which Tamal
has done even more so.
APPENDIX
6: BOOK
REVIEW: TKG'S DIARY In mid 1998, just six
months after the "poison issue" became a serious news item on the Hare Krishna
Internet websites, Tamal Krishna Goswami suddenly published his twenty one year old diary
of the time he was with Srila Prabhupada from February through November 1977. It would seem safe to assume that one of the main
motivations for Tamal to suddenly come out with his diary was that he is now in the
limelight, suspected by some in the poisoning of Srila Prabhupada. As a matter of fact,
the book's foreword acknowledges just that. It is natural to wonder if any parts of his
diary were enhanced or "doctored" to deflect or reduce suspicions about a
malicious poisoning of Srila Prabhupada. In the foreword to TKG's Diary, Rabindra Swarup Prabhu, ISKCON guru
and foremost apologist, writes: "...to a rather dispiriting and unedifying
controversy. The diary has now been published "as is" because of a claim
recently urged that Srila Prabhupada's terminal decline was brought about by intentional
poisoning. It is duly recorded in the diary (entry of November 9) that Prabhupada himself
raised the issue. Now, twenty years later, on this single basis, investigations have been
launched and speculative theories expounded, sometimes issuing in highly imaginative
historical reconstructions. This diary is now offered for the immense evidentiary value it
offers in this matter. Not only does the work painstakingly chronicle Prabhupada's medical
condition and treatment... The diary is published in the conviction that a large and
purgative dose of sheer facts is the best antidote to the "poisoned theory." "This point
naturally leads to the question: How accurate is TKG's account?... Up until October 9, TKG
constructed his chronicle of the day's events entirely from memory and notes. He made no
use of the daily audio recordings of the conversations in Prabhupada's rooms. Therefore we
are able to test TKG's recollections by comparing... He comes off remarkably well... "Indeed, the diary provides much that is
unavailable from the tape transcripts... The diary often makes what was happening much
clearer. Moreover, many tapes have been lost altogether..." Of interest is the
statement, "TKG constructed his chronicle of
the day's events entirely from memory and notes." We are told Tamal did not refer
to the taped versions of those day's events in the Conversations Books. However, as we
read TKG's
Diary, this posture becomes increasingly incredible. Repeatedly Tamal records
Srila Prabhupada's words in quotation marks that read IDENTICAL to those sections in the
Conversations Books, and, in addition, many times they are just slightly different in a
word or two. The similarities are far too great to leave any possibility that Tamal was
able to remember those detailed conversations involving two or more speakers, without referring to the Conversations Books. One
gets the distinct impression that Tamal has borrowed heavily from the Conversations Books,
modifying it a little here and there, and then claiming it is in his diary. Sorry, TKG's Diary
appears to be a recently manufactured product based on his diary, his memory, and most
certainly the tape recording transcripts. Therefore it can be
understood that TKG's book is not a totally honest attempt to recount history. It is
practically obvious that his claim of not using the Conversations Books is untrue. So now,
how can we trust anything in his book? And in consideration of the colorful history of
Tamal, it becomes all too easy to take his book as something he "doctored" to
serve his own purposes, namely the attempt to discredit the "poisoning theory." A detailed comparison
between TKG's
Diary, the Conversations Books, and other accounts of the period reveal that
Tamal's book contains: 1. numerous omissions of
relevant health data found in the Conversations Books that one would expect Tamal to have
made note of in his diary 2. repeated softening of
Tamal's hardline opposition to doctors and medicines (many such incidents are totally
missing in his diary) 3. surprises like his June
27 entry; Srila Prabhupada supposedly asks him, "Amongst
the GBC, have you selected one after me who will succeed? ...Yes, each of you can be
acharya of your zone." Who
will believe this? 4. a very unusual account
of the May 28 rtvik appointment conversation. Tamal does not even once use the word
"rtvik." His account is provided in Appendix 5 to see how he and Satsvarupa have
altered Srila Prabhupada's words and their meaning. 5. the clear and distinct
impression that Tamal's diary is not "as is" or "in the rough" as he
has claimed, that he did not compose the book "entirely from memory and notes"
(but did
use the tape transcripts), and that he has composed many of his entries only recently to
address current controversial issues and perhaps obscure evidence of the poisoning itself. For one who has changed
his position on the guru issue many times, who has revised his own book Servant of the
Servant to serve his own changing philosophical positions, and who has never made
himself available to the devotees for a "general reckoning" of his past
activities, Tamal is perceived as perhaps the least
credible and honest of all GBC's and gurus in ISKCON. If Tamal were truly interested
in addressing the "poisoning theory," he might note the following suggestions
that are made here: 1. Donate his original
diary or at least photocopies thereof to the Bhaktivedanta Archives so that it can be
studied and scrutinized for its contents and for verification of the authenticity of
details in TKG's Diary 2. Agree to be deposed,
interviewed and questioned by the two primary poison investigation teams and possibly law
enforcement agencies as well 3. Reply to the questions
and grievances of devotees in general through the internet websites VNN or Chakra. Tamal's lengthy
quotations of conversations between Srila Prabhupada and others are sometimes word for
word the same as the actual tape recordings found in the Conversations Books, sometimes
quite different, and sometimes not found at all in the Conversations Books, almost as
though Tamal had his own tape recordings. Many conversations are longer than one would
think anyone capable of remembering and writing down later, even if one ran to write
everything down just after it had been spoken. Tamal makes no
explanation as to the nature and character of his diary and the method of recording his
entries. TKG's
Diary may be the product of memory and brief notes, fortified and enhanced with
borrowings from the Conversations Books, or it may be a meticulously documented and
detailed account. Or it may have been "doctored" and spiced with things Tamal
wants us to believe happened. The original diary could probably clarify many of these
things. If Tamal Krishna Goswami
wrote TKG's
Diary in an attempt to clarify events of 1977 and to answer suspicions regarding
Srila Prabhupada's apparent poisoning, then he should make his original diary available
for inspection. To authenticate TKG's Diary as historically accurate and an
honest account, at least one or two respectable Vaishnava authors or brahmanas should have
been asked to review and compare it to the original diary. Rabindra Swarup's foreword
conspicuously does not make mention of having done this comparison. Otherwise, how can we
trust what Tamal says? Tamal may claim this or
that happened, but unless verified by tape recordings, other persons' memories, or a close
physical examination of the original diary, great caution would be in order before
accepting Tamal's accounts as gospel. Feeling himself to be suspected in poisoning Srila
Prabhupada, Tamal could have reason to alter details of critical events to hide the truths
of history. Tamal must observe certain standard scholarly procedures to authenticate his
diary, otherwise its credibility will be shaky at best. One cannot produce biographical
claims of the greatest person of the modern era without verifiable documentation. Hari
Sauri, another biographer of Srila Prabhupada, has made his original diary available to
others. Would Tamal be so kind as to do the same? Has anyone ever seen it? If Tamal does not
"open up" and take to heart these recommendations or some similar course of
relating to his godbrothers and godsisters, then he and his books, such as TKG's Diary,
will remain to be regarded as contrived with ulterior motivations, unpalatable due to
suspicion of dishonesty and cheating. Nevertheless, TKG's Diary
IS about Srila Prabhupada, and taking Tamal's accounts with a grain (or more) of salt, one
does distinctly feel Srila Prabhupada's presence in the book. It is very unfortunate that
justifiable doubts plague the reader on every page: Is
this all completely accurate?
APPENDIX
7: DIABETES
SYMPTOMS Satsvarupa Maharaj
described Srila Prabhupada as having "mild
diabetes" and Srila Prabhupada Himself admitted to Gargamuni in Bhubaneshwar that
"I have diabetes." In the last few months of Srila Prabhupada's life
He would often ask for and take "misri-jala" or sugar water, indicating that
sugar was not restricted due to any serious diabetes that Srila Prabhupada thus apparently
did not have. Satsvarupa states in Prabhupada Nectar, Vol.4, pg.170: "Later (after
1967) Srila Prabhupada was diagnosed as a diabetic, yet he never took regular
treatment..." Srila Prabhupada's following a regular and generally restricted diet
was good sense for good health, although perhaps it was required to some degree to
accommodate the mild diabetes He is supposed to have had. Diabetes symptoms do not
match Srila Prabhupada's symptoms and there are several diabetes symptoms which Srila
Prabhupada positively did not display, such as obesity and excessive hunger. There is
definitely another cause besides diabetes which is producing the kind of symptoms that
Srila Prabhupada had. There are few if any signs by symptom analysis of any significant development of diabetes in His medical
history. Hari Sauri states that he had no indication whatsoever during his 18
months as personal servant that Srila Prabhupada had diabetes. (Appendix 21)
Some of the symptoms of diabetes are found in Srila Prabhupada during His 1977
illness, but many of the critical and conclusive signs of diabetes were definitely not found in Srila Prabhupada at all. Srila Prabhupada did not
have diabetes serious enough to display the symptoms of diabetes. For example, loss of
vision or blindness is sometimes seen in diabetes. Srila Prabhupada, however, did not
exhibit the signs of an advanced case of diabetes which would produce loss of vision.
Further, not one doctor or kaviraja even
mentioned diabetes as a factor in His Divine Grace's health, nor did He require insulin.
Diabetes is thus ruled. There are two categories
of diabetes, namely insipidus and mellitus. Insipidus diabetes is rare and results in
excessive thirst and urination, day and night, with 4 to 40 quarts drunk a day. This was NOT Srila Prabhupada's condition. Mellitus
diabetes is a disorder in which blood levels of glucose, a simple sugar, are abnormally
high because the body does not release (Type I) or use (Type II) insulin adequately. The
causes of diabetes are not fully understood. (Poisons can cause diabetes, however) Symptoms of Type II
mellitus diabetes (non-insulin dependent) do NOT
match Srila Prabhupada's condition, because there was no obesity, no excessive urination
and no dehydration. The symptoms are: 1. Increased
urination and thirst 2. Dehydration
leading to mental confusion, drowsiness, seizures 3. 80 to 90% of victims are
obese
(overweight) 4. Progression of disease
may be very gradual over decades Symptoms of Type I
mellitus diabetes (insulin dependent) also do NOT
match Srila Prabhupada's condition, as there was no excessive urination, no excessive
hunger, no deep and rapid breathing, no dependence on insulin, and no sudden onset of
symptoms. The symptoms are: 1. Excessive
urination (polyuria) 2. Excessive thirst
(polydipsia) 3. Excessive hunger 4. Weight loss, bouts with
diarrhea 5. Blurred vision, loss of
eyesight leading to blindness 6. Drowsiness, fatigue,
decreased endurance in exercise 7. Nausea, vomiting 8. High susceptibility to
infection 9. Symptoms begin abruptly,
may progress rapidly to coma if untreated 10. Deep, rapid breathing 11. Breath smells like nail
polish remover 12. Kidney malfunction or
failure 13. Reduced sensation,
tingling, pain in the hands and feet The conclusion is that
Srila Prabhupada did NOT have much of a case
of diabetes of any kind, if we are to judge from the symptoms. But even if He were to have diabetes, the 44 symptoms chronicled
in the above health history that are signs of chronic arsenic poisoning still remain
intact. Diabetes
or not, it doesn't change the clear diagnosis of chronic arsenic poisoning. Srila Prabhupada has some symptoms of diabetes
which are also symptoms of kidney disease and arsenic poisoning. But Srila Prabhupada had
many symptoms of arsenic poisoning which are NOT found in either diabetes or kidney
disease. So even if Srila
Prabhupada were diabetic, this would not at all change the conclusion by symptom analysis
that Srila Prabhupada's illness in 1977 was caused by chronic arsenic poisoning.
APPENDIX
8: ASUTOSH
OJA ASTROLOGICAL REPORTS From
Conversations Book 35, pgs. 50-52, August 11, 1977 Abhiram:
I just now returned from Delhi, Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada:
Yes. Abhiram:
So I went to see the astrologer with Yasodanandana Swami, and he did more calculations on
your chart. Prabhupada:
You can get on light. Abhiram:
So basically he explained when the difficult times will come, according to the planets.
Then he made it very clear that beyond the planetary influence, it would be very difficult
for calculations for a person in your position. For an ordinary man he can say very
clearly. And he can say for you which planets will disturb, but he cannot say for sure how
much they will affect, because being a saintly person, there is naturally some resistance
to these influences. So he made that very clear, that you should not think that these are
final. So he said, according to your birth, the longevity shows very clearly. And then he
gave a date. The longevity is eighty-one years, five months and twenty-nine days, which
means February 28, 1978, six months from now. This is according to birth and stars
arrangement. But on this point he made it very clear that this was from your birth, this
was set, but it can change. Due to pious activities, due to the hand of Krishna, this can
change. So... And then he described that during the next six months, the first week of
September, Saturn will pass over Ketu, and it will agitate the influence of Ketu even
more. So the first week of September the resistance will go down, will become weaker. Then he
mentioned that there may be some trouble from, maybe financial or maybe from juniors, from
subordinates. Then this period, if you can pass, through 1978, then there is four
or five more years clear ahead, if you can pass through '78. This was what he said, that
after '78 there would be four or five years which would be more or less clear of
difficulties. He said that if you can pass through 1978, there after that there would be
four or five years clear, without much difficulty. And he said according to birth
arrangement, the fatal date is February 28, 1978, in six months. At that time there's
what's called the completion of a Ketu maha-dasa, which began at your birth. But he
stressed several times that we should not take these calculations to be final on account
of your position. He said these are for ordinary men. He said it is always the case that a
man of spiritual advancement will have the ability to overcome his fate. He quoted the
case of his father, who was in the Sri Sampradaya, and he was apparently very pious and he
lived so many years beyond his fatal date. And even so many astrologers had given the
calculation, but still, he went on because of... He said he would fast on ekadasi and so
many days and so much japa, like that. So he said for a man of your position he could not
even say for sure. He said that definitely the hand of Krishna would be involved. So like
this, he seemed to have a very sober idea. And he was hopeful that the blue sapphire would
have some beneficial effect, at least to relieve you to some degree. He thought that by
now you should have noticed a little bit at least. ...So these were the major points,
Srila Prabhupada. For six months there's trouble, especially in first week of September.
And if you can pass through '78, then he sees four or five years ahead clear. Tamala
Krishna: That means divine intervention, Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada:
The chart is given. The calculation there is finished. That doesn't matter. Rather, if I
am finished now, it will be glorious. From
Conversation Book 35, pgs. 129-130, October 8, 1977 Tamala
Krishna: ...reading of your chart for free, Srila Prabhupada. The man is a devotee. I
thought it would be good to read to you. His name is Gopesh Kumar Ojah, and his son's name
is Asutosh Ojah. Brahmananda:
He asked for Prabhupada's blessings. Tamala
Krishna: Yes. He wanted your blessings. He says... This is a very detailed chart he
did. All the calculations are given. He said Sukra as Muntesa,(?) Varsa-lagnesa,(?) has no
directional strength. Therefore the solar return is not good. The lord of the sixth house
is conjunct, mangala, not good. The following days are not auspicious: the 27th to the
28th of September, the 24th to the 25th of October, the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of November,
and 3rd and 4th of December. He says, "Srila Prabhupadaji is at present undergoing
the fag end of Ketu Mahadasa, and it will last until the 13th of January, 1978. Ketu is in
the eight house." Brahmananda:
Means death. Tamala
Krishna: The eight house is called the house of death. He says, "Ketu is in the
eight house with the sun, which is the lord of the eighth house, and Krusu, the lord of
the twelfth and third houses. They are all in the eighth house. Mercury in Ketu started
from 16th January." He says, "Budha is the satesa also, disease. Sani has gone
to the eighth house, which is the house of death, from the 7th September." That's the
day you had your operation. "Sani as lagnesa in the eighth house and the transit over
Jupiter and Ketu. The negative effect continues throughout October 1977, November 1977,
and from the first of December, 1977, Saturn becomes almost stationary and becomes more
malefic." Saturn becomes even worse. "In January 1978 until April 1978 it again
traverses the same degrees and becomes stagnant on Jupiter and Ketu in the last week of
February. The native has..." Prabhupada:
January '77 we have passed. Tamala
Krishna: January '78, Srila Prabhupada. It says that you're supposed to have lived for
seventy-five years, but everything beyond that was an extension by Krishna. Prabhupada: Where is... Tamala
Krishna: Juice? They're just making it, Srila Prabhupada. It says here that "The
moon is in the eighth house, which is very bad. The patient may not recover." Then he
gives various planets which are also not well aligned. He says the conjunction of another
two planets is very bad. "Hospitalization and ill health are intensified in the
present year. The days which are not good is when the moon passes in the 22nd to the 23rd
of naksatra, which are 27th to the 28th of September," that's already passed,
"The 24th to the 25th of October, then some days in November and December." He
says, "Surya will apply for Rahu on Saturday, the 8th of October." That's today.
This is very bad, this day. Today is Ekadasi. "Surya will apply for Rahu. Brashna,
Lagnesh, Mangal, in the eighth house. The medicine will not give any relief. The native
will make a fight for life as Surya-Mangal are good friends, and Saturn, or Sani, and
Sukra are enemies. There is no benefics in the nine, six, eleven and three. Mangal
indicates the effects of Sakini. There is difficulty in recovery. The seventh dasa starts
on the 13th of January, 1978." It says, "We have noticed that the periods are
all negative until March-April 1978, and the main trouble was due to Sani. We suggested
that blue sapphire be tried, and he should keep it on. Hospitalization and travels are
indicated." Then he says the worst days of all for you are today and tomorrow. He
says it is very negative, as well as the llth, which is mixed. But these are all very
inauspicious days. The 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, and 11th of October. He says "The only
remedy in this case is to do maha-mrtyum-jaya japa and havana. Previously also, now also,
we have recommended Siva. Lord Siva is the presiding Deity of Sani, and with this, the
native will be able to overcome disease and life span increases. Hari-sauri:
That's the mantra he gave to me." Tamala
Krishna: Astrologically it is up to the eighty-one years, four months, approximately.
Says, "Japa and havana."
APPENDIX
9: UNVERIFIED
INFORMATION Dear Prabhus, The below information
was gathered over the course of the last two years. Some of the information has already
been revealed publicly but much of it hasn't. Unfortunately, most of it can only be
considered supportive and not material evidence. As far as possible, I tried to put
everything in some sort of chronological order. Some of the entries are from first hand
witnesses and others still need to be verified. In most cases the witnesses had no idea we
were conducting an investigation nor did we ask their permission to publicly release their
statements. Therefore many of the names have been deleted in this version until we can
determine which information can be of value and how to preserve the confidence, as well as
address the obvious concerns for safety. Any information in this report which has not
already been made public should not be made public until we can satisfy the above
concerns. I was about to turn this
information over to Balavanta but in light of recent events have become greatly
disappointed in his performance and totally outraged by the official GBC statement in
regard to the investigation. Also, myself and
the other devotees involved on this end have no connection with Puranjana and do not want
to be associated with him. The fact that our separate investigations apparently began at
the same time is purely coincidental, or more likely, a confirmation from Krishna that
this issue needed to be resolved. I'm deeply grateful for the work of VNN and the proposal
for IVC. I read VNN daily and (with a couple
exceptions) have found it a reliable source for objective and responsible journalism. I
also read the IVC site last night and found it extremely thorough and highly professional.
I was further impressed at how promptly the package was put together and positioned. In
addition, VADA's chronicle outlining the events of the investigation appears to be precise
and verified. I now feel there's hope that Srila Prabhupada's mission will not be lost in
the impending cataclysm. I thank all of you for your dedication to this service and pray
that Krishna will give you the strength to continue. Many devotees will be counting on
you. Your servant, Anonymous
das REPORTED AND UNVERIFIED
EVENTS: (Verified items in italics) 1. Prabhupada complains
about getting injections, then tells Brahmananda that Tirtha poisoned Srila
Bhaktisiddhanta. 2. New York: Prabhupada
tells devotee: "Get a gun. Someone's trying to kill me." 3. A group of devotees
lock Prabhupada in his room in LA and tell him that they are taking charge. (in 1970?) 4. A devotee finds Srila
Prabhupada crying alone in his room and asks him what is wrong. Prabhupada says that they
have tried to kick him out three times. 5. TKG tells people that
he is losing faith in Srila Prabhupada. 6. TKG asks Jayapataka,
"Do you ever find that Srila Prabhupada gets in the way?" 7. Prabhupada tells
devotee of TKG, "This man is not a Vaisnava. I've studied him. He is not a
Vaisnava." 8. While devotee is
waiting to see Srila Prabhupada, he hears TKG arguing with Prabhupada. When TKG comes out
of the room he slams the door shut and says: "Damn it! Prabhupada fu--ed up
again!" 9. Nara Narayana hears TKG tell Syamasundara that
Prabhupada is a senile, old man. 10. Pyramid House Tapes
Tamal mentions the time Hamsaduta was praying for Prabhupada's death. (see
Pyramid House Tapes) 11. Devotee is told by
Hansadutta that he wished Srila Prabhupada would die. 12. Prabhupada tells
servant: "They're all waiting for the old man to die so they can be guru." 13. Prabhupada tells
Bhagatji that his disciples aren't very advanced and he wouldn't be surprised if they
tried to do him great physical harm. 14. Jaya Gauranga states that Prabhupada's hands were
swollen as a result of sickness and this symptom appeared as early as 1976. (Correct) 15. Prabhupada tells
servant that TKG the cause of all the problems in the movement. 16. Vrndavana: TKG is in charge of all Prabhupada's
medicines. 17. Vrndavana:
Prabhupada tells servant: "Some of my senior disciples are trying to kill me because
they want to be guru." Witness also revealed that Prabhupada didn't want to eat
anymore because everything they gave him was making him sick. 18. Vrndavana:
Bharadvaja relates in tape of his memories that Prabhupada once looked carefully at
medicine given to him and declared, "This is poison!" 19. Vrndavana:
Prabhupada orders devotee to clear all medicine from cabinet. 20. Vrndavana: Jaya
Gauranga states that TKG would not let anyone bring food to Prabhupada. 21. Tamal, depressed,
confides to a devotee that he has ruined Srila Prabhupada's movement. 22. Vrndavana: When the
devotees are in Prabhupada's room and the leaders are not present Prabhupada states:
"You are all here praying for me to live and they are in the next room praying for me
to die." 23. Vrndavana: Devotee goes to Indian astrologer to
inquire about Prabhupada's health. Astrologer tells them that Prabhupada will be troubled
by His juniors. 24. When two devotees
from Latin America offered Srila Prabhupada their youth for His old age, Srila Prabhupada
gracefully declined and remarked how devoted His disciples were. Then He remarked,
"But there are also some who want to kill me." (Unconfirmed) 25. Nov. 1977,
Vrndavana: When Hansadutta comes to relieve a devotee from his watch, Prabhupada tells
him: "Please do not leave, this man wants to kill me." 26. Nov 9-10, 1977, Vrndavana: Srila Prabhupada states on
tape that he is being poisoned. (Vedabase) 27. Nov. 11, 1977, Vrndavana: When TKG tells Prabhupada
that he will die if taken on parikrama, Prabhupada responds: "Better to be killed by
Ram." (Vedabase) 28. Nov. 1977,
Vrndavana: Just before Srila Prabhupada's disappearance Sudama was about to leave
Vrndavana when Bhavananda tells him: "Don't leave yet. We're about to split up the
pie. I'll make sure you get a piece." 29. Nov. 14, 1977,
Vrndavana: Srila Prabhupada's will is changed the midnight before his departure—In
the paper titled, "Questions On Authenticity", Janajanmadi dasa (Jeffrey
Balawajder) states that he visited Srivatsa Goswami of the Radha Ramana Temple in 1984.
According to his account, Srivatsa Goswami told him that TKG had Prabhupada's will changed
on the midnight prior to Srila Prabhupada's departure. 30. Adri Dharan has
stated that he was the one who found the kaviraja
Prabhupada described in his dream. This doctor was treating Prabhupada at the time of his
departure and his opinion was trusted by all. The doctor told the devotees the exact time,
within a day, Prabhupada would leave his body and his prediction was correct. 31. Nov. 1977,
Vrndavana: Bhavananda eats french fries in a
joyful mood at the time of Prabhupada's departure. 32. Nov. 1977,
Vrndavana: Bhavananda stands at top of stairs
and shouts, "Power!" at time of Prabhupada's departure. 33. 1977-78 (?), Bombay: Jaya Gauranga states that TKG
went to Bombay and demanded that they let him occupy Prabhupada's quarters and have a
vyasasana like Prabhupada's. 34. 1981-1984 (?), New
Dwarka: Story circulates about a former Gurukula boy (now grown and living in Mexico) who
tells about overhearing plot by GBC men to poison Prabhupada. At the time this story is
circulating, some GBC men take a trip to Mexico. 35. Nara Narayana has
found that a common form of political assassination in India is poisoning, the results of
which cause kidney failure. Brahmananda confirmed
that one of the external causes for Srila Prabhupada's departure was kidney failure.
APPENDIX
10: ARE
THERE MISSING TAPES ? This report was compiled
by studying the Bhaktivedanta Archives Vedabase. The number on the left in the first chart
below denotes the year and the number on the right denotes the number of days in that year
which we have no tape recordings of Srila Prabhupada. The second chart indicates the
specific dates in which tapes are missing in 1977 and gives a breakdown of number of days
of missing tapes for the year. I asked Ekanatha Prabhu at the Bhaktivedanta Archives if he
could verify my findings and after thoroughly checking archive records he confirmed that
my calculations were correct and that the Archives does not have any knowledge of tapes in
their possession for the specified missing days or of ever having received tapes for the
specified missing days. Missing Tapes 1966-1977 YEAR
DAYS MISSING 1966
230 1967
324 1968
225 1969
245 1970
313 1971
256 1972
142 1973
119 1974
95 1975
60 1976
47 1977
151 It's interesting to note
that the number of days in which tapes are missing steadily decreases each year from 1970
to 1976. Presumably, the progressive diligence in recording Srila Prabhupada's words would
be attributed to devotees maturing and understanding the importance of these recordings
for future generations as well as ourselves. When once asked if it was necessary to record
a conversation of an apparently unimportant nature between Srila Prabhupada and some
guests, Tamal Krishna Goswami stated: "We tape everything Prabhupada says." (5/24/77—Vrn) One might then wonder
why the number of days in which tapes are missing dramatically increases from 47 days in
1976 to 151 days in 1977 (more than triple). This is particularly curious if we take into
account that 1977 was a shorter recording year than any other (only ten and a half months)
since Srila Prabhupada departed on November 14th. And this aberration appears even more
glaring when we consider that in 1977, it became painfully obvious Srila Prabhupada could
depart at any time and it was increasingly important to cherish and preserve every word He
spoke. Now let's take a closer
look at the missing tapes in 1977. Dates of Missing Tapes
No. of Days 1/14
1 1/17 thru 1/18
2 2/9
1 2/11
1 2/13
1 2/22 thru 2/23
2 3/3 thru 3/21
19 3/28
1 4/3 thru 4/4
2 4/6 thru 4/9
4 4/12
1 4/14
1 4/21
1 4/26 thru 4/27
2 5/1
1 5/3 thru 5/7
5 5/16
1 5/18
1 5/21 thru5/23
3 5/25 thru 5/26
2 5/30
1 6/3 thru 6/16
14 6/25
1 6/29
1 7/4
1 7/6 thru 7/7
2 7/9
1 7/11 thru 7/13
3 7/16
1 7/18
1 7/20 thru 7/25
6 7/28 thru 7/30
3 8/1 thru 8/7
7 8/9
1 8/12 thru 8/16
5 8/18 thru 10/1
45 10/5
1 10/7
1 10/19
1 10/23
1 11/9
1 11/12
1
Total No. of Days of Missing Tapes......151 The months of January,
February, October and November, 1977, are not unusual and the number of days of missing
tapes in these months coincide with the monthly averages for 1976. Out of the 105 days of
Jan., Feb., Oct. and Nov. (count only 14 days for Nov.) just 15 days are missing. However,
the months of March thru August have an extremely high number of days of missing tapes and
the month of September has no tapes at all. Out of the 214 days from the period beginning
March 1 and ending September 30, 136 days have no tapes. Looking at this period by itself,
the ratio of recording days to none-recording days is 1.5 to 1. This is similar to the
inefficient recording ratios of 1966 thru 1971, when we had less technical and managerial
expertise, limited resources, older technology, and did not fully comprehend the
importance of recording Srila Prabhupada's words. I'd also like to point
out that there are some rather large blocks of consecutive days when tapes are not
accounted for. Most notably: 19 days in March, 14 days in June, and a staggering 45 days
from August 18th thru October 1st. That Srila Prabhupada would have spoken less during
severe illness is understandable. That Srila Prabhupada would have said nothing for such
long periods of time is inconceivable. Under the circumstances, the logical questions to
ask would be: Why were there no
recordings made on these days? or, if there were
recordings made, what happened to them?
APPENDIX
11: HAIR
MINERAL ANALYSIS Hair
mineral analysis has been used in forensics for decades. Today, hair analysis is gaining
widespread recognition as an analytical tool for receiving information about mineral
patterns and drug abuse. Hair analysis is a valid analytical technique that provides
important answers to puzzling historical questions, including Beethoven's habits. Nearly
170 years ago, an admirer, grieving the death of Ludwig van Beethoven, snipped a lock of
the great composer's hair for a keepsake and kept it in a locket. It is this strand of
hair that is expected to provide key answers. Did the deaf composer use drugs? Was he
suffering from syphilis? Did he die of arsenic
poisoning or was his health affected by mineral deficiencies? Today's sophisticated
analytical methods can provide these and other answers, and explanations are often
unexpectedly simple. For instance, during Beethoven's time, mercurial drugs were used to
treat syphilis and arsenic was used to kill rodents. In minute doses, arsenic was
deliberately taken to increase virility and physical strength. Other toxins such as lead
were ingested by drinking lead-containing water, causing a host of neurological and
behavioral problems such as Beethoven's feared moodiness and ill-tempered conduct. The 582
strands of hair recently auctioned off at Sotheby's are expected to provide important
information on Beethoven's biochemical makeup and its link to behavior. Researchers
William Walsh and Ronald Ishaacson have been studying the relationship between body
chemistry and behavior for decades. They have published an impressive amount of data,
including the relations between toxic elements and hyperactivity. They recognized that
heavy metal exposure is higher in people prone to violent behavior and that a specific
pattern of toxic exposure and mineral deficiencies is seen among death-row inmates. The
researchers also noticed what they considered a "genius pattern," characterized
by extraordinarily high levels of copper and sodium but low zinc levels in hair.
Individuals with this type of hair mineral pattern are often highly intelligent and a bit
eccentric, Walsh said. The scientists documented that hair mineral analysis is a valid
test of body mineral concentration when used appropriately. "Hair is a diary of what
is going on in your body," Ishaacson said. After decades of studying chemicals in
hair and associating mineral patterns with behavior, the researchers opened the HRI
Pfeiffer Treatment Center seven years ago. It aims at treating biochemical problems, and a
strand of hair often reveals the cause of psychiatric ailments that did not respond to
other more conventional treatment. Hair
analysis is an ideal complement to serum and urine as a diagnostic tool. Hair is collected
without trauma, an important point when it comes to the toxic screening of children or the
frail. In many cases when mineral deficiencies have been noted, the individual's
inadequate mineral status may not be solely due to a mineral deficient diet, but also be
compounded by digestive problems that cause inadequate mineral absorption. A review
of over 1400 articles indicate that hair is the
prime tissue to be utilized when analyzing for heavy metal and other trace mineral
concentrations. Most notable results have been obtained on heavy metal pollutants such as
lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. Scientists
in the United States, Canada, Germany, Japan and Sweden have all shown that elemental
concentrations in hair provide a relatively permanent record of exposure and that there is
good correlation between concentrations in human hair and certain organs. * Dr.
Chatt of Dalhousie University reported during the Second Human Hair Symposium in Atlanta,
Georgia, that concentrations of lead in hair were lowest in rural population groups,
higher in urban groups and highest in individuals who live close to lead smelters. (This is the same Dr. Chatt who analyzed this
reporter's hair sample) * Trace
Minerals International, Inc. of Boulder, Colorado compared the toxic content of hair in
American, German and Mexican children and found that concentrations were highest in
Mexican children, lower in American and lowest in German children. * Harry
Shwachman of the Children's Hospital Medical Center in Boston along with Kopito of the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology have shown that children with cystic fibrosis have
as much as five times the normal concentration of sodium in their hair, but only about ten
percent of the normal concentrations of tightly-bound calcium. *
Shwachman and Kopito have also found low concentrations of sodium and potassium in the
hair of patients with celiac disease ( disorder in the digestion and utilization of fat)
and that there is generally three to four times as much sodium and potassium in the hair
of healthy individuals. * Hambidge
has tested children in Denver's Head Start Program and found that both their hair and
blood serum contain significantly lower concentrations of zinc than specimens from
children of middle-income families. The researcher picked six children with the lowest
hair zinc concentrations for further testing and found that taste perception was impaired
in five. Zinc supplementation restored taste perception and increased zinc concentrations
in both blood and hair. * Both
Hambidge and Walter Mertz of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Beltsville, Maryland,
have each demonstrated the below-normal hair concentrations of chromium in victims of
juvenile onset diabetes. * Gordus
of the University of Michigan reported that the hair of students with high academic marks
contained substantially more copper and less iodine, lead and cadmium than the hair of
students with low marks. * Robert
Pihl and colleagues of McGill University in Montreal, Canada, report that based on hair
mineral results, they can distinguish with 98% accuracy normal children and those with
learning disabilities. * Brain
and hair tissues of Alzheimer patients were found to contain substantially-elevated
aluminum content. Researchers at National Institute of Health (Bethseda, Maryland) and at
Elizabeth Hospitals in Washington, D.C. noticed an improvement in symptoms after hair
aluminum decreased. Elemental concentrations in organs are not identical,
but certain elements are more densely concentrated in specific organs. Hair mineral
analysis evaluates tissue storage and is many times the best choice when chronic exposures
and deficiencies are suspected. "HMA is an excellent, simple, and accurate test to
establish mineral and trace element concentrations. Since the structure of hair remains
unchanged, the minerals and trace elements are fixed, whether a sample is tested now or in
a few years time. The levels are not subject to change." (M. Laker) Nail Mineral Analysis (NMA) Nail
analysis has been used in forensics for the evaluation of severe arsenic poisoning when
hair loss prohibited hair mineral analysis. Nail analysis is also used when untreated hair
is not available in sufficient quantity. Finger or toenails may be used as a testing
material. but nails must be free of varnish or polish. A minimum of 200 mg of nails is
needed. Definition of Normal In
medicine. the definition "normal" has several meanings. It used to distinguish a
"normal" or healthy person from the abnormal or unhealthy individual, and in
this context, we refer to "normal" iron levels as values that reflect good
health, in fact "normal" iron concentrations can be found in the presence of
disease. In the absence of disease or disease symptoms, a person is medically and legally
considered normal or healthy. However, a person without symptoms of disease does not
necessarily enjoy even optimal health. In the laboratory, "normal" is used to
describe a set of laboratory results that is based on statistics. For many analytes such
as serum iron or aluminum, whole blood lead or urine mercury, reference levels have been
established by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). For other analytes less known in
conventional medicine, including the important blood chromium or urine nickel, reference
values have not been standardized. This applies for most elemental reference ranges in
hair, with arsenic being one exception. NEUTRON
ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
The analysis of sequential sections of hair provides reliable correlation to the
pattern of arsenic exposure. In the hair follicle, arsenic circulating in the blood is
deposited in the germinal cell matrix from blood vessels of the papilla. As the germinal
matrix differentiates into keratin, the arsenic is trapped and carried up the follicle in
the growing hair. The germinal cells are in relatively close equilibrium with the
circulating arsenic, and as arsenic concentrations in blood increase or decrease, so does
the amount of arsenic deposited in the growing hair vary accordingly.
Hair analysis by neutron activation not only provides precise quantitation of
arsenic concentration but also allows segmental analysis to determine when arsenic was
ingested and the number of episodes. The analysis requires only a few hairs, which grows
at a rate of approximately 0.4 to 0.5 mm per day. Therefore, analysis of 1 centimeter, or
about a half inch, segments provides a pattern of monthly exposure. In some cases, the
concentration of arsenic along the length of the hair is measured to obtain information
about exposure over an extended period of time.
Neutron activation is used either non-destructively or destructively. (The tests
performed by Balavanta Prabhu and this author with Dr. Morris and Dr. Chatt respectively
employed the non-destructive method.)
Until a few decades ago the only available methods for analyzing arsenic, such as
Reinsch's method, Marsh's test, and Grutzeit's test, were qualitative rather quantitative
in nature. Because of this limitation, results of studies based on these methods must be
evaluated with caution. Arsenic originally
present in the sample at very low concentrations must often be preconcentrated before it
can be measured. If the sample is a solution,
the arsenic can be coprecipitated on metallic hydroxides or precipitated with organic
reagents. It can also be isolated from its
original matrix by liquid-liquid extraction or by volatilization as a trihalide or as
arsine. Until recently, total
arsenic was usually determined colorimetrically, by either the molybdenum blue method or
the silver diethyldithiocarbamate method. Arsenic
is now usually determined by atomic absorption, with the sample solution introduced into a
flame as an aerosol or deposited as a droplet inside a tube or on a metallic strip, which
is then strongly heated. Greater sensitivity
has been achieved with atomic absorption, however, by converting the arsenic to arsine and
introducing this gas into a heated tube. Equal
sensitivity can be achieved by introducing the arsine into an arc in helium and measuring
the resulting spectral emission. Low
detection limits for arsenic can also be reached by neutron-activation analysis (often
without chemical treatment). Electrochemical
methods, such as differential pulse polarography, can achieve comparable sensitivity in
the presence of natural pollutants (e.g., sludge). Neutron-activation
analysis has the advantages of being nondestructive (in the many cases in which
postirradiation radiochemical separations are not necessary) and of being immune from any
danger of contamination during post-irradiation handling.
Its absolute sensitivity is 0.1 ng for a thermal-neutron flux of 1012
neutrons/cm2-s. In tissue and
mineral samples, however, this sensitivity can seldom be reached. The activity induced is the 599-keV photopeak of
arsenic-76. A relatively great amount of
sodium-24 activity is induced in the sodium present in such samples, and, although the
decay of sodium-24 (half-life, 14.96 h) is faster than that of arsenic-76 (half-life, 26.5
h), the sodium-24 activity must be allowed to decay for several days before the arsenic-76
activity can be counted. This delay does not
seriously interfere with the determination of arsenic at concentrations above a few parts
per million, and the elimination of all chemical treatment of the sample compensates for
the inconvenience. If greater sensitivity is
needed or if radiochemical interferences appear (e.g., bromine or antimony activities),
chemical-group separations can still be performed to isolate the arsenic-76 activity. Electrochemical Methods In the electrochemical
methods that have been proposed for determining traces of arsenic, the arsenic is usually
first isolated by volatilization or extraction, then converted to the trivalent form and
determined polarographically. The most
sensitive such technique is differential pulse polarography, which has a detection limit
of about 0.3 ng of arsenic per milliliter and can be used in the presence of natural
pollutants, such as unfiltered sludge. Gas Chromatography Total arsenic can be
determined by gas chromatography if the arsenic is first collected and converted to
triphenylarsine. The collection-conversion
procedure is somewhat long, but the absolute limit of detection is quite low (20 pg) when
an atomic-emission detector is used. Other Methods There are other valid
methods of determining traces of arsenic, such as coulombmetry, X-ray fluorescence, atomic
optical fluorescence, and ordinary and isotope-dilution mass spectrometry. (Arsenic) AUTHENTICATION OF HAIR
SPECIMENS Hair absorbs minerals
and compounds externally and thus external contaminants can and do change the chemical
composition of hair. Someone using shampoo and hair cremes, or bathing in contaminated
water, can conceivably alter the natural amounts of compounds in the hair that are
deposited there internally from the blood. However, toxins contacting the hair would also
be absorbed through the skin, and any serious amounts of toxins would thus create a health
hazard and reaction immediately. For the most part, whenever hair analysis is undertaken,
it is only common sense to check on the life style and any possible contaminants that may
have been encountered. In the case of Srila Prabhupada, bath water, massage oils, chalk
powders, etc cannot explain the elevated level of arsenic in His hair. A method of ascertaining
whether hair was externally tainted by toxins is the use neutron activation analysis on
separate, consecutive segments of hair. This was done with the tests on Napoleon's hair,
revealing great variances over time in the amounts of arsenic content. External
contamination would produce a uniform, consistent level of toxins throughout the length of
the hair. This is an important proof of internal poisoning, but hair specimens of
sufficient length are required. Srila Prabhupada's hair specimen from Hari Sauri was about
half an inch long only, about a month's growth, and sectional readings are not possible. In lieu of the discovery
of irregular depositions of toxins from the blood in hair of sufficient length, several
short hair specimens that were cut at different times could also reveal varying amounts of
toxins and thus establish a more solid proof of ingested and intermittent arsenic
poisonings. We have Srila Prabhupada's hair from October 1977 as the first reading of
arsenic levels. If now we could obtain hair from February, or May, or September, etc, then
further testing would reveal differing levels of arsenic. Therefore it is urgent that
further hair specimens of Srila Prabhupada be located so that verification and further
discovery may occur.
APPENDIX
12: SOURCES
OF ARSENIC Inorganic (Arsenite,
Arsenate, elemental) Insecticides/Pesticides Arsenic trioxide Sodium Arsenite Calcium arsenite Arsenic acid Ant poisons (now banned
by EPA) Herbicides Cacodylic acid Occupational sources Ethylene oxide
manufacture Electronic device
manufacture Radioactive tracers Dyes Semiconductors (gallium
arsenide) Fossil-fuel combustion Forestry Agriculture Decorative glass making Mining Smelting/refining Metallurgy Medicines/contaminated
drugs Asian folk remedies Homeopathic remedies Depilatory Herbals Opium "Moonshine"
ethanol Kelp Other Wood preservatives
(chromium-copper-arsenate) Contaminated well water Organic Seafood Melarsoprol
(trypanocidal) Parasitic chemotherapy
(veterinary)
APPENDIX
13: POSSIBLE
MIS-DIAGNOSES POSSIBLE MIS-DIAGNOSES
FOR ARSENIC POISONING ARE ILLUSTRATED IN THIS EXCERPT FROM GOLDFRANK'S TEXT ON TOXICOLOGY:
note how many there are !
APPENDIX
14: POISONING
THROUGHOUT HISTORY I am an evil, poisonous
smoke… But when from poison I
am freed, Through art and sleight
of hand, Then can I cure both man
and beast. From dire disease
ofttimes direct them: But prepare me
correctly, and take great care That you faithfully keep
watchful guard over me: For else I am poison,
and poison remain. That pierces the heart of many a one. (Valentini, 1694) Come bitter pilot, now
at once run on The dashing rocks thy
seasick weary bark! Here's to my love! O
true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die. Romeo and Juliet, act 5, sc. 3 Toxicology dates to
earliest man, who used animal venoms and plant extracts for hunting, waging war, and
assassinations. The Ebers papyrus (circa 1500
B.C.) contains information pertaining to many recognized poisons: hemlock (the state
poison of the Greeks); aconite (a Chinese arrow poison); opium (used as both poison and
antidote); and such metals as lead, copper, and antimony.
There is also an indication that plants containing substances akin to digitalis and
belladonna alkaloids were known. Hippocrates
(circa 400 B.C.) documented a number of poisons and clinical toxicology principles
pertaining to bioavailability in therapy and over-dosage.
In the literature of
ancient Greece, there are several references to poisons and their use. Theophrastus (370-286 B.C.) a student of
Aristotle, included numerous references to poisonous plants in De Historia Plantarum. Dioscorides, a Greek physician in Emperor Nero's
court, produced the first classification of poisons, which was accompanied by descriptions
and drawings. His separation into plant,
animal, and mineral poisons not only remained a standard for 16 centuries but is still a
convenient classification today. Dioscorides
also dabbled in therapy, recognizing the use of emetics in poisoning and the use of
caustic agents or cupping glasses in snakebite. Poisoning with plant and
animal toxins was quite common. Perhaps the
best-known recipient of a poison used as a state method of execution was Socrates (470-399
B.C.). Expeditious suicide on a voluntary
basis also made use of toxicologic knowledge. Demosthenes
(385-322 B.C.), who took poison hidden in his pen, was only one of many examples. The mode of suicide calling for one to fall on his
sword, although manly and noble, carried little appeal.
Cleopatra's (69-30 B.C.) knowledge of natural, primitive toxicology permitted her
the more genteel method of falling on her asp instead. The Romans, too, made
considerable use of poisons in politics. One
legend tells of King Mithridates VI of Pontus whose numerous acute toxicity experiments on
unfortunate criminals led to his eventual claim that he had discovered "an antidote
for every venomous reptile and every poisonous substance." He himself was so fearful of poisons that he
regularly ingested a mixture of 36 ingredients as protection against assassination. The poetic treatise "Theriaca" by
Nicander of Colophon (204-135 B.C.), dealt
with poisonous animals; his poem "Alexipharmaca" was about antidotes. Poisonings in Rome took
on epidemic proportions during the fourth century B.C. (Livy). It was during this period that a conspiracy of
women was uncovered to remove the men from whose death they might profit. Similar large-scale poisoning continued until Sull
issued the Lex Cornelia (circa 82 B.C.). This appears to be the first law against
poisoning, and it later became a regulatory statute directed at careless dispensers of
drugs. Prior to the
Renaissance, the writings of Maimonides (Moses ben Maimon, A.D. 1135-1204) presented a
treatise on treatment of poisonings from insects, snakes, and mad dogs (Poisons and Their Antidotes, 1198). From the early Renaissance, the Italians, with
characteristic pragmatism, brought the art of poisoning to its zenith. The poisoner became an integral part of the
political scene. The records of the city
councils of Florence, and particularly the infamous Council of Ten of Venice, contain
ample testimony of the political use of poisons. Victims
were named, prices set, and contracts recorded, and when the deed was accomplished,
payment were made. An infamous figure of
the time was a lady named Toffana, who peddled specially prepared arsenic-containing
cosmetics (Agua Toffana). Accompanying the product were appropriate
instructions for use. Toffana was succeeded
by an imitator with organizational genius, a certain Hieronyma Spara. A local club was formed of young, wealthy, married
women, which soon became a club of eligible young, wealthy widows, reminiscent of the
matronly conspiracy of Rome centuries earlier. Among the prominent
families engaged in poisoning, the Borgias are the most notorious. Alexander VI, his son Cesare, and Lucretia Borgia
were quite active. The deft applications of
poisons to men of stature in the Church swelled the holdings of the Papacy, which was the
prime heir. A paragon of the distaff
set of the period was Catherine de Medici. She
exported her skills from Italy to France, where the prime targets of the ladies were their
husbands. Under guise of delivering provender
to the sick and the poor, Catherine tested toxic concoctions, carefully noting the
results. Culmination of the
practice in France is represented by the commercialization of the service by Catherine
Deshayes, who earned the title La Voisine. Her business was dissolved by her execution. Her trial was one of the most famous of those held
by the Chambre Ardente, a special judicial commission established by Louis XIV. La Voisine was convicted of many poisonings,
including over 2000 infants among the victims. The tradition of the
poisoners spread throughout Europe, and their deeds played a major role in the
distribution of political power through the Middle Ages.
Pharmacology, as we know it today, had its beginning during the Middle Ages and
early Renaissance. Concurrently, the study of
the toxicity and the dose-response relationship for therapeutic agents was commencing
(Paracelsus, 1493-1541). Orfila, a Spanish
physician in the French court, was the first toxicologist to use autopsy material and
chemical analysis systematically as legal proof of poisonings. His introduction of this detailed type analysis
survives today as the underpinning of forensic toxicology.
Magendie, a physician and experimental physiologist, studied the mechanisms of
action of emetine, strychnine, and "arrow poisons". His research into the absorption and distribution
of these compounds in the body remains a classic in toxicology and pharmacology. (Casarett and Doull's Toxicology) The alchemist's symbol
for arsenic, a menacing coiled serpent, probably symbolizes very well the element's
prevailing evil reputation. Anxiety about
arsenic is not difficult to comprehend, inasmuch as arsenic compounds were the preferred
homicidal and suicidal agents during the Middle Ages and arsenicals have been regarded
largely in terms of their poisonous characteristics in the nonscientific literature. For example, an almost clinical description of
acute arsenic poisoning appears in the novel Madame
Bovary. Flaubert's extensive account of
Emma Bovary's prolonged death throes must have made a vivid impression on many a reader. Arsenic has also been referred to in more recent
literature, such as Kesselring's drama, Arsenic and
Old Lace. Although arsenic was only one
of three poisons used by the Brewster sisters to dispatch their guests, "Strychnine
and Old Lace" or "Cyanide and Old Lace" would not have had as great an
impact on the public. Arsenic had widespread
use in eighteenth-and nineteenth-century medicine as a tonic, or "alterative." At about the same time that Flaubert was writing Madame Bovary, there were a half-dozen
"official" arsenicals listed in the U.S. Dispensatory. The prevailing professional opinion at that time
concerning the medicinal use of arsenic was summarized as follows: "Arsenic is a safe medicine; none of the respondants having
found it permanently detrimental…" …The
heyday of arsenical chemotherapeutics occurred in the early part of the twentieth century,
when Ehrlich discovered Salvarsan (arsphenamine), which was effective in treating human
venereal disease; but the use of these compounds declined after World War II, with the
advent of the more specific antibiotics. The earlier medicinal
uses and criminal abuses of arsenicals provide a helpful background of information about
these compounds. (Arsenic, 1977)
APPENDIX
15: HISTORY
OF TAMAL KRISHNA GOSWAMI
Tamal Krishna Goswami is a central figure in the history of Srila Prabhupada's
pastimes and that of the Hare Krishna Movement. He received hundreds of letters from Srila
Prabhupada, served as chairman of the GBC in 1975, headed the largest-ever book
distribution operation in ISKCON, served as Srila Prabhupada's personal secretary for the
entire year of 1977, and has always been at the prominent in the inner clique of GBC's who
formulated ISKCON policy and institutional philosophy. Further, he himself has invariably
been at the center of one serious controversy in ISKCON after another. TKG has certainly
had a colorful history.
There is no doubt TKG has rendered much wonderful service to Srila Prabhupada, and
this appendix is not meant to criticize or belittle anyone who has spent a lifetime in the
service of the Lord. However, uncomfortable and tricky as it may be, it has become necessary to understand and examine TKG's role and
activities in ISKCON since the 1970's in order to: 1. Appraise the honesty and
authenticity of TKG's Diary and its accounts of Srila
Prabhupada's illness and events in 1977, the information from which is vital to the poison
investigation, 2. get to the bottom of his
changing interpretations of the initiation system Srila Prabhupada wanted for the future
of ISKCON, 3. ascertain whether anyone
in or out of ISKCON might possibly have had a motive to poison Srila Prabhupada, 4. devise a list of
questions for Tamal regarding the particulars and mysteries of Srila Prabhupada's illness
in 1977. "GO TO CHINA" In TKG's book, A Hare Krishna
at Southern Methodist University, there is a chapter entitled The Perils of Succession wherein many of the
controversial episodes of ISKCON history are clinically described, usually omitting the
true details of Tamal's own role in or orchestration of such controversies. One such event
was the Radha Damodar travelling parties which Tamal controlled in 1976. Srila Prabhupada
became so upset with Tamal's conduct of creating great disturbance in the USA ISKCON
centers that His Divine Grace relieved Tamal of all services and responsibilities,
ordering him to go to China. Tamal resisted and Srila Prabhupada became angry with him,
and held fast to Tamal's "banishment" behind the Yellow Curtain. It was clear
that by this event, Tamal was disgraced, humiliated, and severely chastised before the
entire assemblage of devotees at the annual Mayapur festival, 1976. Adi Keshava agrees
that the affair made Tamal very resentful towards Srila Prabhupada. After the 1976 Mayapur
festival, Tamal and Dristadyumna studied about China and prepared a report for Srila
Prabhupada. In a meeting with Srila Prabhupada in Hawaii on May 4, 1976, Tamal submitted
the bleak report and described how the only method of distributing books in China would be
to throw sealed, floating bags of books into the ocean, hoping they would wash ashore and
be found by coastal residents. Dristadyumna and Tamal attended a book publisher's
convention undercover on mainland China for a few days.
Tamal reported to Srila Prabhupada that there was absolutely no way to preach in
China, "maybe in fifty years (from now)."
Srila Prabhupada excused Tamal of the order to go to China, and returned Tamal to his
former position as head of the Radha Damodar bus program. Tamal soon afterwards assumed
the GBC position for New York zone as well. Adi Keshava described Tamal's return to New
York as pompous and triumphant. While in New York, Tamal
wrote and supervised the production of a play done by Sudama Swami and the devotee actors.
It was an obvious indulgence in TKG's personal and emotional history of banishment and
chastisement by Srila Prabhupada. The play was entitled "The Emperor and His Chief Counselor."
The counselor created havoc in the emperor's kingdom, is chastised, and realizing his
mistake, repented and became re-situated properly in the service of the emperor once
again. Adi Keshava, however, thought the play was frightening and bizarre, being all about
court intrigue, pride, power, and how Tamal had been wrongly chastised because although he
had overstepped his bounds with abuse of the counselor's position, he had done so with
only good intentions. Srila Prabhupada then
came to Rathayatra in New York in July 1976, staying for about a week as Tamal Krishna
Goswami's guest. At this time Srila Prabhupada's health began to decline, although Tamal
claims it began earlier with a "cold"
in New Vrindaban. His Divine Grace's strength and digestion decreased while in New York,
to the point where many GBC's asked Srila Prabhupada to stay and wait for recovery before
travelling to India. Srila Prabhupada left nevertheless; on the plane and upon arrival in
London only hours after leaving New York, He experienced a severe "illness" with
vomiting, weakness, mucus, and lack of energy. Unfortunately, the symptoms appear very
similar to those during the severe illness of 1977. Coincidence? The detailed description of this illness,
accompanied by heart palpitations, is contained in Volume 4 of Hari Sauri's Transcendental
Diary. OLD AND SENILE ? Appendix 9
contains several unverified and alleged
accounts of Tamal's past actions and statements, which may shed some light on how to
accept the veracity of his diary's accounts of Srila Prabhupada's illness. Nara Narayan
posted an essay on VNN on 12.3.97, in which he claimed the following: "I personally overheard a private conversation
between Shyamasundar das and Tamal Krishna Goswami in the Colaba Post Office flat of Mr.
Kartikkeya Mahadevia. Tamal was angrily blaming Srila Prabhupada for trying to keep the
Juhu Beach land. He said, 'He is old. Old and senile. He is simply attached to that land!
We will never be able to build on that land. He is simply old and attached.'" The
known facts in this incident are that Tamal sold the Juhu land without permission, causing
Srila Prabhupada to become extremely angry and to personally re-negotiate the land's
purchase. The intent herein is not to discredit Tamal, but to try to understand who
exactly was Srila Prabhupada's primary guardian, personal secretary, and foremost
caretaker in 1977. It is unfortunately necessary to examine the suspects and their motives
in a murder investigation. What can be done? We can try to maintain objectivity, if at all
possible in such an emotionally disturbing challenge as to find out who's and why's of
Srila Prabhupada's poisoning. TAMAL'S GURU SYSTEM
PHILOSOPHIES The following re-worked
and edited article was posted on VNN on January 7, 1999, called "Colorful History Of Tamal Krishna Goswami.": This is an explanation
of the different colorful and contradictory interpretations of Tamal Krishna Goswami on
the instructions of Srila Prabhupada for an initiation system in ISKCON after 1977. It is
pertinent for us to carefully examine whether his record on this issue is solid and
reliable. TKG has offered only confusing and contradictory positions on what should have
happened after Srila Prabhupada's departure: 1) 1978: TKG agrees with
the rest of the new gurus that the 11 men listed in the July 9, 1977 letter had been
exclusively chosen as the 'material and spiritual successors' to Srila Prabhupada. He
enthusiastically participated in and supported this system, with the big vyasasanas etc.
In a document he was party to issued at Mayapur, March 2, 1978, it stated: "The GBC members
met together in Vrndavana and prepared a few last questions to put before Srila
Prabhupada. [...] Then he said that he would name the initiating gurus later. [...] Then
one day in June he gave his secretary the names of eleven disciples who would be
initiating the disciples. [...] A delicate situation may arise when in one ISKCON temple
there are disciples of different gurus. The natural way to avoid this is for a guru to
perform diksa in his own zone. Srila Prabhupada deliberately chose gurus in different
parts of the world to arrange for this. [...] A second seat, however a little below Srila
Prabhupada's vyasasana, should be given to the initiating guru. [...] Those who are
already empowered to initiate will extend the number by their consideration. In this way
it will have spiritual characteristics. The eleven picked by His Divine Grace will extend
themselves. [...] Now these godbrother's are worshipped by their disciples as genuine
spiritual masters. This means for example, that they are to be considered, as stated in
the Guruvastakam, as nikunjo-yuno rati keli siddhyai - intimate assistants in the pastimes
of Krishna." (The Process For
Carrying Out Srila Prabhupada's Desires For Future Initiations; A paper prepared by the
GBC in consultation with higher authorities) The Reader should note
that out of the eleven "intimate associates of the gopis," seven have fallen
down. The remaining four are Tamal, Hridayananda, Satsvarupa, and Jayapataka. TKG wrote in a letter to
Upananda on December 13, 1978: "The argument that
after the departure of the spiritual master anyone of his disciples can give initiation,
cannot be applied in the case of Srila Prabhupada who specifically named 11 persons only
at first to fulfill this function. These 11 persons were named by Srila Prabhupada in the
beginning of July, 1977... These names were dictated to me as I was serving as his
secretary , and now he had me write a letter to all the GBC's and Temple Presidents which
he also signed as approved on the 9th of July listing their names and defining their
function. [...] Thus, we can understand... that Srila Prabhupada clearly appointed 11
successors for initiation. Whatever process may have been followed by past acaryas,
Prabhupada chose to appoint. [...] Even after having these facts clearly explained, if
some one continues to blaspheme the 11 gurus, their legitimacy, then he blasphemes ISKCON,
the spiritual vehicle created by Prabhupada to fulfill his will, and he blasphemes the GBC
- the approved driver of the vehicle - [...] he is not a disciple at all. Rather he is the
killer of gurudev and his spiritual whereabouts is unknown." It is noted here that
this understanding as described by TKG above has been refuted by the GBC themselves as
false. Another point to note is that in 1998 TKG claimed in lectures given in Hongkong,
etc, responding to the rtviks' use of the July 9th letter as evidence for a post-1977
rtvik system, that the July 9th letter was actually never authored or written by Srila
Prabhupada. TKG now claims that the letter was written by him, and the contents of the
letter were his creation, even though ritually signed by Srila Prabhupada. Thus according
to the convenience of the situation and the particular climate of ISKCON, TKG again
changed his position. 2) 1980: By this time
TKG's understanding of Srila Prabhupada's desires for guru-succession had become so
deviant that even the GBC, themselves following a deviated path, suspended him as GBC and
guru, relieving him of his zone. TKG had become convinced, amongst other things, that even
his godbrothers and godsisters could only reach Srila Prabhupada through him! Many
devotees hold Tamal accountable for the suicide of a well-liked devotee named
Gopijanaballabha Swami, who was thought to have become mortally depressed on account of
Tamal's demands and philosophy. "Tamala Krishna Goswami, the leader of a large
number of sannyasa and brahmacari preachers, insisted that he was now their via media in
relating to Prabhupada and expected that his godbrothers follow him absolutely."
('The Perils of Succession', 1996, by TKG) 3) Having been
suspended, TKG then gave a new explanation at
Topanga Canyon, California on December 3, 1980. He "admits" there that: "Myself and the
other GBC have done the greatest disservice to this movement the last three years because
we interpreted the appointment of ritviks as the appointment of gurus. What actually
happened I'll explain. I explained it but the interpretation is wrong." Here TKG not only
confirms that his understanding of the letter in 1978 was totally wrong, but also that now he has finally properly understood what Srila
Prabhupada really wanted. Of course, within a very short time the GBC returned TKG to his
zone as GBC and guru, fearful that he might upset the apple cart and their positions any
further. 4) 1982: TKG has changed
his mind again and goes back to the version of events that he had supported in 1978 and
rejected in 1980, as seen in a letter to Gadai Prabhu on June 16, 1982: "I do not think
that there is any problem in accepting the spiritual masters who Srila Prabhupada
appointed. The first qualification which you should have before you decide on this issue
is to chant sixteen rounds and follow strictly Prabhupada's orders... The real proof is to
see that they are acharya, not simply by appointment, but by actions. Our movement is
progressing and growing more and more, at least as much as it was during Srila
Prabhupada's time. [...] You have enclosed a clipping from Back To Godhead in which Srila
Bhaktipada (Kirtanananda Swami) is advertised as 'Bonafide Spiritual Master'. You say
'this is something that seems a little strange to me'. Would you please explain to me what
seems strange? " Note: Kirtanananda is
now serving a 26 year sentence in Federal prison for various criminal convictions. That is
strange for an acharya. 5) 1984: This
metamorphosis of TKG's version of what happened in 1977 is completed by the publication of
his book in 1984, Servant of the Servant. On page 361 we find: "Since the disappearance of our beloved spiritual
master, we have seen such disenchanted persons come forward trying to cast doubt on the
legacy left by Srila Prabhupada. When Srila
Prabhupada appointed from among his senior disciples eleven persons to continue the
process of initiation, and when after their spiritual master's departure those whom he
selected assumed their duties by his command, the critics began to bark their discontent. Though
they leveled their remarks against the successor gurus, in reality their criticism was
aimed at Srila Prabhupada himself. Just
as in 1970, the present dissatisfaction is being unabatedly fed by some of his Godbrothers
in India. Doubt
in Srila Prabhupada's successors is a thin veneer covering the same malicious attempt as
was made in 1970 to minimize Prabhupada's position as the founder-acarya of ISKCON. Srila Prabhupada saw this attempt as the greatest
danger to his disciples and the Society which he had created, and he acted at once to curb
it. In the same light, we who are his faithful followers must defend
Prabhupada's successors to protect their young disciples and to preserve the unity of
ISKCON and the prestige of its founder-acarya. (COMMENT:
It is this heavy mood which caused thousands to leave ISKCON) By his letter of June
21, Srila Prabhupada did not merely confirm his own transcendental position as my
spiritual master. As he stated, "Any living entity who is conditioned can
achieve the perfectional stage of life by the above-mentioned processes and the vivid
example is Narada Muni." The critics may
argue that appointment alone is not a guarantee that one has actually achieved this
perfectional stage of life; Prabhupada might have appointed disciples for lack of anyone
better, or hoping that they might one day achieve the desired realization. To such irresponsible criticism we answer a
decisive "No!" Srila Prabhupada
chose them because they merited his confidence. How
do we say so? - by their qualifications in regard to all categories as determined in Srila
Prabhupada's own books, the spiritual law books for this age, i.e., that they repeat
Krishna's words, received in disciplic succession. (Quote
from Teachings of Lord Kapila) Srila Prabhupada
conferred his blessings upon these disciples, seeing that they had dedicated themselves
heart and soul to assisting him in the preaching mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Thus he
considered them to be uttama-adhikari, all highly advanced devotees worthy to be accepted
as spiritual masters. (Quote from The
Nectar of Instruction) Critics may
doubt whether our ISKCON acharyas are actually liberated. Do they know their rasa (liberated relationship)
with Krishna, and will they be able to instruct their disciples similarly? But such
questions bring one dangerously near the precipice of spiritual calamity. We have experience of one
"liberation-seeking" Godbrother, impatient for his spiritual rasa, wandering
into the arms of a so-called "rasa-guru." After
being informed of his real identity as a peacock in Goloka, this foolish neophyte began
imitating behind closed doors the movements and cooings of a peacock, preparing for his
future role. Such behavior indicates little
familiarity with Prabhupada's teachings. Srila
Prabhupada did not encourage such discussions, did not reveal his relationship with
Krishna, nor give anyone a special initiation into theirs. (COMMENT: Here TKG wants us
to think we would be offensive to question his exalted stature) But to
suggest that Srila Prabhupada was not therefore of the highest liberated realization, not
qualified to fully guide his disciples, is preposterous.
In a Bhagavatam purport Srila Prabhupada clearly defines how we should understand
the spiritual master's liberated condition. (Quote
from Bhagavatam) Sometimes Prabhupada was
asked, "Are you perfect?" Prabhupada's humble reply was, "I may not be
perfect. But I have complete faith in the
words of my spiritual master, and he is perfect."
Perfection, or liberation, means to follow a perfect person. (Quote from Bhagavatam) Ultimately, however, the greatest proof of the
bonafidity of Srila Prabhupada's successor acaryas is their new disciples. It is said,
phalena pariciyate: One is recognized by the results of his actions....A spiritual master
is recognized as an actual guru when it is seen that he has changed the character of his
disciples. As a tree is known by the fruit it
produces, so we can know for certain that the fruit of our acaryas' preaching has
unquestionably been grown on the tree of Lord Caitanya.
The new devotees who are now joining the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness bear every semblance of being true Gaudiya Vaisnavas. In fact, judging by the results they are achieving
in the fields of book distribution, temple worship, etc., they are even surpassing the
previous generation of devotees. Undoubtedly
this is only possible through the causeless mercy of Srila Prabhupada who, being greatly
pleased, is continuing to shower his unlimited blessings upon the worldwide members of his
ISKCON family." This complete portion
excerpted above from his 1984 book was subsequently and mysteriously deleted in the 1991
reprint edition. 6) Post 1987: TKG again
changes his mind and whole-heartedly endorses the new guru "reforms" in ISKCON
and agrees that what he and the other 11 had been doing and teaching for the last 10 years
was wrong. He agrees that in new versions of his book 'Servant of the Servant' the above
quoted passage would be omitted. In a December, 1987 letter to Gauridas Pandit TKG said
that the guru issue was unresolved and that open discussion would be healthy. 7). At Mayapur in March
1990, TKG becomes very angry about the Vedic Village Review and its propagation of the
rtvik philosophy, describing Nityananda das as ISKCON's "public enemy number one," and arranging
for the excommunication from ISKCON of the three VVR editors in New Jaipur, Mississippi.
With Rabindra Swarup, he produces the ISKCON Journal which attempted to defend the ISKCON
system of guru selection and approval. 8) 1992-95: TKG's
understanding of guru-tattva takes a further twist. He now leads the formation of a
"gopi-bhava" club, preaching that Srila Prabhupada had not given us the 'highest
understanding' and that we should consult with a 'rasika guru', such as Narayan Maharaj,
whom Rabindra Svarupa, GBC chairman and close TKG associate, later characterized in much
less than flattering terms. (Taking Srila Prabhupada Straight, 1998) 9) 1995: TKG, under
intense pressure in a GBC showdown, relented, admitting the fault in thinking that Srila
Prabhupada had not given us everything and that we should consult with the 'rasika
guru', as he had himself done and also persuaded many hundreds of others to do for the previous 4
years. It appeared that TKG had been ready to push Narayan Maharaj to be accepted as the
next acharya for ISKCON, with himself being the right hand man. TKG was chastised and put
on restriction and probation by the GBC. Since,
ISKCON defections to Narayan Maharaj have snowballed and become a serious factor in the
weakening of Srila Prabhupada's Mission. 10) No sooner was Tamal
restricted from Vrindaban and the association of Narayan Maharaj than he enrolled in
college and began working hard to become a religious scholar and academic authority on the
Hare Krishna Movement. The ten lives of Tamal! He is presently working on his doctorate at
Cambridge University in England and attends conferences of religious scholars around the
world. In this way, perhaps he will finally be accorded due respect as a truly spiritual
person and be able to transcend the many years of poor reputation he has earned while
participating in various and numerous controversial and debilitating ISKCON incidences. TAKES OVER SRILA
PRABHUPADA'S QUARTERS Another part of Tamal's
history worth noting is that immediately after Srila Prabhupada's disappearance in
November 1977, Tamal sent word to the Bombay temple to prepare Srila Prabhupada's quarters
there for his arrival. Going to Bombay, Tamal moved into Srila Prabhupada's rooms and set
himself up in charge of the huge just, opened complex. The Juhu Beach property was perhaps
the premier ISKCON property, and Tamal then ordered a marble Vyasasana for himself. When
the Vyasasana arrived and was being installed, Mahabuddhi noticed that it was higher than
Srila Prabhupada's Vyasasana. Mahabuddhi instructed the workers to cut down the legs
several feet, which was not pleasing to Tamal. Throughout 1978 Tamal solidified his hold
on the Bombay project; at one meeting in the presence of Tamal, some of Srila Prabhupada's
disciples were grilled and harassed, "Do you love Goswami?" Finally the
situation became too radical for even Giriraj and Sridhar Swamis, and TKG was summarily
ousted while he was visiting the USA, and informed not to return. CONCLUSION In conclusion, upon
reviewing the colorful history of Tamal, we are left in serious doubt as to how much
credibility should be accorded to his diary, accounts of Srila Prabhupada's illness, or
the various interpretations of Srila Prabhupada's instructions. This is certainly the
feeling of many past and present participants in ISKCON. One who keeps changing their
position cannot be counted on as understanding things rightly and is perceived as a
dishonest politician. Further, we are left to wonder about the motives and ambitions of a
person who has had almost 30 years of political and controversial involvements in ISKCON,
all too often being found at the forefront of yet another serious challenge to the Hare
Krishna Movement he now purports to represent as a scholar. Tamal's drama production
of The Final Pastimes of Srila Prabhupada in 1988 was widely viewed as Tamal's attempt to
gain prominence and esteem from his role in 1977 as Srila Prabhupada's
"intimate" associate. The two year long editing process by Garuda Prabhu prior
to publication was arduous and difficult, with Tamal struggling to retain things such as
references to Srila Prabhupada's shelter under the Vrindaban "tamal" tree. This
book gives many a reader eerie and uncomfortable feelings of Srila Prabhupada being used
to enhance Tamal's and Bhakticharu's reputations. In light of all this,
one cannot but help wonder how Tamal has managed to do such great damage to his spiritual
master's Mission. A demon on the outside would have been less dangerous. It is not a
matter of character assassination, but of character assessment, and that is required only
in these unusual circumstances of a poison investigation. Otherwise these exercises are
forbidden. Because Tamal is a suspect in Srila Prabhupada's poisoning, his history is very
relevant, as it provides many clues as to possible motives, methods, and actions. This is
the nature of a murder investigation. Normally, matters such
as these would not be proper to discuss publicly. However, there is no private forum in
which to address these issues of Srila Prabhupada's poisoning and the suspected poisoners.
ISKCON simply denies the very possibility of poisoning; there is no forum there. What to
do but bring it to the public forum? It is an emergency. Sometimes the rules cannot be
followed per se, but a creative route must be found to take. Therefore it certainly
seems justified in demanding Tamal Krishna Goswami to answer questions regarding Srila
Prabhupada's disappearance, and other matters as well. He must be accountable for his
actions, and, especially in matters of leadership, one must be prepared to answer to the
followers when controversy and suspicion arises. Tamal Krishna Goswami is obliged to
cooperate with the poison investigation. He is a suspect not by dint of his colorful
history, but by dint of the evidence on hand. This
author prays that he can be cleared of suspicion and we can look towards other suspects.
APPENDIX 16: WAS
THE MEDICINE LIKE POISON? According to Prakruti: Your
Ayurvedic Constitution, by Dr. R.E. Svoboda, "Anyone who wants to use mercury for rejuvenation
must be exceptionally careful about its source, and must be sure that it has been
properly prepared... The quantity of mercury in any one pill is very small thanks to the
processing procedure known as Bhavana... Makharadhvaja benefits all sorts of acute disease
states, including especially respiratory ailments like cold, influenza, and pneumonia, and
all sorts of chronic conditions, such as low blood pressure, general exhaustion, and
nervous or mental debility... It is usually best to take Makharadhvaja during the coldest
season of the year so that their powerful innate fire does not increase pitta." The questionable source
of Chandra Swami's makharadhvaja and the kaviraja's disclaimer letter that was never shown
to Srila Prabhupada are two reasons to characterize Srila Prabhupada's caretakers as
irresponsible. However, the real issue is not negligence or bungling in the care of Srila
Prabhupada, but it is the arsenic poisoning. Bhakticharu said: "Soon after that Srila Prabhupada started to
speak about poison. Therefore it seemed to me that he was speaking about the adverse
effect of makaradhvaja." This is
expected to be a central explanation from ISKCON
apologetics, that on November 10 Srila Prabhupada was talking about the makharadhvaja effects, and not talking about being
poisoned by someone. They will also refer to Tamal's late October statement about the
medicine, "it had turned to poison." Since, as they explain, Srila Prabhupada could not
have possibly been poisoned maliciously by any of His own loving disciples, therefore any
talk of poison must be about medicines which
had adverse effects and were "like
poison." Thus the idea
is floated that makharadhvaja was a possible source of
poisoning, as it contains mercury, responsible for debilitating Srila Prabhupada's health
and perhaps even having a lethal effect. Some have suggested this may have been due to His
taking makharadhvaja for an extended period,
thought by some to begin early in 1977. However, the makharadhvaja was taken only 2 times by Srila
Prabhupada, once on October 25, and once the next day, a total of ONE DAY. But these deflections by minimizing Srila
Prabhupada's statement of being poisoned is irresponsible and does not make any sense when
the details of chronological history are examined. After taking makharadhvaja, Srila Prabhupada discontinued its
use, noting that "it is not acting," and
that there were "adverse reactions,"
namely loose bowels, passing 5 times in a day. But Srila Prabhupada did not become
extremely ill, or even slightly ill, from taking the makharadhvaja; He did not experience the pain,
fever, vomiting, etc that one might expect with serious "poisonous" effects. Unnecessarily, Tamal introduced the poison word.
Why are Tamal, Bhavananda, Bhakticharu talking about poison in October, weeks before Srila
Prabhupada used the word? To confuse us about the real poison? Srila Prabhupada
discontinued the makharadhvaja even in the face
of continued pressure to continue taking it. Apparently Srila Prabhupada was suspicious of
the makharadhvaja, as He questioned its source,
the uncanny "coincidence" of finding it ready made, the fact that it was free,
and finally He inspected it Himself visually. But then He said nothing further about it,
and Sastriji came from Calcutta to begin a new treatment. Fourteen days later, the
makharadhvaja issue was distant history; the
loose bowels were gone before November began, and Sastriji's program had been underway for
two weeks. The time between the taking of the
makharadhvaja and the time at which Srila Prabhupada said He was being poisoned are too
far apart for the two incidents to have any relation. On November 9, Srila Prabhupada
did not say that the medicine was poisonous; He said that He heard others speaking of how
He was being poisoned. Perhaps He had heard devotees whispering about poison, just as
today we are hearing devotees whispering in the tape's background about poison. By study of Srila
Prabhupada's health history of late 1977, no longer does the "medicine is like poison" explanation
make sense. It may sound impressive to one who has not studied the chronology and events.
There is, however, some concern that the makharadhvaja
obtained through Chandra Swami was spiced with
poison, namely arsenic. Even if it was, there was no visible effect. Makharadhvaja is made with gold, sulfur, and
mercury, and sometimes with other ingredients such as musk, pearls, mica. However, arsenic is not an ingredient of
makharadhvaja. Arsenic is not known nor
expected to have been an ingredient in any of Srila Prabhupada's medicines. Anything Srila
Prabhupada ate or drank as food or medicine could have been arsenic-tainted. To taint the makharadhvaja would seem much more unlikely than
poisoning the milk, for example. Even if the makharadhvaja
was arsenic-tainted by an outside party, it is very difficult to see how this could result
in the 3 ppm in Balavanta's one month hair sample, during which the makharadhvaja was taken for 1 day. Blood clears itself of arsenic within 5 days at
most. Any arsenic in the makharadhvaja would
thus have been deposited decreasingly in the
hair for only about 6 days out of 30. For 30 days of hair to contain an average of 3 ppm
due to 6 days of arsenic-tainted blood, the levels during the first day would need to be
about 25 ppm, a level which would cause acute arsenic poisoning symptoms not seen in Srila Prabhupada at that time. (see
the case histories for comparisons of arsenic levels and resulting symptoms) Thus,
logically, the 3 ppm was not due to 1 day worth of tainted makharadhvaja, but due to poisoning spread out over much more than 1 day. The arsenic
came from elsewhere, not the makharadhvaja. For example: if the
makharadhvaja was arsenic-tainted and is thought to produce an average of 3 ppm in the
hair over 30 days, the amounts would need to be: 25 for 1 day, 18 for 1 day, 10 for 1 day,
5 for 1 day, 3 for 1 day, 2 for 1 day, and about 1 ppm for the last 24 days of that month.
This averages out at 3 ppm with arsenic ingested for only one day. Serious effects would
ensue from 25 ppm arsenic; but only diarrhea was the result. The conclusion, again, is
that 3 ppm was not due to tainted makharadhvaja. When Srila Prabhupada
spoke of being poisoned on November 9 and 10, He was not talking about makharadhvaja.
The entire conversation on the 10th was of rakshasas, who could possibly do such a
thing, the Guha and Sankaracharya murders, who has poisoned you, etc. The kaviraja said
there must be truth to it. The discussion was obviously about intentional poisoning, not
of negative medicinal effects. Yet, no one took it seriously. Why? Why now obscure the
issue with a "makharadhvaja was poison"
explanation? The medicine was not poisonous. And if the medicine had too much mercury,
then why did Balavanta's hair test not show high levels of mercury, but only of arsenic,
which is not a makharadhvaja component? SUMMARY: 1. Makharadhvaja does not have arsenic as an
ingredient. 2. Balavanta's hair
analysis shows poisoning by arsenic, not by mercury. 3. Srila Prabhupada was not
talking about makharadhvaja on Nov. 9 & 10. 4. The makharadhvaja was not "poisonous" enough
to notice any effects 5. Makharadhvaja doesn't explain Prabhupada's
poisoning statements. 6. The 3 ppm arsenic level
is not due to possibly tainted makharadhvaja. 7. The 3 ppm arsenic level
is due to poisoning over much more than 1 day.
APPENDIX
17: ASTROLOGY
AND POISONING THE TRUE HOROSCOPE OF SRILA PRABHUPADA USA (VNN) - by Dharmapada Dasa (01/13/98 - Story
1496) I read a Chakra article that Shrila Prabhupada's
horoscope does not indicate death by poisoning, such that the case is solved- that is a
tidy solution. Personally, I’m not getting involved in that one right now because it
isn’t my purpose. I don’t want anyone to think that I’m manipulating charts
with an ulterior purpose in mind. I’ll assume, no doubt, the writer's intention was
good; but the chart itself was wrong, and that's the issue which I would like to address
at the moment because it is an issue worth considering in and of itself; a contention
exists about
which chart is actually the true horoscope of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta
Swami, Prabhupada. The chart on the Chakra website has been
championed by a respected astrologer in ISKCON who received training in India. The
ascendent of that chart is Capricorn. The ascendent of the other chart is Sagittarius.
That the Sagittarius one is actually the chart of Shrila Prabhupada was first brought to
my attention by Nalini Kantha dasa, another well-known ISKCON astrologer. (By the way my
name is Dharmapada Dasa: dean@uninet.com.br) Some background will be necessary to sort things
out. First, it seems that at some point Shrila Prabhupada identified with Capricorn chart.
This seems to mean that Shrila Prabhupada was given his calculated chart and told he was
Capricorn ascendent and that he basically accepted that. What else can anybody really
infer? We have never heard of any discussion between Shrila Prabhupada and Shrila
Bhaktisiddhanta, a great astrologer, about our Prabhupada’s horoscope. We know
nothing of any possibility that Bhaktisiddhanta examined Srila Prabhupada's chart; no help
there. If someone brought the contention to his
attention, and was able to present the case for the Sagittarius chart, His Divine Grace
might have changed his mind. It’s not as if Shrila Prabhupada affirmed for all time
that his ascendent was Capricorn and that that was his divine instruction. The reason for the contention is very simple; if
Shrila Prabhupada’s reported birth time was off by as little as 5 minutes or so, then
the ascendent would change from Capricorn to Sagittarius. They are not entirely different
charts which have nothing to do with each other, although they are entirely different. I’m saying that the
planetary positions and everything are the same, the only difference being that if we go
back just five minutes; a few, small, quick minutes, the ascendent changes and the whole
chart gets plotted differently. The ascendent would be either 29 degrees Sagittarius or
one of the first few degrees of Capricorn, the cut-off point being 30 degrees. The two
charts only one degree away from each other, determined by mere minutes. And who was it that reported the time? Probably
Shrila Prabhupada’s parents. Were they so efficient that they documented events down
to the minute and second? Did the clocks in India keep good time? Remember: a few minutes
and the chart changes. It is not improbable that Shrila Prabhupada’s birth time
contains some rounding error: it is likely, meaning the true ascendent is probably up for
grabs until otherwise determined. When I’m faced with a rising sign on the
first or last degree of a sign is, first of all I ask the native of the chart what the
source of the birth time is. Then I probe by asking about indications which could only be
true in one chart or the other. For example, let’s say that one chart supports the
existence of younger brothers, while the other does not. It is more accurate to start with
the chart, interrogate, go backwards and adjust the birth time rather than to take a
borderline birth time for granted. The term for this is chart rectification. All practiced astrologers
understand this problem. We have to find out which facts from
Prabhupada’s life correspond to one chart and not the other. Often a phenomenon might
seem justifiable from both charts, as is the situation in this case. I could argue for the
existence of children and pharmaceutical business from both charts. But there are two blatant things about Shrila
Prabhupada’s life which can only be explained by the Sagittarius chart: His
authorship and the 1970's success of his movement. First of all, when we examine any affair, there
are two basic elements of a chart which we must consider. On one hand, we look at the
house which stands for the thing in question, its occupants, any aspects which it might
receive and the position of its lord. On the other hand, we examine the karaka or natural
significator. I will give a few examples of karakas to show the reason what I mean. The
moon is the karaka of one’s mother, the sun is the karaka of one’s father, also
of the king, Mars is the karaka of brothers and Venus is the karaka of one’s love
life. So just as any issue has a house which represents it, there is a corresponding
planetary indicator which naturally represents it, too. With this in mind, let’s
examine the authorship issue from Shrila Prabhupada’s charts two supposed charts. The karaka in the Capricorn chart is Mercury.
The Vedic astrological literature unequivocally indicates Mercury as the indicator of
writing, authorship and books. In this chart, Mercury occupies its sign of exaltation,
Virgo, in a benefic and pious house, the ninth. It forms raj yoga there with Venus, raj
yoga being a tremendous combination for power and influence. So at first glance, the
Capricorn chart supports the type of religious authorship that Shrila Prabhupada enjoyed. But the lord (Jupiter) of the house of
authorship (the third) occupies the eighth house. The eighth is the most evil house in any
horoscope. The affairs represented by any planet or lord who falls there are said to
disintegrate and the strength of such a planet is described by adjectives such as “
feeble.” In spite of the strength of the karaka Mercury, and the fact that Mercury
aspects or throws its influence on the house of authors, the absolute weakness of the lord
of the house does not support the idea of a world-famous author who wrote and organized
the distribution of many millions of books. The nature of any religious writings indicated
by Jupiter in the evil 8th house afflicted by the Rahu - Ketu axis would not be of the
nature of the pure Krishna bhakti of which Shrila Prabhupada wrote. The Rahu-Ketu
combination together with Jupiter goes by the name of Guru-Chandala yoga, indicative of
dharmas of lesser understanding. When this combination is prominent in a horoscope, the
traditional texts indicate that the person takes up Islam or Christianity, religions of
the meat-eaters. I have seen this combination indicate comprehension troubles in the
charts of many regular devotees, without carrying the added affliction of occurring in the
evil 8th, as in the case of the Capricorn chart. In other words, the evil can be corrected
if the combination receives other benefic influences, such as good association or aspects.
But this combination doesn’t cut the mustard because Jupiter is himself afflicted by
being there and is the lord of bad houses. So this afflicted third-lord Jupiter with the
Rahu-Ketu axis, in an evil house is not indicative of Shrila Prabhupada’s pure
writings. The degenerate influence of Rahu and Ketu over Jupiter have gone off the deep
end by being in the 8th house. On the other hand, the Sagittarius chart has
four resounding indications which suggest great literary success, with no blemishes. They
are: 1. Again, the natural indicator Mercury occupies
his sign of exaltation- that wouldn’t change over a few minutes! Mercury occupies the
house of occupation and career, which is certainly a natural place for it to be in
Prabhupada’s chart, for obvious reasons. 2. Rahu occupies the house of authorship. Rahu
gives very good results from that house, no question about it. 3. Jupiter and the Sun aspect the house of
authors from the ninth house, a very pious and benefic house, wherefrom they form a great
raj yoga. This greatly strengthens the house. 4. Finally, the lord of the house of authors
occupies his sign of exaltation; I am referring to Saturn in the eleventh. Not only is
Libra the best sign for this planet, but the eleventh is the best house! Now these are the kind of indications which
would (and did) make an author a multimillion-dollar seller. These combinations are not
seen often. The other issue has to do with the fact that the
heyday of the Hare Krishna movement took place during the major planetary period of Ketu.
The idea is that during the period of a planet, the indications promised by it in the
chart become activated. The Ketu period started in May of 1971. Previous to that, the
major period corresponded to Mercury, the minor period belonging to Saturn from August of
‘68 until May of ‘71. In the Capricorn chart, does Ketu in the evil
8th house with the Rahu- Ketu axis indicate any great spirituality? We have already
responded to that question, the answer is no. Does Ketu in the 8th even suggest any type
of strong success? Especially next to such a weak Jupiter, the answer according to general
astrological principles is also no. In the Sagittarius chart, however, any natural evil of
the Rahu - Ketu axis would be overshadowed by dint of the fact that Ketu sits in the pious
house of religion, by the fact that Ketu is with a strong Jupiter, who is the karaka of
religion and spiritual understanding (Jupiter is Brihaspati ), and by being with the lord
of the house of religion, the satvic Sun. Ketu would not only reflect the piety of this
9th house situation of the Sagittarius chart, but also reflect and intensify the force and
power of that combination, and give success in his period. It is the nature of both Rahu
and Ketu to reflect the results of the planet in whose sign they are placed. They are
largely chameleons in this way. They soak up and intensify the indications around them. In
predictive astrology also, Rahu and Ketu act like their associated planets and reflect the
qualities of the house they are in. It is only natural in the Sagittarius chart for Ketu
to reflect and intensify the great success and piety of the raj yoga (Jupiter, Sun
combination) of which he is a part. Ketu’s inherent materialism is not reinforced as
in the Capricorn chart, with Ketu in an evil house next to an afflicted and weak Jupiter. Ketu's intensifying nature accounts for the
results which were not given in the major Jupiter period by itself, which took place in
the 1920s, when Shrila Prabhupada didn’t have such success. So, Ketu was able to
synthesize and intensify the combined effects of Jupiter and the Sun in a synergistic way.
This is typical of the nature of Rahu and Ketu; we are used to seeing planets manifest
their results through Rahu and Ketu. In the Capricorn chart, however, everything requires
a bit of stretching. A much more tenable and natural interpretation results from the
Sagittarius chart. In this way I hope that the answer to the
question about which chart is the real chart of Shrila Prabhupada has become revealed. As
far as the controversy between the two different charts is concerned, one group has
overlooked a few things. But just because some astrologer makes a mistake, has an opinion
which is off-kilter, or has a prediction that has gone wrong, is not cause to pass
judgement over him or reject him. B.V. Raman is India’s most well-known astrologer of
this century; his achievements are fantastic. It was he who carried the message of Hindu
astrology to the West in the English language, who wrote a whole set of books on
practically every facet of Vedic astrology and who carried his astrological journal to
national heights. Even so, he has made a few mistakes, and holds an opinion or two for
which history may not be kind to him, and he has detractors. Every astrologer has a
prediction go wrong or a skeleton in his closet. Let’s not hastily judge any
astrologer who favors the Capricorn chart. Your
Servant, Dharmapada das AUTHOR'S
COMMENT: The Sagittarius chart thus can be seen as the better match for Srila
Prabhupada's astrological position. Other astrologers, including Asutosh Oja, who plotted
Srila Prabhupada's chart in 1977, have clearly observed that Srila Prabhupada's chart
indicated trouble or insubordination from juniors and supports a case of poisoning. However, astrology cannot prove or disprove that
Srila Prabhupada was poisoned.
APPENDIX
18: LETTER
FROM BHAGAVAT DAS USA (VNN) - Bhagavat Das
Reply to ISKCON's Official Report My Dear Prabhus: PAMHO! AGTSP! I read
with interest the statement by the GBC and the response from Rochan. To be honest I am
amazed at everyone's inability to focus on the most important point of this investigation,
which are the words of His Divine Grace "Someone is poisoning me". These words
were the reason for launching the investigation and they continue to remain the most
compelling reason for the investigation to continue. After conducting a closer examination
of the tape, to ascertain whether there was more information on the tape that might shed
more light on the statements of His Divine Grace, the whispers were found. Unfortunately
everyone has chosen to focus on the whispers instead of the statements of His Divine
Grace, which are the real evidence in the case for his being poisoned. First of all even if we
approach this from a practical point of view Srila Prabhupada was, during his grihasta
days, the manager of a pharmaceutical house. He designed, manufactured and marketed his
own pharmaceutical preparations like De's liniment. Srila Prabhupada was very conversant
with how herbs, chemicals and poisons interacted with the human body. Srila Prabhupada
also owned his own pharmacy in Allahabad where he sold prescriptions where he would have
to have knowledge of drug interactions with the body. So even from a practical point of
view we must concede Srila Prabhupada was educated enough in medical science to know if he
were being poisoned just from the reactions he was feeling in his body. Secondly, and more
importantly, he is the Nitya Siddha pure devotee of the Supreme Lord Krishna, meaning he
is by the grace of Supersoul fully conscious of the hearts and minds of his devotees. In
1974 there was some controversy with several leaders in our society who were claiming that
Srila Prabhupada was not a magician and that it was foolish to think that he knew what was
going on in his temples and in the hearts of his disciples. I argued then against such
nonsense and when I was in Bombay Srila Prabhupada received a letter from his disciple
Sarva Mangal dasi. She said there were devotees making these opposing statements, and
while she believed that he knew these things, she wanted His Divine Grace to please
confirm her understanding. Srila Prabhupada told his secretary, "For a greatly
advanced pure devotee of the Lord this was not difficult." The secretary then asked,
"So I should tell her that you know this?" Srila Prabhupada replied,
"That's not what I said. I said a greatly advanced pure devotee of the Lord would
know these things. I am not a greatly advanced pure devotee, I am not even a devotee. I am
just trying to be a devotee." Also Srila Prabhupada stated that Supersoul tells him
whatever he needs to know. We can thus conclude
that Srila Prabhupada is a greatly advanced pure devotee of the Lord and he most certainly
knew that he was being poisoned and by whom. Is anyone able to present any argument
against the fact that Srila Prabhupada is a greatly advanced pure devotee of the Lord who
knows what is going on in the hearts and minds of his devotees? Can anyone refute Srila
Prabhupada's statements about the abilities of a greatly advanced pure devotee? If you can
prove Srila Prabhupada was not a greatly advanced pure devotee and did not know he was
being poisoned, then please publish your foolish and offensive argument so we may all know
who you are. Unfortunately during
this investigation there are some devotees who have been diminishing the words of the
greatly advanced pure devotee Srila Prabhupada by portraying him as an ordinary man. Even
more amazing is that some of them are the same devotees who I argued against over 20 years
ago about the same thing. I have heard statements like "he was old and sick and could
not understand", "he was senile", "usually old Indian men who are
dying think they are being poisoned", "he was confused", and other mundane
assessments of His Divine Grace. If these assessments are accurate then how could he
translate Srimad Bhagavatam until his last days. Are we to accept that last translation
work as the ranting of a confused, senile old man? If any one thinks such, please publish
your case so we can all know who you are. Just because doctors
were examining Srila Prabhupada doesn't mean that they could ascertain that he was being
poisoned, unless they tested for it specifically. Many poisons cause the rapid onset of
certain diseases (like heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, etc.) and death. It was
said in certain circles that when Indira Gandhi held Jayaprakash Narayan under house
arrest she slowly administered poisons that caused kidney deterioration and his death.
This kind of poisoning cannot be detected by routine medical tests. Therefore, when foul
play is suspected, in addition to a doctor's exam, an autopsy is done to ascertain the
truth. However, I am neither suggesting, requesting, or in any way insinuating that Srila
Prabhupada should be exhumed for an autopsy. I am totally against it. So the statements of
some that the doctors did not notice poisoning is not evidence that he was not poisoned.
Srila Prabhupada, being conversant with the effects of various substances on the body, and
being that he was experiencing it first hand, makes him the most likely person to
ascertain the truth of the situation. Also he is the greatly advanced pure devotee who is
aware of what is going on. This truth is being
obfuscated by all this rhetoric about the whispers and whether they are real or not. The
whispers don't even really matter! What matters most is that the greatly advanced pure
devotee of the Lord, my spiritual master, said, "Someone is poisoning me".
Doesn't the Nectar of Instruction warn us that to consider the spiritual master, as an
ordinary human being is greatly offensive? Are there not many other verses that say the
same thing? How many verses are there, which state that faith in the words of the
spiritual master is the real key to enlightenment? It has been asked how
Srila Prabhupada, the greatly advanced pure devotee, could be poisoned? How could he be
vanquished? Didn't Jesus Christ accept the crucifixion after praying to the Lord,
"Let this cup pass from me but thy will be done"? Didn't Jesus Christ forbid
Peter from fighting with the Roman soldiers when they came to take him? Srila Prabhupada
died for the sins of his disciples: that is the covenant he made with us at the time of
initiation. He could have stayed with us. He said, "Krishna said it is up to me -I
can stay or I can go, but what do you want?" Obviously there was a Judas amongst us
who wanted him to go, and so he departed. That is not the same as being vanquished.
"He reasons ill who says that Vaishnavas die when living still in sound" Srila
Prabhupada left us his words, his voice beckons us to bring him justice. Which devotee is
there who will argue that the words of the spiritual master are wrong? Please publish your
case that when Srila Prabhupada said, "Someone is poisoning me," he was wrong.
Who are you? What is really at the
core of this issue is faith in the eternally transcendental position of the spiritual
master and his words. The entire political diatribe and semantics is just a desperate
attempt to conceal the truth. We know that somebody poisoned Srila Prabhupada! How?
Because he said so! The only question now is who? The failure of the whispers to prove
that (if in fact they do not) is not the end of the case! It is only insufficient
evidence! Maybe Srila Prabhupada wants us to look at it from another angle. One thing we
can be sure of he is in control! It is up to him when and where and how we find the truth
and the price we will have to pay for that is complete faith in the words of His Divine
Grace. There are many who were
in Vrindaban during Srila Prabhupada's last days who feel that it would have been
impossible for them to not notice that this was going on. But how many times were we
involved in difficult situations and only Srila Prabhupada understood everything; we
didn't even have a clue. No one knew about Judas except Jesus Christ. None of the apostles
knew. Didn't Srila Prabhupada tell us he was being poisoned? Still we did nothing about
it. How sadly history repeats itself. There are those who will try to distract you from
the truths written in this letter by discrediting me. But this letter is not about me, it
is about Srila Prabhupada and his words. I am easily discredited, there are so many things
I do not do, but one thing I have never done is considering my Spiritual Master to be an
ordinary man or doubted his words. I can say with conviction, however, that anyone who
follows all the rules but fails to accept that Srila Prabhupada is a Shaktavesh Avatar,
Nitya Siddha, greatly advanced pure devotee of the Lord whose words are never wrong, is a
spiritual failure. The real issue is do we believe our Spiritual Master when he says,
"Someone is poisoning me"? Do we believe that the words of our Spiritual Master
are never wrong? Do we believe that this greatly advanced pure devotee would make a
mistake about something so serious as this when he is receiving his information from the
infallible Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna? It is faith on trial here, faith in
the Spiritual Master and his words. The line is drawn: on one side are those who doubt the
words of the greatly advanced pure devotee of the Lord. On the other side are those who
believe that if the spiritual master says it's a rope then it's a rope and if he says it's
a snake then it's a snake. I know which side I am on. My spiritual master, right or wrong
he is always right, he is never wrong. Which side of the line are you on?
APPENDIX
19: TAMAL TALKS AT
PYRAMID HOUSE
In late 1980 Tamal Krishna Goswami and Hansadutta Swami were travelling around
ISKCON, having been suspended as gurus and GBC's by the GBC body for activities
unacceptable to them, such as demanding that his godbrothers must approach Srila
Prabhupada through him. They had been relieved of their zones. TKG called for an open
discussion at Nrsinghananda's Pyramid House in Topanga Canyon, CA. on December 3, 1980.
Hansadutta, Dhira Krishna, Kirtiraja, Jayadwaita and others were present, and the talk was
recorded. Below are some of the interesting statements made therein. Hansadutta: Anyway, Tamal Krishna Goswami has had
a very important realization about how some of these problems have been plaguing us for
the last two years practically, since Prabhupada disappeared. How they've come to be,
regarding this guru issue and appointment or expanding it or restricting it. That's why he
wanted some of you to come and hear, because I think this will be a breath of fresh air... Tamal: Actually, Prabhupada never appointed any
gurus. He didn't appoint eleven gurus. He appointed eleven ritviks. He never appointed them gurus. Myself and the other GBC have done the greatest
disservice to this movement the last three years because we interpreted the appointment of
ritviks as the appointment of gurus. What actually happened was that Prabhupada mentioned
that he might be appointing some ritviks, so the GBC went to Prabhupada - 5 or 6 of us. We asked him, "Srila Prabhupada, after your
departure, if we accept disciples, whose disciples will they be, your disciples or
mine?" Later on there was a piled-up
list for people to get initiated. I said,
"Srila Prabhupada, you once mentioned about ritviks.
I don't know what to do. We don't want
to approach you, but there's hundreds of devotees named, and I'm just holding all the
letters. " So Prabhupada said,
" I will appoint so many...," and he started to name them. He made it very clear that they're his disciples. At that point it was very clear in my mind that
they were his disciples. Later on I asked him
two questions: 1) What about Brahmananda Swami? So Prabhupada said, "No, not unless
he's qualified." Before I got ready to
type the letter, I asked him: 2) "Srila
Prabhupada, is this all or do you want to add more?"
He said, "As is necessary, others may be added." Now I understand that
what he did was very clear. He was physically
incapable of performing the function of initiation physically; therefore, he appointed
officiating priests to initiate on his behalf. He
appointed eleven and he said very clearly, "Whoever is nearest, he can
initiate." This is a very important
point, because when it comes to initiating if it isn't whoever is nearest, it's wherever
your heart goes. Who you repose your faith
in, you take initiation from him. But when it's officiating, it's whoever is nearest, and
he was very clear. "Then, on my behalf,
they'll initiate." It's not a question
that you repose your faith in that person. That's a function for the guru. "In order for me to manage this
movement," Prabhupada said, "I have to form a GBC, and I will appoint the
following people. In order to continue the
process of people joining our movement and getting initiated, I have to appoint some
priests to help me because just like I cannot physically manage everyone myself, I
physically cannot initiate everyone myself." And
that's all that it was, and it was never any more than that. If it had been more than that, you can bet your
bottom dollar that Prabhupada would have spoken for days and hours and weeks on end about
how to set up this thing with the gurus, but he didn't because he already had said it a
million times. He said, "My guru
maharaja did not appoint anyone. It's by
qualification." We made a great mistake. After Prabhupada's departure, what is the position
of these eleven people? Obviously, Srila
Prabhupada felt that of all of the people, these people are particularly qualified. So it stands to reason that after Prabhupada's
departure, they would go on, if they so desired, to initiate. If you're a proper guru, and your guru is no
longer present, that is your right. It's like
a man can procreate. Similarly, it is a
disciple's duty to push forward. He may
decide, "I don't want to take disciples. I
want to assist so-and-so." He has that
right. But if he feels the inspiration from
within and he has the qualifications, and he realizes what it means to take disciples,
that it is a heavy responsibility, and if someone reposes their [faith] in him, then he
should go ahead and do that. Unfortunately, the GBC
did not recognize this point. They
immediately said these eleven people are the selected gurus. I can say definitely for myself, and for which I
humbly beg forgiveness from everybody, that there was definitely some degree of trying to
control. This is the conditioned nature, and
it came out in the highest position of all. "Guru,
oh wonderful. Now I'm a guru, and there's
only eleven of us." This is what led us
into this pitfall. The GBC who weren't gurus
said, "I'm next in line." This has
screwed up our movement terribly. It has very
much hurt our movement because it has left so many Godbrothers in a frustrated position,
very, very frustrated, and it is dampening their enthusiasm, and it has held back the
preaching mission. Jayapataka read an
ultimate point that Hamsadutta Maharaja was praying for Prabhupada's death. Sridhar Maharaja heard this and he said,
"Yes, the same thing was there in my guru maharaja's time. There was one disciple who guru maharaja said was
in the same mentality. My gurumaharaja chose
to see the bright side. Yes, because he feels
checked right now in his preaching determination. He
wants to preach for me and for Krishna, and he cannot." The fact is that whatever we say still Prabhupada
named him after this incident to be a ritvik or a guru, according to your interpretation.
I've been accused of the same thing. "That
you tried to kill Prabhupada." The point I want to state on that is this realization,
and I feel that the GBC body, if they don't adopt this point very quickly, if they don't
realize this truth: You can't show me
anything on tape or in writing where Prabhupada says, "I appoint these 11 as
gurus." It doesn't exist because he
never appointed any gurus. This is a myth. Everyone is qualified to right now give
initiation. The day you got initiated you get
the right to become a father when your father disappears, if you're qualified. No appointment.
It doesn't require an appointment because there isn't one. There's one
thing I have to say is that in this discussion there should be no fear of repercussions. I have no fear of anything and that's why I can
say anything because everything that could have happened has happened. So we should speak now
with the thought that, "Well, if so-and-so finds out what I've said, I'm
getting..." That's not right. We should be totally open. AUTHOR'S
COMMENT: So here Tamal admits that there never was an appointment of regular
gurus; Srila Prabhupada only appointed rtviks. However, he assumes that after Srila
Prabhupada left, that it was "only natural" for those eleven rtviks and then
more that would be added later, to become regular gurus, even though Srila Prabhupada
never instructed such a thing. Although there was no appointment of anything but rtviks,
at Topanga Canyon Tamal thinks that regular gurus can be self-appointed. Of course, his
future statements and writings contradict this thesis and themselves in a maze of
confusing mumbo-jumbo. Perhaps it is like the politicians do: say all kinds of
contradictory things, and refer to the ones that apply as needed. However, honest devotees don't fall for this
stuff.
APPENDIX
20: BLACK MAGIC
AND TANTRICS
Chandra Swami is possibly connected to the poisoning of Srila Prabhupada, as
detailed in Chapter 15. Chandra Swami is a shakta, a worshipper of Lord Shiva, a tantric
yogi, and his dark past was chronicled in Chapter 15. In the guise of a sannyasi, he was
actually interested in politics and money, obtained by manipulating people and involvement
in murder and with foreign intelligence agencies. It has already been questioned why Srila
Prabhupada's medicine was obtained from the likes of such a criminal.
It may be quite relevant to note that several of the ISKCON gurus have also been
involved with tantric practices and "yogis." If those who have inherited Srila
Prabhupada's position as absolute gurus are today involved with black magic and tantra,
could they also have been so involved in 1977? Are tantric practices part of bhaktiyoga
taught by Srila Prabhupada? Tantric practices are for those wanting power, sex, money, and
elimination of enemies and those who stand in the way of achieving these things.
Harikesh was widely known to be heavily involved in UFO's and tantric practices.
One year it was heard he and several other ISKCON gurus went to a particular tantric who,
with a thread and mantras, was able to pull black poisons from out of their stomachs with
a thread. Harikesh consulted the pendulum on most decisions. More ominously, he was also
rumored to have purchased tantric services to enhance his power and defeat his enemies.
Jayapataka Swami is also rumored to have purchased such tantric services.
Jayapataka Swami is mentioned in the Conversations Books as having consulted a
"tantric astrologer" in late 1977 for information on Srila Prabhupada's health.
He also brought his disciple Chitrakesh around ISKCON for the famous
"ghost-busting" rituals for which, of course, fees were charged. Chitrakesh also
performed for a fee elaborate private rituals to remove ghosts from the body. This same
Chitrakesh was supplying a medicine called vibhuti to Harikesh for ten years which turned
out to be a powerful psychotropic drug. The first ISKCON guru to reach and privately speak
(negotiate) with Harikesh upon his dramatic departure from ISKCON in 1998 was...
Jayapataka Swami. Both Tamal and Bhavananda have also been rumored to have tantric
involvement in the last twenty years.
As we know from Srila Prabhupada's teachings, anything material cannot last. Thus
these tantric practices will never give one any permanent advantage. Actually, their use
is an involvement in the laws of karma, and black magic or tantric curses and rituals will
eventually run their course and backfire.
Are those ISKCON leaders and gurus who avail themselves of such dark practices
depending on Krishna's mercy? These methods leave us to wonder as to what extent and
purpose they have availed themselves of the dark side, either recently or when Srila
Prabhupada stood between them and the seat of the guru.
APPENDIX
21: ISKCON ANSWERS
CD THAT NEVER WAS The CD produced by
Dhaneshwar Prabhu in the Lockport, NY studio of Jagannath Prabhu in January 1998, after
hearing it, was deemed by this reporter to be a faulty and incomplete exposition of the
poison issue. Somehow copies made their way to the ISKCON GBC and other places. This
reporter decided not to distribute the "Poison CD" but to continue the
investigation privately and produce a written report later. Apparently the GBC worried
that the CD was being made available, and they composed a rebuttal, held ready for the
expected release of the Poison CD. ISKCON's response was leaked on the internet and the
GBC was obliged to officially release it the next day. The Poison CD never was released.
Thus ISKCON was replying to nothing. It is
lengthy but mostly superfluous; it is reviewed here in abbreviated form. This reporter's
comments will be shown in italics. ISKCON's
Reply to the Poison CD: VNN: May 21, 1998. (Story #1809) This paper has been issued by the Ministry For
The Protection of ISKCON, and has been compiled by Jahnu dasa and Hari Sauri dasa. Over the last few months a rumor has surfaced
that Prabhupada supposedly was poisoned by some of his closest and most trusted disciples.
Just recently a Poison CD or PCD and equivalent tape came out, which, although hiding
behind the banner of neutrality and claiming no other intention than getting to the truth
of the matter, strongly and in not so subtle terms suggests that Srila Prabhupada was in
fact poisoned by his Western disciples and that there is a conspiracy being perpetrated by
the GBC to cover this up. The following will show that this proposal is without any basis.
The so-called evidence that is being presented on the Poison CD is, upon closer
examination, actually found to be very loosely constructed and rather insidious at its
core. First we will present a few logical arguments against the idea that Srila Prabhupada
was being poisoned by his disciples.
(Next there is a long section about Srila
Prabhupada's wanting to go on parikrama in November 1977. If there were those who wanted
Srila Prabhupada dead, why did they resist the parikrama proposal which almost everyone
thought would bring Srila Prabhupada's demise due to the extreme hardship for His weakened
and ill body? It seems that those wanting Srila Prabhupada dead would support the
parikrama and thus not need to resort to poisoning. But this is a weak argument for how
Srila Prabhupada's disciples could not have poisoned Srila Prabhupada, or whoever it may
have been. Everyone
knew how bad it would look if the Western disciples negligently "killed" Srila
Prabhupada on parikrama. The Vrindaban residents and all Hindus would take it as totally
irresponsible. The publicity would be so negative that ISKCON's prestige would greatly
suffer. There was no choice but to discourage the parikrama. Further, whoever was
poisoning Srila Prabhupada could have been doing it for a long time already, and Srila
Prabhupada appeared to be only a few days away from departing anyway. Why not look
protective of Srila Prabhupada by opposing a "dangerous" parikrama? Srila
Prabhupada was on the verge of departing anyway; a deadly parikrama was simply not going
to be helpful to the poisoners; the poison was their chosen method.) A further point to consider is who exactly would
want to kill Srila Prabhupada and what would be their motive? Some proponents of the
"Ritvik" idea of guruship have postulated that some members of the GBC who were
named by Srila Prabhupada in his letter of July 9, 1977 wanted him removed from the scene
as quickly as possible so that they could become full gurus in their own right rather than
be proxies for Srila Prabhupada. According to their logic, Srila Prabhupada was about to
state that he didn't want his disciples to be full gurus, and to prevent this and thus
fulfill their own ambitions, they poisoned him to death. Obviously such a task couldn't be
the work of just one devotee. There would have to have been a conspiracy. An astute
observer would have to ask how is it possible to keep a conspiracy like that tight without
any leaks for 20 years, especially in ISKCON? And if there was a conspiracy, how was it
possible to keep Bhakticharu Swami out of it? He would have had to be in on it. But what
would be his motive? He was not one of the originally appointed gurus nor did he become
one until after the guru reforms in 1987.
(Why is it difficult to imagine the
possibility that a group of poisoners have
managed to remain undetected for 22 years? Napoleon's murder was not discovered for 150
years. Blanche Taylor Moore poisoned many people in her life and family for over twenty
years, avoiding detection by family, doctors, hospitals and the law. We already have
strong indications and substantial proof that there was a poisoning conspiracy. Rather
than denounce those concerned about this possibility as demons and enemies of Srila
Prabhupada, why not cooperate together openly and honestly in an enlarged investigation?
Let's settle the matter for all time. More audio tests, more hair analyses, interviews,
forensic research, etc.
Who knows what motives each possible participant in a poisoning could have had?
Revenge, financial gain, power... Some may have been unknowingly involved. Some who knew
may have been afraid of their lives. Some may have been bribed. Poisoning Srila Prabhupada
would only make sense to those who thought they could gain from it. Becoming guru in 1978
may not have been the only motive. Murder is always incomprehensible and illogical, so
what is the use of saying "it doesn't make sense?" Rather, let us focus on
issues of symptoms, hair tests, etc)) (Next is presented Abhiram's lengthy report on
Srila Prabhupada's medical condition and diagnosis of dropsy, which is included in full in
Appendix 4. In Chapters 17 through 31 we have already read how a diagnosis of kidney
disease (and dropsy) is a misdiagnosis, or at least only a partial diagnosis. Certainly
there is the appearance of kidney disease, but no qualified allopathic doctor ever had the
opportunity to reach a correct diagnosis because they were not able to do proper tests or
examine Srila Prabhupada for more than a few days before being rejected. This is clear
from the health biography. The medical evidence points to a health condition other than
kidney disease, and actually very clearly spells out a case of chronic arsenic poisoning.) On the PCD it is claimed that it has not been
possible to obtain clear medical records of Srila Prabhupada's physical condition prior to
his departure.
(Yes, at the time the CD was produced there
had not been information collected to produce a health biography to study the physical
symptoms of Srila Prabhupada's illness. Thus the CD was never produced nor distributed.
Since the passage of time and the release of TKG's Diary however, a thorough health biography was compiled.
And it reveals chronic arsenic poisoning.) The PCD authors would have it that Srila
Prabhupada showed strong symptoms of someone being poisoned (Well, isn't it Srila Prabhupada who said that?),
but while they suggestively attribute this to sinister origins, we shall now present some
more medical facts to show that such symptoms were indeed to be expected in someone of
Prabhupada's physical condition, as also confirmed above by Dr. Karl Otto Jacob.
(Hari Sauri next quotes lengthy portions
from Scientific American about the symptoms of kidney disease and a statement by a Dr.
Jacob who was apparently given a basic review of Srila Prabhupada's symptoms according to
the limited knowledge of Hari Sauri and Jahnu Prabhus. This reporter humbly requests Hari
Sauri to take this book with its health biography and symptom analysis back to Dr. Jacob and as many other doctors as
possible to give an opinion on the possibility of arsenic poisoning. This book contains
the most complete assemblage of medical history on Srila Prabhupada to date.
Of course kidney disease will be the first thing to come to any doctor's mind.
Also, Srila Prabhupada may have had kidney ailments for many years before any poisoning
began. But that is exactly why someone might chose to use arsenic- it is virtually
undetectable and resembles other ailments, and causes kidney disease as well. It was a
perfect cover!) Chronic renal failure is a state of progressive
and irreversible deterioration of renal function that results from a wide spectrum of
diseases Note that it is said that diabetes
is one of the major causes of chronic renal failure.
(Chronic renal failure can also be
caused by heavy metal poisoning. In Appendix 7, there is a description of diabetes
symptoms and a review of how Srila Prabhupada did not, by symptom analysis, have diabetes
serious enough to produce symptoms of diabetes. Later, Hari Sauri states that he had no
indication whatsoever during his 18 months as personal servant that Srila Prabhupada had
diabetes. In the absence of any conclusive medical tests diagnosing Srila Prabhupada's
disease, we are left to analyze by symptoms from biographical data. This method, although
not foolproof, strongly indicates arsenic poisoning (Chapters 17-32). Hair analyses
provide the irrefutable proof desired. One hair test already has revealed very abnormally
high levels of arsenic in Srila Prabhupada's hair of October 1977. As a matter of fact, it
is hair that was in the possession of Hari Sauri Prabhu for 21 years! Hari
Sauri criticizes the CD's use of Dr. Mehta as proof of arsenic poisoning, and rightly so.
Dr. Mehta's opinion based on photos and a video are obviously not substantive, but served
only as a hint as what to look for in the symptoms analysis of Chapters 17-32.) But surely it would be reasonable to expect that
if someone is being given arsenic, he'd exhibit all the symptoms of arsenic poisoning and
not just some of them. Yet some prominent symptoms of arsenic poisoning like inflammation
of the mouth, running nose, vomiting, and increased salivation were in fact, according to
eye witnesses, not visible in Srila Prabhupada's body at any stage. Couple this with the
fact that the other symptoms exhibited by him, as we have already shown at great length,
were rather to be expected from a person in Srila Prabhupada's medical condition of renal
failure, and we see the observations about possible arsenic poisoning are extremely weak
and specious. It is simply unacceptable from a medical point of view to diagnose a disease
and attribute its causes to a particular outside agent simply on the basis of a few
visible symptoms, especially when the same symptoms can easily be attributed to other more
likely natural causes. The ethics of such a practice would surely have to be questioned.
(From the study of arsenic poisoning, we see
that different symptoms will manifest in different cases, and not all possible symptoms
always manifest. Further, Srila Prabhupada did
have mouth ulcers, persistent respiratory problems like cough and mucus, vomiting, and
drooling, which were observed by eye witness
accounts as chronicled in the previous chapters. Again, it is obvious Srila Prabhupada did
have kidney problems. What Hari Sauri does not understand is that Srila Prabhupada
exhibited many symptoms of arsenic poisoning that are not found in kidney disease. Perhaps if he were
to study arsenic poisoning symptoms AND kidney
disease symptoms, he would be better prepared to analyze the medical history. And is 45
symptoms a few?) We have seen, it was clearly explained in the
Scientific American as well as by Dr. Karl Otto Jacob that, "Typical symptoms of
renal insufficiency leading to uremia are: anorexia (total loss of appetite),
gastrointestinal disturbances, peripheral polyneuropathy, high blood pressure and heart
problems, edema, in the last stage cerebral problems up to coma."
(What about the photophobia, conjunctivitis,
constant cough and mucus, and all the other non-kidney disease symptoms that happen to be
arsenic symptoms? Not one symptom Srila Prabhupada exhibited is incompatible with a
diagnosis of chronic arsenic poisoning! And now arsenic poisoning is further confirmed by
the analysis of Srila Prabhupada's hair.) Yet, as will become apparent from the
conversations of November 9 - 10 discussed herein later on, Damodar Prasad Sastri, the
highly experienced doctor who was physically with him right up to the last moment, did not
detect any symptoms of arsenic in Srila Prabhupada's body, and never mentioned the
possibility of it at all, even though Srila Prabhupada himself discussed directly with him
the possibility of his being poisoned. Nor did Prabhupada's nurses, Abhiram Prabhu and
Bhakticharu Swami, nor any of the other doctors who saw Srila Prabhupada.
(It comes as no surprise that no one could
detect the arsenic poisoning now verified by analysis of Srila Prabhupada's hair. Sastriji
probably never saw one other arsenic poisoning patient in his entire career. All the
toxicology texts make it very clear how very difficult it is to detect arsenic poisoning,
either acute or chronic, but especially chronic. Arsenic poisoning resembles other common
ailments, but does not respond to treatments or medicines for those other ailments. Sound
familiar? Srila Prabhupada never responded to any medicine. A little later we see
Bhakticharu Swami's "professional knowledge" that poisoning turns someone blue!
None of Srila Prabhupada's caretakers were medically qualified in the least. How would
they be able to recognize the most undetectable of poisons? Actually, Sastriji said that
if Srila Prabhupada thought He had been poisoned, it must be true, and he spoke at length
about poisons. Sastriji gave full credence to the notion of poisoning.) We present here an reliable eye witness account
a better understanding. Bhakticharu Swami Memoirs "During Srila Prabhupada's last days he
mentioned about poison soon after Makaradhvaj was given to him. That was about three weeks
before his disappearance pastimes. At that time, I felt that the effect of that medicine
may have been detrimental to his condition and therefore he spoke in that way. The next
time he spoke about poison was a few days before his disappearance. At that time according
to the instruction of the Kaviraja from
Calcutta, I was just giving Srila Prabhupada milk diluted with water and sweetened with
sugar candy. The Ayurvedic doctor was gradually increasing the quantity of milk. He
informed us that the milk intake would cure Srila Prabhupada. Personally I did not notice
any unusual bodily symptoms in Srila Prabhupada. He used to lie on the bed all the time.
Sometimes he used to express some discomfort from lying on his back all the time.
Therefore, he used to ask us to turn him on his side. At that time his body had become so
delicate that we had to help him to turn to his side very carefully. If we were not
extremely careful then he would feel pain. Two or three days before his disappearance, His
Divine Grace mentioned a pain in his left thigh and he also mentioned about poison again. The day he left his body sometime during late
morning or early afternoon it seemed that the pain in his left thigh became so acute that
he started to writhe. By that time he had stopped speaking. The last time he spoke was the
night before, at about 12 o'clock, and he told the Ayurvedic doctor from Calcutta about
some discomfort he was feeling. When Prabhupada started writhing in pain, making some
faint moaning sound, Bhavananda Maharaja, who was sitting on the bed next to him held him
tightly and from that time onwards Srila Prabhupada became very still and practically did
not move at all. From time to time he only opened his mouth and I poured some Yamuna
water, which he drank with great relish. Although his body became totally still, yet his
tongue was constantly vibrating. Srila Krishnadasa Babaji Maharaja, a god-brother of His
Divine Grace, pointed out that Srila Prabhupada was chanting the holy name incessantly.
Besides these his body did not display any unusual symptoms. Although His
Divine Grace spoke about poison, I could not take it seriously for two reasons: 1.
The Ayurvedic doctor was present, and as Prabhupada displayed quite a lot of confidence in
him, I felt if Srila Prabhupada was really poisoned then this doctor would have detected
it. 2. I
was under the impression that when someone is given poison then his body becomes blue. However, at that time Srila Prabhupada's body
became very shiny, almost golden, and he did not display any sign of pain or unusual
discomfort. Apart from his usual unhealthy condition, Srila Prabhupada was quite normal.
All the time he used to quietly lie on the bed very calm and composed. Sometimes he used
to give advice to the senior leaders about how to manage the society; form different
trusts and what to do with the funds. His consciousness was so clear that it was obvious
that he was transcendentally situated. Even though he was only a few days away from
leaving his body, his voice was very strong and resonant. Therefore,
those of us who were present around him at that time were convinced that he was a
completely spiritual personality and he was just displaying his disappearance pastime. One day, after checking his pulse, the Ayurvedic
doctor, Damodar Prasad Sastri, told Prabhupada that he was completely surprised while
treating him. At one moment his pulse was so weak that it seemed as if he was about to
leave his body, and the next moment it was strong and healthy as that of a young man. He
also told Prabhupada that he was only displaying his pastimes. From another point of view,
we also saw that he was having difficulties with his kidneys. As a result of that, his
legs and the back of his palms were swelling up. When the medicine started to work the
swelling went down. He obviously had some kidney problems and the doctors gave medicines
accordingly. I also want to mention something that I consider
was a mistake on our part, yet we could not really do anything about it. One night when I
was attending Srila Prabhupada in Hrsikesa, he told me that the time had come for him to
leave his body and he wanted us to make arrangements to take him to Vrindavana. I ran
downstairs and woke up Tamal Krishna Maharaja and told him what Srila Prabhupada had said.
When Tamal Krishna Maharaja came to His Divine Grace he repeated the same words to him.
The next morning we left for Delhi, and the following morning we took His Divine Grace to
Vrindavana. That morning, after he settled down in his quarters, he called me and told me
not to cook for him anymore, or force him to eat anything. I felt that His Divine Grace
was preparing to leave his body like Pariksit Maharaja, without eating and drinking
anything. By that time the news had spread all over the
world and many leaders came to Vrindavana. When they requested him, with tears in their
eyes, to continue to stay, His Divine Grace agreed. Once again I started to cook for him
and he started to eat. One day he asked me to fetch an Ayurvedic doctor called Vanamali Kaviraja from Gopinath Bazaar. As a result of the
treatment by that doctor, Srila Prabhupada's condition started to improve. However, when
his health improved, His Divine Grace wanted to go to the West to preach. When Vanamali Kaviraja got to know about Srila Prabhupada's
plans, he requested me not to let him go. He told me that his medicine was working and
Srila Prabhupada's condition was improving. However, he said that Srila Prabhupada's
condition had not become completely healthy yet. He was planning to give Srila Prabhupada
Makaradhvaj, during winter, which would rejuvenate him completely. He mentioned that Srila
Prabhupada's condition was not strong enough to absorb Makaradhvaj because it was a very
strong medicine. Therefore he planned to give it to him in winter, by that time Srila
Prabhupada's health would become strong enough to absorb it, and the cold weather would
help. I was just a new devotee at the time and when I
saw that Srila Prabhupada was so determined to go to the West I could not really make a
strong enough endeavor to stop him from going. Srila Prabhupada's plan was to go to Hawaii
after visiting London, New York, Gita Nagari, and Los Angeles. However, when in London his
condition deteriorated so much that he had to come back after about a week-long stay.
Vanamali Kaviraja resumed his treatment but
Srila Prabhupada's condition had deteriorated so much that his medicine did not work and
he stopped the treatment. Vanamali Kaviraja did
not want to give Makaradhvaj when Srila Prabhupada's health was so much better before he
went to the West. However, it was administered to him only about three weeks before his
disappearance when his condition was much worse than that time. Also, it was administered
by a doctor from Delhi who never even saw him. Soon after that Srila Prabhupada started to
speak about poison. Therefore it seemed to me that he was speaking about the adverse
effect of Makaradhvaj. After Srila Prabhupada's disappearance I often used to lament
internally - why didn't I stop him from going to the West? Why I didn't I tell the GBC
members and senior devotees present in Vrindavana at that time what Vanamali Kaviraja told me? Why didn't I stop them from
giving Srila Prabhupada Makaradhvaj that was brought from Delhi and given by a doctor who
did not even see him? Now I cannot do anything about it besides lamenting about my
uselessness."
(It is encouraging that another of Srila
Prabhupada's caretakers, besides Abhiram Prabhu, has finally said a little something about
the history and circumstances surrounding Srila Prabhupada's 1977 health. Hopefully
Maharaj will answer the many questions that will be put to him and others as this
investigation proceeds. There are 7 points regarding Maharaj's statement: 1. That
Maharaj did not see any unusual symptoms means nothing: arsenic poisoning symptoms are
practically unrecognizable except to a trained and experienced eye. His thinking that
poison turns the body blue does not reveal much, if any, qualification to recognize the
symptoms of poisoning. Maharaj should show this book to his toxicologist disciple in New
York. 2. Srila
Prabhupada said three times that He was being poisoned, and the kaviraja said that if
Srila Prabhupada said it, there must be truth to it. Can Maharaj not take it seriously as
he knows better than Prabhupada? 3. Srila
Prabhupada's voice was definitely not strong and resonant during His last months with us.
Listen to the tapes, read the health history. 4. Why
does Maharaj not mention anything of the sudden and drastic attack of illness Srila
Prabhupada experienced in Hrishikesh, which was what made Srila Prabhupada think He was
about to die? 5. That
Maharaj says he thinks Srila Prabhupada's statements about being poisoned referred to the
makharadhvaja is an easy way out. This faulty explanation is dealt with in Appendix 16, where it is shown that this
explanation doesn't hold up to close scrutiny. 6. Contrary
to Bhakticharu's statement, the kaviraja took the possibility that Srila Prabhupada was
poisoned very seriously. Rather than lamenting about giving makharadhvaja when maybe it
wasn't the best idea, Bhakticharu should lament about why no one took Srila Prabhupada's
statements seriously and stopped the poisoning, better late than never. 7. That
Srila Prabhupada appeared "quite normal" to Bhakticharu only means that the
poisoning was chronic, not acute with blatant symptoms. After this touching report from Maharaja we
quote from Hari Sauri's Transcendental Diary to show that the diseased condition of Srila
Prabhupada's body wasn't anything new but was an ongoing thing. (Hari
Sauri's references to Srila Prabhupada's earlier health problems . are included in Chapter
20, Srila Prabhupada's Health History. Just because Srila Prabhupada had a history of
kidney problems, in no way invalidates an assesment of arsenic poisoning, nor does it
prove that His 1977 symptoms were due to only kidney problems. Is there any reason why
someone with kidney disease cannot be poisoned with arsenic?) We asked Hari-sauri Prabhu, who, apart from
being with Srila Prabhupada continuously from November 1975 until March 1977, was also
with His Divine Grace for almost three weeks in late May and early June 1977, and the
whole month of October in Vrindavana, about Prabhupada's attitude towards his disease and
curing it: "During the whole period I was with Srila
Prabhupada I never once heard him mention that he had diabetes, nor did I notice that he
ever made any specific changes in his diet in response to that condition. Nor did I ever
hear the cooks that traveled with us at various times (Harikesh Swami, Nandarani dasi,
Jamuna dasi, Palika dasi, Arundhati dasi, Sruti Rupa dasi) mention that they were
preparing any kind of specific diet for him to counter that condition. As far as medicines
go, he also never took anything for the treatment of diabetes. When I was with him he took
some Ayurvedic medicines, none of which were for diabetes - Yogendra Rasa, which I
understood was a kind of brain tonic, every morning until the fall of 1976, when he
stopped it completely; Triphala Churna on occasion for constipation; and Bhaskar Lavan
(black salt), which he took occasionally for digestion. Beyond these medicines, which were
self-prescribed, he was sometimes advised to take allopathic, homeopathic and Ayurvedic
medicines by a variety of doctors when he became ill, but again, he almost never took
their advice nor their medicines. He stated his personal policy on medical treatment to
Dr. Patel in Bombay on August 15, 1976 and I have included that in Volume 4 of A
Transcendental Diary: 'Dr. Patel... inquired from Srila Prabhupada
about his health and whether he was taking any medicine. Prabhupada accepted his concern, but in his
usual self-effacing manner, shook his head and quoted Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.1.4, saying
that the real medicine is the chanting of the holy name. 'Nivritta-tarshair
upagiyamanad... Dr. Patel laughed. 'Shall we call that Pandit Ayur-Vedacarya of India for
you? If you don't believe in our medicine?' Srila Prabhupada also laughed. 'No, no.' 'What
I mean to say,' Dr. Patel continued, 'is that ksetra [body] and ksetrajna [its owner] are
dependent on each other; if there is no ksetra, there will be no ksetrajna to stay. So you
have got to look after that ksetra, or what the ksetrajna will be happy there to live
there? I think I am not wrong.' Prabhupada chuckled. 'No, you are right. Ksetra is
changeable, ksetrajna is permanent.' Although Dr. Patel knew very well His Divine
Grace's opinion on taking medicine, he still tried some friendly persuasion and this led
into a short discussion about Indian medicines... Dr. Patel expressed his concern again
for Srila Prabhupada's own health. Taking permission to raise his question he asked, 'Now
then, Arjuna was so advised that he should fight out. So in that case, I mean we all
consider he was right to follow Krishna's advice? Then if a man is overtaken by disease
and if he fights out that . . .' Prabhupada smiled at his persistence. 'No, no, I don't
say that he should not fight. It is my personal choice. Not that one should
not take care of the body or one should not eat medicine, that is not . . . I like this,
"Let me do without medicine." That is my personal . . 'What is medicine?' Dr.
Patel asked. 'Any herb is a medicine. Even food is a medicine.'
'Whatever it may be,' Prabhupada said. 'I don't decry medicine. That is not my
business.' 'No, no, I don't say decry. But
you don't want to take advantage of medicine,' Dr. Patel insisted. 'Medicine,' Prabhupada said objectively. 'Just
like a type of vairagya, sometimes they do not eat. That does not mean eating is
forbidden. It is not. It is my personal, I am trying to avoid, that's all.' 'You have heard the name W. C. Bannerji? He was
a big barrister. He was one of the three inaugurators of Congress in the beginning. So he
had his friend, contemporary, he was a brahmana. He was taking daily his bath in the
Ganges, and if he was diseased, was drinking Ganges water. So he became seriously sick. So
this W.C. Bannerji, he was a big man. So he asked his permission to bring some doctor.
"'You'll die in this way."' So he persisted, '"No, I shall simply drink
this Ganges water."' So it is not that medical science is in defeated
position.'" We can thus understand that Srila Prabhupada
made a conscious decision not to take any precaution against his diabetic condition. This
inevitably leads to the conditions described above by Abhiram (Appendix 4) and in
Scientific American. If Prabhupada showed symptoms of poisoning this is explainable
according to the known natural bodily medical conditions. Talk of arsenic poisoning is at
best spurious and, even without the
"intense scrutiny" mentioned on the PCD, but with a little commonsense and an
unmotivated examination of the available facts any unbiased person can understand that
Prabhupada's body did in fact succumb to natural causes. (1. Diabetes?
As Hari Sauri said, there is very little indication that Srila Prabhupada had very much of
a case of diabetes. (2. Again,
it is agreed that Srila Prabhupada had symptoms of kidney disease. But an overall analysis
of His physical symptoms brings us to a clear diagnosis of chronic arsenic poisoning. (3. How
"spurious" is the finding of 5 to 10 times (minimum) normal levels of arsenic in
Hari Sauri's own hair relic of Srila Prabhupada?) From the PCD: "We found that there were 75
days between July and October, out of 92, for which there are no tapes recorded, including
45 consecutive days from August 18 through October 1. We ask why were no recordings made
at that time. Or, if indeed recordings were made, what happened to them? " (Tamal's comments on missing tapes was cut and moved
to Ch. 13.) SRILA PRABHUPADA TALKS ABOUT BEING POISONED A number of devotees, although not inclined to
believe that a conspiracy along the lines suggested by the Ritviks is true, are
nevertheless disturbed by how Srila Prabhupada himself appears to talk about his being
poisoned. (Rtviks? The discovery of Srila Prabhupada's
poisoning is not simply some trouble concocted by rtviks, but a fact established by the
mass of corrobarating evidence presented in this book and quietly held by the GBC's own
poison investigation committee. Bhakticharu translated the same sections where Srila
Prabhupada spoke of being poisoned, and they were practically identical to the versions
provided in Chapter 16. The only difference is where the kaviraja either says
makharadhvaja is or is not suitable for Prabhupada.) These translations and transcripts do in any
case reveal a confusing scenario. Srila Prabhupada indicates first to Tamal that he had
the symptoms of someone poisoned, not that he was being poisoned. Later he states more
positively that he is being poisoned. While we may never know Srila Prabhupada's mind
exactly, or how seriously he took the suggestion that someone may be poisoning him, what
we do learn from these transcriptions is that the possibility of his being poisoned is
discussed with his disciples present, both from a medical standpoint with the talk of
mercury, and from the idea that an outside person could be deliberately doing it. We also
learn Srila Prabhupada was not the first one to take up the matter of his being poisoned,
rather he referred to "someone" telling him that he was being poisoned. No
conclusion, however, appears to have been reached. Thus we can only say that Srila
Prabhupada did not seem to think that his intimate servants were responsible. Also, if one
considers the intense loving exchanges that went on in the last days, with Srila
Prabhupada expressing appreciation for concerns that he not go on parikrama, calling them
his "left hand and right hand," one concludes that he did not feel threatened by
them. On the contrary, it is perfectly clear even to someone who was not present to
witness it firsthand, that he was reciprocating in a loving way with them to a degree not
seen practically at any time in ISKCON's history. (Srila
Prabhupada's statements about being poisoned is discussed in Chapter 16. It is very naive
to think Srila Prabhupada could not have been poisoned because He did not name anyone and
dealt with everyone lovingly. Did Christ object to his crucifixion, or condemn his
assassins? With much evidence in hand to confirm Srila Prabhupada's poisoning, appearances
that devotees were not the poisoners may be misleading and cannot be ruled out. Napoleon
was guarded by 5000 British soldiers on a remote island, yet he was poisoned and it took
150 years for this to be discovered. Because Srila Prabhupada was surrounded by devotees
and now it is 22 years later, this does not mean His poisoning is a myth or impossible.) WILL O THE WHISPERS: It has been alleged that a number of
"whispers" have been found on tapes of conversations which contain the word
"poison" in various phrases. This "evidence" has been taken so
seriously that at least three different parties have sent the tapes to forensic labs for
professional analysis. Modern techniques of spectrographic sound analysis as well as
standard enhancement of the "whispers" by sophisticated audio playback equipment
have been employed to ascertain whether there is any truth to this idea. To any neutral devotee it is inconceivable that
a person or persons serving Srila Prabhupada in such an intimate manner as existed in the
last days in Vrindavana could whisper "the poison is going down [giggle], the poison
is going down," watching Srila Prabhupada gulp down poison. As we see from the
following evidences, their credulity and faith need not be stretched for there exists no evidence to support such a notion.
The GBC appointed an independent investigator (Balavanta) to oversee a professional
forensic analysis of the tapes to ascertain if there is any truth to these claims. These
results are still pending but after preliminary tests and lab feedback, Balavanta
expressed doubt that any definite evidence will be found to exist. Apart from this,
several GBC's have conducted tests themselves with sophisticated equipment; the results
are indeed interesting. According to their analyses, the word "poison" simply
does not appear. (The
amateur audio "tests" by Harikesh, Bir Krishna Swami, and Rabindra Swarup are
then referred to, and their respective statements thereof are included in earlier chapters
herein. Should we give these devotees' amateur opinions about the whispers more credence
than the results of many audio forensic laboratories? Contrary to the ISKCON statement,
there is over 400 pages of evidence supporting an arsenic poisoning of Srila Prabhupada.
Is the notion inconceivable to the 90 % of former ISKCON devotees who now live outside
ISKCON? Not at all... Besides, the truth will not be established by vote, any more than
gurus can be made by votes. Five
audio forensic laboratories (Balavanta's as
well) have agreed that the word poison is found repeatedly on the "poison" tape.
ISKCON is so heavily sunk in a state of utter denial that should Srila Prabhupada Himself
come forward and say, "Someone has poisoned me," they would ignore it!) By doing this exercise I have seen that when one
has an idea in his head as to what is being said, the ears and the mind oblige us to and
make us hear that very thing. One can completely reprogram his hearing by just wanting to
hear something else. It is extremely hard to understand what is being said if one has a
preconception. (Yes,
the ISKCON spokesmen also are hearing what they want! But the professionals at the audio
forensic laboratories have no such prejudices.) (Next ISKCON refers to the giggle in the whisper
"the poison's going down.") One factor to consider here is that the person
giggling is Prabhupada's godbrother, Krishnadas Babaji Maharaja who was known to
continuously giggle due to his constantly being in good humor from his incessant chanting
of the Holy Name. Is it likely that such a great soul would participate in such a
horrendous crime? (No one knows who is giggling, much less ISKCON.) To build a whole theory of a poison conspiracy
on such vague statements is certainly far fetched. In any court of law such a weak case
would immediately be dismissed. On the other hand it is a very serious offense to accuse
someone of murder, especially without any conclusive proof. On the flimsiest excuse for
evidence they have accused devotees who love Prabhupada of committing an unspeakably
monstrous crime against him, and they have systematically spread these charges. They have
put the lives of devotees in danger.
(Yes, the whispers alone do not represent a
tight case for poisoning. But they cannot be so easily brushed aside, either, especially
in light of all the other evidence indicating poisoning. How about some lie detector
tests, sodium pentathol tests, interviews, and COOPERATION rather than obstinate denial?
And further, no one is accusing anyone of murder. Not yet. The investigation into Srila
Prabhupada's poisoning should be conducted rationally and with cool heads. Are we to
dismiss further investigation because someone's life may be endangered? No, we are not
responsible for isolated irrational acts by nuts. The
real unfortunate thing here is how damn sure ISKCON is that there could not possibly be
anything wrong. ISKCON might be a little concerned rather than enter the dark tunnel of
denial. The bottom line is the POISON word has been isolated, analyzed, recognized,
confirmed, and certified by many top notch audio forensic laboratories, working
independent of each other. How about an explanation from Tamal and company as what they
were doing whispering the word poison in the background, over and over?
No one thinks the whispers will convict anyone or establish foul play on their own
merits. However, when one takes into consideration ALL of the evidence, then it becomes
clear that indeed Srila Prabhupada WAS poisoned.) CONCLUSION: We hope that the above has shown
that no solid evidence exists either medically or through the recorded medium to establish
that Srila Prabhupada was deliberately poisoned, and certainly not by his disciples.
Rather, we feel that the love of those surrounding Srila Prabhupada was genuine and
self-evident. It was accepted as such by His Divine Grace and as his disciples and
followers, we should have no difficulty in accepting that also. This theory has sprung up
after 20 years and we believe it should be dismissed and laid to rest. Sincere devotees
can go on serving Srila Prabhupada and his ISKCON society with a clear consciousness and
should not be disturbed by elements who do not have the best interest of his society and
devotees at heart. The only genuine poison is the theory itself. (The real poison today is the mood of denial.
Poisoning rumors started when Srila Prabhupada said He was poisoned. May this publication
will result in a renewed and cooperative attempt to resolve this most disturbing question:
If Srila Prabhupada was poisoned, who did it? May truth and justice prevail.)
APPENDIX
22: ARSENICAL
PHOTOPHOBIA
From Assassination at St. Helena, the
authors chronicle on pg 319 of the 1978 edition a list of Napoleon's arsenic poisoning
symptoms which began on September 18, 1820, less than eight months before his death.
"...he displayed symptoms of
typical arsenical intoxication of an acute nature: palpitations of the heart, a weak and
irregular pulse, very severe headache, an icy chill in his legs extending right up to his
hips, pain in the shoulders and back, pain in the liver, a persistent dry cough, loosening
teeth, a coated tongue, severe thirst, skin rash and pain in the legs, a yellow skin,
yellowed whites of the eyes, shivering, deafness, sensitivity of the eyes to light,
spasmodic muscle contractions, difficulty in breathing and nausea- they were all there,
today's accepted, recognizable symptoms of arsenical poisoning... He ate, but with little
appetite. From time to time he vomited and suffered from diarrhea, followed by periods of
stubborn constipation. Napoleon was... experience(d) distressing difficulty in
urinating... "
On page 343: "I accompanied him and was shown into a completely darkened room
where General Bonaparte lay in bed. The room was so dark that I could not see..."
(April 1, 1821) Repeatedly it is described by Forshufvud how
Napoleon had extreme sensitivity of eyes to any light during the last six months of his
life. When the doctor would visit the darkened bedchamber of Napoleon during daytime, it
was kept so dark in the room that he could not see Napoleon but had to grope around to
find him.
In the newer, updated version of Assassination at St. Helena, Exhibit No. 6,
"compiled from works of standard authorities on toxicology," symptom #17 of
chronic arsenic poisoning is given as: "Sensitivity
of the eyes to sunlight or bright artificial light. The victim may prefer a nearly
darkened room." The eyes become sensitive to light due to
arsenic's chemically reactive effect on the tissues and nerves of the eyes. |
