11/05/97 - 1202

Statement by Citrakara Das

Citrakara das (Dr. Hans-Heinrich Rhyner, MD in Alternative Medicine, Yoga Expert, Ayurveda Physician and Philosopher) is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada. His Seva Ayurveda Clinic in Bangalore - India , was featured on VNN (story# 1036).

Statement:

I have discussed the matter at length with Abhirama Prabhu who was Srila Prabhupada's nurse. From the diagnosis that was taken at London, it appears that the causes of Srila Prabupada's most serious condition was clearly not due to heavy metal poisoning but due to a prolonged chronic condition. My question would rather be, why this condition was not properly taken care of much earlier. It would have certainly made Srila Prabhupada's quality of life much better and kept him alive 10 more years.

Makardhwaj is a mercurial compound that can certainly lead to heavy side effects as the Vaidyas today are hardly qualified to purify the metal and render it non-toxic. I strictly never ever use any compounds containing Makardhwaj or other heavy metals such as lead and do not recommend it's use to any of our students. These compounds (if properly done) compare to modern corticosteroids and have like them heavy side effects.The idea is to better have side effects then loosing the patient. If the patient survives - the side effects will be taken care of.

But then, in his extremely weakend condition unporperly purified Makardhwaj could have certainly contributed to the final blow. It is also clear that our ignorance in one way or the other has killed our Guru Maharaja.

I would be prepared to be on the panel and make my contribution, but travelling out of Bangalore would be rather difficult as from December I have to attend to my patients here.

Hare Krishna

YS

Citrakara dasa