The poison theory sets forth the premise that in his final days Srila Prabhupada unknowingly surrounded himself with envious disciples who were conspiring to poison him and actually did so. I consider it to be a great insult to my spiritual master and to his sincere disciples and thus I beg my readers indulgence in writing this paper.

REAL AFFECTION

The following conversation excerpt took place in October of 1977 in Vrndavana. Srila Prabhupada and twenty of his disciples are discussing the advantages and disadvantages of his fasting. The poison proponents (PPs) allege that Srila Prabhupada knew his disciples were poisoning him at the time of this discussion.

Srila Prabhupada; 1) spoke of "dying peacefully," 2) spoke of "the choice is mine," 3) asked his disciples present to discuss the merits of his own "recovery" with him and 4) said "give me something to drink."

Each and every one of these expressions is senseless if addressed to ones assassins. However they make perfect sense if they are addressed to ones beloved, trusted spiritual sons.

The most important words in this exchange are, "this is real affection" spoken by Srila Prabhupada. He was not showy. The unbounded affection between Srila Prabhupada and his disciples was not a secret. He spoke about it regularly and expressed it constantly. The poison proponents want us to believe that all this affection is false. Srila Prabhupada said it was "real affection" and the poison proponents say there was no real affection, only maya, false, illusion. Here is an excerpt from a letter Srila Prabhupada wrote from England just two months before his departure from this world:

Now I have come to the West in a broken condition of health. In such condition no one would think of touring. An ordinary man would prepare for death. But I am not afraid of death, so why not let me see once again all of my beloved disciples and the Temples all over the world. (Letter to: Vasudeva -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 6 September, 1977)

It appears that the poison proponents cannot imagine the wonderful affection that Srila Prabhupada and his faithful followers experience and therefore these poor souls accuse the guru and his disciples of having false affection for one another.

Less than a month before his departure from this world, Srila Prabhupada feelingly addressed his surrounding disciples:

I want association of Vaisnava. You are all pure Vaisnavas. You have sacrificed everything, material comforts, for Krsnas sake. That is Vaisnava. Anyabhilañita-sünyam. You have no other desire. You Europeans, Americans, you are born amongst material desires. And when you become free from material desires... Therefore you are all Vaisnava, anyabhilañita-sünyam. So you are so merciful. (Room Conversation -- October 18, 1977, Våndavana)

Srila Prabhupada said his disciples sacrificed everything for Krsnas sake and the poison proponents say Srila Prabhupadas disciples assassinated their spiritual master. Someone is mistaken. Consequently we must choose whether to believe the straightforward words of Srila Prabhupada or the twisted words of the poison proponents.

Although poison proponents say that Srila Prabhupada was ill-intentionally poisoned, this view is not supported medically. Dr. Karl Otto Jacob, MD, internist (40 years of professional practice in internal medicine) gives his analysis:

"A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swamis [Srila Prabhupada] chronic diabetes, which was never medically properly treated, was bound to lead to other serious consequent diseases which had to increasingly manifest in his body, such as premature aging and degradation of blood vessels, microangiopathy (narrowing of arterioles and capillaries), high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetic nephropathy (occurs as consequent disease in most cases of untreated diabetes).

Diabetic nephropathy (severe kidney damage due to diabetes) is usually accompanied by nephroseclerosis, pylonephritis, and again high blood pressure, tendency for heart attacks or strokes. In addition his urethra was constricted which put a constant back pressure on the kidneys, increasing the renal insufficiency and inducing further damage. Chronic renal insufficiency leads in four stages to uraemia, i.e. terminal renal insufficiency which is bound to lead to death unless treated in emergency care by dialysis.

The patient suffering from uraemia dies of the metabolic poisons that cannot be excreted anymore by the kidneys, and accumulate in the body instead. Typical symptoms of renal insufficiency leading up uraemia 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. A person suffering from uraemia is literally being poisoned and feels like this, as metabolic toxins (creating, uric acid, electrolytes, and many other uraemic toxins) accumulate and intoxicate the organism in a lethal way.

It is medically utterly amazing that the patient [Srila Prabhupada] reached such a high age in spite of his diabetes going on untreated for decades, being bound to lead to serious consequent diseases. The idea that the patient was poisoned by anything else than his own metabolic toxins is superfluous and sounds highly speculative and absurd to anybody knowledgeable in medicine."

My personal experience is supported by Doctor Jacobs medical observation. Since I was present in England when Srila Prabhupada made his last visit West, I submit my brief account with the permission of the readers:

On September 13th, as unexpectedly as he came, he leaves England for Vrndavana, foregoing Gita-nagaris milk bath due to his failing health.

At the time of Srila Prabhupadas two-and-a-half week visit to England, hundreds of his dedicated disciples from Europe were there with him. They were serving Krsna at Srila Prabhupadas command. Their loyalty was to Srila Prabhupada exclusively and this was known to His Divine Grace. These disciples were not beholden to any other ISKCON leaders beyond Srila Prabhupada. If at any time during his visit, Srila Prabhupada would have wished to indicate that some treachery was being perpetrated against him, he would have had a small army to assist him in any way. In other words, Srila Prabhupada was not being forcibly constrained by his traveling servants. He personally asked Tamal Krsna Goswami to speak at his Vyasapuja. Srila Prabhupada had many opportunities to communicate to large groups of us and in each occasion he made no indications that he was being poisoned, rather he showed loving trust and appreciation for his assistants.

WHO IS POISONING WHO?

The Poison Theory hatched from the same two insidious, perverted, minds which conceived of the ritvik theory. Both persons were formerly members of ISKCON, but due to philosophical deviations and illegal activities, were expelled. I personally tried to reason with one of these persons several years ago but he assured me that he would never cease his vicious attacks against ISKCON.

"It is said by Caëakya Paëòita that there are two envious living entitiesthe snake and the envious man. The envious man is more dangerous than a snake because a snake can be subdued by charming mantras or by some herbs, but an envious person cannot be pacified by any means." (Srimad Bhagavatam 4.22.11 Purport)

We are supposed to avoid criticizing other devotees engaged in the Lords service. The poison proponents are however, by no means engaged in devotional service. Quite to the contrary, they are displeasing the Lord more than anyone by writing books blaspheming Vaisnavas.

"Krsna, however, cannot tolerate any insults or blasphemy against a Vaisnava." (Caitanya Caritamrta; Antya 3.213 Purport)

According to the logic of atmavan manyate jagat, everyone thinks of others according to his own position. The poison proponents accuse Srila Prabhupadas dear, faithful disciples of poisoning him, an act that only the poison proponents themselves could have ever conceived of. It is obvious, however, that the poison proponents motivations are solely bent on assailing ISKCON. Otherwise why is it that poison proponents accuse only active ISKCON devotees and do not accuse others? Several persons, now estranged from ISKCON, were also present with Srila Prabhupada during his final days in Vrndavana. Why have these escaped the PPs scrutiny?

ISKCONS EXALTED POSITION

ISKCON is an incarnation of the Lord and shows unparalleled strength and valor in spreading transcendental knowledge and devotional service throughout the world. This is due to the purity of Srila Prabhupada and the sincerity of his true followers.

The Hare Krsna movement is also an incarnation of Krsna in the form of the holy name (nama-rüpe)...the entire world is in a precarious condition, and the only hope is this Hare Krsna movement. (Srimad Bhagavatam; 10.3.21 Purport by Srila Prabhupada)

Although Krsna cannot be killed, Vasudeva, as the father of Krsna, was trembling because in affection he thought that Kaàsa would immediately come and kill his son. Similarly, although the Krsna consciousness movement and Krsna are not different and no asuras can check it, we are afraid that at any moment the asuras can stop this movement in any part of the world. (Srimad Bhagavatam: 10.3.22 Purport by Srila Prabhupada)

Our International Society for Krishna Consciousness is one of the branches of the Caitanya tree. (Ädi 9.18 Purport)

It is very regrettable that complacent so-called devotees criticize the members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness for accepting sannyasa and spreading the cult of Lord Caitanya all over the world. It is not our business to criticize anyone, but because they try to find fault with this movement, the real truth must be stated...Genuine devotees of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu must take pride in the spread of the Krsna consciousness movement instead of viciously criticizing its propaganda work. (Ädi 10.160 Purport)

Because the poison proponents vindictively blaspheme ISKCON, which is an incarnation of Godhead, they must be considered offenders of the holy name and enemies of the Lord like Sisupala.

ARE THE POISON PROPONENTS DEVOTEES OR WHAT?

The poison theory blasphemers are so-called devotees, polluted with envy and/or madness, foolishness and wickedness.

"When childish people think themselves maha-bhagavatas and act in defiance of the Vaisnava spiritual master, such behavior simply holds them back from receiving the mercy of the Vaisnava guru. Bewildered by false ego, these self-proclaimed devotees gradually become fit to be ignored by pure devotees on the intermediate platform and are cheated of the mercy that comes from the devotees satisfaction. Thus they become asadhu by constantly committing offenses against the devotees who preach the holy name of Krsna. Pure devotees, therefore, in all circumstances display indifference to those who falsely imagine themselves to be visuddha-bhaktas, or pure devotees of the Lord. This indifference is an excellent manifestation of their mercy." (Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada quoted in Srimad Bhagavatam: 11.2.46 Purport)

According to sastra, one who blasphemes a Vaisnava should be defeated by expert preachers or punished by virtuous ksatriyas or avoided by neophyte sadhaka-bhaktas. Many expert devotees have tried their best to talk some sense into the poison proponent blasphemers to no avail.

"Duryodhana was acting under such influence of the external nature, by which he would be vanquished at the ultimate end. He could not accept the sound advice of Vidura, but on the contrary he insulted that great soul, who was the well-wisher of his whole family. Vidura could understand this because he was a pure devotee of the Lord. In spite of being very strongly insulted by Duryodhanas words, Vidura could see that Duryodhana, under the influence of maya, the external energy, was making progress on the path toward his own ruination." (Srimad Bhagavatam; 3.1.16 Purport)

Therefore the best policy for ISKCON devotees is to act on the platform of madhyama adhikaris and completely avoid the poison proponents. Devotees should follow the instruction given by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati (above) and Sri Havir (below) found in the Srimad Bhagavatam 11.2.46:

An intermediate or second-class devotee, called madhyama-adhikari, offers his love to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is a sincere friend to all the devotees of the Lord, shows mercy to ignorant people who are innocent and disregards those who are envious of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

The poison proponents desire to see ISKCON demolished along with the loving reciprocation between Srila Prabhupada and his faithful followers. Philosophically, it appears to me that the poison proponents show the disease of nirvisesa (Mayavada) and sunyavada (voidism). Both groups want to eliminate the Lords relationships with His devotees. It is difficult for Mayavadis and voidists to accept personal relationships since they desire to be impersonal. Thus as Lord Krsna explains in the Bhagavad-gita, the impersonal path proves troublesome from beginning to the end.

RUKMIs RUIN

Formerly, anti-cult groups and atheists vigorously opposed the Krsna consciousness movement. In the present day we find a new anti-cult class of so-called devotees dedicated to disrupting ISKCON, misrepresenting Srila Prabhupadas words and defaming respectable Vaisnavas. These new anti-ISKCON people are certainly behaving like demons. It is not a fact that just because a person uses a Sanskrit name or sometimes speaks about Krsna, it means that he is necessarily a devotee. One who behaves antagonistically toward Krsnas movement and/or His devotees is a kali-cela (disciple of Kali) .

A jealous person in the dress of a Vaisnava is not at all happy to see the success of another Vaisnava in receiving the Lords mercy. Unfortunately, in this Age of Kali there are many mundane persons in the dress of Vaisnavas, and Srila Bhaktivinoda Öhakura has described them as disciples of Kali. He says, kali-cela. He indicates that there is another Vaisnava, a pseudo Vaisnava with tilaka on his nose and kaëöhi beads around his neck. Such a pseudo Vaisnava associates with money and women and is jealous of successful Vaisnavas. Although passing for a Vaisnava, his only business is earning money in the dress of a Vaisnava. Bhaktivinoda Öhakura therefore says that such a pseudo Vaisnava is not a Vaisnava at all but a disciple of Kali-yuga. A disciple of Kali cannot become an acarya by the decision of some high court. Mundane votes have no jurisdiction to elect a Vaisnava acarya. A Vaisnava acarya is self-effulgent, and there is no need for any court judgment. A false acarya may try to override a Vaisnava by a high-court decision, but Bhaktivinoda Öhakura says that he is nothing but a disciple of Kali-yuga.(Caitanya Caritamrta; Madhya 1.220 Purport)

The modern day poison proponents remind me of Krsnas opponent Rukmi. Five thousand years ago, Lord Krsna kidnapped Princess Rukmini. At that time, it became clear to everyone present, including Jarasandha and the hopeful bridegroom, Sisupala, that Krsna indeed earned the right to possess Rukmini. Only Prince Rukmi, the powerful warrior and elder brother of Rukmini, had sufficient envy and poor judgment to pursue Krsna in battle. He called out to Krsna;

"Stop for a minute and fight with me! O most abominable descendant of the Yadu dynasty! Stand before me for a minute so that I can teach You a good lesson. You are carrying away my sister just like a crow stealing clarified butter meant for use in a sacrifice. You are proud of Your military strength, but You cannot fight according to regulative principles. You have stolen my sister; now I shall relieve You of Your false prestige. You can keep my sister in Your possession only until I beat You to the ground for good with my arrows." (Krsna; Chapter 54)

After hearing all these crazy words from Rukmi, Lord Krsna immediately shot an arrow and severed the string of Rukmis bow, making him unable to use another arrow. Rukmi immediately took another bow and shot another five arrows at Krsna. Being attacked for the second time, Krsna again severed Rukmis bowstring. Rukmi took a third bow, and Krsna again cut its string. This time, to teach Rukmi a lesson, Krsna shot six arrows at him and then shot another eight arrows, killing four horses with four arrows, killing the chariot driver with another arrow, and chopping off the upper portion of Rukmis chariot, including the flag, with the remaining three arrows.

Rukmi, having run out of arrows, took assistance from swords, shields, tridents, lances and similar weapons used for fighting hand to hand, but Krsna immediately broke them all in the same way. Being repeatedly baffled in his attempts, Rukmi took his sword and ran swiftly toward Krsna, just as a fly proceeds toward a fire. But as soon as Rukmi reached Krsna, Krsna cut his weapon to pieces.

Then, just when Krsna was unsheathing His own sharp sword, in preparation for decapitating His adversarys proud head, soft-hearted Rukmini intervened on behalf of her foolish brother. Krsna consented to spare Rukmis life, but the Lord didnt refrain from disfiguring Rukmis appearance.

Despite this humiliating incident, poor Rukmi didnt learn his lesson. He plotted and schemed another way to defeat the Lord. The next time he thought of cheating away the familys wealth by challenging Krsnas elder brother, Balarama, to a chess match. Balarama agreed to play chess with Rukmi and the wagers were high. Rukmi kept cheating however and finally Balarama, who had formerly advocated forgiveness of the arrogant Rukmi on grounds of family relationship, now raised His mighty club and lowered the boom on Rukmis head.

I dont know if it ever occurs to the poison proponents that their absurd speculative theory may be incorrect and that they could be committing heinous Vaisnava aparadhas. The poison proponents do not hesitate to accuse Vaisnavas who have dedicated their lives to Srila Prabhupadas service. Is this not madness? By misconstruing a comment Srila Prabhupada made about the effect of some medicine he was taking and by supposedly discovering high arsenic content in some of Srila Prabhupadas hair, the poison proponents have fabricated a fanciful murder conspiracy.

EXHUMATIONS

Eventually the poison proponents may desire to exhume Srila Prabhupadas body for performing more forensic examinations and laboratory tests. For the time being, they are content to write books attempting to defame Vaisnavas. The poison proponents are already disfigured by Krsnas sharpened sword of Maya, disgraced and devoid of the ability to comprehend or preach Krsna consciousness. They can simply waste their time blaspheming devotees and conjuring up tricks to defeat the Lords movement. We sincerely hope that they do not make the same mistake Rukmi made by trying to cheat Balarama in a gambling court.