Statement by the ISKCON Governing Body Commission

[Guest guest]

PLACE: San Diego, California, USA

DATE: July 18, 1998

ISSUED BY: Badrinarayan Dasa Adhikary, ISKCON Governing Body Commission

(GBC), Acting Chair of the GBC Executive Committee.

 

The Governing Body Commission (GBC) of the International Society

for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) regrets that to date there has been no

significant change in the condition of Harikesa Maharaja.

 

As mentioned in my letter of 13 July, he has suffered from a total

physical and mental collapse. In this condition, he has been saying many

things that are incoherent, implausible. He has moments of lucidity and then

moments where he is irrational. When he has his clear spells he regrets

what he has said and asks that it be disregarded. We are all naturally very

concerned by these events. What seems clear to those nearest him is that his

nervous system has broken down after years of austerity, incredible

pressure, and prolonged and multiple illnesses. It is understandable that

the body and mind have their natural limits and he has pushed himself beyond

them.

 

At this writing Harikesa Swami is with a staff of several senior

disciples. Niranjana Maharaj, Akhandadhi prabhu, and Krsna Ksetra prabhu

have all visited him, and Bhakti-tirtha Maharaj is with him now. We are

working to assure the best of medical and personal care for him. It is the

advice of those who have visited him and those providing his care, that

Harikesa Maharaj not be strained by a stream of visitors. His condition is

delicate, although he is chanting, reading, and eager for devotee

association. We ask that in deference to his health, visitors hold off, at

least until we hear more from Bhakti-tirtha Maharaj, which should be in the

next few days.

 

Contrary to rumors, Harikesa Swami, has not been "sent away." He is

near our temple in Abentheuer, staying a little apart so as to assure him

peace and quiet. The funds which Harikesa Maharaj oversees are safe. The BBT

and the GBC executive committee have adjusted with temporary chairs, more

permanent arrangements will be made if it is deemed his condition will

continue to incapacitate him. It appears that the funding he was overseeing

for education, child protection, Mayapur development and other ISKCON

projects will be able to continue. Although in a troubled mental state, he

has not fallen down or broken the regulative principles.

 

I will do my best to continue to update you with regular reports.

Meanwhile, my humble appeal is that we all remember Harikesa Swami's years

of service, sacrifice, friendship, and love for Srila Prabhupad. As he has

helped many others over the years, now is the time for us to help him, with

compassion, patience, and charity of spirit.

 

Your servant, Badrinarayan dasa

 

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