Dhira Govinda: Srila Prabhupada's Poison Complaint / Mayesvara

[PADA: I have had the very strange role in being chosen by destiny to have to expose the 1977 "poison tapes." A devotee who gave me the tapes in 1997 told me to never mention his name because he feared he would be killed, and he was pretty convinced I would be killed also for exposing these tapes. Which of course begs the questions, why were these tapes hidden? And why would people be afraid of death for exposing these tapes? 

So I went to a Los Angeles professional Bengali writer / editor and asked him to do the first draft translation transcript. As soon as he listened to the tape for 30 seconds, he said "this man was poisoned to death." 

And then I played the tape to a Brijabasi, and he immediately started crying profusely saying, "they killed him." And I had the same experience with other Hindi / Bengali speakers. 

Of course I listened to the tape hundreds of times myself while walking around the Santa Monica Mall, wearing headphones. I was convinced that there was a homicidal intent here. 

Anyway, then I made some copies of my own translated version with my own commentary and handed them out at the LA temple, and that started the whole ball rolling on investigating this matter. Then even some of my own associates told me -- not -- to pursue the matter because "this will destroy ISKCON." Sorry, I believed the truth of this matter had to come out eventually and it would be better if -- those of us had some experience with Srila Prabhupada and his "faithful GBC leaders" -- handled it now. 

It is interesting that some people have said the whole reason I am promoting the poison issue is because I am trying to equate Srila Prabhupada with the crucifixion of Jesus. Ummm, that was never my original intent, but come to think of it, why should these events not be compared? Then again more than a few people have said to me, "Prabhupada was complaining of being poisoned? That would perfectly explain why they then banned, beat, molested, sued and killed his followers, made ISKCON an empty ghost town, and bankrupted his ISKCON. It all fits."

I would like to thank Dhira Govinda das for making this excellent analysis. Bravo ys pd 

angel108b@yahoo.com]        

Sun, Nov 7 
David B. Wolf, Ph.D.
Satvatove Institute
PO Box 1694
Alachua, Florida 32616

Nov. 7, 2021

Dear Prabhus,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Hare Krsna.

I am sharing with you, in the email below and in the attached file (same content in both places), comments I wrote, in the form of a personal letter, on Mayesvara Prabhu’s book "Deception."

Hare Krsna. I hope this meets you enthused in serving Srila Prabhupada and his mission. Hare Krsna.

Your servant, Dhira Govinda dasa / David Wolf

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From: David Wolf [mailto:davidbwolf@satvatove.com]

Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2021 9:17 AM

To: 'mayesvara w-roberts' <mdjagdasa@gmail.com>

Subject: Mayesvara Prabhu Deception Book Comments

Note- The contents of attached file and the email content below is the same.

October 14, 2021

Dear Mayesvara Prabhu,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Hare Krsna. Thank you for sending me a copy of your book "Deception." I have read the book. Actually, I’m not really certain what the subtitle is (or, subtitles are; or, what the title is…). 

On the front cover there is a 29-word description (“A true story about wounded souls…”), placed where a subtitle is generally placed, though 29 words seems quite unusually long for a subtitle. Then on the inside cover it is written “Poison CONspiracy (PCON) Exposed,   The Venom of Deception” (and then again the 29 words), and, at the bottom, “Contradictions, Hypocrisy, Deceit & Intentional Fraud”. And then, at the bottom of each page, “The Venom of Deception”. So actually, I’m not really certain whether "The Venom of Deception" is the full title, or…..anyhow, as you can see, the title / subtitle stuff, the way it’s arranged, for me comes across as very muddled. Hare Krsna.

While I was still in Israel- late 80s / early 90s, I began reading, and relishing, "Conversations with Srila Prabhupada," starting with Volume One. Into the 90s, as I get to Volume Thirty-six, I read the conversations from November 1977. My straightforward impressions from that reading were, and continue to be, after reading your "Deception," that Srila Prabhupada was clearly concerned that he was being given poison with homicidal intent, and those, or at least several of those, who were with him at the time, knew for certain that Srila Prabhupada was concerned, (transcendentally) distressed, that he was being given poison with murderous intent.

Again, I have read your Venom of Deception cover to cover, including the section entitled “What Was HDG Communicating?”

Yes, I’ve read what you’ve written regarding amphiboly, misleading punctuation (page 199), misattributed quotes, gaslighting, etc., etc. I’ll mention that, actually, paralinguistics, including the word emphasis aspect of it, as depicted in your "Deception" on page 199, with “She said she did not take his money”, is a topic with which I’m at least somewhat familiar, as I’ve been conducting classes, workshops and seminars on that topic, internationally, for more than forty years. Our professional coach training courses, for example, emphasize the importance of noticing paralinguistics, and use just the sort of examples you utilize in your book.

And I’ll emphasize here that, for me, conditioned soul that I am, it is clear that Srila Prabhuapda was expressing concern that he was being given poison with homicidal intent. That is, from what I can tell, the mukhya-vrtti, the clear, direct meaning of Srila Prabhupada’s expression.

I’ve several times read pages 197-225- that is, the section entitled "What Was HDG Communicating," of your "Deception." My conclusions of what Srila Prabhupada was expressing, in important ways, do not align with what you write. 

For example, you write (page 221), “Based on prior portions of this dialogue, Bhakti Caru Swami / BCS was confirming that Srila Prabhupada was still concerned that his disciples had misunderstood him and they might think he was accusing someone of poisoning him.” 

My understanding from several times reading Conversations With Srila Prabhupada Volume 36, the Room Conversation in Vrndavana on Nov. 8, 1977, as found on pages 354 – 372, and confirmed from listening to recordings (eg., at prabhupadavani.org) of these conversations, is that Srila Prabhupada clearly was concerned, experiencing distress, that someone or perhaps more than one person, was giving him poison with murderous intent. Herein I cite an excerpt from that conversation, as found on pages 367-368 of Conversations With Srila Prabhupada --

(((((Kaviraja: (Hindi with Prabhupada)

Bhakti-caru: Saturn is having its effect like at times when he was looking at Srila Prabhupada then having some trouble. When he was (indistinct) something else than when the Saturn looks higher from him...

Tamala Krsna: But what did Prabhupada just say?

Kaviraja: (Hindi)

Bhakti-caru: He said how can you define it? How can you explain it? Like the condition couldn't have improved by ten medicines also, (indistinct) one medicine it become perfect.

Tamala Krsna: What did Prabhupada just say?

Bhakti-caru: Prabhupada just said that I mean, this morning his condition was bad, not now.

Bhavananda: Prabhupada was complaining of mental distress this morning also.

Bhakti-caru: Srila Prabhupada?

Prabhupada: Hm?

Bhakti-caru: Srila Prabhupada?

Prabhupada: Hm?

Bhakti-caru: (Bengali) ...mental distress?

Prabhupada: Hm, hm.

Kaviraja: (Hindi)

Prabhupada: (Hindi—mentions word "poison")

Kaviraja: (Hindi)

Devotee: Someone gave him poison here.

Kaviraja: (Hindi long explanation)

Tamala Krsna: Prabhupada was thinking that someone had poisoned him.

Adri-dharana: Yes.

Tamala Krsna: That was the mental distress.

Adri-dharana: Yes.

Kaviraja: (Hindi)

Tamala Krsna: What did Kaviraja just say?

Bhakti-caru: He said that when Srila Prabhupada was saying that, there must be some truth behind it. (People all speaking at once)

Tamala Krsna: Srila Prabhupada, Sastriji says that there must be some truth to it if you say that. So who is it that has poisoned? (pause)

Kaviraja: (Hindi with Bhakti-caru and Prabhupada)

Woman: What did he say?

Bhakti-caru: He said that it's quite possible that mercury, it's a kind of a poison...

Bhagatji: That makaradhvaja. (Hindi with Kaviraja and Bhakti-caru)

Bhakti-caru: He was referring to a big murder case in Calcutta, the husband poisoned the wife.

Bhavananda: Oh yes. Our lawyer is the...

Tamala Krsna: Bhagatji doesn't think the...

Kaviraja: (Hindi with Bhakti-caru and Prabhupada)

Tamala Krsna: No poison is strong enough to stop the hari-nama, Srila Prabhupada.

Kaviraja: Yes. (Hindi))))))

I understand that there may be slightly different versions of the transcript. Notwithstanding that, for me it’s clear that several of those who are around Srila Prabhupada are clear that Srila Prabhupada is experiencing mental distress because he is concerned that someone is giving him poison with malicious intent.

As far as the contention that Srila Prabhupada and those around him were only speaking and concerned about the sometimes toxic effects of some medicines, that stance, for me, doesn’t at all hold up. I say that because in that same conversation they are speaking about a case of poisoning by murder, and previously they were speaking about a case of murder by poison of an acarya in a Sankaracarya math (Page 359- Tamal Krsna Goswami- “Jayapataka Maharaja was telling that one acarya, Sankaracarya, of the Sankaracarya line … he was poisoned to death…”)

So, Srila Prabhupada was expressing and concerned about being given poison with murderous intent, and those around him were clear about that. That is clear to me from reading "Conversations with Srila Prabhupada," and from hearing audio recordings from Srila Prabhupada’s conversations from that time period. To me, the interpretations you give in your book, to a significant extent, sound and seem quite twisted, strained. So, I guess we get to agree to disagree on what Srila Prabhupada was communicating.

Further, simple-minded as I may be, when I read, at the top of page 368 of Volume 36 of Conversations, Tamal Krsna Maharaja say, “Srila Prabhupada, Sastriji says that there must be some truth to it if you say that. So who is it that has poisoned?”- my understanding is that Tamal Krsna, at this time, is clear that someone has attempted or is attempting, to give poison to Srila Prabhupada, with homicidal intent; or at least, Tamal Krsna Gosvami is clear that Srila Prabhupada clearly believes or at least is concerned, that someone is giving to him (Srila Prabhupada), or has given to him, poison with murderous intent. Tamal Krsna Gosvami isn’t asking whether someone has poisoned Srila Prabhupada. 

He is asking, “who is it that has poisoned”. Thus, for Tamal Krsna Gosvami, the question of whether Srila Prabhupada was poisoned, or at least whether Srila Prabhupada thinks that someone has been giving him poison, is already decided in the affirmative. That’s my assessment, after closely studying Conversations with Srila Prabhupada, and applying my mind and intellect to your "Deception."

On page 324 of "Deception" you cite Occam’s razor- “Of two competing theories, the simpler explanation of an entity is to be preferred.” Applying this to the conversations with Srila Prabhupada from November, 1977, it’s clear to me that the simpler explanation, compared to what you attempt to present in your Deception, is that Srila Prabhupada was worried that he was being given poison with murderous intent, and those around him knew for certain that he was distressed that he was being given poison with homicidal intent. 

And of course, when we use terms such as “worried” and “distressed”, in relation to Srila Prabhupada, we understand that all of Srila Prabhupada’s emotions and thoughts are completely on the transcendental platform, devoid of any mundane trace of material anxiety or stress. Jaya Srila Prabhupada. Hare Krsna.

In your book on pages 436-438 you include statements from various devotees related to the pastime of Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance. Bhakti Caru Svami writes, “It is an absolutely absurd allegation that Srila Prabhupada has been poisoned by his disciples. If anyone intentionally poisoned Srila Prabhupada Srila Prabhupada, then it must be me…..” And Bhavananda Prabhu writes, “The entire poison issue is ludicrous and beyond absurd…”

So, for me, it’s not clear how, in the late 90s, when Bhakti Caru Swami and Bhavananda wrote those statements, the idea that Srila Prabhupada was given poison with murderous intent was absurd, and ludicrous, whereas in November, 1977, as per the transcripts included above, both of them were, from my perspective, quite clear that Srila Prabhupada was given poison with malicious intent, or at least they were clear that Srila Prabhupada was very concerned and distressed that he was being given poison with homicidal intent.

Actually, in 2004 I wrote to Bhakti Caru Swami and inquired about this, though I didn’t receive a reply from him. And I’ll share here that, over the years, Bhakti Caru Swami and I did have several exchanges, in-person, and via phone and correspondence, sometimes for hours at a time, on topics such as child protection, the transformative communication seminars I conduct, etc. And, in regards to my letter to him about Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance pastime, I didn’t receive a response to that.

Quoting from a letter I wrote a few years ago- “Similarly, I have questions for, for instance, Bhavananda Prabhu- ‘Bhavananda Prabhu- Based on the recorded conversations from November 8, 1977, it’s clear that you knew that Srila Prabhupada was experiencing mental distress because he thought, or knew, that he was being given poison with malicious intent. Why, then, a little over 20 years later, did you state in writing that the idea that Srila Prabhupada was given poison with homicidal intent is “ludicrous and beyond absurd”?’

Are they saying that Srila Prabhupada was joking, or not in his clear mind, or….what?

Mayesvara prabhu- In "Deception" you devote a lot of effort to psychoanalysis, right from the very title, or subtitle, of your book (“wounded souls…”). In my attempts to get to the essence of what you’re doing there, my sense is that you’re asserting that the psychological disturbances, frailties, prejudices, woundedness and pathologies of those whose stance is that there is a reasonably strong possibility, or at least there is reasonable cause to suspect, that Srila Prabhuapda was given poison by persons with murderous intent, are much greater and more severe than those who believe that there is zero or practically nil chance that Srila Prabhupada was given poison with homicidal intent. My perceptions and analyses, present and over the decades, do not support your assertion.

As I’ve shared above, to me it’s clear that Srila Prabhupada expressed that he was concerned that one or persons were giving him or had given him poison with malicious intent. That is true regardless of what one makes of the “Ravana” thing. 

I don’t mean to make much of it. Still, since you do address it in your book- eg., page 187, I’ll mention that for me, in that part of the conversation, Srila Prabhupada is indicating that there is a metaphorical “Ravana”, there in the room where he is staying. In reading what you wrote about the Ravana thing, for me your logic really isn’t clear, in regards to how Srila Prabhupada could have been referring to Tamal Krsna Goswami as Rama. 

And I’m open to the possibility that perhaps I’m just not seeing something. And again, whatever one’s perception of the Rama / Ravana / Sita / Marici part of those conversations, it is clear, to me anyway, that Srila Prabhupada experienced distressed due to concern that he was being given poison, and that those around him, or at least several of them, were well aware of that.

On page 378 of Volume 36 of Conversations With Srila Prabhupada, Srila Prabhupada, as far as I can tell, specifically states that he wants to go on parikrama, and that the parikrama represents the much more auspicious (Rama-like) option, and to stay where he is represents the more inauspicious (Ravana-like) option.

Conversations With Srila Prabhupada, page 378-

(((((((Tamala Krsna Maharaja: This seems like suicide, Srila Prabhupada, this program. It seems to some of us like it's suicidal.

Srila Prabhupada: And this is also suicidal.

Tamala Krsna: Hm. Prabhupada said, "And this is also suicide." Now you have to choose which suicide.

Srila Prabhupada: The Ravana will kill and Rama will kill. Better to be killed by Rama. Eh? That Marici- if he does not go to mislead Sita, he'll be killed by Ravana; and if he goes to be killed by Rama, then it is better.

Tamal Krsna: Who is this Prabhupada’s talking about?

Devotees: Marici.))))))))

To me it sounds clear that Srila Prabhupada is saying that there is a metaphorical Ravana, or more than one of them, in his midst, and that this Ravana, or team of them, is acting in Ravana-like ways- that is, in ways that are deceptive and wicked. 

That’s what it seems to me. So, for me, a natural question is, who is this “Ravana” to whom Srila Prabhupada alludes? And again, I believe that I understand and appreciate the viewpoint that, “There’s really nothing substantial here, with this ‘Ravana’ statement from Srila Prabhupada. 

Don’t try to concoct something out of nothing”. Okay, still, it’s clear from these conversations that Srila Prabhupada was experiencing mental distress due to concern that he was being given poison with murderous intent. And, yes, I do have curiosity in regards to who the Ravana is, to whom Srila Prabhupada refers. And I don’t regard it as ridiculous that I maintain such a curiosity.

In regards to whispers- it seems to me that there are several audio and audio-forensic professionals who assert that, in the background of conversations with Srila Prabhupada during November, 1977, there are whispers that include the word “poison”, including the statement “The poison is going down”. In your Deception you endeavour to attack their competence and motivations. These professionals include, for example, Tom Owen, Helen McCaffrey, Jack Mitchell and James Reames.

Studying what you’ve written, for example in the chapter of Deception entitled Being Told What To Listen For, beginning on page 131, still I’m left with the clear conception that audio forensic professionals confirm that people in the background of those conversations are whispering about “poison”, including the statement, “The poison is going down” (or, perhaps, “The poison’s going down”). 

So, while Srila Prabhupada is lying there, a few days before the closure of his disappearance pastime, some of his caregivers are in the background whispering about “poison”, saying things like “The poison’s going down”. Yes, I tend to wonder why they’re speaking in whispers about poison. 

That, combined with what I consider to be the fact that Srila Prabhupada also, during the same recorded conversations, expressed his concern, maybe his knowledge, that he was being given poison, does not lead me to the conclusion that there is no evidence that Srila Prabhupada was given poison with homicidal intent, but, rather, to the conclusion that there is ample and substantial evidence that Srila Prabhupada was given poison with murderous intent.

Of course I understand that these audio professionals are, almost surely, conditioned souls, subject to the defects of material senses. Still, while naturally I don’t place godlike, superhuman, divine trust in them, I do basically believe and trust what they say and their conclusions, in their fields of expertise. 

Yes, I understand, that your assaults on their competence and motivations may, for example, move a jury to consider that perhaps their statements are not to be regarded as absolutely perfect, and that could cast doubt in the minds of jury members or a judge seeking to determine whether the evidence is beyond a reasonable doubt. From my perspective, though, if the evidentiary standard is, say, at 96% rather than 99.999%- that (96%) doesn’t lend itself, for me, to the conclusion that there is no evidence. 96 does not equal 0. 

My viewpoint, based on my study of the matter, including your Deception, is that the forensic audio data does lend itself to the conclusion that there definitely is substantially reasonable cause to suspect that Srila Prabhupada was given poison, with malevolent intent.

Tom Owen, from Owl Investigations, writes, regarding the whispers in the background of conversations with Srila Prabhupada in November 1977, “The word poison is clearly audible…..There is conversation about poison and the use of it. In my opinion there is certainly a basis for further investigation…. A forensic toxicologist and homicide investigator should be consulted… Based on my training and experience, the word "poison" is clearly audible and intelligible in several instances.”

Yes, I’ve closely read and carefully considered what you’ve written regarding Tom Own on pages 141 and 142 of Deception. And my conclusion is that Tom Owen, conditioned soul that he may be, who is a highly respected audio-forensic professional, determined that there are people in the background, while Srila Prabhupada is lying there, speaking about poison, and Tom Owen is seriously concerned that these people may be speaking about and involved in an attempt at homicide by poisoning.

James Reames served the FBI for over thirty years as an audio-forensic analysis expert. Reames, imperfect as he may be, confirmed that in the background of the conversations in November 1977, there is whispering, and one of the whispers states, “The poison is going down”. I understand that on page 142 of your Deception book you attempt to minimize Reames’ findings. For me, Reames’ findings and statements add to the body of evidence that indicate that it’s highly possible that those in the role of Srila Prabhupada’s caregivers endeavored to murder Srila Prabhupada by giving him poison.

Similarly you attempt to discredit, with regards to credentials, competency and motivation, Jack Mitchell, Helen McCaffrey, and others. I understand that some may place heavy weight on your attempts at discrediting them. My view, based on carefully studying the relevant materials and documentation, is that McCaffrey and Mitchell are respected professionals, who gave sincere effort, and concluded that people in the background are whispering and using the word “poison” in their whispers, while Srila Prabhupada is lying there. 

Yes, I understand, as you describe on page 143 of your book, that Dr. Helen McCaffrey’s specialty is hearing disabilities, and not forensics. That for me doesn’t erase credibility in regards to her efforts and findings, which do confirm the findings of others, who are audio-forensic specialists.

About Dr. McCaffrey you write (page 143 of Deception), “All she really did was sit back and listen to the enhanced audio tapes presented to her by Mr. Mitchell after he………Dr. McCaffrey was basically contracted to confirmed what Mr. Mitchell told her she was supposed to listen for. Her participation was deceitful used to pump up the witness list with one more name….” Okay, well, perhaps your conjecture regarding “All she really did…” is accurate. 

My tendency, faulty as it may be, is to regard your conjecture as unduly, and unsoundly, cynical and critical. I mean, maybe Dr. Helen McCaffrey is a sincere lady, and an honest, professional expert in the field of audio, and she earnestly applied herself, and found, consistent with the findings of other audio and audio-forensic professionals, that in those conversations in November, 1977, there were persons whispering about “poison”.

And, similarly with Dr. Robert Morris, and his cadmium findings in Srila Prabhupada’s hair. I’ve read Chapter 8, pages 227-275, The Problems with Hair Analysis, of Deception. I understand that flaws in Morris’ procedure can be found and analyzed, and that at least some of those defects or apparent defects could be regarded as valid considerations in regards to assessing the credibility of Dr. Robert Morris’s findings in relation to the cadmium levels in Srila Prabhupada’s hair during parts of 1977.

My view, which is informed by study of Chapter 8 of your book, is that Morris’s findings, while not to be regarded as infallible, are definitely not to be taken lightly. My viewpoint is that Dr. J. Steven Morris, at a high degree of professional scientific competence, followed rigorous procedure in his analysis and presentation of the results of Srila Prabhupada’s hair samples. To quote an excerpt from a letter I wrote a few years ago, “He does this, for example, by providing a statistically calculated 95% confidence interval for a range of values. Yes, … if there were a greater mass of hair the measurements would be more accurate, and perhaps even Dr. Morris would have chosen a different method of measurement. 

Considering the mass of hair he had to work with, he chose Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), the best method available for that mass. And he gave the margin of error, showing that we can be at least 95% confident that, even if the lowest value amongst the ranges for the three hair samples of Srila Prabhupada were true, then, still, on average, Srila Prabhupada’s hair contained about 216 times above average, or about 21,500% above average. (Calculated as- [(14.9-3.8) + (19.9-2) + (12.4-1.2)] / 3 = 13.4 / .062 (average ppm cadmium in human hair)).

“We understand of course that such measurements are subject to error. So, for example, if the measured amount of cadmium in hair is, say, 30%, 60%, or maybe even 200%, above normal, then that’s not necessarily an indication that the body has a significantly elevated cadmium level. But, we’re talking here 21,500%.”

On page 435 of Deception: The Venom of Deception, you include a letter from the ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC), dated December 8, 2017. In that letter the GBC states, “Therefore, to protect innocent devotees from devastating offenses, the GBC is preparing a detailed response to the latest accusations, which are themselves the actual poison in this case.

“The GBC requests ISKCON devotees to focus their attention on serving Srila Prabhupada’s mission and to avoid hearing these monstrous accusations, until the GBC presents a response to the latest poisonous theories…”

In that letter the GBC asserts that the idea that Srila Prabhupada was given poison with murderous intent, by those close to him, is “ghastly”, “dark”, “lacking credible evidence”, etc. And, as stated above, the GBC stated that they are “preparing a detailed response”.

Okay, so, as far as I’m aware, they’ve not issued such a response. Or, if they have, I very much would like to see and read it. From the way the GBC expresses in the letter, and from other issuances I’ve seen from the GBC, as a body and with regard to individual members of that committee, to prepare a response ought to have required, maybe, a week- okay, a month or two…six months maximum. Well, it has been about four years now since their December 8, 2017 letter.

If, as they say, the allegations that there is credible evidence that Srila Prabhupada was administered poison with hostile intent, are ridiculous, absurd, monstrous accusations lacking any semblance of credibility- well then, it would seem that they could prepare a response pretty easily. But, it’s four years now. I haven’t seen the GBC response. Maybe, then, there is substance and credibility to the idea that Srila Prabhupada was given poison by persons with criminal intentions?

I appreciate, Mayesvara Prabhu, that you’ve given yourself heart and soul to Deception. In that effort I see and feel your earnest attempts to genuinely care for Srila Prabhupada and his mission. And, clearly, as far as I can perceive, the ISKCON Governing Body Commission doesn’t consider your book to be an effective attempt to counter the allegations that Srila Prabhupada was given poison by persons with venomous motivations. 

If the GBC regarded your book as doing an adequate job of refuting the evidence that indicates that Srila Prabhupada was given poison by persons with homicidal intentions, then, I believe, the GBC would have announced, “Here’s our response, that we promised in December 2017…”. But, they haven’t done that, and neither have they issued any other response- again, as far as I’m aware, and I’m ready to be shown to be mistaken.

I trust that, on an individual basis, devotees in positions of leadership in the ISKCON organization, including those who serve on the GBC, may certainly, if asked or questioned, refer people here and there to your Deception. They may do that, on a personal basis, when faced with questions regarding Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance pastime that they’re not capable to answer with any semblance of integrity or adequacy. “Oh- Mayesvara Prabhu wrote a book about that- Deception- read his book…..”

Again, though, as a body, clearly, they’re looking, at least ostensibly, to issue an official response, and they haven’t done that, and the fact that they’ve not officially endorsed your book, indicates, I believe, that the GBC knows full well that your book doesn’t reasonably adequately address the issues, the strong evidence, that Srila Prabhupada was given poison with murderous intentions.

I understand that those who may be, by many, suspected, as implicated in giving Srila Prabhupada poison in 1977, have performed tremendous service for Srila Prabhupada and his movement. Maybe some of them are enjoying rasagullas with Sri Krsna as I write this. “Well, it’s a contradiction to say that they performed tremendous service for Srila Prabhupada, and that they gave him poison with homicidal intent.” From my perspective, there’s no contradiction there.

And, I understand that your viewpoint is that, based on your experience and knowledge of these devotees, you are certain that they were definitely not capable of such an act as deliberately giving poison to Srila Prabhupada. My view is different. But, anyway, it’s not about them.

It’s about Srila Prabhupada, and, specifically, about glorifying Srila Prabhupada and enhancing our appreciation, awe and veneration for him, and our enthusiasm to dedicatedly serve him. And for sure I can truly say that the more I research and discover about Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance pastime, including from reading your book, I am increasingly moved and inspired by Srila Prabhupada’s sublime and inconceivable transcendental character.

In writing the above, I’m thinking of the disappearance pastime of Jesus. So, obviously, it’s not about getting angry at the Roman soldiers who hammered in the nails, or at Judas. They were all part of Jesus’ disappearance pastime, and, maybe they were directly sent from Vaikuntha to participate in it, or maybe they were heavily conditioned souls thickly covered by the darker modes of material nature. 

Whatever. The essential purport of the pastime, as far as I understand, is that it’s an opportunity to appreciate and be impacted by the qualities of Jesus, the pure devotee of God. And, real similarly with the disappearance pastime of Srila Prabhupada. Hare Krsna. And I understand that the driving force for you in writing Deception was to glorify Srila Prabhupada, and serve and protect his movement. I recognize and appreciate you for that.

Sri Krsna and Srila Prabhupada could have co-created Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance pastime in any number of ways- virus, bacteria, heart attack. If they chose to co-create Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance pastime through attempted murder by poison, I trust that they have sublime reasons for doing so, and that those reasons are unfolding and will continue to be revealed.

On page 435 of “Deception: A true story about wounded souls, who extrapolated a murder conspiracy, from the ambiguous moments that occurred during the last months of a profound 20th century spiritual revolutionary’s life- Poison CONspiracty (PCON) Exposed- The Venom of Deception: Contradictions, Hypocrisy, Deceit and Intentional Fraud”, you write, in regards to the letter from Radha Sundari Dasi, Secretary for the GBC Body, “It is as straightforward and clear as it can be and it is endorsed by 35 of the most senior devotees who are still leading the Hare Krishna movement despite all of the difficulties and criticisms they have endure along the way…” I appreciate how you’re appreciating devotees, particularly these Vaisnavas, who certainly do receive lots of criticism- no doubt, some or lots of it unwarranted.

As I’ve made abundantly clear here, I’m not in agreement with the ISKCON GBC’s official position, as expressed in the GBC resolution that states, “There is no evidence at this time to support the allegations of poisoning of Srila Prabhupada.”

My view is that Srila Prabhupada’s words, clearly stating that he was concerned, or perhaps knew, that he was being given poison, constitute very strong evidence. Also my perspective is that the recorded statements of those around Srila Prabhupada at the time, in November 1977, where they clearly share their awareness that Srila Prabhuapada was experiencing distress because he thought, or knew, that he was being administered poison with violent intent, are also strong evidence. 

Also I’ll say that, from my study of the situation, including the audio forensic analyses, it’s clear that some of Srila Prabhupada’s caregivers, there in November 1977, were whispering in the background about poison, including the statement, “The poison’s going down”. And, further, analysis of Srila Prabhupada’s hair samples also strongly indicates to me (again, conditioned soul that I am) yet additional evidence that Srila Prabhupada was given cadmium, with lethal intentions.

So, I am not in alignment with the GBC’s statement, “There is no evidence at this time to support the allegations of poisoning of Srila Prabhupada.” And I’ll say, that such a statement is itself, from my point of view, cause for further suspicion that the ISKCON GBC has something to conceal in relation to Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance pastime.

“Well, Dhira Govinda dasa, such interpretations and conclusions just reveal what a fool you are…” Dhira Govinda dasa: “Could be…” “Or, worse, how darkly, cynically motivated you are...” Dhira Govinda dasa: “Could be…” Anyhow, I’ve processed the information, the data, including all that is contained in your book, and I’ve shared my thoughts and analyses.

Over the years you have several times expressed your support and appreciation for my efforts to serve Srila Prabhupada’s movement, including, for example, through transformational seminars we’ve developed and we facilitate founded on ancient, eternal wisdom, as received through Srila Prabhupada (May 1, 2015, Mayesvara prabhu to Dhira Govinda dasa- “I was telling Brajarani that if anyone listened to me, I would insist that before an individual could be a temple president, a GBC or take sanyasa...they would have to attend one of your ‘Awareness’ courses. …I will still encourage those I meet to participate because the service you are offering is a great contribution to Lord Caitanyas movement! Hare Krishna!”). 

I much appreciate your encouragement. It means a lot to me. And, you have expressed that you’re concerned that some or many of those who are somehow inspired to come to Krsna consciousness through my efforts- eg., with the Satvatove seminars- will feel discouraged, when they later apply their rational minds to the topic of Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance pastime, and discover that my conclusions are, from your point of view, quite non-rational, or, even, laughable, preposterous. 

Again, I note and value your sincere concern. And, I’ve applied by intelligence and rational faculties to this topic, and, at present anyway, have, as you’re aware, come to the conclusion that it is highly possible- even, more than that- highly probable- that in 1977 Srila Prabhupada was given poison by persons with homicidal intent. And my belief is that a large percent of others too, upon applying themselves to the facts, with open-minded sincerity and analytical intellect, will, and already have, arrive at real similar conclusions.

On page 277 you write, “……acknowledges that during the 1970s very little was known about the use of cadmium as a murder weapon. Yet, they take a huge, irrational leap to the conclusion that devotees with absolutely NO knowledge about cadmium figured out how to get it, mix it, serve it, and monitor its efficacy. A rationally minded person would hardly need further evidence of the impossible nature of the PCON’s senseless assumptions at this point, but, if there is still some doubt….” 

That’s not how I process things, and I understand that that might certainly mean that, in your mind, I’m in the category of a person who is not rationally minded. Anyhow, my view is that those to whom we are referring, very astute and clever as they are/were, could, if they set their mind and intention to it, learn whatever they needed to learn about cadmium poison- yes, even back then, in the 1970s, pre-internet. For sure, no doubt, it makes sense to have reasonable skepticism that they did take the time and effort to learn about cadmium poison. 

That, though, is different than firmly believing that they were incapable of doing so. I feel certain that they were quite capable. That capacity, in the context of much else that I’ve expressed above, leads me to have reasonable cause to suspect that they in fact did learn what they needed to learn about the process of cadmium poisoning.

And, for me, similar with respect to “time”. As you describe right there on the back cover of your Deception, “Deception offers convincing evidence that proves how senior members of the Hare Krishna movement did not have the time, resources, knowledge, opportunity or motive to poison….” 

Again, my view is that those to whom we’re referring, while certainly intensely engaged with so many services and responsibilities, were/are expert, high-level managers, and knew how to be efficient with time, and thus my point of view is that, while fulfilling their many responsibilities, they also could have, if they made it important, cleared the time to engage in giving Srila Prabhupada poison. They are smart people who know how to manage time. Hare Krsna.

To reiterate something to which I’ve already alluded, my impression of your book as a whole, including several specific sections of it, is that it contains material that might convince some fair-minded juries and judges that the evidence that those to whom we’re referring, as suspects, gave Srila Prabhupada poison with murderous intent, does not reach the threshold of 99+%, beyond a reasonable doubt. That, all in all, it comes to, say, 98% or 95%, and thus maybe some judges or juries would not convict in criminal court. Yes, that may be true.

For me, though, 95% or 98% does not make the assertion that Srila Prabhuapda was given poison, ludicrous, or absurd, nor does it justify the GBC’s stance, “There is no evidence at this time to support the allegations of poisoning of Srila Prabhupada.” “No evidence” means that the facts don’t even indicate that there is reasonable cause to suspect that this attempted murder happened- like, not even 5%. 5%- some semblance of reasonable cause to suspect. 

My view, including after carefully reading your book, is that the data, the facts, certainly do constitute reasonable cause to suspect that an attempted murder happened. And, as clearly you’re clear by now, my view is that the information constitutes not just around 5%, but more like 95-99%. If I’m understanding correctly your view is that the data doesn’t even rise to the 5% level, or, perhaps more accurately, not even to the 1% level. Thus, you regard the idea that Srila Prabhupada was given poison with homicidal intent to be absurd, nonsensical, idiotic- and thus you gave us Deception.

Applying this, again, to the scientists who conducted audio analysis and hair analysis- eg., Robert Morris, Tom Owen, James Reames, Jack Mitchell, and Helen McCaffrey- I find their findings to be credible- if not 100%, then near it. As I’ve previously mentioned, your attempts to diminish their integrity, in regards to both motivation and competence, perhaps would or will cause some rationally-minded persons to reduce their perception of the credibility of the findings of these scientists, to, say, 95%, maybe 90%. 

Still, it’s clear to me (not absolutely clear- but, 90-99%), from the findings of these science professionals that Srila Prabhupada’s hair samples contained tens of thousands of percent higher than average cadmium levels, and that some of Srila Prabhuapda caregivers were whispering in the background about “poison”.

If, let’s say, there were evidence indicating, for example, that Tom Owen and Robert Morris received a monetary bribe to arrive at the findings they determined- okay, that would be the sort of thing to really move me to not seriously regard their findings, to practically totally discredit what they say. But, there’s nothing like that. So, my perspective is that there is strong evidence (maybe not strong enough to convict in criminal court- but, then again, only maybe…) to indicate that Srila Prabhupada was given cadmium poison with lethal intent, and that some of Srila Prabhupada’s caregivers were whispering about poison, in the background of conversations when the alleged cadmium poisoning was allegedly taking place. 

And also at that time Srila Prabhupada was, based on my reading of and hearing from Srila Prabhupada, speaking about concerns that he was being given poison. And also just at that time some of those who were surrounding Srila Prabhupada were clearly acknowledging that Srila Prabhupada was experiencing distress because he thought or knew that he was being deliberately administered poison.

And also just at that time Srila Prabhupada was discussing with those around him about cases of murder by poisoning.

Conversations With Srila Prabhupada, Volume 36, page 359-

“Tamala Krsna Maharaja: Ah, I see. That’s why actually we cannot allow anyone else to cook for you……..Jayapataka Maharaja was telling that one acarya, Sankaracarya, of the Sankaracarya line…he was poisoned to death. Since that time, none of the acaryas or the gurus of the Sankaracarya line will ever take any food cooked except by their own men…”

So, they are, it seems clear to me, speaking about a case of murder by poison, because Srila Prabhuapda was without doubt concerned and suspecting that some were attempting to murder him by poison.

All of this together, from my point of view, does not constitute support for the ISKCON GBC’s stance of, “There is no evidence at this time to support the allegations of poisoning of Srila Prabhupada.” Rather, my perspective is that it constitutes strong indication that some persons at that time, there in 1977, did attempt to murder Srila Prabhupada with poison. 

And, the way I process things, that the GBC sticks to their “no evidence” (zero- as in, not even 1%) stance, suggests that the GBC, as an organizational entity and at least some of the individuals serving on that body, are attempting to conceal something (I understand that that might indicate to you that I’m unduly cynical in the way I am processing this information, because you, if I’m correctly understanding you, perceive that the GBC has been and is dealing with and responding to this issue in a clean and straightforward way…).

And again, relatedly, where is that GBC “detailed response” that they asserted they would issue in December 2017. If it’s so clear that there’s “no evidence”, and if it’s laughably ludicrous to believe that Srila Prabhupada was given poison with homicidal motives, how come after four years they still have not issued that “detailed response”? You labored hard for Deception, and apparently the GBC doesn’t accept that as sufficiently credible for their “detailed response” report.

I am interested and enthused to know and understand the truth about all of Srila Prabhupada’s pastimes- sailing on the Jaladuta, rising early to dictate his Bhaktivedanta purports, inspiring Ratha-Yatra at 5 years old, his thousands of letters to his disciples, opening Krsna consciousness centers all around the world, his lectures, conversations, etc. With regards to Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance pastime, my sense is that from the ISKCON GBC we’re not getting the truth, and I do regard it as vitally important that the world knows the facts in regards to Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance pastime. 

And I’ll say that the GBC’s persistent concealment, bluff and deception in regards to the truth about Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance pastime- well, that all constitutes a whole other category of evidence- or at least, reasonable cause for additional suspicion. Anyhow, those are my perceptions. Perhaps the GBC’s report, “detailed response”, is just now coming….and we’ll get it in the next day or few, and, after reading that my mind will be peaceful, seeing that ISKCON leadership is handling this and communicating about it in a straightforward way that shows lots of integrity, and my intelligence and heart will be convinced that, as you say, it is ridiculous to think that Srila Prabhupada’s caregivers in November 1977 gave him poison with homicidal intentions.

I’m not suggesting that we ought to overemphasize his disappearance pastime (I believe, for example, that some groups of Christians tend to overemphasize the disappearance pastime of Jesus…..it might be nice to hear more about, for example, Jesus dancing in love of God….). I am wanting that the truth of Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance pastime, and all of his wonderful, transcendental pastimes, is revealed. I hope and trust that our exchanges, including this response to your Deception, will contribute to that effort.

Thank you for giving your time to read what I’ve expressed. I welcome any comments you’d like to share with me, regarding anything I’ve written in this letter (or, in regards to anything, really).

Clearly, for now anyway, we get to agree to disagree on this one, regarding Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance pastime. Often, variety of perspective enriches relationships and community.

I like what you write on page 44, “What is more dangerously deceiving than the three words: “I KNOW THAT”? The answer is: “WE KNOW THAT”…” I genuine seek and want to have and continue to have open-mindedness in regards to truths connected with Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance pastime, and I welcome feedback on how you and others perceive me in that regard.

I hope this meets you in strong health and enthused in serving Srila Prabhupada and his mission. Hare Krsna.

Your servant,

Dhira Govinda dasa (davidbwolf@satvatove.com)

David Wolf

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