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Hari-sauri was not alone in leaving Vrndavana. Many other GBCs, considering that Srila Prabhupada may now live an indefinite amount of time, made the difficult decision to return to their urgent and pressing engagements overseas. They felt, rightly or wrongly, that ISKCON's preaching, management and Deity worship responsibilities could not continue without their personal presence.

Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: I remember how, as I drove in the taxi to Delhi with Bhagavat Asraya, we shared our realisations of the recent events and the lessons we had learnt. I said that Srila Prabhupada was showing us that he was totally distinct from his body. He had become so refined that he was now spirit only since he practically had no body left. Bhagavat Asraya added that all Srila Prabhupada's bodily movements, although limited, were still firm and precise. We discussed that Srila Prabhupada was showing us all how to leave the body, since we all had to do so, sooner or later, ourselves. We likened our situation to the Pandavas being called to receive instructions from Bhisma in a similar condition.

We marvelled at how Prabhupada was showing how every ounce of strength should be used in devotional service. While lying in bed, Prabhupada continued to dictate Srimad-Bhagavatam, even though he could neither hold the microphone nor click the button. Our conclusion was that Srila Prabhupada was wonderful. The full extent of his glories were, however, beyond our comprehension.


- From "The Great Transcendental Adventure" by HG Kurma Prabhu