I will finish Bhagavatam before I come back to India

Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami: Suddenly Srila Prabhupada said he definitely wants to travel to the West to the Pennsylvania farm. As for his health condition, he said, The worst thing that could happen is death and I am not afraid of that. The horoscope allows it as it said he could not travel until August 10, and then only if a physician said he was improved (which he did). He wants a cooler climate. He said he is slowly dying here.

TKG said he would like the presence of so many devotees in the West. They are planning to book tickets immediately. TKG called us in and then we went into Srila Prabhupada's room. It was time to read his mail. TKG said we had been discussing his proposed trip to the West. Srila Prabhupada asked, So TKG said we each had different opinions. Then Srila Prabhupada asked, "What was the conclusion?"

TKG said that we agree he would be enthused if he could travel.

Srila Prabhupada agreed and said, "Let there be change, good or bad." I've decided. Let me go. I've tried to be cured here for the last six months. TKG said, "This is one cure you haven't tried going to the West". "Yes," said Srila Prabhupada, it is psychological enthusiasm.

TKG said, We have to be your brave charioteers and take you into the battle.

Srila Prabhupada said, "Maybe battle, maybe heaven." He said, I've decided. Now you somehow or other take me there. He wants TKG and Abhirama to go to Delhi and come back with all the arrangements made. Srila Prabhupada said, "I have still a taste for milk, a little taste, so it is not hopelessness."

In the New York farm I'll get sufficient milk. Everyone assured him there'd be enough milk to bathe in. Sukadeva and Madhavendra Puri took only milk. The weather there will be very nice. Ramesvara Swami's letter was being read, describing that the BBT was prepared to do double printing and double distribution if Srila Prabhupada could translate. Srila Prabhupada said with strength, It is for this purpose that I am going to the Western countries.

I will finish Bhagavatam before I come back to India. If I get a little strength. Last night 3:30 5:30 a.m. was my turn to attend Srila Prabhupada. I helped him get up and go to the bathroom. (He first asked for a stick and I didn't know he meant a cane spent a frantic half-minute looking for a stick). Then I got inside the mosquito net with him and massaged his feet and legs for about an hour while he slept.

I felt my miserable self becoming purified by this service; it drives away all casual attitudes, speculation over what I shall do next in Krishna consciousness. It becomes obvious serve the pure devotee. At 5:30 a.m., TKG came in to relieve me and said that now Srila Prabhupada has decided not to go to the West until after the first week in September, since that is the crucial week according to the astrologers. He wants to see if he can maintain his strength through that period and then he'll go.