Ours is cultural and philosophical

Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami: Srila Prabhupada called in the GBC members to chant for him: me, Hansadutta, and Brahmananda Swamis. He couldn't see us; Brahmananda Swami told him who was present. He lay back and listened. Hansadutta Maharaja led the singing with little hand cymbals. This went on for an hour. He was asked if he wanted different things to drink; he refused. Hansadutta Maharaja and Brahmananda Swami cried, because if he doesn't eat or even drink, how can he continue to live? Suddenly he asked to sit up. He was helped up. Hansadutta Maharaja had stopped chanting. I began. He said Hansadutta chanted so nicely. Then he asked Hansadutta Maharaja what was our position in Ceylon. Hansadutta Maharaja began to tell him.

Prabhupada made more vivid expression than any I'd seen this time. Then our position is good! he exclaimed. They were talking of bad government. Hansadutta Maharaja said we needed ksatriyas. Srila Prabhupada said a person like Krishna with a sword is required. Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna went to kill Jarasandha. Brahmananda Swami said, "You have come to curb the rascal governments." "Yes", said Srila Prabhupada, "that is my program, but where is the scope?"

Hansadutta Maharaja said something about how when he preaches, he criticizes the government. Srila Prabhupada said, "don't stay out of politics. Ours is cultural and philosophical."

Brahmananda Swami said Bhagatji heard that Indira Gandhi was arrested. Srila Prabhupada had the person sent for. Srila Prabhupada asked him and heard some details about Indira Gandhi being arrested, but she is popular again. This was more preaching than he's done in a long time. I was sleepy through the kirtanas. Srila Prabhupada lay back and slept. I left. He had not noticed me or said anything about me. I felt properly insignificant. I am doing no sensational engagement. But everyone wants to preach though writing is effective. When I first went into the room I felt a sense of attraction and renewal in my relationship with Srila Prabhupada in his presence. He had called us in, myself included, to chant. He showed will to live and preach. But his body, as he said, is a bag of bones, and he is not eating anything, so how can he continue for long?