What is the use of such rascal child if he's not a devotee, neither learned?
Upon our return from the farm, the devotees had contacted a Gujarati doctor, Dr. Bhagat who is a life member. He arrived just after the API interview to examine Srila Prabhupada.
As soon as he came in Srila Prabhupada made him feel at home by inquiring about his family. When he learned that the doctor had only one child, he quoted a Sanskrit verse of Canakya Pandita: "Ekas candras tamo hanti na ca tara-ganair api/ varam eko guni putro na ca murkha-satair api. There is no need of hundreds of rascal children. One is sufficient, varam ekah; guni putrah, he must be qualified. And who is guni? He who is a devotee and learned scholar. Ko 'tra putrena jatena yo na vidvan na bhakti-man. What is the use of such rascal child if he's not a devotee, neither learned? Kanena cakshusha kim. ... cakshuh pidaiva kevalam. What is the use of blind eyes? It is simply troublesome. So let there be one child, but he must be like Prahlada, like Dhruva Maharaja, and then child production is beneficial. Otherwise, if we beget children like cats and dogs, what is the use? That is Canakya Pandita's instruction. Another example is given: ekas candras tamo hanti na ca tarah sahasrasah. If there is one moon in the sky, it is sufficient to give light to the whole sky. What is the use of millions of stars? So, it is very good that you can take care of one child and make him a great devotee and learned scholar. Then it is successful."
Dr. Bhagat examined Srila Prabhupada, diagnosing very high blood pressure and a weak heart. He said the uremia problem, which makes Prabhupada's hands and feet swell, meant that his body produces too much water, and was probably the result of a kidney stone. He prescribed five different kinds of medicines: Lasix, a diuretic to eliminate excess water to be taken once a day with breakfast, Kerflex an antibiotic for the kidney infection to be ingested four times a day, Parafon Forte, a pain reliever, Valium, a psychotropic relaxant, and a sleeping pill. He also advised Prabhupada not to take any salt or sugar.
Prabhupada allowed us to purchase the medicines, but I have strong doubts that he will take them. And I know that he will never agree to a diet of no salt. He always insists that there must be some taste to his prasadam, otherwise he won't eat it.
Reference: Transcendental Diary Volume 3 by Srila Prabhupada
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