After the amputation of his foot, the cancer has not been contained, and Bhakti Tirtha Swami (BTSw) stalwart warrior in Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual army, prepares for leaving his body.

Bhakti Tirtha Swami asked to be driven to the Temple recently to give the afternoon class in spite of his extremely delicate physical condition and in spite of many requests that he not do so. Fortunately, the roads were somewhat repaired to reduce his physical discomfort.

He gave a lecture, along with Candramauli Swami, and Kavicandra Swami. Bhakti Tirtha Swami read his prayer, "Live Until Dying". He didn't speak for very long and towards the end, seemed to experience shortness of breath. As he was carried back to the car, a god sister of his sang softly and sweetly. His act of love for the devotees left many feeling quite emotional.

Last week Jayapataka Maharaja spent a few hours with BTSw reading from Caitanya Caritamrta and a few hours after his departure an initiation yajna was held for BTSw’s new initiates. This was followed by BTSw giving a heart wrenching class on gratitude. He also shared a few of the humorous tricks he used to win all the sports events at the annual Gita-nagari picnic. Some of his god brothers and god sisters including Radhanatha Maharaja, Candramauli Maharaja, Candrashekara Maharaja and Bhaktimarga Maharaja joined him later, when he made himself available in spite of feeling very weak.

BTSw is gradually turning inwards and bringing closure to all aspects of his incredible life. Devotees are working hard to minimize noise and disturbances and he spends quite a lot of time hearing and viewing Vrindavana pastimes and parikramas from various devotees. Personal visits and telephone calls have been greatly reduced as these are tiring for him; Bhakti Tirtha Swami had been receiving radiation treatment daily at a nearby hospital. However, after weighing up the pros and cons of this treatment, he decided to stop it altogether. His eating is steadily decreasing, and he follows a strict diet to minimize undesirable symptoms. His many cooks have been successfully employing their creativity to cook diverse preparations with the few permissible ingredients. A few experienced devotees have even been fortunate to massage him, a crucial service at this time.

Maryland, Washington DC devotees have been generously donating, supplements, and other items. Gita-nagari devotees have been warmly caring for and accommodating many guests and visitors.

The Couch: Edition 9, May 2005