Disciple:
Pranam, Guru-Dev.
Guru-Dev:
Pranam, my son.
Disciple:
Guru-Dev, we were all very worried. Many devotees came to the temple to ask about your health; many called and some even went to see you. How are you feeling now?
Guru-Dev:
I am doing better now. What happened was my stomach became incredibly swollen. I thought it might be constipation or something similar, but it became so hard and large that I had to be admitted to the hospital. I went to Paramount Nursing Home. It's the place I always go; the environment is like home, and everyone there is very caring. Whatever I want to eat or do, they accommodate me.
Guru-Dev:
Since it was Kali Puja, I insisted on performing the rituals. They weren't used to it and were worried because of my condition, but I insisted they bring an idol of Mother Kali. I performed the puja all night. The Homa (fire ritual) here ended around 10:00 AM as well. The hospital staff was amazed; they said they had never seen anything like it. I told them, "You haven't seen it, so see it now!" We distributed Prasad and Khichuri.
Guru-Dev:
Actually, the issue was with my prostate. It isn't enlarged, but it had sagged slightly. The doctors didn't realize it at first, and urine was accumulating in my abdomen, causing the extreme swelling and breathing difficulties. Once they realized, they tried various methods, but eventually, they had to use a catheter, which provided relief.
Guru-Dev:
The catheter is still in place for now. I will need a minor microsurgery later to correct the sagging issue. However, the doctors said we must wait about 15 days because I had a recent infection that needs to clear up first. I was discharged yesterday with the catheter. An expert will come in a few days to check on it, and then we will schedule the surgery.
Guru-Dev:
I also had a bit of a disappointment regarding an event. You know Pravin Kumar from Asansol; he is part of the "Sholo Mandal" (Sixteen Mandals). They had published a book in Bengali and wanted me to inaugurate it. They said they couldn't find anyone else in West Bengal as suitable. But because of my sudden illness, they decided to have Danda-Pati Maharaj perform the inauguration instead.
Guru-Dev:
They are also organizing a large ritual. Even though the doctors gave me permission to go with the catheter, it would be very uncomfortable and my mind would be distracted. It was a great honor because many prominent figures from the Jagannath Temple in Puri were supposed to attend. They know me and wanted me there because they see me as an honest devotee who spreads the message of Krishna without any personal gain.
Guru-Dev:
Pravin Kumar called this morning to confirm that Danda-Pati would lead the inauguration. I told him that's fine; I don't have the ego that says only I must do it. I just asked for a copy of the book.
Disciple:
It's a busy time for the Mandals.
Guru-Dev:
Yes, and I'm trying to go on the 25th or 26th for the main ceremony and the feast. I know that after the Homa concludes, the "Chousat Yogini" (64 Yoginis) will awaken. That is a very significant moment for me, and I want to witness it.
Guru-Dev:
The prophecies in the "Bhavishya Malika" are proving true. The Third World War has essentially begun, and tensions are rising globally. There is also a mention of a new virus coming—one that could be twenty times more dangerous than COVID-19. It is said it could claim millions of lives.
Guru-Dev:
Look at the environment too; things are changing. El Niño is a major factor this year, affecting the economy and raw material production. Even the weather is strange—it's mid-November and there's no chill. On the day of Kali Puja, I was sweating in the hospital and had to perform the puja with the fans on.
Disciple:
Guru-Dev, many people were upset that we didn't inform them about your health sooner.
Guru-Dev:
The reason was the crowd. If we had announced it, the nursing home would have been overrun with visitors. Even without an announcement, there were 20 to 24 people visiting daily. The hospital staff was getting overwhelmed, so they eventually moved me to a private ICU room just so the other patients wouldn't be disturbed by my visitors. People don't always follow visiting hours, so we kept it quiet to maintain order and ensure I could rest.
Disciple:
(Pointing to the catheter) As you can see, the catheter is still in place. We wanted to share this update to answer everyone's questions. If you have more queries, please leave them in the comments, and we will try to answer them. That is all for today. Pranam, Guru-Dev.
Guru-Dev:
Pranam, my son.