Tattva-viveka
The Final Lesson
Madhumangala Dasa - March 9, 2007 2:30 am
Today I was watching on DVD "The Final Lesson" of Srila Prabhupada's departure and interment. I noticed that there was an older Indian mother both at his bedside as he was passing and at his samadhi . It was obvious that she was connected to Srila Prabhupada personally in some way. She was wearing a widow's white sari and tilak. Was she perhaps Srila Prabhupada's wife, Radharani?
Babhru Das - March 9, 2007 2:37 am
I haven't seen that video for many years, and I'm not sure I could ever watch it again. But I'd guess that the lady was Srila Prabhupada's sister, Bhavatarini (did she stay with him in Vrindavan?), who was very attached to him. We called her Pisima (aunty).
Swami - March 9, 2007 3:13 am
I haven't seen that video for many years, and I'm not sure I could ever watch it again. But I'd guess that the lady was Srila Prabhupada's sister, Bhavatarini (did she stay with him in Vrindavan?), who was very attached to him. We called her Pisima (aunty).
I have never seen this video, nor can I imagine watching it. However, it was definitely not his wife. She was not involved in his spiritual life. Whereas his sister was very involved and initated by Prabhupada Saraswati Thakura and Sri Bhakti Saranga Goswami Maharaja.
Babhru Das - March 9, 2007 4:15 am
I have never seen this video, nor can I imagine watching it.
After having seen it, I heartily support anyone who has successfully avoided it. They made it some sort of big, instructive event at the San Diego temple some years ago. I had declined to watch the video for a long time but was pressed to attend this presentation as a show of support or something. I went home devastated, regretting immediately that I had succumbed to the temple leaders' pressure.
As far as Radharani De is concerned, I recently read a conversation or talk in which Srila Prabhupada said that it would be fine to visit with his children if they came to see him, but that his sankalpa made visiting with his wife impossible. So I'm certain that it wasn't her in the video. I heard that she became more active in her practice in later years, but, as Swami says, she wasn't particularly enthusiastic about helping with his efforts while they were married.
Syamasundara - March 9, 2007 6:37 pm
I am pretty sure it's her, they are practically twins... didn't you notice a vague resemblance? 
Vrindavandas - March 10, 2007 12:37 am
It was Prabhupada's sister. I recall being told a few stories from Giriraja Swami about Tamal Krsna Maharaja arguing with Prabhupada about Pishima cooking for Prabhupada during his final days. They were very endearing stories of the disciples caring for Prabhupada. In regards to the video, I would have to concur with Babhru, I have seen The Final Lesson once and wish I didn't. It still makes me feel very sad when I think about it.
Shyam Gopal Das - March 10, 2007 12:44 am
I've only heard about this video a few years ago in reference to disciples of Srila Narayan Maharaj trying to establish his legitimacy.