When a Man is Poisoned It Is Said Like That
A Reverse Speech Investigation of the Death of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada


Chapter Five: Conversations in Reverse Speech

           One: Observation of the Starship
         Two: Lokanath Swami and Tamal Krishna
         Three: Prabhupada and Tamal Krishna
         Four: Prabhupada Appeals to Tamal
         Five: Tamal Asks to Know Prabhupada
         Six: Tamal Refuses to Help Prabhupada
         Seven: Poisoning of the Guru
         Eight: Bhakti Caru Poisons the Milk; the Kaviraj Protests
         Nine: Hansadutta Protests the Poisoning
         Ten: Reverse Speech will Reveal All that is Hidden
         Eleven: Conversation Between Dhanesvara and Tamal Krishna


    The phenomena of speaking backwards while we speak forward, in two or more different languages no less, is amazing enough in and of itself, but Reverse Speech holds an even greater treasure of human communication than that. Obviously we are not speaking in reverse simply to speak—we speak to be heard. David John Oates, the founder of Reverse Speech, has done experiments in which a person was connected to an electroencephalogram, a device which measures brain activity, to test brain activity while speech reversals were being heard. In this experiment they found that activity between the right and left hemispheres of the brain increased substantially while listening to forward speech which had Reverse Speech content. Oates' theory is that the speaking and hearing of Reverse Speech is mainly a right brain activity. As the reversals are heard unconsciously by the right brain, the two hemispheres communicate and information is transferred back and forth.

    The validity and value of Reverse Speech is further increased however by observations that we do not simply speak or hear speech reversals, but we actually have unconscious dialogue. Someone may suggest that a speech reversal is a coincidental sound. When an appropriate and timely reply is heard spoken by the other party in reverse though, the chances of coincidence become extremely small. This is communication at its deepest level, and communication with a purpose. Out of all of the things that we could say to each other in reverse, it is remarkable to hear what we choose to say. Experience with Reverse Speech shows that we communicate those things which are most meaningful and which we really want to get across to others.

    Let me give you an entirely unrelated example of Reverse Speech conversation. At a social gathering my mother and I were engaged with others in conversation, and I purposely taped this event for the purpose of examining what was taking place in Reverse Speech. This conversation had nothing to do with religion but at one point she said in reverse that she is a Christian: "I-I Christian." About 3 minutes later I responded with a speech reversal that my religion is Vaishnava: "I Vaishnava." This response can in no way be taken to be a random statement—it was a direct reply to her earlier statement, and this conversation was entirely unconscious in Reverse Speech! Likewise there are ten Reverse Speech conversations which I observed in the material which I analyzed for this investigation.

    The conversations taking place in Reverse Speech are meaningful to this discussion because the exchange reveals more than isolated reversals do. The whole becomes more than the sum of the parts. In these exchanges you will find that "whole person" communication is going on, and from this we get a good lesson how we communicate the feelings within, even though we may not consciously verbalize them or even understand them.

    Where possible in the conversations that follow, I first present the entire forward conversation, with brackets on the words where reversals occurred. This arrangement gives a visual perspective of how often the reversals occurred and why they therefore can be considered to be a Reverse Speech conversation.


Reverse Speech Conversation One — Observation of the Starship

The following conversation is taken from T47 Side B Counter 535-604. Almost the entire conversation is in Hindi, and not knowing Hindi I cannot present the forward dialogue.
Kaviraj: Star ship   Bhavananda: I see   Srila Prabhupada: Koi, star ship
Kaviraj: Bengali  [Isa]   Bhavananda: [Isa]  Srila Prabhupada: [Bengali]
At this time the three of them acknowledge the presence of a Starship. This was discussed above as the vehicle which transfers great souls at the time of death to the Vaikuntha (spiritual) planets. Tamal had, days earlier, implored the presence of the Starship, meaning that by its arrival Prabhupada's death was certain. Now the three of them see it and within 2 minutes more Tamal will also acknowledge its presence. Please note that both the Kaviraj and Bhavananda say the same word "Isa" forward, but the reversals make totally different word(s) which have the same meaning!
Kaviraj: Save him
[Hindi]

Bhakta Caru: Nemesis
[he said that]

The Kaviraj having seen the Starship realizes that Prabhupada's death is perhaps very near and once more implores those present to save him. But Bhakti Caru replies with a curt "nemesis." This statement is a reference to the Kaviraj and would indicate that Bhakti Caru sees the Kaviraj as an adversarial agent. This statement as a rebuttal to the doctor's plea to save Prabhupada simply dismisses the doctor and his plea. He further replies with the next reversal that he will not save Prabhupada, but will go on with the poisoning business.
Bhakta Caru: Nasty, I’m gonna serve milk
[was literally in pain]
Bhakti Caru exclaims that he is going to serve milk. The milk has been the vehicle for the poison, and he therefore describes it as nasty.
Kaviraj: Will kill the next {thing? day?}
[Hindi]
The Kaviraj replies that this milk may be the final dose which finishes off Srila Prabhupada. Indeed, this recording was made on Prabhupada's last day. The Starship had arrived to carry him to Vaikuntha, the spiritual realm. This next batch of poison is the last straw.
Tamal Krishna: Starship / we have seen it
[did Shastri]ji get the letters he was looking for [in Jaipur]?
Here Tamal reports seeing the Starship, just about two minutes after the above mention of Starship by the others. The phrase is separated somewhat in the forward conversation. Note that this is presented as two reversals "Starship," and "we have seen it."
Bhakta Caru: Making it now, my true confession
[Hindi]
Since the Starship is present and Prabhupada's death is now imminent, Bhakti Caru decides to make his "true confession," his admission to killing Prabhupada, which is given in his very next reversal, and which is formed as a link reversal with Tamal who shares in the crime.
Link reversal of both Bhakti Caru & Tamal Krishna: I kill
Tamal Krishna: {here?}     Bhakta Caru: yea
Together Tamal Krishna and Bhakti Caru admit and confess to the killing. This reversal, combined with Bhakti Caru's previous reversal cannot be understood as coincidence, nor can it be explained in any other way. This is obviously a conversation wherein upon realizing Prabhupada's imminent departure the two main conspirators offer their confession! Tamal follows with one final word, an understatement to say the least, which sums up the whole affair.
Tamal Krishna: Heavy
[any message?]


Reverse Speech Conversation Two — Lokanath Swami and Tamal Krishna

    The following Reverse Speech conversation is for the most part between Lokanath Swami and Tamal Krishna, wherein Lokanath queries Tamal about what happened to Prabhupada and then realizes in this exchange that Tamal has intentionally poisoned Prabhupada. Tamal boasts of what he has done and Lokanath  retorts with expressions of outrage and revenge. This lengthy conversation entirely in Reverse Speech gives a great insight into just how much information we exchange in an unconscious mode.

    This Reverse Speech conversation is taken from tape T47 Side B. Counter beginning approximately at 100.


Srila Prabhupada: Where is Lancelot?
[Consult with him.]
Discussed above, Prabhupada refers to Lokanath as hero to save him, referencing the metaphor Lancelot.
Tamal Krishna: Wherewith to fuck him
[makeup a tour?]
Tamal does not want the pilgrimage to happen, and particularly does not want Lokanath to lead it as is Prabhupada's wish. With this reversal an angered Tamal speaks his desire to frustrate the plan, or Lokanath, or both.
Tamal Krishna: {I’m gonna} choke the mate
Do you follow this, Lokanath? [Do you have a question to ask?]
The first few words are somewhat vague although they sound like "I'm gonna." That fits with the remainder "choke the mate." It is a clear reference to Lokanath whom Tamal wants out of the picture. This is Tamal's expression of anger with Lokanath's participation in the parikrama as he knows that Lokanath is competent to make very good arrangements. This is confirmed in the second reversal below.
Lokanath: Sail looks good
Yes, and they go, [fix the place], and inform your party where they are and what kind of arrangement they have made. And when you are satisfied, you leave that place to join the first group, small group, advance party. Right?
In Reverse Speech parlance, to sail means to go on the journey of life. It can also refer to a particular event, and in this case refers to the proposed pilgrimage. This reversal therefore indicates Lokanath's confidence that the pilgrimage can be carried out successfully.
Tamal Krishna: No, you don’t, you don’t plant (plan it) in this group
And after Prabhupada joins that [group, then the advance party goes again.]
Tamal replies to this statement of confidence by challenging him that he may not plan anything for the group. Tamal defiantly takes his stand as the one and only leader of affairs, and will not tolerate any other arrangement. While this is played out unconsciously in Reverse Speech, it was well known that this was Tamal's conscious behavior and general modus operandi--winning through intimidation.
Lokanath: My soul is mad now
This kind of progra[m we have done before also.]
This response and challenge angers Lokanath who declares his anger from the very depths of his being. In the Reverse Speech dialogue, he then goes on to challenge Tamal about Prabhupada's condition, first asking him whether it was accidental through overdose, then challenging him as though it were an intentional overdose, but then quickly realizing that Tamal "arshed" or deliberately poisoned Prabhupada.
Lokanath: Was it overdose?
we always send [two devotees out], or sometimes four devotees.
This reversal has the cadence of a question. He first questions Tamal. Quickly however, in the very next words, he accuses Tamal of intentionally giving the overdose.
Lokanath: You {overdose} medicine
we always send two devotees out, [or sometimes four devotees.]
The word overdose is somewhat vague, but given that this reversal follows immediately after the last one we can be fairly confident that overdose is the correct word even though misprounounced. We sometimes mispronounce words in reverse just as we do unintentionally in forward speech.
Tamal Krishna: That last snare was {enough}
[that is the way of traveling]
Here Tamal refers to a snare, or upset of his plans. Apparently there had been an earlier problem which he had to overcome, and he says that it was enough. He doesn't want any more complications which will make his devilish deeds more difficult.
Tamal Krishna: You’ll go, fuck, there go, I snared
"Prabhupada can have the back seat of a vehicle, [very — travel very comfortably.]"
This reversal is in response to the forward conversation wherein it is decided that Lokanath will lead the pilgrimage. Tamal acknowledges that Lokanath's going, or presence on the pilgrimage will create difficulty or trouble for him and his diabolical efforts and he expresses his frustration with foul language. This speech reversal clearly indicates that regardless of what Tamal was speaking, his real intention was to thwart the pilgrimage and keep Prabhupada locked up in his room.
Lokanath: It serves them to hi(de)
"we already [have mattresses"]
This is a reply to Tamal's frustration over going on pilgrimage. His analysis is clearly given here: it serves Tamal's purpose to be able to "hide" in the rooms in Vrindavana, and not be out in the open as they would be while on pilgrimage.
Tamal Krishna: You wish to know     Lokanath: Tell him / why you did it
Lokanath: [more]  Tamal Krishna: [more than three weeks]
Tamal Krishna: just to go... Lokanath: [It will take] two and a half months.
Now we are back to the earlier conversation about the poisoning or overdose. Here Tamal asks Lokanath if he "wishes to know" what is going on. Lokanath replies that Tamal should tell "him," referring to himself in the third person, why he "did it." Note that Lokanath's reply is spread across two phrases in between which Tamal makes his offer. This seems to show some advance understanding by Lokanath of what Tamal was going to say. Intriguingly, this sort of prescience, or fore knowing, is fairly regularly observed in Reverse Speech. It is not uncommon to observe that an answer in reverse precedes the question, whether the question is given either in forward or reverse speech. Note that the above is given as two reversals.
Tamal Krishna: Don’t (get), no argue with it
["Better that we go in very good] caravan of vehicles, comfortable."
In this reversal Tamal admonishes himself not to argue. This may refer to the forward conversation or the reverse conversation.
Tamal Krishna: Program rock, cause I serve now the {drink}
["Your Divine Grace has a car in Mayapura]; we have a car here in Vrndavana;"
Here Tamal boasts of his leadership and how it will "rock" or do very well under his charge. Why his charge? He knows that Prabhupada will be out of the picture soon.
Tamal Krishna: They’ll follow when we get through with it
["that if we were to take you in a bullock cart... ] What did you say Svarupa Damodara?"
Now Tamal tells Lokanath that everyone will follow him. "When we get through with it" refers to when they get through with the poisoning business. They will follow him when Prabhupada is out of the way. This reversal continues his boasting of his leadership just as he has in the reversal above.
Tamal Krishna: They’re all full of shit
"People would accuse us of being very negligent [of you, Srila Prabhupada"]
This is Tamal's assessment of the followers—they will follow because they are all fools who are full of shit (don't know any better). These reversals are conversation in response to Tamal's above offer "you wish to know." He is explaining to Lokanath in this series of speech reversals his plan. How he will take charge and everything will "rock" and how everyone will follow him because they are all full of shit and don't know any better. His boasting continues.
Tamal Krishna: I have dare—prove to win it
["and it would look very bad upon our Society]. They would accuse us,"
With great nerve he dares to win control of the society by killing the founder and guru. Why? He tells why in the next reversal.
Tamal Krishna: Me gets what he wants; I’s used to it
["They would accuse us, how we have taken] our spiritual master..."
He's used to getting what he wants, one way or another.
Tamal Krishna: Hear what I did
["is that all right?"]
The bragging finishes with this last proud statement. Having heard of Tamal's plans, pride and boasting Lokanath responds with rage in the next reversal.
Lokanath: I’m gonna stab you
"When they're on the way, [we pass through them"]
Lokanath wants to make Tamal pay immediately for his crimes, as he now realizes, as expressed in the next reversal, that Tamal poisoned Prabhupada.
Lokanath: You arshed with him
["And if we travel] not very fast, with good drivers, it won't be much..."
Lokanath now knows that the poisoning was not an overdose, but a deliberate poisoning. He uses the Reverse Speech metaphor for poisoning—arsh.
Lokanath: Exact the outcome
"And if we travel [not very fast,] with good drivers, it won't be much... "
He wants revenge now! Exact the outcome from Tamal, or make him pay now for his crime by stabbing him. Of course these are unconscious expressions, but it would be safe to assume that Lokanath was feeling some stress at the time, perhaps relegating it to the "external" situation surrounding Srila Prabhupada, rather than to this incredible Reverse Speech dialogue which is going on.
Lokanath: That being the worst, look aside (the sun)
"So I have a vehicle. [They also could travel with us], and in the same town they will do"
This comment means that this poisoning business is the worst thing that could have happened. Having contacted this foul business he admonishes himself to look at the sun as a means of purification. Looking at the sun for purification is a technique taught in Vedic lore. The sun is capable of purifying any filthy place with its powerful rays.
Lokanath: Field muck mango, no can eat it
"I think that [it will make our program complete]. We have membership team,"
Another comment that this situation is intolerable. Mangoes are generally very tasty and desirable, but this "mango" or situation is bred by field muck, or poison, and is thus inedible. This comment means that however relishable Srila Prabhupada's association may be, the present circumstances make it detestable to be there. This is confirmed again in the next speech reversal.
Lokanath: Sit in messes which is upsettin’ our sight
["we have scientist visiting the scientists]and our boys will go door to door, house to house"
"Sit in messes" means that he is present at a place where circumstances are a mess. Unconsciously he recognizes that his guru is being poisoned by several of his "disciples" creating a situation which is "upsetting his sight," or an intolerable situation.
Lokanath: We can’t drink milk, you laugh
["traveling, play kirtan, and"]
The Reverse Speech metaphor "milk" refers to that which nourishes the soul, and without Prabhupada's association they will not have that milk. Lokanath complains to Tamal that they will be unable to benefit from and relish Prabhupada's instructions and association, and criticizes Tamal that he simply laughs, meaning that Tamal is entirely indifferent to the loss he is creating.
Lokanath: I’ll serve, might bring your freedom
"advance party could arrange [programs and do different big temples] or different public meetings."
This speech reversal is directed toward Srila Prabhupada in which he indicates that by doing his best to help he may arrange for Prabhupada to go on pilgrimage, obtaining his freedom. There have been other speech reversals which indicate abduction, and restraining Prabhupada. Tamal and others have claimed over the years that their protests against the parikrama were simply to allow Prabhupada to regain sufficient strength for his successful tour. However, every speech reversal which is connected to this discussion of pilgrimage indicates loss of freedom, and not regaining strength. Since the nature of Reverse Speech is that it unerringly reveals the truth we must conclude that the factual motive behind preventing Prabhupada from traveling to the holy places was to keep him locked up so that this poisoning business could be carried out more efficiently.
Lokanath: Your freedom
["or different] public meetings."
The above comments are again confirmed by another speech reversal referring to Prabhupada's freedom.
Lokanath: We can beat him up
"or different [public meetings."]
Lokanath contemplates how they may gain Prabhupada's freedom by beating up Tamal and forcibly taking Prabhupada away.
Lokanath: You’ll beat him up, huh?
["huh, Prabhupada is big"]
Apparently directed toward another devotee, Lokanath asks for help. In light of the previous reversals about freedom "beat him up" can be understood to be a metaphor for removing Tamal from control, so that Prabhupada's freedom may be obtained.
Tamal Krishna: Feel our foolish nerves
"But first get a little more [strength, Srila Prabhupada]. That we really request you to do so that the program... Let us do it so that it becomes successful, not that after two days we have to turn back. When going we should not turn back."
Tamal replies to Lokanath's protests and suggestions of revenge by a proud boast of the nerve he has to carry out this twisted plot. He speaks one word to himself which indicates his own stupidity—he calls his own nerve "foolish." Indeed.
Tamal Krishna: Get up and the law forgive us
"request you to do [so that the program... Let us] do it so that it becomes successful"
In this final comment of this Reverse Speech conversation Tamal indicates that he is confident that he will get away with this act, and he has for some 22 years. Legally he may never by brought to justice in this life. However, there is a universal law and justice which he has overlooked in his passion, and he will undoubtedly have to face the consequences of his actions upon leaving his body. The previous speech reversals which specifically mention the words evil and crime provide conclusive evidence that a great evil and crime was committed, and Tamal, Bhakti Caru and others are culpable. A great price has been paid by others for this crime in the loss of the potency of the Hare Krishna Movement and the light that it has to offer the world. A great price has been paid by the honest followers of Srila Prabhupada who have left Prabhupada's wonderful mission in disgust understanding that it had been usurped by unqualified persons. And Tamal, et al. will yet personally pay the price of all of this loss in their future karma.

Reverse Speech Conversation Three — Prabhupada and Tamal Krishna

    The following is a Reverse Speech conversation Prabhupada and Tamal Krishna is almost an antagonistic exchange wherein Prabhupada challenges Tamal and Tamal defiantly retorts that he gets energy and power from Prabhupada, and that he intends to continue with the poisoning until the end.

    This is taken from Tape T37 Side A, counter approximately 420.


The locations of speech reversals are noted by square brackets [ ].

Prabhupada: [Tamal Krishna]?
Tamal Krishna: [Yes, Srila Prabhupada]?
Prabhupada: [So... In Bengali] there is such thing, "When you hesitate, [don't do it.]"
Tamal Krishna: Yes, we also sometimes feel that when there's a hesitation, it seems like the Supersoul is giving indication.
Prabhupada: [But he has not also come]? Hm?
Tamal Krishna: [Bhagatji]?
Prabhupada: [Yes].
Tamal Krishna: [He has not come yet].
Prabhupada: So when he will come?
Tamal Krishna: [Yes, I am also beginning to wonder]. He was supposed to come by at least four or five o'clock. I'm sure he'll have a good reason, but until he comes I cannot speculate on why he's late.
Prabhupada: It will be late. The [other person], whether they will come at night?
Tamal Krishna: Well, that's probably why he is late, [because they would only come at night]. That's my... Last time this was also done at about this time, Srila Prabhupada. These men work all day in the court, [and they can't come until the evening].
Prabhupada: And suppose he does not come?
Tamal Krishna: Well, if he does not come, then I'll have to find out why he didn't come.

Srila Prabhupada: It’s over
[Tamal Krishna?]

This and his next reversal indicate Prabhupada's acknowledgment that he has lost control of his movement and of the events taking place.
Tamal Krishna: Am I full of shit?
[Yes Srila Prabhupada]

Srila Prabhupada: Here I lose order
[so, in Bengali] there is such thing, "When you hesitate, don't do it."

Prabhupada acknowledges by this time he has lost control of Tamal.
Srila Prabhupada: Muck us all, how dare you do (it)?
[But he has not also come?] Hm?
A challenge to Tamal as to how he could dare poison his guru.
Tamal Krishna: Here’s the rub  Srila Prabhupada: Mmm?
Tamal Krishna: [Bagatji?] Srila Prabhupada: [Yes]
Tamal responds to tell Prabhupada what the "rub" is, or why he is poisoning him. Prabhupada replies with Mmm? meaning "yes, tell me."
Tamal Krishna: I muck on thee
[he has not come yet]
A clear statement and confirmation of Prabhupada's above question by Tamal that he is indeed poisoning him. This is a direct confession of the crime! Biblical English such as thee, thou, etc. is generally found in Reverse Speech only in very profound circumstances.
Tamal Krishna: You know we’re snared you jus’ saw me outside
[yes I am also beginning to wonder]
Apparently Prabhupada saw Tamal through the window doing something which would have "snared" him or implicated him in something. Was he engaged in "selling favor" or cutting a deal with someone?
Srila Prabhupada: You sell favor
It will be late. The [other person], whether they will come at night?

Tamal Krishna:  I suck you
Well, that's probably why he is late, [because they would] only come at night.

Tamal takes (sucks) energy and power from Prabhupada. That is the meaning of "suck" in Reverse Speech. Of course whatever position Tamal had in the Krishna Consciousness Movement was gained only fromPrabhupada.
Tamal Krishna: We mean force, the muck tank did it
These men work all day in the court, [and they can't come until the evening.]
"We mean force" indicates his clear intent to prevail over Prabhupada. How? With the use of poison or "the muck tank."
Tamal Krishna: Muck inside you flow
[Well, if he does not come], then I'll have to find out why he didn't come.
He confirms here that the poison has been given to Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada: Helped by the menu.
[And then you will have to postpone.] They'll have to postpone.
With this reversal Prabhupada clearly indicates that the poison was added to his food. Poison was on the menu.

Reverse Speech Conversation Four — Prabhupada Appeals to Tamal

    Prabhupada wants Tamal to save him and in this exchange repeatedly appeals to him in a number of ways, such as challenging his ego and even offering a bribe. He is aware that Tamal is not listening to him however. Tamal is resolute and rebuffs Prabhupada by telling him flatly that he cannot be saved.
This section is taken from BBT tape T38B Counter 263 forward.

The locations of speech reversals are noted by square brackets [ ].

So far I am thinking, I'm not improving in strength. And how can I improve [by drinking little] [barley and milk] and little fruit juice? I have no appetite for anything else. [In case] I... [Most probably], I am diminishing my strength. So...
Tamal Krishna: [Most probably diminish your strength]?
Prabhupada: [Yes, because...]
Tamal Krishna: [How]? I don't see that you're diminishing in your strength.
Prabhupada: Yes, I cannot sit.
Tamal Krishna: But you haven't been able to sit for a long time. You mean you cannot si[t up now even.]
Prabhupada: [In that also, I am diminished.]
Tamal Krishna: That's a fact. Now when you try and sit up, you always fall over to the side.
Prabhupada: So in case... ["In case," no]. From the fact I can see that I have no appetite. [Then how I can increase] strength?
Tamal Krishna: Well, I can only repeat the words of the Kaviraj.
Prabhupada: No, that is not...
Tamal Krishna: He states that you can't expect to eat as long as the liver and the kidneys are not functioning properly.
Prabhupada: So that is not functioning.
Tamal Krishna: Well, he says that he can get it to function properly.
Prabhupada: [He says], but I practically see.
Tamal Krishna: But his medicine cannot... He also says that his medicine [cannot be judged] over a period of five or six days.

Srila Prabhupada: He will not listen
[and drinking little]

Prabhupada comments that Tamal will not listen to any argument, and he therefore offers him a bribe in the next speech reversal. This bribe may refer to money or anything else that Prabhupada can offer.
Srila Prabhupada: Name thy number
[from barley and milk]
Prabhupada instructed his disciples in diplomatic ways of dealing with others, bribery sometimes working where other appeals will not. Here is is following his own advice by offering Tamal whatever he would like if he will save him.
Srila Prabhupada: Save ya { }you remember some?
[in case], I [most probably]
Prabhupada here reminds Tamal that he saved Tamal by bringing him to Krishna Consciousness, and asks him if he can remember what he has done for him. This is an appeal to his sense of indebtedness to Prabhupada.
Tamal Krishna: That’s a shame, b-but your life’s up
[Most probably diminish your strength?]
Tamal declines the offer by simply telling him that his life is finished. Tamal already had full control of the movement and its assets anyway so the bribe meant nothing to him. As we heard above Tamal was firmly of the opinion that everyone would follow him after it was all through.
Link Reversal: Tamal: What  Srila Prabhupada: love is this?
[Yes, because...  Tamal: How?]
A link reversal. Link reversals indicate deep understanding, sympathy or congruity between the two speakers. Prabhupada and Tamal both knew the score here and what was transpiring. Given the circumstances they speak together as a single voice to ask what kind of love is this where the disciple neglects the order of the guru, and takes his money and his life. Notice that the quality of Tamal's voice is raspy and matches Prabhupada's here, as the tonal quality is shared in all Link Reversals.
Srila Prabhupada: You sound like you failed
[yes, I cannot sit]
Prabhupada challenges Tamal's ego by this statement. Tamal replies in the next reversal totally undaunted.
Tamal Krishna: Maybe I am glad
You mean you cannot si[t up now even.]
In a direct affront Tamal expresses possible joy at the way things have gone. He is not intimidated by Prabhupada's challenges.
Srila Prabhupada: You’re embarrassed I found ya
[in that also I am diminished]
Again Prabhupada challenges Tamal, and let's him know that his activities have been revealed. In this exchange Prabhupada uses various psychological manipulations to look for Tamal's weakness. A master of human psychology, Prabhupada is working Tamal from every angle. Tamal feels this as indicated in his next reversal "dodge the panic." He is skillfully acting to avoid losing his will to kill Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada: Try ‘n save me
So in case... ["In case," no]. From the fact I can see that I have no appetite.
Now Prabhupada challenges Tamal in a positive sense to save him. Prabhupada clearly would like to change the way things are going, but we have  seen clearly that all the while he was surrendered to the will of the Lord. As he often quoted, man proposes, God disposes. By his actions and speech he was proposing to go on with his life and his mission. Another proof that this was no mercy killing.
Srila Prabhupada: See if can make you wanna
[Then how I can increase] strength?
Is there any way Prabhupada can make Tamal want to save him? He's already offered to bribe him, made a direct appeal, and challenged him in several ways: his ego in failing, his sense of indebtedness and his love. Next he will attempt from a position of authority telling him that his work is not done until he saves his life. All of this of course is to no effect.
Tamal Krishna: Dodge the panic
[cannot be judg]ed
Tamal is feeling the pressure of these appeals and challenges, and with this self-talk coaches himself to avoid panic.
Srila Prabhupada: You can be done when ya save the (me) life
[that in case I do not increase.]
Prabhupada's next attempt and challenge. Tamal recognizes it as such and clearly rebuffs him with the next reversal.
Tamal Krishna: You cannot be save
All right. Okay. In [case you don't increase]. Because I don't think we can say... Unless we want to say that this Kaviraj is absolutely wrong. But if we accept...
 
    The arguments presented here by Prabhupada are so complete and thorough that this could well be a conversation in forward speech. He has attempted to gain Tamal's cooperation through every conceivable angle. Tamal cautions himself and flatly refuses to comply. Can anyone say these are coincidental sounds? Impossible. This conversation is completely consistent with and relevant to the drama that is being played out at the time.

Reverse Speech Conversation Five — Tamal Asks to Know Prabhupada

    This is a short exchange which shows Tamal's conflicting emotions and reveals Prabhupada's unlimited forgiveness and charity. Even though he is aware that Tamal is poisoning him, as soon as Tamal requests a deeper connection with him, Prabhupada mercifully agrees.

    Taken from tape T38 Side B, counter approximately at 615.



Tamal Krishna: Traveling now should only b[e undertaken for health purposes].
Srila Prabhupada: [That is welcome.]

Tamal Krishna : Super-pa help me get to know you
Traveling now should only b[e undertaken for health purposes].

Srila Prabhupada: Like to know you then
[That is welcome]


Reverse Speech Conversation Six — Tamal Refuses to Help Prabhupada

This is another short conversation wherein Tamal flatly refuses Prabhupada's appeal to save him.

This conversation is taken from tape T38B counter approximately 650, shortly before the end of the tape.



Prabhupada: This is the decision, that [in case it does not improve], let me die here. If it improves, I shall be very glad to go... (Bengali)
Krishna dasa Babaji: (Bengali) (break)
Tamal Krishna: No. Improvement hasn't come yet. Simply because you're drinking more, [passing more urine, is not the sign of any improvement]. (Bengali conversation between Prabhupada and Krishna dasa Babaji) (end of tape)

Prabhupada: Look, you’ve come back to save me
This is the decision, that [in case it does not improve], let me die here.

Tamal Krishna: Look maybe now’s the time to know you’re only dead
because you're drinking more, [passing more urine, is not the sign of any improvement.]


Reverse Speech Conversation Seven — Poisoning of the Guru

    On November 8th, 1977 the following Reverse Speech Conversation took place during a forward conversation wherein Tamal queries Srila Prabhupada as to who had poisoned him. During this conversation Srila Prabhupada will not specifically say that he was being poisoned, but the reversals clearly show that both his food and drink was. Srila Prabhupada, for his own reasons, chose not to accuse his aggressors. Even during this conversation about his being poisoned Prabhupada gives spiritual instruction to Tamal to avoid illusion. His grace is simply amazing, and apparently unlimited.
    This excerpt is taken from tape T44 Side B.


Tamal Krishna: Srila Prabhupada? You said before that you..., that it is said that you were poisoned?
Prabhupada: No. These kind of symptoms are seen [when a man is poisoned. It is said like that], not that I am poisoned.
Tamal Krishna: Did anyone tell you that, or you just know it from before?
Prabhupada: I read something.
Tamal Krishna: Ah, I see. [That's why actually] we cannot allow anyone else to cook for you.
Prabhupada: That is good.
Tamal Krishna: Jayapataka Maharaja was telling that one [acarya, Sankaracarya, of the Sankaracarya line]––this was a while ago––he was poisoned to death. Since that time, [none of the acaryas or the gurus] of the [Sankaracarya line] will ever take any food cooked except by their own men.
Prabhupada: My Guru Maharaja also.
Tamal Krishna: Oh. You, of course, have been so merciful that sometimes you would take prasada cooked by so many different people.
Prabhupada: [That should be stopped].
 

Srila Prabhupada: It’s in the milk, remind me now
these kind of symptoms are the same, [when a man is poisoned it is said like] that

Poison is in the milk and Prabhupada's "higher self" is reminding him.
Tamal Krishna: We fuck it
That’s why actually we cannot allow anyone else [to cook for you.]
They are "fucking with" or tampering with his food by poisoning it.
Tamal Krishna: Now they arsh the glass of milk, they arsh their glass
was telling that one, ah, one, ah, um, acarya, [Sankaracarya from the Sankaracarya line]this is a while ago, he was poisoned to death, since that time none of the acarya’s or the gurus of the Sankaracarya line will ever take any food cooked, except by their own men.
As mentioned when I commented on this reversal above, this reversal and the next two define the Reverse Speech metaphor "arsh" as poison. Here Tamal is stating that they have put poison in the glass of milk, and he will repeat this again in the same sentence.
Tamal Krishna: Widows, they arshed Devanand
[none of the acarya’s or the] gurus of the Sankaracarya line will ever take any food cooked,
The widows of the disciples in the Sankaracarya line poisoned the guru for taking their husbands. This speech reversal defines the metaphor "arsh."
Tamal Krishna: Oh, now they arshed a cup
none of the acarya’s or the gurus of the [Sankaracarya line will] ever take any food cooked, except by their own men.
Here Tamal admits the poisoning is done NOW.
Srila Prabhupada: Watch illusion
[That should be stopped]
With unlimited grace Prabhupada admonishes those present to be careful not to succumb to illusion.

Reverse Speech Conversation Eight — Bhakti Caru Poisons the Milk; the Kaviraj Protests

    The following Reverse Speech conversation takes place over a period of less than one minute. We will hear Bhakti Caru admit to disguising the milk to cover the taste of the heavy metal that is in it. Then he offers to give it to Prabhupada while the Kaviraj reacts with horror and Tamal reacts with consent.


    This excerpt is from T45 Side B, Counter 125–150.


Bhakti Caru: Heavy metal that milk
[Hindi]
Bhakti Caru: I’ll cover that {metal}
[Hindi]
Kaviraj: Foul demon
[Hindi]
Bhakti Caru: And we can give the milk;  Tamal: Hm;  Kaviraj: No!
Kaviraj: [Hindi]; Tamal: Hm; Bhakti Caru: [Hindi]
Bhakti Caru: Milk steamy {but},  now feed
[define it, how can he explain it]


Reverse Speech Conversation Nine — Hansadutta Protests the Poisoning

    Prabhupada muses over what he desires his next body to be. Several devotees confirm herein that Prabhupada was poisoned, one of them admitting to participating in his statement that he slashes the prophet, and that this is done with impunity. Bhavananda confirms that Prabhupada was poisoned.

    Taken from T46, Side A, Counter 074-128.



Prabhupada: Wh(at) we will like. . . for my next body
[results I know . . . there will be]

whisper: The milk not so good
[did you put poison in the milk?]

This is one of the original whispers which sparked the whole poison controversy. It is very faint and for some it is undecipherable. Being trained in Reverse Speech analysis I do not find it that difficult to understand what is being said. The speech reversal is similarly faint and difficult to hear, but it is clear to me. Some may choose to discount this particular audio sample both forward and reverse. That's quite all right, for there are hundreds of other clear audio samples from which we make our case.
Hansadutta: I don’t want him to take it
You want to [begin tomorrow morning?]
I take this reversal to be a response to the previous speech reversal which asks if the poison is in the milk. Building a case based on one speech reversal is not wise however, and Hansadutta may also be referring to the parikrama which is the subject of his forward speech. My opinion is that everyone close to Srila Prabhupada should remain suspect to be cleared by both lie detector and Reverse Speech analysis of a present day deposition.
Devotee (1): (I) slash the prophet
[If Prabhupada travels] in a van it would be very bumpy.
This speech reversal demonstrates that there are others who share the opinion that Prabhupada should be done away with, if not participating themselves. The word "I" on this speech reversal is questionable, which would make a difference as to whether they were an active conspirator or just supported the idea.
Devotee (1): Need not fear people in heaven
If Prabhupada travels [in a van it would be very bumpy]. He should have a big bus.
This person feels that he can participate in the murder business with impugnity. "People in heaven" refers to the demigods, agents of the Lord who administer justice throughout the universe.
Bhavananda: Our guru met with arsh
Your Guru Maharaja used to have bullock cart [travel from Hulorghat up] to the Chaitanya Matha. You told me you put a nice mattress down in the back and a cover, and you lay down there.


Reverse Speech Conversation Ten — Reverse Speech Will Reveal All That is Hidden

    In this exchange Tamal and Satadhanya state in a Link Reversal that people have failed to see (what is actually going on). Prabhupada then confirms this. In the next speech reversal Satadhanya then states that it can be seen in reverse, or by Reverse Speech, and by this work all that was hidden can now be seen. This is not the first time that a speech reversal has indicated that truth will be revealed in reverse. The Reverse Speech website has other documented examples.

    This excerpt is taken from Tape 38b Side A, recorded in Vrindavana on November 3, 1977.


Link Reversal: Failed to see
Tamal: They arranged that special Satadhanya: [lift]  Tamal: [lift] to take you out of the plane also.

Prabhupada All hidden
The difficulty is on the, [this road.]

Satadhanya: Reverse see(n) it
[this road is. . .] Yea, it’s very bad


Reverse Speech Conversation Eleven — Conversation Between Dhanesvara and Tamal Krishna

    This conversation took place in January 1998. I had called Tamal to let him know that we were gathering information about the poisoning allegations and to give him the opportunity to make a statement. He declined to state anything for the record saying that we should just be patient until the Independent Investigator (Balavanta) finishes his report. After these comments Tamal inquired into my well being and we conversed politely mainly about my activities.
    I had arranged to tape this conversation because I did not want to misquote anything that might have been said. Although the recording had no value to the investigation as far as his forward statements were concerned it nonetheless provided me with an opportunity to witness what was on his mind about the poisoning at the present time through Reverse Speech analysis.

    It should be noted that when Tamal Krishna answered the phone I introduced myself and immediately told him my purpose in calling. Right off the bat he was aware that I was looking for information about the allegations that Prabhupada was poisoned. Therefore, his speech reversals from the very beginning reflect this. Beyond simple speech reversals however, we find a conversation in Reverse Speech wherein challenges and threats are made.


Dhanesvara: God, the nasty event
[and we are trying to doc]ument
This reversal is on one of the first sentences I spoke wherein I was describing that we were documenting what we could about the allegations of Prabhupada's poisoning. I get right to the point and this speech reversal does as well. This speech reversal reflects my feelings about the subject. It was indeed a nasty event.
Tamal Krishna: In the shed you find this "to look" method
[to conclude its investigation] and publish its finding before
The Reverse Speech metaphor dictionary describes "shed" as a place where improprieties or unspoken, shameful deeds, or deeds that should be hidden take place. The conspiracy to poison Prabhupada would undoubtedly be an unspoken deed whose character would match the metaphorical nature of the shed. In forward speech Tamal was saying that it would be inappropriate to make any comments at that time and that we should first let the independent investigator conclude his investigation. In reverse he more-or-less challenging me that I am looking into this affair of unspoken and sinister deeds. As we shall see, the challenges continue as the conversation progresses.
Tamal Krishna: So, you may now push your luck
to conclude its investigation [and publish its finding before]
This speech reversal immediately follows the last one. Here the challenge is increased to a slight threat, and I am being told that I am pushing my luck with this investigation. The two reversals could be combined together to read: "You find this "to look" method, and you are pushing your luck in it,"  which can be paraphrased as: you are pushing your luck by getting involved with this investigation. Is this just bravado? I have since heard of some material witnesses being afraid for their lives as this investigation has continued.
Tamal Krishna: Find the shit, so you’re playing with (it)
from [you, where are you stationed now?]
Similar in nature to the reversal preceeding the last one, but now stated more bluntly. I am finding the "shit" or the dirt surrounding the poisoning, and/or I am being challenged that I am playing with shit, messy stuff.
Dhanesvara: I must serve the servant
I’ve been in Den[ver fer some] time
Here I respond to the challenges by offering my motive for what I am doing. I am simply serving the servant, my spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
Dhanesvara: Senior vaishnava
[been traveling]
This reversal comes up shortly after the previous one. When I say I must serve the servant, the senior vaishnava, I believe this to be a reference to Srila Prabhupada.
Tamal Krishna: And I read that, that you're Vedic help
[it’s like you have the reasons to be around]
This speech reversal offers an interesting insight into the psyche and the many levels of consciousness it apparently draws from. How he has ascribed my participation as being Vedic help I don't know. Does this statement establish my credentials? Consciously I can say that my purpose for this investigation is to support Srila Prabhupada's legacy and mission, and on the contrary, the poisoning of Prabhupada and curtailment of his movement would very definitely be considered a-vaishnava, or contrary to Vaishnava or Vedic behavior.
Dhanesvara: This nips you
[at least spend some]
It is always very interesting to do Reverse Speech analysis on one's self. I can clearly recall this conversation and I know that at the time that I spoke these words I had no conscious thoughts similar to what shows up in these reversals. Particularly I was not thinking "this nips you." Nonetheless this is the speech reversal and this is how I responded to Tamal unconsciously, just as he unconsciously threatened me. "This nips you" obviously means that his part in the poisoning will be exposed. I confirm this in the next speech reversal.
Dhanesvara: Your mob will sell out
[well that’s the problem]
When this reversal was spoken I had not yet begun my Reverse Speech investigation, and had no inkling that there was a conspiracy. The suggestion of it was found in the whispers that I had reversed. It is clear however that I had unconscious knowledge of others, and here I challenge Tamal that they will buckle and reveal the truth.
Tamal Krishna: The, the cause in your death
[setting is out. . . is, is]
Tamal responds to my challenge with this unconscious, but nonetheless menacing, threat on my life if I continue this work, which is made crystal clear in the next speech reversal.
Tamal Krishna: You see it, vimana
[economic base is]
You will recall the earlier references to the Starship that carries the souls to Vaikuntha. I believe that this is a similar reference. Vimana is a Sanskrit term that refers to ships that fly in space. First he speaks of my death in the previous reversal, and then reinforces the idea with this reference to seeing a vimana, or the ship that transfers the soul after death. He is painting a picture to convince me to back off. While the conscious talk was polite conversation, another deadly serious topic was being discussed in reverse.

    I had no idea that this kind of information would be revealed in this short and polite conversation. What we find below the surface is that however cordially we spoke, we each established our position and challenged the other. Those of criminal consciousness make use of reprisals and revenge, and these concerns are given validity by this exchange. In light of what was exchanged here I have taken the necessary precautions to defend myself, but my protection is ultimately in Lord Krishna's hands. He will protect me directly, or give me the necessary ability to defend myself, or not, as He likes. Let me make it absolutely clear that although Tamal may unconsciously make such threats, these were very likely not his conscious thoughts, just as my speech reversals were not a reflection of my conscious thoughts. Rather, like so many speech reversals of this study, they reflect the state of mind of the speaker, and are communication on an entirely different level. Rather than condemning Tamal, let us bless him to raise his consciousness above this and other such acts.

    My conversation with Tamal is the only Reverse Speech document in this presentation which is from current time, 1998, and it demonstrates that although this issue is 21 years old it can still be investigated using the tool of Reverse Speech analysis. All of the principal parties who surrounded Srila Prabhupada in his last year must be interviewed or deposed if necessary, and they will not be able to keep from revealing their role, motive, guilt, anger, and challenge of revenge, as I  have already demonstrated in this investigation.


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