His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, who suffered two brain hemorrhages on October 23, is still in a stable yet critical condition at Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai.

“Improvement is slow, and we can only play a waiting game at this point”, reported fellow GBC member Bhakti Purusottama Swami. While doctors are able to keep Jayapataka Swami stable, the blood clot in his brain must heal on its own; there is no surgery or medication that can treat it.

“That means it is completely in the hands of Shri Krishna,” Bhakti Purusottama said. “Intense prayer to the Lord is the only hope.”

Even doctors seem to agree – they have allowed for a devotee to be with His Holiness always, reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and chanting. Even if he escapes the worst, they say, the healing period will be a long one.

Doctors at ISKCON’s local Bhaktivedanta Hospital have been working closely with Hinduja hospital staff on Jayapataka Swami’s condition. Director Dr Madhavananada Dasa has suggested adding some more holistic practices, such as acupuncture and acupressure, to His Holiness’s care, which Hinduja hospital staff will discuss.

Doctors are gradually taking Jayapataka Swami off the ventilator. When he is free from danger and the ventilation has been removed, he will be transferred to a separate room. Then, doctors say, more devotees will be allowed to visit.