Richard (now Radhanath Swami) was intrigued by the Naga Babas; their austerities and rigorous life of denial was for real. They were completely naked and held tridents; they covered their bodies with ashes. Even in the burning cold, they lived and ate simply. They insisted that Richard join their sect. when Richard humbly declined they honored his desire and blessed him to pursue his search for God. Richard left the Naga Babas being impressed by their camaraderie and loyalty to the sect. Although they were wild, rough and lived severely, in their own way Richard concluded it was all in search for God.
Naga Babas, “the naked ones”, belong to an order founded by Dattatreya, a long time ago, in human history. The group was finally organized into a sect by Adi Shankara in the 5th century AD. The Naga Babas see themselves as the ultimate protectors of the Sanatan Dharma, or what is popularly called as the Hindu religion.
As a practicing spiritualist I often wonder if it’s possible for all to practice these rigid austerities. More importantly I often asked myself if these kind of austerities are needed at all. I once asked Radhanath Swami if we are disqualified from spiritual life if we cannot practice strict austerities. Radhanath Swami gave me lot of hope by saying that spiritual life is not about austerities or denial but rather it is a life of acceptance- acceptance of God’s grace. Radhanath Swami reveals that austerities can be influenced by different modes in nature. One in the mode of ignorance performs austerities that are grossly harmful to the body. One influenced by the mode of passion performs austerities with a fruitive desire for monetary gain or for some recognition and popularity. Radhanath Swami urges that our austerities should be in the mode of goodness- that which helps us sync with nature and connect to God.
Radhanath Swami says performance of austerities is inevitable. A student who wants to do well in his exams relinquishes his play- this is a type of austerity. Similarly, Radhanath Swami says, a spiritual seeker forsakes worldly pleasures for spiritual pleasures. This giving up of some material or bodily gratification may seem painful in the beginning, but the result is a sweet experience. Radhanath Swami specifically urges that while performing austerities if we remember God, the remembrance of God will fill our heart with a certain kind of spiritual happiness that cannot be equaled by anything material. Therefore Radhanath Swami is clear in his exposition of the need to perform austerities. He says austerities are useful to the extent they increase our favorable remembrance of God.
Radhanath Swami has also time and again elaborated that austerity means putting aside our selfish ambitions for a higher purpose. As a master at developing vibrant spiritual communities, Radhanath Swami implores practicing spiritualists to keep aside their selfish, material ambitions and unite for a higher cause to help others. This is a great austerity, says Radhanath Swami but we have to do it for it pleases God and helps us advance in our relationship with God.
“Go to India” a sweet but commanding voice; spoke up in the heart of young Richard (later Radhanath Swami) who was immersed in meditation, his search for meaning in life has brought him to the Isle of Crete. Today he was ordered to go to India. Born and raised in the middle class suburbs of Chicago, Radhanath swami grew up in the 1950’s and 60’s era when popular musicians protested war, prejudice and social injustice. Radhanath swami would listen to these songs again and again, but their lyrics referring to God stirred his soul. Peter, Paul and Mary- the folk trio from Greenswich village sang in their debut album
“Early in the morning, about the break of day
I ask the Lord, to help me find my way”
This simple prayer was to guide Radhanath swami in the coming years of his life........
‘The Journey Home - Autobiography of an American Swami’ Book is an engaging, humorous and heart-warming account of a young nineteen year old’s quest for spiritual enlightenment. The reader follows Richard Slavin (Now Radhanath Swami) from the suburbs of Chicago to the caves of Himalayas as he goes through a variety of exciting adventures; some near-death encounters and many spiritual experiences. Regular reading of this all-time classic has helped me draw spiritual lessons and seek constant inspiration in my own spiritual journey.
Maharaj says very correctly that austerities are inevitable in any field if we want to achieve something…
Spiritual life is not about austerities or denial but rather it is a life of acceptance- acceptance of God’s grace.Austerity means putting aside our selfish ambitions for a higher purpose.Very profound
Jai Maharaj.
What a balanced answer that is! One extreme could be that there is absolutely no need of austerities while the other extreme could be that without performing such rigid austerities no one can make spiritual advancement. Radhanath Swami takes neither extreme and gives the essence – which is that austerity must helps us remember and absorb ourselves in god!
Radhanath Swami Maharaj implores practicing spiritualists to keep aside their selfish, material ambitions and unite for a higher cause to help others. This is a great austerity.
Thank you so much Maharaj for enlightening us in The real meaning of Austerities.Haribol!
very accommodating answer by radhanath swami maharaja
Thank you for sharing this beautiful article which gives Radhanath Swami’s personal experiences and wise words too.
Very nice article….Swamiji has given such nice explaination of austerity in different modes…….
Wonderful message by Radhanath Swami. We are not here to perform severe austerities, but to receive grace of God and His unalloyed devotees.
Spiritual life is not about austerities or denial but rather it is a life of acceptance- acceptance of God’s grace
True! Austerity means keeping aside our selfish motives.
real austerities are revelead here
Very nicely explained. Austerity is needed to the extent it ought to be, not more than that.
It is to remember God. Very good. all glories to HH Radhanatha Swami Maharaja.
Radhanath Swami urges that our austerities should be in the mode of goodness- that which helps us sync with nature and connect to God.
Austerities are useful to the extent they increase our favorable remembrance of God.
Thank you for Sharing
All doubts about austerity cleared!!
nicely said
Beautiful explanation about austerities and what kind of austerities we should perform to progress in our spiritual lives.
Radhanath Swami Maharaj’s entire life is full of austerities. But his heart is still so soft, unlike whimsically austere people who become hard like a rock.
Thank you Radhanath Maharaj, it gives hope that even ordinary person has a chance who cannot perform severe austerity and also thans for explaining about purpose of austirity to remember God.
Austerity – But in service in devotion to GOD !
austerity means putting aside our selfish ambitions for a higher purpose – Amzingly simple definition of Austerity!
Radhanath Swami urges that our austerities should be in the mode of goodness- that which helps us sync with nature and connect to God.
great lesson to be learnt from these. Thank u.
HH Radhanath Swami has given such a benevolent perspective on austerity : “putting aside our selfish ambitions for a higher purpose”
while performing austerities if we remember God, the remembrance of God will fill our heart with a certain kind of spiritual happiness that cannot be equaled by anything material.
Austerities are useful to the extent they increase our favorable remembrance of God
Very deep realization and understanding of austerity…
In every aspect of life austerity is required..but austerity must be done in mode of goodness..hari bol…powerful answer by maharaj..
Radhanath Swami brings out the essence of everything. The definition that “Austerity means putting aside our selfish ambitions for a higher purpose” is the essence of Austerity !
Thank you !
Hare Krishna !
Motive for austerity should be to serve.
Thank you Radhanath Swami for such powerful yet easily applicable answer in our life.
this is a very hope-giving article.
Great meaning of Austerity by H.H Radhnath Swami Maharaj, it shows his deep realization of the topic. Thanks Maharaj.
“Austerity means putting aside our selfish ambitions for a higher purpose”-a very eloquent definition of austerity.
very good lesson. thanx
After reading this article….YES!
In essence, it is useful if it helps us remember God and it is for the purpose of pleasing God. Amazing. Thanks.
Indeed austerities are important and also doing them in the mode of goodness is the key!!!
Thanks for sharing. A practical way to understand the meaning of austerity..
Thank you for sharing what real austerity in spiritual life is all about.
Nice to know.
Thanks for sharing the words of Radhanath Swami “Austerities are useful to the extent they increase our favorable remembrance of God.”
really great
Thanks for very nicely narrated concept of austerities and their practical application in increasing our love and remembering towards the Supreme Lord.
Thank you maharaj for defining the way to practice austerities and the purpose behind it i.e. to please the God.
Very inspiring!
Hope giving article.
i m very much hopeful from this article
Austerity word soon changes to regular routine if we practice it.Actually it is not at all Austerity but as we are living our life not according to law of nature we feel that it is Austerity actually it’s a regular work if it is performed according to law of nature …thanks Maharaj
My doubts regarding austerity is cleared. Also Maharaj has given the explanation how our austerity should be. Thanks.