After a pleasant learning experience of Vipassana meditation under S.N.Goenka, whom Richard found to be a man of honesty and integrity, Richard decided to go to Calcutta to seek the blessings of Mother Teresa. At Kali Ghat, on the bank of Ganges he entered a temple of Mother Kali, a compassionate energy of Lord Shiva. Inside the temple Richard was shocked to see a black goat being butchered as an offering to Goddess Kali. Richard nauseated and struggled to make sense of the striking contrast between the bloodshed he just witnessed, and the peaceful sages he lived among in the Himalayas who follow the same Hindu religion. He met a former priest of the temple who had quit his duties, unable to take the nightmarish experience of seeing innocent goats being mercilessly slaughtered. The former priest explained to Richard that in every religion people interpret scriptures and follow practices according to their level of realization. The Vedas are like a desire tree wherein we can find a path to fulfill whatever we seek. He also pointed out to Richard that Goddess Kali is a vegetarian. Richard realized he now needed a guide in spiritual life
“Up until this day, I had been thinking that examining many paths would broaden my understanding of spirituality. But this incident gave me a deeper understanding that, without a mature guide, apparent contradictions in every tradition could seriously bewilder me”.
The Hindu religion allows killing of animals as a concession for those who cannot give up meat eating altogether. It isn’t a license or a recommended path. There are many restrictions to eating of meat, and a sincere practitioner evolves to a stage of finally giving it up for the service of God. While killing the goat, the butcher chants mantras, hymns which translate literally as, “my dear goat, I shall kill you now but in your next life, you shall become a human and I shall be a goat, and then you kill me.” Offering such prayers regularly makes a practitioner think about the meaning of these prayers and he eventually realizes the futility of killing animals. He then evolves to a higher level of spirituality where he abandons meat eating.
To understand the rationale behind such apparently contradictory teachings in Hinduism, the Vedas- the sacred book of the Hindus- recommend studying spirituality under a bonafide, practicing teacher. A genuine teacher can not only help the student develop his relationship with God, he also resolves contradictions and confusions that a student may experience during his spiritual quest. Some people may be averse to taking guidance from a spiritual teacher but for developing material skills like dancing, martial arts, learning tennis or athletics they accept a coach or a guide. In other words, in order to gain mastery in any field, we agree to become an apprentice under an expert who is advanced in that field. Since we accept a teacher in every walk of life why not accept a teacher in spiritual life? Spirituality is also a science that is best learnt under a teacher who is self realized.
Although it’s recommended we accept spiritual guide, we should do so only after due testing; otherwise we may be cheated. For example, a person who accepts medicine from a quack is unintelligent and is inviting trouble and suffering. One should consult only a qualified doctor, who has graduated from a recognized medical college, has good clinical experience, and can help in curing the ailment. One cannot test the genuineness of a spiritual authority by the language he speaks, by his physical appearance or by his nationality. Just like the genuineness of gold can be determined by certain specific tests, there are also tests to determine the genuineness of a spiritual authority. He should be sense controlled, shouldn’t be teaching meditation for material benefits, and he himself must follow his guru sincerely.
Radhanath Swami, who has followed his guru for the last forty years, says, “The most important qualification of a Guru is he has awakened the truest desire to serve God eternally.” Following his guru’s footsteps, Radhanath Swami also aspires to eternally serve God as the servant of God’s servants.
“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........
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Edward
Radhanath Swami is an authentic spiritual master in the line olf Srila Prabhupad (his own guru) and if we take his shelter, we can also join the authentic spiritual parampara.
A very Awakening thing.
Thank you Maharaj for making us realize the NEED of SPIRITUAL Guide and also mentioning in brief about his qualification which we should look for before accepting a spiritual master.
To be rid of darkness of Maya is a constant fight
We are bound to lose it, unless we have wisdom’s light
Who can shine it for us, except the Master- Right?
Let us surrender unto his guidance- and divine foresight.
Without a Guru its impossible to choose and progress on right path. Thank you for sharing this meditation by Radhanath Swami Maharaj.
I genuinely appreciate your writing style. This can be a great post! Thanks!
Very true. If we accept teacher for material goals spirituality is a much rewarding and there is a definite need for a bonafide teacher.
All Glories To H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj
What an Wonderful Narrative pointing out the differences between the followers of Killing as a propensity to enjoy while in illusion and people who are god consciousness and how a quest for a Guru by a person who nurtures a desire to eternally serve God can only help the seeker of Spiritual path.
Hare Krishna
Srila Prabhupada, the spiritual master of Radhanath Swami must be very pleased with his contrinbution in resolving contradiction in religion
Apparent contradiction is very common in today’s Indian Spirituality.False “Gurus” are ruling today’s spiritual kingdom. I seek blessings of Maharaj.
Thank You for posting this nice article.
interesting insight and true, we all have a different level of understanding and mostly go by that.
Thank you very much for wonderful article.