Richard felt that although his harmonica was his constant companion and shared all his joys and sorrows it was now distracting him from his spiritual path. Prayerfully he cast the harmonica to the river and in exchange Mother Ganga revealed to him the sacred syllable ‘Om’. On another day as he was expressing heart felt gratitude to Mother Ganges for giving him so much in exchange of so little, another transcendental song reverberated from the depths of her heart. This was the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.” Radhanath Swami at that time didn’t know the meaning of the mantra although it stole his heart. He believed that the mystery would be revealed in time. He felt that in sacrificing the song of his harmonica, he had inherited the song of the Ganges.
Radhanath Swami teaches us that sacrifice is natural. Even for material success, people sacrifice their time, energy, and sometimes relationships. However most people strive with great determination and perform sacrifices for things that are flickering and temporary. “Any moment all their endeavors could be destroyed by the power of time. They will lose everything that they have dedicated their lives for and sacrificed so much for.” Quoting Vedic scriptures, Radhanath Swami says that sacrifices made for a spiritual cause are not taken away by time. Spiritual credits that we earn are permanent assets and they are worth sacrificing our lives for. Even little endeavor on this path guarantees freedom from fear and suffering, says Radhanath Swami.
For those in leadership position, Radhanath Swami warns that unless they are willing to make sacrifices, they shouldn’t accept such position. “To want to take a position and receive the honor of that position, but to not perform the sacrifice that is expected of that position is hypocrisy.” Also sacrifice tests our level of gratitude. Many times we say thank you to others and God, for the gifts we have received in our spiritual life. However real thanks is seen when we are willing to sacrifice some comforts to reciprocate with the object of our love. “Gratitude doesn’t mean simply saying thank you. Real gratitude means reciprocation. If you are actually grateful to someone, you will reciprocate even if it means great sacrifice.”
Radhanath Swami says that our level of surrender to God is tested if we are willing to sacrifice our egoistic conceptions of who we are and what we know. Sacrificing our personal prejudices, biases and opinions for keeping healthy spiritual relationships with other God seekers is also a sign of maturity.
Radhanath Swami also reveals that sacrificing our comforts is natural for one who has intense feelings and emotions in the hearts on seeing the suffering of others. This is compassion and when the heart is filled with compassion for the suffering souls, sacrifice is pleasure.
Thus Radhanath Swami takes the principle of sacrifice to a higher level. Initially we may sacrifice some comforts for seeking some spiritual growth. However, as a seeker grows in his relationship with God and all living entities who are the children of God, he or she sacrifices for nothing personal in return. The sacrifice of a spiritual seeker on this level is simply to connect others to God and help them also discover the true spiritual and joyful nature of the soul. This is the level of sacrifice that Radhanath Swami is exhibiting.
“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.
In giving we receive much more !!
‘Sacrificing our personal prejudices, biases and opinions for keeping healthy spiritual relationships with other God seekers is also a sign of maturity.’ Thank you Radhanath Swami for giving us these principles to live by.
Amazing!!!!
sacrifice tests our level of gratitude…..
Very nice meditation.Author has nicely pointed about the word Sacrifice.The first para explaining about how mother nature reciprocates if we sacrifice material life for elevation on spiritual platform,is very illusrtative.Also how one’s willingness to sacrifice for welfare of others plays an important role in leadership qualities,the perfect one.I am greatful to author for such a nice meditation.
Real gratitude means reciprocation!
unless LEADERS are willing to make sacrifices, they shouldn’t accept such position.
Wonderful………..
very nice article
thank you maharaj
amazing article
accepting things favourable to krishna consciousness & rejecting unfavourable things.
maharaj’s personal life teaches this principle
wonderful
gr8 article
Very nice article
Actual sacrifices in our life are ego,lust. greed, hurting others, and somany anarthas which are obstacles in our life.Me and mine plays very important role.When all these anarthas go away then Krishna is not far away.All these come only under the guidance of Guru like Radhanath sawmi.Thank you maharaj for enlighting us by your experiences.
Ganges can purify when we drink it, but a pure devotee of the lord cab purify anyone who happens to see Him.
Wonderful article.
Thanks for sharing about Radhanath Swami.I think that sacrifice shows how great your faith and determination.
Really….Wonderful…Mother Ganges is so Great……
Amazing book the journey home.
great book
sacrifices made for a spiritual cause are not taken away by time…