Richard (now Radhanath Swami) had no idea about India but was determined to go there. He only experienced negativity from everyone about his journey to India. They said crossing over to Turkey was dangerous. Besides, Turkey was raging with Cholera and the black market and ghettos of Istanbul were deadly. He met Jeff and Ramsey who were enthusiastic to go to India. Despite being discouraged by all others, the trio was determined to cross over. Even the Greek immigration officials dissuaded; Richard and his friends were however fixed to go. The travel through the ‘no man’s land’ was an ordeal. Richard silently prayed and survived the journey to Istanbul.
What inspired me on reading this section is Radhanath Swami had to face demoralizing and unfavorable situations; the atmosphere at Athens and later the journey to Turkey was surcharged with negativity, yet he was positive and unfazed in his determination.
Radhanath Swami once told a friend and me that the material world is surcharged with negativity. To practice spiritual life we have to be positive in all circumstances. I asked for clarification; ‘positive thinking’ is the buzz word in motivational talks and how can a spiritualist be a positive thinker? Radhanath Swami said positivity means being constantly grateful, optimistic and appreciative of God’s mercy. However being positive doesn’t mean ignoring the harsh reality of this world. “We have to accept certain truthful situations, although they may be bitter”, said Radhanath Swami, “but the challenge is to remain positive in all circumstances.” Therefore when I read Radhanath Swami’s determined effort to go to a country about which he knew little, I wasn’t surprised; he is a man of immense positivity. This positivity was once expressed by him, “Happiness is not determined by an event but how we interpret that event.” As Radhanath Swami himself demonstrated during this period, in every situation there is an opportunity to make spiritual advancement or go further away from God.
We have seen Radhanath Swami expertly convert potentially negative situations to festive celebrations. When Radhanath Swami began serving at downtown Mumbai in the late 1980’s, the atmosphere was unfriendly; an unclean temple premise, politicking amongst the resident monks, and rumor mongering was common. Radhanath Swami began with long sessions of kirtans, chanting of God’s names. He organized and oversaw celebration of festivals where the members of the community came together to cook, chant and dance, discuss spiritual subjects through entertaining discourses. He also led the ashram members and the community devotees to tours to sacred spiritual places in India. This kept the members spiritually happy and inspired to take the initiative to bring about positive changes.
Radhanath Swami’s secret has been to flood a person’s consciousness with love and kindness. When positive thoughts and vibrations repeatedly enter the mind, a person is inspired and happy. That speaks on why Radhanath Swami’s students are always cheerful and enthusiastic in their spiritual practices. Radhanath Swami’s ever encouraging and super positive thoughts remind me of a poem I read some time ago:
Watch your thoughts – they become words;
Watch your words – they become actions
Watch your actions – they become habits;
Watch your habits – they become character;
Watch your character – it becomes your culture
“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.
very nice !!
As metal becomes fiery in contact with fire, similarly any person coming in contact with Radhanath Swami gets the same positive spirit in their lives.
wonderful article and very well explained by HHRNSM as to how one must see the positive in every situation and circumstances, haribol, rajesh
very inspiring article, HHRNSM ki Jai! haribol, bhakti
These phrases at the end are very beautiful
Thank you for sharing
“Happiness is not determined by an event but how we interpret that event.” This is such a beautiful quote from Maharaj. We never really think about this, but this is so true. Positive thoughts bring positive interpretation of events, and as such happines. Thank you Maharaj.
Radhanath Swami Maharaj has actually transformed so many people through his positivity!
Radhanath Swami is here giving a very vital lesson to all of us.
A beautiful statement from Radhanath Swami Maharaj – “Happiness is not determined by an event but how we interpret that event.”
Coming in contact with the teachings of Radhanath Swami has almost completely changed my outlook to life. Radhanath especially stresses on curbing the tendency to find faults and negativity in others, rather he always encourages us to see and bring out the good in others.
Radhanath Swami is really a magnet who attracts the hearts of people.
I hope that some day we will publish a book (with colored pictures
based on these reflections. Thanks for sharing.
The painting is a stunner!
How beautifully Swamiji revealed the meaning of POSITIVE THINKING – “Positivity means being constantly grateful, optimistic and appreciative of God’s mercy”……
Great message from Radhanath Swami. “Positivity means being constantly grateful, optimistic and appreciative of God’s mercy”. If we can simply follow the above rule, we can come closer to God very quickly.
simply wonderful, most inspiring and a must read article for all!
Thank you very much Radhanath Swami for sharing this with us and enlightening us to come to light.
nice blog
Radhanath Swami Maharaj teaches us to be positive in all situations!
Its amazing!!! All these spiritually filled wisdom words of maharaj. These words are so profound that they can carry us through difficult times in our life.
Radhanath Swami’s way of training his students by his own behavior is noteworthy. Being negative will not lead us to anything meaningful. However when we are positive and have firm faith in God, there is nothing impossible to achieve.
Radhanath Swami teaches us of how love and kindness go a long way in encouraging people on the spiritual path.
Converting negative to positive is where the secret lies! Jai!
As mentioned in the article, Radhanath Swami is indeed very expert in converting negative situations into positive with his energy & the example of Radha Gopinath temple is the proof for it………
Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful example.Its really inspiring to me.
very nice!!!
Radhanath Swami Maharaj fills everyone’s hearts with positivity!
Avery nice defination of Positivity by Radhanath Swamiji.Also a very practical aproach has been told to use our discriminating power for the things which may not be useful for progressing in our spiritual life.Thank you very much.
This article reminds me of a quote, “Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional.”
Yes, without real positive thinking Radhanath Swami would not have had such a sensational journey home.
All Glories To H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj
A very beautiful narrative.If we practice our Devotional Service sincerely, we are likely to be more positive in life than ever.
Hare Krishna
Nature of a person is built on the thoughts that float on the mind. So its for us to watch it..huh
Radhanath Swami Maharaj’s words give us hope.
Very wonderful article. Thanks Radhanath Swami for teaching us how to be positive in all situations
Awesome article. Thank you so much for sharing such a nice article with so many important learnings.
Amazing article.Maharaj teaches us to be positive in all situations.
The Journey Home book by Radhanath Swami is incredible examples of positiveness in most negative circumstances…
Words full of wisdom: “Radhanath Swami said positivity means being constantly grateful, optimistic and appreciative of God’s mercy”
This is so so beautiful. Thank you very much for sharing. Very profound and incredible wisdom in that poem.
Radhanath Swami does a fantastic job at exuding positivity among all his followers.
A spiritual leader should positively inspire others in the path of devotion.That is the true success story of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj.The manner in which the devotional life is taken up by his disciples is a testimony to this fact.
Radhanath Swami teaches what he practices. He always teaches to his students that the worst situations in our life are the most auspicious, since we can remember Lord intensely & incessantly.
Wonderful article – very instructive. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing
Very profound article full of realizations – “positivity means being constantly grateful, optimistic and appreciative of God’s mercy”.
Very thought provoking.
Concepts of positivity so wonderfully explained in practical situations of life. Thank you for sharing this article & wonderful poem at the end.
Oblidged to you for your wonderful thoughts Radhanath Swami