Richard (now Radhanath Swami) found Mahavirdas Tat Walla Baba impressive; he was about six feet tall and his physique was powerful. He wore only a rope around his waist and a loin cloth covering his groin. At Tat Walla Baba’s company Richard learnt that the cause of all suffering is when we forget our identity with God. That is called Maya, or illusion. Tat Walla Baba also revealed to Richard that if we call to God with sincerity He will reveal Himself to us. God sees within the heart and not externals, said Tat Walla Baba. He also had the power to read people’s minds, see into future, and heal the sick. Tat Walla Baba invited Richard to join him and spend the rest of his life in their caves. Richard felt honoured but humbly declined the offer because he felt if he dedicates himself to following a guru, he should never disgrace him by changing his mind later in life. Since in Richard’s heart there was a pulling to meet many saintly people, he felt he couldn’t yet take this most crucial decision of his life of choosing a guru.
Radhanath Swami echoes the same message as Tat Walla Baba; there is suffering in this world because we have forgotten our relationship with God. Our situation is like that of a young, rebellious and lost child who has abandoned his billionaire parents and lives in the ghettos, and languishes in poverty. Just like a father would be concerned that his child returns home to him, God also eagerly awaits our exercising our free will to return to him. A charitably disposed person may come and give the lost child food, clothes, television; this is compared the scientific advancement and sense gratification Another man may come and pep the child with inspirational talk and encourage him to be positive. This is akin to the mental speculation and ‘positive’ attitude theories that address the pain of sadness only superficially. Another man may encourage the child to perform some ritual puja or go to a tantric baba for happiness. This is compared to another type of superficial solution, namely rituals and religion performed superficially. None of the three well-intentioned benefactors have done complete justice to the lost child. A fourth person appears on the scene and takes the child to his billionaire parents. Such a person provides food, clothes and shelter to the child on the way home; he also encourages him with sweet words. Similarly the solutions offered by the society for a person seeking happiness, is temporary; a person remains dissatisfied even after the help offered by these agents just like a child will be miserable even after a bath, for he isn’t in the shelter of his loving parents as yet.
Radhanath Swami is a wonderful guide and teacher of spiritual life. A teacher of God consciousness encourages all to seek happiness through connection to God. just like a child is excited and happy on his way to his father, similarly a human being is spiritually surcharged and blissful as he is endeavouring to go back home to his eternal parent- God- even as he continues to render his duties in this world. Our existence in this world then becomes a springboard for an eternal life in the spiritual world.
Richard is now learning the science of God consciousness more deeply and seeks to meet more sages and holy men.
Table of Contents
Founder-acharya of the International Society For Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
“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........
“Radhanath Swami echoes the same message as Tat Walla Baba; there is suffering in this world because we have forgotten our relationship with God.” This is very important to understand for all of us, thank you very much Radhanath Swami for sharing this realization.
View CommentThank you Radhanath Swami for this article. I like the example of a lost son
View CommentRadhanath Swami has always been a sincere and serious while his journey to India and finally Lord showed him the way to the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada.
View CommentVery true.The solutions offered by the society for a person seeking happiness, is temporary; a person remains dissatisfied even after the help offered by these agents just like a child will be miserable even after a bath, for he isn’t in the shelter of his loving parents as yet.
Thank you so much Maharaj.
View CommentWithout the association of saintly people spirituality remains only theory.
View CommentI have heard and seen Radhanath Swami.Following the words of Tatwalla Baba, Swamiji continued in His search of God and Guru with sincere heart. This is so very b’fully depicted further in His book ‘The Journey Home’. And true to the words of Babaji, Swamiji found answer to his sincerity in Srila Prabhupada where he dedicated his life, Now he has become a powerful instrument in the mission of Prabupada to pass the m’sage of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to all around the world. He is doing great serive to humanity and world at large by preaching the m’sage of supreme lord. We can be rest assured that such souls are very dear to Krsna. Thanx swamiji for touching our life so wonderfully.
View CommentNice meditation.I liked following things:
View Comment1)After meeting so many Spiritualist from himalayan country,finally HH.Radhanath Swami finally came across HDG.Srila Prabhupad.Here search for perfect master ends for Swamiji and he dedicates his life to HDG.
2)About our lost connection (forgetfulness) to our Supreme Father Sri Krishna.
Thank you very much for sharing with us.
A very nice article. Thank you for sharing.
View CommentThanks for sharing it. Radhanath Swami’s sincerity and seriousness brought him to Srila Prabhupada to who he surrendered his whole life.
View CommentReally how we forget our identity with Lord
View CommentTHis is very good: We are surcharged with happiness even while endeavouring to go back to God.
View CommentA very nice read. Thank you for this post.
View CommentThere is suffering in this world because we have forgotten our true realtionship with God – this statement is so accurate and provides us a remedy to all our sufferings. Thank you.
View CommentThank you so much Radhanath Swamiji
View CommentThis a wonderful solution for the seekers of happiness.
View CommentThank you very much!
Amazing! Thankyou for sharing!
View CommentUnder guidance of Radhanath Swami, we are all reminded of our lost father and have staretd our journey to meet him
View CommentThank you for sharing this, Maharaj.
View CommentRadhanth swami is the greatest gift to humanity ,esp indians (while 1st time before gatting entrance in to India ,what Maharaj said he has accomplished)
View CommentThis is one of the wonderful chapter in the book. Thanks for writing the essence of it.
View CommentIt’s amazing. Maharaj was about 20-21 year old that time but his learning experience was like……..no words for that. I am sure in one thing that we are under right shelter.
View CommentJust like a father would be concerned that his child returns home to him, God also eagerly awaits our exercising our free will to return to him.
View CommentAmazing contemplation!
View CommentVery nice article……..the example of lost child is so appropriate …….thx
View CommentThank you for inspiring us Radhanath Swami
View CommentVery inspiring article.
View CommentExcellent article
View CommentVery nice insight provided by HHRNSM. Pray that i may follow even .1% of his teachings thus making the life perfect.
View CommentApt analogy of the lost child,with three levels of solutions offered by three different persons and the fourth person actually helping.
View CommentVery inspiring article.Thanks
View CommentWonderful article thank you very much
View CommentThank you for sharing the realization that all our suffering is because of our forgotten relationship with the lord.
View CommentThank you Radhanath Swami
View CommentThank you for this wonderful post.
View CommentRadhanath swamiji ki jai thanks swamiji for this inspiring article.
View CommentThis shows the importance of association with saintly people
View CommentAmazing
View CommentRadhanath Swami has amazing realizations about each and every journey he underwent
View CommentAs a teacher on path of bhakti, Radhanath Swami Maharaj encourages people to experience pleasure by rendering devotional service unto the Lord & His pure devotees. When rendering such selfless service, one gets connected with God who is the powerhouse of all happiness & mystics in this world. By his personal example, Radhanath Swami upholds this principle of selfless service unto all living beings in a God conscious way.
View CommentWithout support nothing can exist. without connecton to God, we can’t survive happily. Very nice episode. All glories to Radhanatha Swami.
View CommentOur suffering starts when we forget Lord!
View CommentAmazing article
View Commentrealy, one can be truly happy by serving god as told by swamiji
View CommentThis is a great and thrilling story. Thank you for sharing.
View CommentA very inspiring article……Thank you Maharaj !
View CommentTo be trained and nurtured by swamiji we are surely in safe hands. Thank you swamiji for everything.
View Commenta wonderful family that helps itself and others outside with deep compassion love.. thanks
View CommentVery inspiring article.Thankyou Maharaj for sharing your realisation.
View CommentRadhanath Swami’s Tat Wala Baba encounter is fascinating. I like part where Radhanath Swami describes what he could see from his cave looking down at the mountains.
View Commentthank you mahraj by showing the real way to become happy, really this nis only way
View Comment