Radhanath Swami

Richard, having often heard people speak reverentially of a woman saint Anandamayi Ma, who was the guru of Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, went to Dehra Dun to visit her. Although this holy mother had grown old, and was thin and frail, she emanated an unearthly power, and radiated the exuberance of a small child. Dressed in a simple white sari, she appeared wise and sober. Smilingly she led all to the chanting of God’s holy names, and then spoke briefly. She said people are constantly tossed between pleasure and pain, and there can be no peace and security in this world. This world is a place of suffering and suffering is sent to remind us to turn our thoughts to God.   Our only shelter is God and in chanting His Names, we can be in His presence.

“There is enough happiness in this world to keep you attached to your sufferings”, says Radhanath Swami, his years of wisdom reflected through succinct phrases such as these. Echoing similar sentiments as Anandamayi Ma, he reveals the dualities of pleasure and pain, “We may have all kinds of pleasures, but one pain. And that one pain becomes prominent; we may also have all kinds of pain, but one pleasure. But that pleasure will be insignificant.” He also voices the same conclusion about the nature of this world, “We get suffering in life so that we become sober and listen to God’s message. All the sufferings are therefore worthwhile if we go through them in proper consciousness, because they will bring us closer to the goal of our life.”

Besides Anandamayi Ma’s philosophical depth, Richard particularly noted that her simple unassuming nature drew renounced sadhus and yogis who typically keep a distance from women, sit at her feet seeking blessings. She also preferred her followers not touch her feet. When she entered into a trance Richard felt an aura of motherly affection beaming from her motionless form.

Whether it’s Anandamayi Ma or other women, Radhanath Swami personally practices and trains his students to revere womanhood. Even young girls who visit the centre in Mumbai, and are are fit to be Radhanath Swami’s granddaughters, he treats them all with equal honor and courtesy. Recently I witnessed this aspect of Radhanath Swami’s character in a community festival in Mumbai.

Radhanath Swami has personally trained many children of the Mumbai congregation. One girl, Radha, spent her childhood learning many aspects of spiritual life under the care of her devoted parents, and the guidance of Radhanath Swami. Radha grew up and in time got married. Recently she gave birth to a baby boy, and the family approached Radhanath Swami for receiving a name for the child. Radhanath Swami promptly named the child, ‘Radhanath’. In a recent programme, I learnt of the reason he named the child with his own spiritual name. Radhanath Swami said he often thought for years, if he were to again take birth in this material world, who should be his mother. He felt Radha would be an ideal mother, and hence named her son ‘Radhanath’.

The Vedic Indian culture awards the highest respect for a woman, and considers a healthy family life as the foundation of the society, without which there would be neither civilization nor progress. Radhanath Swami has tirelessly worked to create and preserve a wonderful family culture that makes God and spiritual values as the centre of family life.

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