As a young nineteen year old Richard (now Radhanath Swami) was often a victim of abuse and swearing by those suffering from anger and negativity. Since Richard showed by his appearance that he was protesting against the mainstream values driven by money, power and prejudice, he became an open target for people to vent out their frustrations. He too got angry at the humiliation but would struggle to quell it, for he was on a spiritual quest. His desire to live a life centered on noble ideals attracted no sympathy from the police who often harassed him. Although Richard bore no malice towards anyone, his unconventional appearance of keeping his hair long attracted hateful reactions. He silently hoped these difficulties would help him grow; he sought to cultivate patience, perseverance and prayer to overcome the obstacles on his spiritual journey.
Radhanath Swami is sharing with us the magic formula for success- the Triple ‘P’ formula- patience, perseverance and prayer. On careful observation we can see the uniqueness of these three values to help us grow in our spiritual lives. Radhanath Swami has remarkably highlighted two apparent contradictory values-patience and perseverance. Without proper training, our patience can lead one to be lazy. On the other hand, if we focus only on perseverance, our determination can make us restless to achieve the results. If we are drifting to restlessness in our determined endeavor, we need to practice patience and if our patience tends to make us lazy, we need to remember the virtue of perseverance that Radhanath Swami beautifully emphasizes in this section of the ‘Journey Home’. How can we balance both patience and perseverance? Radhanath Swami brilliantly reveals the third and most important element, ‘Prayer’ as the key. A culture of prayer helps us tap the power of conscience within and gives us the discrimination to balance patience and determination. Prayers also give a spiritual aspirant the necessary confidence to not get bogged down when results don’t come according to our expectations.
Once Radhanath Swami gave an interesting example in his talk; in the confrontation between the rock and the stream who wins? It’s the stream who wins, not through strength but through perseverance. Radhanath Swami also reveals that God is our loving father and He shall happily fulfill all our spiritual ambitions and needs. However God does it not as per our timetable but at his own time. Is this a limitation of God that He isn’t prompt in fulfilling His promises and our needs? Radhanath Swami assures, “No! God just wants us all to be prepared to receive His benevolence.” Radhanath Swami reasons that God wants us to be grateful when we get His mercy; hence He increases our yearning for it.
On hearing Radhanath Swami’s words of wisdom on patience, I am reminded of the fifteenth century philosopher Leonardo da Vinci who said, “Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. For, if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. So in like manner you must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will then be powerless to vex your mind.”
“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 article.Thank you so much.
Thanks for such an amazing article on such a wonderful formula by Radhanath swami. I believe that the article is presented in a very eloquent manner.
a subtle analysis of how to balance patience and perseverance by adding element of prayers. This is how Self realized souls can impart pure knowledge so as to make others follow it carefully to achieve the ultimate goal.
Super wisdom that’s for one and all.
Very nice blog
Radhanath swami is revealing us the path we need to take to cultivate these values
“P” formula is really wonderful. Hari bol
We can in Maharajah “The Journey Home” how he has applied this Triple P formula. Maharajah is instructing us it is crucial to advance in spiritual life.
Amazing Maharaj’s triple “P” formula.
Amazing mantra by which to live life. Thanks Maharaj for sharing.
Thank you Maharaj for this wonderful Triple ‘P’ formula for success. Thanks for sharing this wonderful meditation.
Thank you for bringing forth Radhanath Swami’s Triple ‘P’ formula!!
” Radhanath Swami reasons that God wants us to be grateful when we get His mercy; hence He increases our yearning for it.
Wonderful.
That was simply fantastic!I was especially touched to read that god wants to increase our yearning for his mercy so we can be grateful when we recieve it!
Simply amazing.Thanks for bringing out such a wonderful lesson from life of Maharaj.
What a wonderful formula to develop the right attitude towards life. Thank you Radhanath Swami Maharaj for showing us the right path.
Really very good. All glories to Radhanath Swami.
Thank you very much for sharing
Perfect formula to overcome obstacles – Many thanks for sharing these wonderful instructions.
Thank you Radhanath Swami for this triple P formula. I hope I remember this always
Really very good. All glories to Radhanath Swami.
Its really wonderful.
Thank you so much Maharaj, for such an amazing Formula.
HH Radhanath Swami’s “3P” formula will definitely attract all “3G” descendants.
An excellent & practical solution to face obstacles in spiritual life
Thank you Maharaj for teaching important lesson on patience.
Thank You very much Maharaj for giving this perfect formula.
Maharaj you are truly Magical !!!!