Meditations on The Journey Home – Lesson from Chapter 1
Richard and Gary often visited bookstores and glanced through various books for inspirational passages. One day Richard found a book that taught lessons on playing Harmonica, a musical instrument that Richard poured his soul into. Since he couldn’t afford to buy the book, he was tempted to steal, and carefully slipped it under his vest. Gary approved of the theft and later showed his own prized possession of a carved wooden crucifix of Jesus. Richard was upset that Gary had stolen from the Church, a house of God. Gary argued back that Richard had been a hypocrite because he too had stolen a book, and was now preaching on the virtue of honesty. Later Richard reflected on a lesson he had learnt that evening, “I’m a hypocrite. Was it not hypocrites that nailed Jesus to that crucifix? How dishonest it is to preach but not practice.”
Radhanath Swami’s personal preference for practice over preaching has inspired thousands of men to dedicate their lives for a spiritual purpose. Once a student complained to Radhanath Swami about a few members in the monastery who had become irregular and lenient in their spiritual practices. Radhanath Swami took the blame on himself. He said since he was the teacher of the ashram residents, he should be setting highest standards and promised to be stricter with himself. The complaining student’s protest fell on deaf ears as Radhanath Swami, despite his sixty plus years and ill health, daily attended all the rigorous spiritual services, beginning at four in the morning. He was already a regular participant but now extended his services for a longer period. Once despite a high fever, the Swami attended the morning japa, meditation session, with all other members. A friend of Radhanath Swami burst out, “Why don’t you take some rest and chant your prayers later when you are healthier?” Radhanath Swami spontaneously expressed, “I am here chanting prayers because I need this association for my spiritual purification. I want to be with other devotees.” The illusion of many that he was attending to teach others a lesson on strictness was shattered. He is not practicing spiritual discipline to teach others; he’s convinced it’s for his own development. That’s a real teacher- not conscious of sermonizing others, rather accepting the teachings for one’s own spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Radhanath Swami often guards his students on accepting superior positions, and instructing others beyond our level of realization. He warns that God will test us for all the lofty principles we teach. We will be put into challenging situations and then practicing what we preach will be difficult. His advice, “Don’t speak beyond your level of realization, and be honest.” He however implores us to rise beyond honesty and attain a high level of integrity. The difference- the former refers to telling what we do, while the latter is doing what we tell. Thus integrity requires us to work hard and raise our spiritual standards.
Radhanath Swami requests us to be careful of two contaminating influences of modern times- quarrel and hypocrisy; when we come together we quarrel over trifles, and when we are alone our hypocrisy is exposed. These negative influences can be overcome if we are humble and consider ourselves as servants of God and all living beings. We should be conscious of our own faults and never take a holier than thou position. Once a student asked what in the Swami’s opinion the greatest sin in the world was. Radhanath Swami replied, “When we self righteously see others as sinners we are sinning ourselves.” “But we can see some are indeed sinful”, challenged the student, “and they are doomed to suffer, both in this life and next. Aren’t we supposed to be compassionate on them, as we are better situated?” Radhanath Swami’s sagacity shone forth like the mid-day sun, “We can’t be compassionate ourselves, but rather strive to be the instruments of Lord’s compassion. We may be presently more fortunate than them but we are certainly not better than anyone. If those wayward men and women are to seek a spiritual path, they would leave us all far behind. They are certainly more glorious but aren’t aware of a spiritual purpose of life. Pray for them and be humble.”
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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........
That’s a brilliant article
View CommentVery deep and thought provoking article. It shows how narrow and limited our understanding is of spirituality until we take guidance from a realized soul like Radhanath Swami. I also found some thought provoking lectures by Radhanath Swami on this web link
http://itunes.apple.com/in/podcast/lectures-by-hh-radhanath-swami/id211743425
Thank you
View CommentEvery page gives insight into a true sadhu
View CommentThanks, We are just trying our best to glorify God and his Pure Devotees…
View CommentExcellent! To know more on Radhanath Swami’s personality visit http://socialfront.in
View CommentI am deeply touched by the humble nature of Radhanath Swami. This article on “From Hypocrisy to Integrity” has opened up my eyes for a totally different perspective of looking at human behavior. Thanks to those who have contributed this article on this website.
View Commentwonderful article. To Know more about Radhanath Swami. To know more about Rdahanath swami visit radhanathswami.com
View CommentHare Krishna….Maharaj is simply great……how by his own example ,he is teaching us so many things….great.
View Commenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radhanath_Swami or http://richardslavin.com
Perfect question – more perfect answer. The gravity of words and depth of thought process of HH Radhanath Swami coupled by genuine humility is what makes him distinguished spiritualist to act as a beacon light for many a wandering souls like me. More about him can be found on http://radhanathmaharaj.net.
View CommentWhat an amazing and enlightening article! Radhanath Swami is a true leader who really practices what he preaches!
View Comment(http://radhanathswami.blogspot.com)
really a wonderful account of the trials and tribulations of an american teenager.read more about him at htpp://radhanath-swami.net.
View CommentRadhanath Swami is simply amazing. To know more about him check out http://www.prlog.org/10747137-radhanath-swami-spiritual-teacher-orator-author-and-social-worker.html
View CommentVery nice article indeed! Very inspiring !!
View CommentThe thoughts presented in this article are refreshingly & pleasingly revolutiionary. I feel is is quite important to take internal challenges..
Really appreciate the good work being done to present these thoughts to us on the internet.
View CommentRadhanath Swami – the best teacher teaching by his own example
View CommentVisit
http://www.myspace.com/radhanathswami
All glories to HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj.
View CommentIn this age of kali yuga (of quarrel and hyprocrisy), to spread the message of Love of Godhead through chanting of the Holy Names is the only way to conquer the heart. Dry mental speculation and sentimentalism are incomplete and inapproriate ways of approaching Krishna.
This i have realized after coming in contact with my most respected Guru Maharaj, HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj.
I am eternally indebted towards him and sincerely desire to assist him in the mission of spreading love of Godhead.
http://www.spiritualnow.com/authors/1099/Radhanath-swami-Radhanath-swami
Hare Krishna,
Thank you posting beautiful pictures and wonderful website. It is a treasure island amongst internet chaos.
View CommentThis indeed is the meaning of a real teacher – one who practices what he preaches. Otherwise, there are no dearth of hypocrites in this world who go on as spiritual figures amidst the crowds but are a different personality altogether when surrounded by four walls.All glories to Radhanath Swami for being a source of inspiration to thousands around the globe and teaching them the essence of transcendental knowledge by dint his very own example.
View CommentEnlightening
View CommentH.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj is really appreciable for whatever He preachs, as his teachings are also based on His real Life Experiences as stated in His this beautiful Book.
View CommentAmazing! A very fundamental principle in any sphere of life is to walk the talk.
Most of the times talk gets quite ahead and walk is struggling to catch up.
However in Radhanath Swami’s life it seems like the walk is way ahead and hence his talks are extremely deep and up to the point (as needed for a person).
Radhanath Swami never wrote or spoke about his amazing experiences until he was forced to do so by Bhakti Tirtha Swami on his death bed.
Radhanath Swami’s demonstration of integrity to follow and teach the finest, most refined and most subtle aspects of vedic science about spirituality is extremely rare to be found in current times.
View CommentThis shows the true nature of radhanath swami.We too can learn many things from it especially not being a hypocrite.
View CommentI have no words to say. I feel so ecstatic after reading this topic. It crushes my false ego. All glories to His Holiness Radhanath swami
View CommentHypocracy prevent our progress in spiritual life.
View Commentgreat article
View CommentThis article alerts me to practice before I preach.
View CommentRadhanath Swami on his lectures always instructs “How to lead a life with integrity?”
View Commentexcellent! thaught provoking
View CommentGreat example set by Maharaj” Practice before preaching”.
View CommentRadhanath Swami Maharaj is an epitome of honesty and integrity
View CommentWonderful! Brilliant. I really liked this statement: “We can’t be compassionate ourselves, but rather strive to be the instruments of Lord’s compassion. We may be presently more fortunate than them but we are certainly not better than anyone. If those wayward men and women are to seek a spiritual path, they would leave us all far behind. They are certainly more glorious but aren’t aware of a spiritual purpose of life. Pray for them and be humble”
View CommentThis article is really exposing! Radhanath Swami is giving a mirror to all of us to look and understand what we are inside our own selves and what we are showing to the whole world. I need prayers to give up my hypocrisy.
View CommentRadhanath Maharj through his example makes us dive inside and check the hypocrate in us. Dont feed the bad dog as he says, else the good dog will die. Nourish the good dog with Holy name of God. Thanks Maharaj
View CommentThe Journey Home book by Radhanath Maharaj is a store house of realizations and a alarm to wake up and seek the real purpose of our lives.
View Commentthis article is really very inspiring and an eye opener. every word spoken by maharaj is so full with substansial teaching which needs deep contemplation by all those who aspire for spiritual perfection.
View Commentthank you maharaj for guiding us at all times we are cared under your shelter.
View CommentThe teachings of Radhanath maharaj is worth that, If the practitioner is sincere & chant the holy name of lord , then he will definately transform from hypocrisy to integrity.
View CommentIt makes me go deep in my heart and question myself….Its simply great to read this….!!!!!!
View CommentWhat an amazing personality
View CommentAs Srila Prabhupada has said that this age of kali is the age of hypocrisy and quarrel, likewise Radhanath Maharaj is also telling about the dual nature of this age of kali. Maharaj gives such wonderful examples, which only he can give in such a clear way, that it becomes easier for us to follow the teachings given in the scriptures.
View Commentthank you radhanath swami
View CommentVery inspiring!
View CommentReally it is inspiring to see the non-hypocritical behavior of Radhanath Swami. Radhanth Swami is an exemplary life of integrity and cooperation with others.
View CommentRadhanath Swami is an amazing personality who himself practices whatever he speaks. Such Personalities like Radhanath Swami who are so genuine and true, are very rare to find in this world. Thank you for such a wonderful article. Personal experinces of people with Radhanath Swami are given on http://www.itsohappened.com/.
View CommentGood site!
View CommentI saw this really great post today!From fitness & exercise
View Commentexcellent!
View CommentRealization brings the mercy of Krishna. Radhanath Swami teaches what he realized. Even Suta Goswami taught the Saunakadi Munis what he realized from the teachings of Sukadeva Goswami to Parikshit Maharaja. Radhanath Swami follows his predecessors without any deviation.
View Commentvery powerful article. inspires one to be honest in all circumstances…
View CommentI¡¯ve already bookmark this article and will definitely refer this article to all my close friends and colleagues. Thanks for posting!
View Comment