Meditations on The Journey Home – Lesson from Chapter 2
Inspirations from ‘The Journey Home ‐ Autobiography of an American Swami’
Richard’s first sight of the Himalayan foothills exhilarated him beyond imagination. The foothills were covered with dense forests and he felt each tree emitting a kind of peace and serenity he hadn’t experienced before. His first sight of river Ganges was like a spark that caused a sudden surge of spiritual emotions. Once while quietly meditating, he was approached by a golden complexioned holy man who had seen his determination, and now offered him the cloth of a sadhu, a wandering mendicant who has forsaken worldly attachments to pursue a divine life. This was two unstitched pieces of white cloth, one to cover the lower part of the body and the other one for the upper part. Richard prayerfully cast his western clothes into the river’s sweeping current, and heard the Holy man’s assurance that in time it will be revealed to Richard that Ganges will be his mother.
I often wondered what’s so special about the Himalayas. Is it the marvelous height, snow peaks, the amazing beauty of Nature? But these things can be found in some other mountains, elsewhere in the world as well. This unique, majestic glory of the Himalayas is because of the spiritual culture that originated and flourished here. Almost all the saints and Holy men of the Indian subcontinent of the ancient times and many great spiritual sages of the modern times have chosen Himalayas for conducting their spiritual practices. It is the impact of the deep spiritual practices of the sages that has enriched the Himalayas with divine spiritual vibrations. Austerities and meditation has been an integral part of every moment of the lives of the rishis, the holy men living here. Richard too humbly endeavored to follow their tradition.
Daily Richard spent hours sitting on the rock at Ganges and meditated on the Himalayan Mountains.
“ The closest mountain took the shape of a heart at its very top. I gazed on it for hours thinking of how it symbolized for me the heart of God, a heart that is unlimited, giving ultimate shelter to all beings; a heart that is majestic and beautiful. Just as in climbing a mountain we leave behind the earth where we stand, to reach the heart of God we have to leave behind unfavorable earthly attachments. Sincere spiritual practice is an uphill climb, and no matter how many difficulties we face, we have to continue looking upward with hope. The mountain provides all support for those who strive to reach its top. Similarly, if we are sincere, the Lord will provide us with the means to reach his supremely merciful heart.”
Quoting from the Bhagavad Gita, Radhanath Swami assures that if we are sincerely seeking God, He shall certainly help us reach Him, and care for us by providing what we lack and preserving what we have. In the crowded ashram for the monks at Radhagopinath Temple, sometimes a member may lose his towel or slippers, and that can be discomforting. Radhanath Swami assures them, “You may not find your towels, slippers or kaupins, underwear, here in the ashram, but be rest assured, here you will certainly find God and if you are sincere in your pursuits, you shall certainly experience God’s reciprocation of love in your hearts. God does care for you and me, in ways inconceivable to us.”
Radhanath Swami says, “Sometimes we may doubt that God is caring for us. At such times we should know that God protects us either directly or indirectly by doing what’s best for our spiritual lives. And that means sometimes putting us in danger and unpleasant circumstances.” Our challenge therefore is to see God’s divine, merciful hand in all situations. God’s merciful nature is like the Himalayas, tall, huge and assuring. Shelter of this grace is the only hope in our spiritual quest.
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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........
Thanks maharaj for making us understand that Krishna is sometimes harsh towards us, but thats only to get closer to our goal…ie progress in our spiritual life.
View CommentDear Maharaj,
View CommentYou give us the understanding of Krishna’s love for us. Under your guidance we will one day love to accept everything as His mercy with a smile on our face.
Radhanath Maharaj’s care for every living being is so amazing.
View CommentTo find God’s mercy in the midst of difficulties is a very unusual outlook, but it makes sense. If God is the All-Caring One, then whatever He does must be for our good. Not easy to live by, but Radhanath Swami’s words are very soothing.
View CommentRadhanath Swami is a very genuine saintly man. His love, compassion, humility & religious tolerance for all faiths makes him stand tall & majestic like the Himalayas. No wonder, many people around the world find Radhanath Swami’s presence to be very reassuring & have taken spiritual shelter under him & look upto him for proper guidance.
View Commentthank u Maharaj 4 making us realise dat happens only by Krishna’s wish
View Commentafter i read i was just thinking as to how it feels to be so close to god to see his presence in everything. just the feeling makes me feel excited.i think it will really help us appreciate god. thank you maharaj.
View CommentFeels sheltered reading these divine words of Radhanath Swami.
View CommentRadhanath Swami is very steadfast in his spiritual life just like the Himalayas.
View CommentRadhanath Swami determination is amazing. He is a rare soul.
View CommentI feel blessed to have read this article and once read with faith it surely increases our faith on the Lord.
View CommentRadhanath Swami says, “Sometimes we may doubt that God is caring for us. At such times we should know that God protects us either directly or indirectly by doing what’s best for our spiritual lives. And that means sometimes putting us in danger and unpleasant circumstances.” Our challenge therefore is to see God’s divine, merciful hand in all situations. God’s merciful nature is like the Himalayas, tall, huge and assuring. Shelter of this grace is the only hope in our spiritual quest.
These words of Radhanath Swami Maharaj’s are so soothing especially when one is in distress and when one feels that the Lord is unfavorable to one’s situation.
View CommentRadhanath swami has rightly presented that “Our challenge therefore is to see God’s divine, merciful hand in all situations”.. to develop this understanding is difficult without the blessings of pure soul’s like Radhanath Swami.
View Commentthrough this experience of Radhanath Swami I could recollect some line mentioning the two pairs of footprints along the seashore(life span), that during his happy times one may visualize his as well as the footprints of the mighty krishna but during the difficult times one may find only one pair of footprints along the seashore(life span) this is because the all mighty is carrying him in his arms so that his problems and sorrow will be mild and less bothering, thanks to His Holiness Radhanath Swami for he is bearing all the difficulties on behalf of his followers,
View CommentActualy i m not qualified to comment, this is amazing & we are so fortunate HH Radhanath is sharing is life experience. His causeless mercy is always with us….
View CommentWe always look at things with our point of view…whereas god has his own plans for us.
View CommentFeeling blessed after reading this…i m touched !!!
View CommentThank you so much for Sharing wonderful inspiring Things about Radhanath Swami
View CommentThanks to H.H.Radhanath Swami Maharaj for sharing this message.
View Commentthank you maharaj for sharing this important principle…we often seem to doubt of krsna’s shelter amidst challenging situations, but maharaj’s words gives us hope to persevere.
View CommentRadhanath Swami saw God everywhere & thats why he got such wonderful realisations……..wondeful
View CommentRadhanath Swami’s journey to India in the search of God testifies that God protects and guides a sincere seeker at every step.
View CommentHe is compassionate to all the living entities
View CommentRadhanath Swami by his example shows if we are sincere and determined on the spiritual path then the Supreme Lord will certainly reveal Himself to us. Its matter of one’s faith and thats where the struggle lies….
View CommentVery wonderful instruction by Radhanath Swami Maharaj. He really has seen through lot and is sharing his wonderful realizations for our benefit. Thank you.
View CommentRadhanath Swami is amazing!
View CommentThank you so much
View CommentRandhanath Swami’s word about the “God is caring us” is very hope giving. Radhanath swami has such realization because he is seeing God’s mercy in every situation.
View CommentWell its amazing to see how much close HH Radhanath swami was to the lord even when he wasn’t a swami. And therefore even when HH Radhanth swami was Richard, he was still extremely sincere to know about god and hence, the lord within the heart guided him. Such a wonderful example even in this age…
View CommentRadhanath swami’s experience is so deep that he is able to guide us to the essence of almost anything that we experience in this world. He’s truly an amazing person.
View CommentH.H Radhanath swami love, compassion, humility & religious tolerance for all faiths makes him stand tall & majestic like the Himalayas. He is simply superb…
View CommentTaller than the Himalayas is Maharaj’s sincere love for Krishna and harder than the Himalayan rocks is Maharaj’s determination to lead his disciples on this path back to Krishna. We are so fortunate to have Maharaj’s vani to guide us. Jai Radhanath Swami Maharaj ki.
View CommentThank you very much for nice narration of Radhanath Swami’s Journey Home. His determination to seek absolute truth is like a rock. Radhanath Swami Maharaj ki Jai!
View CommentRadhanath Maharaj is really amazing.
For more details on Maharaj please visit.
View Commenthttp://www.radhanathswami.com
Without faith, no one can get anything. As sure the Himalayas, Radha Gopinath Mandir is also the place where one can find God.In Himalayas one finds the spiritual atmosphere, hence all chances to forget this material environment. Faith and determination will fetch a man the presence of God. Of course for this we need guidance to begin with, which Radhanath Swami can easily provide anyone.
View CommentMaharaj so nicely teaches us that
1. Our challenge therefore is to see God’s divine, merciful hand in all situations. God’s merciful nature is like the Himalayas, tall, huge and assuring.
2.Shelter of this grace is the only hope in our spiritual quest.
These are very striking.
View CommentRadhanath Swami’s every word enters directly into the heart and simple example like climbing the mountain gives great insight into how God helps us in every situation to reach to him. Great Wisdom shard bu Radhanath Swami !!!
View CommentAll GLories to H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj
Great wisdom
Hare Krishna
View CommentVery nice story. Bhagavat Gita also say that with out resolute determination we can not progress on spiritual path.
View CommentVery enlivening and teaching the lesson of strong determination on the path of spirituality.
View CommentWhen i came for the 1st time to RadhaGopinath temple , i lost my sandals which i had borrowed from my brother & i was very worried. One devotee remarked – “Krishna is very merciful to you”.I realized this later that I had lost my heart to RadhaGopinath Temple.How Krishna bestows his mercy in various ways.
View CommentIt is inspiring me to be on track of spirituality
View CommentIt has been 14 years since I went to Radha Gopinath temple, but this article about Radhanath Swami has brought back my memories of enchanting kirtans and illuminating lectures.
View CommentI had heard in some of earlier Articles on Radhanath Swami that symbolises hope and faith: THe darkest part of the night is just before the outbreak of dawn.
View CommentThis is the high sprit of devotin only Radhanath swami can show and understand the Supreme lord in every part of his life.However not only understand himself but realizing other also to surrender will of the Lord.
View CommentRadhanath Swami captures the essence of every Spiritual aspirants struggle in such a wonderful way in below lines – preparing one for the tough journey, yet providing them with all tips and encouragement to make them successful.
This one principle could take us through a long way:
“Just as in climbing a mountain we leave behind the earth where we stand, to reach the heart of God we have to leave behind unfavorable earthly attachments. Sincere spiritual practice is an uphill climb, and no matter how many difficulties we face, we have to continue looking upward with hope. The mountain provides all support for those who strive to reach its top. Similarly, if we are sincere, the Lord will provide us with the means to reach his supremely merciful heart.”
View CommentIt is very inspiring to read the enlivening experience of this sadhu. Even born in india I do not realize the glory of the himalaya. I pray that I may develop this vision and climb up the Himalayan mountain on hope in reaching the divine seeking all his support. Thanks for sharing the wonderful realization.
View CommentGreat is the thinking of radhanath swami.To always think in relationship with God is very difficult.Radhanath Swami’s Example shows that he always show God’s hand in everything and he accepted it as Lord’s mercy.
View CommentThanks Sria Radhanath Swami Maharaj for such a valuable lesson of seeing Krishna’s protecting hand in all situations. As I read through the article, it appeared to me that Srila Radhanath Swami Maharaj has imbibed in his persona the core values laid out in Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam. All his statements and actions make one point very loud and clear – He practises what he preaches !!!
View CommentAs we do not understand what is Love Lord Krishna has for us….we are not able to perceive it. But great souls like HH Radhanath Swami can very clearly see it because he knows how much Lord Krishna loves all of us.
View Comment