A man in forties, Madhava, befriended Richard (now Radhanath Swami) and persuaded him to visit Ganesh Puri to the sacred tomb or Samadhi of Nityananda Baba. While meditating there, Richard felt the overpowering presence of the Baba, as if being reassured that his blessings were upon Richard. Richard was also surprised to find the Baba’s followers chant the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, the one that had been revealed to Richard by Mother Ganges and that Srila Prabhupada had sung in Bombay. Richard also met Nityananda Baba’s disciple Swami Muktananda who advised Richard to become addicted to his mantra even more than an alcoholic is addicted towards his liquor. As if following the swami’s advice, for the last forty years, Radhanath Swami too practices the chanting of Holy Names, having received initiation into the chanting by Srila Prabhupada, in an unbroken chain of disciplic succession. And the chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra has become Radhanath Swami’s life and soul.
Nityananda Baba is worshipped by millions of followers in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. One popular anecdote of Nityananda Baba is that once he was asked about his childhood and previous life. He was reluctant to speak about himself and mentioned, “People go to take bath in Ganges without bothering about the source of Ganges. Similarly when you are discussing spirituality with me, why bother about my past; just focus on my present services.” Nityananda Baba is also said to have not given any formal public programmes when he was alive. Nor did he demonstrate any particular set of spiritual practices like many other yogis. Often he laid down on his side facing a wall with his back turned to the congregation. Thousands of people experienced God’s Grace through him in this way. One of his followers spoke about Nityananda Baba very affectionately, “He was like the ocean. The ocean doesn’t come looking for you. You have to go to the ocean and, depending on the size of the vessel you are carrying, that’s the amount of water you’re able to take away with you.
This is the way it was with the Baba. He was always available to everyone without any disparity.”
Nityananda Baba is also one of those rare saints who discouraged people from approaching him with mundane desires. Those who came looking for the fulfillment of their material desires to be fulfilled were often disappointed. Radhanath Swami also encourages spiritual aspirants to not seek material pleasures while practicing spirituality. Our goal should be to get out of material consciousness and not get further entangled by seeking material benefits. Radhanath Swami gives the example of a priceless diamond and a broken piece of glass. Radhanath Swami says when we approach God or saintly people and wish for material benefits, it’s like going to a wealthy man who is willing to give you a priceless diamond. However due to our short sighted nature we ask for broken pieces of glass. Radhanath Swami compares spiritual benefits to a priceless diamond and all material desires to be nothing more significant than broken pieces of glass.
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........
Very powerful advice given by Nityananda Baba to Radhanath Swami here – that he should become as addicted to the holy name as a drunkard is to liquor!
View CommentThanks for sharing it. Very nice one. Radhanath Swami’s journey back to home has been full of adventures and risks, but Lord Krishna has always protected him in one way or the other. Today Radhanath Swami is leading his life according to what all teachings and understanding he has acquired during his adventurous voyage. It’s really wonderful.
View CommentIt is really wonderful to hear how Nityanada Baba discouraged people from asking for material boons and instead focus on higher things.
View Commentthank u for sharing
View Commentexcellent lessons.
View CommentWonderful, thank you very much for sharing.
View CommentWonderful analogy given as priceless diamond and a broken piece of glass.
View CommentThank you for sharing for such a wonderful article
View CommentVery Inspiring!
View CommentSpirit never satisfied by material by any amount but satisfied by spirit only. We are spirit souls. All glories to HH Radhanatha Swami Maharaja.
View CommentI like the statement – “He was like the ocean. The ocean doesn’t come looking for you. You have to go to the ocean and, depending on the size of the vessel you are carrying, that’s the amount of water you’re able to take away with you“.
Whenever somebody desires something, and do not get it, the obvious blame is put on the object/person from whom we are trying to grab the things. We are least bothered about our efforts and capabilities.
View CommentPowerful message. Thank u.
View Commenttruly inspirational!
View CommentSpiritual advancement should our singular focus, and we can learn this from great souls like Nityananda Baba and Swamiji.
Thank you Swamiji.
View CommentWonderful experience of
View CommentRadhanath Swami. We too can learn so much just by hearing it.
Radhanath Swami has learnt so much from all the saints that he came across in his journey to and within India which he so mercifully gives all of us. Thank you.
View CommentSpiritual process is surely like a rare diamond and therefore one has to go to a bona fide Guru who can tell the difference between the real one and its look alike.
View CommentSri Nityanand Baba was a genuine spirtually advanced personality, which is reflected from his behaviour.
View CommentThank you very much for sharing.
View CommentHe never encouraged material desires.
View CommentAmazing!
View CommentJust as an alcoholic Person want alcohol at particular time of day(night) any how. We should be so eager to chant Hare Krishna mantra in Morning hour any how.
View CommentNice article…..
View CommentVery powerful advice given by Nityananda Baba to Radhanath Swami here – that he should become as addicted to the holy name as a drunkard is to liquor!
View CommentRadhanath Swami has learnt so many lessons and realizations from various gurus and sages on his journey home.
View CommentThank you for sharing!
View CommentThank you very much.
View CommentNice.Thank You Radhanath Maharaj For Sharing.
View Comment