Meditations on The Journey Home – Lesson from Chapter 2
Inspirations from ‘The Journey Home ‐ Autobiography of an American Swami’
In the inner depths of the Himalayan forests, Richard met a powerful, well built, six foot tall yogi, dressed only in a loin cloth covering his groin. Mahavirdas Tat Walla Baba had left home as a child in search of God and since the age of sixteen lived in these caves. Years of rigorous, solitary meditation had given him supernatural powers. With the ability to read Richard’s mind, Tat Walla Baba spoke in a deep, compelling voice, addressing his deep concerns. The Baba spoke about maya, or illusion as forgetting our identity in relation to God. He explained we needn’t search for God everywhere. If we are sincere and call out to Him sincerely, He shall reveal to us in our own hearts. We may wander through the jungles our whole lives yet not find Him, because He resides in our heart, and if we can find Him there, we can see Him everywhere.
Radhanath Swami often narrates a story to drive home this point. Once a rich man left a huge treasure for his son, but he died before he could give it to his son. The son, on knowing that his father had left him a fortune, began a massive search. He searched the whole world but couldn’t find the treasure. Eventually he too became old, and died. His family members buried his dead body at the back yard of his house, and lo and behold what did they discover on digging the ground? The treasure!! He searched for it whole life, but it was lying at his own backyard. Similarly there is a huge treasure of love of God right in our hearts. However we search for it through more money, fame and material success. These ephemeral pursuits can never give us happiness. Tat Walla Baba cut through Richard’s selfish conditionings by his sword like words, “People are chasing after the temporary. Do you not see they are on the road to death?”
Almost all the Babas Richard met lived a simple life, satisfied with whatever Mother Nature provided. “He who is content is rich”, said the wise Lao Tzu. When we lead a God centered life, with a culture of prayer and service as the basic foundation, a sense of serenity fills our lives. The pushing of the restless mind to ‘get what I want, when I want’ is replaced by a desire to improve the quality of our offering to God. The mind’s primary function is to ‘like’ and ‘dislike’. Constant acceptance and rejection by the mind ensures we are never peaceful and happy. The connection to God however helps us ignore the various material allurements, and transcend the petty wrangling of the mind. How does this science of God connection work?
Radhanath Swami answers this beautifully, “A devotee practicing a God centered lifestyle fills his or her heart with loving remembrance of God. This absorption in chanting God’s holy names and hearing about God gives us an experience of spiritual happiness that helps one transcend the constant battering by the mind. To the extent we are connected to God, our happiness only increases with the passage of time, and simultaneously the craving for material possessions wanes away.”
Tat Walla Baba invited Richard to join him and spend the rest of his life in the caves. Richard thought deeply:
“His words reverberated in my mind while I pondered the seriousness of the decision I had to make. One morning, I came out of my meditation and thought: It would be a blessing to live under the guidance of such a holy man in this sanctified forest. Still, if I dedicate myself to following a guru, I should never disgrace him by changing my mind later in life. I wish to find a master and a path that I can dedicate my life to”.
Richard humbly declined, not because the Baba wasn’t qualified, but Richard wanted to be sure he wouldn’t disgrace his guru. Radhanath Swami shares his internal meditation, “The behavior of a disciple can be an ornament for, or a scar on the reputation of the spiritual master.”
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........
A disciple should be the true representative of the Guru , bring glory to the Guru & not infamy.Richard did the right thing by not committing himself to a path before he was 100 % sure.
View CommentH.H.Radhanath Swami is a wonderful example to mankind.
View CommentThe behavior of a disciple can be an ornament for, or a scar on the reputation of the spiritual master – this is a powerful statement and worth meditating on.
View CommentThe last sentence in the article is really has deep meaning and need to be taken seriously by every disciple taken the shelter of the lotus feet of his Guru…not only Guru but his disciple should also be qualified to never to bring disgrace to his Spiritual Master. Thank you Radhanath Swami Maharaj for this wonderful message and please bless all of us that we be an ornament and not an scar to reputation of our spiritual master.
View CommentH.H.Radhanath Swami has encountered several hurdles in his journey for The Absolute Truth. However, he has never looked back in his jouney. His determination is unparalleled. This book will bring more people closer to Krishna undoubtedly.
View CommentAnother wonderful story from HH Radhanath Swami. I was moved by HH Radhanath Swami’s thought process, that he did not wanted to bring wanted to bring disgrace to Guru. Such a humble position and great respect for saintly person. Wow. I am elated to read this. Thank you.
View Commentno doubt, radhanath swami is a born spiritual teacher, each and every activity he perfomed throughout his search for the ultimate truth and ultimately to HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada,it was a true and spontaneous decision that expressed his quality to be a special and a chosen one in the path of delivering his followers by guiding them to the true path of love of godhead, all thanks and all glories to my guru and krishna for giving radhanath swami to us,
View CommentThanks for sharing.
View CommentSo truly said by Radhanath Swami….How should a disciple behave so that spiritual master is satisfied in nicely described here.
View Commentthe last line of the article has a deep meaning. Only Radhanath Swami has the ability to make such strong statements in such sober and simple words.
View Commentgreat article, thanks for sharing with us.
View CommentRadhanath Swami shows such deep integrity and sincerity in his approach to reach and connect to God even in his early days – that is sometimes rare to acheive after spending years on the Spiritual path.
As Richard, he so deeply feels the need to seek shelter of a bonafide Spiritual master and at the same time ensures its not a matter to be taken lightly…
View CommentVery powerful statements by RADHANATH SWAMI, very inspiriational.
View CommentH.H.Radhanath Swami’s powerful statement “The behavior of a disciple can be an ornament for, or a scar on the reputation of the spiritual master” is so meaningful.
View CommentH.H.Radhanath Swami Maharaj shows how to approach Guru and please him by dedicating ourselves.
View CommentRadhanath Swami has experienced all major spiritual paths and is giving us the essence.
View CommentReally! Radhnath Swami has so nicely explained the Science of connection to God. “To the extent we are connected to God, our happiness only increases with the passage of time, and simultaneously the craving for material possessions wanes away”
View CommentThank You Radhanath Swami.
What an advanced spiritualist does and thinks others follow. Radhanath Swami shows the way regarding how to seriously meditate on accepting a spiritual master, and being true, loyal and faithful to him for the rest of his life. He is indicating that this acceptance is the MOST IMPORTANT SERVICE in our life.
View CommentAmazing! A man of his stature thinks that he doesnt want to bring disgrace to his Guru.All of us should imbibe this teaching of maharaj.
View CommentRadhanath Swami’s has nicely explained that if we wants to have happiness in our life then we have to make God centered lifestyle filled with prayer and service. Radhanath Swami’s desire for acceptance the Spiritual master is incredible that by being fully surrender and never disgrace his guru.
View CommentA wise thought provoking decision to be followed by anyone who is seriously seeking a guru for spiritual realisation
View CommentThe Story of lost treasure is really good. Really touch my heart.
View CommentWe are searching for happiness but in wrong things.
Radhanath swami’s jouney is so thrilling. he has underwent many experiences & he learnt lesson from them. Radhanth swami is teaching us also the same thing.
View CommentBhakti-source of happiness is there in our heart & we are searching happiness foolishly in this temporary world,like that person who was searching wealth in his backyard.
Radhanath swami is also teaching us by practical example how to surrender to Guru.
I read this book twice & i will still read it again. Amazing experience. we, Indians also do not know so much about Spiritual wealth that India possesses.
View CommentHare Krishna!
I read this book twice & i will still read it again. Amazing experience! we, Indians also do not know so much about Spiritual wealth that India possesses.
View CommentHare Krishna!
Radhnath Swami’s life reminds me of the quotation :
Lives of great men remind us
We can make our lives sublime
And departing leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time
Maharaj’s life is truly inspirational and he is leaving behind
View Commenthis foot prints to follow.
We can understand how important a disciple’s behavior is.
View Commentgreat insights. thanks for sharing
View CommentThanks for sharing
View CommentThis is a truely inspiring event in the life of Maharaj. Many cannot deceide if offered an option like that offered by that Tat wala Baba and probably might have accepted. But Radhanath Swamis consideration not to disgrace his guru when he finds the right guru is amazing. This shows that Lord has unique plans for his devotees. Thanks for sharing this.
View CommentThe Incident wherein the Sardar Customs Officer’s heart melts into allowing Maharaj entry into India is truly something that I cherish.
View CommentThanks for sharing, the last para. is really touching and inspiring, Hare Krishna.
View Commentamazing article..
View CommentSuch an insightful article !
View CommentGod reveals Himself to those who sincerely desire Him. Radhanath Swami also had a deep & sincere desire, which is why the Lord Himself directed him to go to India to attain spiritual perfection
View CommentBy following in the footsteps of great souls/self realized souls one can develop good qualities and as His Holiness
View CommentRadhanath Swami Maharaj says “The behavior of a disciple can be an ornament on the reputation of the spiritual master.”
Radhanath Swami is fortunate to get the association of self realized souls. It reminds me of Ramayan how Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman during the 14 years exile were taking the association of one saint after another.. Lord Rama was showing by his example how important it is to associate with great souls because we become what we associate with.
View CommentRadhanath Swami is so elevated and dedicated whole heartedly his life to His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.
View CommentOne day I hope I can imbibe this integrity of Radhanath Swami Maharaj about being 100% dedicated to his Guru. Radhanath Swami always took upon himself any decision, without blaming the other person.
View CommentRadhanath Swami maharaj is a wonderful example to mankind
View CommentWhat a beautiful pasttime. Peace of mind is linked to the extent of detachment from material possessions. Jia Srila Radhanath swami Maharaj.
View CommentMaharaj practices much more than what he preaches, this is his greatest quality
View CommentGreat article
View Comment“The behavior of a disciple can be an ornament for, or a scar on the reputation of the spiritual master” This quote by Radhanath Swami is this article is really touching.
View CommentMost revealing article.
View CommentExcellent article..thank you for sharing.it inspires me to read the book again…
View Comment“The behavior of a disciple can be an ornament for, or a scar on the reputation of the spiritual master.”
View CommentReally Inspiring & True…
Learned My Lesson Today.How one should live or behave.
This goes to show the seriuosness with which HH Radhanath Maharaj was searching for his GURU….let me never be a scar on the reputation of My Guru Maharaj.
View CommentWonderful experience of a wonderful person giving a wonderful message. Simply wonderful. Thanks fpor sharing such a wonderful inspiration.
View Commentvery inspiriational thanks maharaj
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