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.”
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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........
“The behavior of a disciple can be an ornament for, or a scar on the reputation of the spiritual master.” What a statement by Radhanath Swami Maharaj. A disciple can check all his activity to check if it is scar or ornamet. Simply amazing…
View CommentIn today’s world people want to find some Guru/Swami who can solve their so called problems which have nothing to do with spiritual progress, it’s only for securing their own comforts. Radhanath Swami is not that kind of spiritual swami, he ensures that the person understands the relationship with himself and god and carries out his worldly responsibilities with service to God.
View Comment“The behavior of a disciple can be an ornament for, or a scar on the reputation of the spiritual master.” Accepting a spiritual master is not a fashion or trend as is thought these days. HH Radhanath Swami Maharj has shown us how serious and sincere one should be while accepting Spiritual Master. And again One who is serious on the path of spirituality should deeply contemplate on this and modify his behavior so as to become an ornament on the reputation of the Spiritual Master.
View CommentHH Radhanath Swami Maharaj has shown this in his very life being an ornament to the reputation of HDG A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
HH Radhanath Swami teaches from his own realisations and simplicity, how to deal with great souls. Truly we can learn plenty of qualities from HH Radhanath Swami.
View CommentRadhanath Swami teaches to the world from his own story that the treasure of love of God does exixt and can be found if a person is sincere
View CommentRadhanath Swami is teaching by his personal experience the sincerity and commitment that requires while thinking of seeking genuine Spiritual Teacher.
View Commentvery true!!!
View Comment“The behavior of a disciple can be an ornament for, or a scar on the reputation of the spiritual master.”
A heartfelt and deep, heart touching statement. If one cannot become a diamond, atleast do not become a scar. I pary that I can deeply follow this througout my life. Thank you Maharaj for this wonderful lesson
View CommentAs Radhanath Swami very nicely explains, true happiness is the happiness within one self.
View CommentThankyou for sharing this
View CommentRadhanath Swami has really found true happiness. He always inspires all of us to find the same within our hearts “The love for the Lord”
View CommentRadhanath Swami was really very fortunate to have gotten teachings from many sincere gurus……finally Krishna gave him the crest jewel in Srila Prabhupada…..
View CommentRadhanath Maharaj is so clear in his thinking and he has been like that since he was so young. This story clearly brings that out. How many people at that age have such clarity ?
View CommentTHis book will definitely awaken dormant love of God in people who are searcing for a meaning , a purpose and the ultimate goal of life.
View CommentRadhanath Swami says that an easy way to control mind is to absorb it in the holy name and service of God. What an easy way out if one can follow the instruction given by him, because the mind is the cause of our distress in this world.
View CommentThis book is invaluable book. I request all of you as far as possible you distribute this book maximum people so that others also will be benefited. Thank you..
View CommentGod lies in our heart. We have to be genuine seekers and the lord directs us to genuine Guru like Radhanath Swami.
View CommentThank you Maharaj for teaching the importance of disciples behavior.
View CommentRadhanath Swami Maharaj took inspiration from many on his path to God-realization but he was very careful in making the decision of whom to accept spiritual master and follow for the rest of life. Amazing.
View CommentRadhanth swami – like a honey bee has collected nector from many fragrant spritualists
View CommentRadhanath Swami maharaj is such a kind of deciple who establishes the glory of his Guru. And he set an example how a deciple should be. Thank you very much for nice narration.
View Commentyes a disciple can be a scar or an ornament , hence it is responsibility of every disciple to be a god example for others also
View CommentTo lead is definitely a task loaded with responsibilities. However, Radhanath Swami illustrates by the recollection of his own thoughts from days bygone the responsibility of a person who decides to follow a able leader.
View CommentRadhanath Swami teaches through his personal conduct the demeanor of a perfect follower and a perfect leader.
To the extent we are connected to God the craving for material posessions wanes away. Its so very true.
View CommentThank you for sharing this article of Radhanath Swami.
View CommentRadhanath Swami has learnt so many things from various saints and we are so fortunate that we get those learnings in the form of Krishna Consciousness and without much labor.
View CommentNice article.
View CommentRadhanath Swami tells us how serious we should be in our spiritual life. Once we accept a guru, we should be careful not to disgrace him.
View CommentAmazing article.
View CommentI read so many books in my life. but this biography is really wonderful. Serious reader will understand the essence of spirituality from this illustrious book.
View CommentThank you so much for sharing.
View CommentRadhanath Swami’s experiences transform into a wealth of knowledge for all of us. Thank you Radhanath Swami.
View CommentYes, it is better to only accept a Guru after we are thoroughly convinced that we will dedicate ourself to following his teachings with all heart and soul.
View CommentHaribol!!!!
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