On their very first night at Luxembourg, Frank was robbed of all his money. Richard (now Radhanath Swami) and Gary were determined to stay on although they had little money. Richard had just twenty dollars of his own; he however had faith in the love and friendship of Gary and was happy to travel with no money. As they pondered on the mysteries that awaited them, Richard realized he had almost nothing but strangely he felt free and happy sitting on the bank of a canal or a river.
Radhanath Swami says it’s a strange world; “people lie, cry and die to make it big and earn money in this world and yet they are perpetually dissatisfied. On the other hand, a devotee of the Supreme Lord, even if he is poverty stricken, is happy and contented, for he carries the priceless wealth of devotion to Lord.”
Srimad Bhagavatam, the spiritual epic of India elaborates on the freedom that comes with a voluntary life of poverty. The Srimad Bhagavatam states, “When there are ample earthly flats to lie on, what is the necessity of cots and beds? When one can use his own arms, what is the necessity of a pillow? When one can use the palms of his hands, what is the necessity of varieties of utensils? When there is ample covering, or the skins of trees, what is the necessity of clothing?, Are there no torn clothes lying on the common road? Do the trees, which exist for maintaining others, no longer give alms in charity? Do the rivers, being dried up, no longer supply water to the thirsty? Are the caves of the mountains now closed, or, above all, does the Almighty Lord not protect the fully surrendered souls? Why then do the learned sages go to flatter those who are intoxicated by hard-earned wealth?” (Srimad Bhagavatam 2.2.4)
Is Srimad Bhagavatam throttling the human drive towards economic progress and instead encouraging a life of denial? “No”, says Radhanath Swami, “the scriptures do not recommend that we live on the street like the animals. However as compared to the animals humans are endowed with a reserve energy which should be used for self-realization.” Besides, Radhanath Swami also says that one who doesn’t seek to accumulate money but instead lives on whatever charity comes his way should lead a responsible life. He should not be a parasite to the society; rather he should provide spiritual training to the masses.
Radhanath Swami also says when a person lives in poverty searching after God, he should also be of the firm faith that God will take care of him. Quoting his own guru, Radhanath Swami highlights the role of faith in a spiritualist’s life, “When a human being relinquishes money and lives like a mendicant, he must be of firm faith and conviction that the Supreme Lord is the maintainer of all living beings everywhere in the universe. Why, then, would He neglect the maintenance of a surrendered soul who is cent percent engaged in the service of the Lord? A common master looks to the necessities of his servant, so how much more would the all-powerful, all-opulent Supreme Lord look after the necessities of life for a fully surrendered soul.”
As a young seeker, Radhanath Swami too depended on the grace of Lord who took care of him as he wandered through various cities and countries of this world. He had no money but the burning desire to know God kept him going. It’s a pity that for most people a spiritual goal is utopian whereas their monetary driven passions are reality. Radhanath Swami brilliantly exposes the futile endeavors of such misguided people, “The world is busy making plans to make life comfortable and secure although we can clearly see that life in this world is neither comfortable nor secure. Nor will we at any point of time be able to make life free from miseries. Instead intelligent people seek to make their spiritual foundation strong.”
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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........
Yes absolutly correct.A spiritualist should have a complete faith in Spureme Almighty that He will protect him at any cost.And in this way one can tell others about God/existence of God and make them aware of there eternal constitutional position as a servant of God.Thank you for sharing nice meditation on book of Radhanath Swami.
View CommentHe should not be a parasite to the society; rather he should provide spiritual training to the masses – this is a very great service done by saints such as Radhanath Swami – providing spiritual training to the masses
View CommentRadhanath Swami by his own example so nicely teaching us what is worth striving for in life.
View CommentH.H Radhanath Swami is teaching by his own example for what one should struggle in life. The experiences narrated in “The Journey Home” are so instructive.
View CommentAll Glories To H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj
What an profound but simple explanation of a template to live life. While we in cities are busy garnering more and more which at the end will not belong to us, should take to heart this lesson and make an sincere endeavor to live by it.
Hare Krishna
View CommentWhen Radhanath Swami speaks something, its the final conclusion of all spiritual wisdom.
View CommentRadhanath swami is surrendered soul.
View CommentIt takes a realized man like Radhanath Swami – brimming with compassion & love to say that people lie, cry and die to make it big and earn money in this world and yet they are perpetually dissatisfied. On the other hand, a devotee of the Supreme Lord, even if he is poverty stricken, is happy and contented, for he carries the priceless wealth of devotion to Lord.
View CommentThese statements in this article touched my heart:
View Comment– A devotee of the Supreme Lord, even if he is poverty stricken, is happy and contented, for he carries the priceless wealth of devotion to Lord
– When a person lives in poverty searching after God, he should also be of the firm faith that God will take care of him.
Thanks Swamiji for sharing your profound realisations.
If one takes shelter of the Lord with faith and love,Lord takes care of him.That is how great saints have lived their life.
View CommentAmazing article.
View CommentHuman intelligence is meant for self-realization, but sad it is that most of us still use it simply to get a sophisticated animal life. But as Radhanath Swami clarifies here, faith in the Supreme Lord, a simple living high thinking philosophy, is enough to sustain us in all happiness.
View CommentThank you very much for sharing the powerful words of Radhanath Swami “The world is busy making plans to make life comfortable and secure although we can clearly see that life in this world is neither comfortable nor secure. Nor will we at any point of time be able to make life free from miseries. Instead intelligent people seek to make their spiritual foundation strong.”
View CommentThank you Maharajah for reminding us that
View Comment“The world is busy making plans to make life comfortable and secure although we can clearly see that life in this world is neither comfortable nor secure. Nor will we at any point of time be able to make life free from miseries”
so true yet so hard to live it.
Radhanath Swami Maharaj explains complex things simply!
View CommentHH Radhanath Swami Maharaj himself shown an example of how lord takes care of fully surrendered souls.
It’s so inspiring example for fallen soul like us who are always busy in making future plans rather than surrendering ourselves to Krishna & fully depend upon him.
Radhanath Swami Maharaj ki jaiiiii.
View Commentvoluntary poverty is possible for mendicants but not for householders but they can use the principle of minimizing the unnecessary accumulation of things and wealth. Thank you for sharing .
View CommentMaharaj has practically lived the words he speak. Once some devotee told that we became sannyasi after coming to ISKCON. But Radhanath came to ISKCON as a sannyasi.
View CommentFor the real sadhus, embracing poverty comes naturally. For most of us, at least we can simplify our lives substantially—questioning our needs and desires constantly. In fact, if the world were to follow this principle, automatically the economic problems would disappear.
View CommentAusterity is voluntary acceptance of pain, which Maharaj embraces without any hesistation !! Purity comes with a price and Maharaj is priceless !!
View CommentDepending fully on the Lord makes life very exciting.
View CommentHere Radhanath Swami wonderfully exposes the futility of all endeavors for economic progress, and instead advises to focus on strengthening the spiritual foundations.
View CommentRadhanath swami having very steady faith on supreme personality of Godhead.
View CommentRadhanath Swami also says when a person lives in poverty searching after God, he should also be of the firm faith that God will take care of him.
This is very important to have the faith in God, otherwise one can’t live simply depending on God for long time.
View Commentwonderful article and a must read for all, thank you Maharaj for such insights and knowledge to know and understand the importance of existence in our lives, haribol, bhakti
View CommentHHRNSM is conveying a very strong view in the statement that says ” When a common master looks into the necessities of his servant, so how much more the all powerful and the all opulent the Supreme Lord himself would look after the necessities of the life of a fully surrendered soul”, its such a deep realization which is beyond the understanding of a person, thank you Maharaj, haribol, rajesh karia
View CommentNice one.
View CommentAmazing article on Radhanath Swami. He is a pure devotee of the Lord and is encouraging people to take shelter at the lotus feet of Lord. By this grand shelter only one can become peaceful in this material world, otherwise it is not possible.
View CommentThanks for sharing.
View CommentVery encouraging article…thanks
View Commentgreat experience and great teachings from radhanth swami to his followers and to the true spiritual seekers,
View CommentWhat a liberating lesson to learn and apply in our lives. Radhanath Swami is teaching an invaluable lesson: to question and distinguish need and greed.
View CommentThank you for sharing
View Comment“people lie, cry and die to make it big and earn money in this world and yet they are perpetually dissatisfied. On the other hand, a devotee of the Supreme Lord, even if he is poverty stricken, is happy and contented, for he carries the priceless wealth of devotion to Lord.”
View Commentwonderfully said by Maharaj.
Radhanath Swami Maharaj is so renounced!
View CommentThe idea of making the spiritual foundation strong is revolutionary and wonderful. Thank you Maharaj for sharing this.
View CommentMaharaj’s words of wisdom cut the deep material attachments which we may never have even thought to be material.
View CommentFor many of us – we seek all our security and comfort in the accumulations we have done in this world.
However the deep reality is that leads to more anxiety/miseries. We have no other way to get out then to hear/see examples of great souls like Radhanath Swami – who has lived for decades practising higher principles of loving service and dependence on the Lord. Thus can help us to move slowly from complete selfishness to selfless service to God – from a world of ever increasing shortages to a world of abundance…
View CommentRadhanath Swami and his Gurumaharaj Srila Parabhupad could do whatever they have achieved only because of their firm faith on th Lord.We pray at their lotus feet, so that some day we too can be infused with that faith and live a life of complete surrender.
View CommentRadhanath Swami is teaching by his own example. A spiritualist should have a complete faith in Spureme Lord He will definately protect.
View CommentThanks for sharing such a wonderful article.
View CommentMaharaj, your teachings are of a high level. I sincerely pray we can imbibe some of the teachings you have given and continue to give. Radhe Radhe !!
View CommentVery wonderfully Radhanath Swami has explained the futile nature of comfort in this world, hence leading everyone to make their spiritual foundation strong instead.
View CommentMaharaj has very nicely exposed the true reality of leading a life of purity in searching for God irrespective of material possessions. Thank you for sharing such a wondeful meditation.
View CommentA life of material poverty and spiritual riches is what would endear us to the all-loving GOD. Radhanath Swami has put this principle in practice, and inspires countless to do so.
View CommentRadhanath Swami and his students who live in the temple have no money of their own, however they are most blissful !
View CommentTrue! Materialistic persons like us are always engaged in the endeavour to acumulate more and more wealth which is temporary and not at all satisfying to the heart.Whereas great saints like Radhanath are always engaged in earning eternal wealth thru service to Supreme Lord and his devotees.
View CommentRadhanath Swami demonstrates how true poverty helps us depend on the Lord completely.
View CommentRadhanath Swami demonstrates how true poverty helps us depend on the Lord completely.
View Commentwhat an example !!!
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