Richard travelled to the Himalayan town of Dharmasala in Himachal Pradesh. High on a mountain ridge above Dharmasala reigned McLeod Ganja, Tibetan refugee camp and the home to the Dalai Lama of Tibet. After the Chinese military invasion in 1950, Tibet was torn to bitter agitation and violence. On the insistence of his people who feared for his life, Dalai Lama escaped in the guise of a soldier. Dalai Lama’s story of exile and intense hardship to serve his people inspired Richard to seek an audience with him. Richard was also struck by the incredibly friendly nature of the people of McLeod Ganja, and their love and honor for the Dalai Lama.
Dalai Lama explained to Richard that the universal quality of religion is compassion to other living beings. To sacrifice for the good of others is true Dharma. Richard could see the immense sacrifice he extended for his people and the virtue of selfless service was becoming more prominent in Richard’s mind. Richard also learnt from him that in order to endure incomprehensible challenges and obstacles in life as the Dalai Lama faced, one needs to practice regular meditation, study and worship. These spiritual practices give us the inner strength to face hardships.
Radhanath Swami also emphasizes on these two principles of sacrifice and prayers that help develop purity. The strength to sacrifice for the welfare of others comes by cultivating purity of thought through disciplined spiritual practices. “Before we can save the drowning person, we must become proficient swimmers ourselves. If we sincerely practice the tenets of genuine spirituality, our words and example will carry purity. This will then have a powerful impact on those whom we seek to serve” says Radhanath Swami. Sacrifice is an essential element in the life of a spiritualist. Radhanath Swami compares a spiritual seeker to a candle. Just as a candle burns itself to spread light, a compassionate messenger of God’s love sacrifices his body, mind and words to serve others.
I witnessed an example of this during a pilgrimage to South India in 2005. Under Radhanath Swami’s spiritual leadership a group of three thousand men and women visited different holy places. Radhanath Swami extended himself to give talks, sing kirtans, and meet different members. On the last day, Radhanath Swami was exhausted and had a high fever even as he sang the final kirtan for over two hours. Later the younger students of Radhanath Swami were extending their stay in South India for two more days. Radhanath Swami had earlier promised them that he would be there for these two days special retreat. However considering his ill health, the members suggested he take rest and go back to Bombay. He insisted on coming, but after much pressure relented and returned to Bombay. His exhaustion took a heavy toll on his health as he collapsed at the airport, and slept on the reclining seat while driving back to temple from the airport. However on returning to the centre, he once again got up cheerfully, met all the guests and visitors who wanted an audience with him. His meetings went beyond eleven at night. The next morning Radhanath Swami was up for the morning services by five. His tremendous ability to push himself beyond human ability for serving and pleasing others has touched the hearts of many, and inspired a seed of desire to serve, sprout in my own heart.
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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........
sacrifice is unavoidable part of life
View CommentThank you for sharing this wonderful meditation from The Journey Home . Radhanath Swami’s mood is like that of his spiritual master – Bhaktivedanta swami Srila Prabhupada who extended himself fully for upliftment of the people .
View CommentMaharaj pushes himself to the great extend …so he could serve devotees.
View CommentI like very much one thing which Radhanath Swami has highlighted is that sacrifice and prayers for others will help one to purify himself.
View CommentThis is amazing. Only a true spiritualist who has dedicated his life to serving God and His devotees, will be empowered by the Lord with such abilities.
View CommentVery Inspiring – Radhanath Swami Maharaj is indeed a compassionate messenger of God’s love and is sacrificing his body, mind and words to serve others.
View CommentHHRM is very compassionate and goes to every extent to serve others and a strong messenger of the lord himself, JAI, bhakti
View Comment” when the lord gives you an order, along with it comes the power to fulfill it if we take shelter” – HHRM, Maharaj ki Jai, rajesh karia
View CommentI remember this yatra. While we were exhausted from just having to sit and hear classes, Maharaj was taking so much time out till late into the night to prepare lectures and motivate all of us. He does this for every yatra. Thank you for posting this article and reminding me to be grateful yet again to Maharaj.
View CommentThank You for sharing this. Time and again His Holiness Radhanath Swami has taught us the principle of sacrifice, by his own practice.
View CommentVery much inspiring event. Krishna is really taking care of Radhanath Swami as he wants to serve others profoundly. All glories to Radhanath Swami.
View Commentwonderful,thank you for the article
View CommentAmazing thing about Radhanath Swami is that he not only learns lessons from grate persons whom he meets but also he makes sure that he himself follows it in his own life. The incident from South India tour is one example of this. His behavior is truly exemplary. Thanks for sharing.
View CommentAmazing realization!
View CommentHare Krsna !!!
View CommentPAMHO to everyone of u…
H.H.Radhanath Swami Maharaj’s have unbeleivable qualities…
For which nobody can exhibit such high qualities…!!!
Such a practical teaching by maharaj on how 1st we have to purify our thoughts by siritual practices to genuinely develop spirit of helping oters
View Commenttwo principles of sacrifice and prayers that help develop purity- H H Radhanath Swami- very nice
View CommentThanx for sharing
View CommentThank you so much for nice points on sacrifise and prayers. Radhanath Swami is a true example for that.
View CommentA profound statement from Radhanath swami-“The strength to sacrifice for the welfare of others comes by cultivating purity of thought through disciplined spiritual practices. “Before we can save the drowning person, we must become proficient swimmers ourselves.”
View Commentits really difficult to sacrifice for others in these days…..
View CommentHH Radhanath swami’s is really a true example of sacrifing for others…
Radhanath Swami has himself sacrificed his comfortable life to live like an ascetic and mendicant. He tolerated all hardships, unbelievable to the common man. In becoming Radhanath Swami, he has paid a price no ordinary man can think of. Radhanath Swami, thank you very much for being Radhanath Swami.
View CommentBefore we can save the drowning person, we must become proficient swimmers ourselves.
View CommentVery True
Maharaj has immense spiritual strength to support his endeavours.His will-power and determination of his younger days has not faded with time.He practices his devotional life in a disciplined way.
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View Commentwoderful, Very nice point on Sacrifice & Prayers. Action speaks louder then the words!!! Radhanath maharaja’s every action speaks so much……… Haribol……
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