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Compassion

Radhanath Swami’s Disciple Shila

I was visiting Baroda, when one night I received a call from Mumbai, “Shila is very sick and is admitted in the hospital.” Pressing engagements held me from visiting her. Three days later another phone call informed me of her death. I buried my head in my hands, grief-stricken.

Shila loved Bhakti Yoga, and I was her spiritual guide. Lately, inspired by Radhanath Swami’s life and teachings, she had expressed her desire to accept formal vows of initiation from him. Since I knew Radhanath Swami well, I had dutifully forwarded her photo and her request-letter to him. Now in the Himalayan town of Hrishikesh, Radhanath Swami was reviewing the thousands of initiation requests he had received, for as soon as he returned to Mumbai he planned to award initiations. Sitting alone in Baroda, my soul cried thinking of Shila’s unfulfilled desire.

Caught-up in pressing responsibilities at Baroda, I knew I couldn’t make it even to Shila’s funeral ceremony. Hurriedly I called a few acquaintances in Mumbai to ensure her last rites went as per the Vedic protocol, for her better afterlife.

Two weeks later I returned to Mumbai. One day as I conversed with Gaur Gopal Prabhu, a close associate of Radhanath Swami, the topic came to Shila. He exclaimed, “Yes! Shila! While we were at Hrishikesh, Radhanath Swami put her photo on the altar and requested all of us to sing Kirtan for the benefit of her departed soul.” I was cast into mixed emotions of joy and wonder.

How unfathomable is Lord Krishna’s affection for his devotees! One acquaintance in Mumbai I earlier called from Baroda had rung Gaur Gopal Prabhu in Hrishikesh to ask details of authentic funeral rites. Later that day Gaur Gopal prabhu mentioned in passing to Radhanath Swami that a lady named Shila who aspired initiation from him had departed. Radhanath Swami frantically searched for Shila’s photo from the trunk-load of initiation requests he had received, and arranged for a Kirtan in her memory. And in that kirtan Radhanath Swami poured out his affection for his disciple—whom he had never accepted formally, nor met personally.

–Dr. Bhaskar Hosangadi

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197 replies on “Radhanath Swami’s Disciple Shila”

Radhanath Swami’s compassion and his love is unlimited.Reading this incident brouhgt tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing.

Many thanks for sharing this heart-felt incident. It speaks of the love and care that Radhanath swami has for everyone, what to speak of his students.

This narration of Shila’s sincerity as a disciple that led her to her sincere guru brings tears to one’s eyes.

Radhanath Swami always try to please all the souls … amazing personality he is… he understands only the words of hearts…

Shila is indeed very fortunate because her spiritual master accepted her. All glories to Radhanath Maharaj! All glories to the devotees! The devotees are indeed most merciful. The counselor gave Maharaj the request for initiation, he also called some devotees in Mumbai to ensure proper last rites, they in turn informwed Gaur Gopal Prabhu & he informed Maharaj. Amazing how the mercy flows!

thank you prabhu for posting this article,radhanath swami is, no doubt, a pure and sincere representative chosen by the god himself for guiding the fallen and the conditioned souls who all are in need and search of true love of godhead,

So wonderfully proves the ever flowing mercy of Krsna and His dear devotees. If we sincerely engage in devotional service, Krsna ensures we receive the mercy!

This is the real compassion. HH Radhanath Swami has an unlimited causeless mercy towards his disciples and all living entities.

This incident shows how a sincere disciple achieves the grace of his guru by the transcendental arrangement of the lord inspite of physical seperation. I am greatly inspired to read this touching article!

Its very touching to heart. Thank you for sharing.Maharaj is very personal with all his disciple and caring.

how can we know God but through His chosen representatives. we are indeed fortunate to have a spiritual master as Radhanath swami maharaj to lead us in the correct path.

Thank you very much Radhanath Swamiji for wonderful example of showering causeless mercy on all of us.

Thank you very mch Prabhuji for sharing a nice experience of how HH Radhanath Swami lives very close to the hearts of his disciples.

Spiritual relationships are beyond material barriers. Guru and hie grace. thank you very much for sharing.

Shila is a very fortunate soul. The devotees are very merciful. The counselor gave Maharaj the request for initiation and also called devotees in Mumbai to ensure proper last rites. They in turn informwed H.G Gaur Gopal Prabhu & he has informed Maharaj. It is amazing to know how the mercy flows.

If your desire is genuine, things will surely happen to be positive. Yes HH Radhanath Swami care for each and every individual as he consider everyone as part & Parcel of Supreme lord..HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj ki Jai

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