Radhanath Swami’s Encroachment
By admin on November 13, 2010 | Category: Compassion | Tags: Bhakti Yoga, Radhanath Swami | 128 CommentsI darted over to Radhanath Swami’s room. There he was sitting, conversing with another devotee. I prostrated myself at Radhanath Swami’s feet and asked for his blessings to leave. “I am going. Now onwards I will come only on very special occasions,” I said. Radhanath shook his head in approval. Next moment, I was out of the room.
Once out, I climbed down the staircase and briskly walked along the courtyard to reach the gate of Radhagopinath Temple. Then stepping out into a narrow alley, I headed towards the bustling main street. All along I struggled to be resilient, but to no avail; I was burnt out by forceful sermons, and badly. I loved the temple, I loved Radhanath Swami, I loved the Hare Krishna mantra, I loved most practices of Bhakti Yoga, but I hated anyone encroaching on my free will. And a few devotees at the temple, I felt, did that with me. Now enough of it, I had decided; I couldn’t take it anymore. As I called for a taxi, I found in my heart no inclination to return.
Suddenly, from behind, I could hear screams, “Ashok, Ashok.” I turned around. Running up to me, a monk panted, “Radhanath Swami wants to have a word with you before you leave. He is waiting for you at the gate.” Straining my sight, I made out the frail figure of Radhanath Swami standing at the gate. How could I turn a deaf ear to his request? Escorted by the monk, I marched back through the alley.
As I drew closer to the gate, I could read concern written on Radhanath Swami’s face—in bold. It was an unforgettable visage.
Minutes later, I was sitting in Radhanath Swami’s room, and he sat facing me across a table. I learnt from him that at first he hadn’t registered what I had said after darting into his room. After I had stormed out, the devotee who had been conversing with him explained to him what I had meant. Immediately, Radhanath Swami had sprung up from his seat to stop me.
Now, he wanted to know why I was distraught. When I opened my heart, his expression soured with disgust. He didn’t like pressurizing anyone to do anything, nor did he like anyone in the temple do that; free will was the pivot on which bhakti, pure love for God, revolved.
We conversed from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. All along he appreciated my sincerity on the spiritual path, and encouraged me to continue in all enthusiasm. He heard all my difficulties at the temple, and with the tenderness of a loving father, provided solutions from his mature understanding. Towards the end, he wrenched my heart off my chest, “Ashok, do you love me?” With emotion climbing in my throat, I said, “yes.” “You promise me that you won’t stop coming here,” he pleaded. I nodded. But he wasn’t satisfied. Clasping my hands, he brought me in front of the holy altar. Its doors were closed, as deities of Radha and Krishna were put to rest for the night. Still, he demanded in love, “Here, promise me that you won’t stop coming to the temple.” With tears brimming in my eyes I gave him my promise.
That was 22 years ago. Now, looking back, I wonder—that night, hadn’t Radhanath Swami also encroached on my free will?! He had, but that was an encroachment of love, something that the heart burns for, rather than burns out with.
And before I end, one more thing. Over the years, the congregation has grown in maturity. Now, following in the footsteps of Radhanath Swami, no one resorts to force while teaching bhakti yoga.
–Ashok Parikh
Aishwarya
Radhanath Swami is sensitively and maturely deals with each one.
N Swaminathan
Twenty years ago!! Isn’t this enough to convince everyone that this is the family we want to be a part of and never part with?
Acyuta Mohana Das
Thank you dear Ashok prabhu for sharing this very-very touching incident of how Radhanath Maharaja showered his love upon you. Maharaja is such a person whose love for Krishna expands into love for every living entity, specially Srila Prabhupada’s devotees.
Yogita Jagannathan
Thank you for sharing such wonderful pastimes all senior devotees have had with Radhanath Swami Maharaj. They give us; budding spiritualists; an insight into and a taste of Maharaj’s love for all devotees and his acute concern that not even a single soul, who has come to the shelter of the Lord, must leave in anguish.
Kuldeep Soni
Thank you very much for sharing such heart melting experience with Radhanath swami.
Ketan Pendse
Thank you for sharing this experience….Even with one glance from Radhanath Maharaj person is motivated spiritually… what about getting personal attention of Maharaj for about 3 hours….
gaur gopal das
Dedication to one’s spiritual path comes so natural when great souls like Radhanath Swami are there by the side to protect, guide and inspire.
Shyam Pandey
Very encouraging
Mirpuri Suresh Vashdev
A Glance From Maharaj when he was in Ahmedabad for GBC meeting was sufficient for me to accept him as my Spiritual master. A Glance which has totally changed my Life. Ashok Pr., thanks for sharing this incident with us. U are very fortunate to get maharaj’s association for 4 hours. Please pray for us that we continue to get Maharaj’s association.
Rajesh
thanks for sharing
Kavesh
Thank you Ashok Pr for Sharing this wonderful Experience.
shreekanth
over a period of time Radhanath swami has encroached upon the hearts of many people and the result is the growing congregation of SRGN bhakta samaj……..
Milind M Churi
Radhanath Swami loved every one irespective of one’s qualifications.He is a genuine spiritual leader.When he deals with devotees he sees them through.Therefore his real compassion for all of us is always appealing.Thank you for sharing such experience with Radhanath Swami.
Kajal Gandhi
What a heart rendering experience! THank u for sharing this …
Sanjiv Chandnani
My God. This is simply amazing
saurabh
this is very inspiring how much Radhanath Swami love each and everyone of the fellow devotees. His genuine concern for all of us is the force which keeps everyone going enthusiastic in KC. Thank you Radhanath Swami Maharaj.
Manasa
Thank you very much for sharing. Radhanath Swami’s love and affection for everyone
Sunil Jha
THanks Prabhu for sharing such an wounderful realization. Its true , Radhanath Swami really care for each and everyone one…
Radhanath Swami maharaj ki jai…
Deepali Boradia
Amazing incident which just goes to show that Radhanath Swami really cares for each and every indiviual soul coming into the temple.
mukund
Radhanath swami has the ability to change a person’s life
brad
thank you ashok for this heart melting incident. very inspiring!
anjanadri
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful and touching story about Radhanath swami’s early days at the Radha Gopinath temple.
Shikhar Jain
No one would object to this encroachment of love.
Sashi
Thsnk you for such a beautiful and heart melting story.
Arjun K Ramachandra
Thank you very very much for sharing such heart melting experience with Radhanath swami. I am left speechless and crying to see the concern which great souls like Radhanath Swami have for every single soul!
Tushar Gaikwad
Such a touching experience. It shows a mature, sensitive personality that Radhanath swami is.
Y.Raja Shekar
Fantastic way of handling the emotions of people by Radhanath Swami. We all are ready to surrender to that forceful love of Radhanath Swami which has no bounds and we would like to be encroached by Radhanatah Swami eternally. Thank you for sharing such a nice incident.
Priyanka
Thank you very much for sharing one more incidence of loving Radhanath Swami!!!
Neha Karvir
Simply touching !
madhura
Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience.
T.Sita Ramaiah
H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj is very sensitive to others.
sharda gokarn
Maharaj is concerned for each and individual soul who is coming to the temple. Thnak u for sharing.
vani
Radhanath Swami reciprocates according to one’s feelings & emotions.
anurag pandey
By his humble nature he has one everyone’s heart. Best thing is that he knows what to do at what time to attract the devotees.
prashant v
this emotional incident is a gimps of HH Radhanath swami’s over flooding love and concern for each and every soul.
Rasamrita Das
Dear Anand Vrindavan Prabhu,
pamho agsp
Thank you for sharing this with the world. I had personally heard this story from you long back and believe me, once again, while reading, I was in tears.
Please share more nectar, please.
Thank you very much.
ys Rasamrita Das
rajesh karia
a very heart touching experience of HHRM’s selfless love for the comfort of each and every devotee, haribol, rajesh karia
bhakti karia
beautiful experience, thanks for sharing it with all of us, very emotional and encouraging, haribol, bhakti
Vidya Patham
Thank you for sharing this experience you had with Radhanath Swami.
sagar kumar behera
Radhanath Swami is so loving, compassionate & sincerely concerned about others’ spiritual life.
Jagdish Majethiya
Very touching and inspiring too – Thanks a lot Prabhuji for sharing this very special realization with HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj.
Siddharth
Thank you for sharing this wonderful incident & realization that shows how much radhanath swami cares for & loves everyone
NAWAL SOOD
YHANK YOU FOR SHARING
umesh
A very special incidence with Radhanath Swami Maharaj. How much he cares for everyone and never wants to force upon their free will. Mesmerizing quality of a leader.
Uday
Very imotionally charged experience.Shows how much Radhanath Swami loves and considers each member of the Radha Gopinath congregation so important.It is an amazing quality rarely seen in this world today.
vishvesh
Its a touching article.It reflects the heart of any devotee who would feel in the beginning of his journey in Bhakti yoga.It also shows the holy bond between the guru and his follower.
bipin
All Glories To H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj
How could Maharaj let one Devotee sever from the temple ties. Thats the preaching of Maharaj. A very beautiful experience.
Hare Krishna
hrishikesh
Maharaj dosen’t allow a single devotee to leave the temple.This shows his compassionate nature towards the human society.
Servant
His Holiness Radhanath Swami’s Love towards everyone is beyond boundaries.
T.Sita Ramaiah
Thank you very much for sharing this. H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj is so compassionate to every one.