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
197 replies on “Radhanath Swami’s Disciple Shila”
Ways of spiritual world is so inconceivable.
Wonderful
A Spiritual Master is so compassionate to all, even to aspiring disciples. Thank you for sharing this article.
This shows how Radhanath swami loves his disciples. Thank you for sharing this story.
Such is the compassion of great souls and the nature of guru-disciple relation ship
This is an indication of eternal relation with guru and his aspiring disciple.
this is tear-jerking.
thank you very much for sharing this heart touching incident about Radhanath swami, how much importance Radhanath swami gives to any one who wants to sincerely take shelter of krsna.
Very touching article, thanks for sharing it.
Radhanath Swami Mahraj ki jai
What a beautiful experience……Shila got love of her eternal father & guru – Srila Radhanath Swami……..
Radhanath Maharaj ki Jay!!!! Such a touching story and amazing compassion Radhanath Swami has….
ways of spiritual reciprocation are unimaginable
Radhanath Swami’s mercy is always flowing for everyone
This is compassionate nature of Gurudev and hope we can continue with loyalty & determination to serve his mission and to attract his mercy.
Heart touching to read about Radhanath Swami’s love and compassion for people whom he has never even met. Unbelievable!
this shows how truly compassionate viashnavas are.
so touching…
All Glories To H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj
This only goes on to show how much is Maharaj concerned about every person whether he’s met him or not, . This compassion for somebody irrespective of whether his identity is known to us or not can only come from a spiritually advanced person of Maharaj’s ilk.
Hare Krishna.
thanks for sharing. very nice!
Hare Krishna, Radhanath Maharaj gives a special position to all his disciples and really cares for them. Hari bol
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. Srila Gurudev ki Jai!!
Thankyou for posting! Radhanath Swami is so compassionate and caring!!
thanks for sharig this wonderful story….
This is such a touching and astonishing story. Incidents such as this prove time and again that Krishna is all merciful and one can never imagine the extents to which He can go rescue his sincere devotees.
Maharaj is an ocean of compassion
This is very touching article.But Shila was very lucky because Radhanath swami personally arranged kirthan for the peace of departed soul.Very touching article.All glories to Radhanath swai
a heart wrenching episode,I’m really toched
This incident brings tears to the eyes to see Radhanath Swami’s commitment to his disciples.
This is such a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful tale. Haribol!
Heart touching
A pure devotees compassion is truly Amazing
This reveals the magnanimous relationship between Spiritual Master and his Disciple. Guru’s duty to take care of his Disciple and Disciple’s duty to please his/her Guru. All glories to HH Radhanatha swami Maharaja.
Very touching incident of a relationship between a Spiritual Master & a Disciple ! yasya prasada bhagavd prasado…
Radhanath Swami cares for each soul who has surrendered to him so genuinely!
Maharaj is so compassionate.
heart touching.
This is very touching.
thank you very much for sharing.
Our prayers to the Godsister we will never meet.
Radhanath Maharaj’s life is full of such incidents which express His unconditional love for each and every living entity, what to talk of an aspiring disciple!!!!!!!!
The spiritual Master who is true representative of the God is always perfect and knows inner feelings of his disciples.In shila’s case though HH.Radhanath Swamiji was not in Mumbai,she got one hundred percent benefit because the eagerness in which Swamiji want to serve humanity.Thank you very much for sharing this incident with us.
Radhanath Swami’s compassion and humility are beyond words.
real compassion!
very heart touching…
Very touching message.
thanks for sharing
Very Heart touching !! It clearly shows the eternal relationship of Guru-Shishya.
Very touching and inspiring to see the love & care. All glories to Radhanath Swami and team.
a touching article. Radhanath swami is so personal when it comes to dealings with devotees especially