While we savored Bhakti Yoga during our stay at the monastery in Mumbai, we developed a deep longing to share that experience with others. Prodded by fellow feelings, the three of us, all Americans, first wanted to reach out to our countrymen touring Mumbai. We decided to visit a neighborhood tourist trap, Colaba. But first, we sought blessings from Radhanath Swami.
Radhanath Swami’s eyes gleamed with joy seeing us exuberant to share the gifts we received, for sharing one’s joy with others is the heart of spirituality. He exclaimed, “The three of you remind me of the trio—Srinivas Acharya, Narottam Das Thakur, and Shyamananda Pandit!”
Encouraged, we smiled from ear to ear. These were names of renowned saints of the seventeenth century who pioneered the spreading of Lord Chaitanya’s school of Bhakti Yoga.
Speaking of the philosophy and glories of Bhakti was exhilarating. But disinterested responses demoralized us. Our minds would then find a sanctuary in Radhanath Swami’s encouraging words, and that helped us go on with renewed enthusiasm.
Gradually, we started finding interested people. While on one hand it boosted our confidence, on the other we began to imagine halos around our heads; we now felt like messiahs.
When one brother flew to America to resume his duties there, the two of us went to Radhnath Swami. “Narrottama Das Thakur has left,” I said, remembering Radhanath Swami’s comparison of the renowned trio with our trio. Implicitly it meant we were indeed of the caliber of Srinivas Acharya and Shyamananda Pandit.
“Seeing the two of you now, I am somehow reminded of Jagai and Madhai,” Radhanath Swami’s body rocked with laughter. He had punctured our egos in split seconds. Jagai and Madhai were renowned criminals of sixteenth century India who were eventually delivered by the benevolent Lord Chaitanya. Of course, he didn’t mean we were criminals. But through his lambent wit he conveyed that we weren’t as holy as we felt we were.
Both enthusiasm and humility are pillars of bhakti yoga, and he knew which needed support when, and how to administer that support.
–Jean Paul
127 replies on “Radhanath Swami’s Balancing Wit”
Radhanath Swami is most concerned about how one develops in his life spiritually and accordingly responds according to the individuals need, here again he expertly while encouraging also provides caution in his unique way ,so as there is no fall down
Even the casual jokes of Radhanath Swami are so loving and sweet that one totally gets defeated, yet feels great bliss. True, such a saintly person like Radhanath Swami is very rare today.
Radhanath Swami is a great spiritualist with a great sense of humour and he uses it very effectively to encourage us or to bring us back to earth.
whether saint or criminal both comments inspired you and helped in your spiritual progress. this is a hallmark of a great saint whose every word and action results in good.
great sense of humor with a great message!
Radhanath Swami wit is as spiritual as the rest of his attributes
All Glories To H.H.Radhanath Swami Maharaj
Amazing experience. Thank you Prabhuji for sharing this really wonderful experience.
Hare Krishna
Radhanath Swami always takes utmost care that his students are developing the right qualities/attitude to progress in spiritual life. He thus guides them according to their state of development.Thank you Radhanath Swami
very nice message, thanks for sharing, regards, bhakti
nice humor, thanks for posting the article, rajesh karia
very nice.thank you
Radhanath Swami is simply amazing!!!
Radhanath Swami is like an expert physician who knows which medicine needs to be administered at what time
Radhanath Swami is such an exalted personality – still does not lose a chance to encourage his students. However he is always grounded strongly on the platform of humility and teaches the same to his students
Radhanath Swami knows how to encourage and how to keep humble. Ultimate purpose is to take one closer to God
very inspiring
Radhanath Swami is amazing.He really knows to do the right things at the right time.
Radhanath Swami knows very well what comparison to make in a particular situation without inflating the ego of other person unnecesarily.
Very funny, at the same time very instructive. Radhanath Swami is a true Spiritual Guide.
Superb balancing act by Radhanath Swami !!!
Thanks for sharing
Radhanath Swami knows what needs to be done
I wonder how Radhanath Swami can so perfectly read minds…..
Balancing is key in life and Radhanath Maharaj balances his disciples ego so well through his preaching.
Radhanath Swami does everything in such a graceful manner – not hurting anyone but correcting at the same time.
very sweet pastime:)
Really true. With out humilityu we can never advance in any spiritual path.
Great humour by Radhanath Swami!
thank you for sharing your experience with Radhanath swami…..
Radhanath swami is a true leader who knows when to cajole and when and how to correct
The spiritual master knows everything. Radhanath Swami knows when his disciples need encouragement and when there is danger of getting puffed up, he bursts the balloon of false ego. But he does this very gracefully, without hurting and the incident leaves fond memories.
Radhanath Swami’s unparalleled spiritual humor!
very nicely balanced by HHRM, thanks for posting this wonderful article, bhakti
its very amazing how HHRM balances every aspect of devotees and pleases them so that they realise their abilities, Maharaj ki jai, rajesh karia
very nice teaching
Radhanth Swami is very quick in answering on certain occasions and his answers has big relevance.Thank you for sharing.
Radhanath Swami is like an expert surgeon who knows where and when to cut and also how to encourage the patient in a way that helps him recover soon.
Wonderful experience. Thanks for sharing.
wonderful,thank you
Really balanced,…with humor..
Radhanath Swami is an expert in recognizing the heart of his students.
Radhanath Swami expertly motivates, guides, counsels and chastises while cracking jokes all the while. he is incomparable.
Radhanath Swami understands the heart of every body. It is the ultimate beenfit of every one of us which Radhanath Swami is always worried about, Both the instructions and chastisement of Radhanath swami evoke so much humor that no body minds and at the same time spiritually enlivened with humulity and enthusiasm.
this is very nice..thank you Maharaj
so shweet and humorous indeed:)
Very nice article.
thanks for sharing this beautiful story
Thanks for sharing this wonderful article by Radhanath swami. Nectarine experience guided expertly by Radhanath swami.
This is brilliant. Only Radhanath Swami has the capacity to teach in such a humorous way!
Its true that Swami ji knows excatly what we need and what time. Swami ji is always our well wisher
Maharaj has his own ways to teach us the lessons in our life. Great sense of humour with perfect timings and witty answers.