It was 22 November 2004, Vrindavan, India. The Fogla Ashram Guesthouse, where I stayed, had swarmed with Radhanath Swami’s followers for the past two weeks. Now the pilgrimage was over and only Radhanath Swami and his personal entourage—Nityananda, Sri Krishna Chaitanya, Vasudev and I—stayed back. Radhanath Swami was now recovering from his extreme exhaustion; being the pilgrimage guide for four thousand, he had been over-stretching himself.
As noon approached, Radhanath Swami drove off to Radha Gokulanand Temple along with Nityananda and Sri Krishna Chaitanya, for lunch. It was in response to a loving invitation from the head-priest Nitai Prabhu, who knew Radhanath Swami since the early 70s when Radhanath Swami had first visited Vrindavan. Nityananda, the acting secretary of Radhanath Swami, had earlier asked Vasudev and me if we too wanted to join in for the lunch. But since Radhanath Swami hadn’t asked us personally, we weren’t sure and had declined.
Back at the guesthouse, our stomachs rumbled. For the past two weeks, piping hot Prasad, sanctified food, was cooked and served right here in the guesthouse complex for the pilgrims. But now we had to search for a food booth in the scorching sun. Monkeys that squatted on the compound walls seemed to share our melancholy; they too hadn’t been out for a while: sneaking into the makeshift kitchen that was erected in the complex, they had been getting plenty.
As we prepared to walk out, the car that had taken Radhanath Swami returned. The driver informed that halfway to the temple when Radhanath Swami realized our absence, perhaps when he turned back to look at the passengers sitting in the rear, he halted the car. He then sent the car to pick us up and decided that he would walk the rest of the way—under the sun that now beat down on Vrindavan.
We reached the temple on time to have lunch with Radhanath Swami and the others. Later, when the head priest Nitai Prabhu came to the door to see us off, he handed a parting gift to Radhanath Swami, some remnant paraphernalia of the Lord, something inexpensive by worldly standards. Spontaneously, Radhanath Swami braced it to his chest in joy and gratitude. At this, Nitai Prabhu remarked to Radhanath Swami, “This goes to show the devotion that overflows in you. Most influential men who come here hand over such gifts to their secretary—instantly—perhaps never to have a second look.”
–Damodar Dulal.
128 replies on “Going out for Lunch with Radhanath Swami”
This is a perfect example of Humility and perfection.Radhanath Swami walked half way to temple for his disciples to join him and accepting gift from temple with joy.Thank you very much for sharing with us.
It is rightly said, “Radhanath Swami is personification of Personalism…”
From this incident we can see how much Simple is he!
Radhanath Maharaj ki Jai!!
Wonderful…. This shows the grateful heart of Radhanath Swami. Full of all devotional qualities.
Radhanth Swami is a true saint.. walking down alone in the sun and sending the car for his disciples.
Radhanath Swami is simply great 🙂
It comes from Radhanath Swami’s heart, service to others.
Shows Radhanath Swami’s Gratitude
Wonderful incident showing Radhanath Swami’s personal caring nature. Also Radhanath Swami teaches us what is of true value—-not the thing but the feeling with which the thing is offered.
Radhanath swami is such caring person
In this one story Radhanath Swami is teaching us how to care and how to handle God’s gifts. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful incident depicting Radhanath Swami’s loving and caring nature. Thank you for sharing this article
In this episode Radhanath Swami exhibited his natural qualities of respecting every one, toleration and quality of taking care of people.Even though Radhanath Swami was too exhausted after a two week long Yatra, still he had not forgotten to take care of devotees who were left behind and tolerated scorching heat to reach Radha Gokulananda Temple. Radhanath Swami always sees the intent of the person and not the externals. This, he proved by accepting Nitai Prabhu’s gift by heart. All glories to Radhanath Swami.
For Radhanath Swami everyone is very important.He lives by the principle of ‘servant of the servant of the servant.’
Radhanath Swami is the embodiment of qualities like care and gratitude.
thank u for sharing
Beautiful pastime… Radhanath Swami’s natural attachment to all spiritual things comes out so spontaneously. He is still a simple man amidst all his success.
Radhanath Swami is so caring for all devotees. He is perfect vaishnava.
Maharaj is very Personal…
mahraj with his personal behaviour won the heart of the preist once again.
really touching story… thank you very much for sharing!
Very instructive article….it brings out the real inner heart of Radhanath Swami…..Swamiji is really very glorious, even then he respects everyone & everything in God’s service…….
Maharajah’s love and care for his disciples goes beyond our imagination.
This shows how much care Radhanath Swami does for everyone. This is one of the aspects of his humility which is very touchy.
Radhanath Swami’s heart is overflowing with compassion, gratitude and love for all.
Thank you Radhanath Swami for showing through your personal example how you care for devotees.
Thank you Radhanath Swami for giving such beautiful analogies in explaining God’s mercy and love.
Radhanath Swami Maharaj’s shining words of wisdom fill our hearts with light.
Radhanath maharaj is giving us the direction for how to receive the love of God.
Thank you for sharing this. This goes to show how much Radhanath Swami cares for all his students.
Radhanath Swami’s caring nature is heart touching.
All Glories To H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj
The experiences that one will have even being farthest from him are the one that will leave us in awe, and open jawed. The Temple Gift was like the Gods Gift to our Maharaj and only some one like him would react the way he reacted and not somebody who has temporary spiritual connection and relation with the Deities.
Hare Krishna
Radhanath Swami Maharaj cares about everyone
Radhanath swami is always concern about others.
“He then sent the car to pick us up and decided that he would walk the rest of the way—under the sun that now beat down on Vrindavan”. This one statement shows the immense compassion HH Radhanath Swami has for all, big or small. My most humble obeisances to Swamiji.
Goes to show how humble and sincere Maharaj is. Thanks for sharing.
Very greatful for sharing. Radhanath Swami is the embodiment of qualities
Hare Krsna Even small small incidents with HH Radhanath Swami leaves a lasting impression
Thank you
Radhanath Swami Maharaj never forgets anyone!
Really he is very simple.
Radhanath Swami is the perfact Master .
Radhanath Maharaja is really a true Brajavasi from his heart!
For HH Radhanath Swmai, what matters the most is the love and affection with which you hand over a gift irrespective of whether it is costly or insignificant from material standards…
It is very touching how Radhanath Swami cares so much for his disciples and spiritual gifts.
Having heard so much about Radhanath Swami, while reading this incident, i was expecting that he would send the car back for his disciples OR carry lunch on his way back. But Radhanath Swami’s act testifies that there is no limit to his compassion & care.
Having heard so much about Radhanath Swami, while reading this incident, i was expecting that he would send the car back for his disciples OR carry lunch on his way back. But Radhanath Swami’s act testifies that there is no limit to his compassion & care.
One who has love of Godhead is naturally endowed with all divine virtues like humility and love & compassion for others. Radhanath Swami Maharaj is one such personality.
The way Radhanath swami is so caring is so touching.
This is such a part of Radhanath swami’s personlity. Deep concern for others & great devotion for the Lord
Genuine care and concern.
Development of our consciousness and our destiny depend on the values that we hold sacred in our lives.
– His Holiness Radhanath Swami