As I waited outside to have a last word with him, I wondered what Radhanath Swami was still doing in his room: his luggage was already out and a chauffeured car waited for him at the gates. He was returning to Mumbai after a three day spiritual retreat, which had just concluded with his discourse to a crowd of three thousand in the idyllic lawns of Mafatlal Bungalow.
Impatience took me over, and I slightly pushed open the unbolted door, to have a peep.I was stunned—Radhanath Swami was going around picking up scraps strewn on the floor. As I tried to close the door again, it creaked, inviting Radhanath Swami’s inquisitive glance. When he saw me, he called me in. Then, as if explaining his action, he said, “We should vacate the room cleaner than what it was when we first occupied it.”
His civic sense apart, I was enthralled by his simplicity. But for my impatience, neither me, nor the three thousand people waiting outside to see him off, nor anyone else on the planet—except for God—would have ever known what he was doing behind those closed doors—and yet he delighted in that menial service.
Dr. Ashok Shetty
Dermatology consultant , Bhaktivedanta Hospital
43 replies on “What was Radhanath Swami Still Doing Inside?”
A similar instance: it was 11 in the night and all those who attended the spiritual retreat returned except a few who were busy cleaning the Mafatlal Bungalow’s garden. Not more the 5 or 6 in number. To our pleasant surprise Radhanath Swami came around and looked if every thing was ok and he circumambulated the entire premise at least 3 times. He was not attended by anyone…
Thanks. i m not able to put in words my feelings.jai srilla prabhupada
Radhanath Maharaj always emphasizes on cleanliness both of the heart and outside. Often people following a spiritual path compromise on general sentiments or rules of the world saying that this world is maya or illusion. But Radhanath Swami is not one of those. He is one of the few people I have seen on this planet who does not compromise on sentiments of people in the name of religion or spirituality neither does he compromise on spirituality in the name of sentiments. He knows the art of balancing everything with Krsna in the center.
Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful incident which makes one concious about how to leave a place. This also makes me think that when we came into this world we came with so many lusty desires and plans centered around self but when we leave we should leave with much cleaner heart than when we came in.
Thank you very much for my consistent enlightener.
Your forever Servant,
Vrindapati Das
A very similar incident: Radhanath Swami was staying with few of his followers at some person’s house in Karnatak while he was undergoing Ayurvedic Treatment there. Before leaving, one of his disciples, staying at different place, saw him cleaning the toilet. He was surprised as the Swami could have asked him to do it for him. Radhanath Swami in return asked him if he cleaned his place. He emphasized that one must leave the place cleaner than in was before he used it.
A deep realization with wonderful lesson which can be remembered for years to come. Found more interesting quotes on link: http://radhanathswamiquotes.com
It is only this down-to-earth yet profound qualities of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj that has become source of inspiration for so many around. He puts every moment of his life in deriving experience which is so inspirational and spiritual. By this apparently menial activity, he inspires us how we should be making each and every moment of our life a learning experience to cleanse our heart and remember Krishna. His book, the journey home is full of such wonderful experiences which he derived out of apparently simple acts but carrying profound lessons with them. You can find more on http://www.thejourneyhomebook.com/
Radhanath Maharaj is amazing leader, He imbibe his teaching in his life at core of his heart that is why his teachings are so inspirational to all of his audience.
Such genuineness is indeed rare to be found in the world nowadays. It is very inspiring to see a leader in such a position still maintaining his humility. This is possible if one is truly above mundane material thoughts and is situated on the transcendental spiritual platform in touch with God.
Radhanath Maharaj is on facebook : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Radhanath-Swami/51051167747
Such genuineness is indeed rare to be found in the world nowadays. It is very inspiring to see a leader in such a position still maintaining his humility. This is possible if one is truly above mundane material thoughts and is situated on the transcendental spiritual platform in touch with God.
Radhanath Maharaj is on facebook : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Radhanath-Swami/51051167747
For some one who has thousands of followers all over the world – acting in such simple ways is unheard off.
Radhanath Swami’s exemplary behaviour is so inspiring. Check out:http://www.radhanath-swami.net/from-hypocrisy-to-integrity/from-hypocrisy-to-integrity
Radhanath Swami has thousands of students all over the world; who would like to offer something in return. However he personally cleans the room he was in or the toilet he used!
This is a very powerful example.
Check Out: http://www.radhanath-swami.net/from-hypocrisy-to-integrity/from-hypocrisy-to-integrity
thank u for sharing ur wonderful experience with maharaj….maharaj teaches all of us thru his behaviour and actions along with his nectarean words, like an ideal leader…. he is our true wellwisher & spiritual master
Radhanath Swami truly inspires us as he always walks his talk, though nobody may be watching. This instance is a true example of this quality.
Maharaj is truely a Mahavaishnav!
Thank you 4 sharing this incident!
Hare krishna!
Maharaj is truely a Mahavaishnav!
Thank you 4 sharing this incident!
Hare krishna!….
Maharaj is transcendental and always inspiring others at every moment by his own simplicity, humility and is very merciful and compassionate. All Glories to your dear Gurudeva.
Also visit http://www.thejourneyhomebook.com/ for Maharaj’s experiences on his own spiritual path
Cleanliness next to godliness is always a phrase written on the wall ( not for self but for others). This example gives us a feeling that he implements what he says in his life.Its great..
Action speaks louder than words. maharaj is teaching us through his actions.
maharaj is insisting cleanliness during yatra time also.
i recollected one incidence, somebody from Tirupati was praising ISKCON, chawpati devotees & Radhanath Swami maharaj that when devotees left after yatra, rooms were cleaner than before & locks & keys were also in place as compared to common people.
many things to learn from Maharaj. He is great.
I simply simply do not have any words to comment as i read Radhanath Swami Maharaj’s every article shared by his devotees.
Maharaj has always been so exemplary in all things that he does, even the so insignificant ones like cleaning a room. No wonder he leaves such great impressions on all around him!!! No words to describe him and his millions of QUALITIES…
what a humiliy
Knowing Radhanath Swami as a spiritual leader for 1000’s of people across the globe and his humility in performing yet menial services makes Radhanath Swami the perfect spiritual leader.
Thank you very much for sharing this incident.
Radhanath Swami is a very simple man. Despite having many thousands of followers aroudn the world, he preaches through his own example.
Thank you again!
this is what he preach and indeed his action are always louder then his words
Simplicity, humility, tolerance these are the qualities of a true sadhu.
Thank you very much for sharing this story.
Thanks Prabhu for sharing this experience with us. Its indeed our responsibility to clean the place before leaving. Maharaj always practices before preaching that is what makes maharaj a perfect and great spritual guru
Wow! Wonderful
despite being a guru to thousands of devotee u still do the work of neophyte devotees. dandavats!
Radhanath Swami showing the Simplicity with this example.
Radhanath Swami is very very simple in his behaviour…..he completely exemplifies Srila Prabhupad’s statement “Simple living & high thinking”
Radhanath Swami walks his talk 🙂
Radhanath Swami teaching us through his own example by doing such a menial services.
Such incidents really open our eyes to the great personality of Radhanth Swami Maharaj.
A very heaert touching story of Radhanath Swami. Thank you very much for sharing this.
very touching story
An inspiring article of His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaj of how we need to be clean both inside and outside.
Wonderful and very inspiring one.
Thank you so much prabhu for sharing us.
It is so inspiring to see the genuine humility and simplicity of Radhanath Swami…
Such lessons to learn…
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story how Radhanath swami is always happy to serve others even though it is very menial service.
I learnt a very valuable lesson from this story “We must leave a place cleaner than it was when we entered!”
Thank you very much for sharing. It was eye opener to me and surely I must learn this.