26 November 2009. It was 4:59 a.m. when Radhanath Swami, visibly tired, entered the Radhagopinath temple hall for the morning prayers that would begin in a minute. He hurried towards the deity of his Guru Srila Prabhupada to pay his obeisance.
The last few days had been particularly hectic for Radhanath Swami due to spiritual get-togethers that went till late in the night. I could see how much of an effort it was for him to come for the morning prayers. Today, I could not control myself and I approached Radhanath Swami and blurted, “Why do you push yourself so hard and come for the morning prayers everyday?” He smiled and replied “Because I feel really unhappy when I do not come.” I burst out “But I feel so unhappy to see you in the morning prayers. And I feel really happy when you do not come, knowing that you are
taking your well deserved rest. Please do not push yourself so hard.”
“Thank you so much for your genuine concern.” He then laughed loudly, his shoulders heaving, and continued, “However, better that you become unhappy rather than me becoming unhappy.” I retreated, completely defeated.
Attending morning prayers is crucial for one who is serious about progressing in bhakti. But for one who has reached perfection, whose life itself is a prayer, of what value are these regulations? Yet, Radhanath Swami derives happiness in stretching himself, as far as possible, to inspire his followers through his personal presence in the morning prayers.
— Krishnan Iyer
174 replies on “Radhanath Swami’s Happiness, in Tolerance.”
tHANK YOU VERY MUCH PRABHU. iNSPIRATIONAL PASTTIME, wILL TAKE IT TO AND REMEBER IT WHENEVER SLUMBER OVERTAKES ME.
Thank you very much for sharing this. One can learn so many things from Maharaj’s life and conduct. All glories to Maharaj.
Very nice article about Radhanath Swami. Really Radhanath swami always tries to inspire others at the cost of his health.
In spirituality, humility and tolerance are very important and Radhanath Swami is well-known for these qualities.
so touching… this act of Radhanath Swami is really epitome of sincerity. Thank you for sharing.
Maharaj is really amazing. So inteligent in evey aspect!
Because Radhanath Swami walks his talk his words have a special spiritual potency to inspire the hearts of many.
yad yad acarati shrestas tat tat evetaro janah . maharaj has exemplified this amazingly for all the time to come for all the leaders to follow
Radhanath Swami inspires by his words and actions all the time.
Such a nice loving exchange between Radhanath Swami and his disciple.
It’s inspiring to read about someone whose happiness is in inspiring others
Radhanath Maharaj is truly an Acharya, one who not only preaches, but teaches by his own example.
Thank you for sharing this!
This is very inspiring tale of Radhanath Swami’s determination. By his presence he inspires many devotees in the path of bhakti.
One who preaches should first practice… Radhanath Swami is a perfect example of this.
Radhanath Maharaj is a true leader & he is leading from the front, inspiring all of us.
Really inspiring! Maharaj is awesome. Thank you for sharing this article.
Thanks for sharing it.Radhanath Swami is not on bodily platform but on spiritual platform.Good example for us.
Very inspiring for householders …i pray to get the strength to attend Morning prayers daily .
Really touched by Maharaj’s personal example
Truly inspiring
Maharaj is very strict with himself but linient with others.
Radhanath Swami sets an example through his own behaviour.
Very inspiring past time of Maharajah. He is self-realized soul and he does not have to go through
these regulations, but he does it all for us, to inspire us.
Thank you for sharing.
Radhanath Swami teaches by his own examples what he expects from others- a true teacher.
Thank you for sharing this inspiring incident. Srila Prabhupada always stressed the importance of Mangala arti. Now whenever i hesitate to go for morning prayers, I’ll remember this incident of Maharaj. Radhanath Swami ki Jai!
haribol… nice article
Radhanath Swami always tries to set example for all followers by extending himself to unimaginable limits.
Radhanath Swami is simply living to give us the highest benediction in life – connect us to the Spiritual platform. Day-in day-out doing innumerable personal sacrifices just to help us…
Thanks for sharing this.
All Glories To.H.H.Radhanath Swami Maharaj
What an beautiful experience.
Thank you Prabhuji for sharing this experience.
Hare Krishna
thank you very much sharing this. Radhanath swami does not think about his own health and only cares about others
Radhanath Swami can extend himself to any extent to make the deities happy and inspire the devotees. Once Radhanath Swami quoted His Guru Srila Prabhupada who said “The greatness of a person can be estimated by one’s ability to tolerate the provocating situations”. There is not an iota of doubt that Radhanath Swami is first among those great people who tolerate any situations.
Simply unbeatable dedication towards Bhakti and guru Maharaj shown by radhanath swami.
Thankyou for sharing this story about Radhanath Swami.
Radhanath Swami is a true leader because he practices before he preaches. That is why he is so successful in inspiring everyone who come in contact with him.
Radhanath Swami is a true example which teaches us the importance of austerities in our devotional life.
Radhanath Swami can extend himself to any extent to make the deities happy and inspire the devotees. Once Radhanath Swami quoted His Guru Srila Prabhupada who said “The greatness of a person can be estimated by one’s ability to tolerate the provocating situations”. There is not an iota of doubt that Radhanath Swami is first among those great people who tolerate any situations. Thank you Radhanath Swami for tolerating even people like me.
You really know how to grab people attention because when I started to read I wanted to know what will be in the end.
Radhanath Swami is a perfect Role Model for anyone who is serious on any path.
Radhanath Swami’s austerity knows no bounds.
‘Complacency’ in any activity slowly works towards downfall, It is through his own example that Radhanath swami inspires us and teaches us how one should not take things lightly specially in spiritual life.
Painful to know but equally amazing and awe inspiring, the limits to which Radhanath Swami stretched to walk the talk.
very inspiring article and certainly en-voking, regards, rajesh karia
another excellent example of HHRM’s sincerity and commitment towards bhakti, haribol, bhakti karia
very nice article
Hare Krishna!! What a wonderful message Maharaj has given to all on the path of Bhakti.
Radhanath Swami extends himself to inspire his disciples. Thank you for sharing this.
Radhanath Swami is an actual Acharya- one who teaches by example.
Wow! What a wonderful example .You are right Radhanath Swami’s life is a prayer and his evry action is a source of inspiration for us all.
Radhanath Swami’s life is a wonderful example of Tolerance.We have a good opportunity to learn so many things from him