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Compassion

Radhanath Swami’s Encroachment

I darted over to Radhanath Swami’s room. There he was sitting, conversing with another devotee. I prostrated myself at Radhanath Swami’s feet and asked for his blessings to leave. “I am going. Now onwards I will come only on very special occasions,” I said. Radhanath shook his head in approval. Next moment, I was out of the room.

Once out, I climbed down the staircase and briskly walked along the courtyard to reach the gate of Radhagopinath Temple. Then stepping out into a narrow alley, I headed towards the bustling main street. All along I struggled to be resilient, but to no avail; I was burnt out by forceful sermons, and badly. I loved the temple, I loved Radhanath Swami, I loved the Hare Krishna mantra, I loved most practices of Bhakti Yoga, but I hated anyone encroaching on my free will. And a few devotees at the temple, I felt, did that with me. Now enough of it, I had decided; I couldn’t take it anymore. As I called for a taxi, I found in my heart no inclination to return.

Suddenly, from behind, I could hear screams, “Ashok, Ashok.” I turned around. Running up to me, a monk panted, “Radhanath Swami wants to have a word with you before you leave. He is waiting for you at the gate.” Straining my sight, I made out the frail figure of Radhanath Swami standing at the gate. How could I turn a deaf ear to his request? Escorted by the monk, I marched back through the alley.

As I drew closer to the gate, I could read concern written on Radhanath Swami’s face—in bold. It was an unforgettable visage.

Minutes later, I was sitting in Radhanath Swami’s room, and he sat facing me across a table. I learnt from him that at first he hadn’t registered what I had said  after darting into his room. After I had stormed out, the devotee who had been conversing with him explained to him what I had meant. Immediately, Radhanath Swami had sprung up from his seat to stop me.

Now, he wanted to know why I was distraught. When I opened my heart, his expression soured with disgust. He didn’t like pressurizing anyone to do anything, nor did he like anyone in the temple do that; free will was the pivot on which bhakti, pure love for God, revolved.

We conversed from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. All along he appreciated my sincerity on the spiritual path, and encouraged me to continue in all enthusiasm. He heard all my difficulties at the temple, and with the tenderness of a loving father, provided solutions from his mature understanding. Towards the end, he wrenched my heart off my chest, “Ashok, do you love me?” With emotion climbing in my throat, I said, “yes.” “You promise me that you won’t stop coming here,” he pleaded. I nodded. But he wasn’t satisfied. Clasping my hands, he brought me in front of the holy altar. Its doors were closed, as deities of Radha and Krishna were put to rest for the night. Still, he demanded in love, “Here, promise me that you won’t stop coming to the temple.” With tears brimming in my eyes I gave him my promise.

That was 22 years ago. Now, looking back, I wonder—that night, hadn’t Radhanath Swami also encroached on my free will?! He had, but that was an encroachment of love, something that the heart burns for, rather than burns out with.

And before I end, one more thing. Over the years, the congregation has grown in maturity. Now, following in the footsteps of Radhanath Swami,  no one resorts to force while teaching bhakti yoga.

–Ashok Parikh

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129 replies on “Radhanath Swami’s Encroachment”

Only by willful surrender of freewill in the hands of genuine and expert spiritual master like HH Radhanath Swami is it possible that one can progress in the path of devotion…

HHRM is a pure and a humble spiritual saint and understands the feelings of his devotees and gives the right guidance always, thank you Maharaj, regards, rajesh

Radhanath Swami always says that true preaching is a transformation of the heart, not a victory in a debate or argument. He has demonstrated that true love can influence the free will. Radhanath Swami will not allow a single soul to go away from Krsna due to any reason.

Radhanath Swami has won over thousands of people to the path of Bhakti yoga due to his being uncompromising and strict with himself, while being extremely liberal with others.

A very crucial lesson to be learnt that we cannot force anyone to love Krishna but can only inspire him

Now, following in the footsteps of Radhanath Swami, no one resorts to force while teaching bhakti yoga. Thanks ashok parikh for sharing.

Very touching incident which tells how much care Radhanath Swami takes for each & everyone connected to him.

Radhanath Swami wants us to perform whatever little devotional service we can, out of spontaneous love & free will so that we can remain fixed in God-consciousness. He knows that when even God did not impose His will on us & gave us freedom to make decisions, therefore Radhanath Swami also doesn’t enforce anything on the devotees. He wants devotional service to be performed voluntarily & lovingly without any external pressure.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful incident. I have heard from many that Radhanath Swami is the only reason why they are there serving together.

Maharaja once asked me if i trusted that he knew when i was to take initiation from him as i was trying to force him to give it to me before i was ready. i answered that “Yes, i do trust you fully maharaja” That made him very happy and gave me strength to wait.

Nothing matters when you have a spiritual master like HH Radhanath Swami to take care of you. This episode is an example of his compassion and love for every living entity.

Radhanath Swami knows that even if one devotee goes away from the movement, it will bring great sorrow to Srila Prabhupada….he will do anything & everything to bring him back to lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada.

Love cannot be a forced affair. Radhanath Swami’s dealings with people are always filled with love.

Amazing !! what a pure and divine soul who cares for each and every person in the congregation irrespective of who or what he/she is .. Heartwarming really

Anand Vrindavan Pr, you stand as an ideal to me in bhakti. I am just wondering how i would have met you if Radhanath Maharaj would not have stopped you that day & if you would not have consented to his request. Sincere thanks to you for abiding my Maharaj’s request and also my heart felt gratitude to Maharaj who loves each single devotee so much & tries hard to ensure that their personal problems are set right so that the devotees could continue in bhakti sincerely & seriously.

To gives ones free will, willfully to Lord Krishna is the essence of Bhakti. To enable someone to do so the essence of a pure devotee

HHRM convinces with subtle maturity and politeness without affecting the emotions of his devotees, very profound and humble, regards, rajesh karia

Amazing, Radhanath Swami not only saved Ashokji’s spiritual life, but also, so many others, who are getting inspiration from him. This is true love and compassion

Most who are somehow connected to or know Radhanath Swami have at some point experienced his care and compassion which has changed their lives for the better, years seem to just go by, but the care and compassion of Radhanath Swami and his team just grows bigger and bigger.

Hari hari bol..such a touching experience…truly speaks volumes about maharaj’s caring nature..which is the means to survival for sooooo many around the world.

Thanks for sharing this experience. It is touching to know the amount of concern Radhanath Swami has for you and for thousands of others like you.