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Humility

Descending Closely Behind Radhanath Swami

Cool breezes swept across the open terrace of the two- storied house as hundred-odd people sat there cross-legged, listening to a spiritual discourse.  The three of us, medical students, had to settle in the rear, close to the exit that led to the floors below; we had joined late. The speaker was supposed to be Radhanath Swami, but his student was on stage instead. Wanting to know the reason for the change, I whispered an inquiry to a neighbor. “Radhanath Swami is sick,” he whispered back, pointing to a person who sat a few rows ahead. There sat Radhanath Swami, with his back facing us, and his head and ears covered with a muffler. My neighbor added that Radhanath Swami had come despite his sickness, for he didn’t want to disappoint his host. Nonetheless, his bad health wouldn’t permit him to discourse.

After the program ended, on our way down, something interesting happened on the staircase.  We were closely behind Radhanath Swami as he descended. People had left behind their shoes on the stairway, leaving no gaps on the steps to even place a foot. But Radhanath Swami would neither step on the shoes nor use his foot to shove them aside. On every step he would bend down.  Then with his hands he would carefully keep aside one pair of shoes that was on the next step, creating sufficient space to place his foot on. In this way he descended, step by step, handling as many pairs of shoes as there were steps.

Materially he was sick, but his humility disclosed his perfect spiritual health.

— Dr. Praveen Bairagi

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114 replies on “Descending Closely Behind Radhanath Swami”

The attitude displayed by HH Radhanath Swami backed by action really makes me feel how we cannot mimic genuine humility even if we try to.

HH Radhanath Swami teaches by his example. In my times of difficulty I turn to HH Radhanath Swami’s teachings and am inspired to act in a humble way.

Radhanath Swami teaches by example. One should respect not only all the living entities but also their belongings

This is the level of dedication of Radhanath Swami. He never fails in His service towards Srila Prabhupada and Krishna. Radhanath Swami is a personification of humility, determination, compassion for fallen souls like me, and service.

Wow, thank you Praveen for sharing with us, what you have experienced personally – i.e. Humility of Radhanath Swami. It touches one’s heart very deeply by hearing about humility of Radhanath Swami. Radhanath Swami is really an amazing personality.

We have either read or heard what humility, compassion and tolerance are. But it appears from this story that Radhanath Swami is a living example of all these virtues.

If we follow the footsteps of HH Radhanath Swami, then we are very safe. Becuase He is so pure, humble and devine. Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience with HH Radhanath Swami.

In my opinion, the above story brings to light two quite different qualities of Radhanath Swami:Determination to serve inspite of all inconveniences and Practical humility in all circumstances. Thank Dr. Praveen for sharing the story.

Radhanath Swami does something really unique which goes beyond our imagination! 🙂

Such humility!Radhanath Swami truly lives the highest standards of pure spiritual values

This shows how thoughtful and humble person Radhnath Swami is. We should make every attempt to follow in footsteps of such a personality as Radhanath Swami

In almost all of his spiritual discourses Radhanath Maharaj stresses on the importance of the quality of humilityand here we find how he follows his preachings himself,even to the extent of touching with his hands the shoes of his disciples to avoid trampling on it.

Radhanath Swami is putting the quality of ‘trinadapi sunichena’-being humbler than a blade of grass-into action.

Maharaj talks of humility in each of his discourse and practices it with each breathe.

Radhanath Swami is simply amazing….teaching by his own behavior all the important lessons..thanks for sharing

radhanath swamis humility is just exemplary, thanks for this wonderful article, bhakti

such is the humility of a person who always sets himself as an example first for the others to learn and follow, just so amazing, regards, rajesh karia

An extraordinary soul even in sickness remain extraordinary.To imagine one could perceive Lord’s presence even in shoes is amazing.

Maharaj never thought his hands would get dirty by touching those shoes. He is so far removed from the bodily conception of life.

Radhanath Swami’s humility is so genuine & true ! It melts everyone’s heart. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring incident. Radhanath Swami is also so sensitive not to hurt anyone. Despite his bad health he came so that the hosts would be happy !

Thank you for another inspiration it is often those who we consider less fortunate who have the most mercy to give and this is a great example of this

I am aspiring to become and develop such a state of consciousness. Radhanath Swami is truly a Saint.

At every step of his life Radhanath Swami’s humility and respect for others shines thru