The car cruised along in the darkness of the night, its engine’s hum rising above the silence around. As I carefully steered the wheels around a pothole, a hand tapped me from behind.
“Could I use a restroom?” asked Radhanath Swami from the rear seat, clearing his throat.He was very sick and had been napping for a while. Restroom? It was India, and the only option I could think of, at this hour, was a deserted street corner. With many apologies, I presented to him the predicament. He consoled me with a smile.
I pulled over the vehicle in a familiar neighborhood, where only the stars saw through the cloudless sky. “What is this place?” Radhanath Swami mumbled. “We are in the neighborhood of Radha Swami’s Ashram,” I replied. Surely, he didn’t know Radha Swami, but the air of spirituality that the name carried was sufficient to draw out his respect. He requested that we continue driving till we found another spot. I was wonder-struck: here he was–sick and tired–and to nap again he had to relieve himself as soon as possible; in such an emergency, would the act be considered defiling a holy neighborhood? And after all, in India it wasn’t considered taboo. But for Radhanath Swami’s respectful attitude, emergencies were no excuse.
Fortunately, after a while we found a petrol pump, and its owner gladly allowed Radhanath Swami to use his toilet.
I often held a condescending attitude towards most other spiritual groups, but this incident was a turning point.
–Yuvaraj
99 replies on “Driving Radhanath Swami at Midnight”
Radhanath Swami teaches everybody how to achieve real goal?
thank you very much for sharing . By this incident Radhanath Swami helping us to understand the gravity when we take to spiritual path and the responsibility it brings.
All GLories To H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj
Spirituality nurtures Respect, and this is a perfect example of it. Respect does not mean only to living people but the intangibles as well.
Hare Krishna
Radhanath Swami respects every individual and his culture unfortunately people like me have tendency to focus on shortcomings of others but Radhanath Swami loves to fan the little bit good one does
Maharajah teaches by his example. He had deep respect for all spiritual path and this is possible for only a person who knows true spirituality.
Radhanath Swami truly leaves on Tranad Api Suniche ne principle. He is a true spiritual leader who has changed the life of thousands by setting his personal example..
Truly Humble personified
That’s the difference between an ordinary person and a great soul like Radhanath Swami. Radhanath Swami gives respects to every living entity what to speak of any thing connected to spirituality.
Radhanath Swami is so conscious of other people’s needs and the environment around him that he is ready to undergo suffering personally but not harm or disturb them. Radhanath Swami ki Jai!
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful event.
Radhanatha Swami senstivity and sheer respect for every body soul including people he does not is really aweinspring and amazing. This world needs more and more people like him to make this world a better place
Thanks for sharing. Radhanath swami is extremly thoughtful and sensitive.
Thankyou for posting!
Awesome experience with Radhanath Swami…wonderful to witness the respect he shows ..thanks for sharing
Radhanath Swami, unlike many other leaders, have respect for other spiritual groups……..
A true devotee never has the “holier than thou” attitude
It takes a lot of effort and sincerity to act according to the principles when no one except the stars in the sky are watching..
H.H Radhanath Swami has proved again and again what is tells is only after implementation in his own life, that is is why he is the true leader of Devotional Ship in this material ocean. Thanks Maharaj to be here.
Wonderful…Thank you for sharing
So Considerate.! Very conscious personality..
Wonderful experience with Radhanath Swami. Thank you very much for sharing this.
Inconceivable.
Radhanath Swami preaches by his own example
!! 🙂
A true spiritualist would not discriminate while offering his respects.
All glories to Radhanath Maharaja for teaching us this wonderful lesson of humility, broadmindedness and divine consciousness!
Amazing !
Maharaja has no conceerns for his own comfort over those of others.
Radhanath Swami’s every action is a lesson to learn because of his pure consciousness.
nice article, thanks for sharing with all of us, haribol, bhakti
HHRM’s every act is a lesson to learn which is always in the form of pure spiritual consciousness, haribol, rajesh karia
Real genuine respect from the heart of a great saint. Inconceivable for me whose understanding for respect is only external.
True Krishna Concious person is always concious of every thing. A vaishnava never cares for himself. but he cares for others . RNS MAharaj ki jai .
Radhanath Maharaj ki Jai. He is a true teacher who always follow his instruction…and his every action is an instruction for us
really wonderful. thanks for sharing!
Nice instructive incident. Thanks for sharing.
HHRNSM thoughts are very pure and subtle, haribol, rajesh
nice experience, thanks for sharing with us, haribol, bhakti
Radhanath Swami never has the tendency to criticize other spiritual groups or even think of them in any low manner within his heart. This is evident in his book “The Journey Home” as well.
Maharaj demonstrat, even on emergency situation how one should act properly.
Radhanath Swami Maharaj even though not at all sure about of the sanctity/ authenticity of the spiritual group shows so much respect.
That’s a glorious qualities, in spite of his bad health, he did not compromise on the principle.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much for sharing, Radhanath Swami respects every individual ,He is a true teacher.
HHRNSM is very particular about the feelings and importance of every individual and instances, haribol, rajesh karia
HHRNSM is very respectful to every individual, haribol, bhakti
Thank ypou Radhanath Swami for guiding us so nicely.
‘ Love and respect all’ This is Maharaj’s motto and he personally teaches by his own example.
Thank you for posting this incident.
emergency is not an excuse-powerful statement
Nice incident and nice lesson