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”
Very inspiring to see how Radhanath Swami who is so very dedicated to his particular path of spirituality has such deep regard and respect for those who follow another path.
This incident informs us that we need to be careful and respectful in dealing with other spiritual sects too .Thanks to Radhanath swami for guiding so nicely
“Emergency is no excuse … “. Many times we justify our actions having higher reasons. Radhanath Swami sets the right example.
Radhanath Swami often quotes a verse, maanadena, one should offer all respects to others. Here he is walking his talk.
For Radhanath Swami, spirituality, respect for others is foremost important than any amount of inconvenience.
Beautiful story with a good message. Thank you for sharing.
This incident shows how one should be respectful of people from every faith. Especially in an age when people are giving empty slogans on Religious tolerance.Radhanath swami not only practices religious tolerance but also has deep respect for people from various paths
Radhanath swami is teaching through this incident to offer respect to followers of all faiths.
Emergency is no excuse. Radhanath swami not only practices religious tolerance but also has deep respect for people from various paths.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story which brings out how respectful Radhanath Swami is about all paths on spirituality.
It is important that we all follow in Radhanath Swami’s footsteps & exhibit a healthy respect for other religious groups & faiths. If every religious leader inspired their followers to do so, then there would be no more distrust & misunderstanding between different religious communities & there would be no more sectarean & communal violence in the name of God & religion. The real purpose of spirituality could then be achieved – universal brotherhood!
We must learn to respect other faiths as radhanath swami is teaching us by his example
Radhanath swamis autobiography ” Journey Home”, reveals this divine quality of respect for every spiritual path. Thats what makes him different.
So very true, by example Radhanath Swami is teaching us this essential lesson.
Shows Radhanath swami’s qualities of respectfulness and cleanliness
Example is better than precept. Thanks for teaching the subtleties of conduct – not only to refine our actions but the motive and attitude escalating all actions.
Isn’t Radhanath Swami the fitting example for the questions that Arjuna inquires from Lord Krishna – how does a self realized soul speaks, sits, walks etc.
…….. Thank you so much for sharing this.
very nice, Radhanath swami is awesome
Maharaj’s love for Lord Krishna is so deep that he does not mind going through troubles to satisfy Him. His whole life has been an inspiration and its incidents like these that inspire us.
Jai Maharaj! At every step Maharaj provides us an example to live by. So merciful and so compassionate. Hari Bol!
Thank you very much for sharing this. This is a very good lesson about respecting people from other spiritual faiths.23
This is really amazing. If such a person is following a particular spiritual path exclusively, just imagine how special that path would be?
wow..so amazing..Radhanath Swami is so careful in each and every dealing.
Amazing! What attitude even in such a delirious state!!!
Rspect all! True saintly quality of Radhanath Swami.Simply hearing the name of the place Swamiji respected that place and decided to proceed further.A complete faith in God.Anice lesson to learn.Thank you very much.
Maharaj is always concerned about the actions he takes.. who is getting affected.. thanks for sharing.. JAI !!!
nice article, thanks for sharing it with us, haribol, bhakti
HHRM ia always respectful to even the smallest of issues and takes utmost care of everything, nice experience, haribol, rajesh karia
Radhanath Swami always instructs us through his actions.
To have a saint like Radhanath Swami belonging to such an exalted line of great spiritual masters amongst us is our very great privilege.
Nice article – Thank you
Thanks for sharing this wonderful incident.
Radhanath Swami Maharaj is so sensitive to all people!
It is very inspiring to see Radhanath Swami, who is so sincerely dedicated to following the path, despite all odds. Especially the incident of respect for other spiritual leaders, which can come only when one is truly humble from the heart, and feels oneself to be lower than blade of grass. Thank you Radhanath Swami for teaching this beautiful point to me.
thank you very much for sharing
Very inspiring
Maharaj is very sensitive…
Inspiring article with a sense of humor. No matter how big the emergencies are we should respect holy people in all circumstances, no matter how big devotee of the lord other people might consider us.
Wonderful incident..I personally have a lot to learn from this, how important it is to respect everyone not just a selected few.
What a wonderful way of teaching a lesson and that too undergoing personal inconvenience
Hope I can follow in Radhanath swami Maharaj footsteps
Radhanath Swami is loved by people from all faiths and religions, because he has geneuine respect and love for everyone.Ther is no tinge of duplicity
Radhanath Swami has always taught every one to respect and be sensitive to beliefs of other religions
Thnak you for sharing the incicent , which increased my respect and love for swamiji
This highlights the respect Radhanath swami has for all…
Radhanath Swami lives a life of such highly divine standards!
Ours may be best but we must respect the rest-thanks to Radhanath Swami for this lesson.
A true spiritual path can understood by how much it respects other paths. It is only by such examples as Radhanath Swami that we get attracted to process of Bhakti
Such a nice comment Sriman Nitai Das has put which is based on question asked in BG “how does a self realized soul speaks, sits, walks” and Radhanath Swami’s each and every action tells its answer to us.
Beautiful incident! This entire site is filled with such gems from anyone who comes in contact with Radhanath Swami.
Thank you very much.! Nice Article.!
very true, Radhanath swami maharaj has really put his heart into building spiritual communities world wide
We do need an enlightened personality like Radhanath Swami to tell us what should be the goal of our life. Thank you.