The need to accept discipleship of an enlightened guru is emphasized both by tradition and by the words of the scriptures. Yet, this step on the spiritual sojourn turns out to be a squirmy one for many. The difficulty arises due to ominous thoughts of loss of freedom. Haven’t you heard of grisly tales where disciples where punished by their masters for being disobedient?
Here I narrate my tale. Long time ago, I was afflicted by what I thought was bronchitis. My hacking cough pained me, but what pained me all the more was the thought that I caused disturbance to my monastery-mates at the Radhagopinath Ashram. None of them, in reality, expressed any sour feelings to me; on the other hand they were all very sympathetic and brought many doctors to help me out. Various medicines were tried, but all turned out to be vain.
They say, when everything fails, the guru gets on the case. Radhanath Swami arranged for my appointment with a top doctor of Mumbai. And alongside came Radhanath Swami’s stern order—that after the appointment with the doctor, I report to him the outcome of my medical examinations.
The medical report, when it came out, shocked me. I had Tuberculosis. My mind reeling with thoughts of months wasted on a hospital bed, I took the long bus ride back to the Ashram. In about an hour, I was standing dutifully before my guru, to give him the report.
“The report says I have…” I mumbled.
“Tuberculosis,” Radhanath Swami completed my sentence.
Mystified and mouth agape, my breath stopped.
“What is higher? The obedience of a disciple or the love of a guru?” he queried.
“The love of the guru,” I replied.
“My love for you couldn’t wait for your obedience. I rung up the clinic sometime ago and I already know your medical report,” Radhanath Swami said with an air of concern.
–Kiran Soni
225 replies on “Discipleship under Radhanath Swami”
Very touching and inspiring
I am so happy to have known such a kind Guru. Thanks for sharing this wonderful experience.
Very amazing…!
Thank you so much Radhanath Swamiji for so much Love & concern.
What levels of compassion & love does Radhanath Swami Maharaj carry for his disciples & all living beings in general. Amazing incident worth sharing.
Swamiji has been more than a caring father for all his disciples….
a very heart touching incident…..it brought tears to my eyes.thnk u for sharing
Really Radhanath Swami has true love for all. Thanks for sharing.
HH Radhanath Swami is an ocean of love and mercy.
H H Radhanath Swami’s love is oceanic for everyone.
shows how much mahraj takes care of each and every disicple.
Such sweet relationships are very pleasing to the heart! thanks for sharing this!
Amazing
Love of a guru over obedience of a disciple. thank you for sharing. HH Radhanath Swami truly loves everyone.
Sweet story…goes to show the mercy and compassion of a spiritual master. Maharaj ki jay!
What good fortune has befallen upon me to have a Spiritual Master like Maharaj !!
My only prayer to Krsna is that come what may, i should never get distracted or disconnected from the shelter of His sacred feet.
Radhanath swami ki jai.
It is amazing to see how much Radhanath Swami loves his disciples.
“My love for you couldn’t wait for your obedience”.
Radhanath Swami is truly caring compassionate teacher.
Thanx for sharing about loving and caring nature of Radhanath Swami
Guru concers for his disciple and he care for that. Jai Gurudev!!!
The depth of Radhanath Swami’s love is immeasurable!!
Thank you for sharing
It shows how much Radhanath Swami cares to his disciple.
Very touching experience with Radhanath Swami. Thank you very much for sharing it.
Radhanath Swami cares for and loves his disciples so much.
wonderful, thanks very much for sharing
Jai1 Radhanath Swami is ocean of mercy and love.
Child doesn’t realize the love of its mother until it grows old; similarly in spiritual life it takes a while to realize the true and genuine love of a saint. And the love only grows more and more by the passage of time.
excellent article.
This practical example re-iterates the love and caring affection by Radhanath Swami on his dear disciples. Thanks for this post.
Radhanath Swami is amazing
The more I read about interactions of Radhanath Swami with his disciples, the more pleasure I derive.
very intimate and inspiring experience
Very heart touching incidence between Radhanath Maharaj & his disciple.
radhanath swami is very compassionate,
thank you radhanath swami for this wonderful sharing,
This also shows how Relationships can be strenghtened by Loving reciprocation more than any other quality like obedience etc
Wow! Ultimately Love overules everything else
thank you so much for sharing… he is ocean of compassionate…
What a great good fortune to have a such a loving master like Radhanath Swami
A deep lesson to be learnt about the glory of the guru disciple relationship on the spiritual path.
sweet story…thanks for sharing
That is why one of his dear god brother said ” From toe to the Shikha H H Radhanath Swami is only LOVE “
Very beautiful artcle.Radhanath Swami is such loving teacher.
O, what a wonderful interaction with Swamiji…..thanks for sharing
every time I read a selfless sharing of love by Radhanath Swami, I feel a small part of my selfish heart collapsing…
Radhanath swami is the great,desiring to have such a guru
The love of the Guru for his disciple is beyond the depths of common intelligence. ALl glories to Srila Radhanath Swami Maharaja!
Love has to be experienced before giving and its the greatest fortune to experience the love of God coming through His bonafide representatives like His Holiness Radhanath Swami.