Would Radhanath Swami follow his doctor’s advice? In concern, a group clamored impatiently outside the room, as Dr. Dhalal, accompanied by the president of Radhagopinath Ashram, conversed with Radhanath Swami behind closed doors.
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?
During a press conference, former tennis great Billie Jean King was asked how she dealt with pressure, and she responded, “Pressure is a privilege. It only comes to those who have earned it.” This quote is one of my favourites, but it’s nonetheless hard when pressure gets on your nerves.
I remember. My husband and I were called upon to take a major responsibility some years ago. Bhakti Rasamrita Swami, the charismatic leader who developed a flourishing congregation of thousands in Belgaum, India, had moved out of Belgaum to answer an emergency elsewhere. The congregation, desperate for a leader, approached us. But how could my husband and I—even when put together—match the leadership calibre of Bhakti Rasamrita Swami? Fretful, I awaited an opportunity to seek the guidance of my guru Radhanath Swami before accepting the offer.
The Heaven on Earth is a colossal structure recently erected on ISKCON’s property in Juhu, Mumbai, to meet this spiritual society’s growing needs. On the first floor of this building, two long, lonely corridors run perpendicular to each other, and at their intersection stands a security guard, dutifully. This guard is no ordinary person! Perhaps a year ago, when I was at Heaven on Earth, I realized how special he was.
On my way to a dear friend’s room on the first floor, I had come across this sentinel. Hardly noticing his presence, I had turned left at the intersection he stood guard, to enter the second corridor from the first. Just one step tread, and I saw someone familiar emerge from the corridor’s other end. It was Radhanath Swami.
This exchange with Radhanath Swami—though momentary—for me was momentous.
One afternoon after lunch, Radhanath Swami and I rambled along the edges of the lecture hall at Radhagopinath Temple. The sight of each painting that hung on the side walls stopped us in our tracks briefly, before we proceeded ahead.
