Radhanath Swami (then Richard Slavin) travelled from Europe to India by land in search of God.
He had a diverse experience of danger, inducements by the material energy and genuine spiritual experiences. This story is the most amazing story I have every read.
Even before reading the book, I knew of some of the content - having heard of it from ISKCON followers. I noticed that his disciples were his diehard fans. I could not immediately discern the reason for this as I had not met him at that time. I heard of his glorious qualities and began to cultivate a desire to meet him in person. I was wondering, "How special would be this personality whose disciples are being so nice to me?" At that time, a devotee family initiated by Radhanath Swami was helping me to cultivate Krishna Consciousness, with lots of genuine love and affection.
I heard more and more about the glories of Radhanath Swami from this family. I also saw videos of lectures given by and devotional songs sung by Radhanath Swami.
I had the first personal vision of Radhanath Swami at New Vrindanvan. I was deeply impressed by the quality of the Bhagavatam classes given my Radhanath Swami. Radhanath Swami combines a deep study of the Bhagavatam precepts along with his inner realizations and devotional experiences in his lectures. The lectures have a feeling of devotional intensity that leaves the listeners eager for more, wishing that the lecture never stop. During the Sunday feast program, Radhanath Swami's lectures can go on for 2-3 hours and during pilgrimage tours to Vrindavan, Mayapur or South India, the lectures are considerably longer.
These lectures transport the listeners to altogether another realm, to which Radhanath Swami belongs. All bodily miseries like hunger and thirst are forgotten during the time the lecture is on. At times, listeners have the feeling that Radhanath Swami is answering questions in their innermost thoughts during his lectures.
Devotional melodies of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra sung by Radhanath Swami are truly soul uplifting. The devotional feelings aroused by listening to and by singing with Radhanath Swami are a genuine spiritual experience. Practicing devotees and newcomers all join together in ecstatic dancing during these kirtans. Material desire melts away and is replaced by genuine spiritual desires by participating in these dancing festivals.
It is a spiritual treat to watch Radhanath Swami chanting his rounds after the Mangala arati in the morning. Anybody who has observed Radhanath Swami during this time, would surely perfect his chanting in the due course of time. The physical presence of Radhanath Swami is a genuine spiritual experience in itself. All the miseries of life are simply forgotten by simply beholding him in one's vision.
In summary; Radhanath Swami exhibits deep humility, grace and devotion. He is very dear to Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha and Krishna. His lectures are both scholarly and sparked with devotional fervor and realizations; his bhajans full of spiritual ecstasy; his presence is beatific ad blissful.
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