Something happened in 1994
Stories from Radhagopinath Community of Love
Wow! That sounds good. I went closer…. closer….closer……closer….. too close. Initially I stood near the entrance of Mafatlal Bungalow…now I stood close to the tent where devotees gracefully danced with raised arms in tune to the song of God’s holy names. Suddenly…..
I am Mr. Hrishikesh Mafatlal’s driver for more than 30 years now. Somewhere in the early 80’s, when he was amongst the richest men in the country, he got associated with what I thought then as some kind of spiritual group. I then saw him dedicate himself to his spiritual path more and more. I also saw that his Guruji, Radhanath Swami, was a nice person. But I never took any interest in the stuff myself. I thought it was only for saabs, big people in society. I kept distance.
Every year at Mafatlal Bungalow they started having some kind of festival and thousands of devotees of Krishna used to come. For three days they would have many programs. Radhanath Swami would give lectures for many hours. Then they would sing god’s name and dance. The dance would be very graceful. I liked all that but would observe all these from far, from the gate.
In 1993, during this festival one day, as they sang and danced, I got so attracted to everything that was happening that I went closer to where all these big people were; they were dancing with arms raised; I could see that they were very happy. I stood silently on the side. Suddenly, Radhanath Swami came and with a smile, pulled me inside the group. I also danced. But afterwards I became fearful. Are! What will my saab(boss) say? I allowed his guruji to touch me! How audacious of me to have danced with these big people! I should have perhaps kept my distance. For many days I was expecting some kind of punishment or reprimand from Mafatlalji. But nothing happened.
In 1994, again during the festival one day I went close and stood as the devotees danced in Kirtan. I couldn’t restrain myself from afar. Suddenly, someone came from the side and pulled me into the Kirtan. I became fearful, but when I saw who it was, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was Mafatlalji himself. He was encouraging me also to sing and dance with him.
Since then I have been a part of this family of Radha Gopinath Temple where there is no distinction made between the poor and the rich.
Wonderful…Wonderful…Such a touching incidence…I would definitely like to be a part of such a group with healthy relations on the spiritual platform! Thank you very much for sharing…
That’s the glory of RadhaGopinath Community & ISKCON in general !
Many Thanks to Radhanath Swami for establishing this family of devotees where there is Love,Trust & Co-operation amongst all members !
The principal principle of this community is to be ‘servant of the servant of God’.Hence here there is no boss.Everyone is servant.Only boss is Radha Gopinath.
Thanks a lot for sharing this wonderful realization -Everyone who comes in contact with RadhaGopinath community experiences spiritual bliss.
A pure devotee of the lord does not distinguish in his people while sharing his love. This community is made up pf people from various social backgrounds and upbringings. But we all have one thread that binds us in common – the love of kirshna. And we all have been carefully and lovingly brought together by HH Radhanath Maharaj!
There is no distinction amongst poor or Rich when it comes to spirituality
Thanks for sharing
Amazing one. Thanks for sharing such an inspiring incident.
Thanks a lot for sharing so touching and caring pastime with Radhanath Swami Maharaj.
Yes, just lip-service is not what the world needs. We need such practical and heartfelt demonstrations of eternal spiritual principles of Love and Gratitude and Joy. Radhanath Swami Maharaja inculcates these divine qualities in his followers, for all to see.
There is no unequality, partially for devotees, they see everyone equally. Radhanath Swami Maharaj always encourage everyone whoever it may be he shows respects and concerns for them and pulls them into KC through humbleness and sincerity and has helped us to get love and devotion for Sri Sri Radha Gopinath. Jay Gurudeva!!!
Thanks for sharing this account. Radhanath Swami Maharaj and his students are distributing the mercy of God to everyone irrespective of social status.
Wonderful experience which shows that the beautiful community formed by Radhanath Swami is very unique in its nature where there is no form of distinction amongst people based on externals. Thankyou for sharing
I have the similar kind of feeling when I first came to temple, I thought this is only for successful people, who are looking for something else in their life.
But in due course of time I realized ” i was wrong”.
God is equal for everyone
Radhanath Swami walks the path and his followers just follow. Jai ho!
radhagopinath comunity is the garden where each and every seed was seeded by radhanath swami with his own hands and guidance, hence the flowers and fruits(the day by day increasing congregation of devotees) from them, radhanath swami is really a true care taker,
This story is so heart touching and an example of truely compassionate nature of Radhanath Maharaj. He does not ignore anybody. He is freely distributing his mercy to every one … however the takers should be ready to take it. You are one of those fortunate souls who understood the value of this mercy and accepted it whole heartedly. Thank you for sharing this experience.
Great Sharing. No wonder there is such a strong bonding between the devotees here. Thank you.
Radhanath Swami & his sincere disciples are so merciful…..Generally a rich man look down upon their menial servants, but here Mafatlalji, irrespective of his own position encouraged his driver in devotional activites…….They see the spirit soul in everyone’s heart……very nice
When i went to Radhagopinath Temple for first time, i felt like i came to my family … Seeing such relationships Krishna descends and relationships just become sweeter and sweeter.
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
It is example of a true spiritual family.
MR Mafatlal you are great…so is your driver…and slao Radhanath Swami who is driving you back to the Spiritual Sky
It is incidents such as these which make us realise how fortunate we are to be under the shelter of Maharaj
In spiritual world, there is no discrimination of rich and poor. Thanks to Radhanath Swami and Mr. Mafatlal for giving the experience of spiritual world
this is the proof that maharaj and his follower do what they preach
The best exemplary society that is existing in this world, is Radha Gopinath Community. This is because of Radhanath Swami’s guidance. All thanks are due to Radhanath swami.
Amazing. HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj makes sure that all those who come into his contact are always taken care of.
Thanks for sharing. I have seen both Mr. Mafatlal and the driver dancing togather in the Pune bunglow. Simply woderful. No distinction between a servant and master in this beautiful movement of Hare Krsna. Thank you Radhanath Maharaj.
Such a wonderful heart touching incident. Only Radhanath Swami could inspire such feelings and thoughts in his follower’s heart and Mafatlalji is that perfect follower who emulates him in every way.
Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing this.
All Glories to Radhanath Maharaj & Mr. Mafatlal for creating such a wonderful community of people.
This is the glory of Radhanath Swami and Radha Gopinath Community of love.
One who is on the spiritual path sees a cow, elephant,dog and even a dog eater with equal vision that all of them are parts and parcels of the same Supreme Lord. Radhanath Swami, who himself is a learned man with such vision could also inspire his students to develop such quality of seeing everyone as the children of God, irrespective of their social or economic status
Radhanath Swami has cultivated a system where in no one distinguishes between rich and poor when it comes to glorifying the Supreme :)
There is a saying which goes – The tree is known by its fruit, this is a very nice example of how the student embodies the teachings of his master.
Radhanath Swami and Mr. Mafatlal have cultivated this wonderful and exemplary community based on love and compassion.
Not only is Radhanath Swami a wonderful, compassionate and sensitive leader but so are his followers!
Very nice one. Very inspiring.
radhagopinath temple is like the water body in the desert of material world,
Beautiful Experience. Krishna Consciousness is truly above all material divides of social status, gender, caste, etc. Radhanath Swami and his wonderful devotees dont see all these superficial designations but are more interested in the eternal soul in every being.
Thankyou for sharing! It is so heart-touching.
HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj’ s compassionate nature drivers everyone to KC and his humility changes their heart to lead a spiritual life and all his disciples are really helping him towards Srila Prabhupada’s mission….Jay RadhaGopinath!!…Jay Srila Prabhupada!!…..Jay Gurudev!!…Jay Guranga!!
This is not a realization of one devotee but very truth is existing in Radhagopinath temple where every devotee chant holy name together,dance together and take prasad together.No discrimination.This is pure love of Prabhupada and Radhanath Maharaj to us.Jai Gurudev!!!
Radhanath Swami teaches everyone to be the servant of the servant, in keeping with the founding principle of ISKCON’s Vaishanava philosophy. There is absolutely NO discrimination based on economic class, caste, creed, gender or social status.
Truly a wonderful society and example for the whole world.
What a wonderful place this must be where all distinction of employer and employee melt away. Radhanath Swami has taught this camraderie within the community and it tranxcends all material bariiers.
In Radhagopinath temple there is no distinction between higher level or lower level it shows that how Radhanath Swami treats everyone equally
Mr Mafatlal has taken to heart the teachings of HH Radhanath Swami so seriously can be seen from this instance. Its not just arm chair philosophy – every body is part of God…but to act on this sacred principle
Unbelievable this is something very rare to be found elsewhere in the world. People like Radhanath Swami, Mr. Mafatlal are very rare.. Its our fortune to be associated with them…
This is such a wonderful narration. It really shows how you were touched by the kindness of a great soul. Somehow by their merciful nature your life was touched for ever. Oh what a great personality is HH Radhanath swami. Mr Mafatlal is an epitome of simplicity and can never ever discriminate according to class or position. that is his most wonderful quality. hats off to both of them!!!