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.
Very Inspiring Prabhu, Thank you very much for sharing your experience with Radhanth Swami maharaj and Mafatlalji Prabhu.
Thank you for sharing. Prabhupada used to say always that “I have built a house where the whole world can live” and these words are the heart and soul of H.H.Radhanth Swami Maharaj who inspires and makes his followers to be in the same path where the whole world can live.
Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful passtime – This is beuity of Radhagopinath Temple . all glories to HDGSP and HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj.
This is the beauty of a great preacher and teacher…….Absolutely no distinctions between individuals, just a sincere desire to bring each soul to the lotus feet of the Lord.
radhagopinath temple is the flower form of love and compassion, from where radhanath swami spreads this fragrance to the universe,
What a wonderful story….
you are fortunate to get such an association
This is the true principle of equality which Radhanath Swami has cultivated amongst his followers. He always keeps reminding us to treat everyone with utmost respect & expect none in return. He is one of the rare souls who actually practice what they preach.
Hare Krishna! Maharaj is so merciful, he sees no rich or poor and is completely above the body concept. Hari Bol!
It’s so touching to see that the writer’s heart got transformed many long years after he became a driver to Mr. Mafatlal.
HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj ki jai!
Thanks a lot for sharing your experience and your Good fortune. Its a benediction to be able to participate in the transcendental singing of Kirtan and dancing of the devotees. Maharaj is transcendental to bodily conceptions.
Such a sweet gesture by Radhanath Swami and Mafatlal ji. I can feel the warmth myself as I write this
Thank you for sharing!
A good tree has to give good fruits
This shows Radhanath Swami’s reachings of the real equality towards everyone irrespective of cast,social status,etc. Same is being followed by the disciples so faithfully. Thank you for sharing this..
Devotion to the Lord is above all creed and caste. It is the Love of God that brings everyone together. All glories to Maharaj for creating such a community of Love. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful and inspiring article which teaches us that on the spiritual platform we all belong to one single family so there is no need of discrimination .
Very nice mood of love and devotion in sri RadhaGopinath temple.
A wonderful gesture of love by both Rdhanath Swami and Mafatlalji.
The feeling has to be experienced to be believed.
Thanking you Sir for sharing such a wonderful incident with us.
Thank you very much for sharing this.
RadhaGopinth Temple is aptly called ‘Simple Temple’. Its that simplicity of the community of RadhaGopinath irrespective of status, caste and creed, is attracting millions all over the world
This is so rare in today’s age of discrimination.
Wonderful experience! Thanks for sharing…
Thanks for sharing this wonderful experience, it was great to read
The key of this wonderful story is that The BOSS and The DRIVER both were in the right association and with right attitude. Thankyou both of you for inspiring by this path breaking service.
Hare Krishna pr. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Haribol!!!
Haribol!!!
Haribol!!!
hare krishna prabhu’s all glories to srila prabhupada, ever think why lord caitanya mahaprabhu said bharat bumi hoile ,janme sart koro par upkar indian should up lift themselves first ,become first class ,than help other souls who are drowning ,but india are blind and follow blindly than how they are going to help other souls ,everyone says especially old new vrndavan devotees say radhanath swami paid and arranged killing of sulocan dasa .why not read the final order ,if you are intellegent than read ,and gbc say it is offensive ,so what is so offensive ,in this book you will find the actual srila prabhupada’s will .wow and blindly you say you cannot read ,why stay in tamo guna ,if after reading the final order you find it wrong quotes than what is your loss .big degrees but follow blindly like the germans followed hitler, the world was saying he is wrong finally they got it after so much bloodshed.
that is what happens !
very fond incidence from life of Mr. Mafatlal, writer of this story and HH Radhanath Swami himself. The principles of bhakti are beyond all designations and here is the proof :-) Thank you for sharing.
Very inspiring incident
wonderful experience. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring article.
The very essence of Krishna Consciousness! Transcending the bodily platform to see everyone as a servant and child of God. Mafatlal Prabhu has imbibed the teachings of Maharaj completely. This is an example of what the world can be if spirituality touches the lives of the rich and powerful.
Hari Bol
amazing story of kindness of HH Radhanath Swami
Hare Krishna ! ! How fortunate is the soul who was himself pulled into the kirtan by Maharaj . Its really mercy of Mahaprabhu flowing in all directions. I am starting to feel envious of him suddenly now :)
Hari hari bol
Wonderful :)
very inspiring and Amazing!
Very astonishing, Krishna conciseness never differentiate any one based on cast ,creed or material opulence.
this is undoubtedly the most heart melting memoir for me…thank you so much for sharing
Thank you Prabhuji for sharing this.
This shows the Magnanimosity of the Lord and his devotees.
Lord makes no distinction and so his devotees.
-Good lesson to learn.
This is a proof of how in the Krishna Conscious movement there is no distinction between the devotees. Materially one may be the boss and the other his servant but in the eyes of the Lord they are equal as both are serving the Guru and Vaishnavas.
Thank you very much for sharing.
Thank you for sharing. This showa Radha Gopinath temple is built on Simplicity and love.