Friday, February 11, 2011

Radhanath Swami on The Holistic Understanding of Truth

The more you rub sandalwood, the more its natural, beautiful fragrance is manifested. We understand theoretically that we are eternal souls, parts of God, and His eternal servants. However, in our life, in the process of purification, in the process of making actual progress, there will be many challenges and obstacles that would threaten our progress towards what we want to achieve. However, if we, with proper integrity and proper spiritual direction, pass through those obstacles, they bring about realization. One thing is to have theoretical knowledge, but through the process of overcoming so many obstacles on the path, we develop realization of that knowledge. This realization is the holistic understanding of the truth - of who we really are, what is our relationship with material nature, what is our relationship with other living beings, and what is our relationship with God.

91 comments:

  1. Thank you Radhanath Swami for this wisdom.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Practically every teaching of Radhanath Swami covers the theoretical aspects but also relates with experiences from day to day life and so it is easy to appreciate, understand and apply the teachings.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you very much Maharaj for opening my eyes by this wonderful explanation.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks very much Maharaj for making us understand that the knowledge we possess is not complete unless it is experienced and realized.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Radhanath Swami has given a very profund meaning to the practical application of Krishna bhakti - to accept every obstacle & difficulty as Krishna prasad.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nice message from Radhanath Swami. If we simply follow these instructions in our lives, we can see how we are progressing in our spiritual path.

    ReplyDelete
  8. thank you very much for the guidance

    ReplyDelete
  9. The truth could never have been explained more simply and beautifully - thank you for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank You so much Maharaj for the very nice explanation.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wonderfully explained by Radhanath Swami Maharaj. All glories to Radhanath Swami Maharaj.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Radhanath Swami has himself received profound realization of the Absolute Truth, having overcome so many obstacles during his spiritual journey to India. His determination & devotion to God even in the most adverse of circumstances is indeed very inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  13. We see obstacles several times every day in our spiritual path. Even the process of chanting becomes difficult. But, as Maharaj says, if we pass through these obstacles,we get realization. Thank you Maharaj for so nicely describing what we go through repeatedly.

    ReplyDelete
  14. fantastic explanation. thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Holistic understanding of truth enlivens our life no end!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Very encouraging article......its true we cant avoid obstacles in our lives, but we need the proper vision as instructed herein by Swamiji......

    ReplyDelete
  17. Radhanath Swami has himself experienced the holistic understanding of truth

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thankyou for posting this wonderful article

    ReplyDelete
  19. Very practical and very instructive to apply whatever one learns from scriptures or great souls.

    ReplyDelete
  20. thank you Radhanath Maharaj for putting philosophy of Bhagwad Gita in such a simple and convincing manner.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Very nice message from Radhanath Swami. If one tolerates all the inconveniences in his life under the direction of spiritual master and vaishnavas, he becomes eligible to associate with the Lord.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank You Maharaj for very nice inspiration

    ReplyDelete
  23. Getting these realization needs great sadhana I guess. Thank you for sharing this Maharaj!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Its important to practice all kinds of theoretical knowledge into practice as Maharaj pointed out. May Lord Krishna give me enough strength to practice what I have heard theoretically.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hari Bol! This is a very nice article and provides so much insight.

    ReplyDelete
  26. very nice article

    ReplyDelete
  27. Nice message from Radhanath Swami. It's very nice to see how he has given sandal wood's analogy to explain the truth about soul.

    ReplyDelete
  28. If we pass through obstacles it brings us realizations. This statement from Radhanath Swami is very inspiring, otherwise the only thoughts that come when facing obstacles is "why me?"

    ReplyDelete
  29. Radhanath Swami always gives practical solutions

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you so much Maharajah for reminding us that to have realization from the theoretical knowledge is to go through obstacles in life, so we need not lament and waste our time on them, because these obstacles are going to serve the higher purpose.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Its amazing what spiritual knowledge can do to our lives. Its wonderful. Thank you Radhanath Swami!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Radhanath Swami is emphasizing the importance of obstacles in our path to spiritual advancement.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Going through the process of purification certainly helps us in building our conviction thank you Radhanath Swami

    ReplyDelete
  34. Wonderful message from Radhanath Swami. Thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thank you very much for sharing the words of Radhanath Swami

    ReplyDelete
  36. " The process of overcoming so many obstacles on the path, we develop realization of that knowledge." This is a profound statement by Maharaj.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Truth remains elusive to even the great philosophers. Because truth is not something to be speculated about, but something to be revealed to us by God Himself. How? By following the process He has given.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thank you Radhanath Swami for this great message.

    ReplyDelete
  39. All Glories To H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj

    What an beautiful analogy with the comparison of rubbing of sandalwood. Life on the spiritual path is truly like that, and if we follow the letter of the God realisations are likely to manifest.

    Hare Krishna

    ReplyDelete
  40. Radhanath Swami has very nicely explained what should be our goal

    ReplyDelete
  41. A very remarkable articles by Radhanath Swami.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Many times there are debates about what's the truth. But a holisitic understanding resolves all contradictions.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thank you for giving a positive vision to understand obstacles on the spiritual path.

    ReplyDelete
  44. H.H.Radhanath Swami Maharaj ki jai.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Very nicely explianed by Radhanath Swamiji. To solve our material problems We have to raise ourselves under bonafied guidence to spiritual platform and then through realization of self,yes we can overcome our material existence.Since spiritual process is above the material platform we can not have solution to our material problem on that same platform.Thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
  46. HH Radhanath Swami, you have always reminded us that obstacles are stepping stones for our success in our spiritual life; reversals are greatest blessings for the one with proper integrity. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Good to know the complete description of what constitutes truth.

    ReplyDelete
  48. This is such a profound explanation of how to revive our dormant love...I am still trying to digest it...

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thank you very much for sharing the words of Radhanath Swami "However, if we, with proper integrity and proper spiritual direction, pass through those obstacles, they bring about realization."

    ReplyDelete
  50. A very nice explanation with a beautiful example by His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaj.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Thank you Radhanath Swami for this valuable guidance. We are praying and seeking your guidance and good wishes in our challenges and obstacles in life.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Very nice article by Swamiji......

    ReplyDelete
  53. Radhanath Maharaj has so nicely explained whatever impediments we get on the path of spiritual progress, they bring the realization.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Holistic understanding is must in spiritual life otherwise we can become sentimental or fundamentalist.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Thank u Radhanath Swami for your clear teachings.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thank you so much

    ReplyDelete
  57. Thank you Radhanath Swami. This instructions just instills our heart with so much hope.
    I will remember through all the trials and tribulations of life.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thank you Radhanath Swami for explaining very nicely the ralationship between theoratical spiritual knowledge and the obstacles on that path as a practicle experience.In this way holistic approach towards obstacle is possible which can make us self realized.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Superb !

    Very nicely explianed with beautiful narration.

    Uunderstanding the what is 'Truth' or Absolute truth' is very difficult for a common man, but out of causeless mercy of Acharya like HH Radhanath swami Maharaj today we are able to understand little bit.

    Thank you so much Maharaj for guiding us in every aspect towards Real goal.

    ReplyDelete
  60. "if we, with proper integrity and proper spiritual direction, pass through those obstacles, they bring about realization"

    Radhanath Maharaja very expertly giving us 2 point formula to overcome obstacles in Spiritual life...

    ReplyDelete
  61. Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Obstacles are the path of realization.

    ReplyDelete
  63. If we simply follow the instructions of Guru,Sadhu,and scriptures the obstacles and challenges would themselves become a stepping stone to deeper realizations.Nice analogy of sandalwood by Maharaj. Whatever we get should be construed as Lord's mercy.Thank you Maharaj for this post.

    ReplyDelete
  64. To get realization, have to pass through obstacles. Great inspiration to overcome the obstacles when they strike.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Radhanath Swami has given perfect analogy

    ReplyDelete
  66. Radhanath Swami is expert in establishing connections so we can easily understand the subject

    ReplyDelete
  67. Radhanath Swamis great lectures cannot be compared with anything of this world. simply amazing

    ReplyDelete
  68. Radahanath Swami Maharaj's words always touch our hearts, because he himself practises what he preaches.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Radhanath Swamis message is very clear

    ReplyDelete
  70. A very good understanding of the word "Holystic".It will allow all of us to give a new look at our life when we face contrdictions in our life while practicing spiritual life.

    ReplyDelete
  71. No one had ever before told me to look at reality in such a holistic way. Everyone just gave their perspective, but this description of reality by Radhanath Swami is really all-encompassing.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Thankyou Radhanath Swami to make us understand what it really means to acquire knowledge.It should lead to action and transformation in us.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Our acaryas in their writings have explained that patience is the principal quality of a devotee. Patience is so important since the process of purification may take a significant amount of time and unless one is patient one will not be able to develop genuine appreciation of the spiritual wealth that awaits one in the process. It also prevents insincere practitioners from taking this most valuable wealth cheaply.

    ReplyDelete
  74. so inspiring

    ReplyDelete
  75. Truth is variegated and has many aspects. It's not just some undifferentiated light.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Very nice instruction from Maharajah
    "However, if we, with proper integrity and proper spiritual direction, pass through those obstacles, they bring about realization".
    Thank you Maharajah for guiding us.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Thanks for kindly sharing these nectarine words of Radhanath swami

    ReplyDelete
  78. Arjun K RamachandraMarch 1, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    Thanks to Radhanath Swami for enlightening us on the need for practical realization over and above theoretical knowledge.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Thank you Maharaj for guiding us in practicle problems of this material existence..

    ReplyDelete
  80. Wonderful explanation by Maharaj.

    ReplyDelete
  81. A nice article on realization. Mere knowledge is no good unless it is realized. All glories to Radhanath Swami.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Thank you Radhanath swami for asking us to utilize our theoritical knowledge in a practical way to get realizations.

    ReplyDelete