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.
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91 comments:

  1. Piyush SinghFebruary 10, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    Thank you Radhanath Swami for this wisdom.

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  2. N. SwaminathanFebruary 10, 2011 at 11:52 PM

    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.

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  3. Vishvesh JogalekarFebruary 11, 2011 at 12:14 AM

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

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  4. Shoba RamachandranFebruary 11, 2011 at 12:24 PM

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

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  5. Vinay MalaniFebruary 12, 2011 at 2:27 AM

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

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  6. kuldeep soniFebruary 12, 2011 at 4:49 AM

    Thank you so much for sharing.

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  7. Sumit SharmaFebruary 12, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    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.

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  8. AnonymousFebruary 12, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    thank you very much for the guidance

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  9. AnonymousFebruary 12, 2011 at 12:03 PM

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

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  10. KathiresanFebruary 12, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    Thank You so much Maharaj for the very nice explanation.

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  11. PhaniFebruary 12, 2011 at 9:40 PM

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

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  12. Vinay MalaniFebruary 13, 2011 at 4:29 AM

    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.

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  13. Shyam Bihari DasFebruary 13, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    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.

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  14. SamirFebruary 14, 2011 at 1:54 AM

    fantastic explanation. thank you very much.

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  15. Abhijit ToleyFebruary 14, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Holistic understanding of truth enlivens our life no end!

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  16. Ravi GargFebruary 14, 2011 at 8:18 AM

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

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  17. Manish AdvaniFebruary 14, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    Radhanath Swami has himself experienced the holistic understanding of truth

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  18. Anup ShahFebruary 15, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    Thankyou for posting this wonderful article

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  19. SundarFebruary 15, 2011 at 6:57 PM

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

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  20. SamirFebruary 16, 2011 at 4:13 AM

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

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  21. Sumit SharmaFebruary 16, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    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.

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  22. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    Thank You Maharaj for very nice inspiration

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  23. Shra1wizFebruary 16, 2011 at 4:48 PM

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

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  24. VikasFebruary 16, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    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.

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  25. Shyam Bihari DasFebruary 16, 2011 at 8:24 PM

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

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  26. vinay rachhFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    very nice article

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  27. Sumit SharmaFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    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.

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  28. anandaFebruary 17, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    Thank you

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  29. N. SwaminathanFebruary 18, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    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?"

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  30. swapnilFebruary 18, 2011 at 2:07 AM

    Radhanath Swami always gives practical solutions

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  31. MeeraFebruary 18, 2011 at 4:51 AM

    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.

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  32. Abhijit ToleyFebruary 18, 2011 at 4:56 AM

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

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  33. Vidya PathamFebruary 18, 2011 at 5:23 AM

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

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  34. AnonymousFebruary 18, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    Simply amazing!

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  35. Manish AdvaniFebruary 18, 2011 at 8:17 AM

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

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  36. Sumit SharmaFebruary 18, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    Wonderful message from Radhanath Swami. Thank you very much.

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  37. Gauri AdvaniFebruary 18, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    Radhanath Swami is so true

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  38. ManasaFebruary 18, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    Thank you very much for sharing the words of Radhanath Swami

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  39. Gauri AdvaniFebruary 18, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    VEry inspiring

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  40. Dhruv AdvaniFebruary 18, 2011 at 10:47 PM

    Very good quote

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  41. T.Sita RamaiahFebruary 19, 2011 at 12:48 AM

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

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  42. Abhijit ToleyFebruary 19, 2011 at 1:59 AM

    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.

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  43. Sumit SharmaFebruary 19, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    Thank you Radhanath Swami for this great message.

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  44. BipinFebruary 19, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    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

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  45. Manish AdvaniFebruary 19, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    Radhanath Swami has very nicely explained what should be our goal

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  46. Kuldeep SoniFebruary 20, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    A very remarkable articles by Radhanath Swami.

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  47. Abhijit ToleyFebruary 20, 2011 at 5:53 AM

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

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  48. AishwaryaFebruary 20, 2011 at 7:34 AM

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

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  49. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    H.H.Radhanath Swami Maharaj ki jai.

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  50. Milind M ChuriFebruary 20, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    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.

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  51. Shoba RamachandranFebruary 21, 2011 at 6:05 AM

    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.

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  52. Abhijit ToleyFebruary 21, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    Good to know the complete description of what constitutes truth.

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  53. ChandrikaFebruary 21, 2011 at 5:06 PM

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

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  54. ManasaFebruary 21, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    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."

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  55. ankur sharmaFebruary 22, 2011 at 4:29 AM

    Thank you

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  56. ServantFebruary 22, 2011 at 4:55 AM

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

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  57. navin poojaryFebruary 22, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    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.

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  58. SamirFebruary 22, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    fantastic article

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  59. RaviFebruary 22, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    Very nice article by Swamiji......

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  60. Amol108February 22, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    Thank you Radhanath Swami

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  61. AnonymousFebruary 22, 2011 at 11:44 PM

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

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  62. Abhijit ToleyFebruary 23, 2011 at 2:44 AM

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

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  63. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2011 at 4:49 AM

    Thank u Radhanath Swami for your clear teachings.

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  64. Kuldeep SoniFebruary 23, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Thank you so much

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  65. SachinFebruary 23, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    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.

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  66. Milind M ChuriFebruary 24, 2011 at 1:36 AM

    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.

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  67. GuruFebruary 24, 2011 at 2:12 AM

    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.

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  68. SunnyFebruary 25, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    "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...

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  69. Kuldeep SoniFebruary 25, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    Thank you so much.

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  70. sureshFebruary 25, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    Obstacles are the path of realization.

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  71. priya aiyarFebruary 26, 2011 at 3:41 AM

    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.

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  72. SundarFebruary 26, 2011 at 5:04 PM

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

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  73. MAnish AdvaniFebruary 26, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    Radhanath Swami has given perfect analogy

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  74. GaurangipriyaFebruary 26, 2011 at 8:41 PM

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

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  75. MPDFebruary 26, 2011 at 9:02 PM

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

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  76. MPAFebruary 26, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    Thank you Radhanath Swami

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  77. Yogita JagannathanFebruary 27, 2011 at 12:14 AM

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

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  78. MahaP DFebruary 27, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    Radhanath Swamis message is very clear

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  79. AnonymousFebruary 27, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    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.

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  80. Abhijit ToleyFebruary 28, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    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.

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  81. Deepali BoradiaFebruary 28, 2011 at 8:48 AM

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

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  82. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    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.

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  83. sachin kombleMarch 1, 2011 at 3:05 AM

    so inspiring

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  84. Abhijit ToleyMarch 1, 2011 at 4:44 AM

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

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  85. MeeraMarch 1, 2011 at 5:03 AM

    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.

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  86. govindaMarch 1, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    Thanks for kindly sharing these nectarine words of Radhanath swami

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  87. 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.

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  88. UnknownMarch 2, 2011 at 5:33 AM

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

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  89. madhuraMarch 2, 2011 at 5:44 AM

    Wonderful explanation by Maharaj.

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  90. Paramesvara DasaMarch 8, 2011 at 12:41 AM

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

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  91. surekhaDecember 26, 2011 at 3:07 PM

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

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