Spiritual Questions and Answers with Radhanath Swami
Question to Radhanath Swami: It is said that one should be eager to offer all respects to others. But what does that mean in practical life?
Radhanath Swami: That means to be in the spirit of servant. Prabhupäda, our guru, explains that a devotee addresses all others as prabhu, master; that means we take a humble position. In India, people fold their hands and say “namaskär,” but like so many other things, rarely do people understand what it really means….
Question to Radhanath Swami: This is one question which I’ve had since my childhood. When I travel by trains I see many children begging, and I can’t bear the sight of their hunger. One side of my heart says that I should not give them money for they might misuse it, while my other side says GIVE IT ! What should I do?
Radhanath Swami: Actually, real joy comes through service. Real joy that touches the heart comes through serving without expecting anything material in return.
Question to Radhanath Swami: One thing always comes in my mind. If we give small children who come begging to us Prasad (sanctified food first offered to the Lord) or money, for long will they survive on this Prasad or money? Rather it will encourage them to beg even further and further, and they can’t become successful in their life. So, don’t you think it is better to give Prasad or money to very old and elderly beggars rather than give it to small children?
Radhanath Swami: Very nice observation. Actually, giving Prasad does not have a temporary effect. This Prasad connects their soul to God, to Krishna. It has everlasting benefit on the spiritual platform.
Question to Radhanath Swami: I have heard that we must give away some prasad (food sanctified by offering it to the Lord) when approached by a beggar; and in case we are not carrying any Prasad, we should give him/her some money, but never say no. Can you please elaborate on this?
Radhanath Swami Answers: This principle is especially for grihastas, householders. In the Vedic scriptures, one of the first regulative principles of thegrihasta is to give in charity.
Question to Radhanath Swami: I am a student of science. I believe in science. Still I have not got a proper theory or explanation about life and its aim. How will you explain life and its aim scientifically? Another thing: people are trying to explain behavior of life by mathematical model. Do you think it is possible to do that?
Radhanath Swami: What is your definition of Science?
Question to Radhanath Swami: Is inquiry taboo in spirituality? I mean, are we expected to be blind followers?
Radhanath Swami: Srila Prabhupada, our beloved Guru, did not want blind followers. He wanted independent thinking people who by their own free will were convinced of the substance of the scriptures through sincere and submissive inquiry. Srila Prabhupada welcomed questions….
