Spiritual Questions and Answers with Radhanath Swami
Question to Radhanath Swami: We render devotional service unto Krishna. But does he need our services?
Answer by Radhanath Swami: He doesn’t need anything; Krishna is Ätmäräm. Let’s take the example of the Ganges. When you take water from river Ganges, you say a prayer and offer the water to the Ganges. Does the Ganges need that handful of water from you? Is she going to dry up…
Question to Radhanath Swami: How do we know when we are ready to be a leader? And what do we do in the meantime?
Answer by Radhanath Swami: Really, our aspiration should be to serve. Leadership is just a very-very wonderful opportunity to serve. We shouldn’t be attached to be a leader; we should be attached to the service that we can render ….
Question to Radhanath Swami: How could both the politicians and the common men cooperate to create a harmonious society?
Answer by Radhanath Swami: Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change that you want to see in this world.” To bring a change, whether we are a leader or a layman in society, we have to take responsibility to live by the ideals that we are meant to follow in our particular roles…..
Question to Radhanath Swami: In ordinary life, our short-term goals—wealth, fame, money, etc.—are measurable. To aspire for love of God is to pursue the proper long term goal. But unlike short-term goals, isn’t this goal achieved only after death?
Radhanath Swami: The highest goal does not come at the time of death. The highest goal comes when we make service to God the highest priority of our life.
Question to Radhanath Swami: Do we have to give up everything to come close to God?
Radhanath Swami: All the things in this world are meant to be utilized according to our nature, in the service of God. Then it’s wonderful. Not that you have to give up everything; that’s very difficult and in many ways it’s very unnatural. If something can be utilized in a very dynamic and wonderful way in the service of God and for the welfare of others, you should utilize it, you should not renounce it.
Question to Radhanath Swami: How to improve the quality of our mantra meditation?
Radhanath Swami: By our sincerity and simplicity, by trying to improve the attitude of service in our life, by trying to live more and more according to moral, ethical and pure principles , by guarding against offences, and by sincerely and attentively making the effort to take shelter of the holy names.
