A Spiritual Quest

A Spiritual Quest

It is undeniable fact that positive thoughts and vibrations always keeps us in good frame of mind. Hence reading or listening to inspiring speeches leaves indelible impressions in our minds finally shaping our thinking process.

Most of us know about  Swami Vivekananda and A. C. Bhakti Vedanta Swami (fondly called as Srila Prabhupada by foreigners) for their immense contribution in spreading the spiritual fragrance of our land to the World. The influence of these spiritual leaders is Utopian. We tend to ruminate much on their teachings and inspiring lectures. It would be really an intellectual feast if we can follow their spiritual odyssey.

The book, “The Journey Home” an autobiography of Radhanath Swami is truly inspiring. In brief the book is about a young American boy who was constantly bothered with an inner quest and passion for God. His internal search was actualised at a much younger age. As was norm in America during late 1960’s most of the youngsters aggressively participated and strengthened a counter culture moment. They used to express their resentment by growing their hairs and initiated a different movement later termed as “Hippie culture”. This was quite popular for few decades. It is a journey of this young American who had a yearning zeal to seek an answer to his inner call. He travels from London to India, almost penniless by hitch-hiking passing through various countries and finally reaches the destination in the Far East –India. His journey which spanned over six months had a huge avalanche of experiences both good and bad. But what was striking was his indomitable courage to reach the final step of his spiritual quest. Throughout the course of journey he harboured an unwavering faith towards God and went ahead on his spiritual path with Supreme faith in the Lord. He believed that every experience was a precedent and with each and every incident he tried to gain more insights about the journey of a spiritual seeker. He took several vows to cleanse his life and to renounce worldly pleasures. He strictly adhered to them and followed the rigours of the spiritual life with utmost discipline and respect. He finally made India his home, initiated and developed several welfare programmes for children, youth and the old as well.

 

During his quest, he spends several months meditating in Himalayas. This book provides a glimpse of the ordeals of spiritual seekers and vehemently makes us understand about the various categories of people who do demeaning acts in guise of spirituality. Especially mysticism is often confused as another form of spirituality but this is dangerous offshoot of the same. Common people or masses get easily fooled by the mysticism and often take refuge in it to seek some solace. Mysticism is coupled with some techniques which bestows with miraculous powers and they are against laws of nature. Spirituality on the other hand is sincere and purest form of devotion. The descriptions and divine experiences he had in the company of pious and devoted Saints have been beautifully described.

Through practise of devotion to God, we learn that preserving loving relations in this world requires much forgiveness, tolerance, patience, gratitude and humility. An essential virtue of humility is to accept others for what they are, despite differences. We tend to fall into vicious trap of being judgemental and the tendency to judge others is a symptom of insecurity, immaturity or selfishness.

India’s rich spiritual heritage is acknowledged by the entire world but sadly Indians fail to recognise  its sanctity and sacredness.

Far-reaching message to the youngsters –if only we cling to our sacred ideals not being diverted by either failures or successes, we may find amazing powers beyond our own as they test us, protect us and empower us.

@ Copyrights reserved.