Radhanath Swami's Journey Home Book Review | Jen Engevik

Jen Engevik on Radhanath Swami’s Journey Home

December22

I recommend Radhanath Swami’s The Journey Home to all regardless of what faith/religion one participates in. It is a story for all — life changing!! Mind opening!! Awe-inspiring!!

A couple of months ago, I had the privilege of hearing Radhanath Swami, a follower of the contemporary Bhakti yoga tradition. This strain of devotional yoga maintains that people who become aware of their spiritual identity share an imperative to reduce suffering in the world.

A Photo of Radhanath Swami

I became aware of his visit to the small yoga studio across from my house in Aliso Viejo, California after seeing a flier on the wall at Native Foods restaurant next to the studio. As I read the flier, something inside of me was insistent on seeing what this man was all about. I had never at that point actually seen someone of his stature or background in person. I marked the date on my calendar and set my heart on going.

A Photo of Richard Slavin (Now Radhanath Swami)

The evening of his visit arrived and I set out for the yoga studio. On the way over, I tried to find every excuse to turn around and go home. I didn’t know anyone going to the event, I wasn’t sure if I was going to connect with the swami’s message or if he was a good man. While doubts filled my mind, I kept moving toward my destination. When I entered the Core Power Yoga studio, I felt instantly at home and found a spot in the cozy yoga room. The event began when a beautiful African American singer by the name of C.C. White began chanting a mantra that I had heard before:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama

Rama Rama Hare Hare

She sang with such passion and devotion — the audience joined in and for about 10 minutes the mantra was repeated. There was so much warmth and love in the room, I could have heard it for hours.

Finally the moment came, Radhanath Swami began telling his story. He grew up in Illinois in a Jewish home. At the age of 19 in 1969, he felt a calling in his heart to travel to Europe with a couple of his friends. After trekking around Europe for three months, he found himself in Greece with very little money. Camping out in a cave with his friends, one morning he awoke to a voice inside of his soul inspiring him to go to India. He listened to the call and backpacked from Greece to India.

Journey Home - Autobiography of an American Swami

As he told his story, I was awestruck by how gracefully he spoke and his love for his Lord and humanity. It was clear that his travels through countries including Turkey, Afghanistan and Iran opened his heart and mind to the beauty of those he knew he could connect so deeply with. He told of an afternoon in Afghanistan in which he was having tea in a small shop with a man he had met and a boy entered — he was blind — his eyes deformed so much that it was hard to look at him.

The boy pulled out a funny looking instrument that resembled a tambourine and started singing. His voice was clear and angelic. Words of devotion and love poured from his mouth causing Richard Slavin (Radhanath Swami’s birth name) to become silent. He was awed by what came from the boys soul, teaching that there is so much more to a person than meets the eye. The hearts cry is so very powerful when shared and heard.

In India, Barry was able to learn from great sages including the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Ananda Mayi Ma, Swami Satcidananda, and many more who make their appearances in his book The Journey Home.

For nearly three hours, I listened closely and secretly wished that his stories would continue. I was so very inspired that this man had set his mind to accomplish something extraordinary. The majority of us human beings would sit back and scoff at the idea of traveling to other countries with only enough money to by an airfare and buy food for a handful of days — and then believe that providence would guide and care for us. We’d prefer our conventional lives while wishing that we could have the nerve to do something different and extraordinary with our lives.

Radhanath Swami’s stories finally ended. I worked up the courage to approach him at the front of the room. He looked at me with compassion, and I thanked him for filling my heart and soul for a few hours.

Radhanath Swami with Mother Teresa

“What is your name,” he asked. “Jen,” I replied. He then peered deeply into my eyes and said, “If only others could be as kind as you are.” I looked back at him with emotion in my eyes. “Really, if only others could be as kind as you…you are a very kind person.”

I left thinking about kindness and took it as an assignment, as a call to try my best to be kind to all that I come in contact with.

A few days later, I bought the Swami’s book The Journey Home. For a handful of weeks I couldn’t put the book down. His words were so very inspired in my mind and his heart true.

He taught of the importance of humility, serving humanity, finding one’s own unique spiritual path, listening to others, expecting miracles and connecting with the Lord of the universe. In his mind, there is one Lord who loves and serves humanity, if they are only to open their hearts and minds.

I recommend Radhanath Swami’s – The Journey Home to all regardless of what faith/religion one participates in. It is a story for all — life changing!! Mind opening!! Awe-inspiring!!

Thank you Radhanath Swami for your inspiration and boldness!!

- Jen Engevik
Integrated Marketing Specialist & Professional Writer

Review found at – http://projectbebold.com/archives/2187

posted under Jen Engevik

62 Comments to

“Jen Engevik on Radhanath Swami’s Journey Home”

On December 22nd, 2011 at 10:27 am Manojkumar Nambiar Says:
Thanks for sharing you experience with Radhanath Swami
On December 22nd, 2011 at 4:22 pm Sumit Sharma Says:
Nice review comments on Radhanath Swami’s wonderful book.
On December 22nd, 2011 at 6:18 pm Citra Gopi DD Says:
Thank you for sharing your personal interaction with Radhanath swami.
On December 22nd, 2011 at 8:00 pm siddhesvari priya Says:
Excellent book.Thank you maharaj ji for showing us the spiritual path.
On December 23rd, 2011 at 12:37 pm gopasana Says:
very very touching review and glimpse into HH Radhanath Swami’s personality
On December 23rd, 2011 at 2:08 pm Abhinav Mutreja Says:
Radhanath Swami Maharaj’s Journey Home Book is for all !
On December 23rd, 2011 at 4:11 pm Sumit Sharma Says:
Nice comments on Radhanath Swami’s wonderful. This book has touched so many souls, because it reflects the sincerity and eagerness of Radhanath Swami maharaj.
On December 23rd, 2011 at 4:46 pm vsk Says:
It is a story for all — life changing!! Mind opening!! Awe-inspiring!! — very true
On December 23rd, 2011 at 11:26 pm surekha Says:
Thank you for sharing this inspiring story about Radhanath swami and for your wonderful comments about Journey Home book.
On December 25th, 2011 at 2:01 am anjan Says:
Many thanks for posting this wonderful review of The Journey Home by Radhanath swami
On December 26th, 2011 at 4:01 pm Vidya Says:
Wonderful comment by Jen Engevik.
On December 26th, 2011 at 9:02 pm Sundar ananda das Says:
Jen, your detailed description of the kindness and what you experienced are really uplifting… wish you the best! thanks!
On December 29th, 2011 at 2:19 pm Tallam Sita Ramaiah Says:
The comments are so true. It is a book every individual should read to develop determination and love of God.
On December 29th, 2011 at 9:02 pm sarika Says:
thanks for sharing your wonderful experience
On December 30th, 2011 at 2:47 am Vraja manjari Says:
Thank you for your heartfelt review and realizations! This is an amazing book that brings out every readers innate emotions and makes them appreciate and understand the higher purpose of life.
On December 30th, 2011 at 5:38 am Kalpana Kulkarni Says:
Thank you for your soul-touching comments
On January 2nd, 2012 at 11:04 am Anand Says:
What Jen has mentioned about her experience on hearing Radhanath Swami’s story is true. Radhanath Swami Maharaj is a very compassionate & pure soul. One cannot just put down his book “The Journey Home” once we have started reading it as it is very inspiring & candid revealation of his life’s incidents. Also hearing the Swami speak in person of his life’s incidents is really mesmerizing. Thank you Jen, for your beautiful review about The Journey Home book.
On January 2nd, 2012 at 3:40 pm Ravinder Patel Says:
thank you maharaj for sharing your life with us through books..
On January 2nd, 2012 at 3:45 pm Biswajit Says:
His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaj Ki Jai
On January 2nd, 2012 at 9:49 pm Braja Kumar Das Says:
Fantastic article! Thanks to Jen for writing it.
On January 3rd, 2012 at 8:28 am aniket Says:
very nice article
On January 3rd, 2012 at 9:16 am harshad Says:
thanks a lot for sharing……..its wonderful
On January 3rd, 2012 at 1:11 pm Vidya Patham Says:
Thank you for sharing such an inspiring review with us.
On January 4th, 2012 at 3:40 am pranjal dixit Says:
Thank you very much for sharing your beautiful realization.
On January 5th, 2012 at 12:09 am Manasa Says:
Wonderful Realization!!! Its really true
On January 5th, 2012 at 6:17 am Jagannath Dham Das Says:
Thanks Jen for sharing such wonderful experiences with Radhanath Swami !
It was very inspiring to read !
On January 5th, 2012 at 5:39 pm madhura Says:
wonderful comment.
On January 9th, 2012 at 7:22 am suresh Says:
This book is for all who is seeking the truth.
On January 9th, 2012 at 2:24 pm vskarekar Says:
truly a apt comment by Jen!
On January 11th, 2012 at 9:48 am Ankit Patel Says:
Great Book.
On January 16th, 2012 at 11:06 pm anjan Says:
Very wonderful review. Man many thanks for sharing
On January 19th, 2012 at 9:55 am Anand Iyer (Gurgaon) Says:
Jen is so right about HH Radhanath Swami. Radhanath Swami is like that honeybee which can find a flower even in a place filled with garbage and dirt. He knows only to see the little good whatsoever in others. That motivates the people and they are forever grateful to this ‘Punyaatma’. Thank you so much His Holiness.
On January 19th, 2012 at 2:44 pm Abhinav Mutreja Says:
Journey Home Book is amazing !
On January 24th, 2012 at 1:17 am Manasa Says:
Life Changing!!!
On January 25th, 2012 at 3:47 am siddhesvari Says:
Amazing.Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience
On January 25th, 2012 at 9:54 am Ravi Says:
very inspiring
On January 26th, 2012 at 1:14 am vrushalir Says:
Amazing review of an amazing book. Thank you!
On January 27th, 2012 at 9:43 pm surek Says:
Absolutely agree with your comments. Many thanks for sharing this out here.
On February 1st, 2012 at 4:19 pm Tallam Sita Ramaiah Says:
This is a very nice review along with sharing of interactions with H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj. Thank you.
On February 6th, 2012 at 5:02 pm Kalpana Kulkarni Says:
The book Journey Home has touched so many hearts because of its simplicity, authencity and purity.
On February 8th, 2012 at 3:22 am rekha Says:
Thank you for your wonderful review on Journey Home.
On February 8th, 2012 at 1:50 pm Pankaj Says:
An honest review…Thank you!
On February 11th, 2012 at 1:36 pm Tallam Sita Ramaiah Says:
This is a very natural review. It is so nice that own interactions are shared. Thank you for this.
On February 12th, 2012 at 9:34 pm surekha Says:
Thank you for your inspiring comments about the Journey Home book.
On February 13th, 2012 at 4:29 am Pranjal Says:
Really very very nice book.
On February 15th, 2012 at 2:20 pm suresh Says:
Who read this book are very very fotunate.
On February 23rd, 2012 at 4:38 am umesh Says:
this is great comment about Radhanath Swami’s book.
On February 24th, 2012 at 10:08 am raju Says:
Very nice book…Very inspiring and humorous as well
On February 24th, 2012 at 12:35 pm Sunny Hinduja Says:
Great Book!!!!
On February 28th, 2012 at 2:58 am Atul Says:
Very touching story.
On February 28th, 2012 at 10:07 am govind Says:
thanks for sharing the wonderful realization.
On March 1st, 2012 at 10:31 pm rekha Says:
These comments very wonderful about the Journey Home book which are accompanied with your personal experience with Radhanath swami.
On March 7th, 2012 at 11:32 pm surekha Says:
Thank you for these inspiring comments about Journey Home written by Radhanath swami.
On March 8th, 2012 at 12:26 am Achyuta Govinda Says:
Wonderful review. Many thanks for sharing this.
On March 8th, 2012 at 8:53 am Tallam Sita Ramaiah Says:
Very nice review along with personal interactions with Maharaj. Any amount of comments will not suffice about the book “The journey home.” Only an unprejudiced reading will help one to get the full benefit.
On March 19th, 2012 at 8:18 am Tallam Sita Ramaiah Says:
This is must read for all spiritual seekers to develop the determination.
On March 19th, 2012 at 8:20 am Udisha Trivedi Says:
You can relate to the book being an Indian, American, African, Japanese, Chinese, Phillipine, Persian, German, …it is actually meant for anyone and everyone who is searching for the mysteries of life and what is there in store for us after this lifetime…depending so much on destiny and faith to find the purpose of life is really inspiring to whoever will read this book..!
On March 22nd, 2012 at 6:49 am umesh Says:
this is amazing to see how Radhanath Swami is touching the lives of so many!!
On April 18th, 2012 at 10:57 am Riyaa Says:
author of this book is really very broad minded.
On April 21st, 2012 at 7:15 pm anjan Says:
very nice comments about a wonderful book
On April 23rd, 2012 at 11:04 pm madhura Says:
very inspiring.
On June 22nd, 2012 at 8:16 pm surekha Says:
These comments inspires others to read the great book “Journey Home” written by Radhanath swami.