Radhanath Swami, born Richard Slavin, became connected with ISKCON as the natural culmination of a profound spiritual journey. As a young seeker he traveled to India, moving through various sacred places and meeting many teachers and traditions, searching for an authentic path of devotion. During this period he encountered devotees of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and was struck by their practice of bhakti-yoga, their kirtan, and their disciplined Vaishnava way of life. Their dedication to Krishna and their embodiment of the teachings they followed created a powerful impression, suggesting that his long search might be finding a clear direction.

This initial attraction deepened when he came into contact with the teachings of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON’s founder. Hearing Prabhupada’s explanations of the Bhagavad-gita and the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, and observing his humility and realization, strengthened Radhanath Swami’s conviction that Krishna-bhakti under such guidance offered the spiritual shelter he had been seeking. He began associating more closely with Prabhupada’s disciples, spending extended time in ISKCON temples and in the holy town of Vrindavan, where the mood of devotion further nourished his faith and practice.

Out of this sustained association grew a formal commitment. He accepted initiation from Srila Prabhupada, receiving the name Radhanath Das, thereby entering fully into ISKCON’s Gaudiya Vaishnava lineage. Over time, his role evolved from that of an earnest student to that of a dedicated teacher and leader within the movement. His life thus illustrates how a sincere quest, guided by association with devoted practitioners and a realized spiritual master, can mature into a lifelong service within a particular spiritual tradition.