Radhanath Swami, born as Richard Slavin in Chicago, Illinois, was raised in a Jewish family. From a young age, he was deeply interested in spirituality and the search for the ultimate truth. He explored various spiritual paths and traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

In 1970, at the age of 19, Richard embarked on a journey to India in search of spiritual enlightenment. He traveled through Europe, the Middle East, and finally arrived in India. During his travels, Richard met many spiritual seekers and teachers, but he was particularly drawn to the teachings of Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

Richard was deeply inspired by the teachings of Swami Prabhupada and the devotees of ISKCON. He was attracted to their simplicity, sincerity, and dedication to the path of Bhakti Yoga, which involves devotional service and chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. He also resonated with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the central text of the Hare Krishna movement.

After spending some time in India, Richard returned to the United States and became a student of Swami Prabhupada. He was initiated into the Hare Krishna movement and given the spiritual name Radhanath Das. He continued to travel and study with Swami Prabhupada, deepening his understanding and practice of Bhakti Yoga.

In 1972, Radhanath Das returned to India and began living in the holy city of Vrindavan, where he dedicated himself to the service of the Hare Krishna community. He also traveled extensively throughout India, visiting sacred places and learning from various spiritual teachers.

In 1979, Radhanath Das was given the sannyasa (renounced) order by Swami Prabhupada and was given the name Radhanath Swami. He continued to serve and teach within the ISKCON community, eventually becoming a prominent leader and teacher.

Today, Radhanath Swami is a renowned spiritual leader, author, and speaker, who has dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Bhakti Yoga and the message of love, compassion, and service. He continues to inspire and guide thousands of people around the world through his lectures, books, and social service projects.

In conclusion, Radhanath Swami became involved with ISKCON through his spiritual journey and search for truth. His encounter with the teachings of Swami Prabhupada and the devotees of ISKCON deeply resonated with him, leading him to become a dedicated follower and teacher within the Hare Krishna movement.