Have you ever experienced a longing for something more in your life? Rahil Patel, a former devout Hindu priest, felt this same hunger in his heart, despite his success in his faith and career. He intensified his meditation and study of Hindu scriptures, hoping to find the answers he was looking for. But it wasn’t until he had an unexpected encounter with Jesus Christ that he found the love and freedom he had been seeking.
Family Origins: From India to Kenya
Rahil Patel’s family origins are from India, specifically from the northwestern state of Gujarat. However, his parents and their parents were all born in Kenya, which is in East Africa. His grandfather had a successful construction business in Nairobi during the 1950s and 1960s, but political instability and tension between Indians and the local African community led to the sudden closure of the company. Rahil’s grandfather, who was only 52 at the time, had a heart attack due to shock and he died instantly. This event had a profound impact on the family. Rahil’s father, who was just 23, took on the role of winding down the entire company. Within a year and a half, the company was completely shut down. Despite the tragedy, the family persevered and moved to the UK, where the Rahil’s parents worked hard to provide a better life for their children.
Starting anew in the UK: Challenges and Opportunities
Growing up in England, Rahil’s parents had to start their lives all over again with only two British passports. They worked tirelessly as newsagents to support the family. During this time, visiting the local temple was an important part of the Indian community’s life. The temple served as a place for Indians who had migrated from East Africa to connect, share stories and challenges, and preserve their culture and cuisine while adapting to their new surroundings.
The Temple as a Way of Life: Belonging and Tradition
Although Rahil initially disliked going to the temple as a child, seeing it as boring, they now appreciate the sense of community and belonging it provided. In those times, many Indians who had migrated from East Africa looked forward to visiting a local temple on the weekends. He describes their traditional Hindu upbringing, with a house shrine dedicated to idols and a strong belief in the teachings of the Guru. Morning and evening prayers were a daily routine, followed by offering food to the idols and sharing a meal as a family. Despite attending a predominantly Christian school, he did not experience racism and fondly remembers their time there.
Dual Influences: Hindu Upbringing in a Christian School
Both Hindu and Christian influences shaped Rahil’s upbringing. Despite their Hindu way of life, his schooling was very Christian. He loved his school and his teachers. He and his brother were the only Indians in the whole school. While he didn’t enjoy going to the temple as a child, he appreciated the values and beliefs that were instilled in him, which influenced his identity and character.
Growing up, school was a sanctuary for him. He found it very easy and enjoyable, from nursery school to high school. He loved singing hymns in the morning assembly, especially during Christmas time when they would go around different classes singing Christmas carols and taking part in the nativity play. School was a safe place for him, and he didn’t know at the time that he was growing up between two different world religions, cultures, and ways of thinking.
Decision to Become a Swami
When Rahil was younger, school was a happy place for him, but things changed when his family started having problems. To cope with those challenges, he found solace and purpose in his temple, which eventually led him to become a priest. The guru who worked with him was caring and affectionate, and Rahil felt that he was chosen for great things. Despite his parents’ objections, He left his family and went to India to become a Swami, which meant he had to sacrifice everything and be fully dependent on the organization he joined. Though it was a rigorous and challenging process, he felt fulfilled in serving God.
Rigorous Training and Disciplines
In the past, there were various disciplines that encouraged people to discard their bodies and not take care of them. This was a way to separate the flesh and carnal desires from the real self. One such discipline was practiced in a beautiful 250-acre campus that was like a university in the middle of nowhere in the middle of a desert. The campus had all the necessary amenities and infrastructure, and everyone had to fulfill their chores with excellence and perfection. The focus of their classes was on Hindu philosophy and foundational scriptures. Mental discipline was expected, and exams and verse memorization were common. However, doubts could surface during the training period, but they encouraged it to push through. The most important thing was being open and honest with their Guru about their feelings.
Rahil’s Success as a Hindu Priest
Rahil Patel was a highly accomplished Hindu priest who was known for his academic brilliance and persuasive speaking skills. He was affiliated with one of the most affluent Hindu organizations in the world, but despite his success, he found himself yearning for something more. In his quest to find a loving God who could fill the void he felt in his heart, Rahil turned to intense meditation and Scripture study.
Despite his efforts and all the spiritual activities, Rahil felt that there is no change in his heart. Moreover, upon observing other seasoned sadhus who have dedicated 34 years to their spiritual path, he couldn’t see any difference in their internal life.
The attraction to Christianity
As he continued to travel to different places to give sermons, he began to feel drawn towards the Christian way of life. He noticed the Christian cross everywhere he went and was fascinated by the Christian worldview. He didn’t know much about the resurrection of Jesus Christ or the blood of Jesus Christ, but he was drawn to the cross itself.
Rahil says, “Slowly in my sermons, I started talking about a bigger God. I didn’t know which God. I started sharing about a more beautiful God, a God that doesn’t confine himself to an image or a guru or even a building.”
One day, while reading a Hindu scripture by Swami Vivekananda, he heard a silent voice whisper, “Jesus Christ of Nazareth” and it felt sweet and authentic. He quickly shook it off because he was wearing orange robes and preaching a Hindu philosophy. But the attraction to Christianity remained.
The Impact of a Children’s Bible
As a young man, Rahil had read many books with different thoughts and ideas. One day, while browsing in a bookshop, he asked a trustworthy friend to buy him a children’s Bible. He felt that the pictures and simplified language would help him understand what the Bible was all about. He remembered reading the Bible in nursery school and primary school, but had forgotten everything that it said.
He took the Bible to his office and locked the door when he read it. As he read a few verses, he immediately felt a connection. He felt that someone or something was speaking back to him. It wasn’t an intellectual exercise, but an authentic experience. It only lasted 15 seconds, but it was powerful. He quickly closed the Bible and tried to forget the experience. However, he continued to explore Christianity. He visited churches and made friends who were Christians. He invited them to his office in the monastery in London, and they discussed their worldviews. He noticed that his Christian friends had a beautiful outlook on life. Their worldview was broad and filled with love. They carried something special and unique that was authentic.
Rahil’s experience with the children’s Bible was a turning point in his spiritual journey. It opened his eyes to the possibility of a deeper connection with something greater than himself. His experience shows that sometimes, a simple act like reading a children’s Bible can have a profound impact on our lives.
Leaving the Sadhu life
By 2010, his health declined, and he took 40 tablets daily due to his inner emptiness. Seeking treatment from many places proved futile. Learning of the Mayo Clinic, he underwent a 10-month treatment in Jacksonville, Florida. After the treatment, he returned to London.
After a month of rest, he traveled to Bombay, India, to meet his guru, whom he considered a father figure and a god-like figure. However, during the meeting, the guru expressed anger over his theology. During this conversation with the guru, Rahil said that he doesn’t want to be a sadhu anymore. As he announced his decision, Rahil felt an incredible peace in his heart.
The guru permitted his departure, ending his 20 years of service within minutes. They provided him with clothing and sent back to London with only two conditions: “you can never give a speech again in your life. You’re not allowed to meet anyone that you know”. Back in London, he faced the challenge of adjusting to a new life, abandoning his spiritual quest and feeling disheartened by what he perceived as two decades wasted.
The experience that changed everything!
One day, as he was walking in the streets of London, he stumbled upon a beautiful church. He entered the church and immediately felt a profound sense of the presence of God, leading him to feel at home. He attended the church service, felt joy, and returned to his room to commit his life to Jesus. Rahil says, “I went back to the room, and I gave my life to Jesus Christ. There was no theological reasoning. There was no debate, there was no preaching, just the reality that Jesus is alive and He is living.”
Freedom in Following Jesus Christ
After he found the love of Jesus Christ, Rahil Patel experienced newfound freedom in following him. He was no longer bound by the rituals and practices of his Hindu faith, and instead found a personal and intimate relationship with God. As he writes in his book ‘Found by Love’, “I no longer feel like I have to perform certain rituals or appease a god with offerings. Now I have the freedom to simply be in a relationship with the God who loves me.” This freedom allowed him to live a life filled with joy and purpose.
Misconceptions about Christianity in India
Rahil says that there are unfortunately several misconceptions about Christianity in India that have been perpetuated over time. One such myth is that Christianity is a foreign religion that was forced upon the Indian people by colonial powers. However, there is evidence to suggest that Christians have existed in India since the first century AD. Another misconception is that Christianity is a Western religion and therefore incompatible with Indian culture. In reality, there are many Indian Christians who seamlessly integrate their faith with their cultural practices. “There is nothing incompatible between being Indian and being a follower of Jesus Christ.”, says Patel.
Books written by Rahil Patel
Rahil Patel, a once-renowned international speaker and Hindu priest, has written a compelling book titled “Found by Love”. This book shares his unexpected encounter with Jesus Christ. “Found by Love” recounts his journey from a life of rituals and practices to a genuine encounter with the love of Christ. The book is an easy read, full of insight and shrewd observation, and above all, an honest account of his transformation. It has received accolades, including the Christian Resources Together Biography of the Year 2017. As one reviewer puts it, “If you aren’t Christian, this book is for you too!” [21]
Sources :
Video testimony :Rahil Patel – This is my story: Found By Love © 2017 Rahil Patel
