Radhe Shyam was born in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1928. He was christened Charles Swan. His father became a Presbyterian minister, so Charles went to school in four Iowa and Nebraska towns where his father was pastor. He received a B. A. in history and M. A. in political science from the University of Nebraska. He taught history and English in a Presbyterian mission school in Tehran, Iran, from 1950-1953. Upon graduation from the University of Michigan Law School in 1957, Radhe Shyam started a career of work in the Office of Foreign Buildings in the Department of State in Washington, D. C.
After 22 years in various positions in the Office of Foreign Buildings, Radhe Shyam retired in 1979. On a trip, early in 1980, intended to launch a consulting business, he met Haidakhan Baba - Babaji - in Vrindaban, India. Soon after, he abandoned the consulting career and his home in Washington, D. C. , to live for five years in Babaji's ashram in the foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India. Babaji gave Charles the name Radhe Shyam, one of the names of Lord Krishna.
"I Am Harmony" is the story of Radhe Shyam's and others' experiences of life and spiritual growth in the presence of this unique Himalayan Master. In 1991, after publication of "I Am Harmony", Radhe Shyam went to Russia, where "I Am Harmony" was published in Russian. He lived five years in the city of Voronezh, south of Moscow, working with Association Peace Through Culture, U. S. A. to help create cultural, educational and business connections between Russia and the West. Since 1996, he has lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with Sita Rami, who is now head of the Adoptions and Foster Care office at the Three Rivers American Indian Center, and practices law.
Radhe Shyam passed away in 2006. He was, the true epitome of the selfless karma yogi generously giving of himself and working until the end on this new edition of "I Am Harmony" and serving as Board member of the American Haidakhan Samaj. It was his last wish to publish this new and revised edition. He lives on through the book, which has touched the hearts of so many people around the world. His presence, generous spirit, and guidance will always be with us through "I am Harmony".
