##13 (Vivekananda) The Guru And The Disciple (Iii)

Narendra, with all his patience, And wide personal experience, Stopped his doubting attitude, Yet, he had no peace of mind. The need for a broad Universality O’er the narrow Individuality, He accepted, in principle, While trying to be more spiritual. Though a youth still he was, Who normally indulged in passions, He had to overcome such feelings, And work for common purposes. He felt, to win o’er the senses, That caused more temptations, Mere books weren’t sufficient, But a Guru was required to assist. It was at this chosen hour Guru Ramakrishna’s power Brought his soul more peace, And it put his mind at ease. When he wished to learn The art of meditation, His Guru advised him And like this told him. “You can see God, Also talk to God, If your simple prayer Is true and sincere.” “To Him, you can pray And this much can say, God I know not Thee, But I do believe Thee.” “To keep my mind free, Kindly reveal to me, Now, Thy real nature, What I, all along, crave for.” Narendra still went on Practicing his meditation Under the Guru’s guidance And lost, often, his consciousness. His mind became quiet. That the soul was separate From the body and free, He could then clearly see. To bring on him this effect, The Guru also played his part, Which Narendra understood, Step by step, as days passed.