##28 (Vivekananda) Equality Among Masses

The Ramakrishna’s teachings The visits to pilgrim centers, The Eastern-Western culture, All shaped Narendra’s basic nature. One day he sat with pariahs, Another day with Maharajas, Or ministers, or orthodox pundits, Otherwise, with college professors. He had such an equality of mind To move with men of every kind, Low or high in their status, As a selfless soul of the masses. Behind joys or sorrows, Hopes or frustrations, Of the low or high people, He saw a kind of struggle. The cry of the people for aid Wherever he went, he heard. His tender heart, it touched. To help them all, he decided. At Alwar, In February 1891, He was a star attraction, Among Muslims and Hindus, Who gathered at one place. As ‘Swamiji’ they called him. He went on by that new name. He appreciated the Holy Koran For its purity in interpretation. One Maharaja told, “You’re so old, Also strong and able bodied, And a scholar too, I’ve heard Why do you wander like a vagabond? ” Swamiji said, “For a hunt Why do you go at the cost Of all your royal duties Just to satisfy your whims? ” Maharaja replied, “I go Because I like to go.” Swamiji said, “I like to wander Among monks, so I wander.” Next, Maharaja did ridicule “Why do you worship idol, Just made of some metal Or stone, or some clay soil? ” Swamiji told, “The idol Is a kind of symbol That brings to one’s mind The existence of God.” He asked the Prime Minister To spit on the Majaraja’s picture, That stunned the audience, And kept them in silence. He explained, “It’s only a picture, Yet it’s treated with honor. Likewise, this idol remains To honor God’s presence.” Maharaja apologized then For his impertinent question, And appreciated his boldness, In giving convincing replies.