##40 (Vivekananda) The First Day Program

The first day program was A tremendous success For Swamiji, whose reputation Rose up high from the day one. While each speaker was keen To speak on his or her religion, Swamiji was stressing on The need for Universal Religion. Their deafening applause Indicated their acceptance O’er this religious harmony What he told, in words many. Whatever be the religion, He never condemned one, As each one led the soul To one and the same goal. The chosen path was different. The spoken language was different. But God was one, not different, While His names were different. Perhaps, the audience waited For a sensible talk of this kind, They quickly showed their response Thru’ their continuous applause. For that matter, everyone said, “Swamiji actually represented All religions of the world; His broad mind, it revealed.” “Unity in diversity, ” was The essence and purpose Of this Universal Religion, To create “A Paradise Gain.” Ramakrishna told him once, “To a mansion, there’re many doors. A scavenger enters thro’ back door, And you need not use the same door.” “When there’s good, There’s also bad. Take the one good. Leave the one bad.” These words Guru said When Swamiji criticized Some immoral practices In the name of religions.