Narendra’s poverty at home
Did not, in fact, affect him,
Rather it turned his heart
Still more kind and soft.
This personal experience
Gave him a chance
To know the pitiable
Plight of the poor people.
The poverty inspired him,
In a way, to help them,
And to serve the needy,
He was always ready.
His Guru advised always,
“The Lord loves those,
Who serve all living beings
Including His devotees.”
“God’s name one should love.
Mankind one should serve.
Serving is better than
Showing mere compassion”
“Love is not possible unless
One sees God in others.
Thus, an enlightened person
Can commune with Brahman.”
Hearing this, Narendra said,
“It’s my duty to spread
This truth world over,
In every nook and corner.”
“A religion extends a vision,
To teach man live like a man,
And it should break the barriers
Of all castes, creeds and races.”
Guru taught him always,
The unity of existence,
The harmony of religions
And the divinity of souls.
About the duality
Or the non-duality
Of God’s existence
He told them like this:
“Opinions may differ.
The ways may differ.
But they all finally lead
To one and the same God.”
All that is beautiful and just shines in your lines about showing compassion to the poor. Kindness should cross all barriers of country, race or creed. Noble sentiments expressed here. Warmly, Sandra
vivekananda your depctions from the childhood.....and spreading the humanity and truth is fine and crafted well........thank you for your kind sharing....
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Serving people thinking as Lord Shiva [LS]…conceptualizing people as LS and serve them in the true sprit is the Teaching’ Master gave him…and he made is possible. Actually Swami Vivekananda was not very much after idolizing Master [in west] but he gave much importance to Master’s teachings …thanks Sir you’re blessed to write about Master and reading these we’re hallowed. 10/10 Ms. Nivedita UK