##45 (Vivekananda) Lectures On Vedanta Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

The touring lecture bureau
Displayed Swamiji like a circus hero,
In their every advertisement,
That caused him embarrassment.

With them, he snapped his ties
And had his own lecture tours.
People came in thousands,
More learned gents and ladies.

While many appreciated him,
A few jealous critics also came
To malign his popular name
And discredit him with shame.

Due to his extensive tour
In the country all over,
He fell sick almost,
And badly needed rest.

His admirers and devotees
Gave him all the comforts,
Particularly American ladies,
Who took care like his sisters.

He said, “The women here
Are too kind hearted, pure,
Independent, life and soul
Of this country as a whole.”

Miss Elizebeth Dutcher
His student and admirer,
Took him for his rest
To her summer resort.

He gave lectures on Vedanta
And trained students on yoga.
He sent money earned thus
For philanthropic causes.

“For the good of the world, ”
He said, “Even if I’m dead,
I shall work incessantly,
Tirelessly and honestly.”

“Stand on your own feet.
For anything, fear not.
Be strong like a lion.
Truth will always win.”