VISIT TODAY RAMAKRISHNA II Swamiji’s reply to the welcome address at the World’s Parliament of Religions

VISIT TODAY RAMAKRISHNA

Sri Ramakrishna

The present tradition, which is a standout amongst the most august congregations at any point held, is in itself a vindication, an assertion to the universe of the brilliant regulation lectured in the Gita: "Whosoever comes to Me, through at all frame, I contact him; all men are battling through ways which at last lead to me." Sectarianism, extremism, and its frightful relative, obsession, have since a long time ago had this lovely earth. They have filled the earth with viciousness, doused it frequently and regularly with human blood, pulverized civilization and sent entire countries to lose hope. Had it not been for these repulsive evil spirits, human culture would be unquestionably further developed than it is presently. In any case, their time has come; and I intensely trust that the ringer that tolled at the beginning of today out of appreciation for this tradition might be the passing - sound of all devotion, of all mistreatments with the sword or with the pen, and of every uncharitable inclination between people wending their way to a similar objective.

(page.4, V.1, Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Swamiji’s reply to the welcome address at the World’s Parliament of Religions)