VISIT TODAY RAMAKRISHNA

Sri Ramakrishna

Thought for the Week

Swamiji reached Belur Math after his second visit to the West

Late in the evening of December 9, 1900, the Swami arrived at the Belur Monastery. His brother-monks and the brahmacharis were taking their meal when the gardener, out of breath, came running in to tell them, "A sahib has come!" Immediately there was much excitement and speculation as to who the sahib might be, who had come at that late hour and what his business with them could be. Then to their great surprise, the sahib rushed into their midst, and, when they saw who he was they all cried out excitedly, "Oh, Swamiji has come! Swamiji has come!" They could not believe their eyes. At once an Asana (seat) was spread for him and he was served with a large helping of the Khichuri which was the food prepared for that night. He partook of it with great zest, as it was many months since he had tasted it. Later, the monks enjoyed several delightful hours while the Swami chatted to them about his varied experiences in the West. There was no sleeping that night. They were happy beyond measure; he had come back to them, altogether unexpectedly. No words can describe their feeling. And now, though they knew it not, he was to be with them till the end.

(Page.558-9, V-2, Life of Swami Vivekananda)