Green is the Colour of Money

Later i joined this office and started working with the NGO named Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti. Even then this did not strike me that it is an organisation named after the great Jain Seer Lord Mahaveer!

Our MD does lot of philanthropy and  hence have to visit his hometown in Rajasthan where we conduct eye camps, distribute blankets, solar lamps help poor people etc. etc. During last 5 years have been moving along with the sadhvis and had the darshan of the Acharyas, have started understanding about Jainism a little bit.

Whenever i am with these Sadhvis in white garb i think of my dream and feel immensely happy.

Ours is a stock broking and finance company of which i know nothing. Yesterday i was talking with one of my colleague who is Jain and many of his aunts, nieces have become Sadhvis. I said, do you know, now a days i just keep moving amidst 2 colours  - Saffron and White!! He said good you don't have to even think of green at all! i said, Why? isn't it the beautiful colour of nature? He answered  - No! Green is the colour of MONEY!! Let us take care of this and you just be with Saffron and White!!!

Saffron and White

I seem to be moving amidst only two colours - Saffron and White!

On 18th I came from Pune after meeting the Swamijis in Ramakrishna Math and being with the Sansyasinis for two days in Sarada Math on 17th and 18th December. On 20th left for Bidasar and then visited the Jain Vishwa Bharati University at Ladnun, in Rajasthan. I stayed there and was with the Sadhwis and the Samanis for two days.

On 18th November 1991 i had a dream, can't say weird but unusual and different. How do i remember the perfect date? In those days i used to write diary very regularly but did not preserve them all. When i joined Vivekananda Kendra i put all my previous life written in the diaries to fire and moved ahead.

Even these diaries had the same fate! But before discarding them i removed some of the important pages according to me and preserved. After some 10 to 12 years now read these pages again as i kept remembering this dream on and often.

So on 18th Nov.1991 i had dreamt of many Jain Sadhvis in white garbs. In dream too i was surprised to see them as i had no connection with anything named Jain! I saw that the incharge of their group was asking me to come along and join them. The most important part was that my mother was packing clothes for me to leave with them.

I kept wondering even the next day that actually when i should be seeing the sanyasin didis from Sarada Math then why was i seeing these ladies in white garbs? Have actually written it in diary.

But when Sudhir was very sick and i was in my most difficult phase of life, apart from my mother & brother  the help came only from the Jain family and even later whenever i was in any difficulty may be while travelling or any other matter it was always some or the other Jain family!

Are you all eager to know? Then let's continue tomorrow.....

Request to Gurubandhus - Comeback to Calcutta and start the work

This seems to be difficult or rather curious to understand that why Swamiji did not communicate with His brother disciples for almost 7 to 8 months?  His first letter to them is somewhere on 18^th March 1894 whereas meanwhile He has sent at least 3 letters to His Madras disciples.

May be He had written this letter in January and took three months to reach Calcutta. May be all other Swamis, His brother disciples had themselves been wandering all over India?

Was He out of habit in writing to them or was He not prepared to inform them about the plan taking shape in His mind about the future work. Was He waiting for a Divine command to explain His ideas to them and make them follow those?

Most of the Monastic disciples of Sri Ramakrishna were still wandering. Somewhere in April 1894 Swamiji wrote to Swami Shivananda to call the brother monks back to Math and start the work. Immediately after getting the letter Sw. Shivananda met Swamis Brahmananda and Turiyananda in Lucknow and conveyed the request. By the end of 1894 they both returned to Calcutta.

His letters to the brothers till the early part of1895 were not many but later He started writing to them frequently with tremendous power in each word. It was not only that His words carried power but His Inspiration and Vision that would later bring revolution in the monastic concept of India.  

The Plight of Gurubandhus?

Actually at that time Swamiji was not certain about his stay in America and still he committed for 3 years is a strange thing. We don’t know whether any one warned Him or not or whether they were equally naïve about it?   Directly from a Memphis Tennessee newspaper ‘Appeal – avalanche’ of 21 January 1894, we come to know "He is under contract with the 'Slayton Lyceum Bureau,' of Chicago, to fill a three - years' engagement in this country."  Sister Christine in her memoirs mentions a Pond’s Lecture Bureau, HQ at New York but now after research we know that it is definitely the Slayton Lyceum Bureau of Chicago. 

But we can’t find the trace of Swamiji’s itinerary because all old files of this bureau are destroyed totally. This is the reason that we cannot follow His footsteps  in the Midwest.  But even without this information Sister Gargi was able to fill in the gaps of His tour and still we can hope for much more information to come up in future. 

At least we have some consolation now when we read about the filled gaps in His tour but just think of His Gurubandhus? They had more tough time in keeping track of His where about. Just see this following attempt–   

"Dear Sirs -      

Swami Vivekananda      

Care Mr. Geo. W. Hale       

54I Dearborn Ave      

Chicago       

The above Hindu monk has been travelling under Messrs Tho.Cook & Sons Agency. Your Bombay people arranged last year for his passage to America where he went to represent the Hindu religion at the Parliament  of Religions held in connection with the World's Fair at Chicago -- swami Vivekananda is reported to have delivered several Ictuses in America, a few of which only are reproduced or noticed in the Indian papers - but as the extracts and notices that appeared here are believed to be unsatisfactory, the brother monks and admirers of Swamiji are anxious to obtain all the American papers or cuttings thereof as most convenient containing all the speeches that have been delivered in and about Chicago, and in fact wherever he spoke in America, these to include all newspaper notices or criticisms both for and against that are known to have appeared, but not to include the Report of the Parliament of Religions issued by the Secretary of the Chicago Exhibition, a copy of which has already been secured from here. 

Under the circumstances the undersigned on behalf of the brother monks and admirers of Swami Vivekananda shall be very much obliged if you will kindly arrange, owing to the excellent facilities you possess on a/c of your numerous agencies and branches, with your people at Chicago for the collection of papers and pamphlets named above together with one or two copies of photos if they are in circulation, and have them all forwarded to your care, the express thereof shall be paid by Swamiji's admirers through the undersigned. 

Further the only address known of Swami Vivekananda is noted as above. It is quite possible that Swamiji has or will have left the place ere this reaches your Chicago Agent, therefore I beg to ask you to kindly write and inform your Chicago Agent to put himself in communication with Mr. Hale or any other party regarding the movements of Swami Vivekananda, who according to the rules of Hindu Sannyasi (ascetic) will not write and inform of his whereabouts, which information however is so anxiously looked for by his admirers and brother monks -       

Yours obediently     

 Kali Krishna Dutta"

See, how eager they were to know about Him? Whenever i read all this my heart goes out to them who were worried to know Swamiji's whereabouts! My heart goes out to even Swamiji who was also struggling against all the odds, meeting new people every where and adjusting  to the weather which was getting colder & colder!

Let's read about His Midwestern tour shortly. 

Today we collected 24 bottles of blood in my office and i feel very thankful to each one who daonated blood. Thank you dear colleagues....

Signing up with the 'Slayton-Lyceum Bureau'

Sometimes we just have to rely on Swamiji’s words when He says - He began to whirl to and fro! While in Chicago as he got famous and people thronged for his lecture. Naturally  there were people who thought of taking advantage of this fact and mint money.

He signed up with a `Slayton Lyceum Bureau' somewhere in the early winter months and started his Midwestern tour. About these 'whirlings' he talks very little. His purpose behind signing with the bureau must be – 

1) to broadcast the truth about the Indian culture, customs and the religion which was wrongly and systematically misrepresented in America by the missionaries.

2) the need to earn money to support himself and to collect money for his work in India.

Mr. Slayton came to know from the Chicago newspapers that he had a prize on the list. This belief got confirmed by a letter from a Congregational minister, Dr. W.H. Thomas. This letter was used by Mr. Slayton as an advertisement or Swamiji’s lectures. Let’s read the letter in full –

Dear Mr. Slayton:

'Of the many learned men in the East who took part in the great World's Parliament of Religion, Vivekananda was the most popular favorite, and when it was known that he was to speak thousands were turned away for want of room. Nor was it curiosity alone that drew the masses; for those who heard him once were so impressed by the magnetism of his fine presence, the charm and power of his eloquence, his perfect command of the English language and the deep interest in what he had to say, that they desired a11 the more to hear him again. It will be the opportunity of a life time for the cities of our land to see and hear this noble, earnest, loving Brahmani dressed in the costume of his order, and telling the true story of the religions and customs of his far - off country.'

Affectionately,

W. H. Thomas.

Mr. Slayton somehow persuaded Swamiji in signing a three year contract with his bureau.

Folks, let’s read more about it tomorrow.

Have organized a Blood Donation Camp in my office tomorrow. Today for the first time finished reading the biography on Saradama – ‘Holy Mother’ by Swami Nikhilananda. What a life!!

My Test Day is approaching... have to speak about the Holy Mother & Swamiji - 'Matrubhakt Swamiji' on 18^th!

He was a Father, Son, Teacher and Friend.

When I think of the entire Chicago events, try to visualize the Art museum, those Americans rushing to meet Swamiji, touch Him, kiss the helm of His gown etc., I also start visualizing Swamiji Himself. Keep thinking of how He must have looked? People sought Him for guidance, for obtaining solace and to find a father, son, teacher and friend in Him.

Just try to visualize Him then -  in the full force of His youth and face shining with the divine light..... The 'Chicago Times' of 12 Sept 1893 says -  'The face and dress which attracted the most notice, especially from the ladies, was that of Swami Vivekananda, a young man exceptionally handsome and with features that would command attention anywhere. His dress was bright orange, and he wore a long coat and regulation turban of that colour. Vivekananda is a Brahmin monk, and Prof. Wright of Harvard is quoted as saying that he is one of the best educated men in the world.'

The correspondent of the'Boston Evening Transcript' found a way to meet the delegates of the Parliament behind the scenes, and it is to him that we owe a more intimate description of Swamiji. His article, as published in the Transcript on September 30, 1893, is given here in full: Chicago, Sept. 23.

"There is a room at the left of the entrance to the Art Palace marked "No. 1 - keep out." To this the speakers at the Congress of Religions all repair sooner or later, either to talk with one another or with President Bonney, whose private office is in one corner of the apartment. The folding doors are jealously guarded from the general public, usually standing far enough apart to allow peeping in. Only delegates are supposed to penetrate the sacred precincts, but it is not impossible to obtain an "open sesame," and thus to enjoy a brief opportunity of closer relations with the distinguished guests than the platform in the Hall of Columbus affords.

     The most striking figure one meets in this anteroom is Swami Vivekananda, the Brahmin monk. He is a large, well - built man, with the superb carriage of the Hindustanis, his face clean shaven, squarely moulded regular features, white teeth, and with well - chiselled lips that are usually parted in a benevolent smile while he is conversing. His finely poised head is crowned with either a lemon colored or a red turban, and his cassock (not the technical name for this garment), belted in at the waist and falling below the knees, alternates in a bright orange and rich crimson. He speaks excellent English and replied readily to any questions asked in sincerity.

Along with his simplicity of manner there is a touch of personal reserve when speaking to ladies, which suggests his chosen vocation. When questioned about the laws of his order, he has said, "I can do as I please, I am independent. Sometimes I live in the Himalaya Mountains, and sometimes in the streets of cities. I never know where I will get my next meal, I never keep money with me. I come here by subscription." Then looking round at one or two of his fellow - countrymen who chanced to be standing near he added, "They will take care of me," giving the inference that his board bill in Chicago is attended to by others. When asked if he was wearing his usual monk's costume, he said, "This is a good dress; when I am home I am in rags, and I go barefooted. Do I believe in caste?

Caste is a social custom; religion has nothing to do with it; all castes will associate with me."

 It is quite apparent, however, from the deportment, the general appearance of Mr. Vivekananda that he was born among high castes - years of voluntary poverty and homeless wanderings have not robbed him of his birthright of gentleman; even his family name is unknown; he took that of Vivekananda in embracing a religious career, and "Swami" is merely the title of reverend accorded to him. He cannot be far along in the thirties, and looks as if made for this life and its fruition, as well as for meditation on the life beyond. One cannot help wondering what could have been the turning point with him.

 "Why should I marry," was his abrupt response to a comment on all he had renounced in becoming a monk, "when I see in every woman only the divine Mother? Why do I make all these sacrifices? To emancipate myself from earthly ties and attachments so that there will be no re-birth for me. When I die I want to become at once absorbed in the divine, one with God. I would be a Buddha."

Vivekananda does not mean by this that he is a Buddhist. No name or sect can label him. He is an outcome of the higher Brahminism, a product of the Hindu spirit, which is vast, dreamy, self extinguishing, a Sanyasi or holy man.

He has some pamphlets that he distributes, relating to his master, Paramhansa Ramakrishna, a Hindu devotee, who so impressed his hearers and pupils that many of them became ascetics after his death. Mozoomdar also looked upon this saint as his master, but Mozoomdar works for holiness in the world, in it but not of it, as Jesus taught.

Vivekananda's address before the parliament was broad as the heavens above us, embracing the best in all religions, as the ultimate universal religion - charity to all mankind, good works for the love of God, not for fear of punishment or hope of reward. He is a great favorite at the parliament, from the grandeur of his sentiments and his appearance as well. If he merely crosses the platform he is applauded, and this marked approval of thousands he accepts in a childlike spirit of gratification, without a trace of conceit. It must be a strange experience too for this humble young Brahmin monk, this sudden transition from poverty and self effacement to affluence and aggrandizement. When asked if he knew anything of those brothers in the Himalayas so firmly believed in by the Theosophists, he answered with the simple statement, "I have never met one of them," as much as to imply, "There may be such persons, but though I am at home in the Himalayas, I have yet to come across them."

I thought of just telling you about His divine countenance but couldn't stop from giving all the details from the newspapers.

Well, coming back to Swamiji during Parliament period we understand that though outwardly His mind attended the world very brilliantly but beneath the surface lay the mind which was always absorbed in God. All the time He was ready to pour out blessings on whoever came to Him.

On and often He would merge into Nirvikalpa Samadhi but would be drawn back by either Sri Ramakrishna or by His infinite love and compassion for the mankind. 

In Sister Gargi’s words –“In order that He might fulfill his mission here, we cannot know; but we can assume that He always lived on the borderline between the relative and the Absolute, as a prophet of his supreme eminence must.”

The only object Unchangeable.......

We know by now the lucky people in whose house Swamiji stayed as a guest during His travels. But the most lucky were the Hales whose home was His headquarter for almost entire year of 1894. Some papers of Mr. George W. Hale came to light during the research period of Marie Louise Burke. Swamiji had jotted down some series of notes by pencil on the letter head bearing Mr. Hales name. The date of the manuscript is not known but let read the notes in their original form -

       

           " Reason - has its limits its base -

its degeneration. The walls round it -

             Agnosticism. Atheism. But must not stop

             The beyond is acting upon influencing us every

moment - the sky the stars acting upon us - even

those not seen. Therefore must go beyond - reason

alone can't go - finite can not get at the infinite

Faith its degeneration when alone - bigotry

fanaticism - sectarianism. Narrowing

finite:. can not get to the infinite

             Sometimes gain in intensity but looses [sic] in

extensity - and in bigots & fanatics become

worship of his own pride & vanity

             Is there no other way - there is Love

it never degenerates - peaceful softening

ever - widening - the universe is too small

for its expansiveness.

             We can not define it we can only trace

it through its development and describe its

surroundings

             It is at first - what the gravitation

is to the external world - atendency to unification

forms and conventionalities are its death.

             Worship through forms - methods - services

forms - up to then no love.

             When love comes method dies.

             Human language and human forms

             God as father, God as mother, God as

the lover - surata - vardhanam etc. Solomon's Song of Songs - dependence and independence

             Love Love -

             Love the chaste wife Anasuya Sita -

not as hard dry duty but as ever pleasing

love - sita worship -

             The madness of Love - god intoxicated man

             The allegory of Radha - misunderstood

             The restriction more increase -

             Lust is the death of love

             Self is the death of love

individual to general

             Concrete to abstract - to absolute

             The praying Mahomedan and the girl

             The Sympathy - Kavir

the Christian nun from whose hands blood came

             The Mahomedan Saint

             Every particle seeking its own complement

             When it finds that it is at rest

             Every man seeking - happiness -& stability

             The search is real but the objects are themselves

but happiness is coming to them momentary at least through the

search of these objects.

             The only object unchangeable and the only

complement of character and aspirations of the

human Soul is God

             Love is struggle of a human Soul to find its

complement, its stable equilibrium its infinite rest."

 As i was reading these notes now,  and i read this sentence - 'The praying Mahomedan and the girl' i immediately remember the story which comes in the 3rd volume, when He is in London. May be tomorrow i will tell that story to you my dear Atmajas.

Lectures out side Chicago

 We have seen that Swamiji was lecturing outside Chicago too. We have the proof from one of His letter written to Mrs. Woods in whose house He stayed at Salem. Let's read the letter -

October 10, 1893
'Dear Mrs. Tannatt Woods:   I received your letter yesterday. Just now I am lecturing about Chicago - and am doing as I think very well - it is ranging from 30 to 80 dollars a lecture and just now I have been so well advertised in Chicago gratis by the Parliament of religions that it is not advisable to give up this field now. To which I am sure you will agree. However I may come soon to Boston but when I cannot say. Yesterday I returned from Streator where I got 87 dollars for a lecture. I have engagements every day this week. And hope more will come by the end of the week. 

My love to Mr. Woods and compliments to all our friends.' 

Yours truly,
Vivekananda

For some time at least we will be reading about how many dollars or cents He got for His lectures which He was collecting for the work in India.