The Ramakrishna’s teachings br The visits to pilgrim centers, br The Eastern-Western culture, br All shaped Narendra’s basic nature. br br One day he sat with pariahs, br Another day with Maharajas, br Or ministers, or orthodox pundits, br Otherwise, with college professors. br br He had such an equality of mind br To move with men of every kind, br Low or high in their status, br As a selfless soul of the masses. br br Behind joys or sorrows, br Hopes or frustrations, br Of the low or high people, br He saw a kind of struggle. br br The cry of the people for aid br Wherever he went, he heard. br His tender heart, it touched. br To help them all, he decided. br br At Alwar, In February 1891, br He was a star attraction, br Among Muslims and Hindus, br Who gathered at one place. br br As ‘Swamiji’ they called him. br He went on by that new name. br He appreciated the Holy Koran br For its purity in interpretation. br br One Maharaja told, “You’re so old, br Also strong and able bodied, br And a scholar too, I’ve heard br Why do you wander like a vagabond? ” br br Swamiji said, “For a hunt br Why do you go at the cost br Of all your royal duties br Just to satisfy your whims? ” br br Maharaja replied, “I go br Because I like to go.” br Swamiji said, “I like to wander br Among monks, so I wander.” br br Next, Maharaja did ridicule br “Why do you worship idol, br Just made of some metal br Or stone, or some clay soil? ” br br Swamiji told, “The idol br Is a kind of symbol br That brings to one’s mind br The existence of God.” br br He asked the Prime Minister br To spit on the Majaraja’s picture, br That stunned the audience, br And kept them in silence. br br He explained, “It’s only a picture, br Yet it’s treated with honor. br Likewise, this idol remains br To honor God’s presence.” br br Maharaja apologized then br For his impertinent question, br And appreciated his boldness, br In giving convincing replies.