Narendra’s poverty at home br Did not, in fact, affect him, br Rather it turned his heart br Still more kind and soft. br br This personal experience br Gave him a chance br To know the pitiable br Plight of the poor people. br br The poverty inspired him, br In a way, to help them, br And to serve the needy, br He was always ready. br br His Guru advised always, br “The Lord loves those, br Who serve all living beings br Including His devotees.” br br “God’s name one should love. br Mankind one should serve. br Serving is better than br Showing mere compassion” br br “Love is not possible unless br One sees God in others. br Thus, an enlightened person br Can commune with Brahman.” br br Hearing this, Narendra said, br “It’s my duty to spread br This truth world over, br In every nook and corner.” br br “A religion extends a vision, br To teach man live like a man, br And it should break the barriers br Of all castes, creeds and races.” br br Guru taught him always, br The unity of existence, br The harmony of religions br And the divinity of souls. br br About the duality br Or the non-duality br Of God’s existence br He told them like this: br br “Opinions may differ. br The ways may differ. br But they all finally lead br To one and the same God.