Swamiji was stuck up at Chigago. <br />For help, where should he go? <br />He had no single friend <br />In that strange foreign land. <br /> <br />At first, for help, he contacted <br />The Theosophical Society’s head <br />The same, they promised, <br />If he supported their creed. <br /> <br />As most of their principles <br />Were found unacceptable, <br />He refused their request <br />To extend his support. <br /> <br />That source then failed. <br />Someone there advised, <br />“Go to Boston, better, <br />That place is cheaper.” <br /> <br />He took a train to Boston. <br />And as a divine sanction, <br />A wealthy lady came <br />In the train with him. <br /> <br />His dress attracted her, <br />And she gave an offer <br />To take him as her guest <br />And financially support. <br /> <br />Miss Kate Sanborn was <br />That kind Lady hostess, <br />Who took care of him <br />In her place, all the time. <br /> <br />To meet, many people came. <br />Each one questioned him <br />On the Indian social customs <br />And their religious practices. <br /> <br />The lady, Mrs. Johnson, <br />Superintendent of prison, <br />The one kept for women, <br />Took him to that prison. <br /> <br />It didn’t look a prison, <br />But as a humanitarian <br />Rehabilitation centre <br />For women prisoners. <br /> <br />He had one more visitor, <br />J.J. Wright, a Professor <br />Of Harvard University, <br />On a special study. <br /> <br />The professor encouraged him <br />To represent Hinduism <br />In the Parliament of Religion, <br />A forum for each nation. <br /> <br />Mr. Wright wrote to his friend, <br />“Here is a man more learned <br />Than our learned professors <br />All of them put together.” <br /> <br />This friend was the Chairman <br />Of the Parliament of Religion, <br />Who gave his permission <br />To Swamiji without hesitation.<br /><br />Rajaram Ramachandran<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/vivekananda-where-to-go-for-help/
