Chicago Spiritual Conference – 1893
Swami Vivekanand ji was a great saint of India. His popularity was increasing because of the deep spiritual thoughts he shared with society, always keeping his Guru by his side. He travelled to various places like Rajasthan as a part of his spiritual tours and met great kings to speak with them about spirituality.
One of the most famous spiritual conferences attended by Swami Vivekanand ji was held in Chicago, America, in 1893.
One day, while travelling in a train wearing the attire of his spiritual path, he met a white man during his journey. The white man looked at Swami Vivekanand ji and asked:
“Are you a spiritual Guru?”
Swami Vivekanand ji replied confidently, speaking fluent English:
“Yes, I am a spiritual person. I am from India, South Asia, and I have come here to take part in the spiritual conference going to be held in Chicago.”
Listening to this, the white man stopped and asked Swami Vivekanand ji:
“Are you invited?”
Swami Vivekanand ji replied:
“No, I am not invited, but I have come with belief in my Guru’s name. What I know is that I have to share my Guru’s teachings with others. Whatever I have learned from my Guru, I have to tell the same to the people.
I do not know who is there or how this will be fulfilled, but I am heading to Chicago believing my Guru is with me. Let us see. God knows more. The One who has brought me till here will also take me further.”
The white man was deeply impressed by the words and faith of Swami Vivekanand ji. He gave his card to Swami Vivekanand ji and asked him to meet him at his office in Chicago. (That white man was the chairman of the conference Swami Vivekanand ji was planning to attend.)
This became the moment where Swami Vivekanand ji got his route clear to join the Chicago Spiritual Conference.
That speech is still available on YouTube and various platforms, spoken in the bold and powerful voice of Swami Vivekanand ji.
The speech delivered by Swami Vivekanand ji was about his Guru and the teachings of his Guru. Other than this, there was nothing else Swami Vivekanand ji carried with him.
He always kept his Guru with him.
That was the greatest power he carried throughout his life and also to that conference, making people deeply immersed in his spiritual lecture.
We all should keep our Guru with us. Those who understand this become the most powerful people, because they live their lives under the command and guidance of God and Guru.
Speech referral link on YouTube: