Vivekananda’s Compassion

Swamiji had the greatest affection for all living creatures that lived in and around Dakshineswar Temple. If any of the monks encroached upon their grazing fields by extending flower gardens, Swamiji would take them to task.

There was a dog by name Bhaga in Belur Mutt. Once, it indulged in some pranks which were not liked. The monks left the dog on the opposite banks of the Ganges to teach the animal a lesson. The same night the dog jumped into a boat bound for Belur, reached Swamiji’s room and went to sleep on the doorsteps. The next morning Swamiji stumbled on it, and the dog was so happy that it continuously wagged its tail.

Swamiji had a goat and named it Hamsi. He usually preferred goat’s milk for his tea. Before milking the goat he used to address it in endearing terms, "Hamsi, Hamsi, will you oblige me with a little milk?"

Mathru was another goat which was his pet. Even when he was afflicted with asthma and found it difficult to move, yet he would play with the goat running here and there.

© "East and West Series" (November, 2001) published by East and West Series, 10, Sadhu Vaswani Path, Pune 411 001. Reprinted with permission.

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