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Swami Chidananda
Vivevkananda Vedanta Society, Chicago

“Respected Swamijis, Dr. Jani, Children, and Parents! I am very happy to be present here on this occasion to address you today. I was overwhelmed by your performance at the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. The most important teaching which inspired me was your song, ‘Arise! Awake! And Stop not till the Goal is Reached.’ It was excellent. I was thrilled at every moment during that performance. Also, I was impressed and amazed by your perfect intonations of the Vedic chanting. So, you are well qualified to be students of Swami Vivekananda. Swamiji wanted people of vigor, sharp intellect, and vibrant with energy. Yesterday it was proved that you possess all these qualities. Swami Vivekananda’s message is percolating through your veins and you should be able to spread Swamiji’s message of ‘Serve Humanity.’ Each one of you should feel very proud of our Indian heritage. If you read Swami Vivekananda’s life and teachings you will be able to understand all the scriptures of the Hindu tradition. The essence of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita are imbedded in Swamijis teachings. In order to become a true human being exhibiting all human qualities, you should study Vivekananda in great depth.

I still remember a previous occasion when I visited this place. At that time, you chanted the Bhagvad Gita. I am filled with joy to see you all again. Sri Ramakrishna has provided me with a second opportunity to come over here to see you all in person, to see how you have grown very nicely. Lord Krishna has said in the Bhagavad Gita, ‘Adhyatma vidya vidyanam.’ Spiritual knowledge is the most important among all knowledge. If you want to know God, then you must try to understand and apply the spiritual knowledge which has been well explained by Swami Vivekananda in his teachings.

I offer my prayers to the Divine Mother to bless you all with happiness, joy and prosperity. I conclude my talk with a small prayer to the Divine Mother. (Swami Chidanandaji sang the following Sanskrit prayer in his melodious voice):

'Sarva Bhuta yada Devi, Bhukti Mukti pradayini, Tvam stuta stutaye kama, bhavantu paramoktayah. Sarva Swarupe sarveshe, sarva shakti samanvite, bhavebhah pahi no Devi, Durge Devi namostute.'

'O Mother! All things are manifested by you. You are the giver of joy and liberation. Our words fall short to describe your infinite glory. You are the embodiment of everything in this universe. You are the controller of everything, the personification of infinite power. Mother! Please protect us from all fears. You are the destroyer of all sufferings. We bow down to you. O Mother! Please bless these children with peace, happiness and prosperity.' Thank you very much.”