When Narendra wanted to become a charioteer like Krishna!

Swami Vivekanand’s birth name/pre-monastic name was Narendra and later he came to be known as Vivekanand.

Father worried about Narendra’s engrossment in playing.

​Narendra was a naughty child and would be engrossed in playing all the time. His father was a well known lawyer at the Calcutta Court. One day, he returned home late from the Court and found Narendra still playing outside. He called his wife and pointing towards Narendra said,”I don’t think you are paying any attention towards our son, otherwise you would have counselled him”. Hearing this, mother took Narendra inside the house.

Narendra’s mother gives him the ideal of Shri Krishna!

One day, when everybody slept after dinner, Narendra and his mother were still awake. Without saying a word, she took him in front of a big painting which depicted Shri Krishna narrating the Bhagwad Geeta to Arjun. His mother asked Narendra ,”Child, look at the image and tell me what do you want to become?” Narendra instantaneously replied, “a coachman (chariot driver)”. His mother asked him the reason. He enthusiastically said, “Mother, I see the coachman sitting in front seat holding the reins of four horses. He is asking me whether I want these reins in my hand.”Mother said, “Child, your aim should be broad. You are attracted by the coachman holding the reins and the horses. But then look carefully at the painting, wherein you will see that Shri Krishna is actually guiding Arjun (and not the horses) in his endeavor to fight for Dharma (Righteousness).

Mother imbibing broader goal in Narendra’s mind and him understanding her intense desire to do so

His mother then told Narendra, “Child, only keeping a high aim in mind is not sufficient but efforts for its fulfillment are also required. Education holds immense importance. How can you be learned without education? Let your aim be strongly imprinted on your mind. But, until the right time comes, you must concentrate on your studies.”

Young Narendra did not completely understand the meaning of her words but understood her intense desire of making him understand the idea. As time passed, Narendra completed his education. He went places in search of a job but did not find one of his choice.

Narendra fulfils the mission given by his Guru of spreading Dharma

One day, Narendra’s friend took him to meet Ramkrishna Paramhamsa. On seeing Narendra, Ramkrishna Paramhamsa said,”Where were you all these days? I have been waiting for you so long.” Eventually, Ramkrishna Paramhamsa blessed Narendra and handed him the great mission of spreading Dharma (righteousness). Narendra, accordingly, spread Dharma not only in India but in foreign lands also.

Children, Narendra kept the example of Shri Krishna in front of him and decided to have a wider vision like him. You should also keep the aim of spreading Dharma and put in sincere efforts to fulfill it.