philosophy. He believed that the system of Vedanta, as founded on the Upanishads and
the Vedanta Sutras, is one of the 'most majestic structures and valuable products of the
genius of man in his search for Truth, and that the highest and purest morality is the
immediate consequence of Vedanta.'
The Swami and the Seviers were cordially received by the German scholar. In the
course of the conversation Deussen said that a movement was being made back
towards the fountainhead of spirituality, a movement that would in the future probably
make India the spiritual leader of the nations, the highest and the greatest spiritual
influence on earth. He also found in the Swami a vivid demonstration of concentration
and control of the mind. On one occasion he saw his guest turning over the pages of a
poetical work and did not receive any response to a query. Afterwards the Swami
apologized, saying that he had been so absorbed in the book that he did not hear the
professor. Then he repeated the verses from the book. The conversation soon turned to
the power of concentration as developed in the Yoga philosophy. One of the purpose of
Deussen's meeting the Swami, it is said was his desire to learn from the latter the
secrets of the Yoga powers.
Deussen showed the Swami the city of Kiel. Thereafter the Swami wished to leave
immediately for England, though the professor insisted that he should stay at Kiel a
few days more. As that was not possible, Deussen joined the party in Hamburg and
they travelled together in Holland. After spending three days in Amsterdam all arrived
in London, and for two weeks Deussen met with the Swami daily. The Swami also
visited Max Müller again at Oxford.
Swami Vivekananda spent another two months in England, giving lectures and seeing
important men of their day, such as Edward Carpenter, Frederick Myers, Canon
Wilberforce, and Moncure D. Conway. The most notable lectures he gave at this time
were those on maya, about which he spoke on three occasions, dealing with its various
aspects. It is said that some members of the British royal family attended these lectures
incognito. He created such an intense atmosphere during these talks that the whole
audience was transported into a realm of ecstatic consciousness, and some burst into
tears. The lectures were the most learned and eloquent among his speeches on non-
dualistic Vedanta.
Swami Abhedananda arrived from India, and Vivekananda was immensely pleased to
have his brother disciple assist him in his foreign work. The maiden speech of
Abhedananda at a club in Bloomsbury Square on October 27, was highly appreciated
by all, and the Swami said about his spiritual brother, 'Even if I perish on this plane,
my message will be sounded through these dear lips, and the world will hear it.' The
report of the continued popularity of Swami Saradananda, who had in the meantime
gone to New York, likewise gratified him.
Despite the rush of his European work Swami Vivekananda maintained his contact
with America. He took a personal interest in the spiritual development of his students.
The affectionate relationship of the Swami with the Hale family of Chicago has been
mentioned before, especially with the four unmarried girls. Hearing of the proposed