Mr. Sevier later on said to Swamiji teasingly: 'Now we see! It was this pipe that made
you run away from us so abruptly!' Speaking of this incident, the Swami's companions
said later: 'The shopkeeper could not have resisted him; for he had such an endearing
way about him, when asking for anything, that he was simply irresistible. We shall
never forget that ingenuous look on his face when he said to the shopkeeper, with
childlike sweetness, "Brother, do give me your pipe."'
In the early morning of January 15, 1897, the coast of Ceylon with its majestic coco
palms and gold-coloured beach was seen at a distance. The Swami's heart leapt with
joy; and his disciples caught his excitement as the boat approached the beautiful
harbour of Colombo. But no one in the party had the slightest idea of what they were to
witness while disembarking.
Since the day of his success at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, which had filled
with joy and pride the hearts of his countrymen, especially of his disciples and brother
monks at the Baranagore Math, Swami Vivekananda had been inspiring his faithful
followers to lay down their lives for the uplift of the masses of India, and in particular
to help the hungry and illiterate. In his heart of hearts he felt that India would not be
able to resist his appeal. Many months before, while discussing with some of his
disciples in Detroit the great difficulties that he had encountered in presenting
Hinduism to bigoted Christians in America, he had said: 'But India shall listen to me. I
will shake India to her foundations. I will send an electric thrill through her veins.
Wait! You will see how India receives me. It is India, my own India, that knows truly
how to appreciate what I have given so freely here, and with my life's blood. India will
receive me in triumph.'
When the news of Swami Vivekananda's departure from Europe reached India, the
hearts of the people were stirred. The spiritual ambassador of their ancient land was
coming back after fulfilling his mission. They must give a regal welcome to this great
crusader. In big towns committees were formed for his reception. His brother disciples
and friends were impatient. Swami Shivananda came ahead of time to Madras and
Swami Niranjanananda to Colombo; so also many of his disciples from Bengal and the
Northern Provinces came to Madras to await his arrival. The newspapers published
articles eulogizing his personality and work.
A gaily decorated steam launch carried the Swami and his party from the ship to the
harbour. When the monk with his yellow robe and luminous eyes came ashore, a
mighty shout arose from the human throng crowding the quays. Thousands flung
themselves on the ground to touch his feet. A deputation of the notables of Ceylon
welcomed him, and he was taken in a huge procession through many triumphal arches.
Flags were unfurled, religious hymns chanted; an Indian band played. Rosewater and
the sacred water of the Ganga were sprinkled before him, and flowers were strewn in
his path. Incense was burnt before the houses as he passed. Fruit and other offerings
were brought by hundreds of visitors.
Swami Vivekananda accepted all these honours without losing his poise. He was not