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invited Gurudev to stay in their home. Gurudev's student Sorella had come from Munich, and his French disciple Gilbert, who was knpwn as Swami Hamsānanda, had brought twelve of his students from France to meet Gurudev.
After having received some telegrams from Bombay, the organizers of the Conference became aware of the controversy and of what personal courage it took for Gurudev to challenge tradition and risk the disfavor of his own colleagues. They felt an even greater appreciation for this messenger of Reverence for Life and decided to give him the privilege of opening the Conference.
*
The next day, Judith Hollister introduced Gurudev to the colorful array of scholars, religious leaders, and representatives of the many different religions. After relating to them the situation previous to his coming to the Conference, she said, “Here is a man who shares in mankind's quest for world unity. It is this dream which has led us to him and him to us.”
All eyes turned to the figure draped in two plain white cloths walking with calm dignity to the dais. In the grace of his movement, an equanimity and joy radiated from his being and penetrated the hearts of the people there. His eyes were brimming with unconditional love. The audience drank in this feeling. They could not help but feel how intoxicated he was with inner bliss.
Gurudev chanted the sacred Navkāra Mantra invoking the energy of all Realized Souls to bless the people, the place, and the auspicious occasion. Accompanied by his French disciples, his deep and sonorous voice resounded in the core of consciousness of each one there and reverberated throughout the lofty hall of the Continental Hotel. This was the beginning of a vibrant communion which would little by little melt away the boundaries between East and West.
The audience was mystified at hearing Europeans chant the nine-line Navkara Mantra in the ancient Prakrit language. Later, many sought an explanation. Gurudev told them, “I am reaping today in Switzerland the harvest of the seed I sowed ten long years ago in India.” He was referring to Swami
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