He cut an exotic figure, the turbaned swami with the princely bearing. "Sister's and brothers of America!" the orange-clad monk began his address to the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago in 1893. Instantly the crowd of over seven thousand people jumped to their feet for a two minute standing ovation.
The swami went on to speak about his favorite theme, the unity of world religions. "As the different streams all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord," he quoted from Hindu scriptures, "the different paths which men take ... crooked or straight, all lead to Thee!"
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