Vivekananda and Ramakrishna
In his intense desire to realize the truth, Vivekananda practised meditation; he studied the religious and philosophical systems of the East nd the West; met different religious leaders; but nothing was of any avail.
At last he met Shri Ramakrishna at the Dakshineshwar temple garden near Kolkata and asked this simple question, "Sir, have you seen God?" Without a moment's hesitation Shri Ramakrishna said, "Yes, I have seen God. I see Him as I see you here, only more clearly. God can be seen. One can talk to Him. But who cares for God? People shed tears for their wives, children, wealth and property, but who weeps for the vision of God?? If one cries sincerely for God, one can talk to Him."
Shri Ramakrishna's reply was a turning point of Vivekananda's life. But he tested Shri Ramakrishna in many ways before he finally accepted him as his teacher. Later he said, " I fought my Master for six long years, with the result that I know every inch of the way!"
Vedanta: Voice of Freedom

Mother Goddess
 Like an aberration from the norm
she stood,
a flaming red against the rocks,
a siren come from the sea,
a petrified goddess
measuring her steps in the storm.
The waves that evening
decided to go gentle at her feet;
the sky gave up the rage,
and she stood stunned at this change.