Mukund Jere asked 4 years ago
Swamiji travelled to Rome to meet the Pope on 19th February 1969.
Pope was dressed in snow white traditional immaculately pressed robe, with red and gold embellishments. He was wearing a beautiful golden cross on his neck. He was the most respected and beloved religious leader for all Christians, ruler of their hearts. He was sitting on his customary, carved and beautifully decorated chair. He saw Chidananda approaching the dais. He had covered his body with a simple cotton sheet and draped another on his shoulders. His head and face were clean shaven. But Pope saw the radiance of his penance and knowledge shining on his face. It was so bright that it would put even sun to shame. He had a serene composed face that defeated even the moon. His face was so pleasing that it looked like a blooming flower from God’s own garden. Pope saw Jesus Christ walking slowly towards him. Where is the necessity for the protocols and formality?
Pope set aside all the protocols and got up from his seat, walked a distance and held Chidananda’s both hands. He was looking at Chidananda through the eyes brimming with feeling of respect and love. He even forgot to let go of Chidananda’s hands.
After a moment he welcomed Chidananda with Indian customary folded hands and slightly bowed head. Chidananda reciprocated his greetings by kneeling before the Pope, as per customs of the West, kissed his hand and said, “Gurudev Swami Sivananda’s servant greets you”.
Hearing the name of Sivananda, Pope indicated his appreciation by shaking his head and said, “I have heard a lot about his work in the field of spirituality and I have great respect for that illumined saint”.
Swamiji presented Gurudev’s book ‘Bliss Divine’ to the Pope adding, “This is my respectful offer to Your Holiness, which may please be accepted”.
Pope paused for a moment, glanced at the cover and responded, “Sure, I shall be pleased to read it”.
“India is a wonderful place”, Pope continued. Recollecting his visit to India in the year 1964, “I have great regard for India. I liked the country and its people. I would love to visit it again”.
Swamiji was speaking with humility and with a slightly bowed head, “Teachings of all religions are superior. Religion makes man a real man. It teaches him to live a pure, honest and peaceful life. It teaches him how to live without hurting others and shows him the path of contentment. ‘Divine Life Society’ has been in the forefront in this direction. I seek your blessings to be successful and continue this assignment in future”.
Pope blessed him, “May Jesus Christ bless you in this holy mission”.
Chidananda handed over a written request to the Pope, in which he suggested that Pope should consider convening a Parliament of World’s Religions in Rome under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church.
“There is one more request”, he said. “You consider travelling to all countries of the world to spread the message of singularity of religions”.
Pope was pleased. He said, “I shall definitely think on your suggestion”.
As a symbol of his love, Pope presented a medal to Swamiji.
Swamiji started his journey back home. Impression of his exceptional personality, etched on the mind of the crowned head of the Christian world, could not be erased!
— Originally part of the book Swami Chidananda – An Eternal Story