When Swami Vivekananda advised not to hate prostitutes

Today is Hindu monk Swami Vivekananda's 153rd birth anniversary.

New Delhi: Hindu monk Swami Vivekananda, considered to be the key figure who introduced Yoga to the world, was born on January 12, 1863.

Vivekananda, the epitome of self-restraint, never hated anyone.

He was 33 when an incident helped him made more generous.

While he was in Jaipur, the King of Jaipur had organised a dance festival. Swamiji refused to attend the programme, saying, “It is unbecoming for a saint”.

According to `The Immortal Philosopher Of India Swami Vivekananda` by Bhawan Singh Rana, Vivekanada's refusal made the prostitute, invited for the programme, sad.

“She gave a rendition of a poem written by the great poet Surdas. The touching song reached the ears of Swamiji and he was greatly moved. That very moment he went up to the prostitute and sought forgiveness from her.”

The great saint was once in the US when he said: “Do not frown at the sight of a prostitute. In fact, they are acting as a shield safeguarding the chastity of virtuous women. Hence, we should not hate them but be grateful towards them.”