UNITY

with a long burst of applause. Of all the delegates at the conference, Swamiji received the greatest ovation. The reason for this was the form of address, “Ladies and gentlemen” produces a sense of alienation and strangeness, whereas the phrase “Sisters and brothers” introduces a note of closeness and familiarity. By using this phrase, Swami Vivekananda touched a chord in the hearts of those of different creeds and colours. Their natural feeling of unity was awakened, and then what ensued fulfilled the best of expectations. All of a sudden, the gaps between them were bridged. They all began to feel themselves what they really were, and for that moment, physical divisions disappeared and were replaced by a rare spiritual unity. o