Itinerant Monk
'After the death of Shri Ramakrishna, Naren and many of his fellow disciples took to monasticism. For a brief period he lived in a monastery but soon felt a strong urge to experience the life of a wandering monk.
His travel across India which started off as a pilgrimage gave him profound spiritual experiences and also brought him in direct contact with the masses. He was impressed with the glorious heritage of India but was deeply moved by the poverty, illiteracy and hunger in the society.
During this period, his friends informed him about the Parliament of Religions to be held in America. They persuaded him to travel to America, as they thought he was by far the most knowledgeable and eloquent to represent India and Hinduism to the West. He was not convinced and continued with his journey.'