At that time in Sri Lanka there were only a handful of Hindu Swamijis (apart from the Ramakrishna Mission) and most of them were not regarded as great religious men. In those days people looked down on them, thinking that such Swamis were from a very poor family and that taking to monkhood was a way of earning a living. As we were a respectable, well-to-do family, I felt that him being like a Swami was looked down on by others. Unfortunately, I was holding a very respectable and responsible post in government service. Often my friends would joke, saying, "Your Swami-nephew" which would irritate me and so I strongly warned him to stop this nonsense, saying he was bringing disgrace on our family. My efforts, however, were to no avail. He had been a boy who always gave me a lot of respect and listened to my advice. I was shocked and upset to find that this previously obedient lad now turned a deaf ear to my counsel. However, he was my mother's pet and I could not bring myself to punish him in any way. My mother and I frequently quarreled about Swamiji and so I got a work transfer to Colombo, 100 miles away from Matale, in order to get away from this situation. Even though I was so far away from Matale, I got frequent information about Swamiji! All who spoke to me about him had a good word for him and they would tell me that he was almost "superhuman". Some of my good friends felt that I was living in a fool's paradise of pride by not recognising Swamiji, who was, by now, well respected in Matale. I did not give in to these comments.

I felt that my status in the city was much more important. I enjoyed my busy social life and fine food and drink. Yet I was always an actively religious man who believed in the ritual worship of deities and temple activities. I always returned to Matale at the time of Sri Muthu Mariyamman cart festivals in order to assist in the financial management during these celebrations. This was a considerable task as the temple was very famous and very popular. When I occasionally called on my mother in Matale, I would take a keen interest in the progress of my mischievous nephew. Some time later, when I met friends in various professions (doctors, engineers and the like) who also related stories about Swamiji with faith and confidence they made me understand that he cured the sick and was helping many suffering people. This prompted me to re-think my opinion about him and I made it a point to meet Swamiji from time to time. I thought there may be truth in the stories because many people were going to see him. However, my pride would still not allow me to get down on my knees and worship him.