On 25 April 1933 Shivananda had a stroke. His right side was paralyzed and very soon his speech became impaired. A few months later Vijnanananda arrived at Belur Math to see him. When the monks asked Vijnanananda the reason for his surprise visit, he replied that a couple of days before he had been very disturbed about Shivananda’s condition; then the Master appeared to him and said, “Don’t worry; I am looking after him.” “Immediately my anxiety ceased,” said Vijnanananda. “Next it came to my mind that I must see this great soul who is protected by the Master. So I left for Calcutta yesterday.”
Although Shivananda could not talk, he was pleased to see his brother disciple and blessed him. Vijnanananda later described his experience: “That day Mahapurush [Swami Shivananda] laid his hand on my head; his touch changed my mental attitude. He passed on to me his great desire to help people spiritually and to assume responsibility for them. I now feel that as long as I live and have the least strength in my body I shall do the same and give the Master’s name to all.”63 All these years Vijnanananda had lived a quiet and secluded life. He had avoided crowds, and spoke only occasionally to select individuals on spiritual matters. After this incident, however, he began to mingle more freely with people and to give initiation to seekers, refusing none. (Source: God Lived with Them)