Swamiji consecrated the Belur Math on 9 December 1898 by worshipping the relics of Sri Ramakrishna. During the auspicious occasion, Swamiji had said to a disciple: “The master once told me, ‘I will go and live wherever it will be your pleasure to take me, carrying me on your shoulders – be it under a tree or in the humblest cottage.”
(p.612, God Lived With Them)
Swamiji reached Belur Math after his second visit to the West
Late in the evening of December 9, 1900, the Swami arrived at the Belur Monastery. His brother-monks and the brahmacharis were taking their meal when the gardener, out of breath, came running in to tell them, “A sahib has come!” Immediately there was much excitement and speculation as to who the sahib might be, who had come at that late hour and what his business with them could be. Then to their great surprise the sahib rushed into their midst, and, when they saw who he was they all cried out excitedly, “Oh, Swamiji has come! Swamiji has come!” They could not believe their eyes. At once an Asana (seat) was spread for him and he was served with a large helping of the Khichuri which was the food prepared for that night. He partook of it with great zest, as it was many months since he had tasted it. Later, the monks enjoyed several delightful hours while the Swami chatted to them about his varied experiences in the West. There was no sleeping that night. They were happy beyond measure; he had come back to them, altogether unexpectedly. No words can describe their feeling. And now, though they knew it not, he was to be with them till the end.
(p.558-9, V-2, Life of Swami Vivekananda)
It is the nature of the mind, unless it be purged of its bad habits by constant prayer and meditation, to drag man down to lower pleasures. You and everybody shall have to infuse in it good ideas and good habits by present acts. Then it will not trouble you. This is the reason when a man wants to be spiritual, he has to remain always on the guard so that the mind goes not back again to its unnatural habits. During this period constant struggle takes place. You are passing through that. If you have faith in yourself and in the grace of Sri Ramakrishna you are sure to come out victorious. He helps him who struggles – that is His nature. Know it always that His helping hand is always guiding you. Otherwise, you would have been vanquished long ago and would have become an ordinary man. Through His blessings, the character of the mind will change and it will be a helping maid by your side. But you shall have to keep a constant watch on the mind till He comes and resides permanently within it. You shall feel it yourself.
(p.170, Mahapurush Maharaj As We Saw Him, Swami Shivananda’s letter to Swami Ranganathananda dt 9 December 1927)