Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
Volume 9
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Volume 9
Letters (Fifth Series)
Lectures and Discourses
Notes of Lectures and Classes
Writings: Prose and Poems (Original and Translated)
Conversations and Interviews
Excerpts from Sister Nivedita's Book
Sayings and Utterances
Newspaper Reports
Letters - Fifth Series
I Sir
II Sir
III Sir
IV Balaram Babu
V Tulsiram
VI Sharat
VII Mother
VIII Mother
IX Mother
X Mother
XI Mother
XII Mother
XIII Mother
XIV Mother
XV Mother
XVI Mother
XVII Mother
XVIII Mother
XIX Mother
XX Mother
XXI Mother
XXII Mother
XXIII Mother
XXIV Mother
XXV Mother
XXVI Mother
XXVII Mother
XXVIII Mother
XXIX Mother
XXX Mother
XXXI Mother
XXXII Mother
XXXIII Mother
XXXIV Mother
XXXV Mother
XXXVI Mother
XXXVII Mother
XXXVIII Mother
XXXIX Mother
XL Mrs. Bull
XLI Miss Thursby
XLII Mother
XLIII Mother
XLIV Mother
XLV Mother
XLVI Mother
XLVII Miss Thursby
XLVIII Adhyapakji
XLIX Mother
L Mother
LI Mother
LII Mother
LIII Mother
LIV Mother
LV Friend
LVI Mother
LVII Mother
LVIII Sir
LIX Mother
LX Doctor
LXI Mother—
LXII Mother—
LXIII Mother
LXIV Mother—
LXV Mother
LXVI Mother—
LXVII Friend
LXVIII Mrs. G. W. Hale
LXIX Christina
LXX Mother—
LXXI Sister Christine
LXXII Isabelle McKindley
LXXIII Christina
LXXIV Christina
LXXV Christina
LXXVI Your Highness
LXXVII Sir—
LXXVIII Christina—
LXXIX Mrs. Ole Bull
LXXX Sir
LXXXI Mrs. Bull
LXXXII Mrs. Funkey
LXXXIII Mrs. Bull
LXXXIV Christina
LXXXV Mrs. Bull—
LXXXVI Miss Thursby
LXXXVII Friend
LXXXVIII Christina
LXXXIX Mrs. Funkey
XC Christina
XCI Christina
XCII Mrs. Bull—
XCIII Sir
XCIV Mrs. Bull—
XCV Mother—
XCVI Sir
XCVII Mrs. Bull
XCVIII Blessed and Beloved
XCIX Christina
C Miss Noble
CI Miss Noble—
CII Christina
CIII Madras Comittee
CIV Gentlemen
CV Christina
CVI Mrs. Bull—
CVII Ram Ram
CVIII Miss Noble
CIX Lalajee
CX Badri Sah
CXI Mother—
CXII Mrs. Bull—
CXIII Friend
CXIV Shivananda
CXV Christina
CXVI Sister Christine
CXVII Miss Noble
CXVIII Christina
CXIX Margaret
CXX Dhira Mata—
CXXI Jagmohan
CXXII Miss MacLeod
CXXIII Sir
CXXIV Miss Macleod / Mrs. Bull
CXXV Mr. J. J. Goodwin’s Mother
CXXVI Your Highness—
CXXVII Christina
CXXVIII Your Highness—
CXXIX Your Highness—
CXXX Margot
CXXXI Nivedita
CXXXII Christina
CXXXIII Raja
CXXXIV S
CXXXV Margot
CXXXVI Sir
CXXXVII Margot
CXXXVIII Christina
CXXXIX Miss Macleod
CXL Christina
CXLI Christina
CXLII Sister Christine
CXLIII Mother
CXLIV Isabel—
CXLV Christina
CXLVI Mother Church
CXLVII Mother
CXLVIII Christina
CXLIX Christina
CL Christina
CLI Christina
CLII Christina—
CLIII Mrs. Bull—
CLIV Christina
CLV Dhira Mata—
CLVI Mother
CLVII Margot
CLVIII Mother
CLIX Christina
CLX Brahmananda
CLXI Christina
CLXII Margo
CLXIII Joe—
CLXIV Christina
CLXV Sister Christine
CLXVI Margot
CLXVII Margot
CLXVIII Mother
CLXIX Christina
CLXX Abhedananda
CLXXI Christina
CLXXII Christina
CLXXIII Christina
CLXXIV Christina
CLXXV Mrs. Hansbrough—
CLXXVI Sister Christine
CLXXVII Mrs. Hansbrough—
CLXXVIII Abhedananda
CLXXIX Christina
CLXXX Mrs. Leggett
CLXXXI Christine
CLXXXII Nivedita
CLXXXIII Christine
CLXXXIV Christina
CLXXXV Mother
CLXXXVI Alberta
CLXXXVII Christina—
CLXXXVIII Margo
CLXXXIX Sister Christine
CXC Your Highness—
CXCI Mother—
CXCII Sir
CXCIII Margot
CXCIV Christine
CXCV Introduction
CXCVI Christine
CXCVII Mother
CXCVIII Mrs. Hansbrough—
CXCIX Friend—
CC Christina
CCI Christine
CCII Christine
CCIII Christine
CCIV Christine
CCV Christina
CCVI Christina
CCVII Margo
CCVIII Christina
CCIX Chrisitne
CCX Christine
CCXI Christine
CCXII Christine
CCXIII Sister Christine
CCXIV Christine
CCXV Joe—
CCXVI Joe—
CCXVII Mrs. Hansbrough
CCXVIII Margo
CCXIX Christine
CCXX Mother
CCXXI Joe—
CCXXII Christine
CCXXIII Mademoiselle
CCXIV Christine
CCXXV Christine
CCXXVI Christine
CCXXVII Christine
LI
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
[54 W. 33RD ST., NEW YORK]
14 March 1895
DEAR MOTHER,
The last letter you sent over is a notice from the Chicago post office of a parcel received by them. I think it is some books sent to me from India. The rugs cannot come through the post office (?) I do not know what to do. I send you therefore back this notice, and if they deliver it to you, all right — else I hope you will ask them to send it over to New York and kindly give them my address.
Yours obediently,
VIVEKANANDA
LII
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
[NEW YORK
April 25, 1895]
DEAR MOTHER,
I was away a long time in the country. Came back day before yesterday.
I think the summer coat is in Chicago. If so, will you kindly send it over c/o Miss Phillips, 19 W. 38 Str., New York? It is getting hot here every day.
I will remain in New York till the end of May, at least.
Hoping you are all in perfect health. I remain yours truly,
VIVEKANANDA
LIII
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
54 W. 33.
NEW YORK
[ April 26, 1895]
DEAR MOTHER,
Perhaps you d not receive my letter asking you to send the Calcutta pamphlets about the Paramahamsa Ramakrishna. Kindly send them to me at 54 W. 33, and also the pamphlets about the Calcutta meeting if you have any. Also the summer coat to the care of Miss Phillips, 19 W. 38.
As I do not see any probability of my going soon to Chicago, I am thinking of drawing all my money from the Chicago bank to New York. Will you kindly ascertain the exact total amount I have in Chicago so that I may draw it out at once and deposit it in some New York bank?
Kindly do these and I will bother you no more. I have written to India long ago about the rugs. I do not know whether Dewanji* is alive or dead. I have no information.
I am all right and will be more than a month yet in New York. After that I am going to the Thousand Islands — wherever that place may be — for a little summer quiet and rest. Mrs. Bagley has been down here to see me and attended several of myes. Thees are going on with a boom; almost every day I have one, and they are packed full. But no " money" — except they maintain themselves. I charge no fees, except as the members contribute to the rent etc. voluntarily. It is mostly probable that I will go away this summer.
With my love to all,
Ever gratefully yours,
VIVEKANANDA
XXXIV
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
54 W. 33 NEW YORK
The 1st of May 1895
DEAR MOTHER,
Many, many thanks for sending the coat. Now I am well equipped for summer. I am so sorry the rugs could not come before I leave this country. They will come if Dewanji is alive.
I have been out of town a few days and have now come back all right — healthy as ever.
Lord bless you ever and ever for your untiring kindness to me.
Ever your grateful Son,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. The History of Rajasthan* I present you, and the satchel to the babies. Yours,
VIVEKANANDA
LV
To Mr. Francis H. Leggett
54 W. 33RD ST.
NEW YORK
THE 4TH MAY '95
DEAR FRIEND,
Many thanks for your kind present. The cigars are indeed delicious — and a hundred times so, as coming from you.
With everlasting love and regards,
I remain yours truly,
VIVEKANANDA
LVI
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
54 W. 33
NEW YORK
16th May '95
DEAR MOTHER,
Your kind note duly reached. The books have arrived safe and more are coming. The Sanskrit books pay no duty, beingics. I expect a big package from Khetri. The big packet was from the Raja of Khetri, sending me an address from a meeting held of Rajput nobility at Mount Abu, for my work in this country.
I do not know whether I will be able to come over to Chicago or not. I am trying to get a free pass; in case I succeed I will come, else not. Financially this winter's work was no success at all — I could barely keep myself up — but spiritually very great. I am going to the Thousand Islands for the summer to visit a friend and some of my pupils will be there.
I have got plenty of books now to read from India, and I will be quite engaged this summer.
The Khetri package will not arrive soon, so kindly make arrangements that it will be received during your absence if you go away. [There] will have to be pa a heavy duty for [it,] I am afrad.
Mrs. [Florence] Adams brought me the love from the [Hale] Sisters on her way to Europe. She started this morning. A large package of books also I expect soon. The original Upanishads — there is no duty on them.
I have had some trouble with my stomach; hope it will be over in a few days.
With love to all, I am ever your affectionate Son,
VIVEKANANDA
LVII
To Mrs. Ole Bull
NEWYORK
The 28th May '95
DEAR MOTHER,
Your last kind letter to hand. This week will be the last of myes. I am going next Tuesday with Mr. Leggett to Maine. He has a fine lake and a forest there. I will be two or three weeks there.* Thence I go to the Thousand Islands. Also I have an invitation to speak at a parliament of religions at Toronto, Canada, on July 18th. I will go there from Thousand Islands and return back.
So far everything is going on well with me.
Ever your grateful son,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. My regards and love to your daughter and pray for her speedy recovery.
V.
LVIII
To Dr. Paul Carus
19 W. 38TH ST.,
NEW YORK
June [May] 28, '95
DR. PAUL CARUS, LA SALLE, ILL.
DEAR SIR,
I am just now in receipt of your letter and will be very happy to join the religions Congress at Toronto. Only, as you are well aware of, the financial means of a "Bhikshu" (A Hindu or Buddhist monk.) are very limited. I will be only too glad to do anything in my power to help you and wait further particulars and directions.
Hoping to hear from you soon and thanking you very much for your great sympathy with Buddhistic India.
I remain ever fraternally your,
VIVEKANANDA
LIX
Mrs. Ole Bull
4th June '95
DEAR MOTHER,
Today I leave New York at 5 p.m. by steamer with Mr. Leggett.
Thees were closed on Saturday last [June 1] and so far the work has been very successful, no small part of which is due to you.
Ever praying for you and yours,
I am ever your faithful Son,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. I will acquaint you with my whereabouts as soon as I know it myself.
LX
To Dr. Paul Carus
C/O MISS DUTCHER
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK
N. Y.
[ June 1895]
DEAR DOCTOR,
I am in this place now and had to change some of my plans on account of the Toronto Congress.
I am therefore not quite sure whether I will be able to come to Oak Island Conference. It is very possible, however, that I will be able to do so.
I also hope Mr. [Charles Carroll] Bonney will come. He is a noble, noble soul — one who sincerely wishes the fellowship of all humanity.
Is it not true, Dr., that Mr. Bonney, as I have every reason to think, originated the plan of the parliament of religions?
I will certainly try my best to come.
Thanking you very much for your kindness, I remain
Ever yours in the Lord of Compassion,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. Will you kindly inform me what lines of thought you want me to take.
V.
LXI
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
C/O MISS DUTCHER’S
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK
N. Y.
2nd July 1895
DEAR MOTHER —
You d not write to me a single line for a long time. Neither d Sister Mary write about the duty pa on the rugs [from the Dewan of Junagadh]. I am afra the rugs are small.
Here is another consignment from Raja Ajit Singh [the Maharaja of Khetri] consisting of carpets, shawls, etc., etc., for which the bill of lading you sent me the other day. This consignment has no duty to pay because it was all prepa in India, and the bill of lading says so expressly. I will send you the bill of lading and the receipt for the duty. Kindly take one more trouble for me and get it out of the express company. And keep it with you till I come. The goods have arrived in New York and I had a notice of that. They are on their way to Chicago.
In two or three days I will send the bill of lading and the receipt for duty pa, to you. I foolishly asked Miss Phillips, as soon as I got the Company's (Original letter: Companies’.) notice, to get them out before I got the bill of lading. Now the bill of lading shows that it is bound for Chicago. So I am bound to give you this trouble. I am so sorry. Again with my usual business instincts — I forgot to note down the name of the express company. So I have written to New York for the letters of the Company. As soon as that comes I will send over to you.
I am going to Europe by the end of August or a little later.
I will come to see you by the end of August.
Lord bless you and yours for ever and ever.
Your ever affectionate Son,
VIVEKANANDA
LXII
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
THOUSANDISLANDPARK, N.Y.
C/O MISS DUTCHER
July 3, 1895
DEAR MOTHER —
Herewith I send you the bill of landing and the inventory of the goods sent from India. The duty, as you will find, has been prepa, so there is no botheration on that score. The goods have reached Hull.* They will be here by the mdle of this month. And if you see a letter with the Morris American Express Co. name on the envelope, tear it open. You need not forward it to me, for that will be the notice of arrival to Chicago. I am sure Dewanji's carpets were too small, but why do you not write to me about the duty if you had to pay it? I insist upon paying it myself. The Raja's things seem to come very quick. I am so glad too I will have something to present to Mrs. Bagley, Mrs. Bull, etc.
[Enclosed in the above letter was the following note.]
541 DEARBORNAVE.
CHICAGO.
TO THE MORRIS EXPRESS CO.—
DEAR SIR,
Please permit Mrs. G. W. Hale of 541 Dearborn Ave., Chicago, to act for me about the goods sent to me from India and receive the same.
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
LXIII
To Mrs. Ole Bull
C/O MISS DUTCHER
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK
N. Y.
13th [ postmarked 11th] July '95.
DEAR MOTHER,
The shirts arrived yesterday; they are nice and fit me well.
Everybody liked them.
Landsberg arrived this morning with a picture of Shri Ramakrishna.
The Toronto affair has fallen through because the clergyman objected to a heathen. There is one invitation from the Christian Union of Oak Beach. I do not know whether I will go there.
As I intend to go to Chicago, in August, I ought to give to the people here all the time I can.
I do not know yet the exact date when I start [for Europe] — but somewhere at the end of August, I am sure.
Landsberg sends his love to all the rest.
Ever yours in love and gratitude,
VIVEKANANDA
LXIV
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK
C/O MISS DUTCHER
N. Y.
27th July '95
DEAR MOTHER —
I will be ever so much obliged if you kindly look into the "bead" affair. (Rudrâksha beads sent from India. Ve letter dated January 17, 1895 in Complete Works, VI. ) I think there will be a little duty to pay. I will pay it to you when I come.
I start from here next week. I will be in Detroit a day or two on my way. I will be in by the third or fourth of August.
With Everlasting love, your Son,
VIVEKANANDA
[Enclosed in the above letter was the following note.]
27th July '95
TO THE UNITED STATES EXPRESS COMPANY
FOREIGN DEPARTMENT.
DEAR SIR,
Herewith I authorize Mrs. George W. Hale to take delivery of the "beads" that have been expressed to me from India. Hoping they will be regularly delivered to her, I remain yours obediently,
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
LXV
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
C/O MISS DUTCHER
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK
30th August [ July] '95
DEAR MOTHER,
I was starting for Chicago, Thursday next [August 1], but your letter stopped me. The letter and the package have safely arrived.
Write to me or wire if you want me to come to Chicago. I will then start for Chicago next week, i.e. on Tuesday next [August 6]. I thought Sister Mary was at home. When are the other babies coming? My going to Europe is not yet settled finally. The babies have not written me a line — not one of them.
Oh, Mother, my heart is so, so sad. The letters bring the news of the death of Dewanji. Haras Viharas has left the body. He was as a father to me. Poor man, he was the last 5 years seeking the retirement from business life, and at last he got it but could not enjoy it long. I pray that he may never come back again to this dirty hole they call the Earth. Neither may he be born in heaven or any other horr place. May he never again wear a body — good or bad, thick or thin. What a humbug and illusion this world is, Mother, what a mockery this life. I pray constantly that all mankind will come to know the reality, i.e. God, and this "Shop" here be closed for ever.
My heart is too full to write more. Write to me or wire if you like.
Your ever obedient Son,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. We will think of the coming package [from the Maharaja of Khetri] in Chicago. How long will you be in Chicago? If it is only a week or so, I need not come. I will meet you in New York. If more than that, I come to see you.
Yours,
V.
LXVI
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
C/O MISS DUTCHER
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK
N. Y.
[ July 31, 1895]
DEAR MOTHER —
I am afra I can not come to see you and neither will you advise me. I am going with a friend (Mr. Francis Leggett.) to Europe, at his expense. We go first to Paris and from there to London. My friend will go to Italy and I to London. I will, however, come back to New York in September. So I am not going away for good.
I start on the 17th. So you see, it is impossible to come and go that way for 3 or 4 days.
The package from India ought to have reached by this time. If they come, (The goods mentioned in Swami Vivekananda’s letter dated July 2, 1895. ) kindly take the delivery and send it back to New York to Miss Mary Phillips, 19 W. 38. If the package does not come to Chicago before you go away, then kindly send the bill of lading etc. to Miss Mary Phillips, 19. W. 38. The babies [the Hale daughters] d not write me a line, nor d they intimate where they are. I absolutely do not know anything about them. As they do not want it, it seems I ought not to disturb them with my letters. But you kindly convey them my love and eternal, undying blessings. So to you, Mother and Father Pope. I will pen a longer epistle in a few days. We will see each other next spring in Chicago, Mother, if we all live.
Ever gratefully your Son,
VIVEKANANDA
LXVII
To Mr. Francis Leggett
[THOUSAND ISLAND PARK, U.S.A.
August 1895]
DEAR FRIEND,
I received your note duly. Very kind of you and noble to ask me to have my own time to London. Many thanks for that. But I am in no hurry for London and, moreover, I want to see you married in Paris and then I go over to London.
I will be ready, Father Leggett, at hand and in time — never fear.
Yours affectionately ever,
VIVEKANANDA
LXVIII
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY.
RECEIVED AT: PLAZA HOTEL DRUG STORE,
NORTH AVE. & CLARK STREET.
THOUSAND ISLAND, N.Y., 2, '95
[ August 2, 1895]
8 jw ws 11 pa 1.33 p.m.
MRS. G. W. HALE
541 DEARBORN AVE.
WHY ANY CHARGES DUTY PREPA (This evently again refers to the goods sent by the Maharaja of Khetri. Ve the letter addressed to Mrs. G. W. Hale dated July 2, 1895. ) YOU HAVE DOCUMENTS WRITE FULL PARTICULARS.
VIVEKANANDA
LXIX
To Sister Christine
19 WEST 38TH STREET
9th August '95
DEAR CHRISTINA,
You must be enjoying the beautiful weather very much. Here, it is extremely hot but it does not worry me much. I had a pleasant journey from Thousand Islands to New York; and though the Engine was derailed, I d not know anything of it, being asleep all the time. Miss Waldo went out of the train at Albany. I d not see her off as I was asleep. I have not heard anything from her yet. Hope to hear soon. Dr. [L. L. Wight] and Miss [Ruth] Ellis must have gone home by this time.
We gave them a telepathic message but Miss Ellis has not got it sure, else she would write.
I am making preparations for my departure.
I came in time for one of the meetings here and had another one last evening — going to have one more this evening and almost every evening till I go over.
What is Mrs. Funkey [Mary Caroline Funke] doing, and Miss [Mary Elizabeth] Dutcher? Do you go to meditate on the mountain as usual? D you hear from Kripananda?
Write to me as soon as you can — I am so anxious to hear from you.
Ever yours with blessings and love,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. My love and blessings to Mrs. Funkey and Miss Dutcher.
V.
LXX
To Mrs. Ole Bull
19 WEST 38TH STREET
NEW YORK
9th August '95
DEAR MOTHER —
Your note duly received. I saw also Miss Thursby yesterday. After the hard work at the Thousand Islands, I am taking a few days quiet and preparation for my departure. So I cannot come to Greenacre. I am with Miss Phillips and will be till the 17th, on which day I depart for Europe. I have seen Mr. Leggett. You remember Mrs. Sturges, the wow in black in myes. She is going to marry Mr. Leggett in Paris. They will be married the 1st week we arrive, and then they go on a tour through Europe, and I, to England. I hope to return in a few weeks — back to New York.
Kindly give to Miss Hamlin [Elizabeth L. Hamlen], to Miss [Sarah] Farmer, Dr. [L. L. Wight] and Miss Howe, and all our friends my greetings, love and good-bye.
Ever sincerely your Son,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXI
To Sister Christine
[The following telegram was sent on Swami Vivekananda’s behalf.]
POSTAL TELEGRAPH-CABLE COMPANY
RECEIVED AT MAIN OFFICE, COR. GRISWOLD
AND LAFAYETTE AVE., DETROIT, MICH.
43. NY. FC. W. . . 10 PA. 12:45 PM
NEW YORK, N.Y.
[ August 17, 1895]
MISS CHRISTINA GREENSTEL,
418 ALFRED ST., DETROIT, MICH.
SWAMM [SWAMI] LEAVING SENDS YOU AND MRS. FUNKE LOVE AND BLESSING.
KRIPANANDA.
LXXII
To Miss Isabelle McKindley
80 OAKLEYSTREET
CHELSEA, S.W.
LONDON.
24th October '95
We meet and part. This is the law
and ever ever be.
I sadly ask O gentle ones
Do you remember me?
I haven't had any news from Chicago, nor d I write as I d not want to bother you — also I d not know where to.
Accompanying is a newspaper notice of a lecture I delivered in London. It is not bad. The London audiences are very learned and critical, and the English nature is far from being effusive. I have some friends here — made some more — so I am going on.
My bed is in the foaming deep
What care I, friend, the dew!
It is a queer life, mine — always travelling, no rest. Rest will be my death — such is the force of habit. Little success here, little there — and a good deal of bumping. Saw Paris a good [deal]. Miss Josephine M'cLeod [MacLeod], a New York friend, showed it all over to me for a month. Even there, the kind American girl! Here in England they know us more. Those that do not like the Hindus, they hate them; those that like, they worship them.
It is slow work here, but sure. Not frothy, not superficial. English women as a rule are not as highly educated as the American women, nor are so beautiful. They are quite submissive wives or hden-away daughters or church-going mothers — the embodiments of crystallized conventionality. I am going to have somees at the above address.
Sometimes — and generally when I score a success — I feel a despondence; I feel as if everything is vain — as if this life has no meaning, as if it is a waking dream. Love, friendship, religion, virtue, kindness — everything, a momentary state of mind. I seem to long to go; in spite of myself I say, how far — O how far! Yet the body-and-mind will have to work its Karma out. I hope it will not be bad.
How are you all going on? Where is Mother Church? Is she interviewing the ghosts of the Thotmeses and Rameses* in the Pyrams — or calmly going her round of duties at home?
Yet the life seems to grow deep and at the same time lose its hold on itself.
Not disgust, nor joy for life, but a sort of indifference — things will take their course; who can resist — only stand by and look on. Well, I will not talk about myself so much. Egregious egotist! I always was that, you know. How about you all? Great fun this life, isn't it? Don't go to the extremes. A calm, restful, settled married life is good for the majority of mankind. Mr. [Edward T.] Sturdy, the friend with whom I am living now, was in India several times. He mixed with our monks and is very ascetic in his habits, but he is married at last and has settled down. And [he] has got a beautiful little baby. Their life is very nice. The wife, of course, doesn't much care about metaphysics or Sanskrit, but her whole life is in her husband — and husband's soul is in Sanskrit metaphysics! Yet it is a good combination of theory and practice, I think. Write me all about yourselves if you have time and inclination, and give Mother Church my eternal gratitude.
My movements are so, so uncertain. Yet I will be a month more in London. With never-ending gratitude and love,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXIII
To Sister Christine
228 W. 39TH STREET
[NEW YORK]
8th Dec. '95
DEAR CHRISTINA,
I am once more on American Soil and have taken lodgings at 228 W. 39, where I begin work from Monday next. Sometime after Christmas I intend to make a tour through Detroit and Chicago.
I do not care for public lecturings at all — and do not think I shall have any more public lectures charging admission. If you will see Mrs. Phelps and others of our friends and arrange some classes (strictly on nonpayment basis), it will facilitate things a good deal.
Write at your earliest opportunity and give Mrs. Phunkey [Funke] and all our friends my deepest love and gratitude. friends my deepest love and gratitude.
Yours ever in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. Kripananda is over full of praise of you and Mrs. Funkey [Funke] and sends his loving regards for you.
LXXIV
To Sister Christine
228 W. 39TH STREET
[NEW YORK]
Dec. 10, 1895
DEAR CHRISTINA,
Perhaps by this time you have received my first letter. I received yours just now.
I had a splend success in England and have left a nucleus there to work till my arrival next summer. You will be astonished to learn that some of my strongest friends are big "guns" of the Church of England. This Christmas I am going away a week, from 24th Decem., to the country with Mr. and Mrs. Leggett — after that I resume my work. In the meanwhile thees have begun.
I have written to you my intention of taking a quick turn through Detroit and Chicago in the meanwhile and [then] return back.
Give Mrs. Phelps my love and kindly arrange thees [in Detroit] with her. The best thing is to arrange for a public lecture where I give out my general plan of work. The Unitarian church is available; and if the lecture is free, there will be a big crowd. The collection most possibly will cover the expenses. Then out of this we will get the materials of a big and then hurry them through, leaving Mrs. Phelps and you and Mrs. Funkey [Funke] to work on with them.
This plan is entirely feasible and if Mrs. Phelps and Mrs. Bagley desire it, they can work it out very quickly.
Ever yours with love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXV
To Sister Christine
228 W. 39TH STREET
NEW YORK
12 December 1895
DEAR CHRISTINA,
I am going away out of town from the 24th of this month and will come back on the 2nd of January. From the 24th — the 2nd I will not be here. I will settle the dates for Detroit and Chicago after hearing from you and from Chicago.
[Paragraph excised from the original letter.]
My love to Mrs. Phunkey [Funke] [excised] and all other friends.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXVI
To the Maharaja of Limdi,
Cathiawad, Bombay
CHICAGO
14th Dec. '95
YOUR HIGHNESS,
The gentleman whom I have the pleasure of introducing to you was the chairman of the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago.
He is a holy and noble gentleman. We owe him a deep debt of gratitude; and as he is going to make a tour through India, I hope your Highness will extend him the same hospitality as he has to us.
Yours with blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXVII
To the Dewan of Mysore, Madras (His Excellency Seshahari Iyer, K. C. S. I.)
CHICAGO,
the 14th Dec. '95
DEAR SIR —
The gentleman I have the pleasure of introducing to you was the chairman of the Chicago Parliament of religions.
All India owes him a deep debt of gratitude. He is now on a tour through our country, and I am sure you will help him in seeing your part of the country and oblige.
Yours with blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXVIII
To Sister Christine
228 W. 39TH STREET
NEW YORK
December 24, 1895
DEAR CHRISTINA —
Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you. I am going today to the country. I return in 10 days.
About the tour through Detroit — I will fix it later on. I am afra if I go just now, everything here will fall to pieces.
I will come anyway, but I am afra it will be later than I expected. My love to Mrs. Phelps, Mrs. Phunkey [Funke] and all our friends and Christmas greetings.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. Kripananda sends his greetings too.
V.
LXXIX
To Mrs. Ole Bull
228 W. 39
NEW YORK
24 December 1895
Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you, dear Mrs. Bull. And may peace and health rest on you and yours for ever. I am going out of town today and will be back in ten days.
My love to all.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXX
To the Editor of Light of the East
1896.
DEAR SIR, *
Many thanks for your kindly sending me several copies of the Light of the East. I wish the paper all success.
As you have asked for my suggestion [that] I can make towards improving the paper — I must frankly state that in my life-long experience in the work, I have always found "Occultism" injurious and weakening to humanity. What we want is strength. We Indians, more than any other race, want strong and vigorous thought. We have enough of the superfine in all concerns. For centuries we have been stuffed with the mysterious; the result is that our intellectual and spiritual digestion is almost hopelessly impaired, and the race has been dragged down to the depths of hopeless imbecility — never before or since experienced by any other civilised community. There must be freshness and vigour of thought behind to make a virile race. More than enough to strengthen the whole world exists in the Upanishads. The Advaita is the eternal mine of strength. But it requires to be applied. It must first be cleared of the incrustation of scholasticism, and then in all its simplicity, beauty and sublimity be taught over the length and breadth of the land, as applied even to the minutest detail of daily life. "This is a very large order"; but we must work towards it, nevertheless, as if it would be accomplished to-morrow. Of one thing I am sure — that whoever wants to help his fellow beings through genuine love and unselfishness will work wonders.
Yours truly,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXXI
To Mrs. Ole Bull
228 W. 39TH STREET
NEW YORK
the 3rd Jan. ’96
DEAR MRS. BULL—
I have had a letter from Mr. Trine* asking me to have somees at the Procopeia* in February. I do not see my way to go to Boston in February, however I may like it. I have given up for the present my plan of going to Detroit and Chicago in February. Later on I will try. Miss [Josephine] Locke will see to my havinges in Chicago and I have some friends in Detroit I may go to Baltimore for a few days in the meanwhile. I enjoyed my visit with the Leggetts exceedingly. It has braced me for further work. I am very well both physically and mentally.
Wishing you a happy New Year,
I remain yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXXII
To Mrs. Charles (Mary) Funke
228 W. 39
NEW YORK,
the 6th Jan. 1896.
DEAR MRS. FUNKEY [FUNKE] —
Many, many thanks for the sweet flowers. It recalls to me the beautiful times we had at the Thousand Islands and presages many such summer gatherings.
The work here had begun in right earnest, and we will advance it farther this year than in the last.
I am therefore uncertain as to the exact date of my coming to Detroit. I will come, however, very soon.
Yours ever in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXXIII
To Mrs. Ole Bull
228 W. 39TH STREET
NEW YORK
10 January 1896
DEAR MRS. BULL,
I have received your letter and also another from the Secretary of the Harvard Metaphysical Club.*
I will be only too glad to come to Boston for the Harvard lecture especially — but these are the difficulties in the way: First, the work here will fall to pieces; secondly, I have begun to write in right earnest. I want to finish some text books to be the basis of work when I am gone. I want to hurry through four little text books before I go.
Of course it is impossible to come this month as the notices of the four Sunday lectures are out. In the first week of February I have again a lecture at Brooklyn at Dr. Janes's. My ea now is to make a tour to Boston, Detroit, and Chicago in March and then come back to New York a week or so and then start for England. In March I will be able to stay a few weeks at each of these places. Of course it is true that [as] yet I have no competent persons here to carry on the work like Sturdy in England, nor any sincere friend to stand by me except you.
I will do anything you want me to, and if you think it is good for me to come to Boston in February, I am ready.
Ever yours with gratitude, love, and blessings
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. I have not much faith in that Procopeia business, (The Procopeia Club.) except as a nucleus to work from.
My love to Miss Hamlin and all the other friends there.
YOURS, V.
LXXXIV
To Sister Christine
24th Jan. '95 [ '96]
DEAR CHRISTINA,
I have not heard from you [for] long. Hope everything is going on well with you and Mrs. Phunkey [Funke].
D you receive my poem? I had a letter from Mrs. Phelps today. I am coming to Detroit next March early, as I will have to finish my February course in New York. The public lectures will be printed as they are delivered right along. The lectures will very soon be collected and edited in little volumes.
May the Lord bless you ever and ever.
Yours ever with love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXXV
To Mrs. Ole Bull
228 W. 39
NEW YORK
the 6th of Feb. '96
DEAR MRS. BULL —
I received your last duly, but owing to many things I have given up the ea of taking rest next month. I go to Detroit the first week of March and then, towards the mdle or last week, come to Boston. I have not much faith in working such things as the Procopeia [Club] etc.— because these mixed-up conglomerations of all isms and ities — mostly fads — disturb the steadiness of the mind, and life becomes a mass of frivolities. I am very glad, however, to get an opportunity to talk to the graduates of Harvard. This does not mean that I am not coming to Procopeia. I will come but it will be only for your sake. There is one if, however — and that is if I am physically able. My health has nearly broken down. I have not slept even one night soundly in New York since I came; and this year there is incessant work, both with the pen and the mouth. The accumulated work and worry of years is on me now, I am afra. Then a big struggle awaits me in England. I wish to go to the bottom of the sea and have a good, long sleep.
To Detroit I must go, dead or alive, as I have disappointed them several times last year. There were big money offers from near Chicago. I have rejected them as I do not any longer believe in pa lectures and their utility in any country. If after Detroit I feel the body able to drag itself on to Boston, I will come, else I will remain in Detroit or some other quiet place and rest to recuperate for the coming work in England. So far I have tried to work conscientiously — let the fruits belong to the Lord. If they were good they will sprout up sooner or later; if bad, the sooner they die the better. I am quite satisfied with my task in life. I have been much more active than a Sannyasin ought to be. Now I will disappear from society altogether. The touch of the world is degenerating me, I am sure, so it is time to be off. Work has no more value beyond purifying the heart. My heart is pure enough; why shall I bother my head about doing good to others? "If you have known the Atman as the one, only existence and nothing else exists, desiring what? — for whose desire you trouble yourself?" * This universe is a dream, pure and simple. Why bother myself about a dream? The very atmosphere of the world is poison to the Yogi, but I am waking up. My old iron heart is coming back — all attachments of relatives, friends, disciples are vanishing fast. "Neither through wealth nor through progeny, but by giving up everything as chaff is that immortality attained" * — the Vedas. I am so tired of talking too; I want to close my lips and sit in silence for years. All talk is nonsense.
Yours faithfully,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXXVI
To Miss Emma Thursby
228 W. 39TH STREET
NEW YORK,
February 26th, 1896
DEAR MISS THURSBY,
Will you oblige me by giving Mr. Goodwin any particulars you can with reference to the business arrangements made for my 6 lectures with Miss Corbin. He will see her, with the ea of obtaining payment.
Thanking you in anticipation, and with best regards,
Very truly yours,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXXVII
To Shri Girharas Mangaldas Viharas Desai
228 W. 39TH STREET
NEW YORK
DEAR FRIEND,
Excuse my delay in replying to your beautiful note.
Your uncle* was a great soul, and his whole life was given to doing good to his country. Hope you will all follow in his footsteps.
I am coming to India this winter, and cannot express my sorrow that I will not see Haribhai once more.
He was a strong, noble friend, and India has lost a good deal in losing him.
I am going to England very soon where I intend to pass the summer, and in winter next I come to India.
Recommend me to your uncles and friends.
Ever always the well-wisher of your family,
VIVEKANANDA
PS: My England address is: C/o E. T. Sturdy, Esq., High View, Caversham, Reading, England.
LXXXVIII
To Sister Christine
C/O THE PROCOPEIA
45 ST., BOTOLPH STREET
BOSTON, MASS.
22nd March '96
DEAR CHRISTINA,
Herewith [words excised] to countersign it and put it [words excised]. I am afra I have made a mistake in writing Miss to your name. In that case you will have to sign also as Miss etc.
I am enjoying Boston very much, especially the old friends here.
They are all kind. Reply promptly. Write fully later on.
With everlasting love and blessings,
Yours etc.,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXXIX
To Mrs. Charles (Mary) Funke
C/O THE PROCOPEIA
45 ST., BOTOLPH STREET
BOSTON, MASS.
22nd March '96
DEAR MRS. FUNKEY [FUNKE] —
I had no time to write a line even, I was so busy. I am enjoying Boston immensely, only hard work. The meeting with old friends is very pleasing, no doubt. The so-called swelled up to 500 people last night and, am afra, will go on increasing. Everything going on splendly. Mr. Goodwin as nice as ever. We are all friends here. I go next week to Chicago.
Hope everything is going on well with you there. Kindly give my love to Mrs. Phelps, Mr. Phelps and all the rest of my friends.
With all love and blessings,
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA
XC
To Sister Christine
1628 INDIANA AVE.
CHICAGO, ILL.
[ April 6, 1896]
DEAR CHRISTINA,
[Line excised.] reply as soon as possible.
I am going forward to New York on Thursday [April 9] and [will] start for England on the 15th of April.
Goodby and love to you all — to Mrs. Funkey [Funke], to Mrs. Phelps and all the rest of our friends.
In this life we meet and part again and again; but the mind is omnipresent and can be, hear, and feel anywhere.
Yours with love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. Give Kripananda and Miss [Martha] Hamilton my love and blessings when you meet them next.
V.
[Written in the margin:] I will go to New York next Fray [April 10].
XCI
To Sister Christine
HIGH VIEW, CAVERSHAM
READING, LONDON.
26th April '96
DEAR CHRISTINA,
How are things going on with you? I am all safe and sound here in England. Going to begin work from May fourth. How is Mrs. Funkey [Funke]?
Give them all my Love. Write me all about yourself and Mrs. Funkey when you have time. Address me at 63 St., George's Road, S.W. London.
Where is Krip. [Swami Kripananda]? What is he doing now? Has he been able to get up anyes yet? Has his temper gone down?
Give them all my love — and [to] Miss Hamilton and to all my friends and to the Rabbi [Grossman of Detroit].
Yours ever with love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
XCII
To Mrs. Ole Bull
63 ST GEORGE'S ROAD
LONDON. S.W.
May 8, 1896
DEAR MRS. BULL —
Your last letter to Sturdy at hand. They, I am sorry to say, leave us nowhere. I could not make anything out of them.
What are we to do? Is the book going to be published or not? Prof. [William] James's introduction (Preface to Swami Vivekananda’s Râja-Yoga.) is of no use in England. So why wait so long for that; and what use are those long explanations about him?
Our hands are tied down. Why do you not write something plain and decisive? Life is short and time is flying. I am so sorry you are losing sight of that. Your letters are full of explanations [and] directions, but not one word about what is to be done!!! So much red tape about printing a little book!! Empires are managed with less manipulation than that, I am sure!! So kindly write at your earliest something precise about the book and whether it is going to be printed or not, and pray make the writing a little legible.
Poor Sturdy is out of his wits as to what to do; he has gone through the Mss. long ago.
Joking apart, I am very sorry you are not coming over this year. We are in Lady Isabel's house. (The house was rented from Lady Isabel Margesson.) Miss [Henrietta] Müller has taken some rooms in it too. Goodwin is here with us. We have not yet made any big stir here. Thees have begun; they are not yet what we expected. We [have] had only two yet.
We will work on steadily the next 4 or 5 months. Sturdy is as patient and persevering and hopeful as ever.
It is cool enough here yet to have a fire in the grate.
Give my love to Mrs. Adams, Miss Thursby and all other friends. My love to Mr. Fox and blessings.
Yours with love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
XCIII
To Mr. Francis Leggett
(Swami Vivekananda enclosed the following document in a July 6, 1896 letter written toFrancis Leggett.)
63 ST. GEORGE'S ROAD, LONDON, S.W.
6th July 1896
TO FRANCIS LEGGETT, ESQ.
DEAR SIR,
Herewith I constitute you as my attorney and representative in regards to all publication pamphlets etc., written or dictated by me, their copyright, sale, etc., in the U.S. of America.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
XCIV
To Mrs. Ole Bull
63 ST. GEORGE'S ROAD, LONDON, S.W.
6th July 1896
DEAR MRS. BULL —
I have sent to Mr. Leggett by last mail the power of attorney, and, as you desired, this is to notify you of the fact and absolve you from the responsibilities of the power of attorney which I gave you in America last year.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
Saradananda and Goodwin have arrived, I am sure, by this time. I have a nice letter from Dr. Jain [Dr. Lewis G. Janes]. I am going to Switzerland for a vacation in a few days. I mean to stay there a month or more. I will return to London in the next fall. I do not know when I go back to India.
Things are growing nicely here.
With love to all,
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
XCV
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
July 7, 1896
DEAR MOTHER —
[On the] 18th of this month I start for Switzerland for a holay. I will come back to London again to work in the Autumn. The work in England bs fair to be much better and deeper than in the U.S. And here in London is the heart of India also. Where are you now? I am passing through Geneva on my way to the Hills. I will be there a day or two.
If you be somewhere near, I will make it a point to come to see you. D you hear Annie Besant? How d you like her? What about your plans of going to India next winter? What about the innocents (Mary and Harriet Hale and Isabelle and Harriet McKindley.) at home? I haven't had any news of them. My love to Father Pope, Mother Temple (Mrs. James Matthews, Mr. Hale’s sister.) and yourself. Kindly answer as I will be only a few days here.
Ever yours with love and gratitude,
VIVEKANANDA
XCVI
A letter to the editor, which appeared in the July 11, 1896 issue of the Light
63, ST. GEORGE'S-ROAD, S.W.
SIR,
Allow me to put a few words in your estimable journal as comments on an article in your paper dated July 4th. I must thank you without reserve for the kind and friendly spirit manifested throughout the article towards me and the philosophy I preach; but, as there is a fear of misconstruction in one part of it — especially by my Spiritualistic friends — I want to clear my position. The truth of correspondence between the living and the dead is, I believe, in every religion, and nowhere more than in the Vedantic sects of India, where the fact of mutual help between the departed and the living has been made the basis of the law of inheritance. I would be very sorry if I be mistaken as antagonistic to any sect or form of religion, so far as they are sincere. Nor do I hold that any system can ever be judged by the frauds and failures that would naturally gather round every method under the present circumstances. But, all the same, I cannot but believe that every thoughtful person would agree with me when I affirm that people should be warned of their dangers, with love and sympathy. The lecture alluded to could but accentally touch the subject of Spiritualism; but I take this opportunity of conveying my deep admiration for the Spiritualist community for the positive good they have done already, and are doing still: (1) the preaching of a universal sympathy; (2) the still greater work of helping the human race out of doctrines which inculcate fear and not love. Ever ready to co-operate with, and at the service of, all who are striving to bring the light of the spirit,
I remain yours sincerely,
VIVE KANANDA
XCVII
To Mrs. Ole Bull
63 ST. GEORGE'S ROAD
18th July '96
DEAR MRS. BULL,
I received your last note duly — and you already know my gratitude and love for you and that I perfectly agree with most of your eas and work.
I d not understand, however, one point. You speak of Sturdy and myself being members. Members of what? I, as you well know, can not become a member of any society.
I am very glad to learn that you have been favourably impressed by Saradananda. There is one big mistake you are labouring under. What do you mean of [my] writing to my workers more confentially and not to you? I seldom write to anyone — I have no time to write. I have no workers. Everyone is independent to work as one likes. I do not bother my head about these little things at all. I can give eas — that is all; let people work them out any way they like, and Godspeed to all.
"He who works unattached to persons and giving up the fruits of work is a genuine worker" — Gitâ.
Yours Ever with love and gratitude,
VIVEKANANDA
XCVIII
To Sister Christine
[POSTMARKED: SAAS-FEE]
SWITZERLAND
5th August 1896
BLESSED AND BELOVED,
Surrounded on all ses by eternal snow peaks, sitting on the grass in a beautiful wood, my thoughts go to those I love — so I write.
I am in Switzerland — constantly on the move — getting a much needed rest. It is a miniature Himalayas, and has the same effect of raising the mind up to the Self and driving away all earthly feelings and ties. I am intensely enjoying it. I feel so, so uplifted. I cannot write, but I wish you will have the same for ever — when your feet do not want, as it were, to touch the material earth — when the soul finds itself floating, as it were, in an ocean of spirituality.
Prof. Max Müller has written in the Nineteenth Century an article on my Master. Read it if you can — August number.
I hope you are enjoying this beautiful summer and are perfectly rested after hard work.
My love to all. Blessings to all.
Yours ever with love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. A few Alpine flowers growing almost in the mst of eternal snow I send you, praying that you may attain spiritual hardihood amst all snows and ice of this life.
V.
XCIX
To Sister Christine
AIRLIELODGE, RGEWAYGARDENS
WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND
October 6, 1896
DEAR CHRISTINA,
I am sure you got my letter from Switzerland.
I am now in London, back after having travelled through Germany and Holland.
How are things going with you? Had you a nice summer? How are you physically and spiritually? How is Mrs. Fhunkey [Funke] and all the other friends? Have you any news of Baby? * Where is Kr [Kripananda] and what is he doing now?
I have another Sannyasin over here with me now, who will work here whilst I am away to India, where I go this winter.
I will write to you in extenso later; tonight it is so late and I am so weary.
With all love and blessings,
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA
C
To Sister Nivedita
14, GREYCOAT GARDENS
WESTMINSTER
October 29, 1896
DEAR MISS [MARGARET] NOBLE —
I will be at yours on Fray next, at 4 p.m.
I d not know of any arrangements made to meet anybody Fray last, hence my absence.
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA
