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
CI
To Sister Nivedita
14, GREYCOAT GARDENS
WESTMINSTER, S.W.
5 December 1896
DEAR MISS NOBLE —
Many thanks for sending the kind present from Mr. Beatty. I have written to him acknowledging his beautiful gift.
As for you, my dear, noble, kind friend, I only would say this — we Indians lack in many things, but there is none on earth to beat us in gratefulness. I remain,
Ever yours gratefully,
VIVEKANANDA
CII
To Sister Christine
ON BOARD PRINZ REGENT LUITPOLD
3rd January 1897.
DEAR CHRISTINA,
By two p.m. today I reach Port Sa. Asia once more. I have not heard from you [for] long. Hope everything is going on well with you. How are Mrs. Funke, Mrs. Phelps, and all other friends? My love to all. Write when you feel like it.
VIVEKANANDA.
CIII
To the Madras Committee
[After Swami Vivekananda Colombo on Fray, January 15, 1897, the Madras
Committee, which was planning a reception for the Swami, sent the following
message: "Motherland rejoices to welcome you back". In reply, Swami
Vivekananda sent a wire.]
[ Postmarked: January 15, 1897]
MY LOVE AND GRATITUDE TO MY COUNTRYMEN.
CIV
To the Hindu Students of Trichinapally*
[ February 16, 1897]
GENTLEMEN,
I have received your address with great pleasure and sincerely thank you for the kind expressions contained therein.
I much regret, however, that time effectually prevents my paying even a short visit to Trichinopoly at present. In the autumn, however, I propose making a lecture tour throughout India, and you may rely upon it that I shall then not fail to include Trichinopoly in the programme.
Again thanking you, and with my blessings to all.
Sincerely yours,
VIVEKANANDA.
CV
To Sister Christine
DARJEELING,
[RETURN ADDRESS: ALAMBAZAR MATH, CALCUTTA]
16th March 1897.
DEAR CHRISTINA,
Many, many thanks for the photograph and the poem. I never saw anything half as beautiful. The work I had to do to reach Calcutta from Ceylon was so immense that I could not earlier acknowledge your precious gift. The work has broken me down completely, and I have got "diabetes", an incurable disease, which must carry me off — at least in a few years.
I am now writing to you from Darjeeling, the nearest hill station to Calcutta, with a climate as cool as London. It has revived me a bit. If I live, I will come to America next year or so.
How are things going on with you all? How are Mrs. Funkey [Funke] and Mrs. Phelps?
Are you laying by a few dollars whenever you can? That is very important.
I am in a hurry for the mail. You will be glad to know that the Indian people have, as it were, risen in a mass to honour me. I am the ol of the day. Mr. Goodwin is going to publish in book form all the addresses given to me and the speeches in reply. The demonstrations all over have been simply unique.
Yours with all love,
VIVEKANANDA.
CVI
To Mrs. Ole Bull
ALAMBAZAR MATH
CALCUTTA
[DARJEELING]
26th March 1897
DEAR MRS. BULL —
The demonstrations and national jubilations over me are over — at least I had to cut them short, as my health broke completely down. The result of this steady work in the West and the tremendous work of a month in India upon the Bengalee constitution is "diabetes". It is a hereditary foe and is destined to carry me off, at best, in a few years' time. Eating only meat and drinking no water seems to be the only way to prolong life — and, above all, perfect rest for the brain. I am giving my brain the needed rest in Darjeeling, from where I am writing you now.
I am so glad to hear about Saradananda's success. Give him my best love and do not allow him [to] do too much work. The Bengalee body is not the same as the American.
Mr. Chatterjy (Mohini) came to see me in Calcutta, and he was very friendly. I gave him your message. He is quite willing to work with me. Nothing more to write, only I am bent upon seeing my monastery started; and as soon as that is done, I come to America once more.
By the by, I will send to you a young lady from England — one Gertrude Orchard. She has been a governess, but she has talent in art etc., and I wished her to try her chance in America. I will give her a letter to you and Mrs. [Florence] Adams.
With my love to Mrs. Adams, Miss Thursby, Miss Farmer (the noble sister) and all the rest of our friends.
With eternal love and gratitude,
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
CVII
( Translated from Bengali)
To Pandit Ram Ram Samjami
DARJEELING
[ April] 1897
DEAR RAM RAM,
I received your first letter in Calcutta. I was busy there, and so it seems that I forgot to reply. You have deplored this in your letter, but that is not right. I do not forget anyone — especially those who have received grace from "Him".
While I was in England, I received your Avadhuta-Gitâ. It is beautifully printed. You mentioned Karma-Yoga — I do not have that book with me. It was printed in Madras. If there are any copies at the Math, I shall ask them to send one to you.
I have been very sick, so right now I am staying at Darjeeling. As soon as I feel better, I shall return to Calcutta. . . .
Please accept my special love. I pray for your welfare always.
Yours etc.,
VIVEKANANDA
CVIII
To Sister Nivedita
DARJEELING,
3rd April 1897.
DEAR MISS NOBLE,
I have just found a bit of important work for you to do on behalf of the downtrodden masses of India.
The gentleman I take the liberty of introducing to you is in England on behalf of the Tiyas, a plebeian caste in the native State of Malabar.
You will realize from this gentleman what an amount of tyranny there is over these poor people, simply because of their caste.
The Indian Government has refused to interfere on grounds of non-interference in the internal administration of a native State. The only hope of these people is the English Parliament. Do kindly everything in your power to help this matter [in] being brought before the British Public.
Ever yours in the truth,
VIVEKANANDA.
CIX
To Lala Badri Sah of Almora
DARJEELING
7th April '97.
DEAR LALAJEE,
Just received your kind invitation through telegram. Perhaps you have already heard that I have been attacked by "Diabetes", a fell disease.
That unsettled all our plans, and I had to run up to Darjeeling, it being very cool and very good for the disease.
I have felt much better since, and the doctors therefore do not want me to move about, as that brings about a relapse. If my present state of health continues for a month or two, I think I will be in a condition to come down to the plains and come to Almora to see you all. I am very sorry that I have caused you a good deal of trouble, but you see it could not be helped — the body was not under my control.
With all love to yourself and other friends in Almora.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
CX
To Lala Badri Sah
DEVALDHAR BAGICHA, *
Thursday, [ June 1897]
DEAR BADRI SAH,
I have been very sorry to learn that you are not well. It would please me very much if you would come down here for a few days, at any rate, with us; and I am sure it would do you good.
Yours with blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
CXI
To Mrs. Francis Leggett
ALMORA
20 June '97
DEAR MOTHER —
Herewith I take the liberty to introduce to you Miss Tremayne of London, a particular friend of mine going over to the States. Any help given to her would greatly oblige.
Yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
CXII
To Mrs. Ole Bull
ALMORA
20 June '97
DEAR MRS. BULL —
Herewith I take the liberty of introducing Miss Tremayne of London. I like nothing so much as being serviceable to young and energetic persons — and any help given to her in America will greatly oblige.
Yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
CXIII
To Mr. Sokanathan, Colombo
ALMORA
30th June 1897.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
The bearer of this note, Swami Shivananda, is [being] sent to Ceylon, as promised by me during my sojourn. He is quite fit for the work entrusted to his care, of course, with your kind help.
I hope you will introduce him to other Ceylon friends.
Yours ever in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
CXIV
( Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Shivananda
ALMORA,
The 9th July 1897
DEAR SHIVANANDA, (This address was written in English.)
I haven't received any word of your arrival yet. I heard that Alasinga has gone there with his relations by way of Jaipur. We stayed at the Binsar Dak Bungalow [rest-house] for two or three days, and then I left for Shyamdhura. At this, Miss [Henrietta] Müller got infuriated and left for Almora. Terribly upset, Miss Müller accused Shivananda of telling her first that I shall live with a friend as his guest and of renting later such a big house for the season at 80 rupees without consulting her. Very cross with everybody, she has been reproving one and all but has cooled down a little when I sa I would pay half of the rent. . . .
Shashi himself [Swami Ramakrishnananda] should handle the entire amount of 100 rupees which the Raja of Ramnad is donating (every month); he should send a detailed account of the monthly income and expenditure to the Math — otherwise there won't be any check. Advise him to spend as little as necessary on Thakur's* worship, for the money is [primarily] "for propagation of Truth". (The phrase “for propagation of Truth” was written in English.)
In case Gupta [Swami Sadananda] has lost his mental balance, ask him to come to Almora — but only when the boy selected for Shashi reaches there. I received a letter from R. A. [Rajam Aiyer?]. The money he sent has reached the Math. I have received two volumes of Ramanuja's commentary. Advise him to send me the third. Ask G. G. [Narasimhachari] to send me similar commentaries by Madhva and others, if he can.
A public meeting will have to be organized at Madras to present an address of welcome to the Raja [Ajit Singh] of Khetri and to Pratap Singh of Jodhpur for their boldness in visiting England as well as for representing their principalities in India in the Jubilee celebration. This has to be done on their return to India, but for that you have to endeavour from now on. Please go to Colombo and arrange a similar public meeting there.
Give my love to Ki [Singaravelu Mudaliar] and Doctor [Nanjunda Rao]; ask Ki why he hasn't written to me. What is wrong with him? Has he lost his devotion? Bear this in mind that you should not assume a teacher's place in the beginning. Do all your work with humility; otherwise everything will crumble to pieces. Please see that there is no opposition, criticism or obstacles to Shashi's work in Madras, for everybody should obey him — whoever may be in charge of a particular centre. If Shashi goes to Ceylon, he will have to obey your authority, etc. Make sure that every centre sends a weekly report to the Math. I have not seen a single one from Shashi yet. "O Rama! How hard it is to turn a donkey into a horse, even by beating!"
Above all "obedience" and "esprit de corps". * The work cannot succeed unless there is perfect obedience to the authority of the Order and sacrifice of inual views for the sake of the Order. Trinair gunatvam âpannair badhyante mattadantinah — "Blades of grass woven into a rope can restrain even mad elephants".
With love to Sashi and Gupta, *
VIVEKANANDA
CXV
To Sister Christine
KHETRI,
13th December 1897.
MY DEAR CHRISTINA,
How funny all these dreams and evil prognostications of yours! You don't want to send me evil influences by thinking that way of me! I will be only too glad to lose 50 lbs. of my weight. A little rest puffs me up, and I am the same bloated monk as ever.
I am all right except [for] a bad cold the last few days, owing to exposure and travel in the desert. I thank you for the letter though. I am pleased with it enormously, as it shows the mind.
Give Mrs. Funkey [Funke], Baby [Stella Campbell], and all the rest my love, and, as you know, yourself —
Yours ever in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS — I will write a better note when this cold has left.
V.
CXVI
To Sister Christine
JODHPUR, RAJPUTANA,
4th January 1898.
Love and greetings etc. to thee, dear Christina, and a happy New Year. May it find you younger in heart, stronger in body, and purer in spirit.
I am still travelling in season and out of season. Lecturing some, working a good deal.
Have you seen Mr. [Edward T.] Sturdy of England, who, I learn, has been to Detroit? D you like him?
I am quite well and strong. Hope to meet you this blessed year again in America.
I am going to Calcutta in a few days, where I intend to be the rest of this cold weather. Next summer, I start for England or America most probably.
Yours ever in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXVII
To Sister Nivedita
CALCUTTA
30th January 1898
MY DEAR MISS NOBLE,
This is to introduce Prof. M. Gupta,* who has been already introduced to you on board the boat that brought you over to shore.
He has very kindly consented to devote an hour or more every day to teach you Bengali. I need not state that he is a genuine, good and great soul.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. I am afra you felt badly today.
V.
CXVIII
To Sister Christine
THE MATH, BELOOR, HOWRAH DIST.,
BENGAL, INDIA,
11th March 1898.
MY DEAR CHRISTINA,
I simply wonder what has become of you. It is an age [that] I d not hear from you, and I expected so much after Sturdy's visit to Detroit. How d you like the man? What about Baby and the Devendorfs? How is Mrs. Funkey [Funke]? What are you going to do this summer? Take rest, dear Christina; I am sure you require it badly.
Mrs. Bull of Boston and Miss MacLeod of New York are now in India. We have changed our Math from the old, nasty house to a house on the banks of the Ganges. This is much more healthy and beautiful. We have also got a good piece of land very near on the same se where Mrs. Bull and Miss MacLeod are putting up now. It is wonderful how they accommodate themselves to our Indian life of privation and hardship! My, these Yanks can do anything! After the luxuries of Boston and New York, to be quite content and happy in this wretched little house!! We intend to travel a bit together in Kashmir, and then I come to America with them and am sure to get a hearty welcome from my friends. What do you think? Is it welcome news to you? Of course, I cannot undergo the same amount of work as before; that, dear Christina, I am sorry, I will no more be able to do. I will do a little work and [take] a good deal of rest. No more getting crowds and making noise, but quiet, silent, personal work will be all I intend to do.
This time I will quietly come and quietly go away, seeing only my old friends, and no noise.
Write soon, as I am so anxious.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
"There are two sorts of persons — one sort has the heart of water, the other of stone. The one easily takes an impression, and as easily throws it off; the other seldom takes an impression, but once it takes, it is there for ever. Nay, the more they struggle to cast it off, the more it cuts deep into the stone soul." — R. K. [Ramakrishna] Paramahamsa
CXIX
To Sister Nivedita
MATH, BELUR.
HOWRAH, BENGAL.
16th March 1898.
MY DEAR MARGARET,
It is needless to let you know, you have fulfilled all my expectations in your last lecture.
It appears to me that the platform is the great field where you will be of great help to me, apart from your educational plans. I am glad to learn that Miss [Henrietta] Müller is going to have a place on the river. Are you also going to Darjeeling? So you will all the better work after a trip up there! Next season I am planning a series of lectures for you all over India.
Ever yours with all love and blessings,
[Stamp with Swamiji's portrait]
THECALCUTTABOY.
CXX
To Mrs. Ole Bull
DARJEELING
the 4th April '98
MY DEAR DHIRA MATA —
I am afra you are getting roasted down there in the heat of Calcutta. Here it is nice and cool and rather chill when it rains, which it does almost every day. Yesterday the view of the snows was simply superb, and it is the most picturesque city in the world; there is such a mass of colour everywhere, especially in the dress of the Lepchas and Bhutias and the Paharees. Had it not been for the awful, corrugated iron roofs everywhere, it would have been twenty times more picturesque.
My health was not bad in Calcutta; here it is the same — only, the sugar has entirely disappeared, the specific gravity being only 13. I slept very well last night too; but the morning re up, or climb, of a few miles is proving too much for my adipose tissues. The flannel clothes only made me worse, so I have given them up and have gone to my summer dress and am all right. I have sent you Sturdy's letter already — poor fellow — I do not know what to do for him. He is really "living in a desert of his own making" — you see, one thing is not good for every one. Marriage has indeed proved a hell for Sturdy. And he can not come, although "he is skirting the coast of India". Lord help the poor boy. May He cut all his bonds and make him free soon. Aye, it is good that he is feeling the bondage — and not "hugging and kissing its spokes of agony".
I gave a little lecture to the Hindus here yesterday, and I told them all their defects purposely and with their permission. I hope it will make them howl.
Miss Müller has taken a bungalow here and she is coming on Wednesday. I do not know whether Miss Noble is coming with her. She [Miss Noble] had better be your guest in Kashmir as according to our plan.
Have you got that place yet or changed [places]? I am going to Kashmir anyway, as I have promised.
I will be here only a few days and then I come to Calcutta, to be there only a week — and [then] I start for the N.W. Of course this is not the time to see anything in the N.W.P.; (North-West Provinces, now Uttar Pradesh.) everything is burning there. Yet that heat is much healthier than that of Bengal.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
CXXI
To Munshi Jagmohanlal
BALLENVILLE
DARJEELING
15 April 1898
MY DEAR JAGMOHAN, *
If you can find out all the letters that I addressed to H.H. on my way to — and stay in — Japan, Europe and America, please do send them carefully packed, under registered cover, to my address in the Math, as early as possible.
With blessing to you,
I remain,
Yours truly,
VIVEKANANDA
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CXXIII
To the Officer in Charge of Telegrams, Srinagar
April 19, 1898.
SIR,
Please allow Miss M'cLeod [MacLeod] or her agent to receive any telegrams that you have received for me and receipt the same.
Yours truly,
VIVEKANANDA
CXXIV
To Miss Josephine MacLeod or Mrs. Ole Bull
SESHNAG
CHANDANBARI, KASHMIR
[EN ROUTE FROM SRINAGAR TO AMARNATH]
[ End of July 1898]
I send back the old Dandi (A simple palanquin.) as it is difficult to carry it through. I have got another like Margaret's. Please send it back to the Tahsildar of Vernag, Khand Chand, Esq., whom you already know. We are all right. Margot has discovered some new flowers and is happy. There is not much ice so the road is good.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. Keep this Dandi till I come and pay the coolies (2) 4 Rs., 2 annas each. Coolie — Tara
[Accounts List]
[Illegible word] 20
Dandi 26
Coolies 16 2 hrs. =8 Rs. — as.
Coolies 4 2½ hrs. at 4 as. per hr. =2 — 8
Dandi 26 3½ hrs. at 6 as. per hr. 34 — 2
4 extra 1 hr. at 4 as. per hr. =1 — 0
2 ponies 2½ hrs. at 12 as. per hr. =3 — 12
1 pony 1 hr. at 12 as. per hr. =0 — 12
—————————————
50 — 2
2 Dandis 3" hrs. [Illegible words]
—————————————
52 — 0
[Illegible words] 8 — [0]
—————————————
60 — [0]
Bed chairs 4
Luggage 25
Dandi 26
——————
55
55 all inclusive
Two horses—— 1st stage——12 miles
Batacooti——
Phahalgaon [Pahalgam] —next stage
CXXV
To Mr. J. J. Goodwin's mother
[On receiving news of the untimely death of Josiah J. Goodwin, Swami Vivekananda sent the following paragraph along with the poem “Requiescat in Pace” (This poem has been previously published in Complete Works, IV.) to the newspapers as well as to Goodwin's mother.]
ALMORA
June 1898
With infinite sorrow I learn the sad news of Mr. Goodwin's departure from this life, the more so as it was terribly sudden and therefore prevented all possibilities of my being at his se at the time of death. The debt of gratitude I owe him can never be repa, and those who think they have been helped by any thought of mine ought to know that almost every word of it was published through the untiring and most unselfish exertions of Mr. Goodwin. In him I have lost a friend true as steel, a disciple of never — failing devotion, a worker who knew not what tiring was, and the world is less rich by one of those few who are born, as it were, to live only for others.
[UNSIGNED]
CXXVI
To Maharaja Ajit Singh, the Raja of Khetri
SRINAGAR
10 August 1898
YOUR HIGHNESS —
I have long not heard any news of you. How are things going on with you both bodily and mentally?
I have been to see Shri Amarnathji. * It was a very enjoyable trip and the Darshana* was glorious.
I will be here about a month more, then I return to the plains. Kindly ask Jagmohan to write to the Dewan Saheb of Kishangarh to get for me the copies of Nimbârka Bhâshya which he promised.
With all love,
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA
CXXVII
To Sister Christine
THE MATH, BELOOR, HOWRAH DIST.,
25th October, 1898.
MY DEAR CHRISTINA,
How are you? I am very anxious about your health. I have long not had any letter from you.
My health again failed badly. I had, therefore, to leave Kashmir in haste and come to Calcutta. The doctors say I ought not go tramping again this winter. That is such a disappointment, you know. However, I am coming to the U. S. this summer. Mrs. Bull and Miss MacLeod enjoyed this year's trip to Kashmir immensely, and now they are having a glimpse of the old monuments and buildings of Delhi, Agra, Jeypore [Jaipur], etc.
Do write a nice, long letter if you have time, and do not work yourself to death. Duty is duty, no doubt; but we have our duties, not only to our mother etc., but to others also. Sometimes one duty asks for physical sacrifice, whilst the other insists on great care for our health. Of course, we follow the stronger motive, and [I] do not know which will prove stronger in your case. Anyhow, take great care of your body, now that your sisters have come to your help.
How do you manage the family? — the expenses etc? Write me all you like to write. Give me a long chat, will you? Do!
I am getting better every day — and then the long months before I can start for the U.S. Never mind, "Mother" knows what is best for us. She will show the way. I am now in Bhakti. As I am growing old, Bhakti is taking the place of Jnâna. D you get the new Awakened India? How do you like it?
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
CXXVIII
Maharaja Ajit Singh, the Raja of Khetri
MATH BELUR
22 November 1898
YOUR HIGHNESS —
Many thanks for your kind note and the Nimbarka Bhashya — reached through Jaga Mohan Lalji.
I approach your Highness today on a most important business of mine, knowing well that I have not the least shame in opening my mind to you, and that I conser you as my only friend in this life. If the following appeals to you, good; if not, pardon my foolishness as a friend should.
As you know already, I have been ailing since my return. In Calcutta your Highness assured me of your friendship and help for me personally and [advised me] not to be worried about this incurable malady. This disease has been caused by nervous excitement; and no amount of change can do me good, unless the worry and anxiety and excitement are taken off me.
After trying these two years a different climate, I am getting worse every day and now almost at death's door. I appeal to your Highness's work, generosity and friendship. I have one great sin rankling always in my breast, and that is [in order] to do a service to the world, I have sadly neglected my mother. Again, since my second brother has gone away, she has become awfully worn-out with grief. Now my last desire is to make Sevâ [give service] and serve my mother, for some years at least. I want to live with my mother and get my younger brother married to prevent extinction of the family. This will certainly smoothen my last days as well as those of my mother. She lives now in a hovel. I want to build a little, decent home for her and make some provision for the youngest, as there is very little hope of his being a good earning man. Is it too much for a royal descendent of Ramchandra to do for one he loves and calls his friend? I do not know whom else to appeal to. The money I got from Europe was for the "work", and every penny almost has been given over to that work. Nor can I beg of others for help for my own self. About my own family affairs — I have exposed myself to your Highness, and none else shall know of it. I am tired, heartsick and dying. Do, I pray, this last great work of kindness to me, befitting your great and generous nature and [as] a crest to the numerous kindnesses you have shown me. And as your Highness will make my last days smooth and easy, may He whom I have tried to serve all my life ever shower His choicest blessings on you and yours.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. This is strictly private. Will you please drop a wire to me whether you will do it or not?
Ever yours,
VIVEKANANDA
CXXIX
To Maharaja Ajit Singh, the Raja of Khetri
MATH BELOOR
HOWRAH DISTRICT
1 December 1898
YOUR HIGHNESS —
Your telegram has pleased me beyond description, and it is worthy of your noble self. I herewith give you the details of what I want.
The lowest possible estimate of building a little home in Calcutta is at least ten thousand rupees. With that it is barely possible to buy or build a house in some out-of-the-way quarter of the town — a little house fit for four or five persons to live in.
As for the expenses of living, the 100 Rs. a month your generosity is supplying my mother is enough for her. If another 100 Rs. a month be added to it for my lifetime for my expenses — which unfortunately this illness has increased, and which, I hope, will not be for long a source of trouble to you, as I expect only to live a few years at best — I will be perfectly happy. One thing more will I beg of you — if possible, the 100 Rs. a month for my mother be made permanent, so that even after my death it may regularly reach her. Or even if your Highness ever gets reasons to stop your love and kindness for me, my poor old mother may be proved [for], remembering the love you once had for a poor Sâdhu.
This is all. Do this little work amongst the many other noble deeds you have done, knowing well whatever else can be proved or not, the power of Karma is self-event to all. The blessings of this good Karma shall always follow you and yours. As for me, what shall I say — whatever I am in the world has been almost all through your help. You made it possible for me to get r of a terrible anxiety and face the world and do some work. It may be that you are destined by the Lord to be the instrument again of helping yet grander work, by taking this load off my mind once more.
But whether you do this or not, "once loved is always loved". Let all my love and blessings and prayers follow you and yours, day and night, for what I owe you already; and may the Mother, whose play is this universe and in whose hands we are mere instruments, always protect you from all evil.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
CXXX
To Sister Nivedita
3 p.m. Sunday.
[ Early 1899]
MY DEARMARGOT,
I am sorry I cannot come to see Dr. Mahoney* — I am ill. I have not yet broken my fast.
Have you stopped teaching my little cousin?
Yours with love,
VIVEKANANDA
CXXXI
To Sister Nivedita
[ Early 1899? ]
MY DEAR NIVEDITA,
The address of my cousin is 127 Manicktala Street. The husband's name is Durga Prasanna Bose. The wife's name is most probably not known to the people you will meet in the male department. Therefore it is the custom to ask for the wife of so-and-so.
Manicktala Street is that which runs east and west, south of the tank garden.
Yours with love,
VIVEKANANDA
CXXXII
To Sister Christine
THE MATH, BELUR,
DIST. HOWRAH, BENGAL, INDIA,
26th January 1899.
MY DEAR CHRISTINA,
Excuse this long delay in replying to your very beautiful note. The fact is, I was once more in the vale of death. The old diabetes has now disappeared. In its place has come what some doctors call asthma, others dyspepsia, owing to nervous prostration. However, it is a most worrying disease, giving one the sensation of suffocation — sometimes for days. I am best only in Calcutta; so I am here for rest and quiet and low diet. If I get well by March, I am going to start for Europe. Mrs. Bull and others are gone; sorry I could not accompany them owing to this disease.
I have carefully weighed your plans for coming over. I will be ever so glad to see you, you know it well; but, my dear, the Indian summer will not suit you, and if you start now it will be msummer when you reach India. Then, you must not hope of making any living here. It is impossible for me to make a living most times in my own country. Then all the surroundings are so, so wretched and different from what you see around you, e.g. you will find me going about in loin-cloth — will that shock you? Three-fourths of the population only wearing a strip of white cloth about their loins — can you bear that?
I must stop here; I am so weak. If I do not get well by March, I will write you to come, for I wish it ever so much to see you once before I pass away.
Do not be the least anxious, dear. Things must be as "Mother" wishes. Ours is only to obey and work.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS. Mrs. Bull will reach Cambrge, Mass., soon. You may write to her there on the particulars.
Yours,
V.
PPS. I have again lost your address. Please give the correct one in your next.
V.
CXXXIII
To Swami Brahmananda
THE MATH, BELUR
Fray [ March (?) 1899]
MY DEAR RAJA,
Please pay 100 Rs. to Sister Nivedita immediately for plague work and credit it to a separate plague account.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
CXXXIV
To Swami Swarupananda, editor of Prabuddha Bharata, Mayavati
[ March 1899]
MY DEAR S[WARUPANANDA],
I have no objection whether Mrs. Sevier's name goes on top or mine or anybody else's; the prospectus ought to go in the name of the Seviers, mustering my name also if necessary. I send you a few lines for your conseration in the prospectus.
The rest are all right.
I will soon send the draft deed.
V.
CXXXV
To Sister Nivedita
THE MATH, BELUR,
March 2nd, 1899
MY DEAR MARGOT,
Will you look into your trunks for a Sanskrit book of mine, which was, you know, in your keeping in Kashmir. I do not find it in our library here.
I have been thinking of your friend Miss [Sarala] Ghosal's coming to see the Math on Sunday. The difficulty is here. The ebb te will be on till 5 p.m. In that case our big boat can go down easily to bring the party up; and going back, if the party starts long before 5 p.m., say 4 p.m., will be all right. To come up will take at least two hours from Baghbazar. If the party starts from Baghbazar — say at 12 a.m. — and reaches the Math at 2 p.m. for lunch and then starts back by 4 p.m., it will be nice.
If you cannot start as early as that, I will advise you to send the carriage to wait at Baranagore on the other se so that our boat can ferry the party over any time they like. The boat journey in that case will only be on coming.
With all love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
CXXXVI
To Ishwar Chandra Ghosh
MATH, BELUR
HOWRAH DIST.
6th March '99
MY DEAR SIR,
Many thanks for your kind invitation. I am so sorry that so many days' delay should occur in reply to your note.
I was very ill at the time, and the gentleman on whom the duty fell of replying could not do it, it seems. I got notice of it just now.
I am not yet sufficiently recovered to take advantage of your kindness. This winter I had made it a point of visiting your part of the country. But my Karma will have otherwise. I will have to wait to give myself the pleasure of visiting the seat of civilisation of ancient Bengal.
With my thanks again for all your kindness, I remain,
Yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
CXXXVII
To Sister Nivedita
THEMATH, BELUR,
March 2nd, 1899
MY DEAR MARGOT,
I could not come today. I am so, so sorry. The body would not allow — neither can I come to the Boses'. * I have written to them.
I have an engagement tomorrow.
Possibly I may see you in the evening.
With all love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
CXXXVIII
To Sister Christine
THE MATH, BELUR,
DIST. HOWRAH, BENGAL, INDIA,
10th May 1899.
MY DEAR CHRISTINA,
I am getting better again. In my mind the whole of my complaint is bad assimilation of food and nervous exhaustion. The first, I am taking care of; the second will completely pass off when I meet you again. The great joy of meeting old, old friends, you know! Cheer up! There is no cause for anxiety. Do not believe a single desponding line I write now, because I am at times not myself. I get so nervous.
I start this summer for Europe anyway, as you say in America. With all love and blessings,
Yours ever in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXXIX
To Miss Josephine MacLeod
[When Swami Vivekananda sailed from Calcutta, he dispatched the following
cablegram.]
[CALCUTTA,
June 21, 1899]
STARTED. WIRE STURDY.
CXL
To Sister Christine
SUEZ,
14th July 1899.
MY DEAR CHRISTINA,
You see this time I am really out, and hope to reach London in two weeks. I am sure to come to America this year and earnestly hope will have the opportunity of seeing you. I am so materialistic yet, you know! Want to see my friends in the gross body.
I had a beautiful letter from Baby [Stella Campbell] before I left. I am soon going to pen a reply to your care, as directed. I could not write her earlier.
I was so, so bad in health in India. My heart went wrong all the way — what with mountain climbing, bathing in glacier water and nervous prostration! I used to get terrible fits [of asthma] — the last lasting about seven days and nights. All the time I was suffocating and had to stand up.
This trip has almost made a new man of me. I feel much better and, if this continues, hope to be quite strong before I reach America. How are you? What are you doing? Write everything about yourself, c/o E. T. Sturdy Esq., 25 Holland Villas Road, London, W.
With everlasting love and blessings,
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXLI
To Sister Christine
MARSEILLES,
23rd July 1899.
MY DEAR CHRISTINA,
Your very, very welcome wire just came. By next Sunday* we arrive in London, Albert Dock.* We are a party of four: myself, another Sannyasin,* a Calcutta boy* going to study in America, and Miss [Margaret] Noble. Miss Noble is a young lady from Wimbledon, near London, who has been working in India on the education of girls.
Our stay in England will not be long, I am afra, as this is neither the season nor am I in fit condition to work much. Anyhow, we will be in London a few weeks — at least myself — then go to the U.S. We will talk over all this and infinite things beses when we meet. I do not think even English summer days are long enough for all the chatter I will assail you with.
We go to Wimbledon for a day or two, and then I come back to London and find lodgings for myself and make plans.
Come to the Dock if that is possible and discreet. Yes, it is discreet, as there is a lady in the party and others will come to meet her. Only, Christina, don't if you feel the least tired or unwell. I hope you are enjoying London immensely.
The Orientals do not like any effusion of feeling. They are trained to he all expression.
Is Mrs. Funkey [Mary Caroline Funke] with you? If so, give her my best love.
I am much, much better just now. I am really quite another man this time. I was
nearly dead in Calcutta when I started, but this voyage has improved me immensely.
Hoping soon to see you,
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXLII
To Sister Christine
TELEGRAM
TO:
CHRISTINA GRINNSTEL [GREENSTEL]
23 CROWHURST RD., ANGELL RD.
BRIATON, LDN.
30 July 1899
GOLCONDA DUE DOCKS 6 AM MONDAY. ( Ve Swami Vivekananda’s letter dated July 23, 1899.)
CXLIII
To Mrs. Ole Bull
THE LYMES, WOODSE
WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND
6 August 1899
MY DEAR MOTHER,
Your letter directed to Sturdy at hand. I am very thankful for your kind words. As for me, I don't know what I am to do next or anything to do at all. On board the steamer I was all right, but since landing [I am] feeling quite bad again. As to mental worry, there has been enough of late. The aunt whom you saw had a deep-la plan to cheat me, and she and her people contrived to sell me a house for 6,000 Rs., or £400, and I bought [it] for my mother in good faith. Then they would not give me possession, hoping that I would not go to court for the shame of taking forcible possession as a Sannyasin.
I do not think I have spent even one rupee from what you and others gave me for the work. Cap. Sevier gave me 8,000 Rs. with the express desire of helping my mother. This money, it seems, has [also] gone to the dogs. Beyond this, nothing has been spent on my family or even on my own personal expenses — my food etc. being pa for by the Khetri Raja, and more than half of that went to the Math every month. Only, if Brahmananda spends some in the lawsuit [against the aunt], as I must not be robbed that way — if he does, I will make it good anyway, if I live to do it.
The money which I got in Europe and America by lecturing alone, I spent just as I like; but every cent I got for the work has been accounted for and is in the Math, and the whole thing ought to be clear as daylight if Brahmananda never cheated me. I don't believe he will ever cheat me. I got a letter at Aden from Saradananda that they were preparing an account. I have not received any yet.
I have no plans yet, nor care to make any. Neither do I wish to work. Let the Mother find other workers. I have my burden enough already.
Ever your devoted son,
VIVEKANANDA
CXLIV
To Miss Isabelle McKindley
RGELY MANOR
STONE RGE, N.Y.
31st August '99
MY DEAR ISABEL —
Many thanks for your kind note. I will be so, so glad to see you. Miss M'cLeod [MacLeod] is going to write you to stop a day and a night here on your way to the West.
My love to the holy family in Chicago, and hope surely to be able to come West and have great fun.
So you are in Greenacre at last. Is this the first year you have been there? How do you like the place? [You have] seen Miss Farmer, of course. Kindly convey her my kindest regards and to all the rest of my friends there.
Ever yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
CXLV
To Sister Christine
RGELY MANOR,
20th September 1899.
DEAR CHRISTINA,
I am much better, thank you. Hitherto, excepting three days, there has not been any wet weather to speak of here. Miss [Margaret] Noble came yesterday, and we are having a jolly good time. I am very, very sorry to say I am growing fat again. That is bad. I will eat less and grow thin once more.
You are again at work — so do I find — only with a little variation of the old occupation. Better rest than mere ling. Do you like my new poem? ( Ve Complete Works, IV for the text of the poem “Peace” enclosed in this letter.) Miss Noble thinks it is nice. But that is her way with everything I do. So you also say. I will now send my writings to missionary papers to get a fierce criticism.
With all love to you and Mrs. Funkey [Funke],
Ever yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXLVI
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
RGELY MANOR
5 October 1899
MY DEAR MOTHER CHURCH,
Many, many thanks for your kind words.
I am so glad you are working on as ever. I am glad because the wave of optimism has not caught you yet. It is all very well to say everything is right, but that is apt to degenerate into a sort of laissez-faire. I believe with you that the world is evil — made more heous with a few dashes of good.
All our works have only this value, that they awaken some to the reality of this horror — and [those] flee for refuge to some place beyond, which is called God, or Christ, or Brahma, or Buddha, etc. Names do not make much difference.
Again, we must always remember ours is only to work — we never attain results. How can we? Good can never be done without doing evil. We cannot breathe a breath without killing thousands of poor little animals. National prosperity is another name for death and degradation to millions of other races. So is inual prosperity the beggaring of many. The world is evil — and will ever remain so. It is its nature, and cannot be changed — "Which one of you by taking thought . . ." etc. (Matthew 6.27.)
Such is truth. The wisdom is therefore in renunciation, that is, to make the Lord our all in all. Be a true Christian, Mother — like Christ, renounce everything and let the heart and soul and body belong to Him and Him alone. All this nonsense which people have built round Christ's name is not His teaching. He taught to renounce. He never says the earth is an enjoyable place. And your time has come to get r of all vanities — even the love of children and husband — and think of the Lord and Him alone.
Ever your Son,
VIVEKANANDA
CXLVII
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
[RGELY MANOR], NEW YORK, N.Y.
23 October 1899
MY DEAR MOTHER,
I was taking a few days' complete rest and so am late in replying to your very kind note. Accept my congratulations on the anniversary of your marriage. I pray many, many such returns may come to you.
I am sure my previous letter was coloured by the state of my body , as indeed is the whole of existence to us. Yet, Mother, there is more pain than pleasure in life. If not, why do I remember you and your children almost every day of my life, and not many others? Happiness is liked so much because it is so rare, is it not? Fifty percent of our life is mere lethargy, ennui; of the rest, forty percent is pain, only ten happiness — and this for the exceptionally fortunate. We are oft- times mixing up this state of ennui with pleasure. It is rather a negative state, whilst both pleasure and pain are nearer positive, though not positive.
Pleasure and pain are both feeling, not willing. They are only processes which convey to the mind excitements or motives of action. The real positive action is the willing, or impulse to work, of the mind — begun when the sensation has been taken in (pleasure and pain); thus the real is neither pleasure nor pain. It has no connection with either. Quite different from either. The barking of the dog awakens his master to guard against a thief or receive his dearest friend. It does not follow, therefore, that the dog and his master are of the same nature or have any degree of kinship. The feelings of pleasure or pain similarly awaken the soul to activity, without any kinship at all.
The soul is beyond pain, beyond pleasure, sufficient in its own nature. And no hell can punish it, nor any heaven can bless it. So far philosophy.
I am coming soon to Chicago, and hope to say "Lord bless you" to you and your children. All love as usual to my Christian relatives, scientific or quacks.
VIVEKANANDA
CXLVIII
To Sister Christine
C/O F. H. LEGGETT, ESQ.,
RGELY MANOR,
STONE RGE, ULSTER CO., N.Y.
25th October 1899.
DEAR CHRISTINA,
What is the matter with you? Write me a line to tell me how you are and what you are doing now.
I am tired of this place, and will come down to New York for a few days soon. I start thence for Chicago and, if you like, will stop at Detroit on my way to How-do-you-do. I am much better, indeed quite a different man, though not completely cured — for that, time is necessary.
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXLIX
To Sister Christine
RGELYMANOR,
30th October 1899.
MY DEAR CHRISTINA,
Did you not get my last letter? I am very anxious to know how you are. Write a line to tell me you are in very good health.
I am afra the previous one was misdirected, so I send this c/o Mrs. Funkey [Funke].
Do write soon. I am thinking of Battle Creek food. * Baby insists on that. Do you think it will do me any good? Write soon.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS — Where is this Battle Creek? Is it near Detroit? I am seriously thinking of giving it a trial. I am not bad, but unfit for any exertion, even for a walk. This sort of life is no good to live. I [will] try Battle Creek, and if that fails, get out quick.
V.
Write me about Battle Creek.
V.
CL
To Sister Christine
RGELY MANOR,
4th November 1899.
MY DEAR CHRISTINA,
The letter was all right in reaching. It was only my nervousness. I am sure you will understand and excuse this. I eagerly expect t o see you in Cambrge. I am going to New York next week. Thence I go for a few days to Washington and then to Cambrge. Do come. And mind you, I must learn German. I am determined to be a French and German scholar. French, I think, I can manage with the help of a dictionary. If I can do that much German in a month, I will be so glad.
It naturally takes time for a letter to reach from here. We have one delivery and one posting a day.
With all love,
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
My eternal love and blessings to Mrs. Funkey [Funke].
