Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda - Vol-8
CV
(Translated from Bengali)
To Sri Haripada Mitra
SRINAGAR, KASHMIR,
1897.
DEAR HARIPADA,
My health has been very bad for the last nine months, and the heat
made it still worse. So I have been wandering over the hills from
place to place. Now I am in Kashmir. I have travelled far and
wide, but I have never seen such a country. I shall soon leave for
the Punjab and again go to work. From Sadananda I have heard all
the news about you and continue to get it. I am sure to go to
Karachi after visiting the Punjab. So we shall meet in person
there.
With blessings,
VIVEKANANDA.
CVI
To Miss Josephine MacLeod
SRINAGAR, KASHMIR,
30th September, 1897.
MY DEAR MISS MACLEOD,
Come soon if you intend to come really. From November to the
middle of February India is cool; after that it is hot. You will
be able to see all you want within that time, but to see all takes
years.
I am in a hurry; therefore excuse this hasty card. Kindly tender
my love to Mrs. Bull and my good wishes and earnest thoughts for
Goodwin's speedy recovery. My love to Mother, to Alberta, to the
baby, to Holister, and last, not the least, to Franky.
Yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CVII
To Swami Brahmananda
SRINAGAR, KASHMIR,
30th September, 1897
DEAR RAKHAL,
I received your affectionate letter and also the letter from the
Math. I am leaving for the Punjab in two or three days. I have
received the foreign mail. The following are my answers to Miss
Noble's questions in her letter:
1. Nearly all the branches have been started, but the movement is
only just beginning.
2. Most of the monks are educated. Those that are not are also
having secular education. But above all, to do good, perfect
unselfishness is absolutely necessary. To ensure that, more
attention is given to spiritual exercises than to anything else.
3. Secular educators: We get mostly those who have already
educated themselves. What is needed is training them into our
method and building up of character. The training is to make them
obedient and fearless; and the method is to help the poor
physically first and then work up to higher regions of mentality.
Arts and Industries: This part of the programme alone cannot be
begun for want of funds. The simplest method to be worked upon at
present is to induce Indians to use their own produce and get
markets for Indian artware etc. in other countries. This should be
done by persons who are not only not middlemen themselves, but
will devote the entire proceeds of this branch to the benefit of
the workmen.
4. Wandering from place to place will be necessary till "people
come to education". The religious character of the wandering monks
will carry with it a much greater weight than otherwise.
5. All castes are open to our influence. So long the highest only
have been worked upon. But since the work department is in full
operation in different famine-centres, we are influencing the
lower classes more and more.
6. Nearly all the Hindus approve our work, only they are not used
to practical co-operation in such works.
7. Yes, from the very start we are making no distinction in our
charities or other good works between the different religions of
India.
(Written so far in English. Remainder translated from Bengali.)
Reply to Miss N. according to these hints.
See that there is no remissness whatever in the medical treatment
of Yogen - if necessary spend money by drawing on the capital. Did
you go and meet Bhavanath's wife?
If Brahmachari Hariprasanna can come, it will be very helpful. Mr.
Sevier has become very impatient about acquiring a house
somewhere; it will be good if something is done quickly about it!
Hariprasanna is an engineer; so he will be able to do something
quickly about it. Also he understands better about the suitability
of places. They (the Seviers) like to have a place somewhere near
about Dehra Dun or Mussoorie; that is to say, the place must not
be too cold and must be habitable throughout the year. So send
Hariprasanna at once straight to Sj. Shyamapada Mukherjee, Medical
Hall, Ambala Cantonment. As soon as I go down to the Punjab, I
shall send Mr. Sevier along with him. I am returning (to the Math)
in a trice after a tour of the Punjab, Karachi, and then via
Rajputana, not via Kathiawar and Gujarat - to Nepal. Tulsi has
gone to Madhya Bharat - is it for the famine-relief work? . . .
My blessings and love to all. I have got the news that Kali has
reached New York; but he has not written any letter. Sturdy writes
that his work had increased so much that people were amazed - and
a few persons have also written me praising him highly. However,
there is not so much difficulty in America; the work will go on
somehow or other. Send Shuddhananda and his brother along with
Hariprasanna. Of the party only Gupta and Achyut will accompany
me.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
CVIII
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Ramakrishnananda
SRINAGAR, KASHMIR,
30th September, 1897
MY DEAR SHASHI,
Now I am returning from a visit to places in Kashmir. In a day or
two I shall leave for the Punjab. As my health is now much better,
I have decided to tour again in the same way as before. Not too
much lecturing - one or two lectures, perhaps, in the Punjab,
otherwise none. The people of our country have not yet offered me
even as much as a pice for my travelling expenses - and to cap it
all, to take with you a whole party, well, you can easily
understand how troublesome it all is. It is also a matter of shame
to have to draw upon only the English disciples. So, as before, I
start out "with only a blanket". In this place there is no need
for any person like Goodwin, as you can see.
A monk from Ceylon, P. C. Jinawar Vamar by name, has written to me
among other things that he wants to visit India. Perhaps he is the
same monk who comes of the Siamese royal family. His address is
Wellawatta, Ceylon. If convenient, invite him to Madras. He
believes in the Vedanta. It will not be so difficult to send him
to other places from Madras. It is also good to have such a person
in the Order. My love and blessings to you and all others.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS. The Maharaja of Khetri is reaching Bombay on the 10th October.
Don't forget to present him an address of welcome.
V.
CIX
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Brahmananda
SRINAGAR, KASHMIR,
30th September, 1897
DEAR RAKHAL,
I understand from a letter of Gopal Dada that you have seen that
piece of land at Konnagar. It seems that that site is rent-free
and measures 16 bighas (about 5 acres), and that the price is
below eight or ten thousand rupees. Do what you think best after
considering the healthiness and other factors. In a day or two I
shall leave for the Punjab. So don't write any more letters to me
at this address. I shall telegraph to you my next address. Don't
forget to send Hariprasanna. Tell Gopal Dada thus: "Your health
will soon be all right - winter is coming, what fear? Eat well and
be merry." Write a letter to Mrs. C. Sevier at Spring Dale,
Murree, as to Yogen's present state of health, marking on the
cover "to await arrival". Give my love and blessings to all.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS. The Maharaja of Khetri reaches Bombay on the 10th October.
Don't forget to give him an address of welcome.
V.
CX
To Sister Nivedita
SRINAGAR, KASHMIR,
1st October, 1897.
DEAR MARGO,
Some people do the best work when led. Not everyone is born to
lead. The best leader, however, is one who "leads like the baby".
The baby, though apparently depending on everyone, is the king of
the household. At least, to my thinking, that is the secret. . . .
Many feel, but only a few can express. It is the power of
expressing one's love and appreciation and sympathy for others,
that enables one person to succeed better in spreading the idea
than others. . . .
I shall not try to describe Kashmir to you. Suffice it to say, I
never felt sorry to leave any country except this Paradise on
earth; and I am trying my best, if I can, to influence the Raja in
starting a centre. So much to do here, and the material so
hopeful! . . .
The great difficulty is this: I see persons giving me almost the
whole of their love. But I must not give anyone the whole of mine
in return, for that day the work would be ruined. Yet there are
some who will look for such a return, not having the breadth of
the impersonal view. It is absolutely necessary to the work that I
should have the enthusiastic love of as many as possible, while I
myself remain entirely impersonal. Otherwise jealousy and quarrels
would break up everything. A leader must be impersonal. I am sure
you understand this. I do not mean that one should be a brute,
making use of the devotion of others for his own ends, and
laughing in his sleeve meanwhile. What I mean is what I am,
intensely personal in my love, but having the power to pluck out
my own heart with my own hand, if it becomes necessary, "for the
good of many, for the welfare of many", as Buddha said. Madness of
love, and yet in it no bondage. Matter changed into spirit by the
force of love. Nay, that is the gist of our Vedanta. There is but
One, seen by the ignorant as matter, by the wise as God. And the
history of civilisation is the progressive reading of spirit into
matter. The ignorant see the person in the non-person. The sage
sees the non-person in the person. Through pain and pleasure, joy
and sorrow, this is the one lesson we are learning. . . .
Yours ever with love and truth,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXI
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Brahmananda
MURREE,
11th October, 1897.
MY DEAR RAKHAL,
I feel I have been working as if under an irresistible impulse for
the last ten days, beginning from Kashmir. It may be either a
physical or a mental disease. Now I have come to the conclusion
that I am unfit for further work. . . . I now understand that I
have been very harsh to all of you. But I knew, however, that you
would bear with all my shortcomings; in the Math there is no one
else who will do so. I have been increasingly harsh to you.
Whatever has happened is now past - it is all the result of past
Karma. What is the good of my repentance? I do not believe in it.
It is all Karma. Whatever of Mother's work was to be accomplished
through me, She made me do, and has now flung me aside breaking
down my body and mind. Her will be done!
Now I retire from all this work. In a day or two I shall give up
everything and wander out alone; I shall spend the rest of my life
quietly in some place or other. Forgive me if you all will, or do
what you like.
Mrs. Bull has given much of the money. She has implicit confidence
in Sharat. Do the work of the Math with Sharat's advice; or do as
you will.
But I have all along been like a hero - I want my work to be quick
like lightning, and firm as adamant. Likewise shall I die also.
Therefore kindly do my work for me - no question of success or
defeat enters here at all. I have never retreated in a fight -
shall I now . . . ? There is success and failure in every work.
But I am inclined to believe that one who is a coward will be born
after death as an insect or a worm, that there is no salvation for
a coward even after millions of years of penance. Well, shall I
after all be born as a worm? . . . In my eyes this world is mere
play - and it will always remain as such. Should one spend six
long months brooding over the questions of honour and disgrace,
gain and loss pertaining to this? . . . I am a man of action.
Simply advice upon advice is being given - this one says this,
that one says that; again that man threatens, and this one
frightens! This life is not, in my view, such a sweet thing that I
would long to live through so much care and caution and fear.
Money, life, friends, and relatives, and the love of men and
myself - if one wants to enter into work fully assured beforehand
of all these - if one has to be so much ridden with fear, then one
will get just what Gurudeva used to say, "The crow thinks itself
very clever but . . ." (The crow thinks itself very clever, but it
cannot help eating filth.) - well, he will get that. After all,
what is the purpose behind all these - money and wealth, Maths and
institutions, preaching and lecturing? There is only one purpose
in the whole of life - education. Otherwise what is the use of men
and women, land and wealth?
So loss of money, or loss of anything else - I cannot bother
about, and I will not. When I fight, I fight with girded loins -
that much I fully understand; and I also understand that man, that
hero, that god, who says, "Don't care, be fearless. O brave one,
here I am by your side!" To such a man-god I offer a million
salutations. Their presence purifies the world, they are the
saviours of the world. And the others who always wail, "Oh, don't
go forward, there is this danger, there is that danger" - those
dyspeptics - they always tremble with fear. But through the grace
of the Divine Mother my mind is so strong that even the most
terrible dyspepsia shall not make me a coward. To cowards what
advice shall I offer? - nothing whatsoever have I to say. But this
I desire, that I should find shelter at the feet of those brave
souls who dared to do great deeds even though they failed to
succeed, of those heroes who never quailed nor shirked, of those
fighters who never disobeyed orders through fear or pride. I am
the child of the Divine Mother, the source of all power and
strength. To me, cringing, fawning, whining, degrading inertia and
hell are one and the same thing. O Mother of the Universe, O my
Gurudeva, who would constantly say, "This is a hero!" - I pray
that I may not have to die a coward. This is my prayer, O brother.
"उत्पत्स्यतेऽस्ति मम कोऽपि समानधर्मा - certainly there is, or
there will be born one equal to me"; someone or other will
certainly arise from these thousands of devotees of Shri
Ramakrishna who will be like me, and who will be able to
understand me.
O hero, awake, and dream no more. Death has caught you by the
forelock . . . still fear not. What I have never done - fleeing
from the battle - well, will that happen today? For fear of defeat
shall I retreat from the fight? Defeat is the ornament the hero
adorns himself with. What, to acknowledge defeat without fighting!
O Mother, Mother! . . . Not one capable of even playing second
fiddle and yet the mind filled with petty self-importance, "We
understand everything". . . . Now I retire; . . . everything I
leave in your control. If Mother sends me men again in whose heart
there is courage, in whose hands strength, in whose eyes there is
fire, real children of the Mother - if She gives me even one such,
then I shall work again, then I shall return. Otherwise, I shall
take it that, by Mother's will, this is the end. I am in a
tremendous hurry, I want to work at hurricane speed, and I want
fearless hearts.
I have rebuked poor Sarada severely. What to do? . . . I do scold;
but I also have much to complain. . . . Almost suffocated by short
breathing, standing and standing, I have written an article for
him. . . . It is all good, otherwise how will renunciation come? .
. . Will Mother in the end kill me with attachment? I have
offended all of you - do what you want.
I bless you all with a full heart. May Mother enshrine Herself in
your hearts as strength: अभयं प्रतिष्ठां - the support that is
fearlessness - may She make you all fearless. This I have seen in
life - he who is over-cautious about himself falls into dangers at
every step; he who is afraid of losing honour and respect, gets
only disgrace; he who is always afraid of loss always loses. . . .
May all good attend you all.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXII
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Brahmananda
MURREE,
12th October, 1897.
MY DEAR RAKHAL,
I wrote at length in yesterday's letter. I think it desirable to
give you special directions about certain matters. . . . (1) To
all those who collect money and send it to the Math . . . the
acknowledgment of the amounts will be issued from the Math. (2)
The acknowledgment must be in duplicate, one for the sender, and
one for filing in the Math. (3) There must be a big register in
which all the names and addresses of the donors will be entered.
(4) Accounts, accurate to the last pie, must be kept of the
amounts that are donated to the Math Fund, and fully accurate
accounts should be obtained from Sarada and others to whom money
is given. For lack of accurate account-keeping . . . see that I am
not accused as a cheat. These accounts should afterwards be
published. (5) Immediately go and register a will under lawyer's
advice to the effect that in case you and I die then Hari and
Sharat will succeed to all that there is in our Math.
I have not yet got any news from Ambala, whether Hariprasanna and
others have reached there or not. Give the other half-sheet of
this letter to Master Mahashay.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXIII
To Sister Nivedita
JAMMU,
3rd November, 1897.
MY DEAR MISS NOBLE, (This was the last letter received in England
by Sister Nivedita.)
. . . Too much sentiment hurts work. "Hard as steel and soft as a
flower" is the motto.
I shall soon write to Sturdy. He is right to tell you that in case
of trouble I will stand by you. You will have the whole of it if I
find a piece of bread in India - you may rest assured of that. I
am going to write to Sturdy from Lahore, for which I start
tomorrow. I have been here for 15 days to get some land in Kashmir
from the Maharaja. I intend to go to Kashmir again next summer, if
I am here, and start some work there.
With everlasting love,
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXIV
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Brahmananda
LAHORE,
11th November, 1897.
MY DEAR RAKHAL,
The lecture at Lahore is over somehow. I shall start for Dehra Dun
in a day or two. I have now postponed my tour to Sind, as none of
you are agreeable to it, and also because of various other
obstacles. Somebody has opened my two letters from England on the
way. So don't send me letters any further for the present. Send
them after I have written for them from Khetri. If you go to
Orissa, then make arrangements that some one will do all the work
as your representative - say Hari, especially now, when I am daily
expecting letters from America.
Perhaps the will that I asked you to make in favour of Hari and
Sharat has now been made.
Probably I shall leave Sadananda and Sudhir here after
establishing a Society. Now no more lecturing - I go in a hurry
straight to Rajputana.
The establishment of the Math must have precedence over
everything.
Without regular exercise the body does not keep fit; talking,
talking all the time brings illness - know this for certain. My
love to all.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXV
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Brahmananda
LAHORE,
15th November, 1897.
MY DEAR RAKHAL,
I hope you and Hari are now in good health. The work in Lahore
went off with great éclat. Now I go to Dehra Dun. The Sind tour is
postponed. I have yet no news whether Dinu, Latu, and Krishnalal
have reached Jaipur. Babu Nagendranath Gupta will collect
subscriptions and donations from here and send them to the Math to
meet expenses. Send him regular receipts. Let me know if you have
received anything from Murree, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot.
Reply to me C/o Post Master, Dehra Dun. Other letters you may send
me after hearing from me from Dehra Dun. My health is good; only I
have to get up at night once or twice. I am having sound sleep;
sleep is not spoiled even after exhausting lectures; and I am
doing exercise every day. . . . There is no trouble at all. Now,
come on, work with redoubled energy. Keep an eye on that big piece
of land - in all secrecy. We are making regular efforts so that
big Utsava (Celebration - of Shri Ramakrishna's birthday.) can be
held there. My love to all.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS. It will be a very good thing if Master Mahashay will write now
and then about us in The Tribune, so that Lahore will not become
cold again - now it is quite warmed up. Spend money a little
economically; pilgrimage expenses should be borne by you
personally; preaching and propaganda expenses should be charged to
the Math.
V.
CXVI
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Premananda
DEHRA DUN,
24th November, 1897.
MY DEAR BABURAM,
I got all news about you from Hariprasanna. I am especially
pleased to hear that Rakhal and Hari are now quite well.
Now Babu Raghunath Bhattacharya of Tehri is suffering very much
from some pain in the neck; I also have been suffering for a long
time from some pain at the back of my neck. If you can get hold of
some very old ghee, then send some of it to him at Dehra Dun and
some of it to me also at my Khetri address. You are sure to get it
from Habu or Sharat (lawyer). Address it to Babu Raghunath
Bhattacharya, Dehra Dun, N.W.P. . . . and it will reach him.
The day after tomorrow I am leaving for Saharanpur; from there to
Rajputana.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS. My love to all.
V.
CXVII
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Brahmananda
DELHI,
30th November, 1897.
MY DEAR RAKHAL,
Part of the money that Miss Müller promised has reached Calcutta.
The balance will come afterwards in a short while. We have also
some amount. Miss Müller will deposit the money in your name as
well as mine with Messrs. Grindlay & Co. As you have got the
power of attorney, you alone can draw all the money. As soon as
the money is deposited, you yourself with Hari go to Patna and
meet that gentleman and by some means or other influence him; and
if the price of the land is reasonable, buy it. If it cannot be
had, try for some other plot of ground. I am trying to get some
money in these parts too. We must hold the big festival on our own
plot of ground - remember this must be your first and foremost
work, come what may.
You have shown great pluck; the work you have done these last
eight or nine months does you great credit. Now you must see to it
that a Math and a centre in Calcutta are steadily established
before everything else. Work hard to this end but quietly and in
secret. Get information about the Cossipore house also. Tomorrow I
am going to Khetri via Alwar. My health is good, even though I
have caught a cold. Send all letters to Khetri. My love to all.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS. What about the will I asked you to make in favour of Sharat
and Hari? Or will you buy the land and other things in my name,
and I shall make a will?
V.
CXVIII
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Brahmananda
DELHI,
8th December, 1897.
MYDEAR RAKHAL,
We shall start for Khetri tomorrow. Gradually the luggage has
greatly increased. After Khetri I intend to send everybody to the
Math. I could get done through them none of the work which I had
hoped. That is to say, it is quite certain that none of them can
do anything if he always remains with me. Unless each goes about
independently, he will not be able to do anything. The fact is,
who will care for them if they are in my company? Only waste of
time. So I am sending them to the Math.
Keep as a fund for some permanent work the balance of the money
left after the famine relief. Do not spend that money for any
other purpose, and after giving the full accounts of the famine
work, note down thus, "So much balance is left for some other good
work". . . .
Work I want - I don't want any humbug. To those who have no desire
to work I say, "My dear fellow, now go and follow your own way."
As soon as I reach Khetri, I will send you the power of attorney
with my signature if the document has reached there meanwhile.
Open only those letters from America which bear the Boston
postmark, not the others. Send all my letters to Khetri. I shall
get money in Rajputana itself; no cause for anxiety on that score.
Try energetically for the piece of land; we must have the
celebration on our own ground this time.
Is the money in the Bengal Bank, or have you kept it elsewhere? Be
very careful about money matters; keep detailed accounts, and
regarding money know for certain that one cannot rely even on
one's own father.
Give my love to all. Write to me how Hari is doing. Recently I met
at Dehra Dun the Udâsi Sâdhu, Kalyân Dev, and a few others. I hear
the people at Hrishikesh are very eager to see me and are asking
again and again about me.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXIX
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Brahmananda
KHETRI,
14th December, 1897.
MY DEAR RAKHAL,
I have today sent your power of attorney with my signature. . . .
Draw the money as early as you can, and wire to me as soon as you
have done so. A Raja of a place in Bundelkhand named Chatrapur has
invited me. I shall visit the place on my way to the Math. The
Raja of Limbdi, too, is writing earnestly. I cannot avoid going
there also. I shall make a lightning tour of Kathiawar - that is
what it will come to. I shall feel great relief as soon as I reach
Calcutta. . . . There is no news from Boston as yet; perhaps
Sharat is coming; anyway, whenever any news comes from anywhere,
write to me immediately.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS. How is Kanai? I hear that his health is not good. Pay special
attention to him and see that nobody is unduly bossed over. Write
to me about your health as well as Hari's.
V.
CXX
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Shivananda
JAIPUR,
27th December, 1897.
MY DEAR SHIVANANDA,
Mr. Setlur of Girgaon, Bombay, whom you know very well from Madras
writes to me to send somebody to Africa to look after the
religious needs of the Indian emigrants in Africa. He will of
course send the man and bear all expenses.
The work will not be congenial at present, I am afraid, but it is
really the work for a perfect man. You know the emigrants are not
liked at all by the white people there. To look after the Indians,
and at the same time maintain cool-headedness so as not to create
more strife - is the work there. No immediate result can be
expected, but in the long run it will prove a more beneficial work
for India than any yet attempted. I wish you to try your luck in
this. If you agree, please write to Setlur, about your willingness
and ask for more information, mentioning this letter. And godspeed
to you! I am not very well, but am going to Calcutta in a few days
and will be all right.
Yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXI
To Raja Pyari Mohan Mukherjee
THE MATH, BELUR,
25th February, 1898.
MY DEAR RAJAJI,
My gratitude for your very kind invitation to speak. I had a talk
with Mr. Bhattacharya on the subject a few days back, and I am
trying my best as a result to find time for your Society. I also
promised to let them know the result on Sunday.
A friend to whom I owe much is here, presumably, to take me to his
place in Darjeeling.
There are some American friends come, and every spare moment is
occupied in working for the new Math and several organisations
therein, and I expect to leave India next month for America.
Believe me, I am trying my best to be able to take advantage of
this invitation of yours and shall communicate the result to you
on Sunday through Mr. Bhattacharya.
Yours with love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXII
To Swami Ramakrishnananda
MATH, BELUR,
HOWRAH P.O.,
25th February, 1898.
MY DEAR SHASHI,
Our congratulations for the successful carrying out of the
Mahotsava (Big celebration of Shri Ramakrishna's birthday.)
in Madras. Hope you had a good gathering and plenty of spiritual
food. We are all so glad that you have girded yourself to teach
more of spirituality to the Madras people than those finger
twistings and kling phat (Cryptic Mantras or sound formulae.) you
are so fond of. Really your lecture on Shriji (Shri Ramakrishna.)
was splendid. I could only catch a report in the Madras Mail in
Khandwa, and the Math people have not had any. Why don't you send
us over a copy?
I learn that you complain about my silence, is it? I have written
you more letters, however, than you ever wrote me, from Europe and
America even. You ought to give me all the news you can from
Madras every week. Simplest way is to put down a few lines and a
few items of news every day on a sheet.
My health has not been all right of late; at present it is much
better. Calcutta is unusually cool just now, and the American
friends who are here are enjoying it ever so much. Today we take
possession of the land we have bought, and though it is not
practicable to have the Mahotsava on it just now, I must have
something on it on Sunday. Anyhow, Shriji's relics must be taken
to our place for the day and worshipped. Gangadhar is here and
asks me to write to you that though he has succeeded in getting
some subscriptions for the Brahmavadin, the delivery being very
irregular, he is afraid of losing them also soon. I received your
letter of recommendation for the young man with the old story of
"having nothing to eat, Your Honour"; only added in the Madras
edition: "got a number of children too", for generating whom no
recommendation was needed! I would be very glad to help him, but
the fact is, I have no money; every cent I had I have made over to
Raja, (Rakhal or Swami Brahmananda.) as they all say I am a
spendthrift and are afraid of keeping money with me. I have,
however, sent the letter to Rakhal if he can find the way to help
your friend, the young man, in having some more children. He
writes that the Christians will help him out if he becomes a
convert, but he won't. Perhaps he is afraid that his conversion
will make Hindu India lose one of her brightest jewels and Hindu
society the benefit of his propagating power to eternal misery!
The boys here are rather seedy owing to the unusual amount of pure
and cool air they are made to breathe in and live on the bank of
the Ganga in the new Math. Sarada has his malaria brought over
from Dinajpur. I made him eat a dose of opium the other day
without much benefit to him except his brain which progressed for
some hours towards its natural direction, namely, idiocy. Hari
also has a touch; I hope it will take off a good bit of their
avoirdupois. By the by, we have once more started the dancing
business here, and it would make your heart glad to see Hari and
Sarada and my own good self in a waltz. How we keep balance at all
is a wonder to me.
Sharat has come and is hard at work as usual. We have got some
good furniture now, and a big jump from the old Châtâi (mat) in
the old Math to nice tables and chairs and three Khâts (cots),
mind you. We have curtailed the Pujâ (worship) work a good deal,
and the amount of pruning your klings and phats and svâhâs have
undergone would make you faint. The puja occupied only the day,
and they slept soundly all night. How are Tulsi and Khoka? Are
they more tractable with you than under Rakhal? You may run in to
Calcutta for a few days giving charge to Tulsi, but it is so
expensive, and then you must go back, as Madras has to be
thoroughly worked up. I am going to America again with Mrs. Bull
in a few months.
Give my love to Goodwin and tell him that we are going to see him
at any rate on our way to Japan. Shivananda is here, and I have
toned down a bit his great desire to go to the Himalayas for food!
Is Tulsi contemplating the same? The bandicoot-hole will be a
sufficient cave for him, I suppose.
So the Math here is a fait accompli, and I am going over to get
more help. . . . Work on with energy. India is a rotten corpse
inside and outside. We shall revive it by the blessings of Shri
Maharaj. With all love,
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXIII
To Miss Mary Hale
MATH, BELUR,
HOWRAH DISTRICT,
BENGAL, INDIA,
2nd March, 1898.
MY DEAR MARY,
You have news of me already, I hope, through the letter I wrote to
Mother Church. You are all so kind, the whole family, to me, I
must have belonged to you in the past, as we Hindus say. My only
regret is that the millionaires do not materialise: and I want
them so badly just now that I am growing decrepit and old and hot
in the midst of building and organising. Though Harriet has got
one of a million virtues, a few millions of cash virtue would have
made it more shining, I am sure; so you do not commit the same
mistake.
A certain young couple had everything favourable to make them man
and wife except that the bride's father was determined not to give
his daughter to anyone who had not a million. The young people
were in despair when a clever matchmaker came to the rescue. He
asked the bridegroom whether he was willing to part with his nose
on payment of a million - which he refused. The matchmaker then
swore before the bride's father that the bridegroom had in store
goods worth several millions, and the match was completed. Don't
you take like millions.
Well, well, you could not get the millionaire, so I could not get
the money; so I had to worry a good deal and work hard to no
purpose; so I got the disease. It requires brains like mine to
find out the true cause - I am charmed with myself!
Well, it was in Southern India, when I came from London and when
the people were feting and feasting and pumping all the work out
of me, that an old hereditary disease made its appearance. The
tendency was always there, and excess of mental work made it
"express" itself. Total collapse and extreme prostration followed,
and I had to leave Madras immediately for the cooler North; a
day's delay meant waiting for a week in that awful heat for
another steamer. By the by, I learnt afterwards that Mr. Barrows
arrived in Madras next day and was very much chagrined at not
finding me as he expected, though I helped getting up an address
for him and arranged for his reception. Poor man, he little knew I
was at death's door then.
I have been travelling in the Himalayas all through last summer;
and a cold climate, I found immediately, brought me round; but as
soon as I come into the heat of the plains I am down again. From
today the heat in Calcutta is becoming intense, and I will soon
have to fly. This time to cool America as Mrs. Bull and Miss
MacLeod are here. I have bought a piece of land for the
institution on the river Ganga near Calcutta, on which is a little
house where they are living now; within a stone's throw is the
house where the Math is situated at present in which we live.
So I see them every day and they are enjoying it immensely à
L'Inde. They intend making a trip to Kashmir in a month, and I am
going with them as a guide and friend and philosopher perhaps, if
they are willing. After that we all sail for the land of freedom
and scandal.
You need not be alarmed with me as the disease will take two or
three years at worst to carry me off. At best it may remain a
harmless companion. I am content. Only I am working hard to set
things all right and always so that the machine moves forward when
I am off the stage. Death I have conquered long ago when I gave up
life. My only anxiety is the work, and even that to the Lord I
dedicate, and He knows best.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXIV
To Swami Ramakrishnananda
MATH, BELUR,
(Howrah),
March, 1898.
MY DEAR SHASHI,
I forgot to write you about two things. 1. That Tulsi ought to
learn shorthand from Goodwin, at least the beginning. 2. I had to
write a letter almost every mail to Madras while I was out of
India. I have in vain written for a copy of those letters. Send me
all those letters. I want to write out my travels. Do not fail,
and I shall send them back as soon as they have been used up. The
Dawn can manage with 200 subscribers to come out regularly on Rs.
40/- an issue expenditure. This is a great fact to know. The P.B.
(Prabuddha Bhârata) seems to be very disorganised; try best to
organise it. Poor Alasinga, I am sorry for him. Only thing I can
do is to make him entirely free for a year so that he may devote
all his energy to the Brahmavadin work. Tell him not to worry; I
have him always in mind, poor child; his devotion I can never
repay.
I am thinking of going to Kashmir again with Mrs. Bull and Miss
MacLeod. (I) return to Calcutta and start for America from here.
Miss Noble is really an acquisition. She will soon surpass Mrs.
Besant as a speaker, I am sure.
Do look after Alasinga. I have an idea that he is breaking himself
with work. Tell him, the best work is only done by alternate
repose and work. Give him all my love. We had two public lectures
in Calcutta, one from Miss Noble and the other from our Sharat.
Both of them did very well indeed; there was great enthusiasm,
which shows that the Calcutta public has not forgotten us. Some of
the members of the Math had a touch of influenza. They are all
right now. The thing is working nicely. Shri (Holy) Mother is
here, and the European and American ladies went the other day to
see her, and what do you think, Mother ate with them even there!
Is not that grand? The Lord is watching over us; there is no fear;
do not lose your nerves, keep your health and take things easy. It
is always good to give a few strong strokes and rest on your oars.
Rakhal is living with the new land and buildings. I was not
satisfied with the Mahotsava this year. What it should be is a
grand mixture of all the different phases here. We shall try it
next year - I shall send instructions. With love to all of you
there and blessings.
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXV
To Miss Josephine MacLeod
DARJEELING,
18th April, 1898.
MY DEAR JOE JOE,
I was down with fever brought upon, perhaps, by excessive mountain
climbing and the bad health in the station.
I am better today and intend leaving this in a day or two. In
spite of the great heat there, I used to sleep well in Calcutta
and had some appetite. Here both have vanished - this is all the
gain.
I could not see Miss Müller yet on the subject of Marguerite; but
I intend to write her today. She is making all arrangements to
receive her here. Mr. Gupta is also invited to teach them Bengali.
She may now do something about her. I shall, however, write.
It will be easy for Marguerite to see Kashmir any time during her
stay; but if Miss M. is not willing, there will be a big row again
to injure both her and Marguerite.
I am not sure whether I go to Almora again. Much riding it seems
is sure to bring on a relapse. I will wait for you at Simla -
whilst you pay your visit to the Seviers. We will think on it when
I am in. I am so glad to learn that Miss Noble delivered an
address at the R.K. Mission. With all love to the Trinity,
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXVI
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Brahmananda
DARJEELING,
23rd April, 1898.
MY DEAR RAKHAL,
My health was excellent on my return from Sandukphu (11,924 ft.)
and other places; but after returning to Darjeeling, I had first
an attack of fever, and after recovering from that, I am now
suffering from cough and cold. I try to escape from this place
every day; but they have been constantly putting it off for a long
time. However, tomorrow, Sunday, I am leaving; after halting at
Kharsana for a day I start again for Calcutta on Monday. I shall
send you a wire after starting. We should hold an annual meeting
of the Ramakrishna Mission, and also one for the Math. In both the
meetings the accounts of famine relief must be submitted, and the
report of the famine relief must be published. Keep all this
ready.
Nityagopal says, managing an English magazine will not cost much.
So let us first get this one out, and we shall see to the Bengali
magazine afterwards. All these points will have to be discussed.
Is Yogen willing to shoulder the responsibility of running the
paper? Shashi writes that if Sharat goes some time to Madras, they
may make a lecture tour jointly. Oh, how hot it is now! Ask Sharat
if G. G., Sarada, Shashi Babu, and others have got their articles
ready. Give my love and blessing to Mrs. Bull, Miss MacLeod, and
Nivedita.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXVII
To Miss Josephine MacLeod
DARJEELING,
29th April, 1898.
MY DEAR JOE JOE,
I have had several attacks of fever, the last being influenza.
It has left me now, only I am very weak yet. As soon as I gather
strength enough to undertake the journey, I come down to Calcutta.
On Sunday I leave Darjeeling, probably stopping for a day or two
at Kurseong, then direct to Calcutta. Calcutta must be very hot
just now. Never mind, it is all the better for influenza. In case
the plague breaks out in Calcutta, I must not go anywhere; and you
start for Kashmir with Sadananda. How did you like the old
gentleman, Devendra Nath Tagore? Not as stylish as "Hans Baba"
with Moon God and Sun God of course. What enlightens your insides
on a dark night when the Fire God, Sun God, Moon God, and Star
Goddesses have gone to sleep? It is hunger that keeps my
consciousness up, I have discovered. Oh, the great doctrine of
correspondence of light! Think how dark the world has been all
these ages without it! And all this knowledge and love and work
and all the Buddhas and Krishnas and Christs - vain, vain have
been their lives and work, for they did not discover that "which
keeps the inner light when the Sun and Moon were gone to the
limbo" for the night! Delicious, isn't it?
If the plague comes to my native city, I am determined to make
myself a sacrifice; and that I am sure is a "Darn sight, better
way to Nirvâna" than pouring oblations to all that ever twinkled.
I have had a good deal of correspondence with Madras with the
result that I need not send them any help just now. On the other
hand I am going to start a paper in Calcutta. I will be ever so
much obliged if you help me starting that. As always with undying
love,
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXVIII
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Brahmananda
ALMORA,
20th May, 1898.
MY DEAR RAKHAL,
I have got all the news from your letter and have replied to your
wire already. Niranjan and Govindalal Shah will wait at Kathgodam
for Yogen-Ma. After I reached Naini Tal, Baburam went from here to
Naini Tal on horseback against everybody's advice, and while
returning, he also accompanied us on horseback. I was far behind
as I was in a Dandi. When I reached the dak bungalow at night, I
heard that Baburam had again fallen from the horse and had hurt
one of his arms - though he had no fractures. Lest I should rebuke
him, he stayed in a private lodging house. Because of his fall,
Miss MacLeod gave him her Dandi and herself came on the horse. He
did not meet me that night. Next day I was making arrangements for
a Dandi for him, when I heard that he had already left on foot.
Since then I have not heard of him. I have wired to one or two
places, but no news. Perhaps he is putting up at some village.
Very well! They are experts in increasing one's worries.
There will be a Dandi for Yogen-Ma; but all the rest will have to
go on foot.
My health is much better, but the dyspepsia has not gone, and
again insomnia has set in. It will be very helpful if you can soon
send some good Ayurvedic medicine for dyspepsia.
Since only one or two sporadic cases of plague have occurred
there, there is plenty of accommodation in the Government plague
hospital, and there is a talk of having hospitals in every Ward.
Taking all this into consideration, do what the situation demands.
But remember that something said by somebody in Baghbazar does not
constitute public opinion. . . . Take care that funds do not run
short in times of need and that there is no waste of money. For
the present buy a plot of ground for Ramlal in the name of
Raghuvir (The family deity of Shri Ramakrishna's birthpalce,
Kamarpukur, Ramlal being his nephew.) after careful consideration.
. . . Holy Mother will be the Sebâit (worshipper-in-charge); after
her will come Ramlal, and Shibu will succeed them as Sebait; or
make any other arrangement that seems best. You can, if you think
it right, begin the construction of the building even now. For it
is not good to live in a new house for the first one or two
months, as it will be damp. . . . The anti-erosion wall can be
completed afterwards. I am trying to raise money for the magazine.
See that the sum of Rs. 1,200 which I gave for the magazine is
kept only for that account.
All the others are well here. Sadananda sprained his foot
yesterday. He says he will be all right by the evening. The
climate at Almora is excellent at this time. Moreover the bungalow
rented by Sevier is the best in Almora. On the opposite side Annie
Besant is staying in a small bungalow with Chakravarty.
Chakravarty is now the son-in-law of Gagan (of Ghazipur). One day
I went to see him. Annie Besant told me entreatingly that there
should be friendship between her organisation and mine all over
the world, etc., etc. Today Besant will come here for tea. Our
ladies are in a small bungalow nearby and are quite happy. Only
Miss MacLeod is a little unwell today. Harry Sevier is becoming
more and more a Sadhu as the days pass by. . . . Brother Hari
sends you his greetings and Sadananda, Ajoy, and Suren send you
their respectful salutations. My love to you and all the others.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS. Give my love to Sushil and Kanai and all the others.
V.
CXXIX
To Mr. E. T. Sturdy
KASHMIR,
3rd July, 1898.
DEAR STURDY,
Both the editions had my assent, as it was arranged between us
that we would not object to anybody's publishing my books. Mrs.
Bull knows about it all and is writing to you.
I had a beautiful letter from Miss Souter the other day. She is as
friendly as ever.
With love to the children, Mrs. Sturdy, and yourself
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXX
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Brahmananda
SRINAGAR,
17th July, 1898.
MY DEAR RAKHAL,
I got all the news from your letter. . . . My opinion regarding
what you have written about Sarada is only that it is difficult to
make a magazine in Bengali paying; but if all of you together
canvass subscribers from door to door, it may be possible. In this
matter do as you all decide. Poor Sarada has already been
disappointed once. What harm is there if we lose a thousand rupees
by supporting such an unselfish and very hardworking person? What
about the printing of Raja-Yoga? As a last resort, you may give it
to Upen on certain terms of sharing the profit in the sales. . . .
About money matters, the advice given previously is final.
Henceforward do what you consider best regarding expenditure and
other things. I see very well that my policy is wrong, and yours
is correct, regarding helping others; that is to say, if you help
with money too much at a time, people instead of feeling grateful
remark on the contrary that they have got a simpleton to bank
upon. I always lost sight of the demoralising influence of charity
on the receiver. Secondly, we have no right to deviate even
slightly from the purposes for which we collect the donations.
Mrs. Bull will get her rosary all right if you send it care of
Chief Justice Rishibar Mukhopadhyaya, Kashmir. Mr. Mitra and the
Chief Justice are taking every care of them. We could not get a
plot of ground in Kashmir yet, but there is a chance that we shall
do so soon. If you can spend a winter here, you are sure to recoup
your health. If the house is a good one and if you have enough
fuel and warm clothing, then life in a land of snow is nothing but
enjoyable. Also for stomach troubles a cold climate is an
unfailing remedy. Bring Yogen with you; for the earth here is not
stony, it is clay like that of Bengal.
If the paper is brought out in Almora, the work will progress
much; for poor Sevier will have something to do, and the local
people also will get some work. Skilful management lies in giving
every man work after his own heart. By all the means in our power
the Nivedita Girls' School in Calcutta should be put on a firm
footing. To bring Master Mahashay to Kashmir is still a far cry,
for it will be long before a college is established here. But he
has written that it is possible to start a college in Calcutta,
with him as the principal, at an initial expense of a thousand
rupees. I hear that you all also favour this proposal. In this
matter do what you all consider best. My health is all right. I
have to get up seldom at night, even though I take twice a day
rice and potatoes, sugar, or whatever I get. Medicine is useless -
it has no action on the system of a Knower of Brahman! Everything
will be digested - don't be afraid.
The ladies are doing well, and they send you their greetings. Two
letters from Shivananda have come. I have also received a letter
from his Australian disciple. I hear that the outbreak of plague
in Calcutta has completely subsided.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXXI
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Brahmananda
SRINAGAR,
1st August, 1898.
MY DEAR RAKHAL,
You are always under a delusion, and it does not leave you because
of the strong influence, good or bad, of other brains. It is this:
whenever I write to you about accounts, you feel that I have no
confidence in you. . . . My great anxiety is this: the work has
somehow been started, but it should go on and progress even when
we are not here; such thoughts worry me day and night. Any amount
of theoretical knowledge one may have; but unless one does the
thing actually, nothing is learnt. I refer repeatedly to election,
accounts, and discussion so that everybody may be prepared to
shoulder the work. If one man dies, another - why another only,
ten if necessary - should be ready to take it up. Secondly, if a
man's interest in a thing is not roused, he will not work
whole-heartedly; all should be made to understand that everyone
has a share in the work and property, and a voice in the
management. This should be done while there is yet time. Give a
responsible position to everyone alternately, but keep a watchful
eye so that you can control when necessary; thus only can men be
trained for the work. Set up such a machine as will go on
automatically, no matter who dies or lives. We Indians suffer from
a great defect, viz we cannot make a permanent organisation - and
the reason is that we never like to share power with others and
never think of what will come after we are gone.
I have already written everything regarding the plague. Mrs. Bull
and Miss Müller and others are of opinion that it is not desirable
to spend money uselessly when hospitals have been started in every
Ward. We lend our services as nurses and the like. Those that pay
the piper must command the tune.
The Maharaja of Kashmir has agreed to give us a plot of land. I
have also visited the site. Now the matter will be finalised in a
few days, if the Lord wills. Right now, before leaving, I hope to
build a small house here. I shall leave it in the charge of
Justice Mukherjee when departing. Why not come here with somebody
else and spend the winter? Your health will improve, and a need,
too, will be fulfilled. The money I have set apart for the press
will be sufficient for the purpose, but all will be as you decide.
This time I shall surely get some money from N.W.P., Rajputana,
and other places. Well, give as directed . . . money to a few
persons. I am borrowing this amount from the Math and will pay it
back to you with interest.
My health is all right in a way. It is good news that the building
work has begun. My love to all.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXXII
To Miss Mary Hale
SRINAGAR, KASHMIR,
28th August, 1898.
MY DEAR MARY,
I could not make an earlier opportunity of writing you, and
knowing that you were in no hurry for a letter, I will not make
apologies. You are learning all about Kashmir and ourselves from
Miss MacLeod's letter to Mrs. Leggett, I hear - therefore needless
going into long rigmaroles about it.
The search for Heinsholdt's Mahatmas in Kashmir will be entirely
fruitless; and as the whole thing has first to be established as
coming from a creditable source, the attempt will also be a little
too early. How are Mother Church and Father Pope and where? How
are you ladies, young and old? Going on with the old game with
more zest now that one has fallen off the ranks? How is the lady
that looks like a certain statue in Florence? (I have forgotten
the name) I always bless her arms when I think of the comparison.
I have been away a few days. Now I am going to join the ladies.
The party then goes to a nice quiet spot behind a hill, in a
forest, through which a murmuring stream flows, to have meditation
deep and long under the deodars (trees of God) cross-legged à la
Buddha.
This will be for a month or so, when by that time our good work
will have spent its powers and we shall fall from this Paradise to
earth again; then work out our Karma a few months and then will
have to go to hell for bad Karma in China, and our evil deeds will
make us sink in bad odours with the world in Canton and other
cities. Thence Purgatory in Japan? And regain Paradise once more
in the U.S. of America. This is what Pumpkin Swami, brother of the
Coomra Swami, foretells (in Bengali Coomra means squash). He is
very clever with his hands. In fact his cleverness with his hands
has several times brought him into great dangers.
I wished to send you so many nice things, but alas! the thought of
the tariff makes my desires vanish "like youth in women and
beggars' dreams".
By the by, I am glad now that I am growing grey every day. My head
will be a full-blown white lotus by the time you see me next.
Ah! Mary, if you could see Kashmir - only Kashmir; the marvellous
lakes full of lotuses and swans (there are no swans but geese -
poetic licence) and the big black bee trying to settle on the
wind-shaken lotus (I mean the lotus nods him off refusing a kiss -
poetry), then you could have a good conscience on your death-bed.
As this is earthly paradise and as logic says one bird in the hand
is equal to two in the bush, a glimpse of this is wiser, but
economically the other better; no trouble, no labour, no expense,
a little namby-pamby dolly life and later, that is all.
My letter is becoming a bore . . . so I stop. (It is sheer
idleness). Good night.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
My address always is:
Math, Belur, Howrah Dist., Bengal, India.
CXXXIII
(Translated from Bengali)
To Shri Haripada Mitra
SRINAGAR, KASHMIR,
17th September, 1898.
DEAR HARIPADA,
I got all news from your letter and wire. That you may easily pass
your examination in Sindhi is my prayer to the Lord.
Recently my health was very bad, and so I have been delayed,
otherwise I had intended to leave for the Punjab this week. The
doctor had advised me not to go to the plains at the present time,
as it is very hot there. Perhaps I may reach Karachi by about the
last week of October. Now I am doing somewhat well. There is
nobody else with me now excepting two American friends - ladies.
Probably I shall part from them at Lahore. They will wait for me
in Calcutta or in Rajputana. I shall probably visit Cutch, Bhuj,
Junagad, Bhavnagar, Limbdi, and Baroda and then proceed to
Calcutta. My present plan is to go to America via China and Japan
in November or December, but it is all in the hands of the Lord.
The above-mentioned American friends bear all my expenses, and I
shall take from them all my expenses including railway fare up to
Karachi. But if it is convenient to you, send me Rs. 50/- by wire
C/o Rishibar Mukhopadhyaya, Chief Justice, Kashmir State,
Srinagar. It will be a great help to me, for I have incurred much
extra expense of late owing to illness, and I feel a little
ashamed to have to depend always on my foreign devotees. With best
wishes,
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXXIV
(Translated from Bengali)
To Shri Haripada Mitra
LAHORE,
16th October, 1898.
MY DEAR HARIPADA,
In Kashmir my health has completely broken down, and I have not
witnessed the Durga-Puja for the last nine years; so I am starting
for Calcutta. I have for the present given up the plan of going to
America. I think I shall have plenty of time to go to Karachi
during the winter.
My brother-disciple Saradananda will send Rs. 50/- from Lahore to
Karachi. Don't yield to sorrow - everything is in God's hands.
Certainly I won't go anywhere this year without meeting all of
you. My blessings to all.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXXV
To Miss Josephine MacLeod
57 RAM KANTA BOSE STREET,
CALCUTTA,
12th November, 1898.
MY DEAR JOE,
I have invited a few friends to dinner tomorrow, Sunday. . . .
We expect you at tea. Everything will be ready then.
Shri Mother is going this morning to see the new Math. I am also
going there. Today at 6 p.m. Nivedita is going to preside. If you
feel like it, and Mrs. Bull strong, do come.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXXVI
To Miss Mary Hale
MATH, BELUR,
HOWRAH DISTRICT,
16th March, 1899.
MY DEAR MARY,
Thanks to Mrs. Adams; she roused you naughty girls to a letter at
last. "Out of sight out of mind" - as true in India as in America.
And the other young lady, who just left her love as she flitted
by, deserves a ducking I suppose.
Well, I have been in a sort of merry-go-round with my body which
has been trying to convince me for months that it too much exists.
However, no fear, with four mental-healing sisters as I have, no
sinking just now. Give me a strong pull and a long pull, will you,
all together, and then I am up!
Why do you talk so much about me in your one-letter-a-year and so
little about the four witches mumbling Mantras over the boiling
pot in a corner of Chicago?
Did you come across Max Müller's new book, Ramakrishna: His Life
and Sayings?
If you have not, do, and let Mother see it. How is Mother? Growing
grey? And Father Pope? Who have been our last visitors from
America do you suppose? "Brother, love is a drawing card" and
"Misses Meel"; they have been doing splendid in Australia and
elsewhere; the same old "fellies", little changed if any. I wish
you could come to visit India - that will be some day in the
future. By the by, Mary, I heard a few months ago, when I was
rather worrying over your long silence, that you were just hooking
a "Willy", and so busy with your dances and parties; that
explained of course your inability to write. But "Willy" or no
"Willy", I must have my money, don't forget. Harriet is discreetly
silent since she got her boy; but where is my money, please?
Remind her and her husband of it. If she is Woolley, I am greasy
Bengali, as the English call us here - Lord, where is my money?
I have got a monastery on the Ganga now, after all, thanks to
American and English friends. Tell Mother to look sharp. I am
going to deluge your Yankee land with idolatrous missionaries.
Tell Mr. Woolley he got the sister but has not paid the brother
yet. Moreover, it was the fat black queerly dressed apparition
smoking in the parlour that frightened many a temptation away, and
that was one of the causes which secured Harriet to Mr. Woolley;
therefore, I want to be paid for my great share in the work etc.,
etc. Plead strong, will you?
I do so wish I could come over to America with Joe for this
summer; but man proposes and who disposes? Not God surely always.
Well, let things slide as they will. Here is Abhayananda, Marie
Louse you know, and she has been very well received in Bombay and
Madras. She will be in Calcutta tomorrow, and we are going to give
her a good reception too.
My love to Miss Howe, Mrs. Adams, to Mother Church, and Father
Pope and all the rest of my friends across the seven oceans. We
believe in seven oceans - one of milk, one of honey, one of curd,
one wine, one sugar-cane juice, one salt, one I forget what. To
you four sisters I waft my love across the ocean of honey. . . .
Ever sincerely, your brother,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS. Write when you find time between dances.
V.
CXXXVII
To Mr. E. T. Sturdy
PORT SAID,
14th July, 1899.
MY DEAR STURDY,
I got your letter all right just now. I have one from M. Nobel of
Paris too. Miss Noble has several from America.
M. Nobel writes to me to defer my visit to him at Paris to some
other date, from London, as he will have to be away for a long
time. As you know sure, I shall not have many friends staying now
in London, and Miss MacLeod is so desirous I should come. A stay
in England under these circumstances is not advisable. Moreover, I
do not have much life left. At least I must go on with that
supposition. I mean, if anything has to be done in America, it is
high time we bring our scattered influence in America to a head -
if not organise regularly. Then I shall be free to return to
England in a few months and work with a will till I return to
India.
I think you are absolutely wanted to gather up, as it were, the
American work. If you can, therefore, you ought to come over with
me. Turiyananda is with me. Saradananda's brother is going to
Boston. . . . In case you cannot come to America, I ought to go,
ought I not?
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXXVIII
To Miss Josephine MacLeod
THE LYMES,
WOODSIDES, WIMBLEDON,
3rd August, 1899.
MY DEAR JOE,
We are in at last. Turiyananda and I have beautiful lodgings here.
Saradananda's brother is with Miss Noble and starts Monday next.
I have recovered quite a bit by the voyage. It was brought about
by the exercise on the dumb-bells and monsoon storms tumbling the
steamer about the waves. Queer, isn't it? Hope it will remain.
Where is our Mother, the Worshipful Brahmini cow of India? She is
with you in New York, I think.
Sturdy is away, Mrs. Johnson and everybody. Margo is rather
worried at that. She cannot come to U.S. till next month. Already
I have come to love the sea. The fish Avatâra is on me, I am
afraid - good deal of him in me, I am sure, a Bengali.
How is Alberta, . . . the old folks and the rest of them? I had a
beautiful letter from dear Mrs. Brer Rabbit; she could not meet us
in London; she started before we arrived.
It is nice and warm here; rather too much they say. I have become
for the present a Shunyavâdi, a believer in nothingness, or void.
No plans, no afterthought, no attempt, for anything, laissez faire
to the fullest. Well, Joe, Margo would always take your side on
board the steamer, whenever I criticised you or the Divine cow.
Poor child, she knows so little! The upshot of the whole is, Joe,
that there cannot be any work in London, because you are not here.
You seem to be my fate! Grind on, old lady; it is Karma and none
can avoid. Say, I look several years younger by this voyage. Only
when the heart gives a lurch, I feel my age. What is this
osteopathy, anyway? Will they cut off a rib or two to cure me? Not
I, no manufacturing of . . . from my ribs, sure. Whatever it be,
it will be hard work for him to find my bones. My bones are
destined to make corals in the Ganga. Now I am going to study
French if you give me a lesson every day; but no grammar business
- only I will read and you explain in English. Kindly give my love
to Abhedananda, and ask him to get ready for Turiyananda. I will
leave with him. Write soon.
With all love etc.,
VIVEKANANDA.
CXXXIX
To Miss Marie Halboister
C/O MISS NOBLE,
21A HIGH STREET, WIMBLEDON.
August, 1899.
MY DEAR MARIE,
I am in London again. This time not busy, not hustling about but
quietly settled down in a corner - waiting to start for the U.S.
America on the first opportunity. My friends are nearly all out of
London in the country and elsewhere, and my health not
sufficiently strong.
So you are happy in the midst of your lakes and gardens and
seclusion in Canada. I am glad, so glad to know that you are up
again on top of the tide. May you remain there forever!
You could not finish the Raja-Yoga translation yet - all right,
there is no hurry. Time and opportunity must come if it is to be
done you know, otherwise we vainly strive.
Canada must be beautiful now, with its short but vigorous summer,
and very healthy.
I expect to be in New York in a few weeks, and don't know what
next. I hope to come back to England next spring.
I fervently wish no misery ever came near anyone; yet it is that
alone that gives us an insight into the depths of our lives, does
it not?
In our moments of anguish, gates barred for ever seem to open and
let in many a flood of light.
We learn as we grow. Alas! we cannot use our knowledge here. The
moment we seem to learn, we are hurried off the stage. And this is
Mâyâ!
This toy world would not be here, this play could not go on, if we
were knowing players. We must play blindfolded. Some of us have
taken the part of the rogue of the play, some heroic - never mind,
it is all play. This is the only consolation. There are demons and
lions and tigers and what not on the stage, but they are all
muzzled. They snap but cannot bite. The world cannot touch our
souls. If you want, even if the body be torn and bleeding, you may
enjoy the greatest peace in your mind.
And the way to that is to attain hopelessness. Do you know that?
Not the imbecile attitude of despair, but the contempt of the
conqueror for things he has attained, for things he struggled for
and then throws aside as beneath his worth.
This hopelessness, desirelessness, aimlessness, is just the
harmony with nature. In nature there is no harmony, no reason, no
sequence; it was chaos before, it is so still.
The lowest man is in consonance with nature in his
earthy-headness; the highest the same in the fullness of
knowledge. All three aimless, drifting, hopeless - all three
happy.
You want a chatty letter, don't you? I have not much to chat
about. Mr. Sturdy came last two days. He goes home in Wales
tomorrow.
I have to book my passage for N.Y. in a day or two.
None of my old friends have I seen yet except Miss Souter and Max
Gysic, who are in London. They have been very kind, as they always
were.
I have no news to give you, as I know nothing of London yet. I
don't know where Gertrude Orchard is, else would have written to
her. Miss Kate Steel is also away. She is coming on Thursday or
Saturday.
I had an invitation to stay in Paris with a friend, a very
well-educated Frenchman, but I could not go this time. I hope
another time to live with him some days.
I expect to see some of our old friends and say good day to them.
I hope to see you in America sure. Either I may unexpectedly turn
up in Ottawa in my peregrinations or you come to N.Y.
Good-bye, all luck be yours.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.