Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda - Vol-9
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 said 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 Kidi [Singaravelu Mudaliar] and Doctor [Nanjunda Rao]; ask Kidi
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 individual 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? Did 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 afraid 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 did
not hear from you, and I expected so much after Sturdy's visit to
Detroit. How did 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 side
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]
THE CALCUTTA BOY
CXX
To Mrs. Ole Bull
DARJEELING
the 4th April '98
MY DEAR DHIRA MATA -
I am afraid 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 ride 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 everyone.
Marriage has indeed proved a hell for Sturdy. And he cannot 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
BALLEN VILLE
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
CXXII
To Miss Josephine MacLeod
DARJEELING
19th April '98
MY DEAR MISS MACLEOD,
Miss Müller is very glad to learn that you intend inviting Miss
Noble to join our party to Kashmir.
It has her hearty approval. On her way back, Miss Müller will
start something for her in Calcutta. She need not come to
Darjeeling at all.
Hope you are enjoying the baking quite a bit. I start this week
most probably.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
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 side
at the time of death. The debt of gratitude I owe him can never be
repaid, 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. Did 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 consider 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
provided [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-evident 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 rid 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 DEAR MARGOT,
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
midsummer 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 Cambridge, 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
Friday [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 consideration 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 tide
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 side 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
THE MATH, BELUR,
April 25th, 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 afraid, 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 besides
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 hide 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 GRINNSTIDEL [GREENSTIDEL]
23 CROWHURST RD., ANGELL RD.
BRIATON, LDN.
30 July 1899GOLCONDA DUE DOCKS 6 AM MONDAY. (Vide Swami
Vivekananda's letter dated July 23, 1899.)
CXLIII
To Mrs. Ole Bull
THE LYMES, WOODSIDE
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-laid 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
paid 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
RIDGELY MANOR
STONE RIDGE, 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
RIDGELY 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 idling. Do you like my new poem? (Vide
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
RIDGELY 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 hideous 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 individual
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 rid 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
[RIDGELY 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.,
RIDGELY MANOR,
STONE RIDGE, 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
RIDGELY MANOR,
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 afraid 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
RIDGELY 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 to
see you in Cambridge. I am going to New York next week. Thence I
go for a few days to Washington and then to Cambridge. 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].
CLI
To Sister Christine
21 WEST 34TH STREET,
NEW YORK,
10th November 1899.
MY DEAR CHRISTINA,
I received your letter just now. I am now in New York. Dr.
[Egbert] Guernsey analysed my urine yesterday, and there was no
sugar or albumen in it. So my kidneys are all right, at least at
present. The heart is only nervous, requires calming! - some
cheerful company and good, loving friends and quiet. The only
difficulty is the dyspepsia, and that is the evil. For instance, I
am all right in the morning and can walk miles, but in the evening
it is impossible to walk after a meal - the gas - that depends
entirely up on food, does it not? I ought to try the Battle Creek
food. If I come to Detroit, there will be quiet and Battle Creek
food for me.
But if you come to Cambridge with all the instructions of the
Battle Creek food, I will have it prepared there; or, between you
and me, we will cook it. I am a good hand at that. You don't know
a thing about cooking. Well, you may help in cleaning the plates
etc. I always get money when I need it badly. "Mother" always sees
to that. So, no danger on that head. I am not in the least danger
of life, the Doctors agree - only if this dyspepsia goes away. And
that is "food", "food", "food", and no worry. Oh, what a worry I
have had! Say we go somewhere else and make a little party and
keep house ourselves. In Cambridge, Mrs. Bull has a quiet separate
place - her studio house. You can have rooms there. I wish you to
know Mrs. Bull. She is a saint, a real saint, if ever there was
one. Wait for my next letter. I will write today again, or
tomorrow after seeing Mrs. Bull.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CLII
To Sister Christine
C/O DR. E. GUERNSEY,
180 WEST 59TH STREET,
NEW YORK,
12th November 1899.
CHRISTINA -
Mrs. Bull has gone to Boston without seeing me. I am with the
Guernseys. All today laid up with colds.
Oh, these nasty colds. The doctor here declares my case as
entirely one of nervous exhaustion. Even the dyspepsia is entirely
nervous.
I will be a few days yet here, and then I don't know where I go. I
have a great mind to try health food. As for you, write
unreservedly where you [would] like me to be. If you think it best
for me to come to Detroit, write or wire on receipt of this. I
will come immediately. Only difficulty is now the dyspepsia.
With love to Mrs. Funkey [Funke],
Ever yours with blessings,
VIVEKANANDA.
P.S. If Cambridge is best, say that immediately.
V
CLIII
To Mrs. Ole Bull
180 W. 59,
C/O E. GUERNSEY, M.D.,
12 November 1899
DEAR MRS. BULL -
I am laid up with a bad cold. The clothes are not ready - they
will be next week. I don't know what my next step will be. Dr.
Guernsey is very kind. Several Doctors have examined me and none
could detect any organic disease.
Even the kidney complications for the present have disappeared.
Well, the whole thing is then dyspepsia. I want ever so much to
try Battle Creek food. There is a restaurant which cooks only
Battle Creek food. Do you think it should be best for me to try it
just now? If so, I go to Detroit. In that case, send me my
terracotta, thick cashmere coat.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
Had three treatments already from Helmer. Going to take some
next week. None can do anything for this "wind". That is why
dieting should be tried at any cost.
V.
CLIV
To Sister Christine
21 WEST 34TH STREET,
NEW YORK,
21st November 1899.
MY DEAR CHRISTINA,
Circumstances have so fallen that I have to start for California
tomorrow. It is for my physical benefit too; as the doctor says, I
had better be off where the severe winter of the North cannot
reach.
Well, thus my plans are made and marred. Anyway - come over to
Cambridge when you feel like it. Mrs. Bull will only be too happy
to do anything for you she can.
I hope to stop in Detroit on my way back. The Lord's will - as we
say.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CLV
To Mrs. Ole Bull
CHICAGO
30 November 1899
MY DEAR DHIRA MATA -
I am going to leave this place tonight. They have given me a new
trunk - a big one. The Maspero book is with me, only the
second volume. The first volume must be in Boston. Kindly send it
c/o Joe [Miss Josephine MacLeod].
They have been very kind. Madame [Emma] Calvé‚ came to see me day
before yesterday. She is a great woman.
I have nothing to write here except that Margo [Sister Nivedita]
is doing very well, except some people were complaining last night
that she frightened them with her assertion that Swami cannot make
mistakes!!!
Hope things are going on with you very well. This is in haste. I
write in length from California.
Ever your son,
VIVEKANANDA
My love to Mrs. [Olea] Vaughn. (Mrs. Ole Bull’s daughter.)
CLVI
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
THE CALIFORNIA LIMITED
SANTA FE ROUTE
1 December 1899
MY DEAR MOTHER,
Excuse this scrawl as the train is dancing.
I passed a good night and hope to have a good time all through.
With all love for the sisters and Mr. [Clarence] Woolley (Husband
of Mrs. Hale's daughter Harriet.) and Bud and Father Pope.
With love,
VIVEKANANDA
CLVII
To Sister Nivedita
THE CALIFORNIA LIMITED
SANTA FE ROUTE
December 2nd, 1899
MY DEAR MARGOT,
Two nights are passed - today the third will come. If it proves as
pleasant and somnolent as the last two, I [shall] rejoice.
The scenery today I am passing through is much like the
neighborhood of Delhi, the beginning of a big desert, bleak hills,
scanty, thorny shrubs, very little water. The little streams are
frozen, but during the middle of the day it is hot. Must be
[illegible] I presume, in summer.
I send this to the care of Mrs. Adams, (Probably Mrs. Milward
Adams.) as I don't know your address. The Chicago work will not
give you much, I am sure, except in education in the methods here,
which I am sure will work out soon.
With all love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
CLVIII
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
LOS ANGELES
6 December 1899
MY DEAR MOTHER,
A few lines to say my safe arrival and am going to resume my usual
work of lecturing here.
I am much better than I was in Chicago and hope soon to become
well again.
I cannot tell you how I enjoyed once more the little visit with my
American Mother and Sisters.
Harriet has scored a triumph really. I am charmed with Mr. Woolley
- only hope Mary will be equally fortunate. It gives me a new
lease of life to see people happy. May they all be happy.
Ever with love, your son,
VIVEKANANDA
CLIX
To Sister Christine
921 WEST 21ST STREET,
LOS ANGELES,
9th December 1899.
MY DEAR CHRISTINA,
After all, it is good for me, and good for those I love, that I
should come here. Here at last in California! One of our poets
says: "Where is Benares, where is Kashmir, where Khorasan, where
Gujarat! O Tulsi! Thus, man's past Karma drags him on". And I am
here. After all it is best, isn't it? Are you going to Boston? I
am afraid you are not. I have not unsettled any of your plans,
have I? - Unnecessary expenses? Well, if any, I will make it up.
Only the trouble is yours. I am ashamed of my eccentricities.
Well, how are you? What are you doing? How are things going with
you? Sleep if you can; it is better to sleep than get awakened. I
pray that all good may come to thee - all peace, all strength to
do and suffer. I have a great deal of strength to do, but very
little to suffer.
I am so selfish again, always thinking of my own sufferings and
paying no heed to others. Pray for me; send strong thoughts that I
may have strength to suffer. I know you will. Now, I mean to
remain a few weeks in this city. After that, "Mother" knows. I am
physically much better now than I have been for months. The
weakness of the heart is nearly gone. The dyspepsia is also much
better, and [there is] very little. I can walk miles now without
feeling it in the heart. If this continues, I expect to have a new
lease on life. I am so, so sorry of asking you to come to Boston
and flying away. If you are there, I hope you will enjoy the place
and the meetings. If you have given it up - well, did you take
leave and not go to Boston? My! what a bungle! Well, I ask a
thousand pardons, if such is the case. Things must look brighter
anyway, sooner or later. What of these little, few days of life!
How is Mrs. Funke? Loads of love for her. How long a leave [do]
you get at Christmas? When does it begin? If you feel inclined and
willing, write me a long note, will you? But don't tell my friends
my whereabouts. I want to be off from the world for a time, if I
can. Will you kindly send Mr. Freer's address to Mrs. Bull? She
needs it. I had a lecture here last night. The hall was not
crowded, as there was very little ad[vertisement], but a fairly
good - sized audience though. I hope they were pleased. If I feel
better, I am going to have classes in this city soon. I am on the
business path this time, you know. Want a few dollars quick, if I
can.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.
CLX
To Swami Brahmananda
[Swami Vivekananda sent the following cablegram to his
brother-monk.]
[Postmarked: December 13, 1899]
PERFECTLY CURED. BLESS ALL. VIVEKANANDA.
CLXI
To Sister Christine
921 WEST 21ST STREET,
LOS ANGELES,
27th December 1899.
DEAR CHRISTINA,
So you are awake and can't go to sleep any more. Good! Keep awake,
wide awake. It was good I came here. For, in the first place, I am
cured. What do you think of this - able to walk, and every day
walk three miles after a heavy dinner! Good! Isn't it? I am making
money fast - twenty-five dollars a day now. Soon I will work more
and get fifty dollars a day. In San Francisco I hope to do still
better - where I go in two or three weeks. Good again - better,
say I - as I am going to keep the money all to myself and not
squander it any more. And then I will buy a little place in the
Himalayas - a whole hill - about say, six thousand feet high with
a grand view of the eternal snows. There must be springs and a
tiny lake. Cedars - the Himalayan cedar forests - and flowers,
flowers everywhere. I will have a little cottage; in the middle,
my vegetable gardens, which I will work myself - and - and - and -
my books - and see the face of man only once in a great while. And
the world may go to ruin round about my ears, I would not care. I
will have done with all my work - secular or spiritual - and
retire. My! How restless I have been all my life! Born nomad. I
don't know; this is the present vision. The future is to come yet.
Curious -all my dreams about my own happiness are, as it were,
bound to come to nothing; but about others' well-being - they as a
rule prove true.
I am so glad you are happy and peaceful under Mrs. Bull's
hospitable roof. She is a great, great woman - one whom to see is
a pilgrimage.
No snow here - exactly like northern India in winter. Some days,
even warmer - cool in the morning and evening, in the middle of
the day, warm, in the sun, hot. The roses are about us, gardens
everywhere, and the beautiful palms. But I like the snow: crisp,
crackling under the feet, white, white, white - all round white!
I don't think I have anything with the kidneys or the heart. The
whole thing was about indigestion and it is now nearly cured. A
month more, and I will be strong like a lion and hardy like a
mule. The poor English are getting it hot from the Boers. Mourning
in every home in England and still the war goes on. Such is human
folly. How long will it take for man to become civilized! Will
wars ever cease? Mother knows! The New Year is sure to bring about
a great change. Pray some good may come to India. I send you all
joy, all love, all success for the New Year and many, many more to
come.
So you did well, you think, by coming to Mrs. Bull. I am glad. I
wanted you to know Mrs. Bull thoroughly. Remain there as long as
you can. It will do you good, I am sure. Take heart and be of
cheer, for next year is sure to bring many joys and a hundred
blessings.
Yours truly,
VIVEKANANDA.
CLXII
To Sister Nivedita
LOS ANGELES
[Early February 1900]
DEAR MARGO [MARGOT],
You have the Gopâla. Add the Sâvitri story to that. I
send you four more herewith. They ought to make a nice volume.
Work on them a bit, will you. If you get a publisher in Chicago,
all right; if not, Mr. Leggett promised to publish them some time
ago.
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. The preliminary parts should be struck off.
CLXIII
To Miss Josephine MacLeod
1231 PINE STREET
SAN FRANCISCO.
March 2nd 1900
DEAR JOE -
Your note enclosing two from France and three from India just
received. I have had general good news and am happy.
Financially, I have got $300 in Los Angeles. About Mrs.
Bowler, she has about a hundred odd dollars in cash. Mrs.
Hendrick and she have not paid up as yet. That money - $300 in all
- is with her. She will send it to me whenever I write.
Rev. Benjamin Fay Mills, a very popular Unitarian preacher
in Oakland, invited me from here and paid the fare to San
Francisco. I have spoken twice in Oakland to 1500 people each
time. Last time I got from collection $30. I am going to have
classes at 50 cents admission each.
San Francisco had one lecture the other night [February 23] at 50¢
each. It paid its expenses. This Monday [Sunday?] I am going to
speak free - after that a class.
I went to see Mrs. Hurst [Hearst]. She was not at home. I
left a card - so with Prof. Le Conte.
Mary [Hale] writes that you wrote her of my coming any day to the
East. I don't know. Here I have a large following -ready - made by
my books. Will get some money, not much. St. Francis [Francis
Leggett] may put the money in the bank for me - but can that be
done without my signature? And I am here? It is good if it can be
done. Did you see any possibility of my books being sold for good
to any publisher?
The French invitation is all right. But it seems impossible
to write any decent paper on the subject we chose. Because if I
have to lecture and make money, very little time will be left for
anything else. Again, I cannot find any books (Sanskrit) here. So
let me try to make a little money if I can and go to France all
the same, but send them no paper. No scholarly work can be done in
this haphazard and hurried fashion. It means time and study.
Shall I write to Mr. [Gerald] Nobel an acknowledgement and thanks?
Write to me fully on these subjects if you can before you leave
[for Europe]. My health is going on the same way. The gas is there
more or less and this city is all climbing up[hill] - that tires
me much.
With all love,
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. Did anybody else respond to Mrs. Leggett's call?
CLXIV
To Sister Christine
1719 TURK STREET,
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA,
12th March 1900.
DEAR CHRISTINA,
Just now received a letter from you through New York. I, the other
day, wrote you one c/o Mrs. Funke, as I was not sure which of your
addresses in my notebook was the correct one! Mental telepathy or
foolishness - what is it?
By this time you must have got mine. There is nothing particular
about me, except things are going on at the same rate - very
little money - making, a good deal of work, and moving about. I
leave here in April and come to Chicago for a few days, then to
Detroit and then, through New York, go to England. I hope you are
all right. I am very calm and peaceful mentally, and hope to
remain so for the rest of my life.
How are Mrs. Funkey [Funke] and the rest of our friends?
With all love,
VIVEKANANDA.
CLXV
To Sister Christine
1719 TURK STREET,
SAN FRANCISCO,
[April 9, 1900]
Hello! What's the matter with you - gone to sleep? Have not had
any news of you for a long time.
I am getting better every day, and one of these days - say in a
few weeks - I am coming straight to say how-d'you-do. Well, I will
be here two weeks more, then to a place called Stockton - thence
to the East. I may stop a few days in Chicago. I may not.
Beginning of May, I come [for] sure to Detroit. I will, of course,
write to you. How is life going on with you - grinding, as usual?
Any improvements? Write a chatty letter if you feel like. I am
dying to get news.
Ever yours in the Truth,
VIVEKANANDA.
CLXVI
To Sister Nivedita
C/O DR. LOGAN,
770 OAK STREET,
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA,
17th May [1900].
DEAR MARGOT,
I am sorry, I cannot come to Chicago yet for a few days. The
doctor (Dr. Logan) says I must not undertake a journey till
completely strong. He is bent on making me strong. My stomach is
very, very good and nerves fine. I am getting on. A few days more
and I will be all right. I received your letter with the enclosed.
If you leave for New York soon, take my mail with you. I am coming
to New York direct. If you leave New York before I leave, put my
mail in a cover and deposit with Turiyananda, and tell him to keep
it for me and not to open it on any account, nor any one of my
Indian letters. Turiyananda will take charge. Also see that my
clothes and books are at the Vedanta Society's rooms in New York.I
will write you more soon - an introduction to Mrs.
Huntington. This affair should be private.
With love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA.
P.S. As I have got to stop at Chicago for my ticket, will you ask
anybody to take me in for a day or two, if Mrs. Hale is gone East
by that time?
V.
CLXVII
To Sister Nivedita
770 OAK STREET,
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA,
18th May 1900.
DEAR MARGOT,
Enclosed find the letter of introduction to Mrs. Huntington. She
can, if she likes, make your school a fact with one stroke of her
pen. May Mother make her do it!
I am afraid I will have to go direct to New York, as by that time
the Hales will be off. I cannot start for two weeks at least yet.
Give the Hales my love.
With love and blessings,
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA.
P.S. I received your letter, including Yum's [Miss Josephine
MacLeod's].
V.
CLXVIII
To Mrs. Ole Bull (in London)
SAN FRANCISCO
18 May 1900
MY DEAR MOTHER,
Many thanks for Joe's [Miss Josephine MacLeod's] and your letters.
I have again a bad relapse - and [am] struggling out of it. This
time I am perfectly certain that with me all diseases are nervous.
I want rest for two, three years - and not the least bit of work
between. I will take rest with the Seviers in the Himalayas.
Mrs. [James Henry] Sevier gave me 6,000 Rs. for family - this was
distributed between my cousin, aunt, etc. The 5,000 Rs. for buying
the house was borrowed from the Math funds. Do not stop the
remittance you send to my cousin, whatever Saradananda may say to
the contrary. Of course I do not know what he says.
I have long given up the idea of a little house on the Ganges, as
I have not the money.
But I have got some in Calcutta and some with the Leggetts, and if
you give a thousand more, that will be a fund for my own personal
expenses (as you know I never took Math money) as well as for my
mother. Kindly write to Saradananda to give up the little house
plan. I am not going to write any more for weeks yet - till I
completely recover. I hope to get over [it] in a few weeks from
now - it was a terrible relapse. I am with a Doctor friend [Dr.
Milburn H. Logan], and he is taking every care of me.
Tell Joe that going amongst different people with a message also
does not belong to the Sannyasin; for a Sannyasin, [there] is
quiet and retirement, scarcely seeing the face of man.
I am now ripe for that, physically at least. If I don't go into
retirement, nature will force me to it. Many thanks that temporal
things have been so well arranged by you.
With all love to Joe and yourself -
Your Son,
VIVEKANANDA
CLXIX
To Sister Christine
C/O DR. LOGAN,
770 OAK STREET,
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA,
19th May 1900.
DEAR CHRISTINA,
How are you? When is your vacation to commence? I am still in
California. Hope to start for the East in two or three weeks more.
Write me all about yourself and how things are going on. How is
Mrs. Funkey [Funke]? And the other friends?
Yours as ever,
VIVEKANANDA.
CLXX
To Swami Abhedananda
770 OAK STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
C/O DR. LOGAN, M.D.
[May 19, 1900?]
MY DEAR ABHEDANANDA
I am very, very glad to hear about the new home of the Vedanta
Society. As things stand, I will have to come to New York direct
from here - without stoppage - but it will be two or three weeks
yet, I am afraid. Things are coming up so fast that I cannot but
change my plans and stop a few more days.
I am trying my best to get one of you for a flying visit to this
Coast - it is a great country for Vedanta.Get all my books and
clothes etc., in your home. I am coming soon. My love to Mrs.
Crane. Is she still living on beef-steak and hot water? Miss
[Sarah Ellen] Waldo and Mrs. Coulston write about the
publication of a new edition of Karma-Yoga. I have written to Miss
Waldo all about it. The money in hand from the sale of books ought
to be spent, of course.
Do you see my books and clothes all safe there? They were with
Mrs. Bull in Boston.
With all love,
VIVEKANANDA
CLXXI
To Sister Christine
VEDANTA SOCIETY,
102 EAST 58TH STREET,
NEW YORK,
9th June 1900.
DEAR CHRISTINA,
I could not write more, as the last few weeks of my stay in
California was one more relapse and great suffering. However, I
got one great benefit out of it inasmuch as I came to know I have
really no disease, except worry and fear. My kidneys are as sound
as any other healthy man's. All the symptoms of Bright's disease
etc., are only brought on by nerves.
I wrote you one, however, from 770 Oak Street, San Francisco, to
which I did not get any reply. Of course, I was bedridden then and
my address book was not in the place I was in. There was a mistake
in number. I cannot believe you did not reply willingly.
As you see, now I am in New York, and will be here a few days. I
have an invitation from Mrs. Walton of Cleveland, Ohio. I have
accepted it. She writes me you are also invited and have accepted
her invitation. Well, we will meet in Cleveland then. I am sure to
see you before I go to Europe - either there or anywhere you wish.
If you don't think it would be possible for you to come to Ohio, I
will come to any other place you want me to come to say goodbye.
When is your school going to close? Write me all about your plans
- do!
Miss Noble wants me very much to go to Cleveland. I would be very,
very glad to get a few weeks' seclusion and rest before I start
with friends who do not disturb me at all. I know I will find rest
and peace that way, and you can help me any amount in that. In
Cleveland, of course, there will be a few friends always and much
talkee-talkee as a matter of course. So if you think I will have
real peace and rest elsewhere, just write all about it.
My reply to the Cleveland lady depends on your letter.
How I wish I were in Detroit or elsewhere just now, among friends
who I know are good and true always. This is weakness; but when
the physical vitality is lowered and the nerves all unstrung, I
feel so, so much to depend upon somebody. You will be glad to
learn I made a little money in the West. So I will be quite able
to pay my expenses.
Write soon.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
CLXXII
To Sister Christine
VEDANTA SOCIETY,
102 EAST 58TH STREET,
NEW YORK,
13th June 1900.
DEAR CHRISTINA,
There is no cause for any anxiety. As I wrote, I am healthier than
ever; moreover, all the past fear of kidney troubles has passed
away. "Worry" is the only disease I have, and I am conquering it
fast.
I will be here a week or two, and then I come to Detroit. If
things so happen that I cannot come, I will sure send for you.
Anyway, I am not going to leave this country before seeing you.
Sure, sure - I must see you first, and then go to Europe.
Things are looking cheerful once more, and good luck, like ill,
also comes in bunches. So I am sure it will be smooth sailing
every way now, for some time at least.
With love to Mrs. Funkey [Funke],
Ever yours in the Truth,
VIVEKANANDA.
CLXXIII
To Sister Christine
VEDANTA SOCIETY,
102 EAST 58TH STREET,
NEW YORK,
15th June 1900.
MY DEAR CHRISTINA,
I am getting better every day, only this New York is a bad place
for sleep. Again, I am working some, though not hard, to get the
old friends together and put the thing in shape.
Now, you know, I will in a week or so finish this work and then be
ready for a real quiet of a week or two or more.
Detroit, alas! will be no better than New York. With so many old
friends! How can you avoid friends whom you really love?
I will have perfect freedom at yours - sure - but how can I avoid
seeing friends and the eternal visiting and paying visits and much
talkee-talkee? Do you know any other place within eight or ten
hours (I want to avoid night rides) of riding from New York where
I can be quiet and free from the people? (Lord bless them.) I am
dead tired seeing people just now. Just think of that and
everything else; if, after all, you think Detroit is the best
place for me, I am ready to come.
Yours truly,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS - I am also thinking of a quiet place.
V.