(Translated from Bengali)
To Balaram Bose
Glory to Ramakrishna
GHAZIPUR
February 6, 1890
RESPECTED SIR,
I have talked with Pavhari Baba. He is a wonderful saint — the embodiment of humility, devotion, and Yoga. Although he is an orthodox Vaishnava, he is not prejudiced against others of different beliefs. He has tremendous love for Mahâprabhu Chaitanya, and he [Pavhari Baba] speaks of Shri Ramakrishna as “an incarnation of God”. He loves me very much, and I am going to stay here for some days at his request.
Pavhari Baba can live in Samâdhi for from two to six months at a stretch. He can read Bengali and has kept a photograph of Shri Ramakrishna in his room. I have not yet seen him face to face, since he speaks from behind a door, but I have never heard such a sweet voice. I have many things to say about him but not just at present.
Please try to get a copy of Chaitanya-Bhâgavata for him and send it immediately to the following address: Gagan Chandra Roy, Opium Department, Ghazipur. Please don’t forget.
Pavhari Baba is an ideal Vaishnava and a great scholar; but he is reluctant to reveal his learning. His elder brother acts as his attendant, but even he is not allowed to enter his room.
Please send him a copy of Chaitanya-Mangala also, if it is still in print. And remember that if Pavhari Baba accepts your presents, that will be your great fortune. Ordinarily, he does not accept anything from anybody. Nobody knows what he eats or even what he does.
Please don’t let it be known that I am here and don’t send news of anyone to me. I am busy with an important work.
Your servant,
NARENDRA
(Translated from Bengali)
To Balaram Bose
Glory to Ramakrishna
GHAZIPUR
February 11, 1890
RESPECTED SIR
I have received your book. In Hrishikesh, Kali [Swami Abhedananda] has had a relapse and is again suffering from what seems to be malaria. Once it comes, the fever does not easily leave those who have never had it before. I too suffered the same way when I first had the attack of fever. Kali has never had the fever before. I have not received any letter from Hrishikesh. Where is . . . ?
I am suffering terribly from a backache which began in Allahabad. I had recovered from it some time back, but it has recurred. So I will have to stay here awhile longer because of my back and also because Babaji [Pavhari Baba] has requested it.
What you have written about uncooked bread is true. But a monk dies that way, not like the breaking of a cup and saucer. This time I am not going to be overcome by weakness in any way. And if I die, that will be good for me. It is better to depart from this world very soon.
Your servant,
NARENDRA
(Translated from Bengali)
To Balaram Bose
Salutation to Bhagavan Shri Ramakrishna
GHAZIPUR
February 1890
RESPECTED SIR,
I have received an anonymous letter which I have been unable to trace back to the gigantic soul who wrote it. Indeed, one should pay homage to such a man. He who considers a great soul like Pavhari Baba to be no more than water in a hoof print, he who has nothing to learn in this world and who feels it a disgrace to be taught by any other man — truly, such a new incarnation must be visited. I hope that if the government should discover the identity of this person, he will be handled with special care and be placed in the Alipore garden [zoo]. If you happen to know this man, please ask him to bless me, so that even a dog or a jackal may be my Guru — not to speak of a great soul like Pavhari Baba.
I have many things to learn. My master used to say: “As long as I live, so long do I learn”. Also please tell this fellow that unfortunately I do not have the time to “cross the seven seas and thirteen rivers” or to go to Sri Lanka in order to sleep after having put oil in the nostrils.
Your servant,
NARENDRA
P.S. Please have the rose-water brought from Ishan Babu’s [Ishan Chandra Mukherjee’s] residence if there is delay [in their sending it to the Baranagore Math]. The roses are still not in bloom. The rose-water has just been sent to the residence of Ishan Babu.
(Translated from Bengali)
To Balaram Bose
GHAZIPUR
March 12, 1890
BALARAM BABU,
As soon as you get the railway receipt, please send someone to the railway warehouse at Fairlie Place (Calcutta) to pick up the roses and send them on to Shashi. See that there is no delay in bringing or sending them.
Baburam is going to Allahabad soon. I am going elsewhere.
NARENDRA
PS. Know it for certain that everything will be spoiled if delayed.
NARENDRA
(Translated from Bengali)
To Tulsiram Ghosh
GHAZIPUR
10 May 1890
DEAR TULSIRAM:
A basket of roses will be sent to you in a few days at Chitpur. Do you please send them up immediately to Shashi [Swami Ramakrishnananda, at the Baranagore Math]. They would not be sent to the care of Balaram Basu, for there would be such nice delays and that would be death to the flowers. I think if sent to Chitpur, to your depot, it would reach you there at the very place; if not, write sharp. Baburam [Swami Premananda] is here, going up in a day or two to Allahabad. I too am going off from this place very soon. I go perhaps to Bareilly and up. What is Balaram Babu [Balaram Bose] doing?
My Pranâms etc. to you all.
Yours affectionately,
NARENDRA
To Swami Saradananda
Salutation to Bhagavan Ramakrishna
CALCUTTA
32 ASHADHA [JULY 15, 1890]
MY DEAR SHARAT
I am sorry to learn that [Vaikunthanath] Sanyal’s habits are as yet not Pucca [firm]; and what about Brahmacharya? I don’t understand you. If so, the best thing for you both is to come down and live here. The widow of Mohindra Mukherjee is trying head and heart to erect a Math for you, and Surendranath Mitra has left another thousand so that you are very likely soon to get a beautiful place on the river. As for all the hardships up there, I reserve my own opinions.
It was not at all my intention to come down, only the death of Balaram Bose had made me have a peep here and go back. If the mountains be so bad, there is more than enough place for me; only I leave Bengal. If one does not suit, another will. So that is my determination. Everyone here will be so glad at your return here, and from your letter I see it would be downright injurious to you if you didn’t come down. So come down at your earliest opportunity. I will leave this place before this letter reaches you; only I won’t go to Almora. I have my own plans for the future and they shall be a secret.
As for Sanyal, I do not see how I can benefit him. Of course, you are at liberty to hold your own opinion about the Sanga [holy company] here. That I can find places Sudrishya [having scenic beauty] and Subhiksha [where alms are available] is enough. Sanga is not much, or, I think, not at all necessary for me.
Yours, etc.,
NARENDRA.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
MINNEAPOLIS
21 November 1893
DEAR MOTHER,
I reached Madison safely, went to a hotel, and sent a message to Mr. Updike. He came to see me. He is a Congregational and so, of course, was not very friendly at first; but in the course of an hour or so became very kind to me, and took me over the whole place and the University. I had a fine audience and $100. Immediately after the lecture I took the night train to Minneapolis.
I tried to get the clergymen’s ticket, but they could not give me any, not being the headquarters. The thing to be done is to get a permit from every head office of every line in Chicago. Perhaps it is possible for Mr. Hale to get the permits for me. If it is so, I hope he will take the trouble to send them over to me to Minneapolis if they can reach me by the 25th, or to Des Moines if by the 29th. Else I would do it the next time in Chicago. I have taken the money in a draft on the bank, which cost me 40¢.
May you be blessed for ever, my kind friend; you and your whole family have made such a heavenly impression on me as I would carry all my life.
Yours sincerely,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
MINNEAPOLIS
24 November 1893.
DEAR MOTHER
I am still in Minneapolis. I am to lecture this afternoon, and the day after tomorrow go to Des Moines.
The day I came here they had their first snow, and it snowed all through the day and night, and I had great use for the arctics. (A waterproof overshoe.) I went to see the frozen Minnehaha Falls. They are very beautiful. The temperature today is 21o below zero, but I had been out sleighing and enjoyed it immensely. I am not the least afraid of losing the tips of my ears or nose.
The snow scenery here has pleased me more than any other sight in this country.
I saw people skating on a frozen lake yesterday.
I am doing well. Hoping this will find you all the same, I remain,
Yours obediently,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
DETROIT,
14 February 1894.
DEAR MOTHER,
Arrived safely night before last at 1 o’clock a.m. The train was seven hours late, being blocked by snowdrifts on the way. However, I enjoyed the novelty of the sight: several men cutting and clearing the snow and two engines tugging and pulling was a new sight to me.
Here I met Mr. Bagley, the youngest [Paul F. Bagley], waiting for me at the station; and, it being very late in the night, Mrs. Bagley had retired, but the daughters sat up for me.
They are very rich, kind and hospitable. Mrs. Bagley is especially interested in India. The daughters are very good, educated and good-looking. The eldest gave me a luncheon at a club where I met some of the finest ladies and gentlemen of the city. Last evening there was a reception given here in the house. Today I am going to speak for the first time. Mrs. Bagley is a very nice and kind lady. I hope the lectures will please her. With my love and regards for you all, I remain,
Yours sincerely,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS — I have received a letter from Slayton in reply to that in which I wrote to him that I cannot stay. He gives me hope. What is your advice? I enclose the letter [from Narasimhacharya] in another envelope.
Yours,
V.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
DETROIT,
20 February 1894.
DEAR MOTHER
My lectures here are over. I have made some very good friends here, amongst them Mr. Palmer, President of the late World’s Fair. I am thoroughly disgusted with this Slayton business and am trying hard to break loose. I have lost at least $5,000 by joining this man. Hope you are all well. Mrs. Bagley and her daughters are very kind to me. I hope to do some private lecturing here and then go to Ada and then back to Chicago. It is snowing here this morning. They are very nice people here, and the different clubs took a good deal of interest in me.
It is rather wearisome, these constant receptions and dinners; and their horrible dinners — a hundred dinners concentrated into one — and when in a man’s club, why, smoking on between the courses and then beginning afresh. I thought the Chinese alone make a dinner run through half a day with intervals of smoking!!
However, they are very gentlemanly men and, strange to say, an Episcopal clergyman and a Jewish rabbi take great interest in me and eulogize me. Now the man who got up the lectures here got at least a thousand dollars. So in every place. And this is Slayton’s duty to do for me. Instead, he, the liar, had told me often that he has agents everywhere and would advertise and do all that for me. And this is what he is doing. His will be done. I am going home. Seeing the liking the American people have for me, I could have, by this time, got a pretty large sum. But Jimmy Mills and Slayton were sent by the Lord to stand in the way. His ways are inscrutable.
However, this is a secret. President Palmer has gone to Chicago to try to get me loose from this liar of a Slayton. Pray that he may succeed. Several judges here have seen my contract, and they say it is a shameful fraud and can be broken any moment; but I am a monk — no self-defence. Therefore, I had better throw up the whole thing and go to India.
My love to Harriets, Mary, Isabelle, Mother Temple, Mr. Matthews, Father Pope and you all.
Yours obediently,
VIVEKANANDA.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
DETROIT
February 22, 1894
DEAR MOTHER
I have got the $200 for the engagements, $175 and $117 by private lectures and $100 as a present from a lady.
This sum will be sent to you tomorrow in cheques by Mrs. Bagley. Today, the banks being closed, we could not do it.
I am going tomorrow to lecture at Ada, Ohio. I do not know whether I will go to Chicago from Ada or not. However, kindly let not Slayton know anything about the rest of the money, as I am going to separate myself from him.
Yours obediently,
VIVEKANANDA.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
DETROIT,
10 March 1894.
DEAR MOTHER,
Reached Detroit safely yesterday evening. The two younger daughters were waiting for me with a carriage. So everything was all right. I hope the lecture will be a success, as one of the girls said the tickets are selling like hot cakes. Here I found a letter from Mr. Palmer awaiting me with a request that I should come over to his house and be his guest.
Could not go last night. He will come in the course of the day to take me over. As I am going over to Mr. Palmer’s, I have not opened the awfully-packed bag. The very idea of repacking seems to me to be hopeless. So I could not shave this morning. However, I hope to shave during the course of the day. I am thinking of going over to Boston and New York just now, as the Michigan cities I can come and take over in summer; but the fashionables of New York and Boston will fly off. Lord will show the way.
Mrs. Bagley and all the family are heartily glad at my return and people are again coming in to see me.
The photographer here has sent me some of the pictures he made. They are positively villainous — Mrs. Bagley does not like them at all. The real fact is that between the two photos my face has become so fat and heavy — what can the poor photographers do?
Kindly send over four copies of photographs. Not yet made any arrangement with Holden. (A lecture agent at Detroit.) Everything promises to be very nice. “Ssenator Ppalmer” is a very nice gentleman and very kind to me. He has got a French chef — Lord bless his stomach! I am trying to starve and the whole world is against me!! He used to give the best dinners in all Washington! Hopeless! I am resigned!
I will write more from Mr. Palmer’s house.
If the Himalayas become the inkpot, the ocean ink, if the heavenly eternal Devadaroo becomes the pen, and if the sky itself becomes paper, still I would not be able to write a drop of the debt of gratitude I owe to you and yours. Kindly convey my love to the four full notes and the four half notes of the Hale gamut.
May the blessings of the Lord be upon you and yours ever and ever.
Ever yours in grateful affection,
VIVEKANANDA.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
DETROIT
16 March 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
Since my last, there has been nothing of interest here. Except that Mr. Palmer is a very hearty, jolly, good old man and very rich. He has been uniformly kind to me. Tomorrow I go back to Mrs. Bagley’s because I am afraid she is rather uneasy at my long stay here. I am shrewd enough to know that in every country in general, and America in particular, “she” is the real operator at the nose string.
I am going to lecture here on Monday and in two places near the town on Tuesday and Wednesday. I do not remember the lady you refer me to, and she is in Lynn; what is Lynn, where on the globe its position is — I do not know. I want to go to Boston. What good would it do me by stopping at Lynn? Kindly give me a more particular idea. Nor could I read the name of the lady at whose house you say I met the lady. However, I am in no way very anxious. I am taking life very easy in my natural way. I have no particular wish to go anywhere, Boston or no Boston. I am just in a nice come-what-may mood. Something should turn up, bad or good. I have enough now to pay my passage back and a little sight-seeing to boot. As to my plans of work, I am fully convinced that at the rate it is progressing I will have to come back four or five times to put it in any shape.
As to informing others and doing good that way, I have failed to persuade myself that I have really anything to convey to the world. So I am very happy just now and quite at my ease. With almost nobody in this vast house and a cigar between my lips, I am dreaming just now and philosophising upon that work fever which was upon me. It is all nonsense. I am nothing, the world is nothing, the Lord alone is the only worker. We are simply tools in His hands etc., etc., etc. Have you got the Alaska information? If so, kindly send it to me c/o Mrs. Bagley.
Are you coming to the East this summer? With eternal gratitude and love,
Your son,
VIVEKANANDA.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
DETROIT
Tuesday, 27 March 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
Herewith I send two cheques of $114 and $75 to be put in the banks for me. I have endorsed them to your care.
I am going to Boston in a day or two. I have got $57 with me. They will go a long way. Something will turn up, as it always does. I do not know where I go from Boston. I have written to Mrs. [Francis W.] Breed but as yet heard nothing from her. His will be done. Not I but Thou — that is always the motto of my life.
With my eternal gratitude, love, and admiration for Mother Church and all the dignitaries,
I remain your son,
VIVEKANANDA.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
C/O DR. GUERNSEY
528 FIFTH AVENUE
NEW YORK
2 April 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
I am in New York. The gentleman [Dr. Guernsey] whose guest I am is a very nice and learned and well-to-do man. He had an only son whom he lost last July. Has only a daughter now. The old couple have received a great shock, but they are pure and God-loving people and bear it manfully. The lady of the house is very, very kind and good. They are trying to help me as much as they can and they will do a good deal, I have no doubt.
Awaiting further developments. This Thursday [April 5] they will invite a number of the brainy people of the Union League Club and other places of which the Doctor is a member, and see what comes out of it. Parlour lectures are a great feature in this city, and more can be made by each such lecture than even platform talks in other cities.
It is a very clean city. None of that black smoke tarring everyone in five minutes; and the street in which the Doctor lives is a nice, quiet one.
Hope the sisters are doing well and enjoying their music, both in the opera and the parlour. I am sure I would have appreciated the music at the opera about which Miss Mary wrote to me. I am sure the opera musicians do not show the interior anatomy of their throats and lungs.
Kindly give brother Sam my deep love. I am sure he is bewaring of the vidders. Some of the Baby Bagleys are going to Chicago. They will go to see you, and I am sure you would like them very much.
Nothing more to write. With all respect, love and obedience,
Your son,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS — I have not to ask now for addresses. Mrs. Sherman (Mrs. Bagley’s married daughter.) has given me a little book with A., B., C., etc., marks and has written under them all the addresses I need; and I hope to write all the future addresses in the same manner. What an example of self-help I am!!
V.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
[C/O DR. EGBERT GUERNSEY
528 FIFTH AVENUE]
NEW YORK
10 April 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
I just now received your letter. I have the greatest regard for the Salvationists; in fact, they and the Oxford Mission gentlemen are the only Christian missionaries for whom I have any regard at all. They live with the people, as the people, and for the people of India. Lord bless them. But I would be very, very sorry of any trick being played by them. I never have heard of any Lord in India, much less in Ceylon. (Now Sri Lanka.) The people of Ceylon and northern India differ more than Americans and Hindus. Nor is there any connection between the Buddhist priest and the Hindu. Our dress, manners, religion, food, language differ entirely from southern India, much less to speak of Ceylon. You know already that I could not speak a word of Narasimha’s language!! Although that was only Madras. Well, you have Hindu princesses; why not a Lord, which is not a higher title.
There was a certain Mrs. Smith in Chicago. I met her at Mrs. Stockham’s. She has introduced me to the Guernseys. Dr. Guernsey is one of the chief physicians of this city and is a very good old gentleman. They are very fond of me and are very nice people. Next Friday I am going to Boston. I have not been lecturing in New York at all. I will come back and do some lecturing here.
For the last few days I was the guest of Miss Helen Gould — daughter of the rich Gould — at her palatial country residence, an hour’s ride from the city. She has one of the most beautiful and large green-houses in the world, full of all sorts of curious plants and flowers. They are Presbyterians, and she is a very religious lady. I had a very nice time there.
I met my friend Mr. Flagg (William Joseph Flagg.) several times. He is flying merrily. There is another Mrs. Smith here who is very rich and pious. She has invited me to dine today.
As for lecturing, I have given up raising money. I cannot degenerate myself any more. When a certain purpose was in view, I could work; with that gone I cannot earn for myself. I have sufficient for going back. I have not tried to earn a penny here, and have refused some presents which friends here wanted to make to me. Especially Flagg — I have refused his money. I had in Detroit tried to refund the money back to the donors, and told them that, there being almost no chance of my succeeding in my enterprise, I had no right to keep their money; but they refused and told me to throw that into the waters if I liked. But I cannot take any more conscientiously. I am very well off, Mother. Everywhere the Lord sends me kind persons and homes; so there is no use of my going into beastly worldliness at all.
The New York people, though not so intellectual as the Bostonians, are, I think, more sincere. The Bostonians know well how to take advantage of everybody. And I am afraid even water cannot slip through their closed fingers!!! Lord bless them!!! I have promised to go and I must go; but, Lord, make me live with the sincere, ignorant and the poor, and not cross the shadow of the hypocrites and tall talkers who, as my Master used to say, are like vultures who soar high and high in their talks, but the heart is really on a piece of carrion on the ground.
I would be the guest of Mrs. Breed for a few days and, after seeing a little of Boston, I would come back to New York.
Hope the sisters are all right and enjoying their concerts immensely. There is not much of music in this city. That is a blessing (?) Went to see Barnum’s circus the other day. It is no doubt a grand thing. I have not been as yet downtown. This street is very nice and quiet.
I heard a beautiful piece of music the other day at Barnum’s — they call it a Spanish Serenada. Whatever it be, I liked it so much. Unfortunately, Miss Guernsey is not given to much thumping, although she has a good assortment of all the noisy stuffs in the world — and so she could not play it, which I regret ever so much.
Yours obediently,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS — Most probably I will go to Annisquam as Mrs. Bagley’s guest. She has got a nice house there this summer. Before that, I will go back to Chicago once more if I can.
V.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
C/O MISS FLORENCE GUERNSEY
528 FIFTH AVENUE
NEW YORK
4 May 1894
DEAR MOTHER
Herewith I send over $125 in a cheque upon the 5th Avenue Bank to be deposited at your leisure.
I am going to Boston on Sunday, day after tomorrow, and write to you from Boston. With my love to all the family.
I remain yours truly,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. John J. Bagley
HOTEL BELLEVUE
EUROPEAN PLAN
BOSTON
May 8, 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
I have arrived in Boston again. Last afternoon [I] spoke at Mrs. Julia Ward Howe’s club — of course for nothing, but it gives me a prestige. I saw there Mrs. [Ednah Dean] Cheney. Would you not write a letter to her for me? Although I told her I had a card from you, I think a letter is better.
Yours truly,
VIVEKANANDA
XIX
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
HOTEL BELLEVUE, EUROPEAN PLAN
BEACON STREET, BOSTON
11 May, 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
I have been since the 7th, lecturing here every afternoon or evening. At Mrs. Fairchild’s I met the niece of Mrs. Howe. She was here today to invite me to dinner with her today. I have not seen Mr. Volkinen as yet. Of course, the pay for lecture is here the poorest, and everybody has an axe to grind. I got a long letter full of the prattles of the babies. Your city, i.e. New York, pays far better than Boston, so I am trying to go back there. But here one can get work almost every day.
I think I want some rest. I feel as if I am very much tired, and these constant journeyings to and fro have shaken my nerves a little, but hope to recoup soon. Last few days I have been suffering from cold and slight fever and lecturing for all that; hope to get rid of it in a day or two.
I have got a very nice gown at $30. The colour is not exactly that of the old one, but cardinal, with more of yellow — could not get the exact old colour even in New York.
I have not much to write, for it is the repetition of the old story: talking, talking, talking. I long to fly to Chicago and shut up my mouth and give a long rest to mouth and lungs and mind. If I am not called for in New York, I am coming soon to Chicago.
Yours obediently,
VIVEKANANDA.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
HOTEL BELLEVUE EUROPEAN PLAN
BEACON STREET, BOSTON
14 May, 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
Your letter was so, so pleasing instead of being long; I enjoyed every bit of it.
I have received a letter from Mrs. Potter Palmer (Social queen of Chicago who made Swami Vivekananda’s acquaintance at the Parliament of Religions, in which she had been active. Vide Complete Works, VI.) asking me to write to some of my countrywomen about their society etc. I will see her personally when I come to Chicago; in the meanwhile I will write her all I know. Perhaps you have received $125 sent over from New York. Tomorrow I will send another $100 from here. The Bostonians want to grind their own axes!!
Oh, they are so, so dry — even girls talk dry metaphysics. Here is like our Benares where all is dry, dry metaphysics!! Nobody here understands “my Beloved”. Religion to these people is reason, and horribly stony at that. I do not care for anybody who cannot love my “Beloved”. Do not tell it to Miss Howe — she may be offended.
The pamphlet I did not send over because I do not like the quotations from the Indian newspapers — especially, they give a haul over coal to somebody. Our people so much dislike the Brâhmo Samâj that they only want an opportunity to show it to them. I dislike it. Any amount of enmity to certain persons cannot efface the good works of a life. And then they were only children in Religion. They never were much of religious men — i.e. they only wanted to talk and reason, and did not struggle to see the Beloved; and until one does that I do not say that he has any religion. He may have books, forms, doctrines, words, reasons, etc., etc., but not religion; for that begins when the soul feels the necessity, the want, the yearning after the “Beloved”, and never before. And therefore our society has no right to expect from them anything more than from an ordinary “house-holder”.
I hope to come to Chicago before the end of this month. Oh, I am so tired.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
541 DEARBORN AVENUE
CHICAGO
9 June 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
We are all doing very well here. Last night the sisters (The daughters of Mrs. Hale: Mary and Harriet.) invited me and Mrs. Norton and Miss Howe and Mr. Frank Howe. We had a grand dinner and softshell crab and many other things, and a very nice time. Miss Howe left this morning.
The sisters and Mother Temple (Mrs. James Matthews, Mr. Hale’s sister.) are taking very good care of me. Just now I am going to see my “oh-my-dear” Gandhi. Narasimha was here yesterday; he wanted to go to Cincinnati where he says he has more chances of success than anywhere else in the world. I gave him the passage, and so I hope I have got the white elephant out of my hands for the time being. How is Father Pope doing now? Hope he has been much benefited by the mudfish business.
I had a very beautiful letter from Miss Guernsey of New York, giving you her regards. I am going downtown to buy a new pair of shoes as well as to get some money, my purse having been made empty by Narasimha.
Nothing more to write. Yes, we went to see the “Charley’s Aunt”. I nearly killed myself with laughing. Father Pope will enjoy it extremely. I had never seen anything so funny.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
NEW YORK
28 June 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
Arrived safely two hours ago. Landsberg was waiting at the station. Came to Dr. Guernsey’s house. Nobody was there except a servant. I took a bath and strolled with Landsberg to some restaurant where I had a good meal. Then, I have just now returned to Landsberg’s rooms in the Theosophical Society and am writing you this letter.
I haven’t been to see my other friends yet. After a good and long rest through the night I hope to see most of them tomorrow. My Love to you all. By the by, somebody stepped on my umbrella on board the train and broke its nose off.
Your affectionate son,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS — I have not settled myself. So as to direct letters to me, they can be directed c/o Leon Landsberg, 144 Madison Ave., New York.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
C/O LEON LANDSBERG
144 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK
1 July 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
Hope you are settled down in peace by this time. The babies are doing well in Mudville (Kenosha, Wisconsin) — in their nunnery, I am sure. It is very hot here, but now and then a breeze comes up which cools it down. I am now with Miss [Mary A.] Phillips. Will move off from here on Tuesday to another place.
Here I find a quotation from a speech by Sir Monier Williams, professor of Sanskrit in the Oxford University. It is very strange as coming from one who every day expects to see the whole of India converted to Christianity. “And yet it is a remarkable characteristic of Hinduism that it neither requires nor attempts to make converts. Nor is it at present by any means decreasing in numbers, nor is it being driven out of the field by two such proselytizing religions as Mahomedanism [sic] and Christianity. On the contrary, it is at present rapidly increasing. And far more remarkable than this is that, it is all-receptive, all-embracing and all-comprehensive. It claims to be the one religion of humanity, of human nature, of the entire world. It cares not to oppose the progress of Christianity nor of any other religion. For it has no difficulty in including all other religions within its all-embracing arms and ever-widening fold. And in real fact Hinduism has something to offer which is suited to all minds. Its very strength lies in its infinite adaptability to the infinite diversity of human characters and human tendencies. It has its highly spiritual and abstract side suited to the philosophical higher classes. Its practical and concrete side suited to the man of affairs and the man of the world. Its aesthetic and ceremonial side suited to the man of poetic feeling and imagination. Its quiescent and contemplative side suited to the man of peace and lover of seclusion.
“Indeed, the Hindus were Spinozists 2,000 years before the birth of Spinoza, Darwinians centuries before the birth of Darwin, and evolutionists centuries before the doctrine of evolution had been accepted by the Huxleys of our time, and before any word like evolution existed in any language of the world.”
This, as coming from one of the staunchest defenders of Christianity, is wonderful indeed. But he seems to have got the idea quite correct.
Now I am going to send up the orange coat today; as for the books that came to me from Philadelphia, I do not think they are worthy of being sent at all. I do not know what I am going to do next. Patiently wait and resign myself unto His guidance — that is my motto. My love to you all.
Your affectionate son,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
C/O DR. E. GUERNSEY
CEDAR LAWN, FISHKILL ON THE HUDSON
19 July 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
Your kind note reached me here yesterday evening. I am so glad to hear the babies are enjoying. I got the Interior and am very glad to see my friend Mazoomdar’s (Pratap Chandra Mazumdar.) book spoken of so highly. Mazoomdar is a great and a good man and has done much for his fellow beings.
It is a lovely summer place, this Cedar Lawn of the Guernseys. Miss Guernsey has gone on a visit to Swampscott. I had also an invitation there, but I thought [it] better to stay here in the calm and silent place full of trees and with the beautiful Hudson flowing by and mountain in the background.
I am very thankful for Miss Howe’s suggestion, and I am also thinking of it. Most probably I will go to England very soon. But between you and me, I am a sort of mystic and cannot move without orders, and that has not come yet. Mr. [Charles M.] Higgins, a rich young lawyer and inventor of Brooklyn, is arranging some lectures for me. I have not settled whether I will stop for them or not.
My eternal thanks to you for your kindness. My whole life cannot repay my debt to you. (Original letter: your debt.) You may see from the letter from Madras that there is not a word about Narasimha. What can I do more? I did not get the cheque cashed yet, for there was no necessity. Miss Phillips was very kind to me. She is an old lady, about 50 or more. You need not feel any worry about my being taken care of. The Lord always takes care of His servants; and so long as I am really His servant and not the world’s, I am very confident of getting everything that would be good for me. The Guernseys love me very much, and there are many families in New York and Brooklyn who would take the best care of me.
I had a beautiful letter from Mr. Snell, saying that a sudden change for the better has taken place in his fortunes and offering me thrice the money I lent him as a contribution to my work. And he also has beautiful letters from Dharmapala and others from India. But, of course, I politely refused his repayment.
So far so good. I have seen Mr. [Walter Hines] Page, the editor of the Forum here. He was so sorry not to get the article on missionaries. But I have promised to write on other interesting subjects. Hope I will have patience to do so.
I had a letter yesterday from Miss Harriet, (Mrs. Hale’s daughter.) from which I learn that they are enjoying Kenosha (A port in southwest Wisconsin, on Lake Michigan.) very much. Lord bless you and yours, Mother Church, for ever and ever. I cannot even express my gratitude to you.
As for me, you need not be troubled in the least. My whole life is that of a vagabond — homeless, roving tramp; any fare, good or bad, in any country, is good enough for me.
Yours ever in love and obedience,
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
SWAMPSCOTT, MASSACHUSETTS
23 July 1894
DEAR MOTHER
I think I have all your questions answered and you are in good humour again.
I am enjoying this place very much; going to Greenacre today or tomorrow and on our way back I intend to go to Annisquam, to Mrs. Bagley’s — I have written to her. Mrs. Breed (Mrs. Francis W. Breed of Lynn, Massachusetts.) says, “You are very sensitive”.
Now, I fortunately did not cash your check in New York. I wanted to cash it here, when lo! you have not signed your name to it. The Hindu is a dreamer no doubt, but when the Christian dreams he dreams with a vengeance.
Do not be distressed. Somebody gave me plenty of money to move about. I would be taken care of right along. I send herewith the cheque back to you. I had a very beautiful letter from Miss Mary. My love to them.
What is Father Pope doing? Is it very hot in Chicago? I do not care for the heat of this country. It is nothing compared to our India heat. I am doing splendidly. The other day I had the summer cholera; and cramp, etc. came to pay their calls to me. We had several hours nice talk and groans and then they departed.
I am on the whole doing very well. Has the meerschaum pipe reached Chicago? I had nice yachting, nice sea bathing, and am enjoying myself like a duck. Miss Guernsey went home just now. I do not know what more to write.
Lord bless you all.
Affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
GREENACRE INN
ELIOT, MAINE
5 August 1894
DEAR MOTHER
I have received your letter and am very much ashamed at my bad memory. I unfortunately forgot all about the cheque. Perhaps you have come to know by this time of my being in Greenacre. I had a very nice time here and am enjoying it immensely. In the fall I am going to lecture in Brooklyn, New York. Yesterday I got news that they have completed all the advertising there. I have an invitation today from a friend in New York to go with him to some mountains north of this state of Maine. I do not know whether I will go or not. I am doing pretty well. Between lecturing, teaching, picnicking and other excitements the time is flying rapidly. I hope you are doing very well and that Father Pope is in good trim. It is a very beautiful spot — this Greenacre — and [I] have very nice company from Boston: Dr. Everett Hale, you know, of Boston, and Mrs. Ole Bull, of Cambridge. I do not know whether I will accept the invitation of my friend of New York or not.
So far only this is sure, that I will go to lecture in New York this coming fall. And Boston, of course, is a good field. The people here are mostly from Boston and they all like me very much. Are you having a good time, and Father Pope? Has your house-painting been finished? The Babies, I am sure, are enjoying their Mudville.
I am in no difficulty for money. I have plenty to eat and drink.
With my best love and gratitude to you and Father Pope and the Babies.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
Excuse this hasty scrawl. The pen is very bad.
V.
The Harrison people sent me two “nasty standing” photos — that is all I have out of them, when they ought to give me 40 minus the 10 or 15 I have got already!!!
V.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
GREENACRE INN
ELIOT, MAINE
8 August 1894
DEAR MOTHER
I have received the letter you sent over to me coming from India.
I am going to leave this place on Monday next for Plymouth [Massachusetts], where the Free Religious Association is holding its session. They will defray my expenses, of course.
I am all right, enjoying nice health, and the people here are very kind and nice to me. Up to date I had no occasion to cash any cheque as everything is going on smoothly. I have not heard anything from the Babies. Hope they are doing well. You also had nothing to write; however, I feel that you are doing well.
I would have gone over to another place, but Mr. Higginson’s invitation ought to be attended to. And Plymouth is the place where the fathers of your country first landed. I want, therefore, to see it.
I am all right. It is useless reiterating my love and gratitude to you and yours — you know it all. May the Lord shower His choicest blessings on you and yours.
This meeting is composed of the best professors of your country and other people, so I must attend it; and then they would pay me. I have not yet determined all my plans, only I am going to lecture in New York this coming fall; every arrangement is complete for that. They have printed advertisements at their own expense for that and made everything ready.
Give my best love to the Babies, to Father Pope, and believe me ever in gratitude and love,
Your Son,
VIVEKANANDA.
P.S. I am very much obliged to the sisters for asking me to tell them if I want anything. I have no want anyway — I have everything I require and more to spare.
“He never gives up His servants.”
My thanks and gratitude eternal to the sisters for their kindness in asking about my wants.
V.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
C/O MRS. J. J. BAGLEY, ANNISQUAM
20 August 1894
DEAR MOTHER
Your letters just now reached me. I had some beautiful letters from India. The letter from Ajit Singh (The Raja of Khetri, a very devoted disciple of the Swami.) shows that the phonograph has not reached yet, and it was dated 8th June. So I do not think it is time yet to get an answer. I am not astonished at my friends’ asking Cook & Sons to hunt for me; I have not written for a long time.
I have a letter from Madras which says they will soon send money to Narasimha (Narasimhacharya. Vide the letter dated February 14, 1894.) — in fact, as soon as they get a reply to their letter written to Narasimha. So kindly let Narasimha know it. The photographs have not reached me — except two of Fishkill when I was there last. Landsberg (Leon Landsberg. Vide the letter dated June 28, 1894.) has kindly sent over the letters. From here I will probably go over to Fishkill. The meerschaum was not sent over by me direct, but I left it to the Guernseys. And they are a lazy family in that respect.
I have beautiful letters from the sisters.
By the by, your missionaries try to make me a malcontent before the English government in India, and the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal in a recent speech hinted that the recent revival of Hinduism was against the government. Lord bless the missionary. Everything is fair in love and (religion?).
The word Shri means “of good fortune”, “blessed”, etc. Paramahamsa is a title for a Sannyâsi who has reached the goal, i.e. realized God. Neither am I blessed nor have I reached the goal; but they are courteous, that is all. I will soon write to my brothers in India. I am so lazy, and I cannot send over the newspaper nonsense day after day.
I want a little quiet, but it is not the will of the Lord, it seems. At Greenacre I had to talk on an average 7 to 8 hours a day — that was rest, if it ever was. But it was of the Lord, and that brings vigour along with it.
I have not much to write, and I do not remember anything of what I said or did all these places over. So I hope to be excused.
I will be here a few days more at least, and therefore I think it would be better to send over my mail here.
I have now almost become dizzy through the perusal of a heavy and big mail, so excuse my hasty scrawl.
Ever affectionately yours,
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
ANNISQUAM
23 August 1894
DEAR MOTHER
The photographs reached safely yesterday. I cannot tell exactly whether Harrison ought to give me more or not. They had sent only two to me at Fishkill — not the pose I ordered, though.
Narasimha has perhaps got his passage by this time. He will get it soon, whether his family gives him the money or not. I have written to my friends in Madras to look to it, and they write me they will.
I would be very glad if he becomes a Christian or Mohammedan or any religion that suits him; but I am afraid for some time to come none will suit our friend. Only if he becomes a Christian he will have a chance to marry again, even in India — the Christians there permitting it. I am so sorry to learn that it is the “bondage of heathen India” that, after all, was the cause of all this mischief. We learn as we live. So we were all this time ignorantly and blindly blaming our much suffering, persecuted, saintly friend Narasimha, while all the fault was really owing to the “bondage of heathen India”!!!!
But to give the devil his due, this heathen India has been supplying him with money to go on a spree again and again. And this time too “heathen India” will [take] or already has taken our “enlightened” and persecuted friend from out of his present scrape, and not “Christian America”!! Mrs. Smith’s plan is not bad after all — to turn Narasimha into a missionary of Christ. But unfortunately for the world, many and many a time the flag of Christ has been entrusted to such hands. But I would beg to add that he will then be only a missionary of Smithian American Christianity, not Christ’s. Arrant humbug! That thing to preach Lord Jesus!!! Is He in want of men to uphold His banner? Pooh! the very idea is revolting. Do good to India indeed! Thank your charity and call back your dog — as the tramp said. Keep such good workers for America. The Hindus will have a quarantine against all such [outcasting] to protect their society. I heartily advise Narasimha to become a Christian — I beg your pardon, a convert to Americanism — because I am sure such a jewel is unsaleable in poor India. He is welcome to anything that will fetch a price. I know the gentleman whom you name perfectly well, and you may give him any information about me you like. I do not care for sending scraps and getting a boom for me. And these friends from India bother me enough for newspaper nonsense. They are very devoted, faithful and holy friends. I have not much of these scraps now. After a long search I found a bit in a Boston Transcript. I send it over to you. This public life is such a botheration. I am nearly daft.
Where to fly? In India I have become horribly public — crowds will follow me and take my life out. I got an Indian letter from Landsberg. Every ounce of fame can only be bought at the cost of a pound of peace and holiness. I never thought of that before. I have become entirely disgusted with this blazoning. I am disgusted with myself. Lord will show me the way to peace and purity. Why, Mother, I confess to you: no man can live in an atmosphere of public life, even in religion, without the devil of competition now and then thrusting his head into the serenity of his heart. Those who are trained to preach a doctrine never feel it, for they never knew religion. But those that are after God, and not after the world, feel at once that every bit of name and fame is at the cost of their purity. It is so much gone from that ideal of perfect unselfishness, perfect disregard of gain or name or fame. Lord help me. Pray for me, Mother. I am very much disgusted with myself. Oh, why the world be so that one cannot do anything without putting himself to the front; why cannot one act hidden and unseen and unnoticed? The world has not gone one step beyond idolatry yet. They cannot act from ideas, they cannot be led by ideas. But they want the person, the man. And any man that wants to do something must pay the penalty — no hope. This nonsense of the world. Shiva, Shiva, Shiva.
By the by, I have got such a beautiful edition of Thomas à Kempis. How I love that old monk. He caught a wonderful glimpse of the “behind the veil” — few ever got such. My, that is religion. No humbug of the world. No shilly-shallying, tall talk, conjecture — I presume, I believe, I think. How I would like to go out of this piece of painted humbug they call the beautiful world with Thomas à Kempis — beyond, beyond, which can only be felt, never expressed.
That is religion. Mother, there is God. There all the saints, prophets and incarnations meet. Beyond the Babel of Bibles and Vedas, creeds and crafts, dupes and doctrines — where is all light, all love, where the miasma of this earth can never reach. Ah! who will take me thither? Do you sympathize with me, Mother? My soul is groaning now under the hundred sorts of bondage I am placing on it. Whose India? Who cares? Everything is His. What are we? Is He dead? Is He sleeping? He, without whose command a leaf does not fall, a heart does not beat, who is nearer to me than my own self. It is bosh and nonsense — to do good or do bad or do fuzz. We do nothing. We are not. The world is not. He is, He is. Only He is. None else is. He is.
Om, the one without a second. He in me, I in Him. I am like a bit of glass in an ocean of light. I am not, I am not. He is, He is, He is.
Om, the one without a second.
Yours ever affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
ANNISQUAM
DATE DO NOT KNOW
[Postmarked: August 28, 1894]
DEAR MOTHER
I have been for three days at Magnolia. Magnolia is one of the most fashionable and beautiful seaside resorts of this part. I think the scenery is better than that of Annisquam. The rocks there are very beautiful, and the forests run down to the very edge of the water. There is a very beautiful pine forest. A lady of Chicago and her daughter, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Sawyer, were the friends that invited me up there. They had also arranged a lecture for me, out of which I got $43. I met a good many Boston people — Mrs. Smith Junior, who said she knows Harriet, and Mrs. Smith the elder, [who] knows you well.
In Boston the other day I met a Unitarian clergyman who said he lives next to you in Chicago. I have unfortunately forgotten his name. Mrs. Smith is a very nice lady and treated me with all courtesy. Mrs. Bagley is kind as ever, and I will have to remain here a few days more, I am afraid. Prof. Wright and I are having a good time. Prof. Bradley of Evanston has gone home. If you ever meet him at Evanston, give him my best love and regards. He is really a spiritual man.
I do not find anything more to write.
Some unknown friend has sent me from New York a fountain pen. So I am writing with it to test it. It is working very smoothly and nicely as you can judge from the writing. Perhaps Narasimha’s difficulties have been settled by this time, and “heathen India” has helped him out yet, I hope.
What is Father Pope doing? What the Babies are doing and where are they? What news of our Sam? Hope he is prospering. Kindly give him my best love. Where is Mother Temple now?
Well, after all, I could fill up two pages. Yes, there was a Miss Barn (?) who said she met me at your house. She is a young lady of Chicago.
Magnolia is a good bathing place and I had two baths in the sea. A large concourse of men and women go to bathe there every day — the most part men. And strange, women do not give up their coat of mail even while bathing. That is how these mailclad she-warriors of America have got the superiority over men.
Our Sanskrit poets lavish all the power of expression they have upon the soft body of women — the Sanskrit word for women is “Komala”, the soft body; but the mailclad ones of this country are “armadillas”, I think. You cannot imagine how ludicrous it appears to a foreigner who never saw it before. Shiva, Shiva.
Now Narasimha’s Mrs. Smith does not torture you anymore with letters, I hope. Did I tell you I met your friend Mrs. H. O. Quarry at Swampscott? — she can swamp a house for all that, not to speak of a cott — and that I met there the woman that pulls by the nose Mr. Pullman? And I also heard there the best American singer, (Miss Emma Thursby.) they said — she sang beautifully; she sang “Bye Baby Bye”. I am having a very, very good time all the time, Lord be praised.
I have written to India not to bother me with constant letters. Why, when I am travelling in India nobody writes to me. Why should they spend all their superfluous energy in scrawling letters to me in America? My whole life is to be that of a wanderer — here or there or anywhere. I am in no hurry. I had a foolish plan in my head unworthy of a Sannyasin. I have given it up now and mean to take life easy. No indecent hurry. Don’t you see, Mother Church? You must always remember, Mother Church, that I cannot settle down even at the North Pole, that wander about I must — that is my vow, my religion. So India or North Pole or South Pole — don’t care where. Last two years I have been travelling among races whose language even I cannot speak. “I have neither father nor mother nor brothers nor sisters nor friends nor foes, nor home nor country — a traveller in the way of eternity, asking no other help, seeking no other help but God.”
Yours ever affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
[GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS]
4 September 1894
DEAR MOTHER
The bundle was the report of the meeting. Hope you will succeed in publishing some in the Chicago papers.
Here is a letter from Dewanji to you which will explain his sending a pamphlet to Mr. Hale. The rugs are coming. When they come, take them in, even paying the duty if any. I will pay it to you afterwards. I have plenty of money, more than $150 in pocket. Will get more tonight. Here are some newspaper clippings, and an Indian Mirror I will send later on. Some have been sent to Mr. Barrows; don’t hope he will give them publicity. Now for your Mrs. Bartlett.
I am in haste. [Will] write more with the clippings. Write to me always, kind Mother — I become very anxious when I do not hear from you. Write, whether I reply sharp or not.
Your son,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
ANNISQUAM
5 September 1894
DEAR MOTHER
The news of the arrival of the phonograph from Khetri has not come yet. But I am not anxious, because I just now got another letter from India wherein there is no mention of the photographs I sent, showing that parcels reach later than letters.
Herewith I send you an autograph letter of H.H. the Maharaja of Mysore, the chief Hindu king in India. You may see on the map [that] his territory occupies a very large portion of southern India.
I am very glad that he is slowly being gained over to my side. If he wills, he can set all my plans to work in five days. He has an income of $150 million dollars; think of that.
May Jagadamba [the Mother of the Universe] turn his mind towards the good work. He says he quite appreciates my good words — they were about my plans for educating the poor. Hope he will soon show it in material shape.
My love to all. Why the babies do not prattle?
Your son,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
HOTEL BELLEVUE, EUROPEAN PLAN
BEACON STREET, BOSTON
12 September 1894
DEAR MOTHER
I hope you will immediately send me over the little scrap from the Indian Mirror about my Detroit lectures which I sent you.
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
HOTEL BELLEVUE
BEACON STREET, BOSTON
13 September 1894
DEAR MOTHER
Your very kind note came just now. I was suffering for the last few days from cold and fever. I am all right now. I am glad all the papers reached you safe. The newspaper clippings are with Mrs. Bagley; only a copy has been sent over to you. By the by, Mrs. Bagley becomes jealous if I send away everything to you. That is between you and me. The Indian Mirror is with Prof. Wright, and he will send it over to you. There is yet no news of the phonograph. Wait one week more and then we will enquire. If you see a letter with the Khetri stamp, then surely the news is coming. I do not smoke one third as much as I used to when Father Pope’s eternal box was ready and open day and night. Haridasbhai is to be addressed as Shri only. On the envelope, Dewan Bahadoor ought to be written, as that is a title. Perhaps the note from the Maharaja of Mysore has reached you by this time.
I will remain a few days yet in Boston and the vicinity. The bank book is in the bank. We did not take it out, but the cheque book is with me. I am going to write out my thoughts on religion; in that, no missionaries have any place. I am going to lecture in New York in autumn, but I like teaching small circles better, and there will be enough of that in Boston.
The rugs I wanted to be sent from India; and they will come from Punjab, where the best rugs are made.
I had a beautiful letter from Sister Mary. (Mary Hale.)
Narasimha must have got money or passage by this time, and his people have taken care to send him Thomas Cook’s passage from place to place. I think he is gone now.
I do not think the Lord will allow his servant to be inflated with vanity at the appreciation of his countrymen. I am glad that they appreciate me — not for my sake, but that I am firmly persuaded that a man is never improved by abuse but by praise, and so with nations. Think how much of abuse has been quite unnecessarily hurled at the head of my devoted, poor country, and for what? They never injured the Christians or their religion or their preachers. They have always been friendly to all. So you see, Mother, every good word a foreign nation says to them has such an amount of power for good in India. The American appreciation of my humble work here has really done a good deal of benefit to them. Send a good word, a good thought — at least to the down-trodden, vilified, poor millions of India instead of abusing them day and night. That is what I beg of every nation. Help them if you can; if you cannot, at least cease from abusing them.
I did not see any impropriety in the bathing places at the seashore, but only vanity in some: in those that went into water with their corsets on, that was all.
I have not got any copy of the Inter-Ocean yet. (A leading Chicago newspaper.)
With my love to Father Pope, babies, and to you, I remain
Your obedient son,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
HOTEL BELLEVUE
BEACON STREET , BOSTON
19 September 1894
DEAR MOTHER
The huge packet received. It was a few pamphlets sent over to me from my monastery in Calcutta. No news at all about the phonograph. I think it is high time we make them inquire into it.
The two volumes of Todd’s [Tod’s] history of Rajasthan have been presented to me by Mrs. Potter Palmer. I have asked her to send it over to your care. The babies will like reading it very much, and after they finish I will send it over with my Sanskrit books to Calcutta.
I did not ask you to send me the typewritten news clippings at all, but a little slip I sent over some time ago from the Indian Mirror. Perhaps it did not reach you at all. You need not send the typewritten thing at all.
I do not require any clothes here; there are plenty of them. I am taking good care of my cuffs and collars, etc.
I have more clothes than are necessary. Very soon I will have to disburse myself of half of them at least.
I will write to you before I go to India. I am not flying off without giving you due intimation.
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. — My love to Babies and Father Pope.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
HOTEL BELLEVUE
BEACON STREET, BOSTON
24 September 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
I have not heard from you a long while. I am still in Boston and will be a few days more.
I am afraid the phonograph has not reached India at all, or something is the matter with it. Kindly ask Mr. —— to inquire. The receipt is with you on which they will enquire.
Ever affectionately yours,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
HOTEL BELLEVUE
BEACON STREET, BOSTON
27 September 1894
DEAR MOTHER
The bundles all came safely. One was newspapers from India. The other was the short sketch of my Master published by Mr. Mazumdar long ago. In the latter bundle there are two sextos or pamphlets. One, my Master’s sketch; the other, a short extract to show how what Mr. [Keshab] Chandra Sen and [Pratap Chandra] Mazumdar preached as their “New Dispensation” was stolen from my Master’s life. The latter therefore you need not distribute, but I hope you will distribute my Master’s life to many good people.
I beg you to send some to Mrs. Guernsey, Fishkill on the Hudson, N.Y.; Mrs. Arthur Smith and Mrs. [Miss Mary A.] Phillips, 19 West 38th Street, New York (both); to Mrs. Bagley, Annisquam, Mass.; and Prof. J. Wright, Professor of Greek, Harvard, Mass.
The newspapers — you may do whatever you like, and I hope you will send any newspaper scrap you get about me to India.
Yours etc.,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
C/O MRS. OLE BULL
168 BRATTLE STREET
CAMBRIDGE, MASS.
5 October 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
I have not heard from you for long. Have you received the huge packages I sent over to you? Have you heard anything about the phonograph from the express office?
I will be with Mrs. Ole Bull a few days, and then I go to New York to Mrs. Guernsey’s.
Yours ever affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
C/O MRS. OLE BULL
RIVERVIEW, 168 BRATTLE STREET
CAMBRIDGE, MASS.
[Postmarked: Oct. 10, 1894, 4:30 a.m.]
DEAR MOTHER,
Received two letters from you and a large number from India but none from Khetri.
I am sorry the sisters have got bad colds and more sorry for your getting worried over it. Nothing can make a Christian worry. I hope Narasimha will be a good boy this time forth. Sister Mary is coming to Boston — good. I am going off from here tomorrow to Baltimore. I had enough to pay all my expenses here; and since I am living with Mrs. Bull, there is no expense. She is a rich and highly cultured lady. She has given me $500 for my work or anything I like. As I am not going west very soon, I will have a bank account here in Boston. From Philadelphia I go to Washington, and then I will run between New York and Boston. So I do not think I will be able to see you, except perhaps Sister Mary. I want so very much that Mary will see Mrs. Bull and others of my friends here. I have the fat of the land as usual, and my dinner is cooking very well both here and in India. Do not make it public, Mother — that is between you and me and the babies — and do not worry yourself about anything. All things come to him that waits. I am going to send the greater part of the money I have got to India and then money will come faster. I have always found that the faster I spend, the faster it comes. Nature abhors a vacuum. I am in very good spirits, only you must not stop keeping me informed about yourself, Babies and Father Pope from time to time.
Perhaps you remember the two letters that came from Mysore — I want one of those envelopes with the Mysore King’s seal on the outside to be sent to Miss Phillips, 19 West 38th Street, New York.
I cannot go to New York now nor to Chicago, although I had a number of invitations and offers from both the places. I must see now the capital and the other cities. I am in His Hands. If Miss Mary be in Boston, sometime I may hope to see her.
I am glad that Narasimha was never fast — hope he will never be.
From India they always write me to come, come, come. They do not know the secret. I am acting more from here than I will ever do from there.
Kindly send my letters to this address and they will reach me safe wherever I be. This will be one of my homes when I am in Boston.
Lord bless you all, dear Mother.
Yours ever affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. Ole Bull
1123 SAINT PAUL STREET, BALTIMORE,
17 October 1894.
DEAR MRS. BULL,
I could not find time earlier to write you — I was so incessantly knocking about. We had a nice meeting last Sunday at Baltimore and [are] going to have one more next Sunday. Of course, they do not financially help me a bit; but as I promised to help them and like the idea, I speak for them.
In the letters you sent over from India was an address sent over to me from Calcutta by my fellow citizens for my work here and a number of newspaper cuttings. I will send them on to you later.
Yesterday I went to see Washington and met Mrs. Colville and Miss Young, who were very kind to me.
I am going to speak at Washington again and then will go over to Philadelphia and from there to New York.
Your affectionate Son,
VIVEKANANDA.
To Miss Emma Thursby
[WASHINGTON, D.C.
26 October 1894]
DEAR MISS THURSBY,
I received your kind note and the introductory letters. I will make it a point to see the ladies and hope to be benefitted much by it.
I had a beautiful letter from Mr. Flagg. I am soon coming to N.Y. where I hope to see you.
With my deepest love and gratitude,
I remain yours faithfully,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
[WASHINGTON, D.C.
October 27, 1894]
DEAR MOTHER,
I received your very kind note and all the India letters just now. I will make it a point to see Mrs. Whitland [?]. I have been very kindly treated by Mrs. [Enoch] Totten.
Will you kindly order 100 photographs from Harrison, and send them over to India to Ramdayal Chakravarty, c/o Swami Ramakrishnananda, Varahanagar Math, Alambazar, Calcutta? I will pay for it when I come to Chicago.
I have nothing especial to write — except I had good treatment everywhere. How I long to give up this life of weariness and blazoning day and night.
I will go from here to New York and will come back to see you in Chicago before I start for England.
Yours etc.,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
BALTIMORE, [MARYLAND]
3 November 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
I do not know what to say about this phonograph business. It takes six months to go to India!! and the company cannot get an inquiry in another six months!!! American express, indeed!! Well — however, they are bound to make good my money. Mother, do not lose the receipt of the express company.
I am going to New York as soon as possible.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
NEW YORK
18 November 1894
DEAR MOTHER
I have been very late this time in writing you as Sister Mary has already written to you, no doubt, about me.
The clothes have all reached safe, only I will send over some of the summer and other clothes as it will be impossible to carry the burden all along with me.
The certainty about going to Europe this December has gone; so I am uncertain when I go.
Sister Mary has improved a great deal from what I saw her last. She lives with a number of fox-hunting squires and is quite happy. I hope she will marry one of those fellows with long pockets. I am going again to see her tomorrow at Mrs. Spalding’s — I was there last afternoon. I will be in N.Y. this month; then I go to Boston and perhaps will be there all through December. When I was sick in Boston last spring, I went over to Chicago, and not to Detroit as Mrs. Bagley expected. So this time I am going to Detroit first and then to Chicago, if possible. Else I altogether give up the plan of going to the West soon.
There is more chance of working my plans out in the East than in the West, as it now appears.
I have got news of the phonograph — it has reached safe, and the Râjâ wrote to me a very nice letter on that. I have a lot of addresses and other nonsense from India. I have written home to them not to send any more newspapers. My love to the babies at home and I am going to visit the baby abroad.
Mrs. Guernsey has been at death’s door. She is now recovering slowly. I have not seen her yet. She is not strong enough to see anybody. Hope she will soon be strong.
My love to Father Pope and everyone.
Your ever affectionate son,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
C/O MRS. OLE BULL
168 BRATTLE STREET
CAMBRIDGE, MASS.
6 December 1894
DEAR MOTHER
I have not heard long from you. What is the matter with you? I am here in Cambridge and will be here for three weeks to come and will have to lecture and hold classes. Here is a Chicago lady, Mrs. [Milward] Adams, who lectures on tone building etc.
Today we had a lecture from Lady Henry Somerset on Woman Suffrage. Miss Willard of Chicago was here and Julia Ward Howe.
Col. Higginson, Dr. [J. Estlin] Carpenter of Eng. and many other friends were present. Altogether it was a grand affair. I have received a letter from India informing me that the phonograph was duly received.
I have sent part of my money to India and intend sending nearly the whole of it very soon. Only, I will keep enough for the passage back. Saw Mother Temple several times in New York. She was kind as usual. So was Mrs. Spalding.
Sister Mary wrote me a letter from Brookline [Massachusetts]. I am sure she would have enjoyed Lady Somerset’s lecture so much. I wrote her about it, but I have not heard from her yet.
I will go to see her the first day I get some time. I am very busy. Hope the sisters at home are enjoying themselves. I will try to run into Chicago for a few days if I can.
Please write me all about the holy family as soon as you get time.
Mrs. Guernsey was very ill and still so weak that she cannot get out of her room.
Miss Helen Bagley was seized with diphtheria in New York and suffered a good deal. She has recovered, however, and the Bagleys have gone home to Detroit.
With my Love to you all, I remain,
Ever yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. — Kindly send my India mail c/o Mrs. Sara Ole Bull, 168 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Mass.
V.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
[CAMBRIDGE , MASS.
21 December 1894]
DEAR MOTHER,
I am glad that Haridas Viharidas (The Dewan of Junagadh.) has sent the rugs. I am afraid they will take a long time to reach here. The Raja (Maharaja Ajit Singh, the Raja of Khetri.) was very much pleased with the phonograph, as he writes, and has heard my voice several times. Hope he will bring it into life.
I have not seen Sister Mary yet, but hope to see her this week as I am going away to New York next Tuesday. Cannot come by any means to Chicago now, for I expect to go to Washington from New York and hope to be pretty busy in New York.
If I can snatch up a few days between the lecture in Brooklyn on the 30th and the next series in New York, I will fly to Chicago for a few days. If I had time just now, it would have been better for me, for the half — fare ticket will expire after this month.
I have been kept very busy here this month so could not go to Boston even for a day. Now I have time and hope to see Sister Mary.
How are the babies at home? Mrs. M. Adams of Chicago, who lectures on voice building and walking etc., has been lecturing here all this time. She is a very great lady in every respect and so intelligent. She knows all of you and likes the “Hale girls” very much. Sister Isabel[le] knows her especially, I think.
Do not you see, Mother — I am determined to work my project out. I must see the light. India can cheer alone — but no money. In the East and South I am getting slowly friends who will help me in my work, I am sure, as they have done already. They all like me more and more.
I have made friends of Lady Somerset and Miss Willard, you will be glad to know. So you see, Mother, you are the only attraction in Chicago; and so long I am in this country, wherever you live is my home. As soon as I have time I will run in to see you and the sisters. But I have no other hopes in the West; nor will you advise me to destroy the only hope I have of success in these parts of the country by giving it up and going to Chicago to be idle as the day is long.
Mrs. Bull and a few other ladies here who are helping me on are not only sincere and love me but they have the power to do as leaders of society. Would that you had millions.
With my love to you all,
Your ever affectionate Son,
VIVEKANANDA
To Miss Emma Thursby
CHICAGO
541 DEARBORN AVENUE
17 January 1895
DEAR MISS THURSBY,
I am very sorry to learn about the passing on of Mr. Thorp. Mrs. Bull must have felt it deeply. Still he has passed on after a good and useful life. All is for the best.
I have been lecturing every day to a class in Mrs. Adams’s rooms at the Auditorium. Today I also lecture there and in the Evening to a class of Miss Josephine Locke’s at the Plaza Hotel.
Have you seen Mrs. Peake in New York? She is lecturing to a class at Mrs. Guernsey’s.
Miss Locke is as kind as usual. She is enamoured of Mrs. Peake as are many of Miss Locke’s friends, you will be glad to learn.
Mrs. Peake has made a very favourable impression on Chicago. So she does wherever she goes.
Mrs. Adams invited me to an organ concert in the Auditorium. She is so good and kind to me. Lord bless her.
I have not seen Mr. Young, nor, I am afraid, [will] I have time to see [him,] as I start for New York on Friday next.
I will hear him once in New York.
I was so busy here these two weeks.
I have got a new scarlet coat but can get no orange here.
Ever with blessings,
Your brother,
VIVEKANANDA
XLVIII
To Professor John H. Wright
54 W. 33 STREET
NEW YORK
1 February 1895
DEAR ADHYAPAKJI,
You must be immersed in your work now; however, taking advantage of your kindness to me, I want to bother you a little.
What was the original Greek idea of the soul, both philosophical and popular? What books can I consult (Translations, of course) to get it?
So with the Egyptians and Babylonians and Jews?
Will you kindly name me the books? I am sure you are perfectly well and so are Mrs. Wright and the children.
Ever gratefully and fraternally,
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
54 W. 33., NEW YORK
18 March [February] 1895
DEAR MOTHER,
I am sure you are all right by this time. The babies write from time to time and so I get your news regularly. Miss Mary is in a lecturing mood now — good for her. Hope she will not let her energies fritter away now — a penny saved is a penny gained. Sister Isabel[le] has sent me the French Books and the Calcutta pamphlets have arrived, but the big Sanskrit books ought to come. I want them badly. Make them payable here, if possible, or I will send you the postage.
I am doing very well. Only some of these big dinners kept me late, and I returned home at 2 o’clock in the morning several days. Tonight I am going to one of these. This will be the last of its kind. So much keeping up the night is not good for me. Every day from 11 to 1 o’clock I have classes in my rooms and I talk [to] them till they [grow] tired. The Brooklyn course ended yesterday. Another lecture I have there next Monday.
Bean soup and rice or barley is now my general diet. I am faring well. Financially I am making the ends meet and nothing more because I do not charge anything for the classes I have in my rooms. And the public lectures have to go through so many hands.
I have a good many lectures planned ahead in New York, which I hope to deliver by and by. Sister Isabel wrote to me a beautiful letter and she does so much for me. My eternal gratitude to her.
Baby has stopped writing; I do not know why.
Kindly tell Baby to send me a little Sanskrit book which came from India. I forgot to bring it over. I want to translate some passages from it.
Mr. [Charles M.] Higgins is full of joy. It was he who planned all this for me, and he is so glad that everything succeeded so well.
Mrs. Guernsey is going to give up this house and going to some other house. Miss [Florence] Guernsey wants to marry but her father and mother do not like it at all. I am very sorry for her, poor “Sister Jenny” — and so many men are after her. Here is a very rich railway gentleman called Mr. [Austin] Corbin; his only daughter, Miss [Anna] Corbin, is very much interested in me. And though she is one of the leaders of the 400, she is very intellectual and spiritual too, in a way. Their house is always chock full of swells and foreign aristocracy. Princes and Barons and whatnot from all over the world. Some of these foreigners are very bright. I am sorry your home-manufactured aristocracy is not very interesting. Behind her parlor she has a long arbour with all sorts of palms and seats and electric light. There I will have a little class next week of a score of long-pockets. The Fun is not bad. “This world is a great humbug after all”, Mother. “God alone is real; everything else is a dream only.” Mother Temple says she does not like to be bossed by you and that is why she does not come to Chicago. She is very happy nearby. Between swells and Delmonico and Waldorf dinners, my health was going to be injured. So I quickly turned a thorough vegetarian to avoid all invitations. The rich are really the salt of this world — they are neither food nor drink. Goodbye for the present.
Your ever affectionate Son,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
54 W. 33RD ST., NEW YORK
11 March 1895
DEAR MOTHER,
Many thanks for your kind letter. I will be only too glad to have an orange coat, provided it be light as summer is approaching.
I do not remember whether the Cook’s letters of credit I have are limited as to their time or not. It is high time we look into them. If they are limited, don’t you think it is better to put them in some bank? I have about a thousand dollars in the Boston bank and a few hundred in the New York — they all go to India by this week or next. So it is better that I look into the Cook’s letters, and it will be foolish to get into trouble by having them past the date.
There are a few more Sanskrit books which have not been sent — one pretty thick and broad, the other two very thin. Kindly send them as soon as you can.
Mrs. [Milward] Adams, Mrs. [Ole] Bull, and Miss Emma Thursby are gone to Chicago today.
With eternal love to the babies and to you and Father Pope.
I remain ever your affectionate Son,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
[54 W. 33RD ST., NEW YORK]
14 March 1895
DEAR MOTHER,
The last letter you sent over is a notice from the Chicago post office of a parcel received by them. I think it is some books sent to me from India. The rugs cannot come through the post office (?) I do not know what to do. I send you therefore back this notice, and if they deliver it to you, all right — else I hope you will ask them to send it over to New York and kindly give them my address.
Yours obediently,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
[NEW YORK
April 25, 1895]
DEAR MOTHER,
I was away a long time in the country. Came back day before yesterday.
I think the summer coat is in Chicago. If so, will you kindly send it over c/o Miss Phillips, 19 W. 38 Str., New York? It is getting hot here every day.
I will remain in New York till the end of May, at least.
Hoping you are all in perfect health. I remain yours truly,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
54 W. 33.
NEW YORK
[April 26, 1895]
DEAR MOTHER,
Perhaps you did not receive my letter asking you to send the Calcutta pamphlets about the Paramahamsa Ramakrishna. Kindly send them to me at 54 W. 33, and also the pamphlets about the Calcutta meeting if you have any. Also the summer coat to the care of Miss Phillips, 19 W. 38.
As I do not see any probability of my going soon to Chicago, I am thinking of drawing all my money from the Chicago bank to New York. Will you kindly ascertain the exact total amount I have in Chicago so that I may draw it out at once and deposit it in some New York bank?
Kindly do these and I will bother you no more. I have written to India long ago about the rugs. I do not know whether Dewanji is alive or dead. I have no information.
I am all right and will be more than a month yet in New York. After that I am going to the Thousand Islands — wherever that place may be — for a little summer quiet and rest. Mrs. Bagley has been down here to see me and attended several of my classes.
The classes are going on with a boom; almost every day I have one, and they are packed full. But no “money” — except they maintain themselves. I charge no fees, except as the members contribute to the rent etc. voluntarily.
It is mostly probable that I will go away this summer.
With my love to all,
Ever gratefully yours,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
54 W. 33 NEW YORK
The 1st of May 1895
DEAR MOTHER,
Many, many thanks for sending the coat. Now I am well equipped for summer. I am so sorry the rugs could not come before I leave this country. They will come if Dewanji is alive.
I have been out of town a few days and have now come back all right — healthy as ever.
Lord bless you ever and ever for your untiring kindness to me.
Ever your grateful Son,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. The History of Rajasthan I present you, and the satchel to the babies. Yours,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mr. Francis H. Leggett
54 W. 33RD ST.
NEW YORK
THE 4TH MAY ’95
DEAR FRIEND,
Many thanks for your kind present. The cigars are indeed delicious — and a hundred times so, as coming from you.
With everlasting love and regards,
I remain yours truly,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
54 W. 33
NEW YORK
16th May ’95
DEAR MOTHER,
Your kind note duly reached. The books have arrived safe and more are coming. The Sanskrit books pay no duty, being classics. I expect a big package from Khetri. The big packet was from the Raja of Khetri, sending me an address from a meeting held of Rajput nobility at Mount Abu, for my work in this country.
I do not know whether I will be able to come over to Chicago or not. I am trying to get a free pass; in case I succeed I will come, else not. Financially this winter’s work was no success at all — I could barely keep myself up — but spiritually very great. I am going to the Thousand Islands for the summer to visit a friend and some of my pupils will be there.
I have got plenty of books now to read from India, and I will be quite engaged this summer.
The Khetri package will not arrive soon, so kindly make arrangements that it will be received during your absence if you go away. [There] will have to be paid a heavy duty for [it,] I am afraid.
Mrs. [Florence] Adams brought me the love from the [Hale] Sisters on her way to Europe. She started this morning. A large package of books also I expect soon. The original Upanishads — there is no duty on them.
I have had some trouble with my stomach; hope it will be over in a few days.
With love to all, I am ever your affectionate Son,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. Ole Bull
NEW YORK
The 28th May ’95
DEAR MOTHER,
Your last kind letter to hand. This week will be the last of my classes. I am going next Tuesday with Mr. Leggett to Maine. He has a fine lake and a forest there. I will be two or three weeks there. Thence I go to the Thousand Islands. Also I have an invitation to speak at a parliament of religions at Toronto, Canada, on July 18th. I will go there from Thousand Islands and return back.
So far everything is going on well with me.
Ever your grateful son,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. My regards and love to your daughter and pray for her speedy recovery.
V.
To Dr. Paul Carus
19 W. 38TH ST.,
NEW YORK
June [May] 28, ’95
DR. PAUL CARUS, LA SALLE, ILL.
DEAR SIR,
I am just now in receipt of your letter and will be very happy to join the religions Congress at Toronto. Only, as you are well aware of, the financial means of a “Bhikshu” (A Hindu or Buddhist monk.) are very limited. I will be only too glad to do anything in my power to help you and wait further particulars and directions.
Hoping to hear from you soon and thanking you very much for your great sympathy with Buddhistic India.
I remain ever fraternally your,
VIVEKANANDA
Mrs. Ole Bull
4th June ’95
DEAR MOTHER
Today I leave New York at 5 p.m. by steamer with Mr. Leggett.
The classes were closed on Saturday last [June 1] and so far the work has been very successful, no small part of which is due to you.
Ever praying for you and yours,
I am ever your faithful Son,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. I will acquaint you with my whereabouts as soon as I know it myself.
LX
To Dr. Paul Carus
C/O MISS DUTCHER
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK
N. Y.
[June 1895]
DEAR DOCTOR,
I am in this place now and had to change some of my plans on account of the Toronto Congress.
I am therefore not quite sure whether I will be able to come to Oak Island Conference. It is very possible, however, that I will be able to do so.
I also hope Mr. [Charles Carroll] Bonney will come. He is a noble, noble soul — one who sincerely wishes the fellowship of all humanity.
Is it not true, Dr., that Mr. Bonney, as I have every reason to think, originated the plan of the parliament of religions?
I will certainly try my best to come.
Thanking you very much for your kindness, I remain
Ever yours in the Lord of Compassion,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. Will you kindly inform me what lines of thought you want me to take.
V.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
C/O MISS DUTCHER’S
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK
N. Y.
2nd July 1895
DEAR MOTHER —
You did not write to me a single line for a long time. Neither did Sister Mary write about the duty paid on the rugs [from the Dewan of Junagadh]. I am afraid the rugs are small.
Here is another consignment from Raja Ajit Singh [the Maharaja of Khetri] consisting of carpets, shawls, etc., etc., for which the bill of lading you sent me the other day. This consignment has no duty to pay because it was all prepaid in India, and the bill of lading says so expressly. I will send you the bill of lading and the receipt for the duty. Kindly take one more trouble for me and get it out of the express company. And keep it with you till I come. The goods have arrived in New York and I had a notice of that. They are on their way to Chicago.
In two or three days I will send the bill of lading and the receipt for duty paid, to you. I foolishly asked Miss Phillips, as soon as I got the Company’s (Original letter: Companies’.) notice, to get them out before I got the bill of lading. Now the bill of lading shows that it is bound for Chicago. So I am bound to give you this trouble. I am so sorry. Again with my usual business instincts — I forgot to note down the name of the express company. So I have written to New York for the letters of the Company. As soon as that comes I will send over to you.
I am going to Europe by the end of August or a little later.
I will come to see you by the end of August.
Lord bless you and yours for ever and ever.
Your ever affectionate Son,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK, N.Y.
C/O MISS DUTCHER
July 3, 1895
DEAR MOTHER —
Herewith I send you the bill of landing and the inventory of the goods sent from India. The duty, as you will find, has been prepaid, so there is no botheration on that score. The goods have reached Hull. They will be here by the middle of this month. And if you see a letter with the Morris American Express Co. name on the envelope, tear it open. You need not forward it to me, for that will be the notice of arrival to Chicago. I am sure Dewanji’s carpets were too small, but why do you not write to me about the duty if you had to pay it? I insist upon paying it myself. The Raja’s things seem to come very quick. I am so glad too I will have something to present to Mrs. Bagley, Mrs. Bull, etc.
[Enclosed in the above letter was the following note.]
541 DEARBORN AVE.
CHICAGO.
TO THE MORRIS EXPRESS CO.—
DEAR SIR,
Please permit Mrs. G. W. Hale of 541 Dearborn Ave., Chicago, to act for me about the goods sent to me from India and receive the same.
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. Ole Bull
C/O MISS DUTCHER
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK
N. Y.
13th [postmarked 11th] July ’95.
DEAR MOTHER,
The shirts arrived yesterday; they are nice and fit me well.
Everybody liked them.
Landsberg arrived this morning with a picture of Shri Ramakrishna.
The Toronto affair has fallen through because the clergyman objected to a heathen. There is one invitation from the Christian Union of Oak Beach. I do not know whether I will go there.
As I intend to go to Chicago, in August, I ought to give to the people here all the time I can.
I do not know yet the exact date when I start [for Europe] — but somewhere at the end of August, I am sure.
Landsberg sends his love to all the rest.
Ever yours in love and gratitude,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK
C/O MISS DUTCHER
N. Y.
27th July ’95
DEAR MOTHER —
I will be ever so much obliged if you kindly look into the “bead” affair. (Rudrâksha beads sent from India. Vide letter dated January 17, 1895 in Complete Works, VI.) I think there will be a little duty to pay. I will pay it to you when I come.
I start from here next week. I will be in Detroit a day or two on my way. I will be in by the third or fourth of August.
With Everlasting love, your Son,
VIVEKANANDA
[Enclosed in the above letter was the following note.]
27th July ’95
TO THE UNITED STATES EXPRESS COMPANY
FOREIGN DEPARTMENT.
DEAR SIR,
Herewith I authorize Mrs. George W. Hale to take delivery of the “beads” that have been expressed to me from India. Hoping they will be regularly delivered to her, I remain yours obediently,
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
C/O MISS DUTCHER
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK
30th August [July] ’95
DEAR MOTHER,
I was starting for Chicago, Thursday next [August 1], but your letter stopped me. The letter and the package have safely arrived.
Write to me or wire if you want me to come to Chicago. I will then start for Chicago next week, i.e. on Tuesday next [August 6]. I thought Sister Mary was at home. When are the other babies coming? My going to Europe is not yet settled finally. The babies have not written me a line — not one of them.
Oh, Mother, my heart is so, so sad. The letters bring the news of the death of Dewanji. Haridas Viharidas has left the body. He was as a father to me. Poor man, he was the last 5 years seeking the retirement from business life, and at last he got it but could not enjoy it long. I pray that he may never come back again to this dirty hole they call the Earth. Neither may he be born in heaven or any other horrid place. May he never again wear a body — good or bad, thick or thin. What a humbug and illusion this world is, Mother, what a mockery this life. I pray constantly that all mankind will come to know the reality, i.e. God, and this “Shop” here be closed for ever.
My heart is too full to write more. Write to me or wire if you like.
Your ever obedient Son,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. We will think of the coming package [from the Maharaja of Khetri] in Chicago. How long will you be in Chicago? If it is only a week or so, I need not come. I will meet you in New York. If more than that, I come to see you.
Yours,
V.
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
C/O MISS DUTCHER
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK
N. Y.
[July 31, 1895]
DEAR MOTHER —
I am afraid I can not come to see you and neither will you advise me. I am going with a friend (Mr. Francis Leggett.) to Europe, at his expense. We go first to Paris and from there to London. My friend will go to Italy and I to London. I will, however, come back to New York in September. So I am not going away for good.
I start on the 17th. So you see, it is impossible to come and go that way for 3 or 4 days.
The package from India ought to have reached by this time. If they come, (The goods mentioned in Swami Vivekananda’s letter dated July 2, 1895.) kindly take the delivery and send it back to New York to Miss Mary Phillips, 19 W. 38. If the package does not come to Chicago before you go away, then kindly send the bill of lading etc. to Miss Mary Phillips, 19. W. 38. The babies [the Hale daughters] did not write me a line, nor did they intimate where they are. I absolutely do not know anything about them. As they do not want it, it seems I ought not to disturb them with my letters. But you kindly convey them my love and eternal, undying blessings. So to you, Mother and Father Pope. I will pen a longer epistle in a few days. We will see each other next spring in Chicago, Mother, if we all live.
Ever gratefully your Son,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mr. Francis Leggett
[THOUSAND ISLAND PARK, U.S.A.
August 1895]
DEAR FRIEND,
I received your note duly.
Very kind of you and noble to ask me to have my own time to London. Many thanks for that. But I am in no hurry for London and, moreover, I want to see you married in Paris and then I go over to London.
I will be ready, Father Leggett, at hand and in time — never fear.
Yours affectionately ever,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY.
RECEIVED AT: PLAZA HOTEL DRUG STORE,
NORTH AVE. & CLARK STREET.
THOUSAND ISLAND, N.Y., 2, ’95
[August 2, 1895]
8 jw ws 11 paid 1.33 p.m.
MRS. G. W. HALE
541 DEARBORN AVE.
WHY ANY CHARGES DUTY PREPAID (This evidently again refers to the goods sent by the Maharaja of Khetri. Vide the letter addressed to Mrs. G. W. Hale dated July 2, 1895.) YOU HAVE DOCUMENTS WRITE FULL PARTICULARS.
VIVEKANANDA
To Sister Christine
19 WEST 38TH STREET
9th August ’95
DEAR CHRISTINA,
You must be enjoying the beautiful weather very much. Here, it is extremely hot but it does not worry me much. I had a pleasant journey from Thousand Islands to New York; and though the Engine was derailed, I did not know anything of it, being asleep all the time. Miss Waldo went out of the train at Albany. I did not see her off as I was asleep. I have not heard anything from her yet. Hope to hear soon. Dr. [L. L. Wight] and Miss [Ruth] Ellis must have gone home by this time.
We gave them a telepathic message but Miss Ellis has not got it sure, else she would write.
I am making preparations for my departure.
I came in time for one of the meetings here and had another one last evening — going to have one more this evening and almost every evening till I go over.
What is Mrs. Funkey [Mary Caroline Funke] doing, and Miss [Mary Elizabeth] Dutcher? Do you go to meditate on the mountain as usual? Did you hear from Kripananda?
Write to me as soon as you can — I am so anxious to hear from you.
Ever yours with blessings and love,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. My love and blessings to Mrs. Funkey and Miss Dutcher.
V.
To Mrs. Ole Bull
19 WEST 38TH STREET
NEW YORK
9th August ’95
DEAR MOTHER —
Your note duly received. I saw also Miss Thursby yesterday. After the hard work at the Thousand Islands, I am taking a few days quiet and preparation for my departure. So I cannot come to Greenacre. I am with Miss Phillips and will be till the 17th, on which day I depart for Europe. I have seen Mr. Leggett. You remember Mrs. Sturges, the widow in black in my classes. She is going to marry Mr. Leggett in Paris. They will be married the 1st week we arrive, and then they go on a tour through Europe, and I, to England. I hope to return in a few weeks — back to New York.
Kindly give to Miss Hamlin [Elizabeth L. Hamlen], to Miss [Sarah] Farmer, Dr. [L. L. Wight] and Miss Howe, and all our friends my greetings, love and good-bye.
Ever sincerely your Son,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXI
To Sister Christine
[The following telegram was sent on Swami Vivekananda’s behalf.]
POSTAL TELEGRAPH-CABLE COMPANY
RECEIVED AT MAIN OFFICE, COR. GRISWOLD
LAFAYETTE AVE., DETROIT, MICH.
43. NY. FC. W. . . 10 PAID. 12:45 PM
NEW YORK, N.Y.
[August 17, 1895]
MISS CHRISTINA GREENSTIDEL,
418 ALFRED ST., DETROIT, MICH.
SWAMM [SWAMI] LEAVING SENDS YOU AND MRS. FUNKE LOVE AND BLESSING.
KRIPANANDA.
To Miss Isabelle McKindley
80 OAKLEY STREET
CHELSEA, S.W.
LONDON.
24th October ’95
We meet and part. This is the law
and ever ever be.
I sadly ask O gentle ones
Do you remember me?
I haven’t had any news from Chicago, nor did I write as I did not want to bother you — also I did not know where to.
Accompanying is a newspaper notice of a lecture I delivered in London. It is not bad. The London audiences are very learned and critical, and the English nature is far from being effusive. I have some friends here — made some more — so I am going on.
My bed is in the foaming deep
What care I, friend, the dew!
It is a queer life, mine — always travelling, no rest. Rest will be my death — such is the force of habit. Little success here, little there — and a good deal of bumping. Saw Paris a good [deal]. Miss Josephine M’cLeod [MacLeod], a New York friend, showed it all over to me for a month. Even there, the kind American girl! Here in England they know us more. Those that do not like the Hindus, they hate them; those that like, they worship them.
It is slow work here, but sure. Not frothy, not superficial. English women as a rule are not as highly educated as the American women, nor are so beautiful. They are quite submissive wives or hidden-away daughters or church-going mothers — the embodiments of crystallized conventionality. I am going to have some classes at the above address.
Sometimes — and generally when I score a success — I feel a despondence; I feel as if everything is vain — as if this life has no meaning, as if it is a waking dream. Love, friendship, religion, virtue, kindness — everything, a momentary state of mind. I seem to long to go; in spite of myself I say, how far — O how far! Yet the body-and-mind will have to work its Karma out. I hope it will not be bad.
How are you all going on? Where is Mother Church? Is she interviewing the ghosts of the Thotmeses and Rameses in the Pyramids — or calmly going her round of duties at home?
Yet the life seems to grow deep and at the same time lose its hold on itself.
Not disgust, nor joy for life, but a sort of indifference — things will take their course; who can resist — only stand by and look on. Well, I will not talk about myself so much. Egregious egotist! I always was that, you know. How about you all? Great fun this life, isn’t it? Don’t go to the extremes. A calm, restful, settled married life is good for the majority of mankind. Mr. [Edward T.] Sturdy, the friend with whom I am living now, was in India several times. He mixed with our monks and is very ascetic in his habits, but he is married at last and has settled down. And [he] has got a beautiful little baby. Their life is very nice. The wife, of course, doesn’t much care about metaphysics or Sanskrit, but her whole life is in her husband — and husband’s soul is in Sanskrit metaphysics! Yet it is a good combination of theory and practice, I think. Write me all about yourselves if you have time and inclination, and give Mother Church my eternal gratitude.
My movements are so, so uncertain. Yet I will be a month more in London.
With never-ending gratitude and love,
VIVEKANANDA
To Sister Christine
228 W. 39TH STREET
[NEW YORK]
8th Dec. ’95
DEAR CHRISTINA,
I am once more on American Soil and have taken lodgings at 228 W. 39, where I begin work from Monday next. Sometime after Christmas I intend to make a tour through Detroit and Chicago.
I do not care for public lecturings at all — and do not think I shall have any more public lectures charging admission. If you will see Mrs. Phelps and others of our friends and arrange some classes (strictly on nonpayment basis), it will facilitate things a good deal.
Write at your earliest opportunity and give Mrs. Phunkey [Funke] and all our friends my deepest love and gratitude.
Yours ever in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. Kripananda is over full of praise of you and Mrs. Funkey [Funke] and sends his loving regards for you.
To Sister Christine
228 W. 39TH STREET
[NEW YORK
Dec. 10, 1895
D CHRISTINA,
Perhaps by this time you have received my first letter. I received yours just now.
I had a splendid success in England and have left a nucleus there to work till my arrival next summer. You will be astonished to learn that some of my strongest friends are big “guns” of the Church of England.
This Christmas I am going away a week, from 24th Decem., to the country with Mr. and Mrs. Leggett — after that I resume my work. In the meanwhile the classes have begun.
I have written to you my intention of taking a quick turn through Detroit and Chicago in the meanwhile and [then] return back.
Give Mrs. Phelps my love and kindly arrange the classes [in Detroit] with her. The best thing is to arrange for a public lecture where I give out my general plan of work. The Unitarian church is available; and if the lecture is free, there will be a big crowd. The collection most possibly will cover the expenses. Then out of this we will get the materials of a big class and then hurry them through, leaving Mrs. Phelps and you and Mrs. Funkey [Funke] to work on with them.
This plan is entirely feasible and if Mrs. Phelps and Mrs. Bagley desire it, they can work it out very quickly.
Ever yours with love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
To Sister Christine
228 W. 39TH STREET
NEW YORK
12 December 1895
DEAR CHRISTINA,
I am going away out of town from the 24th of this month and will come back on the 2nd of January. From the 24th — the 2nd I will not be here. I will settle the dates for Detroit and Chicago after hearing from you and from Chicago.
[Paragraph excised from the original letter.]
My love to Mrs. Phunkey [Funke] [excised] and all other friends.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
To the Maharaja of Limdi,
Cathiawad, Bombay
CHICAGO
14th Dec. ’95
YOUR HIGHNESS,
The gentleman whom I have the pleasure of introducing to you was the chairman of the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago.
He is a holy and noble gentleman. We owe him a deep debt of gratitude; and as he is going to make a tour through India, I hope your Highness will extend him the same hospitality as he has to us.
Yours with blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
To the Dewan of Mysore, Madras (His Excellency Seshahari Iyer, K. C. S. I.)
CHICAGO,
the 14th Dec. ’95
DEAR SIR —
The gentleman I have the pleasure of introducing to you was the chairman of the Chicago Parliament of religions.
All India owes him a deep debt of gratitude. He is now on a tour through our country, and I am sure you will help him in seeing your part of the country and oblige.
Yours with blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
To Sister Christine
228 W. 39TH STREET
NEW YORK
December 24, 1895
DEAR CHRISTINA —
Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you. I am going today to the country. I return in 10 days.
About the tour through Detroit — I will fix it later on. I am afraid if I go just now, everything here will fall to pieces.
I will come anyway, but I am afraid it will be later than I expected.
My love to Mrs. Phelps, Mrs. Phunkey [Funke] and all our friends and Christmas greetings.
Ever yours in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. Kripananda sends his greetings too.
V.
To Mrs. Ole Bull
228 W. 39
NEW YORK
24 December 1895
Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you, dear Mrs. Bull. And may peace and health rest on you and yours for ever. I am going out of town today and will be back in ten days.
My love to all.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXX
To the Editor of Light of the East
1896.
DEAR SIR,
Many thanks for your kindly sending me several copies of the Light of the East. I wish the paper all success.
As you have asked for my suggestion [that] I can make towards improving the paper — I must frankly state that in my life-long experience in the work, I have always found “Occultism” injurious and weakening to humanity. What we want is strength. We Indians, more than any other race, want strong and vigorous thought. We have enough of the superfine in all concerns. For centuries we have been stuffed with the mysterious; the result is that our intellectual and spiritual digestion is almost hopelessly impaired, and the race has been dragged down to the depths of hopeless imbecility — never before or since experienced by any other civilised community. There must be freshness and vigour of thought behind to make a virile race. More than enough to strengthen the whole world exists in the Upanishads. The Advaita is the eternal mine of strength. But it requires to be applied. It must first be cleared of the incrustation of scholasticism, and then in all its simplicity, beauty and sublimity be taught over the length and breadth of the land, as applied even to the minutest detail of daily life. “This is a very large order”; but we must work towards it, nevertheless, as if it would be accomplished to-morrow. Of one thing I am sure — that whoever wants to help his fellow beings through genuine love and unselfishness will work wonders.
Yours truly,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. Ole Bull
228 W. 39TH STREET
NEW YORK
the 3rd Jan. ’96
DEAR MRS. BULL—
I have had a letter from Mr. Trine asking me to have some classes at the Procopeia in February. I do not see my way to go to Boston in February, however I may like it. I have given up for the present my plan of going to Detroit and Chicago in February. Later on I will try. Miss [Josephine] Locke will see to my having classes in Chicago and I have some friends in Detroit I may go to Baltimore for a few days in the meanwhile. I enjoyed my visit with the Leggetts exceedingly. It has braced me for further work. I am very well both physically and mentally.
Wishing you a happy New Year,
I remain yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. Charles (Mary) Funke
228 W. 39
NEW YORK,
the 6th Jan. 1896.
DEAR MRS. FUNKEY [FUNKE] —
Many, many thanks for the sweet flowers. It recalls to me the beautiful times we had at the Thousand Islands and presages many such summer gatherings.
The work here had begun in right earnest, and we will advance it farther this year than in the last.
I am therefore uncertain as to the exact date of my coming to Detroit. I will come, however, very soon.
Yours ever in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. Ole Bull
228 W. 39TH STREET
NEW YORK
10 January 1896
DEAR MRS. BULL,
I have received your letter and also another from the Secretary of the Harvard Metaphysical Club.
I will be only too glad to come to Boston for the Harvard lecture especially — but these are the difficulties in the way: First, the work here will fall to pieces; secondly, I have begun to write in right earnest. I want to finish some text books to be the basis of work when I am gone. I want to hurry through four little text books before I go.
Of course it is impossible to come this month as the notices of the four Sunday lectures are out. In the first week of February I have again a lecture at Brooklyn at Dr. Janes’s. My idea now is to make a tour to Boston, Detroit, and Chicago in March and then come back to New York a week or so and then start for England. In March I will be able to stay a few weeks at each of these places. Of course it is true that [as] yet I have no competent persons here to carry on the work like Sturdy in England, nor any sincere friend to stand by me except you.
I will do anything you want me to, and if you think it is good for me to come to Boston in February, I am ready.
Ever yours with gratitude, love, and blessings
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. I have not much faith in that Procopeia business, (The Procopeia Club.) except as a nucleus to work from.
My love to Miss Hamlin and all the other friends there.
YOURS, V.
To Sister Christine
24th Jan. ’95 [’96]
DEAR CHRISTINA,
I have not heard from you [for] long. Hope everything is going on well with you and Mrs. Phunkey [Funke].
Did you receive my poem? I had a letter from Mrs. Phelps today. I am coming to Detroit next March early, as I will have to finish my February course in New York. The public lectures will be printed as they are delivered right along. The class lectures will very soon be collected and edited in little volumes.
May the Lord bless you ever and ever.
Yours ever with love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. Ole Bull
228 W. 39
NEW YORK
the 6th of Feb. ’96
DEAR MRS. BULL —
I received your last duly, but owing to many things I have given up the idea of taking rest next month. I go to Detroit the first week of March and then, towards the middle or last week, come to Boston. I have not much faith in working such things as the Procopeia [Club] etc.— because these mixed-up conglomerations of all isms and ities — mostly fads — disturb the steadiness of the mind, and life becomes a mass of frivolities. I am very glad, however, to get an opportunity to talk to the graduates of Harvard. This does not mean that I am not coming to Procopeia. I will come but it will be only for your sake. There is one if, however — and that is if I am physically able. My health has nearly broken down. I have not slept even one night soundly in New York since I came; and this year there is incessant work, both with the pen and the mouth. The accumulated work and worry of years is on me now, I am afraid. Then a big struggle awaits me in England. I wish to go to the bottom of the sea and have a good, long sleep.
To Detroit I must go, dead or alive, as I have disappointed them several times last year. There were big money offers from near Chicago. I have rejected them as I do not any longer believe in paid lectures and their utility in any country. If after Detroit I feel the body able to drag itself on to Boston, I will come, else I will remain in Detroit or some other quiet place and rest to recuperate for the coming work in England. So far I have tried to work conscientiously — let the fruits belong to the Lord. If they were good they will sprout up sooner or later; if bad, the sooner they die the better. I am quite satisfied with my task in life. I have been much more active than a Sannyasin ought to be. Now I will disappear from society altogether. The touch of the world is degenerating me, I am sure, so it is time to be off. Work has no more value beyond purifying the heart. My heart is pure enough; why shall I bother my head about doing good to others? “If you have known the Atman as the one, only existence and nothing else exists, desiring what? — for whose desire you trouble yourself?” This universe is a dream, pure and simple. Why bother myself about a dream? The very atmosphere of the world is poison to the Yogi, but I am waking up. My old iron heart is coming back — all attachments of relatives, friends, disciples are vanishing fast. “Neither through wealth nor through progeny, but by giving up everything as chaff is that immortality attained” — the Vedas. I am so tired of talking too; I want to close my lips and sit in silence for years. All talk is nonsense.
Yours faithfully,
VIVEKANANDA
LXXXVI
To Miss Emma Thursby
228 W. 39TH STREET
NEW YORK,
February 26th, 1896
DEAR MISS THURSBY,
Will you oblige me by giving Mr. Goodwin any particulars you can with reference to the business arrangements made for my 6 lectures with Miss Corbin. He will see her, with the idea of obtaining payment.
Thanking you in anticipation, and with best regards,
Very truly yours,
VIVEKANANDA
To Shri Giridharidas Mangaldas Viharidas Desai
228 W. 39TH STREET
NEW YORK
2 March 1896
DEAR FRIEND,
Excuse my delay in replying to your beautiful note.
Your uncle was a great soul, and his whole life was given to doing good to his country. Hope you will all follow in his footsteps.
I am coming to India this winter, and cannot express my sorrow that I will not see Haribhai once more.
He was a strong, noble friend, and India has lost a good deal in losing him.
I am going to England very soon where I intend to pass the summer, and in winter next I come to India.
Recommend me to your uncles and friends.
Ever always the well-wisher of your family,
VIVEKANANDA
PS: My England address is: C/o E. T. Sturdy, Esq., High View, Caversham, Reading, England.
To Sister Christine
C/O THE PROCOPEIA
45 ST., BOTOLPH STREET
BOSTON, MASS.
22nd March ’96
DEAR CHRISTINA,
Herewith [words excised] to countersign it and put it [words excised]. I am afraid I have made a mistake in writing Miss to your name. In that case you will have to sign also as Miss etc.
I am enjoying Boston very much, especially the old friends here.
They are all kind. Reply promptly. Write fully later on.
With everlasting love and blessings,
Yours etc.,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. Charles (Mary) Funke
C/O THE PROCOPEIA
45 ST., BOTOLPH STREET
BOSTON, MASS.
22nd March ’96
DEAR MRS. FUNKEY [FUNKE] —
I had no time to write a line even, I was so busy. I am enjoying Boston immensely, only hard work. The meeting with old friends is very pleasing, no doubt. The so-called class swelled up to 500 people last night and, am afraid, will go on increasing. Everything going on splendidly. Mr. Goodwin as nice as ever. We are all friends here. I go next week to Chicago.
Hope everything is going on well with you there. Kindly give my love to Mrs. Phelps, Mr. Phelps and all the rest of my friends.
With all love and blessings,
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA
XC
To Sister Christine
1628 INDIANA AVE.
CHICAGO, ILL.
[April 6, 1896]
DEAR CHRISTINA,
[Line excised.] reply as soon as possible.
I am going forward to New York on Thursday [April 9] and [will] start for England on the 15th of April.
Goodby and love to you all — to Mrs. Funkey [Funke], to Mrs. Phelps and all the rest of our friends.
In this life we meet and part again and again; but the mind is omnipresent and can be, hear, and feel anywhere.
Yours with love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. Give Kripananda and Miss [Martha] Hamilton my love and blessings when you meet them next.
V.
[Written in the margin:] I will go to New York next Friday [April 10].
To Sister Christine
HIGH VIEW, CAVERSHAM
READING, LONDON.
26th April ’96
DEAR CHRISTINA,
How are things going on with you? I am all safe and sound here in England. Going to begin work from May fourth. How is Mrs. Funkey [Funke]?
Give them all my Love. Write me all about yourself and Mrs. Funkey when you have time. Address me at 63 St., George’s Road, S.W. London.
Where is Krip. [Swami Kripananda]? What is he doing now? Has he been able to get up any classes yet? Has his temper gone down?
Give them all my love — and [to] Miss Hamilton and to all my friends and to the Rabbi [Grossman of Detroit].
Yours ever with love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. Ole Bull
63 ST GEORGE’S ROAD
LONDON. S.W.
May 8, 1896
DEAR MRS. BULL —
Your last letter to Sturdy at hand. They, I am sorry to say, leave us nowhere. I could not make anything out of them.
What are we to do? Is the book going to be published or not? Prof. [William] James’s introduction (Preface to Swami Vivekananda’s Râja-Yoga.) is of no use in England. So why wait so long for that; and what use are those long explanations about him?
Our hands are tied down. Why do you not write something plain and decisive? Life is short and time is flying. I am so sorry you are losing sight of that. Your letters are full of explanations [and] directions, but not one word about what is to be done!!! So much red tape about printing a little book!! Empires are managed with less manipulation than that, I am sure!! So kindly write at your earliest something precise about the book and whether it is going to be printed or not, and pray make the writing a little legible.
Poor Sturdy is out of his wits as to what to do; he has gone through the Mss. long ago.
Joking apart, I am very sorry you are not coming over this year. We are in Lady Isabel’s house. (The house was rented from Lady Isabel Margesson.) Miss [Henrietta] Müller has taken some rooms in it too. Goodwin is here with us. We have not yet made any big stir here. The classes have begun; they are not yet what we expected. We [have] had only two yet.
We will work on steadily the next 4 or 5 months. Sturdy is as patient and persevering and hopeful as ever.
It is cool enough here yet to have a fire in the grate.
Give my love to Mrs. Adams, Miss Thursby and all other friends. My love to Mr. Fox and blessings.
Yours with love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mr. Francis Leggett
(Swami Vivekananda enclosed the following document in a July 6, 1896 letter written to Francis Leggett.)
63 ST. GEORGE’S ROAD, LONDON, S.W.
6th July 1896
TO FRANCIS LEGGETT, ESQ.
DEAR SIR,
Herewith I constitute you as my attorney and representative in regards to all publication pamphlets etc., written or dictated by me, their copyright, sale, etc., in the U.S. of America.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
To Mrs. Ole Bull
63 ST. GEORGE’S ROAD, LONDON, S.W.
6th July 1896
DEAR MRS. BULL —
I have sent to Mr. Leggett by last mail the power of attorney, and, as you desired, this is to notify you of the fact and absolve you from the responsibilities of the power of attorney which I gave you in America last year.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
Saradananda and Goodwin have arrived, I am sure, by this time. I have a nice letter from Dr. Jain [Dr. Lewis G. Janes]. I am going to Switzerland for a vacation in a few days. I mean to stay there a month or more. I will return to London in the next fall. I do not know when I go back to India.
Things are growing nicely here.
With love to all,
Yours affectionately,
To Mrs. G. W. Hale
July 7, 1896
DEAR MOTHER —
[On the] 18th of this month I start for Switzerland for a holiday. I will come back to London again to work in the Autumn. The work in England bids fair to be much better and deeper than in the U.S. And here in London is the heart of India also. Where are you now? I am passing through Geneva on my way to the Hills. I will be there a day or two.
If you be somewhere near, I will make it a point to come to see you. Did you hear Annie Besant? How did you like her? What about your plans of going to India next winter? What about the innocents (Mary and Harriet Hale and Isabelle and Harriet McKindley.) at home? I haven’t had any news of them. My love to Father Pope, Mother Temple (Mrs. James Matthews, Mr. Hale’s sister.) and yourself. Kindly answer as I will be only a few days here.
Ever yours with love and gratitude,
VIVEKANANDA
A letter to the editor, which appeared in the July 11, 1896 issue of the Light
63, ST. GEORGE’S-ROAD, S.W.
SIR,
Allow me to put a few words in your estimable journal as comments on an article in your paper dated July 4th. I must thank you without reserve for the kind and friendly spirit manifested throughout the article towards me and the philosophy I preach; but, as there is a fear of misconstruction in one part of it — especially by my Spiritualistic friends — I want to clear my position. The truth of correspondence between the living and the dead is, I believe, in every religion, and nowhere more than in the Vedantic sects of India, where the fact of mutual help between the departed and the living has been made the basis of the law of inheritance. I would be very sorry if I be mistaken as antagonistic to any sect or form of religion, so far as they are sincere. Nor do I hold that any system can ever be judged by the frauds and failures that would naturally gather round every method under the present circumstances. But, all the same, I cannot but believe that every thoughtful person would agree with me when I affirm that people should be warned of their dangers, with love and sympathy. The lecture alluded to could but accidentally touch the subject of Spiritualism; but I take this opportunity of conveying my deep admiration for the Spiritualist community for the positive good they have done already, and are doing still: (1) the preaching of a universal sympathy; (2) the still greater work of helping the human race out of doctrines which inculcate fear and not love. Ever ready to co-operate with, and at the service of, all who are striving to bring the light of the spirit,
I remain yours sincerely,
VIVE KANANDA
To Mrs. Ole Bull
63 ST. GEORGE’S ROAD
18th July ’96
DEAR MRS. BULL,
I received your last note duly — and you already know my gratitude and love for you and that I perfectly agree with most of your ideas and work.
I did not understand, however, one point. You speak of Sturdy and myself being members. Members of what? I, as you well know, can not become a member of any society.
I am very glad to learn that you have been favourably impressed by Saradananda. There is one big mistake you are labouring under. What do you mean of [my] writing to my workers more confidentially and not to you? I seldom write to anyone — I have no time to write. I have no workers. Everyone is independent to work as one likes. I do not bother my head about these little things at all. I can give ideas — that is all; let people work them out any way they like, and Godspeed to all.
“He who works unattached to persons and giving up the fruits of work is a genuine worker” — Gitâ.
Yours Ever with love and gratitude,
VIVEKANANDA
To Sister Christine
[POSTMARKED: SAAS-FEE]
SWITZERLAND
5th August 1896
BLESSED AND BELOVED,
Surrounded on all sides by eternal snow peaks, sitting on the grass in a beautiful wood, my thoughts go to those I love — so I write.
I am in Switzerland — constantly on the move — getting a much needed rest. It is a miniature Himalayas, and has the same effect of raising the mind up to the Self and driving away all earthly feelings and ties. I am intensely enjoying it. I feel so, so uplifted. I cannot write, but I wish you will have the same for ever — when your feet do not want, as it were, to touch the material earth — when the soul finds itself floating, as it were, in an ocean of spirituality.
Prof. Max Müller has written in the Nineteenth Century an article on my Master. Read it if you can — August number.
I hope you are enjoying this beautiful summer and are perfectly rested after hard work.
My love to all. Blessings to all.
Yours ever with love and blessings,
VIVEKANANDA
P.S. A few Alpine flowers growing almost in the midst of eternal snow I send you, praying that you may attain spiritual hardihood amidst all snows and ice of this life.
V.
To Sister Christine
AIRLIE LODGE, RIDGEWAY GARDENS
WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND
October 6, 1896
DEAR CHRISTINA,
I am sure you got my letter from Switzerland.
I am now in London, back after having travelled through Germany and Holland.
How are things going with you? Had you a nice summer? How are you physically and spiritually? How is Mrs. Fhunkey [Funke] and all the other friends? Have you any news of Baby? Where is Kr [Kripananda] and what is he doing now?
I have another Sannyasin over here with me now, who will work here whilst I am away to India, where I go this winter.
I will write to you in extenso later; tonight it is so late and I am so weary.
With all love and blessings,
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA
To Sister Nivedita
14, GREYCOAT GARDENS
WESTMINSTER
October 29, 1896
DEAR MISS [MARGARET] NOBLE —
I will be at yours on Friday next, at 4 p.m.
I did not know of any arrangements made to meet anybody Friday last, hence my absence.
Yours,
VIVEKANANDA
CI
To Sister Nivedita
14, GREYCOAT GARDENS
WESTMINSTER, S.W.
5 December 1896
DEAR MISS NOBLE —
Many thanks for sending the kind present from Mr. Beatty. I have written to him acknowledging his beautiful gift.
As for you, my dear, noble, kind friend, I only would say this — we Indians lack in many things, but there is none on earth to beat us in gratefulness. I remain,
Ever yours gratefully,
VIVEKANANDA
To Sister Christine
ON BOARD PRINZ REGENT LUITPOLD
3rd January 1897.
DEAR CHRISTINA,
By two p.m. today I reach Port Said. Asia once more. I have not heard from you [for] long. Hope everything is going on well with you. How are Mrs. Funke, Mrs. Phelps, and all other friends?
My love to all. Write when you feel like it.
VIVEKANANDA.
To the Madras Committee
[After Swami Vivekananda Colombo on Friday, January 15, 1897, the Madras Committee, which was planning a reception for the Swami, sent the following message: “Motherland rejoices to welcome you back”. In reply, Swami Vivekananda sent a wire.]
[Postmarked: January 15, 1897]
MY LOVE AND GRATITUDE TO MY COUNTRYMEN.
To the Hindu Students of Trichinapally
[February 16, 1897]
GENTLEMEN,
I have received your address with great pleasure and sincerely thank you for the kind expressions contained therein.
I much regret, however, that time effectually prevents my paying even a short visit to Trichinopoly at present. In the autumn, however, I propose making a lecture tour throughout India, and you may rely upon it that I shall then not fail to include Trichinopoly in the programme.
Again thanking you, and with my blessings to all.
Sincerely yours,
VIVEKANANDA.
To Sister Christine
DARJEELING,
[RETURN ADDRESS: ALAMBAZAR MATH, CALCUTTA]
16th March 1897.
DEAR CHRISTINA,
Many, many thanks for the photograph and the poem. I never saw anything half as beautiful. The work I had to do to reach Calcutta from Ceylon was so immense that I could not earlier acknowledge your precious gift. The work has broken me down completely, and I have got “diabetes”, an incurable disease, which must carry me off — at least in a few years.
I am now writing to you from Darjeeling, the nearest hill station to Calcutta, with a climate as cool as London. It has revived me a bit. If I live, I will come to America next year or so.
How are things going on with you all? How are Mrs. Funkey [Funke] and Mrs. Phelps?
Are you laying by a few dollars whenever you can? That is very important.
I am in a hurry for the mail. You will be glad to know that the Indian people have, as it were, risen in a mass to honour me. I am the idol of the day. Mr. Goodwin is going to publish in book form all the addresses given to me and the speeches in reply. The demonstrations all over have been simply unique.
Yours with all love,
VIVEKANANDA.
To Mrs. Ole Bull
ALAMBAZAR MATH
CALCUTTA
[DARJEELING]
26th March 1897
DEAR MRS. BULL —
The demonstrations and national jubilations over me are over — at least I had to cut them short, as my health broke completely down. The result of this steady work in the West and the tremendous work of a month in India upon the Bengalee constitution is “diabetes”. It is a hereditary foe and is destined to carry me off, at best, in a few years’ time. Eating only meat and drinking no water seems to be the only way to prolong life — and, above all, perfect rest for the brain. I am giving my brain the needed rest in Darjeeling, from where I am writing you now.
I am so glad to hear about Saradananda’s success. Give him my best love and do not allow him [to] do too much work. The Bengalee body is not the same as the American.
Mr. Chatterjy (Mohini) came to see me in Calcutta, and he was very friendly. I gave him your message. He is quite willing to work with me. Nothing more to write, only I am bent upon seeing my monastery started; and as soon as that is done, I come to America once more.
By the by, I will send to you a young lady from England — one Gertrude Orchard. She has been a governess, but she has talent in art etc., and I wished her to try her chance in America. I will give her a letter to you and Mrs. [Florence] Adams.
With my love to Mrs. Adams, Miss Thursby, Miss Farmer (the noble sister) and all the rest of our friends.
With eternal love and gratitude,
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA
(Translated from Bengali)
To Pandit Ram Ram Samjami
DARJEELING
[April] 1897
DEAR RAM RAM,
I received your first letter in Calcutta. I was busy there, and so it seems that I forgot to reply. You have deplored this in your letter, but that is not right. I do not forget anyone — especially those who have received grace from “Him”.
While I was in England, I received your Avadhuta-Gitâ. It is beautifully printed. You mentioned Karma-Yoga — I do not have that book with me. It was printed in Madras. If there are any copies at the Math, I shall ask them to send one to you.
I have been very sick, so right now I am staying at Darjeeling. As soon as I feel better, I shall return to Calcutta. . . .
Please accept my special love. I pray for your welfare always.
Yours etc.,
VIVEKANANDA
To Sister Nivedita
DARJEELING,
3rd April 1897.
DEAR MISS NOBLE,
I have just found a bit of important work for you to do on behalf of the downtrodden masses of India.
The gentleman I take the liberty of introducing to you is in England on behalf of the Tiyas, a plebeian caste in the native State of Malabar.
You will realize from this gentleman what an amount of tyranny there is over these poor people, simply because of their caste.
The Indian Government has refused to interfere on grounds of non-interference in the internal administration of a native State. The only hope of these people is the English Parliament. Do kindly everything in your power to help this matter [in] being brought before the British Public.
Ever yours in the truth,
VIVEKANANDA.
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
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
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
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
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
(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