Monday 11/23/2009 0:12:34am Name: Vivekananda Letters Web Admin Email Comments U. S. A., 17th February, 1896. DEAR ALASINGA, ...I have used some very harsh words in my letters, which you ought to excuse, as you know, I get nervous at times. The work is terribly hard; and the more it is growing, the harder it is becoming. I need a long rest very badly. Yet a great work is before me in England. Have patience, my son—it will grow beyond all your expectations. ...Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later. I have succeeded now in rousing the very heart of the American civilisation. New York, but it has been a terrific struggle. ...I have spent nearly all I had on this New York work and in England. Now things are in such a shape that they will go on. Just as I am writing to you, every one of my bones is paining after last afternoon's long Sunday public lecture. Then you see, to put the Hindu ideas into English and then make out of dry philosophy and intricate mythology and queer startling psychology, a religion which shall be easy, simple, popular, and at the same time meet the requirements of the highest minds— is a task only those can understand who have attempted it. The dry, abstract Advaita must become living—poetic— in everyday life; out of hopelessly intricate mythology must come concrete moral forms; and out of bewildering yogi-ism must come the most scientific and practical psychology and all this must be put in a form so that a child may grasp it. That is my life's work. The Lord only knows how far I shall succeed. "To work we have the right, not to the fruits thereof." It is hard work, my boy, hard work! To keep one's self steady in the midst of this whirl of Kâma-Kânchana(lust and gold) and hold on to one's own ideals, until disciples are moulded to conceive of the ideas of realisation and perfect renunciation, is indeed difficult work, my boy. Thank God, already there is great successor cannot blame the missionaries and others for not understanding me they hardly ever saw a man who did not care in the least about women and money. At first they could not believe it to be possible; how could they? You must not think that the Western nations have the same ideas of chastity and purity as the Indians. Their equivalents are virtue and courage... People are now flocking to me. Hundreds have now become convinced that there are men who can really control their bodily desires; and reverence and respect for these principles are growing. All things come to him who waits. May you be blessed for ever and ever! Yours with love, VIVEKANANDA. 1. Hare Krishna - Hare Rama 2. Sivoham Soham - Hari Om 3. Om Tat Sat - Om Shanthi Om

Sunday 11/22/2009 1:11:23am Name: Vivekananda Letters Web Admin Email Comments [Letter to E.T. Sturdy] 228 W. 39TH STREET, NEW YORK, 13th February, 1896. BLESSED AND BELOVED, About the Sannyâsin coming over from India, I am sure he will help you in the translation work, also in other work. Later on, when I come, I may send him over to America. Today another Sannyâsin has been added to the list. This time it is a man who is a genuine American and a religious teacher of some standing in the country. He was Dr. Street. He is now Yogananda, as his leaning is all towards Yoga. I have been sending regular reports to the Brahmavâdin from here. They will be published soon. It takes such a long time for things to reach India! Things are growing nobly in America. As there was no hocus-pocus from the beginning, the Vedanta is drawing the attention of the highest classes in American society. Sarah Bernhardt, the French actress, has been playing "Iziel" here. It is a sort of Frenchified life of Buddha, where a courtesan "Iziel" wants to seduce the Buddha, under the banyan—and the Buddha preaches to her the vanity of the world, whilst she is sitting all the time in Buddha's lap. However, all is well that ends well the courtesan fails. Madame Bernhardt acts the courtesan. I went to see the Buddha business—and Madame spying me in the audience wanted to have an interview with me. A swell family of my acquaintance arranged the affair. There were besides Madame M. Morrel, the celebrated singer, also the great electrician Tesla. Madame is a very scholarly lady and has studied up the metaphysics a good deal. M. Morrel was being interested, but Mr. Tesla was charmed to hear about the Vedantic Prana and Âkâsha and the Kalpas, which according to him are the only theories modern science can entertain. Now both Âkâsha and Prana again are produced from the cosmic Mahat, the Universal Mind, the Brahmâ or Ishvara. Mr. Tesla thinks he can demonstrate mathematically that force and matter are reducible to potential energy. I am to go and see him next week, to get this new mathematical demonstration. In that case, the Vedantic cosmology will be placed on the surest of foundations. I am working a good deal now upon the cosmology and eschatology^ of the Vedanta. I clearly see their perfect unison with modern science, and the elucidation of the one will be followed by that of the other. I intend to write a book later on in the form of questions and answers.^ The first chapter will be on cosmology, showing the harmony between Vedantic theories and modern science. Brahman = The Absolute Mahat or Ishvara = Primal Creative Energy Prana and Akasha = Force and Matter The eschatology will be explained from the Advaitic standpoint only. That is to say, the dualist claims that the soul after death passes on to the Solar sphere, thence to the Lunar sphere, thence to the Electric sphere. Thence he is accompanied by a Purusha to Brahmaloka. (Thence, says the Advaitist, he goes to Nirvana.) Now on the Advaitic side, it is held that the soul neither comes nor goes, and that all these spheres or layers of the universe are only so many varying products of Âkâsha and Prana. That is to say, the lowest or most condensed is the Solar sphere, consisting of the visible universe, in which Prana appears as physical force, and Âkâsha as sensible matter. The next is called the Lunar sphere, which surrounds the Solar sphere. This is not the moon at all, but the habitation of the gods, that is to say, Prana appears in it as psychic forces, and Âkâsha as Tanmatras or fine particles. Beyond this is the Electric sphere, that is to say, a condition in which the Prana is almost inseparable from Âkâsha, and you can hardly tell whether Electricity is force or matter. Next is the Brahmaloka, where there is neither Prana nor Âkâsha, but both are merged in the mind-stuff, the primal energy. And here—there being neither Prana nor Âkâsha—the Jiva contemplates the whole universe as Samashti or the sum total of Mahat or mind. This appears as a Purusha, an abstract universal soul, yet not the Absolute, for still there is multiplicity, from this the Jiva finds at last that Unity which is the end. Advaitism says that these are the visions which rise in succession before the Jiva, who himself neither goes nor comes, and that in the same way this present vision has been projected. The projection(Srishti) and dissolution must take place in the same order, only one means going backward, and the other coming out. Now as each individual can only see his own universe, that universe is created with his bondage and goes away with his liberation, although it remains for others who are in bondage. Now name and form constitute the universe. A wave in the ocean is a wave, only in so far as it is bound by name and form. If the wave subsides, it is the ocean, but those name and form have immediately vanished for ever. So though the name and form of wave could never be without water that was fashioned into the wave by them, yet the name and form themselves were not the wave. They die as soon as ever it returns to water. But other names and forms live in relation to other waves. This name-and-form is called Mâyâ, and the water is Brahman. The wave was nothing but water all the time, yet as a wave it had the name and form. Again this name and form cannot remain for one moment separated from the wave, although the wave as water can remain eternally separate from name and form. But because the name and form can never be separated, they can never be said to exist. Yet they are not zero. This is called Mâyâ. I want to work all this out carefully, but you will see at a glance that I am on the right track. It will take more study in physiology, on the relations between the higher and lower centres, to fill out the psychology of mind, Chitta(mind-stuff), and Buddhi(intellect), and so on. But I have clear light now, free of all hocus-pocus. I want to give them dry, hard reason, softened in the sweetest syrup of love and made spicy with intense work, and cooked in the kitchen of Yoga, so that even a baby can easily digest it. Yours etc., VIVEKANANDA . ^eschatology-That is, doctrine of the last things death, judgment, etc. ^“I intend to write a book later on in the form of questions and answers” -This was never done. But from his lectures in London in 1896, it is easy to see that his mind was still working on these ideas. 1. Hare Krishna - Hare Rama 2. Sivoham Soham - Hari Om 3. Om Tat Sat - Om Shanthi Om

Saturday 11/21/2009 0:11:56am Name: Vivekananda Letters Web Admin Email Comments 1896 [Letter to Miss Mary Hale] 228 W. 39TH STREET, NEW YORK, 10th February, 1896. DEAR SISTER, I was astonished at learning that you have not received my letter yet. I wrote immediately after the receipt of yours and also sent you some booklets of three lectures I delivered in New York. These Sunday public lectures are now taken down in shorthand and printed. Three of them made two little pamphlets, several copies of which I have forwarded to you. I shall be in New York two weeks more, and then I go to Detroit to come back to Boston for a week or two. My health is very much broken down this year by constant work. I am very nervous. I have not slept a single night soundly this winter. I am sure I am working too much, yet a big work awaits me in England. I will have to go through it, and then I hope to reach India and have a rest all the rest of my life. I have tried at least to do my best for the world, leaving the result to the Lord. Now I am longing for rest. Hope I will get some, and the Indian people will give me up. How I would like to become dumb for some years and not talk at all! I was not made for these struggles and fights of the world. I am naturally dreamy and restful, I am a born idealist, can only live in a world of dreams; the very touch of fact disturbs my visions and makes me unhappy. They will be done! I am ever ever grateful to you four sisters; to you I owe everything I have in this country. May you be ever blessed and happy. Wherever I be, you will always be remembered with the deepest gratitude and sincerest love. The whole life is a succession of dreams. My ambition is to be a conscious dreamer, that is all. My love to all—to Sister Josephine. Ever your affectionate brother, VIVEKANANDA. 1. Hare Krishna - Hare Rama 2. Sivoham Soham - Hari Om 3. Om Tat Sat - Om Shanthi Om

Friday 11/20/2009 1:43:20am Name: Vivekananda Letters Web Admin Email Comments LONDON, 18th November, 1895. DEAR ALASINGA, ...In England my work is really splendid, I am astonished myself at it. The English people do not talk much in the newspapers, but they work silently. I am sure of more work in England than in America. Bands and bands come, and I have no room for so many; so they squat on the floor, ladies and all. I tell them to imagine that they are under the sky of India, under a spreading banyan, and they like the idea. I shall have to go away next week, and they are so sorry. Some think my work here will be hurt a little if I go away so soon. I do not think so. I do not depend on men or things. The Lord alone I depend upon—and He works through me. ...Please everybody without becoming a hypocrite and without being a coward. Hold on to your own ideas with strength and purity, and whatever obstructions may now be in your way, the world is bound to listen to you in the long run. ... I have no time even to die, as the Bengalis say. I work, work, work, and earn my own bread and help my country, and this all alone, and then get only criticism from friends and foes for all that! Well, you are but children, I shall have to bear everything. I have sent for a Sannyâsin from Calcutta and shall leave him to work in London. I want one more for America—I want my own man. Guru-Bhakti is the foundation of all spiritual development. ...I am really tired from incessant work. Any other Hindu would have died if he had to work as hard as I have to. ...I want to go to India for a long rest. ... Ever yours with love and blessings, VIVEKANANDA. ===================================== 228 W. 39TH ST., NEW YORK, 20th December, 1895. DEAR ALASINGA, ...Have patience and be faithful unto death. Do not fight among yourselves. Be perfectly pure in money dealings. ...We will do great things yet. ...So long as you have faith and honesty and devotion, everything will prosper. ...In translating the Suktas, pay particular attention to the Bhâshyakâras(commentators), and pay no attention whatever to the orientalists. They do not understand a single thing about our Shâstras(scriptures). It is not given to dry philologists to understand philosophy or religion. ...For instance the word Ânid-avâtam in the Rig-Veda was translated—"He lived without breathing". Now, here the reference is really to the chief Prana, and Avatam has the root-meaning for unmoved, that is, without vibration. It describes the state in which the universal cosmic energy, or Prana, remains before the Kalpa(cycle of creation) begins: vide—the Bhâshyakâras. Explain according to our sages and not according to the so-called European scholars. What do they know? ...Be bold and fearless, and the road will be clear. ...Mind, you have nothing whatsoever to do with the Theosophists. If you all stand by me and do not lose patience, I assure you, we shall do great work yet. The great work will be in England, my boy, by and by. I feel you sometimes get disheartened, and I am afraid you get temptations to play in the hands of the Theosophists. Mind you, the Guru-Bhakta will conquer the world-this is the one evidence of history. ...It is faith that makes a lion of a man. You must always remember how much work I have to do. Sometimes I have to deliver two or three lectures a day—and thus I make my way against all odds— hard work; any weaker man would die. ...Hold on with faith and strength; be true, be honest, be pure, and don't quarrel among yourselves. Jealousy is the bane of our race. With love to you and all our friends there, Yours, VIVEKANANDA 1. Hare Krishna - Hare Rama 2. Sivoham Soham - Hari Om 3. Om Tat Sat - Om Shanthi Om

Thursday 11/19/2009 0:14:00am Name: Vivekananda Letters Web Admin Email Comments [Letter to Mr. E. T. Sturdy] HOTEL CONTINENTAL, 3 RUE CASTIGLIONE, PARIS, 26th August, 1895. Aum tat sat DEAR FRIEND, I arrived here day before yesterday. I came over to this country as the guest of an American friend who is going to be married here next week. I shall have to stop here with him till that time; and after that I shall be free to come to London. Eagerly anticipating the joy of meeting you, Ever yours in Sat, VIVEKANANDA. ======================================== PARIS, 9th September, 1895. DEAR ALASINGA, ...I am surprised you take so seriously the missionaries' nonsense. ...If the people in India want me to keep strictly to my Hindu diet, please tell them to send me a cook and money enough to keep him. This silly bossism without a mite of real help makes me laugh. On the other hand, if the missionaries tell you that I have ever broken the two great vows of the Sannyâsin—chastity and poverty tell them that they are big liars. Please write to the missionary Hume asking him categorically to write you what misdemeanour he saw in me, or give you the names of his informants, and whether the information was first-hand or not; that will settle the question and expose the whole thing. ... As for me, mind you, I stand at nobody's dictation. I know my mission in life, and no chauvinism about me; I belong as much to India as to the world, no humbug about that. I have helped you all I could. You must now help yourselves. What country has any special claim on me? Am I any nation's slave? Don't talk any more silly nonsense, you faithless atheists. I have worked hard and sent all the money I got to Calcutta and Madras, and then after doing all this, stand their silly dictation! Are you not ashamed? What do I owe to them? Do I care a fig for their praise or fear their blame? I am a singular man, my son, not even you can understand me yet. Do your work; if you cannot, stop; but do not try to "boss" me with your nonsense. I see a greater Power than man, or God, or devil at my back. I require nobody's help. I have been all my life helping others. ...They cannot raise a few rupees to help the work of the greatest man their country ever produced—Ramakrishna Paramahamsa; and they talk nonsense and want to dictate to the man for whom they did nothing, and who did everything he could for them! Such is the ungrateful world! Do you mean to say I am born to live and die one of those caste-ridden, superstitious, merciless, hypocritical, atheistic cowards that you find only amongst the educated Hindus? I hate cowardice; I will have nothing to do with cowards or political nonsense. I do not believe in any politics. God and truth are the only politics in the world, everything else is trash. I am going to London tomorrow. ... Yours with blessings, VIVEKANANDA. ========================================= LONDON, 24th October, 1895. DEAR ALASINGA, ...I have already delivered my first address, and you may see how well it has been received by the notice in the Standard. The Standard is one of the most influential conservative papers. I am going to be in London for a month, then I go off to America and shall come back again next summer. So far you see the seed is well sown in England. ... Take courage and work on. Patience and steady work—this is the only way. Go on; remember—patience and purity and courage and steady work. ...So long as you are pure, and true to your principles, you will never fail—Mother will never leave you, and all blessings will be yours. Yours with love, VIVEKANANDA 1. Hare Krishna - Hare Rama 2. Sivoham Soham - Hari Om 3. Om Tat Sat - Om Shanthi Om

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