Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda: Vol 8

Chapter 71

MY DEAR MARY, Many, many thanks for your beautiful letter. I am very well and happy and same as ever. Waves must come before a rise. So with me. I am very glad you are going to pray. Why don"t you get up a Methodist camp-meeting? That will have quicker effect, I am sure.

I am determined to get rid of all sentimentalism, and emotionalism, and hang me if you ever find me emotional. I am the Advaitist; our goal is knowledge - no feelings, no love, as all that belongs to matter and superst.i.tion and bondage. I am only existence and knowledge.

Greenacre will give you good rest. I am sure. I wish you all joy there. Don"t for a moment worry on my account. "Mother" looks after me. She is bringing me fast out of the h.e.l.l of emotionalism, and bringing me into the light of pure reason. With everlasting wishes for your happiness,

Ever your brother,

VIVEKANANDA. PS. Margot starts on the 26th. I may follow in a week or two. n.o.body has any power over me, for I am the spirit. I have no ambition; it is all Mother"s work; I have no part.

V. I could not digest your letter as the dyspepsia was rather bad last few days.

V.

Non-attachment has always been there. It has come in a minute. Very soon I stand where no sentiment, no feeling, can touch me.

V.

CLx.x.xIII.

To Miss Mary Hale

102 E. 58TH STREET,.

NEW YORK,.

11th July, 1900.

MY DEAR DEVOTED SISTER, I was glad to get your note as also to learn that you were going to Greenacre. Hope you will have much profit. I have been much censured by everyone for cutting off my long hair. I am sorry. You forced me to do it.

I had been to Detroit and came back yesterday. Trying as soon as possible to go to France, thence to India. Very little news here; the work is closed. I am taking regularly my meals and sleeping - that is all.

Ever faithful and loving brother,

VIVEKANANDA.

PS. Write to the girls to send my mails, if any, at Chicago.

CLx.x.xIV.

To Swami Turiyananda

102 E. 58TH STREET,.

NEW YORK,.

18th July, 1900.

MY DEAR TURIYANANDA, Your letter reached me redirected. I stayed in Detroit for three days only. It is frightfully hot here in New York. There was no Indian mail for you last week. I have not heard from Sister Nivedita yet.

Things are going on the same way with us. Nothing particular. Miss Mller cannot come in August. I will not wait for her. I take the next train. Wait till it comes. With love to Miss Boocke,

Yours in the Lord,

VIVEKANANDA. PS. Kali went away about a week ago to the mountains. He cannot come back till September. I am all alone, and washing; I like it. Have you seen my friends? Give them my love.

CLx.x.xV.

To Miss Josephine MacLeod 102 E. 58TH STREET,

NEW YORK,.

20th July, 1900.

DEAR JOE,.

Possibly before this reaches you I shall be in Europe, London or Paris as the chance of steamer comes.

I have straightened out my business here. The works are at Mr. Whitmarsh"s suggestion in the hands of Miss Waldo.