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PREFACE

letter[1] which Swâmi Vivekânanda wrote to him.

At the request of "M" I have edited and remodelled the larger portion of his English manuscript; while the remaining portions I


  1. Swâmi Vivekânanda's letter to "M."

    (True Copy.)

    Dehra Doon,
    24th Nov., 1897.

    My dear Master Mahasaya:

    Many thanks for your second leaflet. It is indeed wonderful. The move is quite original, and never the life of a great teacher was brought before the public untarnished by the writer's mind as you are doing. The language also is beyond all praise. So fresh, so pointed, and withal so plain and easy.

    I cannot express in adequate terms how I have enjoyed them. I am really in a transport when I read them. Strange, isn't it? Our teacher and Lord was so original and each one of us will have to be original or nothing. I now understand why none of us attempted his life before. It has been reserved for you, this great work. He is with you evidently. With all love and namaskar.

    (Sd.) Vivekânanda.

    P.S.—Socratic dialogues are Plato all over. You are entirely hidden. Moreover, the dramatic part is infinitely beautiful. Everybody likes it—here or in the West.

    (Sd.) V.

    This letter of Swami Vivekânanda shows that the words of the Master were accurately recorded by "M."

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