The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda/Volume 8/Epistles - Fourth Series/XC Shashi
XC
(Translated from Bengali)
To Swami Ramakrishnananda
DARJEELING,
20th April, 1897.
DEAR SHASHI,
All of you have doubtless reached Madras by this time. I should think
Biligiri is certainly taking great care of you, and that Sadananda serves
you as your attendant. In Madras the worship should be done in a completely
Sattvic manner, without a trace of Rajas in it. I hope Alasinga has by now
returned to Madras. Don't enter into wrangles with anybody — always maintain
a calm attitude. For the present let the worship of Shri Ramakrishna be
established and continued in the house of Biligiri. But see that the worship
does not become very elaborate and long. Time thus saved should be utilised
in holding classes and doing some preaching. It is good to initiate as many
as you can. Supervise the work of the two papers, and help in whatever way
you can. Biligiri has two widowed daughters. Kindly educate them and make
special efforts that through them more such widowed women get a thorough
grounding in their own religion and learn a little English and Sanskrit. But
all this work should be done from a distance. One has to be exceedingly
careful before young women. Once you fall, there is no way out, and the sin
is unpardonable.
I am very sorry to hear that Gupta was bitten by a dog; but I hear that the
dog was not a mad one, so there is no cause for alarm. In any case, see that
he takes the medicine sent by Gangadhar.
Early morning, finish daily your worship and other duties briefly, and
calling together Biligiri with his family, read before them the Gita and
other sacred books. There is not the least necessity for teaching the divine
Love of Râdhâ and Krishna. Teach them pure devotion to Sitâ-Râm and
Hara-Pârvati. See that no mistake is made in this respect. Remember that the
episodes of the divine relationship between Radha and Krishna are quite
unsuitable for young minds. Specially Biligiri and other followers of
Râmânujâchârya are worshippers of Rama; so see to it that their innate
attitude of pure devotion is never disturbed.
In the evenings give some spiritual teaching like that to the general
public. Thus gradually "even the mountain is crossed".
See that an atmosphere of perfect purity is always maintained, and that
there enters not the slightest trace of Vâmâchâra. For the rest, the Lord
Himself will guide you, there is no fear. Give to Biligiri my respectful
salutations and loving greetings, and convey my salutations to similar
devotees.
My illness is now much less — it may even be cured completely, if the Lord wills. My love, blessings, and greetings to you.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS. Please tender my specially affectionate greetings and blessings to Dr. Nanjunda Rao and help him as much as you can. Try your best to particularly encourage the study of Sanskrit among the non-Brahmins.
V.