The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda/Volume 8/Epistles - Fourth Series/XLVIII Sister
XLVIII
To Miss Mary Hale
C/O MISS DUTCHER,
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK, N.Y.
26th June, 1895.
DEAR SISTER,
Many thanks for the Indian mail. I cannot express in words my gratitude to
you. As you have already read in Max Müller's article on Immortality I sent
Mother Church, that he thinks that those we love in this life we must have
loved in the past, so it seems I must have belonged to the Holy Family in
some past life. I am expecting some books from India. I hope they have
arrived. If so, will you kindly send them over here? If any postage is due I
shall send it as soon as I get intimation. You did not write about the duty
on the rugs; there will be another big packet from Khetri containing carpets
and shawls and some brocades and other nick-nacks. I have written them to
get the duty paid there if it is possible through the American Consul in
Bombay. If not I shall have to pay it here. I do not think they will arrive
for some months yet. I am anxious about the books. Kindly send them as soon
as they arrive.
My love to Mother and Father Pope and all the sisters. I am enjoying this
place immensely. Very little eating and good deal of thinking and talking
and study. A wonderful calmness is coming over my soul. Every day I feel I
have no duty to do; I am always in eternal rest and peace. It is He that
works. We are only the instruments. Blessed be His name! The threefold
bondage of lust and gold and fame is, as it were, fallen from me for the
time being, and once more, even here, I feel what sometimes I felt in India,
"From me all difference has fallen, all right or wrong, all delusion and
ignorance has vanished, I am walking in the path beyond the qualities." What
law I obey, what disobey? From that height the universe looks like a
mud-puddle. Hari Om Tat Sat. He exists; nothing else does. I in Thee and
Thou in me. Be Thou Lord my eternal refuge! Peace, Peace, Peace! Ever with
love and blessings,
Your brother,
VIVEKANANDA.