Swami Vivekananda

13. My resolve is something like “either to lay down my life or realise my ideal”

Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda

(Translated from Bengali)

BAIDYANATH,

26th Dec., 1889.


DEAR SIR,

After a long attempt, I think, I am now in a position to present myself before you. In a day or two I take myself to your feet at holy Kashi.

I have been putting up here for some days with a gentleman of Calcutta, but my mind is much longing for Varanasi. My idea is to remain there for some time, and to watch how Vishvanātha and Annapurnā [1] deal it out to my lot. And my resolve is something like “either to lay down my life or realise my ideal” [2] —so help me the Lord of Kashi.

ⓘ[1] Shiva and His Divine Spouse as installed in Varanasi.

[2] “शरीरं वा पातयामि मन्त्रं वा साधयामि।”


Yours etc.,
VIVEKANANDA.

 

Share this article:

Comments

Sign in to leave a comment

Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda (12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902) was an Indian saint, social reformer, and a great teacher of mankind. He was the foremost disciple of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Dev who is considered as the prophet of modern age. Swami Vivekananda was a towering spiritual personality, great thinker, orator and the prophet of universal harmony and progress.