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

(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.

By Swami Vivekananda|2025-01-24T11:47:40+05:30December 26th, 1889|Baidyanath, Epistles - Second Series, Pramadādās Mitra, The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Volume 6|0 Comments

About the Author: 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.

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