4. May the Lord ordain that your son becomes a man, and never a coward!

IV

(Translated from Bengali)

Salutation to Bhagavan Ramakrishna!

C/o SATISH MUKHERJI,

GORABAZAR, GHAZIPUR,
14th February, 1890.

REVERED SIR,

I am in receipt of your letter of contrition. I am not leaving this place soon—it is impossible to avoid the Bābāji’s request. You have expressed remorse at not having reaped any appreciable results by serving the Sādhus. It is true, and yet not true; it is true if you look towards ideal bliss; but if you look behind to the place from which you started, you will find that before you were an animal, now you are a man, and will be a god or God Himself in future. Moreover, that sort of regret and dissatisfaction is very good; it is the prelude to improvement. Without this none can rise. He who puts on a turban and immediately sees the Lord, progresses thus far and no farther. You are blessed indeed to have that constant dissatisfaction preying upon your mind—rest assured that there is no danger for you. … You are a keenly intelligent man, and know full well that patience is the best means of success. In this respect I have no doubt that we light-headed boys have much to learn from you. … You are a considerate man, and I need not add anything. Man has two ears but one mouth. You specially are given to plain-speaking and are chary of making large promises—things that sometimes make me cross with you, but upon reflection I find that it is you who have acted with discretion.“Slow but sure.” “What is lost in power is gained in speed.” However, in this world everything depends upon one’s words. To get an insight behind the words (specially, with your economical spirit masking all) is not given to all, and one must associate long with a man to be able to understand him. … Religion is not in sects, nor in making a fuss—why do you forget these teachings of our revered Master? Please help as far as it lies in you, but to judge what came of it, whether it was turned to good or evil account, is perhaps beyond our jurisdiction. … Considering the great shock which Girish Bābu has received, it will give him immense peace to serve Mother at this moment. He is a very keen-witted person. And our beloved Master had perfect confidence in you, used to dine nowhere else except at your place, and, I have heard, Mother too has the fullest confidence in you. In view of these, you will please bear and forbear all shortcomings of us fickle boys, treating them as if they were done by your own boy. This is all I have got to say. Please let me know by return of post when the Anniversary is to take place. A pain in the loins is giving me much trouble. In a few days the place will look exceedingly beautiful, with miles and miles of rose-banks all in flower. Satish says he will then send some fresh roses and cuttings for the Festival. … May the Lord ordain that your son becomes a man, and never a coward!

Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA

PS. If Mother has come, please convey to her my countless salutations, and ask her to bless me that I may have unflinching perseverance. Or, if that be impossible in this body, may it fall off soon!