XXX
(Translated from Bengali)

Salutation to Bhagavān Ramakrishna!

GHAZIPUR,
2nd April, 1890.

MY DEAR KĀLI (ABHEDĀNANDA),

Glad to receive your letter as well as Pramadā Bābu’s and Bāburām’s (Premānanda’s). I am doing pretty well here. You have expressed a desire to see me. I too have a similar longing, and it is this that makes me afraid of going. Moreover, the Bābāji forbids me to do so. I shall try to go on a few days’ leave from him. But there is this fear that by so doing I shall be drawn up to the hills by the attraction I have for Hrishikesh, and it will be very difficult to shake it off, specially for one weak-minded, you see, like myself. The attack of lumbago, too, will not leave me on any account—a botheration! But then I am getting used to it. Please convey my countless salutations to Pramadā Bābu; his is a friendship which greatly benefits both my mind and body. And I am particularly indebted to him. Things will turn up some way, anyhow.

With best wishes,

Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.