(Translated from Bengali.)

U.S.A.,
20th November, 1899.

MY DEAR RĀKHĀL,

Got some news from Sharat’s letter.… Get experience while still there is a chance; I am not concerned whether you win or lose.… I have no disease now. Again.… I am going to tour from place to place. There is no reason for anxiety, be fearless. Everything will fly away before you; only don’t be disobedient, and all success will be yours.… Victory to Kāli! Victory to the Mother! Victory to Kāli! Wāh Guru, Wah Guru ki Fateh (Victory unto the Guru)!

… Really, there is no greater sin than cowardice; cowards are never saved—that is sure. I can stand everything else but not that. Can I have any dealings with one who will not give that up? … If one gets one blow, on must return ten with redoubled fury … then only one is a man … the coward is an object to be pitied.

I bless you all; today, on this day sacred to the Divine Mother, on this night, may the Mother dance in your hearts, and bring infinite strength to your arms. Victory to Kāli! Victory to Kāli! Mother will certainly come down—and with great strength will bring all victory, world victory. Mother is coming, what fear? Whom to fear? Victory to Kāli! At the tread of each one of you the earth will tremble.… Victory to Kāli! Again onward, forward! Wah Guru! Victory to the Mother! Kāli! Kāli! Kāli! Disease, sorrow, danger, weakness—all these have departed from you all. All victory, all good fortune, all prosperity yours. Fear not! Fear not! The threat of calamity is vanishing, fear not! Victory to Kāli! Victory to Kāli!

VIVEKANANDA.

PS. I am the servant of the Mother, you are all servants of the Mother—what destruction, what fear is there for us? Don’t allow egoism to enter your minds, and let love never depart from your hearts. What destruction can touch you? Fear not. Victory to Kāli! Victory to Kāli!

V.