The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda/Volume 6/Epistles - Second Series/XIX Sir
XIX[6]*
(Translated from Bengali)
GHAZIPUR,
7th Feb., 1890.
DEAR SIR,
I feel very happy to hear from you just now. Apparently in his features, the
Babaji is a Vaishnava the embodiment, so to speak, of Yoga, Bhakti, and
humility. His dwelling has walls on all sides with a few doors in them.
Inside these walls, there is one long underground burrow wherein he lays
himself up in Samâdhi. He talks to others only when he comes out of the
hole. Nobody knows what he eats, and so they call him Pavhâri (One living on
air.) Bâbâ. Once he did not come out of the hole for five years, and people
thought he had given up the body. But now again he is out. But this time he
does not show himself to people and talks from behind the door. Such
sweetness in speech I have never come across! He does not give a direct
reply to questions but says, "What does this servant know?" But then fire
comes out as the talking goes on. On my pressing him very much he said,
"Favour me highly by staying here some days." But he never speaks in this
way; so from this I understood he meant to reassure me and whenever I am
importunate, he asks me to stay on. So I wait in hope. He is a learned man
no doubt but nothing in the line betrays itself. He performs scriptural
ceremonials, for from the full-moon day to the last day of the month,
sacrificial oblations go on. So it is sure, he is not retiring into the hole
during this period. How can I ask his permission, (Evidently for a proposed
visit to the saint by the correspondent, Pramadadas Mitra of Varanasi.). for
he never gives a direct reply; he goes on multiplying such expressions as
"this servant", "my fortune", and so on. If you yourself have a mind, then
come sharp on receipt of this note. Or after his passing away, the keenest
regret will be left in your mind. In two days you may return after an
interview — I mean a talk with him ab intra. My friend Satish Babu will
receive you most warmly. So, do come up directly you receive this; I shall
meanwhile let Babaji know of you.
Yours etc.,
VIVEKANANDA.
PS. Even though one can't have his company, no trouble taken for the sake of
such a great soul can ever go unrewarded.