The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda/Volume 7/Epistles - Third Series/VI Sir
VI
(Translated from Bengali)
Glory to Ramakrishna!
GHAZIPUR,
15th March, 1890.
REVERED SIR (Shri Balaram Bose),
Received your kind note yesterday. I am very sorry to learn that Suresh
Babu's illness is extremely serious. What is destined will surely happen. It
is a matter of great regret that you too have fallen ill. So long as egoism
lasts, any shortcoming in adopting remedial measures is to be considered as
idleness — it is a fault and a guilt. For one who has not that egoistic
idea, the best course is to forbear. The dwelling-place of the Jivâtman,
this body, is a veritable means of work, and he who converts this into an
infernal den is guilty, and he who neglects it is also to blame. Please act
according to circumstances as they present themselves, without the least
hesitation.
— "The highest duty consists in doing the little that lies in one's power,
seeking neither death nor life, and biding one's time like a servant ready
to do any behest."
There is a dreadful outbreak of influenza at Varanasi and Pramada Babu has
gone to Allahabad. Baburam has suddenly come here. He has got fever; he was
wrong to start under such circumstances. . . . I am leaving this place
tomorrow. . . . My countless salutations to Mother. You all bless me that I
may have sameness of vision, that after avoiding the bondages which one is
heir to by one's very birth, I may not again get stuck in self-imposed
bondages. If there be any Doer of good and if He have the power and the
opportunity, may He vouchsafe the highest blessings unto you all — this is
my constant prayer.
Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.