Swamiji's Letters written from Almora
Swami Vivekananda
| Sl. | Date | Written to | Written From | Synopsis | Link to full letter |
| 1 | 20 MAY 1897 | SWAMI BRAHMANANDA | DEWALDHAR | In this letter, Vivekananda updates Rakhal on various matters, including ongoing financial efforts and plans to acquire land, advising discretion in decisions related to it. He shares his approval of Master Mahashay's actions and recommends that Gangadhar spend his own money if necessary for food and publish a weekly letter in Upen’s paper to encourage support. Vivekananda reports on his health, explaining that his liver troubles are linked to the heat, and plans to adjust his diet, accordingly, eating light meals at night. He reassures Rakhal not to worry about his health and urges continued work to spread their mission, sending his love to all at the Math. | Letter to SWAMI BRAHMANANDA dt. 20.05.1897 |
| 2 | 20 MAY 1897 | SWAMI SHUDDHANANDA | DEWALDHAR | Vivekananda expresses his pleasure upon receiving Sudhir’s letter and reminds him to keep copies of important communications to and from the Math. He is happy to hear that the work is progressing well, both in the current location and in Calcutta. Although he is tired from travel, he assures Sudhir that the fatigue will pass soon. He sends his love and blessings to everyone. | Letter to SWAMI SUDDHANANDA dt. 20.05.1897 |
| 3 | 29 MAY 1897 | DOCTOR SHASHI BHUSHAN GHOSH | DEWALDHAR | Vivekananda thanks Dr. Shashi for the medicines and reports that he has started using them along with regular horseback exercise, which has greatly improved his health, making him feel stronger and more energetic. However, he mentions that he is now struggling with insomnia again and is concerned he may be gaining weight from a milk-heavy diet. He reassures the doctor that he is feeling revitalized overall and dismisses Yogen's concerns about his health, attributing them to Yogen’s own hypochondria. Vivekananda expresses his happiness about the success of the Ramakrishna Mission meetings in Calcutta and sends his blessings. | Letter to SHASHI BHUSHAN GHOSH dt. 29.05.1897 |
| 4 | 30 MAY 1897 | SRI PRAMADA DAS MITRA | DEWALDHAR | Vivekananda acknowledges the recipient's recent grief and reflects on how such moments often lead to spiritual growth, loosening the bonds of worldly attachments. He addresses doubts about his affection, explaining his brief response to a Gita and clarifying his views on caste, religion, and spiritual practice, which differ from traditional norms. He emphasizes that true religion is altruistic service, rejecting caste distinctions and the pursuit of personal salvation. Despite these differences, he hopes that the recipient’s attachment to him remains strong, expressing his joy if that is the case. | Letter to SRI PRAMADA DAS MITRA dt. 30.05.1897 |
| 5 | 1 June 1897 | A GENTLEMAN OF ALLAHABAD | DEWALDHAR | Vivekananda clarifies that the Vedas include the Samhitas, Brahmanas, and Upanishads, not just the Samhitas, as Swami Dayananda recently suggested. He explains that while the Samhitas alone cannot form a consistent religious system, the Upanishads provide a more harmonious foundation, aligning with past teachers and national beliefs. He acknowledges the importance of the Bhagavad Gita in Hinduism but notes that Krishna’s personality is now obscured, making it difficult to draw direct inspiration. He concludes by encouraging new modes of thought and progress suited to the present age | Letter to DEAR MR. dt. 01.06.1897 |
| 6 | 1 JUNE 1897 | SWAMI SHUDDHANANDA | DEVALDHAR | Vivekananda informs Shuddhananda that he is in good health and staying in a beautiful garden near Almora while advising that teaching methods should be adjusted only with collective agreement. He expresses concern for Yogananda’s illness and invites him to Almora for recovery. He praises Achyutananda’s efforts in spreading spiritual teachings and engaging the local community. Lastly, he critiques a Bengali interpretation of a shloka, suggesting alternative explanations that emphasize the importance of seeking true knowledge within the vast teachings of the Vedas. | Letter to SWAMI SHUDDHANANDA dt. 01.06.1897 |
| 7 | 2 JUNE 1897 | MISS MARIE HALBOISTER | DEVALDHAR | Vivekananda writes to Marie about his recovery from illness and his stay in a beautiful garden in Almora, where a leopard recently took a goat. He inquires about her well-being, the work in London, and mutual acquaintances while mentioning that he had an opportunity to visit England but was advised against it due to health reasons. He shares his plans for rest, reflects on the peaceful mountain surroundings, and humorously notes his intention to turn Mr. Goodwin into a full-fledged monk. The letter ends abruptly due to a dust storm, with Vivekananda blaming Marie’s karma for cutting it short. | Letter to MISS MARIE HALBOISTER dt. 02.06.1897 |
| 8 | 3 JUNE 1897 | SISTER CHRISTINE | ALMORA | Vivekananda expresses contentment, having inspired many people and feeling detached from worldly bonds. He reflects on the self-centered nature of life and sees existence as a trap, believing in the importance of liberation. Writing from a beautiful mountain park with views of the Himalayas, he enjoys the peaceful environment and plans to stay through summer before returning to work in the plains. Though he feels he was meant for a scholar’s quiet life, he acknowledges that destiny has led him elsewhere. | Letter to MISS NOBLE dt. 03.06.1897 |
| 9 | 14 JUNE 1897 | SWAMI BRAHMANANDA | DEWALDHAR | Vivekananda expresses full support for Charu's letter and outlines key points for an Address to the Queen-Empress. The address should avoid exaggeration, highlight religious freedom under her reign, acknowledge her kindness toward the Indian poor, and include a prayer for her long life and prosperity. He asks Rakhal to have the address written in correct English and sent to him for signing. He also requests Shuddhananda to preserve a copy of the weekly letters sent to him from the Math. | Letter to SWAMI BRAHMANANDA dt. 14.06.1897 |
| 10 | 15 JUNE 1897 | SWAMI AKHANDANANDA | DEWALDHAR | Vivekananda expresses great delight at the reports of Akhandananda's work and encourages him to keep working relentlessly. He emphasizes that love, not intellect or material success, is the true source of power and transformation. He urges Akhandananda to spread his work across India, setting up centers of education and religion, and assures him of his full support. Vivekananda also expresses his own commitment to action, saying he will die in the battlefield, not in idle comfort. | Letter to SWAMI AKHANDANANDA d t. 15.06.1897 |
| 11 | 20 JUNE 1897 | SWAMI BRAHMANANDA | ALMORA | Vivekananda shares that he is in good health, feeling strong and energetic, and has stopped using Shashi's medicine. He mentions that he has stopped drinking milk to avoid gaining weight and has shifted to three meals a day in the English style. He critiques Shuddhananda’s idea of teaching medical practices, suggesting a more practical approach with basic scientific equipment and lectures from knowledgeable individuals. He also recommends acquiring good scientific books in Bengali for reading. | Letter to SWAMI BRAHMANANDA dt. 20.06.1897 |
| 12 | 20 JUNE 1897 | SISTER NIVEDITA | ALMORA | Vivekananda expresses deep appreciation for Miss Noble's letters, encouraging her to write freely. He shares that he has started a new initiative for training young men in the famine districts, which has been highly effective. Despite challenges, including a recent earthquake destroying their shelter, the work continues with determination. He emphasizes the importance of renunciation and mentions that one of his trainees, a former executive engineer, gave up his high position without hesitation. | Letter to MISS NOBLE dt. 20.06.1897 |
| 13 | 17 JUNE 1897 | BADRI SAH | DEVALDHAR | Vivekananda expresses concern for Badri Sah's health and invites him to come stay with him for a few days, believing it would help improve his condition. | Letter to BADRI SAH dt. 17.06.1897 |
| 14 | 20 JUNE 1897 | MRS. FRANCIS LEGGETTE | ALMORA | Vivekananda introduces Miss Tremayne, a close friend, to his mother and requests her help for Miss Tremayne, who is traveling to the States. | Letter to MRS. FRANCIS LEGGETTE dt. 20.06.1897 |
| 15 | 20 JUNE 1897 | MRS. OLE BULL | ALMORA | Vivekananda introduces Miss Tremayne to Mrs. Bull, emphasizing his desire to be of service to energetic individuals and requesting help for her in America. | Letter to MRS. OLE BULL dt. 20.06.1897 |
| 16 | 30 JUNE 1897 | MR. T SOKANATHAN, COLOMBO | ALMORA | Vivekananda sends Swami Shivananda to Ceylon for a mission, trusting in the recipient’s support and requesting introductions to local friends. | Letter to MR. T SOKANATHAN dt. 30.06.1897 |
| 17 | 3 JULY 1897 | SRI SHARAT CHANDRA CHAKRABARTY | ALMORA | Vivekananda expresses his reverence for Shri Ramakrishna and emphasizes the importance of Vairagya (dispassion) in achieving true knowledge and self-realization. He explains that true renunciation is not about forsaking the world but about focusing the mind on God or the Atman, and that serving others with the understanding that they are manifestations of the Self is the highest form of love. He distinguishes between compassion and love, emphasizing that love for all beings, seeing them as the Self, is central to Advaita philosophy. He wishes for Sharman to attain Vairagya, which he believes will lead to liberation from suffering and the realization of the true nature of all things. | Letter SRI SHARAT CHANDRA CHAKRABARTY dt. 03.07.1897 |
| 18 | 4 JULY 1897 | SISTER NIVEDITA | ALMORA | Vivekananda expresses deep gratitude for Miss Noble's letters, which provide him with strength and hope amidst his struggles. He mentions being busy with famine relief work in India, where Brahmin boys are now helping cholera-stricken pariahs, marking a significant shift in attitudes. He reflects on the limitations of lectures and teaching in India, emphasizing the need for "Dynamic Religion," which he is determined to demonstrate. Vivekananda fully supports Miss Noble's society and expresses immense appreciation for her kindness and the help from the Wimbledon friends, acknowledging their ongoing support for the greater good. | Letter to SISTER NIVEDITA dt. 04.07.1897 |
| 19 | 9 JULY 1897 | MISS MARRY HALE | ALMORA | Vivekananda addresses Miss Mary Hale, expressing regret for her despondent tone and reassuring her about his work and spiritual journey. He reflects on the criticism he faced, particularly in America, but dismisses it as inconsequential, noting that he has gained significant support in England and India. He emphasizes that his mission to uplift the Indian masses is his primary focus, and he has seen progress, including his followers working selflessly in famine-stricken areas. Vivekananda shares his belief in the unity of all souls and his devotion to the divine in all forms, including the poor and oppressed. He expresses contentment with his work and his mission, stating that he cares little about worldly opinions and is determined to continue his path of service. He concludes by expressing a desire to meet his dear friends before he dies, affirming his deep spiritual resolve. | Letter to MISS MARRY HALE dt. 09.07.1897 |
| 20 | 9 JULY 1897 | SWAMI SHIVANANDA | ALMORA | Vivekananda writes to Swami Shivananda, expressing concerns about organizational issues and personal matters. He mentions the tension with Miss Müller, who was upset about housing arrangements, and instructs Shashi to manage the Raja of Ramnad's donation with accountability, focusing funds primarily on the propagation of truth. He advises Shivananda to assist Gupta if needed and reminds him to ensure no opposition or obstacles to Shashi’s work in Madras. Vivekananda emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience within the organization, stressing that the success of the work depends on unity, sacrifice of individual views, and discipline. He also encourages sending regular reports to the Math and maintaining esprit de corps. | Letter to SWAMI SHIVANANDA dt. 09.07.1897 |
| 21 | 9 JUNE 1897 | SWAMI BRAMHANANDA | ALMORA | Vivekananda writes to Rakhal, stressing the importance of practical work over doctrines and rituals. He praises the work in Berhampore, highlighting that service to others is the true religion that reaches all people. He advises Rakhal to focus on expanding such work, encouraging the collection and distribution of resources to aid the poor. Vivekananda urges cutting down on unnecessary expenses for worship and using funds to help alleviate hunger and suffering, particularly through famine relief. He also suggests starting a work department in Calcutta and asks Shashi to follow suit. Lastly, he emphasizes the importance of kindness and love in the work, above philosophy or lectures, and encourages practical service as a means of spiritual growth. | Letter to SWAMI BRAMHANANDA dt. 9.06.1897 |
| 22 | 10 JULY 1897 | MISS JOSEPHINE MACLEOD | SHYAMDHURAALMORA | Vivekananda writes to Joe Joe from the Himalayas, expressing exhaustion from lecturing and disappointment at not being able to travel to England with the Raja of Khetri due to health concerns. He mentions the Seviers in Simla and Miss Müller in Almora, while overseeing famine relief efforts in India. He describes the cultural divide between Europeans and Indians, warning about travel conditions but promising to accompany Joe Joe on her journey. He invites Miss Campbell and suggests that bringing Landsberg might save his life. He hints at returning to America and mentions an abandoned plan to visit Tibet. Finally, he advises October-November as the best time to visit India and shares news of Goodwin working on a newspaper in Madras. | Letter to MISS JOSEPHINE MACLEOD dt. 10.07.1897 |
| 23 | 11 JULY 1897 | SWAMI SHUDDHANANDA | ALMORA | Vivekananda praises Shuddhananda’s work but urges improvements, such as clearer handwriting and expanding efforts. He emphasizes the need for science education, suggesting the acquisition of apparatus and translated scientific books. He proposes electing three Mahantas to oversee business, experimental, and intellectual aspects. He criticizes relief efforts for merely distributing food without educating villagers in self-reliance. Instead, he suggests establishing hut-temples as community centers for education and worship. He warns against wasteful spending and urges innovative thinking to ensure sustainability. Finally, he expresses high expectations for his followers, demanding obedience, dedication, and the strength to surpass him. | Letter to SWAMI SHUDDHANANDA dt. 11.07.1897 |
| 24 | 13 JUNE 1897 | SWAMI BRAMHANANDA | ALMORA | Vivekananda updates Rakhal on his health, mentioning liver pain relief but discomfort due to abdominal bloating, possibly from milk consumption. He inquires about famine relief funds and urges workers to expand efforts to new areas, emphasizing that such service is the best response to conservative critics. He discusses the potential purchase of Kristo Gopal’s garden in Cossipore, advocating for secrecy to secure a fair price. Despite financial constraints, he stresses urgency in acquiring the land, considering it the true first Math. He encourages confidence in Shri Ramakrishna’s support and sends his love to all. | Letter to SWAMI BRAMHANANDA dt. 13.06.1897 |
| 25 | 23 JULY 1897 | MISS NOBLE | ALMORA | Vivekananda writes to Miss Noble while traveling from the hills to the plains, expressing his longing for simplicity and freedom from societal fear. He updates her on the famine-relief efforts and preaching work in Madras and Calcutta, with some expansion to Colombo. Monthly reports will be sent to her. He acknowledges that his presence in England would help the work there but insists on staying in India until the organization is stable. He appreciates her dedication and mentions the Raja of Khetri as a valuable supporter. He ends with love and blessings. | Letter to MISS NOBLE dt. 23.07.1897 |
| 26 | 24 JULY 1897 | SWAMI AKHANDANANDA | ALMORA | Vivekananda encourages Akhandananda in his efforts to establish an orphanage and a permanent center, assuring him that financial support will come. He emphasizes the importance of education alongside preaching, particularly teaching history and religion to villagers. He mentions a supportive society in England and urges faith in the work. He asks Akhandananda to write inspiring letters to the Math to keep the spirit alive. He concludes with blessings and encouragement, expressing his vision of having monasteries in every district. | Letter to SWAMI AKHANDANANDA dt. 24.07.1897 |
| 27 | 25 JULY 1897 | MISS MARIE HALBOISTER | ALMORA | Vivekananda writes to Marie, explaining his inability to visit England due to health issues and financial constraints. He expresses admiration for her temperament and independence, encouraging her to continue her work on "Universal Religion" despite rejection. He reflects on the burdens of familial ties and advocates for detachment as a path to happiness. He updates her on the progress of his monastic and famine-relief efforts in India and shares his future plans for travel and lectures. He ends with blessings, wishing her joy and freedom from worldly attachments. | Letter to MISS MARIE HALBOISTER dt. 25.07.1897 |
| 28 | 28 JULY 1897 | MRS. BETTY LEGGETT | ALMORA | Vivekananda thanks Mrs. Leggett for her kind letter and regrets missing the opportunity to visit London with the Raja of Khetri due to health reasons. He expresses gratitude to Alberta for her help in Rome and sends love to her family, including the new baby. After nine months of rest in the Himalayas, he is preparing to return to work in the plains. He ends the letter with love and blessings to her and their mutual friends. | Letter to MRS. LEGGETT dt. 28.07.1897 |
| 29 | 28 JULY 1897 | SWAMI RAMAKRISHNANANDA | ALMORA | Vivekananda advises Shashi to master the three Bhāshyas and European philosophy to be well-equipped for debates. He instructs him to send weekly reports on the Math’s activities and finances. He asks him to remind Alasinga about repaying a loan and mentions his successful lectures, especially in Hindi. He emphasizes maintaining health without overindulgence and stresses that knowledge, not rituals, earns respect. He sends his love and blessings to Shashi, Goodwin, and others. | Letter to SWAMI RAMAKRISHNANANDA dt. 28.07.1897 |
| 30 | 29 JULY 1897 | SISTER NIVEDITA | ALMORA | Vivekananda instructs Akhandananda to write to The Indian Mirror about Mr. Levinge’s work and discourages focusing only on faults. He assures him that finding orphans is easy and emphasizes the need for a permanent center while avoiding politics. He recounts his Hindi and English lectures, noting Western admiration. He shares his travel plans and urges relentless effort, stating that India must be covered in ten years. He stresses that dedicated men, not money, are crucial for success, and assures that even after his death, his work will continue. | Letter to SISTER NIVEDITA dt. 29.07.1897 |
| 31 | 30 JULY 1897 | SWAMI AKHANDANANDA | ALMORA | Vivekananda instructs Akhandananda to write to The Indian Mirror about Mr. Levinge’s work and discourages focusing only on faults. He assures him that finding orphans is easy and emphasizes the need for a permanent center while avoiding politics. He recounts his Hindi and English lectures, noting Western admiration. He shares his travel plans and urges relentless effort, stating that India must be covered in ten years. He stresses that dedicated men, not money, are crucial for success, and assures that even after his death, his work will continue. | Letter to SWAMI AKHANDANANDA dt. 29.07.1897 |
| 32 | 20 MAY 1898 | SWAMI BRAHMANANDA | ALMORA | From Almora on 20 May 1898, Swami Vivekananda writes to Swami Brahmananda reporting Baburam’s injury from a horse fall and his disappearance afterward. He mentions his own improving health but continuing dyspepsia and insomnia, requesting Ayurvedic medicine. He advises caution in managing funds, urges the purchase of land at Kamarpukur for Ramlal in Raghuvir’s name, and insists that ₹1,200 given for the magazine be used only for that purpose. He describes pleasant conditions in Almora, notes visits from Annie Besant, and sends love and greetings from all companions. | Letter to SWAMI BRAHMANANDA dt. 20.05.1898 |
| 33 | 20 MAY 1898 | SISTER CHRISTINE | ALMORA | In this 1898 letter from Almora, Vivekananda writes to Sister Christine about his current travels in the Himalayas, where he is recovering from influenza. He outlines his plans to visit Kashmir, Calcutta, and then America, though he notes he will stay in India to work if the plague epidemic worsens. He expresses a deep fatigue with traveling and a longing for rest, mentioning he has secured land for a monastery near Calcutta and plans a Himalayan home for his Western friends. He intends his next trip abroad to be his last, after which he will settle into "quiet work." He specifically tells Christine his next US visit will not be a lecture tour and asks if he can stay quietly with her in Detroit, assuring her his needs are now minimal. | Letter to SISTER CHRISTINE dt. 20.05.1898 |
| 34 | MRS. SARAH ANNE GOODWIN | ALMORA | This note, written by Swami Vivekananda in June 1898 upon the death of Mr. J. J. Goodwin, is a heartfelt tribute addressed to Goodwin's mother. Vivekananda expresses his "infinite sorrow" at the sudden news and his regret at not being present at the time of death. He emphasizes his immense, unrepayable "debt of gratitude" to Goodwin, crediting him as the one whose "untiring and most unselfish exertions" made the publication of nearly all of Vivekananda's thoughts possible. He eulogizes Goodwin as a "friend true as steel," a disciple of unwavering devotion, and a tireless worker, concluding that the world has lost a rare individual who was "born... to live only for others." | Letter to MRS. SARAH ANNE GOODWIN dt. 20.05.1898 | |
| 34 | 9 JUNE 1898 | RAJA AJIT SINGH | ALMORA | In this letter from June 9, 1898, Swami Vivekananda writes to the Maharaja of Khetri, expressing hope for his quick recovery. He informs the Maharaja he is traveling to Kashmir and asks him to send a direct note to the Resident there, reinforcing an introduction letter he already has. Vivekananda also requests that the Maharaja have Jagamohan remind the Dewan of Kishangarh about a promise to supply copies of the . In a postscript, he sadly shares the news that "Poor Goodwin is dead" and asks for a couple of tiger skins to be sent to the Math as gifts for European friends. | Letter to RAJA AJIT SINGH dt. 20.05.1898 |
| 35 | 10 JUNE 1898 | MOHAMMED SARFARAJ HUSSAIN | ALMORA | In a short summary, Swami Vivekananda writes that Advaita Vedanta is the ultimate religious truth, but argues it remains largely theoretical for Hindus. He praises Islam for putting the principle of equality into practice in society. Therefore, he concludes that the only hope for a "future perfect India" is a synthesis of the two: the philosophical "Vedanta brain" with the practical, egalitarian "Islam body." | Letter to MOHAMMED SARFARAJ HUSSAIN dt. 20.05.1898 |
