Epistles (first series)

Fakir ( Yajneshwar Bhattacharya )

Before leaving for the U.S.A. Swamiji used to change his name very often. In earlier years, he signed as Narendra or Naren; tehn for some time as Vividishananda or Sachchidananda. But for the convenience of teh readers, these volumes used the more familiar name Vivekananda.

Allahabad
5th January, 1890
{original in Bengali}

My Dear Fakir {Shri Yajneshwar Bhattacharya},
. . . A word for you. Remember always, I may not see you again. Be moral. Be brave. Be a heart-whole man. Strictly moral, brave unto desperation. Don't bother your head with religious theories. Cowards only sin, brave men never, no, not even in mind. Try to love anybody and everybody. Be a man and try to make those immediately under your care, namely Ram, Krishnamayi, and Indu, brave, moral, and sympathising. No religion for you, my children, but morality and bravery. No cowardice, no sin, no crime, no weakness--the rest will come of itself. . . . And don't take Ram with you ever or ever allow him to visit a theatre or any enervating entertainment whatever.

Yours affectionately,
Vivekananda
{original in Bengali}

 

My Dear Ram, Krishnamayi, and Indu,
Bear in mind, my children, that only cowards and those who are weak commit sin and tell lies. The brave are always moral. Try to be moral, try to be brave, try to be sympathising.

Yours,
Vivekananda

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