Sarah Ellen Waldo, Miss (1.9.1845 – 15.7.1926)—Swamiji’s American disciple from Brooklyn. At first named by him Brahmacharini Yatimata for her deep interest in Raja-Yoga and later, Sister Haridasi. A woman with intellectual leanings, fascinated by Swamiji’s lecture at Brooklyn Ethical Association on 30.12.1894, thereafter attended all his talks and classes in New York. Well-versed in theosophy and comparative philosophy. One of the group at Thousand Island Park, The Inspired Talks (1908) is based on her notes of his classes there. Swamiji dictated the greater part of Raja-Yoga to her, taken down in long hand with painstaking care. Initiated into vows of brahmacharya by Swamiji on 20.2.1896 at New York, with a mantra of her choice. Ran Swamiji’s household in New York, commuting daily from her residence at 249 Monroe Street, Brooklyn—a two-hour journey. As observed by Sister Devamata, “She was truly a Servant of the Lord—her service was continuous and untiring. She cooked, edited, cleaned and took dictation, taught and managed, read proof and saw visitors” (Reminiscences of Swami Vivekananda, p. 126). Played an active role in the running of the New York Vedanta Society. Was given charge of the publication of Swamiji’s books in America in association with Mr. Francis Leggett. Held question-answer classes there with great efficiency. “Among the disciples, whom the Swami frequently visited in New York and with whom he spent many hours in discussing philosophy and plans of work, was Miss Waldo” (Life of Swami Vivekananda, Vol. 2, p. 536). When she was managing his New York household, on a free day he would make the two-hour trip to her house and cooked the meals. “He found genuine rest and relaxation in the freedom and quiet of Miss Waldo’s simple home” (Reminiscences of Swami Vivekananda, Sister Devamata, p. 127). Swami Abhedananda was her guest at Brooklyn immediately after his arrival in America. Her reminiscences of Swamiji published in the Prabuddha Bharata (January 1906) were incorporated in Reminiscences of Swami Vivekananda.