The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda/Volume 5/Epistles - First Series/XXXV Alasinga
XXXV
6th March, 1895.
Dear Alasinga,
. . . Do not for a moment think the "Yankees" are practical in religion. In
that the Hindu alone is practical, the Yankee in money-making, so that as
soon as I depart, the whole thing will disappear. Therefore I want to have a
solid ground under my feet before I depart. Every work should be made
thorough. . . . You need not insist upon preaching Shri Ramakrishna.
Propagate his ideas first, though I know the world always wants the Man
first, then the idea. . . . Do not figure out big plans at first, but begin
slowly, feel your ground, and proceed up and up.
. . . Work on, my brave boys. We shall see the light some day.
Harmony and peace! . . . Let things slowly grow. Rome was not built in a
day. The Maharaja of Mysore is dead — one of our greatest hopes. Well! the
Lord is great. He will send others to help the cause.
Send some Kushâsanas (small sitting-mats) if you can.
Yours ever with blessings,
Vivekananda.