The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda/Volume 6/Epistles - Second Series/LXXXVIII Mrs. Bull
LXXXVIII
228 WEST 39TH STREET, NEW YORK,
8th Dec., 1895.
DEAR MRS. BULL,
Many thanks for your kind note of welcome. I arrived last Friday after ten
days of a very tedious voyage. It was awfully rough and for the first time
in my life I was very badly seasick. . . . I have left some strong friends
in England who will work in my absence expecting my arrival next summer. My
plans are not settled yet about the work here. Only I have an idea to run to
Detroit and Chicago meanwhile, and then come back to New York. The public
lecture plan I intend to give up entirely, as I find the best thing for me
to do is to step entirely out of the money question — either in public
lectures or private classes. In the long run it does harm and sets a bad
example.
In England I worked on this principle and refused even the voluntary
collections they made. Mr. Sturdy, being a rich man, bore the major part of
the expenses of lecturing in big halls — the rest I bore. It worked well.
Again, to use rather a vulgar illustration, even in religion there is no use
overstocking the market. The supply must follow the demand, and the demand
alone. If people want me, they will get up lectures. I need not bother
myself about these things. If you think after consultation with Mrs. Adams
and Miss Locke that it would be practicable for me to come to Chicago for a
course of lectures, write to me. Of course the money question should be left
entirely out.
My idea is for autonomic, independent groups in different places. Let them
work on their own account and do the best they can. As for myself, I do not
want to entangle myself in any organisation. Hoping you are enjoying good
health both physically and mentally,
I am yours, in the Lord,
VIVEKANANDA.