From Epistles – First Series of Volume 5 of The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
XXXV
U. S. A.,
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