35. Do not figure out big plans at first, but begin slowly, feel your ground, and proceed up and up

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 Maharājā of Mysore is dead—one of our greatest hopes. Well! the Lord is great. He will send others to help the cause.

Send some Kushāsanas (small sitting-mats) if you can.

Yours ever with blessings,
VIVEKANANDA.