34. Our whole country is steeped in Tamas, and nothing but that.

(Translated from Bengali)

C/o E. T. STURDY, ESQ.,

HIGH VIEW, CAVERSHAM, READING,
May(?) 1896.

DEAR SHASHI [RĀMAKRISHNĀNANDA],

… This City of London is a sea of human heads—ten or fifteen Calcuttas put together. One is apt to be lost in the mazes unless he arranges for somebody to meet him on arrival. … However, let Kāli start at once. If he be late in starting like Sharat, better let no one come. It won’t do to loiter and procrastinate like that. It is a task that requires the height of Rajas (activity). … Our whole country is steeped in Tamas, and nothing but that. We want Rajas first, and Sattva will come afterwards—a thing far, far removed.

Yours affectionately,
VIVEKANANDA.