Cairo
October 19, 1960
My dear Tony:
Last night I had a birthday party but the big gift was the fact that this completed the last refutation by experience of a lot of people in the S. F. Bay region who closed their doors on me and to me. Tomorrow I begin a serious counter-attack at the American University here but the main battle was already fought by the American foreign service which is not made up of “Ugly Americans” and when I return I shall carry the battle right on to the University campus at Berkeley, whether in a friendly way or not. For I don’t think Burdick would want or dare to debate me and there is no sense of being antagonistic for the sake of being antagonistic.
I have in front of me a text book from the University here written by a professor a number of years ago on “Dervishism.” It is almost completely quotations from other sources, mostly “brand names,” some of whom never were in this part of the world ad none of whom, excepting one, is accepted as an authority in this part of the world. Even that one met his Sufis in Persia and what he said about Persian Sufis only holds true in part here.
I was told quite definitely that Sufis may exist in India, Pakistan and even Indonesia. I was told that just as definitely before that there weren’t in those countries. The above author wrote a book in Cairo without running around Cairo. I run around Cairo and if I write a book it will be based on facts and adventures.
A few weeks ago I was introduced to M. M. Billah who is a top scientist here. He is also a Sufi. He brought me to the Syedna Hussein district last night. Part of the body of Hussein, grandson of Mohammed, is buried here and they celebrate his birthday. I never saw such a mob, neither in Chinatown nor in Indian pilgrimages. Finally I reached the Khankah (which is a forbidden word on Berkeley and Stockton campuses) and met the members of the Shadhili Order. We had some arguments about Arabic, but not about metaphysics. And when one challenged me to repeat formulas and sing with them I beat him at his own game—which made everybody happy. Excepting of course the European professors in the U.S. who say there are no Sufis and that they are scamps and vagabonds—which pleases Puck muchly because if there are none how could they be scamps and vagabonds. And I saw hundreds, maybe thousands and some very educated men among them and I am told at least one member of the UAR Cabinet which is an impossibility or you better drop the course.
Of course Alan Watts and Rom Landau are regarded with anathema. The first has, as I always said, produced a big blockage in the work of the American Culture Centres by offering as Zen Buddhism what never existed exempting in his own mind and that mind is subject to constant change anyhow. We have “authentic” books on Zen by Americans, Chinese, Frenchmen, beatniks and near-criminals and don’t think that our Foreign Service isn’t having a tough time here.
Man like Rom Landau and Von Grünebaum in Chicago teach what has little objective reality; they are spread all over the Near East. But even Spiegelberg, who is in many ways a fine man, may be an authority on Jung and German literature, but what he brings us each year from India—a new savior, or avatar, also puts up a big bar in honest cultural relations.
You can understand Puck’s statement that he is going to start a school for the study of Lessing’s and Goethe’s poetry so has to return to Asia to bring back a Hindu, Korean and Japanese to help him. There is not a single European “teacher” of Oriental philosophy who is recognized in all Asia or by our Foreign Service. They may not say so, but where do these guys think they are getting off? We run to them, honor them and next Nigeria, Mali, and by that matter Bunga-Gunga vote against us in the U.N. They are in fear that we shall start African Institutes also and fill them with more displaced Europeans.
As for Lloyd Morain and Don Hayakawa, it is a joke. All my scientific and philosophic material which they rejected, mostly without giving me a chance, has been accepted. The philosophical material has been warmly commended by the Embassy. The scientific material has been accepted both by the Egyptians and Americans, to the degree that top Government Experts sent for me, and roundly commended by work and my plans for Pakistan.
These things—Sufism, Oriental philosophy, science and American culture—are going to be accepted, are being accepted. I have just returned from a preview at the Indian Art Exhibit. There were only V.I.P.s there. When I say I have been accepted as a V.I.P. I am bragging, but the fact is that since the Captain on the ship had me enter this country as one, I have been taken very seriously and all my dreams, plans, hopes and everything seem to be bearing fruit and at the same time.
I have written this air mail to Mrs. Winnie Hoefner, 240 6th Ave. She has known me since 1915 and knows most of the friends I have had during this long period, while I was in San Francisco. Of course she does not know my Marin and Southern California friends, but she has seen my progress and inhibitions and knows today nearly all the people I associate with or have associated with in the last ten years—without going back further.
After all, today I am older if not wiser, but there is a strength of maturity and perhaps sincerity which holds out. I often wonder about some people who may be holding that the Presidential candidates are immature, knowing that they would equally reject what I might propose; these negatives only show the insincerity of the critics. Neither Nixon nor Kennedy is immature; what is wrong is that politicians are expected to deliver what politicians cannot deliver. Wm. Pitt was much younger when he became P.M. and his son still younger. Eisenhower has made some stupid mistakes lately—they don’t get in the papers, but when we lose not only Scandinavia but even Ireland in the U.N. voting, we had better investigate. I am afraid we won’t and China is going to get in not because she is popular but on account of the insincerity of our “mature” leaders, God help us.
But I do agree with Nixon that we are ahead in science, art, culture, technology. We are behind in psychology and morals and maybe far behind—as a Nation, not as individuals. I spoke to the Consul-General here about misbehavior. “Did you ever have cases of misbehavior on the part of tourists?” “Yes.” “Did you ever have misbehavior by newspaper men?” “Yes.” “Did you ever have any complaints about the misbehavior of American tourists who were not newspaper men?” “Come to think of it, no.” Touché. There is my case. There are my cases. I think you know and now things look very bright indeed.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
April 17, 1969
Dear Tony:
Dropped at your hotel but nobody answered the door so the letter of the time is being followed up. You will find enclosed copies of letter to Art Hoppe and Nuria Phelps. It is noteworthy that certain women who have made it the object of their lives to balk others rather than boost themselves have realized they have had no success, indeed added to their own pains.
This is, unfortunately, characteristic of certain types of American women, perhaps with Freudian complexes.
The meeting last night was so large I should have been in a quandary had not one of my best disciples obtained a large hall in the San Francisco Theological Seminary whither we repair next week. My audiences in Marin have risen from about 20 to about 80 with more asking to come and no room.
It was simply impossible to more than outline the dance work, and one good lesson, lecture or sermon is enough I have refused to join in certain Buddhist ceremonies and offered this place; it was first turned down and may be accepted so we celebrated Wesak Day along with our May folk festival.
I am very anxious to restore the real folk holidays and while this may begin with May 1 (no politics or politicians of any ilk) it could include a real All- Saints Day and other folk holidays. I understand the Maypole with streamers is almost ready and Dr. Warwick now says he will come and lead in the Buddha celebration. One has become totally indifferent to being turned down.
It also looks as if my poetry will at least be reviewed if not accepted this summer. There is some increase, too, in income and this is a mighty argument.
The place here is lovely now and between the office, the garden and devotions times are well spent. Will be back for Friday night and Saturday night dinners but if you call somebody will be glad to see you.
I also understand I may soon have a Jesuit colleague. They know well, “if you can’t lick ‘em, join ‘em.”
Love,
October 21, 1969
My deal Tony,
I was very glad to hear from you and to save time and energy also am sending a copy of this to Harriet. I have no time to got even to Berkeley. Visited the Lama Foundation in New Mexico in August—was sent for mostly to teaching spiritual dancing. Also went to Taos and Santa Fe and Albuquerque, to the University. Am gradually getting “in” with universities and colleges and even more so with the young. But not the “experts.”
Took a vacation after return going all though the Pacific Northwest as far as Vancouver, B. C. My secretary, Mansur, came from the Mid West and never saw such beautiful country. Also we had special Oysters, etc. and other local food. Had only two days off all year till then, overworked but unlike many people, Allah be praised, no financial problems. My income is up, my audiences are larger, and it looks as if the class on spiritual dancing will succeed.
Last Saturday was my birthday and gave a free lesson to about 50 young people. Only Bill Hathaway and Ted Reich were there as oldsters and Bill came to the big party given for me at Novato on Sunday—about a 100, doubt if more than 3 or 4 over 35! Have also spoken and danced at the Family Dog at Ocean Beach before a huge crowd of young people.
“The Rejected Avatar,” one of my poems, highly evaluated at a poetry class at the University of California and another epic, “Saladin” turned in for a term paper in class on Arabic Culture—no “experts” around. (Puck says that while others are going for centenaries, he in going in for dollarenaries.)
Sunday party immense. Began marvelously. After 50 year by brother phoned greetings. All is really quiet on that Western front. Great Birthday Dance; had a beautiful young girl names Joy as partner, but that was because her birthday same week. My “twin” took the lead in the dance itself while I M’c’d. Greatest events were the marvelous painting of my housekeeper and the chorals which disciples sing. They have blended Christian and Islamic forms, and are ready to put on “The Messiah.”
Saturday night we went to “The Mikado,” done capitally, My housekeeper has been an amateur Kaadisha. My “family” has now 12 but one couple did not come as they are expecting. Had to put on a mother-and-child dance, too. I don’t think Family Planning would like that. But you had better believe in miracles—Lloyd Morain, of all people, sent for me to speak at the Humanist Society!
Last week the class on modern religions movements listened to a speaker for Meher Babe and this week I am to review it, and speak on Sufism. We had three sessions on Zen with Subud, Gurdjieff and Krishnamurti coming up soon. Then “Yoga,” and even Alan Watts and Gavin Arthur are on the sidelines. Gavin doing well but aging; we doing super-well and not aging. Maybe I have a secret Dorian Gray picture, but I think it is Allah.
Now, let’s get down to business. The Temple of Understanding was conceived by an American housewife, Mrs. Judith Hollister of Greenwich, Conn. The idea is to have a building near Washington which will be used, somehow or other by all religions. Both the Pope, His Holiness, and Princess Poon, Her serene Highness, are for it. Behind the scenes I am one of the Chief advisers.
There should be a world meeting in Istanbul next March. I am waiting for further advice, but plans are to take my secretary Mansur with me, to either New York or Washington, wherefrom we should be having a chartered flight. I cannot give you any date now, and it had not been my intention to move but it looks like it gotta, have to, must be. Outside income tax I don not seem to have any financial obstacles whatsoever.
Of course you can read this to Arthur. There are a lot of things going on in the background. We have control of the underground papers called “The Oracle.” It has not done too well but things are changing, lots of changes but am in the middle of them at this writing. (Also new typewriter and injured thumb.)
Friday nights is now reserved for restaurants as all other nights have classes: Dharma night, Sufi night, Poetry night, Marin night, disciples’ night, and dancing night! Also class on Christian mysticism on Mondays and one on Sufi poetry coming up on Tuesday at Haight-Ashbury.
Today before your letter arrived we discussed preparations. My chief teacher, Mme. Decker Colonna on the “joint staffs” of the Berkeley and San Francisco State university will be teaching about Anatolian Art next semester, and of course this becomes a “must” in preparing to go to Istanbul. Will probably go to Cairo Restaurant this Friday night. Mansur is studying Greek dancing which please me very much.
My housekeeper, Clare, is now attending Rudolph Schaeffer School. Last night we watched TV (seldom do), program on Moholy-Nagy. She expects to have a hi-fi set soon and will get more Greek records—the others are at Novato. You can imagine what Puck thinks of Zorba, and why not!
Now spending more time in S.F. But have a growing following. As I have been writing Art Hoppe: my endeavors to become a Pied Piper have failed miserably—only the young sho up. I guess I have met about 2,000 the last two months! Shades of Ruth St. Denis—that’s it, the Shade of Ruth urges me on.
Most cordially,
Sam
July 20, 1970
Mr. Leonard Austin
Box 29
Sequoia National Park Calif. 93262
My dear Tony,
I thank you for your letter just received and also for the letter from Arthur Sheehan of June 18. I think the correspondence is external evidence of the existence of God. In some people’s life nothing happens. You can only understand what is going on here if you know about the play “You Can’t Take It With You.” I am being pushed and shoved upstairs by a deity Who is a blending of the Christian God and the African Trickster.
I drew out $2,000 from the bank last March with the divine assurance that it could easily be paid back. I had a lawsuit with my brother Elliot and it seems the only way to make friends with some people was to biff them. That is what happened. Our joint incomes rose. Then when I reached Switzerland to attend a top peace conference, he became reconciled that he could not stop me if God was with me. So he left the world and although he dis-inherited me, my income went up anyhow, and the money otherwise is going to my nearest of kin who have neither father nor grandfather, but only a great-grandfather (my uncle, and Uncle Sam).
I want to warn you about praying. I never pray, but it works. My prayer in going to Switzerland to meet the religious leaders of the world was that I might encounter the personal representative of His Holiness pope Paul. As soon as we registered and turned around we met him! Not only that, we have recently heard from him. It probably astonished him when I said the only way we could have peace in Palestine was to see that a Papal residence be established there.
Well, Mansur and I were the only persons who had two-way communication with the leaders of every religion. I mean religions, not phonies. On the first day after that Puck got his comeuppance—the top Greek Orthodox Representative came up and kissed and embraced this person. By the time the conference ended the claim to be the incarnation of Nathan-the-wise, and to possess Boccaccio’s three Rings was no longer laughed off. You can understand why I call myself “Timon of San Francisco” (in reverse). At long last the Episcopalian Bishop has recognized my existence.
The peace conference of the religious leaders was characterized in the beginning by the Protestants and rabbis falling over each other with profound apologies. Then I was attacked in public by Father Haughey the top Jesuit of New York—but did I get even with him! A few days later he was attacked, and we (that is Puck, Sam and Ahmed Murad) joined forces and declared Father Haughey was the greatest man at the convention, and this wasn’t flattery. Not only did he do a marvelous double take, but all the top bananas accepted this also.
We then went to England and were excellently received at the Royal Asiatic Society, and those Orientalists who studied Oriental Philosophy with Asians. The visit to London was an idyll but the weather was terrible. Nevertheless we have plans for Glastonbury and for an invasion by a dance troupe in a few years, inshallah.
We then went to Boston, which is so different today. The attendance at our dance classes is wonderful and we may have to go back later in the year. In fact our present plan is to fly to Washington, hire a Hertz and then go by stages to Boston, and then across to Albany and Ithaca and Syracuse, and perhaps as far as Cleveland, then to Pittsburgh and back to Washington. But this is tentative. Time is more of a problem than money.
Everything is so different. The class attendance in dancing has also raised the income which is being shared by others.
But the center of effort is exactly in what Arthur Sheehan has rightly intuited. It could not be more exact. It is certain there are no more phony experts to prevent “Nathan-the-Wise” from functioning. Recently I was directed to the nearest church, which is staffed by Franciscans. I showed them the letter from Father Masson. Now I shall show them Arthur’s letter.
My return here was also characterized by the receipt of urgent letters from a top Korean Buddhist and a Hassid Rabbi. It is with the latter, or rather, with his following, that we hope to break the ice and restore the Holy Land to God to Whom it belongs, and not to politicians of any kind. I am not only no longer kidding, but have enough contact both in high places and with the young. In fact they are making me a pseudo-hero because of my rejections of the respectable. But I am leading, if you want to call it that, a spiritual not a social revolution. I still believe in working with my hands, and do. Five weeks in New Mexico as spiritual teacher, as dance teacher, and as organic gardener, and this may become a permanency in my life. At my final meeting in Albuquerque I started: “Our Father, which art in Heaven, Hallowed by Thy name, Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven, excepting in Vietnam and the Near East. Amen.” This is the fastest way to popularity with the young people, and my pied piper career has become so overwhelmingly successful that I have received five separate invitations to attend a “Holy Mans’ Jamboree” in Boulder, Colorado. Pir Vilayat khan, Richard Alpert (Baba ram Dass), Paul Reps, and others have assigned the United States to me. I don’t know where their authorization comes from, but….
A very wealthy publisher has been looking for Sufis. Every confounded metaphysician and every phony but respected European professors of oriental philosophy knows they don’t exist. But the wealthy man was stubborn and he found both Pir Vilayat Khan and then us’une, i.e. Puck, Ahmed Murad, Sam, etc. He is gone to Glastonbury, but on his return something more may come. He has already bribed one of my secretaries with a solid green Bank of America super credit cards, and I can’t predict.
But I can predict an absolute follow-up and no nonsense on what Arthur Sheehan has written. I am copying this letter. He gets a carbon of this. And I hope he knows Father Haughey, but I am giving him a chance to let me know. We are going to have peace in Palestine if it is the last thing I ever try to do. Now I have money and more apparently on the way. I have contacts, and more apparently on the way. And I even have University professors in the bag. As I have said, apparently God the Father and the African Trickster have joined forces to push.
I don’t have time to go much to restaurants. Everything is blooming like it was a joyful Autumn after a dismal Spring.
Love,
Sam