Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco CA 94110
March 2, 1969
Beloved Ones of God:
1. Rufus. I do not know whether you have all seen the enclosure which appeared in the cartoons today. No comment.
2. Jemila. I hope you have the material for me. If it is not brought in this week will see you Tuesday night.
3. Just talked to Gavin and he said everybody will be welcome to his house Friday night two weeks hence. This means “we” shall be coming to Marin on Saturday to the dancing class at C. M. and then to the Khankah that Saturday night and over for Sunday night, but I shall cancel the Sunday night meeting on the 23rd.
4. Murshid was offered some money for the Chinese dinner. Please keep it for that weekend. Will want lots of Rice and Peas and Split Peace Soup and will get Shrimp or Fish from here.
Love,
Murshid
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco CA 94110
March 6, 1969
Beloved Ones of God:
The burdens put on a Teacher are far more than any explained in class or otherwise. One has tried hard not to push these problems on anybody. The dream “The Garden of Inayat” comes from a long series of impressions and experiences, something like those in the Marie Corelli books. But what value the Marie Corelli books if they are not taken seriously by you for someone in your midst. I think each and every one of you has the Divine Light and goodness, but sometimes there is carelessness in regard for each other.
The Seventh Year instructions—and these papers were seized from me—are based on the love and affection for the Teacher and for each other. It is these principles we are trying to put into the Dance and rituals.
There is no cushion now and the next step is to become more and more a spiritual mentor for those on the Ranch. It is coming, it is very real, it is time-consuming, it is energy consuming, it is part of the spiritual work of the Message.
At this writing I may even have to call off going to the picnic, certainly staying there long. We have work to do. Work is not done by staying at picnics and if it were not for “The Rejected Avatar” I would not go at all.
One must repeat:
If anybody goes out and earns money that is to be given first precedence. We do not have a monastery.
If anybody has to go to school that is of equal value to any spiritual project.
If persons in charge of kitchen, household, garden or anything else cannot be around for any or no reasons, the Khankah as an entity—not the persons concerned—must be properly preserved and managed.
Love and blessings,
Murshid
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco CA 94110
August 7, 1969
Beloved Ones of God:
Thanks for the pictures from Mansur. Very good. They will be mailed this morning.
Some of the New Zealand spinach is coming up in the southeastern corner of the lot and it should be watered and also the beans watched.
The big leaves of the Squash should be pruned, and David may come and do that. Also a little water at the top of the manure corner. Also along the street fence.
Beans are scattered around in several places.
Phillip was here so I have copies of Oracle, also “Rejected Avatar” which I will not push now. Too much.
Met Ralph yesterday and his shindig has been delayed so will not return until the 22nd and will be picked up at airport and then go to Mountain View for talk that night. Not sure when I can be at Khankah but will phone on the 23rd.
Talk on Korean music very good and several of the folks like the American Society for Asian Arts. There is special Indian concert on the 18th and I hope to give them money for it, but it depends (on the money I have).
Saadia will talk here Monday and at San Anselmo Wednesday. Also at the Church on Monday on the Christian view of Mary. She has sent for her aunt.
Love,
Murshid
Friday P.M. August 8?, 1969
Dear Mansur & Loved Ones:
Funny experience at Albuquerque where we met Frances & Barbara. Overtaken by rainstorm—lots of rain this year. In the middle met Doyle. Things fine with him & he may remain here. Diana working. Both may come for Darshan Sunday.
Gave them our Om last night & made them cheerful especially Cal who has been at my Monday night meetings. He arrived the day after Mansur left. But people work here & work hard. My (Murshid’s) hut unfinished but should be ready by Wednesday. Possible that I may come here later.
Ram Dass’ article in Oracle far better than expected. He has been here & will return in October. This much better than his New England seclusion.
Much more harmony & work than expected. By next year (or before) should be good for article in “Organic Gardening” but already good for article in “Oracle” May give them copies of Oracle away at Darshan Sunday.
Tomorrow hope to visit new Morning Star in morning. Start Darshans & Sufi lectures in P.M. Taught at least four dances this A.M. Very well received.
Feel fine but sleeping a/c altitude. Like place, views & people.
Next year inshallah, we might send Moineddin & Fatima here to instruct parents.
Tonight hope to add chants but will look over literature with me. Then will ask what they want both spiritually & materially. They also have a room being constructed for meetings when there are squabbles. Around 30 people here.
Love & blessings
Murshid.
August 11, 1969
Dear Ram:
Sam is high in the Rocky Mountains and had no intention to write but a miracle occurred here. Sam brought no reading material but some Hadith of Mohammed and a little “Thus speaks Ramdas.” He thought it was one he had read before but he was mistaken.
A lady here was ill so Sam thought he would read to her. Her name is Joy. Sam opened the book and began reading “All is thyself” by Mother Krishnabai. It had to do with Joy and in a few hours the lady was healed and is now very happy.
This place is called Lama, and the original name of this place was given by native Americans. The Lama Foundation is made of young Americans who want to lead a spiritual life. There are now lots of young Americans who wish to lead a spiritual life. They wanted a Guru but all the Indian gurus in this land have been mutually exclusive. Even when they say they are integrative this is not so. They just want to “integrate” other people’s money and in this way they have lots, both money and following.
The Americans wish to be universal. The only other “Guru” who has been here is also an American. He is a very famous, highly intellectual former professor of Harvard University but now is called … Ram Dass. He is coming back in October.
They meditate and chant. Sam taught them first Dervish dances, then the Ramnam dances and next real Yoga dances. These dances have been offered to many but they refused them. Many famous groups have refused these dances. They all call themselves “universal” and all they want is other people’s money. Many of these young Americans are far better devotees than some Hindus.
Yesterday we held Darshan and gave vegetables grown here as Prasad. Some people were given the Ramnam, but each wants to follow his own religion and many are ignorant even of their own faith. But that is all right, they are looking God-ward.
Last night a delegation of rich Americans passed this way. They had been to India. They thought they were followers of Meher Baba. Meher Baba said you have to have a living teacher in the flesh; this was his teaching. Then he left the world and they became confused.
They then went to Pondicherry and were very disappointed. They say these people are not universal at all. They are strong for the United Nations and believe in Santa Claus. The young Americans want God. So they have returned here and gotten a lot of money together and purchased land. They think they can do better than the Sri Aurobindo people. They want real God and real Yoga and they include the Chinese and Sufis, which the Sri Aurobindo people do not.
As they have the land and money and intelligence the idea is to establish Ashrams and send for Gurus. They are very sincere. They may call again next Sunday when there are many visitors. The Sri Aurobindo people in this land tried to establish an Ashram and they all made themselves Gurus but they did not get enough money and still less disciples.
These Americans chant beautifully, mostly of Buddhist sources but there are no real Buddhists among them. Sam has taught them the First Jhana of Lord Buddha and the walks of Avalokitesvara and Kwan Yin. They are very eager.
This whole state of New Mexico once held high spiritual civilizations. The atmosphere is very pure. The population is divided between American natives, Spanish speaking people and “Anglos,” none in the majority.
There is far less emotionalism here than in California. But there are far fewer people and no large cities. It is wonderful for meditation.
Really they practice Karma Yoga here, but with heartfelt devotion, which is wonderful. Now Sam has to reconsider the whole scene for with the dreams of the Sri Aurobindo movements and the passing of Meher Baba there is need for the awakening of man and Sam finds the mantrams most effective and most enjoyed.
Love and blessings,
Sam
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco CA 94110
August 13, 1969
Dear Moineddin and everybody.
I did not come here to write but this is a day of silence. I am down to my lint envelope and have had trouble with all the typewriters. They do not use them much and they are also exposed to the weather.
I did not get Mansur’s report on communes and have met people from others, mostly spiritual but some anarchistic. But all do much more work than Olompali. I suppose by now some decision may have been reached about the tragedies there. Even the most pro-“drug” people abhor its carelessness and inhumanity. And above all laziness. They are very anti-laziness here but this has made me a sort of hero because I work besides having consultations and teaching dancing.
The dancing has gone on marvelously and a big Sunday is expected. It seems as if this were a sort of revelation from God. Today I began some serious walk-disciplines.
Many of these people and their neighbors have been under the influence of Meher Baba. This tends to make them universal, but not always so. Still his teaching that you should have a Guru in the flesh works in my behalf. And they now regard Sam Lewis and Richard Alpert (Ram Dass) as their Gurus. If this goes on it would mean my coming here again in the spring, inshallah—or if they have a winter center lower down—which is quite possible.
They are very organically garden minded and I have spent some time in the garden. But this is always followed by my preparing the vegetables too.
I do not know what to make of Jemila because God wishes me to attend to those here. But I am concerned with the garden care and overwork unless you have proper replacements. There are some here who would life to join us if they came to California again but no pressure from here. And Darshan and consultations will continue.
Next Monday they will have their board meeting which is scheduled as once a year. Went to Taos yesterday and brought a paper, totally unimpressed. Cannot “Think” about either California or the work there, etc. but believe will return refreshed and full of magnetism if not inspiration.
Wednesday is a day of silence here. I think I may leave on the 20th and stop at Albuquerque if necessary, and write further details to San Francisco. If so I should be returning on the 21st, or at the latest early on the 22nd. I must speak at Sunnyvale on that Friday night.
It will be necessary to have clean clothes. The washing facilities are not too good here, which does not matter of itself, excepting I must be good and clean to speak to a strange audience.
Yesterday I put on Hare Krishna, very hard at this high altitude; and today the first elements of Dance of Love and Brotherhood. The men here are mostly ever 6’ tall but fine stroppers and eager, and hard workers.
At the meeting last night I told them of our getting up early. They do, too, but spend that time in devotions.
There is one thing in life which will have to become more appreciated and that is the moral order. I have been under-stressing the Gathas but you have the Commentaries on Moral Culture. It is pretty anti-karmic when a disciple leaves them aside. One can see the terrible reciprocity that will come to one who has treated this aspect of life so slightly. Of course I have no details, but even world peace and justice may be affected by sudden selfishness and wanton desire. One can and does pray and meditate, and perhaps more—a matter I shall take up later.
August 15. Will reserve reports for later. When flying time is fixed will notify San Francisco. Now kept very busy and Monday, inshallah, will cook dinner.
Murshid
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco CA 94110
Sunday August 17, 1969
Dear Mansur and everybody:
Murshid leaves here on Thursday morning and expect to fly “home” from Albuquerque that night arriving in S.F. at 10:20. Appointments have been made with both Profs. Bahm and Schmidt at New Mexico.
It is surprising to find PhDs, philosophers and physicists sitting at one’s feet so to speak and there is a heavy problem today, especially with dancing and perhaps storytelling to children.
Morning Star and its neighbors are nothing but animal communities. New Buffalo is marvelous. These people are coming today. There is a second cousin of Barbara who is half Syrian, and both want a meeting. New Buffalo more than atones for the others.
So much time now in interviews and classes one wants a vacation, but with the comings of Bibijan and Marcia, one does not know what and how to plan. And one has to face the re-organization, if necessary, with Jemila’s departure, etc. if that has taken place. Incidentally the son of the half-Syrian is Jemil.
What I hope is that you and I—and maybe somebody else can go on vacation. I shall have the money unless there are unforeseen problems. Wish to take it “easy” in September end build up a strong Fall program
Lots of things happening, etc. which have been respected to Mentorgarten. One is very much honored here and treated with utmost respect: It may be we have our own Summer School here next year, which I shall take up with you.
Not thinking of what shall be done on return. But yesterday gave a strong initiation into Ya Hayy! Ya Haak! Tomorrow cook dinner. There are all kinds of “spinach” here and had a lot of “spinach” and eggs for breakfast. Don’t know what is going on elsewhere and don’t care. Enough in dealing with human beings. We shall l have to go over my note-book, too. Please be patient.
Love and blessings,
Murshid
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco CA 94110
Monday August 18, 1969
Dear Mansur and Everybody:
The enclosed carbon of letter to India will serve as a partial means to convey news. The first typewrite I had did not work well and this one is not doing too well either—which keeps me from typing too much. I have just found the ribbon reverse.
After the first two days it has not rained but there are clouds in the sky. Weather and people very compatible. Much time Saturday and Sunday in Darshan but several were away. Some time in interviews and two dancing classes a day.
Do not remember when I slept so well, it is really something. Just do not overwork because of altitude.
Hope beans, which are scattered, are properly watered. Wali Ali is supposed to have sent article to “Organic Gardening” and we may consider writing this place up, but just considered. Hope Moineddin and Fatima can come this way sometime, say next May.
Am writing different letter to S.F. Have a fine hut which is just being completed. It shall be dedicated and then I shall explain Baraka. Some people here on vitamin complex and name also is Baraka.
Love and blessings,
P.S. Will discuss Oracle and Rejected Avatar later. Diane and Doyle here yesterday. They will leave at end of week so you may see them before you see
Yours with love and blessings,
Murshid
August 1969
Dear Hasan:
The Lama Foundation has been interested in both Vajrayana and Organic Gardening. They wrote Dr. Warwick for an alliance and never heard from him. They want to get in contact with the New Age Health Food people. Please tell Rahul.
They are very good at chanting and have responded excellently to both talks and dances. I think we should keep in touch with them but the final answer can come only after we have seen other people and perhaps after a visit to the University which should take place next week. There are huge possibilities here but usually a water shortage. The rain this season one of the largest on record, especially since my arrival.
Murshid
Hotel Intercontinental Geneva
March 3, 1970
Dear Hassan and Everybody:
We arrived here one day ahead of the conference and are scheduled to remain a whole day afterwards. I understand this is a good procedure for it enables one to meet people, talk on the side and prepare for the future.
We were not disturbed on our trip inasmuch as the schedule Hilda Gulbredth made for us gave us ample extra time. We spent Easter first at the community Church on East 35th Street in New York and then with cousins and friends. I like the Swissair line better ban any of the Americans. The food was truly gourmet, not too much in quantity, but all the extras if you wanted them. While we ran into a snowstorm in New York, the weather is beautiful here.
Now I am really writing for the diary and also to illustrate the workings of providence or prajna, which is called kashf by the Sufis.
Leaving Mansur asleep I went dawn to the lobby at exactly the right time to meet and greet Her Serene Highness Princess Peon; then her associate Aliem Sangavasi, which threw me right into a greeting with Judith Hollister and her husband. Learning that the man next to me was Mr. Virla, one of the wealthiest industrialists in India, I went upstairs and brought down 2 copies of “The Rejected Avatar,” gave one to Mr. Virla and to one of his friends and they both began reading at once. I don’t think anything could be better for the Prophesy Presswork. Then somebody read the blurb and all the ladies present got excited when the name of Swami Ramdas was read.
Then Mr. Finley Dunne, known as Peter came over and is already calling me “Uncle Sam” and says I look and act like Walt Whitman, which is amazing to say the least. I thought that was enough excitement for one hour and hope to get Mansur to come outside with me before it is dark. In the meanwhile I also met some friends of Vilayat. I am still awaiting the arrival of Mr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr, who is supposed to reach here tomorrow, and although this seems enough excitement for the minute, I am going down to the lobby again until Mansur is ready to go out with me.
Morning. Murshid is going to write a letter to art Hoppe and Ali: I met another Sam. He is from Beirut. In fact he teaches at the American University there. We seem to have met at many levels. He teaches philosophy and has a broad view. The Lebanese seem satisfied than we love Gibran.
There is a large Indian delegation here, all sorts of religions represented. We shall maintain a diary, mailing sometimes events of the day to others.
Murshid
March 31, 1970 11:30 pm
Beloved ones of God:
Asalaam Aleikhum! Well I think Mansur has had IT, traveling with a dervish who is not sure when he is to be a madzub or not. Everything happens at just the right moments. We had it from an Arabic newsman for whom we are preparing materials for further interview tomorrow. Then we were kidnapped by a Sheikh with whom lunched and then were approached by Dr. Benz, a German who was real scholar on the Orient. Without excusing myself I rushed to the door and pulled a man’s cloak, “Vilayat, what are you doing here?” So we have seen him and supped with him and he was very happy to hear about the drama group and a little about the spring festival etc., etc., etc.
Between times, and I guess it was the madzub mood, Murshid was there when her Serene Highness Princess Poon came in. Murshid was also there today when His holiness Swami Ranganathananda Maharaj came in. He and Vilayat seemed to be good friends, but Her Serene Highness is not so serene. She was concerned with my beard. She was also concerned about the hippies. And she is disconcerted because I teach the jhanas which all her good Buddhist friends have long since discarded. They become Mahayanists and she accepts their allegiance. But she is very concerned because she calls me a Mahayanist even though I practice the jhanas. She gave me a long sermon in private about happiness, but she did not look very happy herself. I think she is getting old and lonely.
Each day is its own universe, so I don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow excepting we wanted to see this is properly entered into my diary. Geneva is a beautiful city which we have not yet seen but all have a little time at the end of the conference. The Swissair line gave us excellent service and meals. Their TV programs are so vastly superior to ours that even the language barrier does not matter. The cuisine is continental but gourmetish. We had a vegetarian dinner and ate finocchio, which is to say anis scented celery. We also had figs cooked in the rice.
While in New York we ran into a little bit of snow, hail and rain; it was very beautiful here on our arrival but has been raining slightly ever since. Still we do not have much time for talks owing to all the “great” people with whom we are now associating. While Princess Poon was very uneasy about my beard, with all the cameramen and girls it was different—so many pictures and I mean it, that you are liable to see my face in almost any magazine or newspaper. The beard attracted more than wisdom and prestige and my name is easier to spell.
We may bring back or later receive copies of some of the speeches made here. Geneva is the city where Calvin martyred Servetus. Now it is exactly the opposite. The Servetus-type has taken over and they don’t martyr anybody, they welcome them. Why, even Murshid was quite satisfied with the program and speakers.
Please read this to everybody. Love and Blessings,
Murshid
March 31, 1970
Beloved One of God:
While this is for everybody it is being addressed to you. We haven’t set the world on fire yet, we don’t intend to, but we do hope to make enough proper contacts that in the future, inshallah, we may have friends in many lands. It seems to be happening anyhow.
We ran into a little, not much, show, hail, and rain in New York, One after the other. When we arrived here, it was very beautiful. Swissair gives gourmet meals. We shall also probably get them at this hotel, for a price. There are no doubt lots of cheap places, but the hotel is just outside the main city, not in it. While there are so many people here from all parts of the world, we want to meet them. We met a rabbi from Jerusalem who probably did not like it that we like Rev Schlomo. He impressed us that he believes he is one of God’s superior beings. The only trouble is there are others who think they are God’s superior beings. There are others who just think they are superior beings without any God. And there are others, and they constitute the majority, so there is hope.
The room is equipped with TV. The programs are vastly superior to ours which are mere adjuncts to commercial pseudo advertising. Besides the photography seems better. So we don’t have to get bored, although the big excitement presumably is still to come. Now we are going downstairs to meet some more of the great and near great.
Wow! 3:40 pm. Mansur is converted. We met Sher Singh, a Sikh, and had lunch with him. This was interrupted by one Dr. Benz, one of Germany’s greatest orientalists, true orientalist. We lounged after lunch and Sufi Sam got into one of his mad spells. He rushed to the door and pulled a gentleman’s cloak, yelling Pir Vilayat—smiles, grins etc. Vilayat is staying just one day. We continued our tête-a-tête. Dr. Benz is very much interested in medieval Christian mysticism and he enjoyed the possibilities of our restoring Christian mystical dances. We hope to keep in contact with him.
Vilayat was delighted to hear the report about Fred’s work. He has not been so successful himself, but neither of us think this matters. There was no time for details as he had to go out, and we do not wish to visit Suresnes. We also may have to attend the World Conference of Religions in London. Well, we are not going to finish this letter now as we have an appointment with her Serene Highness Princess Poon Diskul Pismai after 4 o’clock. Who is the actor? Who writes the dramas? Mansur is converted.
We have since had a conference with Princess Poon. But as we walked forward to see her, who came into the hotel but his Holiness Swami Ranganathananda Maharaj. As I told Peter Finley Dunne, we do nothing and are met and greeted by our friends. He said this is the true program and mission of “The Temple of Understanding.” I feel lots more is going to happen. This is not a diary letter. The next writing will be a diary letter.
Please share this with everybody. Love and Blessings.
Murshid
April 1, 1970
Beloved Ones of God,
This is being put out in duplicate, and Murshid is starting to type while Mansur is taking a bath. Mansur now knows what it is to travel with a man to whom things always seem to happen and delightfully so. Mostly we cooperated with Vilayat. Last night all the celebrities were called upon to rise once and next to the last, Murshid, Moi, which is to say SAM was on the list, and then one single person was asked to rise again, the only one called upon to rise again and that was Vilayat! And remember there are plenty of very famous people here.
Today the conference spent plenty of time on speeches and all the lonely men who have few followers talk about “Love” as if everybody else were devoid in it. Then this person got up and introduced himself as the spiritual guru of the Hippies and said that others could talk and he was not going to waste any time preaching to savants what they already knew, but that WE, the Hippies and their Leader would be building a Temple of Understanding while others talked. Anyhow it landed this person on the top committees along with a Dr. Samantha from India. I told the man that he represented his own name which I shall not explain here and this made him very pleased.
On the committee so far are Dr. Zafrullah Khan of Pakistan whom I have already met who is Chief Justice of the International Court at The Hague; Dr. Benz who writes wonderful books on Oriental Philosophy, especially Buddhism and a Professor from Howard University, one Protestant clergyman and this one. We got along fine together but meet tomorrow. This also saved men from listening to a lot of boring speeches.
Please tell Amin to tell Dr. Com (however he spells it) what I am doing. So many religions, great and near great here. Had an apology from a top Rabbi of the US. I told him that not a single one of his colleagues—not one—has ever answered a letter from me since the struggle in the Near East; that I was arranging a meeting between actual humanity—Muslims and Zionists and some non-Zionist Jews, to which Christian prelates have been invited.
Getting along fine with the Papal delegates. Had my picture taken so many times. Mansur is ordering two. H knows how to act. There are few young here and much talk about them. Also had some private interviews and more to come, inshallah.
Everything is happening “right,” praise to Allah. The committee on which Murshid serves will put in place all these “world” movements of very select persons. Copy of the Diamond Sutra has gotten into the hands of the representatives of the Dalai Lama. Wali Ali, please telephone this to Joe Miller and Ted Reich! “The Rejected Avatar” last copies to my friend Swami Ranganathananda Maharaj.
What was foreseen when Mansur wrote to Murshid at lama has now fully manifested in all aspects. Mansur is meeting some of the really great persons of the world, and they like him. This completes his initiation, the price was paid and now the “prize” is bestowed.
Wali Ali, please telephone the Metaphysical bookstore on Sutter Street and say that any date in May is all right. This presumes our “safe” return home, a rather enigmatic subject because of the airport strike. I doubt whether there will be any problem of reaching the United States but one does not look beyond. Every hour brings events and these cannot all be recorded. The best today was our meeting with the Druze leader who stood up under attack and has theories very much like the Sufis.
The best, no doubt, has been our constant meeting with my “great man,” Swami Ranganathananda. Wali Ali, please phone the Vedanta Center and get a message to Swami Shawananda telling him Samuel Lewis and Swami Ranganathananda are together at a real “summit” meeting. All that has been foreseen manifests. And the time will come when Murshid Duce also has to be notified.
This will be mailed before Murshid’s next committee meeting.
There is no question that cosmic vision works. It requires some patience. It requires an act of faith. There are two classes of people here; the lonely ones who preach love and the active ones who demonstrate love; the latter are in the majority, but the former consume a majority of the time, exhibiting weakness and inaptitude in their strange emotional appeal without considering the worthy in the audience. And believe me, there are some worthy.
As the night draws to the close, there is no question of the joining of good-will, because of the demonstrations of love and good will. One only hopes we can continue this way and not have the head turn. At least tonight, Murshid feels well physically. He has been feeling well mentally all the time. It has also fortunate we both have a gourmet consciousness. It has also brought friendship. The does not give too many anecdotes and one listens to those of others. the feels we have been personally successful—the question is: how successful will the Temple of Understanding be? and it is also up to us to help make this a success, inshallah.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
London, April 1, 1970
My dear Ruth and Co.:
It had not been part of my original intention to write many letters. But the weather has produced at times a near boredom, reminiscent of the play, “Rain.” We are leaving for Boston, presumably, Thursday morning, for an uncertain stay before returning home.
The attendance at the conference of The Temple of Understanding is going to change things radically. It may not be one’s mission to stamp out hypocrisy and self-aggrandizement “in the name of God,” and if would certainly not help the book business very much. We have the catalogues from two houses on Great Russell S., but there are things left undone. We shall also disappoint lets of people for what we have not done. But between the unfavorable weather and the dramatic news attending the death of my brother, one does not wish to do everything. Besides, one carries missions of such different natures that few will be interested in all of them.
For instance the horticultural mission was “married” by the bad weather but greatly stimulated by technical contacts—at least two big ones, which would not interest metaphysical persons who think they are—and they often are—a spiritually minded.
Our last endeavor—which is scheduled for tomorrow night, is at least one hour session before a Yoga Class at Gandalf’s Garden, the center for all the advanced youth. It does contain some older people, is short on space and funds, and is packed all the time. I should say programs very good but also very, very broad. I should say that the general program of the Garden would fit in nicely with Brother White’s Metaphysical Center.
The same is true of certain aspects of Clive-Ross’s projects, He seems to know Devi much better than you but has apparently lost sight of her—or what she is now doing does not concern him so much.
But I have every reason to support him on all fronts. On the surface there may be a radical change in my material-financial as well as my spiritual-social programs, and from the beginning there has been every “reason” to support Clive-Ross. But meeting him only corroborated one’s feelings. We have a lot in common both on the surface and in the depths; some items of quite a different nature. Anyhow we hope to have a Glastonbury pilgrimage, Inshallah, within a few years and a good deal of time has been taken up with preparation for such an event. This is just one aspect of it.
I hope to back him in everything.
He introduced us over the phone to Marco Pallis whither we should be going after this is mailed.
Love and blessings,
Sam
April 3, 1970
Dear Mr. Garson,
I am writing this from London. I came directly here from Geneva, Switzerland with Mr. Samuel L. Lewis of San Francisco, who became known to and was much photographed by the European press as “the spiritual leader of the hippies.”
We were attending in Geneva a conference of the world’s religions, sponsored by The Temple of Understanding of Washington, D.C., with representatives from many lends.
The conference was an attempt of work for peace and understanding between people of difference faiths. Its sponsors have dubbed it, “The Second Annual Spiritual Summit Conference.” The first was held last year at Calcutta in India, and there is likelihood that the continent of Africa will host the meeting next year.
Mr. Lewis is currently working (with much success I might add) with young people in the San Francisco area. Teaching by means of the dance.
We arrive back in the United States the 16th and will go to
East-West Center
105 Marlborough St Boston, Mass. 02116
(tel.: 267-8056)
for a few days before returning to San Francisco.
Should you be interested, I believe Mr. Lewis would be glad to report on both this recent conference and his work with young people.
Mr. Lewis is in the 70’s but has had no experience himself with what is called “the generation gap.”
Cordially,
Mansur Johnson
April 5, 1970
Department of Near East Languages, Grinnell Hall
University, of California, Berkeley, California 94720
Dear Friends:
One finds oneself in unusual circumstances in a place far from home. The conference of the members of The Temple of understanding concentrating especially on world peace has come to an end. The writer was perhaps the only unknown who found himself quite at home with the representatives of nearly all the world’s faiths and cultures. A few of them, like her Serene Highness Princess Poon of Thailand and Swami Ranganathananda Maharaj of India (who has spoken in Grinelle Hall), were old friends. Then one met for the first time Prof. Seyyed Hossein Nasr of Teheran and the well-known Dr. Jurji of Princeton with whom one has corresponded.
One is interested in getting their respective works, both for one’s own library and for the Berkeley campus if they are not in the library. We are leaving for London shortly and will visit the marts and some publishing houses. Very cordial relations were established with these two famous men and also with the German Dr. Benz.
One came with the idea of working for peace in Palestine—none of this superficial drivel passed out by our self -grandiose commentators or superficial diplomats. One began in earnest the very first day, fortunately meeting the representative of his Holiness Pope Paul. One need not go into past frustrations, except to say one received profound apologies from the Rabbis and from leading American clerics who have refused to acknowledge letters from an unknown. They piously and even hypocritically argue that Arabs and Israelis should sit down together, and stop with their own pious pleas.
One has already laid the framework for a meeting between Israelis who are friendly to the Arabs and Arabs who are citizens of Israel living nearby San Francisco residence and others. The integrational approach to the solution of the problems of the Near East was quite acceptable to everybody. In previous years they have been discussed with Dr. Paul Cairn of the engineering department. They are generally not understood or spurned by people who have analytical outlooks—and this cannot be helped.
Not only was there and overall success of the conference—details can be supplied if necessary, but his person became known as the man who wrote the longest letters but made the shortest speeches and always to the point. The aftermath was that we were immediately approached by persons living in Geneva, working for peace and understanding, from other standpoints.
Before leaving California our “Dances of Universal Peace” were beginning to receive attention. We had been hoping to present them at UCLA—the question is merely one of timing, but we have run into a grand plan for a worldwide festival in Galilee and when we have the details, hope to furnish them to your good selves or confreres in other departments as you may suggest.
I am not forgetting the possibilities of some financial cooperation, no matter how small. At this writing, due to illnesses of the nearest relatives, decisions by those who are in control of the family trust funds are in abeyance, but everything looks promising. And, coupled with ever increasing accumulations financial and otherwise from other sources, I hope to be ready to support at least one student in your department to begin with. Your Department does cover a vest area and many cultures, and I should say the conference also covered a vaster area and these same cultures.
We shall be leaving shortly for London, where we hope to visit our friend Prof. Bernard Lewis at the University of London, or else ascertain his whereabouts. We are also going to visit the World Congress of Faiths (to which I have belonged) and the Royal Asiatic Society (to which I do belong). But there will be other missions and commissions and in London itself outside of neutral interests. E.g. contacting the London parallel to our educated hippies.
We will then go to Boston and at least visit colleagues at Harvard.
It seems that a whole life’s preparation, mostly outside the universities, has made it possible to function properly today. I was the only one in the vast assemblage of the conference of The Temple of Understanding who knew something about all of the major and most of the minor faiths. The meeting with the Druze leader was most cordial, and he became friendly with both Dr. Syed Hussein and the writer, we in a sense represented Sufism (this rather caused resentment to and from orthodox Muslims, who expressed the only discordant notes, with the result that the clever Rabbis played their cards beautifully, really beautifully). One is writing this letter so it may be on record before any visit to the campus again, for which the date is uncertain.
Private and public affairs already present a crowded schedule through June, exclusive of invitations from several universities in diverse parts of the United States.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
April 5, 1970
To Wali Ali,
Beloved one of God:
You have no doubt been in high mountains. Sometimes when you climb a peak you suddenly discover there is a real higher range behind. I don’t know whether I told you that I expected to do my real work after the peace conference. Well it is hit; it hit quicker than lightening.
I don’t want to tell you now all that happened at the conference. You will hear plenty of it after I return. We have to tell you about Mr. Norman Lourie. I don’t know how it started but he was attracted by my remarks about youth. He had already been attracted a little by the brevity of my speeches (imagine) and my directiveness.
He took Mansur and Murshid into his confidence, told us his great plans, and there is even a possibility of his giving us some literature before leaving the hotel in the morning. He is Jewish, of ancient Russian vintage, followed by birth and education in South Africa, whence he fled on account of the extreme Puritanism and racism. He has taken a great interest in peace through sports. He is quite critical of Brundage, a point on which there is certainly agreement. He finds that Brundage on the one hand and the Soviets on the other have compelled professionalism quite out of harmony of the spirit of the original Olympics. He has visited Greece and lived in Israel.
He is picturing a huge international festival, chiefly of youth, with real amateur sports, but also dancing and folk arts and singing. He hopes the youth of today and especially of the States will become interested. On the whole he leans toward men like Dylan and Lennon but doubts whether they have remained actual heroes of the young. He wants to meet the leaders of the young and the young themselves.
It is certain that the young here have felt frustrated rather than disappointed, and this frustration may become even a greater source of explosion than disappointments or defeats. By having dancing contests and games from which oldsters are self barred, he believes he can promote a better world, so he has established an international Galilee program. And if we do not get the material tomorrow, it will be sent to us in London where we can also share it with our contracts. I will let you know further.
Of course this will interest Benefsha. But it will also interest Fred and Julie from the standpoint of filming, etc.
In the meanwhile between these two we were approached by a citizen of Geneva who has been in the motion world (MGM) who wants to see us when he next comes to California. We have given him both addresses. You can understand why we have no craving for “excitement.”
Murshid
The Temple of Understanding’s World Conference of Religious Leaders
Geneva
April 6, 1970
Wali Ali Meyer
410 Precita Ave.
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
Beloved One of God:
This is perhaps the most serious letter I have ever written. We are not going to stop wars by hypocrisy, by ignorance, by blatant claims. We are not going to stop wars just by listening to big and important people. These big and important people often including the very ones who fomented the wars.
I think the very first man I met here was the papal delegate. We have gotten along fine. I am called the man who writes the longest letters and makes the shortest speeches. I gave up the Zen Robe and stick to Dervish clothing. Even that and the beard attracts a lot of people. I should not be surprised if my picture has appeared in every country in Europe, and maybe, just maybe, sooner or later in some American publications. It will certainly appear in the pictures that the Temple of Understanding makes for its displays. I think hypocrisy and self-aggrandizement are just as great evils as war itself.
I shall either send this to you in duplicate or ask you to make copies of it. I want some copies in the hands of the Rabbis of San Francisco, but first telephone Ted Riche.
Almost the next person I met was the chief American Rabbi who was sent here, and before I could state my case he offered me his profound apology, especially when I told him not a single rabbi in America has had the courtesy to answer a single letter in the last five years, while hypocrites and scoundrels yell at each other about sitting down at a table. Within three days the Rabbi from Jerusalem was apologizing. The Muslims are quite divided, and so what they do and say are received with mixed feelings. The spiritual Muslims are far more tractable than the Rabbis. The non-spiritual Muslims are the very worst people here. Of course one hears lots of talks, often very long talks, about universal peace and love. Others are supposed to listen, but do not anymore.
My every word was listened to with sober attention and cordial appreciation. The Lebanese are far closer to me and I to them. They not only understand, but two or three of the Lebanese are among the most educated here. This is particularly true of Dr. Jurji of Princeton whom I have wished to meet for a long time. Second to him is a Dr. Malik who lives in Geneva.
I have outlined my plans. When I return home, we may act. And we can write to Rabbis of Jerusalem. The general feeling is that there are a large number of American Jews who have become adept at stirring up trouble, and not wishing to end hostilities. It is so easy to blame. It is almost as easy to enflame. And this I regret to say is true of some people, Jews and Christians, who have had the audacity before the Almighty God to accept peace awards. I don’t wish to say that these are the only people who act as if God were not, or were not looking. No wonder youth turns away from religion. But youth is not turning away from spirituality; youth is departing from the self-misled who play selfish games in the name of God of course.
So next to being known as the man who writes the longest letters and makes the shortest speeches, I am known as a man of action and also as a potential coming spiritual leader of the young people, not only at home but everywhere. The time will come when my native city will be ashamed of the person to whom they would not listen, to whom the floor was barred and sometimes attendance to meetings was barred by respectable so-called institutions and organizations and “experts.”
I would have to go over other notes which I do not wish to do now to tell you of contacts. For example with the Birla family, the richest and most devout people of India. With the Indians of Hindu and Christian persuasion alike. And most of all with our presumable spiritual brother, Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr. I can name 10 people, meeting whom pays for this trip. And I think Mansur will concur.
To begin with, I am perhaps the only person here who feels thoroughly at home with those of every race and religion. Princess Poon keeps on treating me as if I were little brother. But I did at least put a veto on Alan Watts. I know what her opinions are. Fortunately, I have made contact with all the Buddhists of very varying outlooks, including the representative of the Dalai Lama. But the Theravadin from Ceylon is the most magnificent representative of his particular outlook that I have met. He has won considerable respect.
Of course the great man of the conference is Swami Ranganathananda. He is almost wisdom itself. But it is most wonderful not only to meet and know the spiritually elect of the world but to see them mingle with each other. I think there is considerable spiritual love and brotherhood, except among the blatant representatives of very small faiths, who try to atone for their small size by taking up more time and speaking more loudly. And of course their themes are always love and brotherhood with no consideration for the audience, an audience filled with saints and humanitarians.
Mansur has the autographs of quite a few here. This is going to make it much easier for any one of us who goes on a grand tour.
The best American is James Roberts of Howard University. He is only inferior to Swami Ranganathananda in that he has studied under Swami Ranganathananda. I think his influence is great enough that the next conference may be held in some part of Africa. I may try to reach my God-son Norman McGhee Jr. in New York when I return. I am also willing to start a fund now for George Matthews and any other colored person who becomes a disciple within the next year. They could of course be accompanied by others. This opening up of African peoples is more than a grand gesture. Those who dominate the conference, and by this time this includes murshid, want vigorous action, and I think we are going to have it. As soon as I get out of debt for this trip the travel fund will be started. There are various reasons for increasing this enough to permit Mansur (if he wishes) and George to move not only to Africa next year but within the confines of the United States this year. My brother and I have already agreed that should he die in the near future a good portion of my increased income would go to travel fund. If not, I think the dancing classes will increase to raise money for this purpose.
There is another reason for an increased travel fund. There are in the offing projects for Telstar (satellite communication)—and it is possible that Mansur could be involved both as technician and as spiritual representative. A chapter has been completed in the book of his life which began when Jemila left him. I am hoping he realizes and maybe he does that there is now a career, even a world career, before him.
When we get to England, if not before, some letters may be sent to those persons who scattered scurrilous rumors about me; on the other hand please telephone the metaphysical library at 420 Sutter saying I hope to be available for any night at all in the month of May unless the present airfield strike prevents an early return. An overflow audience would not matter. I should also contact the cathedral and give them first a short report, but I wish also if you would get these contents into the hands of Amin, so that he could notify Dr. Cum.
This matter may be facilitated by the fact that the chief chairman of this conference is one Rev. Ditzen who is one of the top Presbyterian prelates of this country. He is glorious. In general, the Christian ministers here are on their good behavior, and the rabbis as above also on their very good behavior. It is only the minorities who try to compensate and they become annoyances.
I did have the inner vision and inner feeling, but it is much harder to accept than earlier pre-visions. The Bible may say about dreams and visions, but respectable clergy don’t want that so they lose their youth. There is no trouble about the very few youth here, but they are too few.
Well I got all the reports about Sheila. Of course they are mostly comic, and there is agreement that she is an Irish fey. Her presence as a young person was welcome. Many of the older people realize they have not opened the door to the young. The few young are listened to, but one could almost say-period. On the other hand—and this will also shock all the respectable people, it has been boldly presented that the sex and psychedelic adventures of the young are part of the spiritual life and must be so recognized, that sex has many different meanings among the young and sometimes much finer than among their elders. It is karmic that in this city of Calvin, Puritanism has been criticized severely and the Presbyterians themselves are atoning.
For many reasons therefore, it is important to prepare several disciples for participation in important conferences. However, this does not mean now necessarily those in California. When we reach Boston, the whole thing will be presented to the young there.
It is going to be a hard thing to convince clerics of most faiths that for whatever they sow, thus they reap. They have to learn that they are not exempt from Emerson’s law of Compensation nor the ethics of the Bible which is not to be confused with that empty verbal “Judeo-Christian” ethic, a most narrow and untrue outlook.
I don’t wish to say here that Jews and Christians are necessarily worse than followers of other faiths; sometimes they are much better. But if religion continues to tolerate hypocrisy, it is doomed.
Another thing to be taken up here sooner or later is the question of all the “world brotherhoods,” world movements, international blah blah who have not anybody from Africa ever on the board of directors; in fact, the one negative point there is at present unanimity on is there should be no super-religion. The various super-religions all have their very private super-popes, hand-picked, and this is well known—they’re going to flop. Not even the purest and perhaps earliest of them, the Baha’i movement, has presented no case here so far, and it at least is moral. Not a single Indian avatar, super-rishi or world saviour has been represented, nor any counterpart from other lands. Blatancy and ignorance has no place here.
Even in my most tense operations I usually have times off with diversions as you well know. Perhaps it was not too wise to squeeze out every moment, but at least I have done that, for better or worse. My humor, that I only have solutions not questions, is really being accepted seriously here, and this means a careful preparation of a synopsis of accomplishment, reactions, plans and contacts. At least I am on at least one standing committee, and will try to do something about it.
At times I really act my age here and am so accepted. The saying found in the Bible, “The stone that is rejected is became the corner-stone” has been the keynote of my whole life. When was an infant palmists made correct predictions, three of them. Otherwise, psychics have correctly delved into my past and almost entirely missed the future, but that does not matter. We shall let you know when we are to arrive in Boston and you may send any mail there. I especially want to learn about any letter from Wells Fargo. I cannot be writing to each individual; in fact, it was only because I am not well enough to attend the banquet tonight that the time is being consumed here and Mansur has been kind enough to remain with me.
It is cold here but not too much so. However, the news is that it will be cold in England, so we are prepared. The conference ends tomorrow but we will stay over another day. There may be extra meetings to prepare for next year. Now people are expecting me to speak. This also means a revaluation of time and money and an increase of hope.
You are free to share this with whom you will, but I don’t wish to present any idea of bragging. The present wars are serious, combined with the refusal of important persons, organizations, even the press, to grant an interview. What is going to happen, and I have foreseen this, is the leading of youth protest parades demanding interviews; of course, if the world press gets out and my picture appears, it will be a different thing. The terrible contrast between absolute refusals and the open doors at the highest levels will sooner or later have its effect, but it is not aggrandizement, it is the effort to bring about real peace, through by and with people of every rank, race and station, that I wish to accomplish. Fortunately, I am sure to begin with that I shall be more than welcome on the several campuses of the U of C and also at Hayakawa state. I have already written a letter to Russ Joyner who is one of Hayakawa’s associates, besides sending him carbons of earlier reports.
With the cathedral sending me an apology, with the Rabbis here being really apologetic and repentant for the behavior of their associates and being regarded as “one of them” by so many of the world leaders, as I foresaw, a new career will be opened. But I wish to go to Lama along with Mansur where we may be able to write out plans and projects and at the same time teach the young who want to learn instead of trying to appeal to their elders. The only person here who tried to dualize me is a Jesuit whom I beat by showing a profound appreciation both of his person and his methods, and no nonsense about that either. I think my mind is about run out.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
Evening, April 7, 1970
London
Beloved Ones of God:
This is being sent in duplicate. We are preparing to telephone Wali Ali in the morning to give permission to Mt. Zion hospital for anything else, provided it can be conveniently charged to my late brother’s estate and does not involve any expense on my account. Also he should telephone Wells Fargo, Trust Department—I think the estate number is 7-307. He can look up the files for the proper person to be contacted. This may also affect the next month’s payment, that is due April 16th or so. He is also to notify my cousin’s the Fosters on Abbey Street in South San Francisco, though they may be aware; and if a funeral takes place shortly, I believe Mary Lou Foster will assent to Wali Ali or assign to go in my place. For this and service rendered Wali Ali will be compensated in cash as soon as we return.
The Khankah is asked to telephone my attorney T. LaShalt on 4th Street in San Rafael. This means the drawing up of a new will, and also involves telephoning my previous attorney, Mr. John Rockwell, 1330 Lincoln in San Rafael, advising that I shall be asking Ted to draw up a new will.
While one does not wish to count chickens before they are hatched, the first use of extra income will be to guarantee Mansur’s rent. He may be having a job with Fred Cohn, but it is also possible that he may wish to go and then go to Lama with Murshid, especially if Fred and Julie go either to Lama or Pir Vilayat’s summer camps.
Wali Ali is to ascertain through Mary Lou Foster if possible, who happens to be my brother’s latest attorney. This assumes that Mary Lou Foster and/or her children are the chief heirs; but if Elliot has died intestate, this would leave Murshid with both extra burdens and extra funds and a moral obligation to look after the young Fosters.
We are staying at St. Ermin’s Hotel, Caxton Street, London S.W.1 and should be here until the 16th. We were told at the embassy that the airfield strike has been settled but will check later at the airlines for confirmation and proper bookings in the USA. This drama can excuse our Boston host from a longer stay. I shall also have to look into the affairs of my Boston cousins.
We visited British Museum, the University of London, and two of the chief publishing houses. We expect to go to the World Congress of Faiths tonight. Contacts are not as rapid as might enhance our visit, but we are already ahead on our other important items of business.
Murshid was not surprised. For three or more days he suffered the strangest sort of stasis, almost like a progressed or trans-sitting Saturn wacking another Saturn. He kept on mentioning to Mansur and others, “I never felt so well mentally and so poor physically before in my whole life.” There must have been a psychic attunement to brother Elliot’s condition. Please have the Khankah also notify Hilda Gulbreath, Northgate Travel. The last part of our ticket is open and we hope we can properly arrange for its completion, but it also means probably extra travel in the future to fulfill all the duties before one.
One is not going to start to cut melons so to speak or make empty promises. There will have to be a meeting between at least Wali Ali, Daniel, Mansur and Moineddin with possibly Fatima and Shirin.
No doubt, under tension some things have been overlooked. If there is any doubtful item, Wali Ali is to go ahead as if he had power of attorney. In the meanwhile, we should be telephoning San Francisco from the embassy in the morning.
Love,
Murshid
April 10, 1970
London
Dear Wali Ali:
This is the diary, the carbon going to the Khankah for the time being. When we return, all those carbons will be transferred from the Khankah to our regular files.
The weather has been very much like a November, cool and cloudy, with patches of fog and rain, and outside the city considerable light snow. It has almost the effect of a perpetual gloom. But despite this we hope to go to Kew Gardens today. Much of our time here is open and unsettled, and it is also possible that we may have visitors; or we might visit museums and art galleries. Anyhow yesterday, we booked from New York to Boston, leaving part of the 16th open in New York, wherein I hope to see my cousins again, but if not, it will not matter. You have our Boston address and should send any information there, but please open anything from wells Fargo. I hope they have been notified. You can check the files of the estate number, which I think may be 7-1307. This may affect my allotment this month, which may be over the preceding amounts, or there may be two such allotments—I do not know. Also please advise Dr. Levin that I shall pay him in full by the end of the month. I think he will understand.
Yesterday we were guests of the Royal Asiatic Society. To our surprise the age group was much more widespread than that of the World Fellowship of Faiths. But the audience was more intellectual and reserved, and undoubtedly of higher social standard.
Much more to the point was the visit to Gandalf’s Garden. Muz and Jeff the leaders look like disciples of Jesus Christ. We were greeted by essentially the same type of people we meet and have. Before the meeting too, all of them were within about the same age range. It was when I went to Japan I felt strange because I did not feel strange. They are a little lower on the economic level. This is almost the same as when we started out, but there is the same optimism among them.
They meet in a basement. But which has however kitchen and sanitary adjuncts. The place was absolutely packed. There were however quite a few older people, maybe up to 20%. The chief of these was Joyce Best. I had written to her hoping she could come to Gandalf’s Gardens, but it would not be any stretch of imagination to say she is Gandalf’s Gardens. She is playing the role of aunt there like I play the role of grandfather. I guess she must have checked that I hoped we could meet there at Gandalf’s Gardens. Her father had been a disciple of Hazrat Inayat Khan. He kept on jumping from camp to camp and finally landed with Meher Baba. In fact Don Stevens the leading Baba-rian, as I call them, has been here, but there is no evidence he has been effective.
A very large portion of the audience are in some ways followers of Hazrat Inayat Khan, and a very good handful are very close to Pir Vilayat. At first Joyce was taken aback, then I said I had two criticisms of Pir Vilayat: not proper provision for financial equilibrium; 2) he is traveling too often and there is danger of nervous illness. Joyce immediately reacted against her own reaction and heartily concurred.
Gandalf’s Gardens is not on a good financial footing yet, but they are working toward it. There is a great deal of interest in healing. The speaker of the evening was introduced by Timothy, a Cherag in the universal worship. He gave a grand cosmic approach to healing, somewhere between the attitude of Unity and Sufism. He has a real understanding of the New Testament, really real, but he is still strongly under and limited by a Christo-centric outlook. Still this is very fine and we had not occasion to quibble.
There were several people there really interested in Sufism and a broader outlook than the one they have.
The leaders and most of the girls look New Age. Their elders talk New Age but I don’t think they have it yet. Most of the older people, excepting one rather cockneyish little man were still sober and somber, but while they consumed a considerable portion of the time, they were certainly in the minority. I don’t know yet how they will take the Zikr or Hare Krishna. It is definite that most of the young take pot but not LSD. I did not see any shadowy faces among the young and could hardly call anybody there a drug victim. I didn’t know if anybody was off base at all excepting that people of the New Age are in a sense off-base to their elders.
Although there is not much else to report, we are sending this off so you may have our immediate reaction. Both Sufi and spiritual conferences are to follow, and I feel some of us may have to come again, especially after my new and presumably much better financial basis is established. I do not feel it is my duty to spend too much time away from California or Lama, and I certainly do not want to come to these parts without Vilayat’s complete assent. As to the spiritual conference, from the little news that trickled, it will be definitely universal and not Christian. Also for the first time I have found interest in the universal worship among the young. Mostly it is the elders that wish it. To me there is a certain sadness in the Christian outlook with the appeals for mercy and a limited capacity for joy, but the younger people want joy, there is no doubt about it. I say we can help them. I want a complete set of dance instructions typed for them, but not necessarily sent until we are sure these are clear. I also want any pictures from Fatima, even if they are cutouts from old Oracles sent here, and if Phillip has any old surplus Oracles have them also sent. I think this is enough for the moment. Love and Blessings,
Murshid
Please go to the bank and tell them that on the whole the trip has been quite fruitful. More important to them that my brother has left this world and that my monthly allotment should be substantially increased. Thus, even if I cannot fully pay the momentary loan, meaning a lowering of the savings account, by the end of the year, if not before, this might be substantially increased.
Also, If Mr. Campbell ever calls, tell him the matter is in abeyance, but not dropped, Murshid remains of the opinion that Fatima’s insight and foresight are substantially correct.
St. Ermins Hotel, London
April 11, 1970
Beloved Ones of God:
Here it is Sunday morning and the rain is confining us to our hotel. So we are seizing the unwelcome moments to write. Last night we visited Muz Murray and his closest associates. I think we are both very satisfied. On Wednesday night there will be an hour before yoga class at Gandalf’s Garden where we shall teach walks based on centering, and if there is room some of our either dervish and yoga dances. At the previous meetings the hall was packed (I am glad to say), but we did discuss a later possible return, and I hope Inshallah the time will come when murshid can have 3 couples with him, Inshallah.
We see endless possibilities in our work. It depends largely on whether others also will see these possibilities. It would be possible, of course, to sit down and create more dances and walks, something one is not disposed to do unless we are absolutely confined.
While the city has large perks, there are few home gardens. It is exactly the opposite to Los Angeles. The parks of course are nice; we are near quite a few of them and have done our share of walking. We are still hoping it will clear up enough to walk. Otherwise we shall taxi to lunch and have either an Indian or Pakistani meal. We get gourmet food here, very good, very unlike what we have at home, but other than being unusual it is not like what we really enjoy. We shall probably react against this strangeness.
Actually, we plan no meetings immediately after our return, unless they are scheduled in such a way we cannot avoid them. It will not only be for “recovery”; between the number of letters to answer and the very important legal and financial matters, we shall be kept quite busy.
The most edifying news is that Wali All will move back when Zeynab moves out. We shall probably fix the basement and also move our books down there, leaving more room upstairs where it has been so crowded.
Tomorrow we expect to meet Mr. F. Clive-Ross, editor of Studies in Comparative literature. We both have been looking forward to this. We have now had occasion to use the underground so it will not be difficult to reach him.
I hope the garden has been properly watered. Of course, we might have an official gardener later, which will either be taken up at a family meeting or some other proper arrangement.
It is not proper for a murshid to broadcast his dreams, visions and perception of the future. One must say that everything has been operating almost as if in accordance with schedule and this gives one much more faith. After all this conference was fore-visioned 40 years ago. That, no doubt, is the extreme. I am looking forward, however, to the lecture at 420 Sutter Street for whatever night it has been arranged. We leave Thursday morning for Boston (East-West Center, 105 Marlborough St., Boston, Mass. 02116; tel. 267-8056) . We have been listening to the radio here—for the most part quite good. No TV in this hotel, either in the rooms or the lobby.
The reports from Wali All have been very encouraging. We shall no doubt pick up our last mail at Gandalf’s Gardens just before we leave and telephone San Francisco as soon as possible after our return to the states. The date of return is uncertain due to the dramatic events that have occurred in our absence.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
Hotel Intercontinental—Geneve
April 11, 1970
Dear Wali Ali:
I have your letters of the 5th and 6th which are very encouraging, and also making this the diary entry, sending the carbon to the Khankah. These can all be picked up and collated when we return.
At first I thought it might be necessary to write Ted Lachelt. At the moment the only concern is the allotment for this month, whether they will add to my portion the amount which would have gone to my brother, especially as it seems they had reached no decision on our separate monthly portions.
It is very satisfying that you are returning on May 1st. I have been troubled for there is a need to have at least one more person in the house when Zeynab goes, and it should be a person or persons who work closely with the Sufi movement. However if the estate money is distributed, you would be going on a salary beginning with May 1st when you return. Certainly enough to cover any expenses to Vilayat’s camp and spending money besides. I wish to both be fair and cautious. It is more important to be fair to those who will be working for the cause of God than to pay back my bank loan. With the increased allotment, I should in due course be able to re-establish my savings account. I certainly trust Ted Lachelt.
It is possible that Mary Lou knows about my brother’s lawyer and last will and testament. Otherwise, we might have to resort to the public administrator, and here, we might need Ted’s advice. I should much prefer he have a will than having burdens thrown on me, even if it meant much more money. It would have been illegal if he did not refer to me, because already the hospital has communicated with me as next of kin.
I presume you would move into Zeynab’s room. Then we would make a sort of Library and extra bedroom in the basement, even moving the books from the living room. This in turn would permit more people to occupy it, even if it involves the purchase of chairs and better, proper stools and cushions. I think the girls would be interested in the latter, and we could have considerable “fun” either making or buying them. My impression is to pay some of them for this work. What do you think?
Your personal reports are very encouraging. I hope you have names and addresses, and we can discuss this later. At the moment, I feel like cutting my stay short in Boston. You certainly will be advised by either telephone or telegraph.
Tonight we sup with Muz Murray. We have been to Gandalf’s Gardens twice and certainly like the audiences. Some of them are very close to Pir Vilayat. He is conducting a conference here shortly. We have been invited but are using the excuse of the above; besides, Vilayat and I have a tacit agreement that if we are separate, we both can be reaching new audiences. I am thoroughly satisfied with his plans, programs and endeavor.
I thank you for the news about Lama. At the moment about 6 have signed up. A letter has also been written from here but answer is to go to San Francisco.
Assuming we return on schedule, we are not to do much office work until Monday the 27th. Either the dancing classes will take place, or a free reception, or parties, or both.
You will find enclosed a list of books published by the dowser. Please mail this to the Metaphysical library on Sutter Street. They may be interested. Please let Saul see this, however, before so mailing.
Please thank Gavin for his letter.
I am not answering it immediately, because the leading newspapers here have promised some forthcoming articles on astrology and occultism. As soon as we have obtained and digested them, they will be forwarded to him. They are supposed to present the latest.
The horoscope of Pir Vilayat has some strange parallels to the respective ones of yourself and myself. I don’t know much about progressions, but I should imagine the progressed horoscope would show much better prospectus. I take it that Gavin has given us the progressions on the near planets and the transits on the distant ones, but I have not yet tried to evaluate them. I should be glad to pay Gavin when I return.
Tonight we sup with Muz Murray and may take up some serious things with him. We have seen Jack Austin twice and expect to see him again, Inshallah. He looks much better. I think he has made most excellent evaluations of personalities and movements.
We went to Kew yesterday but were caught in the rain. If the day looks good we will go there but otherwise to museums.
I am very glad to find such cordial warmth persisting. Life is going to be comings and goings, movements and rests. Our main problem is going to be whether we get the necessary papers from Vilayat. Otherwise, it will be incumbent on this person to revive and revitalize occult and mystical sciences. We have had very warm assurances from the director of the mosque here who is also advanced in Sufism. We may become officially contributors to this group. There is trouble in London over the Pakistanis. Much more trouble than with the blacks; very little with the Indians; none with the Chinese. There are lots of restaurants from both these types of Asians.
You might make a synopsis of the conference of Asian scholars which later we might send to Congressman Burton. Please telephone Mary Lou advising. I would like to take her and the girls out when I return or they could come to our house.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
Love and blessings to Frank and Linda; no time to write separately.
April 14, 1970
Dear Hassan and everybody:
There are a number of things to follow up from our meeting with Clive-Ross, every aspect of which was most cordial. I think between him and Jack Austin (who admire each other, too) I have two wonderful friends here and we are already planning, Inshallah, a group visit. This would depend on several things, not only money but dancing items and other matters.
The horticultural affairs referred in the letter to Ruth cook will be taken up with Moineddin and yourself rather than at the family meeting. I have material from the Maxicrop people who use kelp and sea products for plant feeding, etc. This is too “revolutionary” to consider in our short while here, but Fred may become interested. However I am willing to carry on the correspondence, etc. in the first stage.
We would like a May Day Festival for our return. This may be taken up at the family meeting. The cost would, of course, be borne by me. But while the Khankah might be ideal with Jayanara’s state we would not like to put any burden on here. So we should like to hear if you would accept it for San Francisco, either at Precita of G.G. Park—or for that matter any suitable alternative.
By the end of the week a telephonic all will probably go through. I am happy to find Wali Ali will return to Precita.
We will list projects to be discussed:
a. Family meeting
b. Sufi Order
c. Disciples in general.
At this moment we have no further news but may be picking some up at Gandalf’s Garden tomorrow night where our mail has been sent: or again in Boston.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
April 17, 1970
Boston
My dear Daniel:
This letter is being written in triplicate and will probably go to Wali Ali and one to the Khankah. We do not know on which day we will return. We would rather have it done quietly at first, with a big celebration around May Day. This could be in Golden Gate Park or on the lawn at San Francisco or even at the Khankah. I am not immediately asking anything from the Khankah as this might throw a weight on Fatima—and I am assuming that Jayanara is getting ready for motherhood. At the same time Zeynab is getting ready for marriage. According to the last news, she and Wali Ali will exchange rooms which will work a hardship on nobody.
If Wells Fargo fulfills the interpretation of my father’s will, it will be necessary to incorporate, either incorporation sole as they call it; or else, under the provisions given to me in Pakistan which we can discuss with the lawyer, Mr. T. Lachelt. At the present moment I have a 2,000 dollar loan to repay. After that financially speaking, there may be incessant progress, but with it incessant wisdom.
This corporation role will be separate from the Sufi Order. No doubt there will be interchange of funds and personalities. There are two factors here:
1) the Sufi Order has not yet fully organized on a financial basis. I feel we should give Bibijan a small monthly remittance. At the present time it is apparently voluntary. It should be put on some firm basis. I have also discussed this with some of our brethren in England. Pir Vilayat is extending his work very in many directions. Apparently, and one must not be too critical, it has not taken on either a sound financial basis or what his father wished. I don’t wish to carry this to the point of any controversy with anybody.
2. In forming a corporation sole or other group I do not wish to make the mistake of turning my money over to the degree there is no control over it. At the same time, if Mr. Gonner’s interpretation which was just verbal is correct, I shall certainly have at the very least 500 dollars a month for which there would be no need in a direct sense.
I have also been commissioned from Pakistan to organize and organize in such a way there would be no legal complications from, with, or connected to any group using the term Sufi in any sense. This would enable us to do a lot of other things to help promote better East/West relations. I have seen too many people being given posts of authority, backed by neither money nor adequate knowledge, and so failure. If I have both the money and the knowledge, I wish to see it used not to promote failure. There may be here a certain degree of wisdom. There is certainly a goodly amount of worldly knowledge which should not be wasted.
I am not proposing to put you on a full-time job, although as I see it your income for working for me and the Sufi Order and the proposed corporation would necessarily be raised considerably. I am not trying to make you into an office worker, but I may need you as an office manager.
We have already made contact with at least one person who will come to California and among other things he has promised to both organize and promote our efforts. The purpose of Sufi training and instruction is to enable man to fulfill his purpose in life. You have already obtained some tools. I see no reason why we cannot continue this program. We will now be able to have a small tool house at the Khankah, but for the purposes of the activities of the Khankah which have already been voted. Any question of having a large mechanical workshop would have to be considered very carefully and by others. It would be very wrong to try to override anybody’s opinions, whether these opinions were spiritual or from the ego. There must be very careful consideration of harmony.
At the moment I do not know if any new plans are afoot at Novato. The kiln and the workshop for printing must be given utmost consideration, and anything new without adequate manpower could result in either overworking or loss.
I have mentioned to you before that I wish you to be with me when a visit was made to my attorney, Mr. T. Lachelt. I am temporarily proposing a corporation with 5 persons on a board, but this would be settled later. I have to divide my mureeds both in a spiritual sense and a practical sense between the travelers and meditators. I have blandly assumed that certain persons like Mansur, Fred, and Julie would be travelers. I have assumed that you would remain in, and also Akbar. I have assumed here also that Moineddin Fatima and Wali Ali may come between the two. As at the moment all of the spiritual teachers are men, I wish to have at least two women on my board. One of these would be Fatima. Actually everything written here has come out of meditation and vision, the same as the spiritual dances. Although I do not know on which day we shall return, I should prefer stopping off a little bit in San Francisco on the way from the airport, and then going to Novato, and from Novato call on the attorney and do whatever is necessary, including resting.
The house we are staying in in Boston has a very large room excellent for all our purposes. It was spiritually dedicated by me before writing this letter.
I want you to consider everything carefully so as to enhance the full blossoming of your purposes in life. The same applies to each and all. The power and authority of a spiritual teacher should come from his wisdom and insight and not from any material or financial prowess. Our last night in England held so much promise, and if the same occurs here, it means that Murshid may often be travelling in the future. This in a sense is in God’s hands.
There is no reason not to read this to others, especially Edison Avenue. There are certain items here which should be considered for meditation with those who have already validated their insight.
Love and blessings,
Murshid
April 17, 1970
105 Marlborough
Boston 02116 Mass.
Beloved Ones of God,
This is a sort of hodge-podge which should be shared, divided, and distributed. It would seem we have come to the right place:
1. We can easily dispose of surplus Oracles here. We can also cooperate when this publication is resuscitated. Mansur will take up details with Phillip when he returns.
2. We expect to visit two health food stores. Our plans also are to help Fred to organize and further mutual understanding and cooperation throughout the country. We shall have details later.
3. We shall have an immediate outlet here for “The Rejected Avatar” and also the publications of Shambala from Berkeley. We shall contact Joe Miller and others on our return. So please put this and other items on our agenda. But it is important not to over-spread ourselves to interfere with the formal, balanced expansion of either the kiln activities or Prophesy Press.
We have already made arrangements for both lunch and dinner and a meeting, at least, tomorrow night (Saturday). We did not fix our return, but the immediate prospect is so harmonious and favorable, we could not welcome anything more. It is as if a whole new cosmic aura were enveloping the world for its benefit and betterment.
We feel we should have a May Day celebration of some sort, without saying of what sort. Murshid feels that several disciples will have had inspirations during his absence and that they should be listened to. Every disciple, especially the more advanced ones, should be given every opportunity for complete self-expression and the full outlet for his views, aptitudes, and inspirations. It is as if everyone were climbing a mountain and will be at the summit on reaching the age of 30. This is to be taken symbolically, of course, but there is more to it than this.
There is the danger of becoming involved with words, titles and movements to the extent of overlooking La Il La Ha El Il Allah. We must keep our reliance of Allah and equally keep in view that He is our lover, not our jailer. The main thing is to coordinate interviews and meetings for the first few days after our return.
There may also be an outlet for beautification: costumes, decorations, etc. I think we are balanced enough and some enough to work out programs that will not overwhelm us, maintaining a balance between joy and achievement.
The carbon of this is to go to Wali Ali who should telephone Joe Miller. Our next should have more material to interest both Saul and Fred Rohe.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
April 18, 1970
My dear Joe Mila-reps:
It is Saturday morning in Boston and bids fair to be a beautiful day. It is all the more remarkable that the weather here is in marked contrast to that of London.
We left London on a rather high note, putting on an hour’s program for the young people at Gandalf’s Garden. Our good friend Rev. Jack Austin was there also. He is a spiritual brother of Izu Price and Eugene. He has had It. I do not know when we shall get out of the tyrannies of words and prestige. You can understand why some Zen monks say, “Kill the Buddha.” So-called lovely nice people repeat the words “love” and “compassion” and repeat and repeat them without any sign of human consideration at all. That is one of the reasons youth is in revolt. Old people warble “love” “harmony” “compassion” “kindliness” and they mean nothing more than if they said “ick” “nick” “slick” and “wick.” There is nothing behind such words.
We met at least two living Bodhisattvas in London. One is the celebrated Marco Pallis. There is a living kindly light exuding from his eyes and countenance. He gave us a picture of Buddhism in London which confirmed the reports of Jack Austin down to tiny details. A true occultist can tell the character of a person or organization by the atmosphere. No slick person can disguise atmosphere. I won’t go into details, but advertised fame is either drivel or devil. It has nothing to do with enlightenment. The enlightened person radiates light, living, loving light.
This was even more true of Roshi Zose Suzuki. Jack told us later that he had never heard Suzuki-san talk so much. He has always excused himself, saying he could not speak English. This is an experience I have had many times in the past. It always comes as a surprise. Also as a delight. I meet the holy men all over the world, and they open up to me and with me, and they do not often open up to others. For it is the living light that speaks. The dharma transmission is easy, direct, and manifestable. I am not interested in the subjective reactions of important and non-important people.
So far as Boston is concerned, we have been here only one day and the doors are already open wide for Shambala publishing house. We already have a very good outlook for you and them without doing anything at all. At the moment the Sphinx Bookstore is moving into a larger headquarters in Harvard Square. It is also on the fringe of new age foods. We shall probably have more information and suggestions for you, but I believe every single copy of the sutras we have distributed has gone either to important spiritual organizations, highly developed personalities, or proper commercial enterprises which I am sure is what you would have liked.
The young in the streets in Boston look very much like the young in the streets of California and especially San Francisco. We are going to have 5 meetings, I think, in the short while we are here, and anything may come from it. The meetings will be held in the home of Richard Harvey, the owner of the Sphinx Bookstore. Both of these are known as East-West. So far we have not met any Asians, but we certainly have met many Americans under Asian influences; so many who look and act and are new age.
We have also contacted one new age type health food store. They are yet small but very active and increasing. I was very much surprised to see my picture on the way in the very first store we entered. The attendant did not recognize me for I was wearing a mantle and hood in the picture. So I shall wear a mantle and hood and robe when I open the meeting tonight. In fact, the young people in London liked it and me better than when I tried to be ordinary. I have questioned artificiality, but on the other hand, there is some comfort in freely hanging clothes.
I am sending a copy of this to Lottie, because Roshi Zose Suzuki is a lieutenant of Soyen Nakagawa. He carries with him that glorious atmosphere compounding peace and compassion. You cannot pretend with an atmosphere and mere ritual does not bring it. George Bernard Shaw said he thought he could convert a banker to socialism but never a banker’s clerk. In the same way multitudes of people repeat and often repeat a smudge of the Prajnaparamita sutra without knowing its meaning. This is part of the tragical comedy of the history of the world. The truth of the Prajnaparamita sutra is unknown to the majority of so-called Zen Buddhists. Zen without realization is no more valuable than any faith without realization, but it is more dangerous for it misleads.
We did not call at the Tibetan center in London. We expect to return home next Saturday and must adjust our legal and financial affairs. If they turn out as I expect, we should have an entourage going to the British Isles in 1972. Of course if others come to work with us the size of the entourage may not be so small.
Love and blessings to the lady and yourself and to all mankind.
Sam
Sunday, April 19
Dear Wali Ali and Saul;
May the Message of God Reach Far and Wide. Your words over the telephone have greater significance now. While we had a comparatively small meeting last night it was totally successful from our point of view. It was a pilot gathering and almost the same sort of reactions as at Gandalf’s Garden. And it may mean much more traveling in the future. Of course there are legal matters but the “inner sky” remains clear and undisturbed, unless you call a slightly greater brightness a change. Hussein said that there would be a big financial jump in the month of May. So far as Murshid is concerned he has not missed yet and one hesitates to mention his further predications now. But one will take them most seriously and also any other reports which reach here before our return.
We are booked for TWA, to leave here Saturday morning at 10 A.M., arriving at S.F. at 1 P.M. having lunch on the plane. So do not prepare any noon meal or us. I wish to see Wali Ali alone first excepting that Akbar may be there in his capacity as Khalif. No one else at first.
Then Marcia on a somewhat different matter, and if Fred Mathews is around on a matter of a coordinate nature. But I first wish to get the esoteric reports. The matter of marriages should not be taken up immediately because hit brings in new items.
This is Sunday afternoon and Murshid is alone but interviews begin right after dinner and much of tomorrow is already booked. We also have appointments for both Harvard and Brandeis Universities. I have seen some cousins and we have still just two open nights.
But the big thing has been our meeting with Karmu who lives near Harvard Square. He is a prophetic man, quite aware of his abilities and mission on earth. He is functioning both as an automobile mechanic and as an herbalist. He has some knowledge from both African and Amerindian traditions especially from the Caribbean area. We were treated to herbs as foods and medicines and also carry a concoction for the eyes which is to be used with olive oil. As the “diary” sheets go to the Khankah, both Moineddin and Hassan will become aware of this and we hope to get him in touch with the New Age people and others.
The whole meeting was most astounding. He “read” or prophesied for Richard, Mansur and Murshid and one feels that the predictions, and the great “truth” upon which these predictions were made are basically correct. Murshid clearly saw the initiatory process for Mansur when Jemila left him and these visions have now come out clearly in manifestation. But Karmu extended the processes and he seems to have a divine, spiritual clairvoyance, and inshallah, he is laying out or “seeing” out what is to follow. Much of what he said for Mansur has been seen or felt. It was better that it come from other sources. It corroborates what several have seen and about which Murshid has joked—as cover up.
It is one thing to quote: “I am the Vine and ye are the branches thereof” and it is another thing to function actually.
At the moment my body has been given an upward jolt, presumably because of the “food” and medicine given. It requires a degree of calmness even solitude, which must be followed by proper acts. One must warn there that any tragedy or suffering which comes to any mureed may be a sign of higher inner initiation, and the Hierophant, so to speak, stands forth.
Zeynab—we may still go on an errand for the Schaeffer school. This will follow the next two nights. It may be a sort of surprise.
The weather is very fine here, no “pollution” in the atmosphere, quite clear and embracing
Monday morning. Nothing revolutionary the rest of Sunday. Unless you call what Murshid did revolutionary: He rested.
Love and blessings
Murshid
April 21, 1970
Dear Wali Ali:
This is really our diary consideration. A strong dispassionate letter has been sent concerning Pir Vilayat. We already have a very heavy program to consider and it is very easy to overlook matters which may be important to others.
First there is a matter of the Seder. We simply cannot alter our schedule the way matters stand. We had a long session with Karmu last night who behaves so much like a living Bodhisattva. We have to be ready now to meet both colleagues and certain advanced types of occultists. We agree that these should be shoved into our program.
The next thing to consider is in a sense a welcome home and May Day program. We have already written about it and should be back in time to help with any programs, including the possible use of the May pole which Selima furnished us with last year. This means the sun, moon and wheel dances among other items. They were not presented at the Spring festival and we may be working with them next Sunday.
Then there is the matter of weddings. There must be care here whether there is speed or not. This matter should be taken up with Zeynab and Gary and settled as far as possible before Murshid’s return, and he will accept this settlement.
Then there is the appointment with my attorney, and this should not be delayed, but it will be a daytime effort and will not interfere with any evening program. It is probable that we have already proposed April 28th, but my affairs can be properly arranged for this.
There are certainly two aftermaths of our meetings with Karmu. Despite no great change in the weather my health has gone back to what it should be. More important than this has been not only a restoration of inner guidance and inspiration but on advancement. The evidence will be either closed here or in the next mail. That is all for the early morning.
11.00 a.m. We have received a letter from you mostly with spiritual reports and assume this is the letter promised when we spoke over the telephone. There is no need to comment on these here. We shall not be back in time for the Seder. As we have said or intimated we are expected to be in too many places without giving us time preparations, and this cannot be helped.
There was no enclosure in regard to the probate. As I understand it, if my name is not in the will of my brother, it may be invalid. But if I am named and cut off, it may be valid. Still more, if I am named and anything is left to me, it is probably not only valid but almost incontestable. I am much more interested in getting a full amount of dividends from my father’s estate which would put me in a good position. Then, as Mary Lou is next in consanguinity anyhow it would be better to come to some agreement. She has already conceded there are some things which belong to me and there may be some family heirlooms. She is probably much more in need than I am. As the time will be short and I am coming home on a weekend, if you have any information you might talk to Mr. Lachelt in San Rafael, he is my attorney and I think at 1299 Fourth Street. I think his phone number in on the wall.
We have run out of paper and Mansur will get some shortly. The reports confirm absolutely what has already been written. It has been necessary to have witnesses of one’s hierarchical position. That was one of the principal reasons for having a traveling companion. Mansur has met enough people, and we have already had enough experiences, mostly outer, to confirm at you have probably rightfully inferred in the interpretation of the spiritual experiences. Superficially, the visions and interpretations of Amina, Basira and Wali All are correct. Charleen is not at the same level yet. I think it is most wonderful, however, that what is true in the inner planes is now being demonstrated inwardly and outwardly. This was brought up last night at dinner by Karmu. Each facet and fact confirms the others. We are building up a real single brotherhood of man in the fatherhood of God.
At breakfast this was also confirmed in another manner by Richard in regard to Christopher Hill’s, friend ally competitor and rival of Haridas Chaudhuri and others of the same type all at the same time. Richard is beginning to understand what looks like antipathy toward the rival very exclusive universal brotherhoods with ego leadership. I think we are surmounting them all, Inshallah.
Love and Blessings.
Murshid
Box 444
San Cristobal, 87564
May 31, 1970
Beloved Ones of Allah,
As-salaam aleikhum. This letter goes to the Khankah, copy to Naqib Daniel and the file diary copy to S.F.
Hazrat Inayat Khan said, “Pleasure blocks but pain opens the way to inspiration.” We had an accident. The motor in the car broke down and it was necessary to have it towed to Albuquerque and left in front of Josh’s. The cost is high and we do not have funds. But Mansur will get an estimate. I cannot do anything now.
There is a principle here which I hope will be removed forever: the teacher is not to be looked upon as a banker and heaven has frowned strongly on this and now more than ever. Indeed one came here with the instruction and warning that the “guru is God” according to Papa Ram Dass, and when one looks in that direction it functions. Needless arguments with the teacher lead only to dire karma.
Besides the trend of the age is to look to a Leader who can lead. This is something this Murshid has to learn too. But the first efforts broke magnificently. The visit to Prof. Archie Bahm was excellent. Josh has his finger on the right things and is opening the doors in Albuquerque. Then he took us to Santa Fe where we met George, the leader of a sort of commune, and it was marvelous, truly marvelous, alhamdulillah.
Next week I shall present the Astrological Dancing on Sunday and the doors are opened for a Tuesday visit to both Santa Fe and Albuquerque. I should prefer that Bill comes and either drives or goes with us, to add to the singing. This should open up and big.
Murshid has been warned and shown inwardly that he would become more and more a “cosmic” Pied Piper whether he likes it or not. The communication is much more rapid today.
Diane has moved but we have her business address. Nathan, barefoot, has stepped on a rock and injured himself, and they are away looking after it. It is going to take time to have an adjustment here. Personally I would not go around bare-foot. I am not looking for wonders because each of the persons, excepting Saul, has a child to look after.
The welcome here was warm and delightful. To my amazement Joy is here from S.F., I think as a visitor. Everything is in readiness but tonight we shall mostly chant and maybe pray, and until the meeting after breakfast tomorrow go slowly. I told them I was most concerned with their projects: (a) building with which I shall not be concerned; (b) the book of Ram Dass which is behind schedule, and does not bother me. (c) adobe brick making in which I am interested; (d) the garden to which I shall break Saul in. They tell me it has just started but they were given tremendous amounts of nature.
Hussein and Gwyn were here and I had a confab with them. Nothing particular to jolt me this month but next month should be better. This will be an “in” month and the concentration is on the Dot aid Circle with this place as the circle.
The weather has been excellent but there is threat of rain in the now late afternoon. We have the ponchos.
We were helped by God when the car broke down. As we were going to buy a greyhound ticket some young people offered us a ride. They were from Ohio. They are returning home, to go on to hear Toronto for a super-Woodstock in the name of Peace. They expect an immense gathering. We not only saved time and money but made a proper contact. And this has been going on.
The news is in part to Daniel because he may get ideas to report at the Sufi meeting.
We are all wishing for the Holy Men’s Jamboree. I may write a side letter or two. Egotistical—or maybe it is spirit and not ego I am absolutely for it. The young are seeking and maybe we have some answers. Spirit at this writing is high and the body has rested and been cleansed.
One has to learn to look upon a larger sector of the world as family. I shall have to go on with or without Mansur for the schedule from the unseen. Tomorrow we meet to work out program.
They told me that the plan to take a film here was cancelled because of lack of funds. But I will not take it one way or the other. Mansur has full permission and scope but the question of Fred (and Julie) must meet the requirements. Basically I was opposed to the Silvers going to Pir Vilayat’s camp was because it was not and will not be a Chesterfield-Hilton and the same is true here. I don’t know how they would walk around. And there are rules, which have to be considered.
They have abolished most of the rules excepting for visitors. I am for what they are doing and told them I wish to further their programs but add the Sufi teachings and methods and although we have not met on this there seems tacit heart agreement. We cannot go on repeating, “May the Message of God reach far and wide” without it happening.
Do not know how often I shall write but must keep Wali Ali and Daniel informed until their respective meetings are over. As the keynote here was so favorable one feels good about it.
Love and blessings,
Murshid
June 3, 1970
Box 444,
San Cristobal, N.M. 87564
Khankah
Dear Khalif and Beloved Ones of God:
It is very difficult to keep you informed of everything that is going on. There are certain things written is the book of life and they are coming to pass whether we as individuals want them or not. Hazrat Inayat Khan said that the Message was the Sphere. In his last lectures—which were never heeded—he said that the sun shone elsewhere in the world than Suresnes. At least Vilayat definitely has this spirit. But I must go further and say that the Message is manifesting in so many directions one has to adjust to opening and widening doors.
For instance I had already in mind going to Santa Fe next Tuesday for and in the daytime. Now it appears Josh has scheduled a meeting in Albuquerque for that night. I am inclined to accept this as a forerunner for other matters. In fact, we leave here on June 30th and my concern is to be in San Francisco on July 4th, which gives us two more days’ time on return. I wish to use part of this for at least an overnight visit at Camarillo and possibly a little time with Bibijan at North Hollywood.
Now as to initiations. It is alright to take them theoretically. When Jemila left I knew this was Mansur’s initiation. I saw everything that was to have happened, and the book was closed when we returned from Boston. Then the car broke down, and I knew this was another initiation. But this time his foresight has been awakened. It came very clearly to me what Pir-o-Murshid said, “Pleasure blocks but pain opens the door to inspiration.” But this time it was like two doors, one for him and one for me.
My door is seen in the increased dance inspirations, in the absolute harmony with the diverse plans of young people in this state and in the ease I am getting transmissions.
His thing is so clear to me and his plans for New York and I presume Boston seem to me to be totally in accord with the spirit of the Message that I am delighted. While every pain and sorrow is not an initiation, those that come upon us suddenly and where there is apparently no moral sin involved, the initiate is paying a karmic debt and removing sanskaras. This means an elevation on the spiritual path and in and toward hierarchical functions.
I am not courting suffering, but as a Murshid I have to be aware at all times of the awakening of the disciples, whether by the positive experiences of Fatima and Akbar or the negative ones of Mansur. These may or may not happen at any time as it is said, “In the hour ye think least the son of man cometh.”
Basira has gotten into the spirit of this place very well. Kay’s plans and the need of this place harmonize immediately. Bill is already functioning in the musical field, and I believe everything will progress. Saul’s work as hakim has become necessarily practical. I do not know how well Selima is functioning but I can say that all of the little children are behaving much better than anticipated—and I mean all of them—and I do not mean to apply this to other little children here, which is not always the case.
I may have one interview, before Saturday, and after that will be open for more of them. There certainly is an absolute, not relative, spirit of love, harmony and beauty here. After two lessons from In An Eastern Rose Garden we open with The Mysticism of Sound tonight.
At the moment I should say the whole program, both the one in vogue and the one planned work in more closely to the ideals of the Temple of Understanding than to what Vilayat seems to have in view, though I cannot be clear on this point.
They want a kiln built here. It would have to be in the summer. With Shirin away and with James forcibly staying in Marin County I do not know how we can help, but you can show Shirin this letter. The only copy goes to Wali Ali for the permanent file. That is all I have time for now—children’s dancing class shortly, then the adult dancing class.
I received a most satisfactory letter from the estate. I received a small but substantial increase and would have to submit estimation for any further allotment for care of eyes or teeth.
Love and Blessings,
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Murshid
Box 444,
San Cristobal, New Mexico, 87564
June 10, 1970
Moineddin Jablonski,
910 Railroad Ave.,
Novato, Calif. 94947
Dear Khalif:
As-salaam aleikhum, and to all the brethren.
Your letter touched the heart and please continue that program. We have done three of the Jhanas and I hope to finish them soon to go into the Mahayana meditations, not Zen, but scriptural and Prajna.
On the negative side. The turning of a spiritual film to a promotional matter involving promoters, etc. means clamping down hard. But it is not only from this point of view but there are health hazards. This is not Chesterfield-Hilton. There are many ill at this time and if hardy souls and bodies are unwell how about tenderfeet? I know what will happen.
Just as the doors are opening to potential cooperation on a large scale from prominent groups, “we” have to include all sorts of opportunists who are glad to get on the bandwagon. But it is not going to be. Today they turned away somebody who came here for psychiatric help from this person. There are no such arrangements, the rules are clear, and besides I get nothing or looking after the woes of the generality.
I am returning almost in terror of the labors before me. We have to organize in some way. I have a clear picture and I am glad Vilayat felt the spirit of his father on Precita Ave. But not only is the spirit still there but the actual items of memories, how and what. We cannot turn the Message of God into a commercial, opportunist enterprise. If we do Murshid will be drafted into a larger noncommercial filming which may have endless finance behind it, too. All I have to do is write a letter. I should prefer otherwise. We either follow God or ourselves.
I understand the Holy Men’s Jamboree was a success but I know this will bring more people to our doors and closer cooperation with Steve Gaskin and I am filled up now. Our meeting Sunday was a success. People came hundreds of miles to meet Murshid.
Then there has been unexpected help. Jessica who used to be at Olompali is in Albuquerque and will cooperate with Josh. The audience was excellent, in everything.
We had the same experience at Santa Fe as before. Then we saw Doyle in the rain. We missed Idana and ran into her in the street. Diana was happy to join us. This was an excellent group, more advanced than any beginners met so far and the response was equally so.
We shall have other business to take up with Diane before returning. The question is what to do with these people, but I am waiting reports from Daniel about the business meeting. There is no question about “May the Message of God reach far and wide.”
If Possible I should like Marty or somebody else to pick grape leaves for the Gossip restaurant.
We have had sufficient rain here to encourage the gardens—flowers, trees and vegetables. Tomorrow it will be back to the potato patches.
Love and blessings to everybody,
Murshid
June 11, 1970
Box 444,
San Cristobal, NM 87564
Beloved Ones of God:
It’s spring, no it’s summer,
no Winter, no Fall:
The weather is changing so rapidly,
There is no season at all.
So we lazy people are taking advantage to stay in our hut instead of working but then so is everybody else. In fact, today is laundry day. The best working men are outside on jobs and so many both of our family and of the Lama people are unwell that it’s no fun to write about anything. But being of a contradictory nature we will anyhow.
The enclosures are for Wali All and maybe for Daniel.
You may read them but we have no instructions, now feeling sure that with the aftermaths of the Holy Man’s Jamboree and the Arizona camp we might even interpret Love, Harmony and Beauty to be Love, Harmony and Beauty and not achtung.
Our visits to Santa Fee and Albuquerque and I think you will find some reference to them on the enclosures which you may read. Sundays are for pilgrims to visit Murshid. Tuesdays for Murshid and Mansur to travel. Thursdays, i.e. today, laundry day. Saturday—Nathan and ice cream day; in the nearest town which I think is eight miles from here.
There are no radios and newspapers and what we do read is of little consequence. Murshid is not the least bit disturbed. Instead he hopes to avail himself to lead more and more young people towards the Light. Saturday and perhaps following Saturdays we may be visiting communes in this region. Then there is going to be a big summer camp for Yogi Bhajan. It has been over-advertized and I am not sure it is going to be such a success. We have so many so-called yoga systems today without God, and some that have God without love.
We felt at home at Josh’s. Best reason—they have kept two kittens, brother and sister, which reminds me of what it reminds me. Roberta is looking well for Roberta. Diane is looking beautiful and we hope to see her a few times before returning to California. We do not know when this letter will be mailed as there is nothing urgent, but hope there is somebody there to forward mail to us, excepting bills. They must wait for Daniel.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
June 12, 1970
Box 444,
San Cristobal, N.M. 87564
Beloved Ones of God:
At this writing I do not know if any arrangements have been made to forward mail. At the very end of the last letter from Wali Ali there was an exciting postscript, rather leaving me up in the air. I do not mind if bills etc. are not forwarded until Daniel comes back.
The last intimation was that quite a few disciples were going to Arizona who were not on the enrollment when I left. At the same time Wall All advised that he was limiting the total enrollment to 100 people. This gives me no idea with a few exceptions as to who may be away.
Rather belatedly Hussein and Gwen applied to come here and this may be (or may not be) according to the custodianship of their dogs. We also received an application from Michael and Benefsha which is very confusing. I shall want it clearly understood next year as to who is going to leave each sector and who is going to remain so that many things can be looked after properly or improperly but looked after. For example, who is watering the garden? I am sure the cats are looked after and I hope someone goes to Honorado’s occasionally for them—or for yourselves.
At this writing there is housecleaning in our hut. Some of the disciples have been kind enough to help dispose of the surplus food supplies we brought. Murshid is teaching new dances and Saul is teaching Murshid new types of teas herbals and combinations which seem to have a very satisfactory effect on the corpus and mens.
We have received very little mail and at this writing all correspondence is cared for. So we do not know much about what happened at the Family Dog or what it may mean.
Saturday we are sending out an ice cream expeditionary force consisting of Mansur’s car, Murshid’s pocketbook and all who can fit in. We may then visit a commune a little to the north.
At this moment Shirin is giving Samuel Vilayat a lesson; she thought he would be a better pupil than Asa, but it does not always turn out that way. Zeynab, please tell Peter Docelli that I am away and should return around July 4th at which time the checkbook may be available—at least token. Everything is fine along the Rio Grande but we have had a miracle this week: all four seasons playing leapfrog. Mansur remonstrated that Murshid took too many suitcases; now he sees the wisdom. Murshid has not been caught by any unfavorable weather, but he does—like a society woman—have to change his clothes very often.
Next year, Inshallah, we should have a larger delegation here, especially as they plan to build a kiln. Maybe we can invent a combination kiln and bread oven; this would save lots of time and labor.
We have a magnificent view here. Tuesdays we go to Santa Fe and Albuquerque and see Diane and Josh. The rest of the time Murshid spends mostly teaching dance classes and you would never guess being caressed by his blankets—all hours. This is horrible when the daily life is so beautiful and the dreams not always so.
Wuta is having a good time; there is a big lady dog here, bigger than he is. She put him in his place and like a good masochist he has accepted. A brother and sister cat are the real bosses here. They don’t mind dogs.
The worst feature is that the health is not always what it ought to be. After all we are 9,000 feet up more and less. The water is unpolluted and therefore polluted, because only polluted waters are unpolluted and unpolluted waters polluted—read the press and you will know. Saul has decided Murshid should have the proper pills, and the pills have decided they should have the proper Murshid; so, at this writing at least acidosis is counter indicated. However I am subject to pressure, particularly at this moment when, although my life is in my own hands, my feet are in Saul’s.
Actually the period for levity is one of brevity. I do not see much difference between here and San Quentin; at San Quentin they have the rock pile, and here it is the adobe pile. I can honestly say that my beautiful disciples, male and female, are if not good bricks, good brick makers.
The real reason for this lengthily diatribe is not necessarily that I love you but the tea or brew that Saul is making has been rather slow in process; I think he has been reading the beer ads about the long slow process being the best. Nihil nisi bonum, which means, “If you can’t scratch her eyes out, kiss her.”
Love,
Murshid
June 13, 1970
My dear Moineddin and Everybody:
Your letter giving the report on the Family Dog affair and other Matters was greatly appreciated. There is a little concern on my part of the aftermath. Will we get larger audiences? How are we going to arrange our programs?
Murshid has not been too entirely pleased with rather late requests to come to Lama. This place has definite policies. Why even Anandashram held me off two weeks though I’d come thousands of miles to go there, and some disciples seem to think just because Murshid is here they can come; without consideration for the program or anything else. There is a waiting list and Murshid was glad to bump two persons on this list for Hussein and Gwen, but he cannot make this a policy. We cannot spread the Message if only Murshid’s disciples come and others may not hear him.
We went to Lila commune 15 miles to the north and they want our dances. I asked Barbara here about the possibility of Pir Vilayat having a summer camp in this region and we also are going to Taos Monday for this and other purposes. We will report then to Wall Ali and Vilayat.
I also wish you would go over very confidentially copy of a letter to Nancy. There are at least three groups that want to film the dances God has given to me, exclusive of a very important group in New York City which would take these things seriously.
A random harvest or a real harvest is here. At least five letters were received today from world leaders. You will receive a carbon copy of the letter I write to Sri Surendra Ghose. There is no question that the magnificent work of Sri Aurobindo has fallen into the hands of promoters and schemesters, both in India and California. I cannot do any traffic with those yoga systems that bypass God and put in mechanical systems of discipline. At the same time we are considering joining in Yogi Bhajan at Santa Fe, a matter which will be investigated Tuesday.
This coming week also I expect to send you $200 to cover Mansur’s rent and expenses you feel you may be incurring. I should prefer to have the July 5th celebration either in Golden Gate or Precita park—your choice.
You’ll excuse me if I do not write further other than send you occasional carbons; there is so much to be done. The people here realize that and are extending every form of kindness and consideration; it is so different from the past. Love and blessings,
Murshid
June 13, 1970
Wali Ali c/o Peggy & Walter Bowart
Omen Press, P.O. 12457
Tucson, Arizona 85711
Beloved One of God:
One has to assume here that you can get mail even though there may be a delay. You will get some sort of news from the copy enclosed. At this writing I do not know if anything will come of the magazine interview. There is a danger of lowering Sufism to the level of the new age cults which rise and fall, and over-association can make us the dupes of separative movements, working in the opposite direction of “One single brotherhood in the fatherhood of God.”
The first thing noticeable here is that inspirations occur spontaneously and slightly more often now than before. There must be an accommodation for God Himself and for the actualization, let us say, of the words of Khatum.
I must first discuss films. You may read this to Pir Vilayat or Fred or anybody as you wish. The cause of God is the cause of God. It is not the cause of each new or old separative movements. Nor of those who think that by using the word “Yoga” they are vastly superior to their fellow men. There is not, never was, and never will be any substitute for God-realization or enlightenment.
There is going to be a sort of Holy Man’s Jamboree next Sunday in Santa Fe. There is supposed to be a summer camp of the Kundalini yoga people and it may be going on now. They have off hand invited spiritual leaders to join them. There is a strong inference here. I myself at this writing have no desire to join Satchidananda or to use my name or the term “Sufi” to support even real representatives of certain faiths. I have no desire to displace Jesus Christ by every conniving: pretender that comes this way. I have written very strongly against Auroville. I shall not only protest against the rise of God-less yoga, but have no inspiration to support mechanical pseudo-esoteric practices as leading to salvation.
There may be filming of this affair. I understand there is lots of money in it.
Separate from this are one or two other matters—I do not know whether they are one or two. A group interested in spiritual drama visits this place next Saturday night. There has also been a long distance call from a man who has financial backing to come here and I think partly in connection with this drama group but partly to film the activities of Lama. Now I cannot and I will not stand before groups of cameras, have my dances and songs recorded to bolster the coffers of private citizens. Evidently, seeing the trend/of the times many feel there is a golden opportunity for them.
For besides all these there is a possibility of getting social, financial and prestige support for a real holy film which could be called God in Action. I have not demanded financial support for myself, but now I demand financial support for myself if the films based principally on my own inspirations are used also to picturize and advertise cults, persons, and religions who would exploit me for their ends but never other-wise recognize me. Putting on exotic practices, using phrases not intelligible to American people, etc. has not evinced any God-realization. Well-meaning ignoramuses ignore alike the “Frogs” of Aristophanes and the words of Jesus Christ just before the “Lord’s Prayer.” Any egocentric can support his selfishness by pseudo-logic. The excitement, the confusion, the dilemma of the day are no more clarified by the abstruse from India than by Billy Graham.
Murshid has within him three monster projects. I will relate just one now and that is the tape recording of commentaries on St. Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians. One can with dignity with intelligence, with worldly knowledge and with divine inspiration produce a literary from that will help toward peace, brotherhood, and understanding.
I believe in the “Unity of Religious Ideals” there is a passage which says that the Sufi Movement was to bring together the prophetic heritage of the Beni Israel with the cosmic dharma of India and the orient. Personally there is no need to lower my sights. Money will influence me, spirituality will influence me, love will interest me, but sentiment, pseudo-logic, fawning superficiality, and above all compound emotionalism offend me and, I believe this is the way Allah wants me to act.
There is every sign that both love and spiritual growth here are increasing. I shall stop at this point. If there is mail to answer before we leave there will be an addition. Otherwise love and blessing to everybody.
Murshid
Thursday, June 18, 1970
Beloved Ones of God:
It is dawn and one is writing in semi-darkness. One does not know who is at the house but presumes it is Ziemba and Garry. Evidently Marcia took off also.
The news is that meetings are going on fine in Marin County under Amin. I guess one cannot help that. One does not get mail regularly and perhaps this is not of too much importance. Anyhow after next Monday please do no forward mail. We shall be leaving here on t he 30th no doubt.
Josh has arranged a big party that night. He does not know it yet but as Leslie will not return with us there may be room for Josh.
Murshid is busy all the time excepting when asleep. Far more time in interviews. There may be a few Bayats here before leaving. But everybody here calls one “Murshid.” And now one is known from the Colorado border to Albuquerque which is today a big city.
There is a fine group in Santa Fe, very esoterically minded. They have a real New Age commune, beautiful people. We push them in our dance class there and later, no doubt, will send them copies of directives. But even these are not always written.
Josh has been working hard for and with us in Albuquerque. There it is mostly college students but some most interesting people. Last week we started with only three girls, all the rest fellows, so could not provide for partnership dances. So we did the Sufi “Ya Hayy, Ya Hakk,” the “El Allahus!” etc. and by the time we stopped them, only one more man had come in and a flock of girls ! So we could not have partnership dances then, either.
We did at Santa Fe and here it is often even number of men and girls. So we showed them also “Dance of Love and Brotherhood.” The response is so good it looks as if we shall come here every year, inshallah. But we have an enormous amount of work on return, and also plans for at least one book and then going East.
There is a carbon of a letter enclosed which is to go to Pakistani House on Clay St. It is a very deep letter—you may read it—and can become very important, inshallah.
Murshid is now “granddaddy” down at Albuquerque. Well all is not “angelic.” We discovered Baskin-Robbins at Santa Fe and Murshid and Nathan have been misbehaving. We bought three gallons for a birthday party last night but next week it will be just a tub, and strawberry was voted for this time.
Ralph and Nancy think they are coming and if they don’t work Murshid has notified the folks that he will get out. This is not the “Marlborough-Hilton,” and we all rough it and grow and grow, including the children. There will be a directive about food before returning.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
June 19, 1970
Beloved Ones of God,
I do not know for sure who is at Precita; mail does not come here regularly and most of the news that has come has been in letters to others. In any event please do not forward any mail to me any more after you receive this. We have enough to do. Indeed, we have so much to do that my usual Saturday program has been cancelled.
Tomorrow night there will be a dramatic troupe here; I do not know how spiritual they are, but I understand the play is about a “guru.” It is certain we shall do some dancing before and possibly after the event. Indeed it being midsummer’s night’s eve, there may be an all night program. But people do not have to get up Sunday mornings here anyhow.
In fact there have been some slight changes in our programs here now, doing night dancing. There was been much progress in dancing , and at least invitations almost too many to keep up with.
I do not know what my program will be when I come home but there will be some changes both at Precita and the Khankah. Some arrangements will be made sometimes for Murshid to eat alone or with very few people. This does not mean cutting down of hospitality; it means merely that Murshid will not be always at table when there are guests.
It is possible that Josh may be coming back with us: this will probably be settled Tuesday night.
The link between Lama and ourselves, between the young people of this valley and the new spiritual movements, etc. is going very strong.
Love and blessings,
Murshid
June 21, 1970
My dear Marcia:
I am writing under the presumption that you may be getting back before Wali Ali. We have had no direct reports from Arizona, and it would be presumption to demand anything of the kind. A spiritual camp is not an office.
At this writing it may be that Fred and Julie will arrive on Tuesday. We may be looking for them on the highway as we are first going to Santa Fe that day. But we have several places to visit en route, and cannot be assured of meeting them. We shall leave any instructions with Saul. There are several matters to be cleared up and I am hoping once and for all that if any pictures are taken of our work these are not to be shared with groups that do not believe in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man, or have a broad base to their faith. This has been an unnecessary hazard and I am hoping to clear once and for all that we are working that “the Message of God reach far and wide.”
You will get some news in the diary sheet attached which is going to Wali Alias soon as he returns. There is now another Holy Man’s Jam going down in the valley. This has not prevented the audiences here from growing in number and I am expecting, Inshallah, still larger groups before we return. Indeed we are planning for another visit next year. Perhaps a little later but of that one is not assured.
At this writing it would appear Leslie will not return immediately; this is fortunately for Josh wanted to go back with us and I shall so inform him if he comes here today, or if not, when we see him Tuesday. We still have two shindigs for Albuquerque and the responses are excellent.
Please take some money out of your July rent to be used as follows:
a. A neck and shoulder of lamb, if you can get them, or rather give the money to Charlene or Wali Ali; this may cost from 12 to 15 dollars. If this can be done, also ask the butcher for some bones for Wuta.
b. At least 4 pounds of shrimp.
c. Chicken necks as usual an a little bit of liver.
If it is impossible to get the neck and shoulder, either get a leg of lamb—it may cost a little less—or some chicken for frying (which will cost still less).
I am not considering here the June rent or what is left over. I am writing this in part because I believe July 4th is a Saturday and stores will be closed, so please see that purchases, including fruit and vegetables are made beforehand. We may, Inshallah, get some avocados from Camarillo, but if not and maybe if, pick up other fruit in transit.
A lot more will happen today, Inshallah, and I do not feel like writing additionally.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid.
June 22, 1970
Beloved Ones of God:
Everything is going well here, Praise to Allah, There are a few carbons included which give you an idea of what is going on. Nothing very dull I can assure you.
I used to quote Emerson, that if a better mousetrap inventor lived in the midst of the woods the people would call on him; well we are living in the woods and it is certainly true.
We very much appreciate any rebate which will help pay back my loan; I will probably write the bank today on that matter:
That permit stuff is nonsense. I have been at a lot of folk dance picnics that had hundreds and hundreds of people and nothing ever came up. Ours is not a private affair any more than they are; in fact we could have had the thing in the park and no mention made. But I don’t care. The only objection is our limited sanitary facilities. We’re going to put in the park later anyhow quite unofficial without permits and with or without picnics.
I think there is a spray which can be used to keep deer off. You may inquire about it at the nursery.
There is to be one change in my program after my return: on one Wednesday night each month Mansur and I are to take off and the program is to be put on by Allaudin (Bill Mathieu) and yourself. As to expansion, I am waiting until my return to coordinate all reports which Wali Ali may have; and also, to see whether we shall be working with Steve Gaskin or not. Yogi Bhajan did not draw anything like the crowd mentioned in the ads, and certainly not even what he expected. I think the young people want more heart, and a lot of them seem to think Murshid is giving them more heart; at least that is the Sufi teachings.
We shall have several types of business to conduct on Tuesday when this will be mailed and then also take up the matter of Josh returning with us. I realize the situation of being away from home. It is for the Cause of God and both you will have to adjust to it and Murshid will have to adjust to it. Motto for the day! keep the deer out and bring the dears in.
Love,
Murshid
Monday morning
June 22, 1970
Dear Marcia and Everybody:
This is Monday morning; we had a good meeting last night. Murshid is both better known and drawing strangers.
This morning we had a surprise visit; a delegation came from Long Island. They wish to film the place and its activities. Somehow or other the personality of Murshid caught on with them and they want to learn more about Us. So Mansur and I gave them cards.
There is a possibility of this group or at least some of them visiting us on Monday July 13th. If so, it would be nice to prepare a dinner. This could be either catered Chinese, or our own. Will see them again shortly.
As they are interested in filming us I have invited them to come back again on Thursday when we are sure Fred and Julie will be here. I have also asked Saul to be with us on that Monday evening dinner.
This letter will be completed accordingly as we receive or do not receive news through the mail.
Murshid.
June 24, 1970
Dear Wali Ali:
Things are moving so fast that you will get some of the news in the copies of letters to Art Hoppe and W.D. Begg.
We met some friends of Marcia at Albuquerque and they send love. Jessica has been very cooperative, is very lonely and we took her to dinner last night. We may go to that place again, Inshallah, if we are not too overfed beforehand. All our meetings have received the finest responses.
We ran into Ralph and Nancy at Santa Fe. I have no intention to go into details. We are working for Allah on a world basis. Our meetings with the drama troupe will invoke another letter, this time to Renee and you will receive a copy.
We cannot, of course, tell when we shall return. I am hoping that Moineddin and Hassan will come to the house on the evening of July 4th, from work, if they work that day.
Allaudin (Bill Mathieu) has some bigger and better inspirations for the choral group and today I got the first sign of a new dance pageant which we should put on July 5th combining song and dance. It may even be put on this Dunay here. It requires 24 disciples and if possible an equal number of non-disciples. It needs space.
I have not been able to do all the commentary work desired and interruptions have held up garden work—outsiders ignoring signs. (Just like home).
There will be no private conferences until after July 13th, only conferences with people Murshid sends for. The exceptions are the “family.” Tomorrow we should be seeing people from Long Island and find out about a “party” on the 13th before the meeting. Dancing will resume on July 11th provided the wedding celebration does not take up too much time, and then on the 12th. There will have to be another dancing class and instructions for those who will teach. There will be more dances for the book.
I have not answered some important letters received and do not know when these can be done.
Josh will be coming back with us and is to stay with us if he cannot find another place. He will become official representative for Albuquerque. Dianne has made a sudden trip to S.F. but will be back next Tuesday, Inshallah, when we are to see her. Had a very good visit yesterday and she has danced both at Santa Fe and here. We all are to lunch with her Tuesday, Inshallah.
Love,
Murshid
June 26, 1970
My dear Wali Ali:
Asalaam aleikhum. This is a surprise letter. Evidentially Murshid with all his faults or maybe with all his merits has been engaged in doing what Allah wishes. A climax, perhaps necessary, was reached with Fred this morning. After Murshid presented his case, Saul came in unexpectedly with a packet of letters, one for Mansur, the rest for Murshid. These letters subjectively and objectively supported positions Murshid has been taking with regard to the films, The Temple of Understanding, and the use of music of dancing in spiritual development. The support was complete down to the finest details.
I have not yet digested all the materials sent to Mansur, but what I have read is thoroughly astonishing; there cannot be two divine wills. I am sure there are not. It would certainly seem that all our plans to go east later in the year are being corroborated, again down to details. We shall bring this material back with us.
I do not know how much Mansur can do with me before he returns to Novato. Whatever business he has to do with and for Fred may now receive a blessing. But there are still family matters and this may affect his movements. But I see no obstacles when we adhere to “Toward the One” and “United with All.”
The case against Tasajara but I have assented to watching a film of a small portion of it. Personally I should much rather have Fred film Master Seo’s future undertaking. If we can raise funds for him—not necessarily through him—this may be done. On account of the shortness of time I dare not ask Mansur to copy anything anymore, but I will have this put in an envelope before we see any of Fred’s film. He has not come at an opportune time, due to the absence of most of the staff on outside projects.
But so many things have been cleared up. I hope we do not have to go into any more unnecessary dualism.
Love and blessings,
Murshid
June 26, 1970
Letter #2
Dear Moineddin and Fatima:
Murshid has been receiving a number of very loving letters expressing fine sentiments of love and devotion. They are indeed very touching and one does not like to comment.
But the fact is that Murshid has an overwhelming mission and there are clustering of people around him does not help at all. Marcia is leaving San Francisco and I need somebody who will work for and with Murshid. There is at the moment the possibility of Leslie; it is a possibility, not an assurance. I have to have assurance.
It does not good to have persons coming at 10 or later in the morning, stick around for lunch and then take a rest period afterwards, especially when they have infants to look after. I should welcome infants in my absence but this detracts from the work that has to be done. And I should prefer people coming to breakfast and then stopping around 11—during the heat, and go away. If the present trend continues I shall have to go away for meals—and indeed this is already in the program.
It would appear now that there will be the choral group on Sunday morning and a new dancing class on Tuesday night which can also be combined with the Gatha class if Amin or Daniel wants it that way. We certainly will have to have an organization meeting.
Have just begun one of my most profound undertakings and two new ones when I return. These undertakings will involve Wali Ali, Mansur and a third person who can learn how to look up references. Then the next project with Father Blighton on Monday afternoons.
Love and blessings,
Murshid
Postcard to the Khankah
Sept. 13, 1970
Loved Ones,
Missed Mother Mary at Shasta but met Auntie Helen at Klamath Falls. Very good and may call again en route south. Weather fine but now cool in Seattle which is all right. Learning more of Sufi politics which will help in future plans. Will give Darshan the first Wednesday after return. In emergencies may phone. Today is Hejrat day. Lecture Sunday.
Love,
Murshid
Postcard
Sept. 27, 1970
Loved ones,
Slept on lawn last night. Slept and slept. Then dreamed: “All right, Rufus, you can get on the bed.” It was Saadia awakening me but slept more this morning. They are feeding me and I am not hungry, just tireddy-tired but fine.
Murshid
September 29, 1970
Wali Ali Meyer
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, California
Beloved One of God:
Things are started off so rapidly that perhaps caution is needed on my part. Carbons of this are made for Corte Madera and the Khankah, but after this we shall probably send you a regular diary. These last few days Murshid slept longer and perhaps better than any time excepting in childhood. Marked by a sort of physical stasis. This may not be so bad, and the mind is so occupied, the tendency is to ignore the body.
Visions increase, both for dances and for events. The pre-vision of Peter was shared with him. The only difference in the manifestation was that the hall was small. It was packed; the reactions were beautiful. There were a few older people there, one man connected with each of the Sufi branches and both seemed satisfied. I am inclined to take an absolute and uncompromising stand with Vilayat, as this would ease my concentration for peace. I have already an appointment tomorrow, Wednesday, with my old friend, Dr. Mehdi. The death of Nasser may give me further opportunities. The lies about him are tremendous. Everything good he did is overlooked. This has nothing to do with the Zionist complex, nothing at all. I am not going to write about it here.
I got so high last night on a programless program. Tonight I hope to introduce Buddhist meditations. This will also prepare the audience for a lecture on Buddhism, whatever that means, which comes tomorrow. The crowds here are hungry to get away from loneliness and to experience peace, both inward and outward. It was the most harmonious and attracted audience I have ever encountered, exactly as in the visions.
The list of names from Tony Austin will be of great value and will probably keep Sitara busy while I am out gallivanting. I reached my godson, Norman, and told him I would initiate him into the astrological walks, as he is already a professional astrologer and has very extensive backgrounds in the Oriental philosophies. Some of the people I am to reach are within walking distance. The heat-wave has subsided and I have always loved September in New York. We shall certainly stay here until Vilayat comes—October 7. I shall turn your letter over to Sitara while I am out contacting proper people. Inwardly there is such an optimism it almost frightens me, and the same is true with Peter. I shall take the matter up with Vilayat, however, because if there is a large travel fund established, I may have to function. Another thing, Vilayat’s trip to the Orient will increase the interest and attention, and I shall visit also some of the travel bureaus and tell them
I suppose my preparations were not entirely satisfactory because of the intense fatigue. Few realized it, and it certainly came out in the long hours of most peaceful rest at Ithaca. Even here last night in a strange apartment, so to speak, I slept very sound and feel mentally fine this morning. There is a humorous side to it in my relations with my “cousin” Jonathan-Jemal-ed-din. I thoroughly appreciate your having written right away.
I shall make no plans to leave here until conference with Vilayat.
Please tell Hamid, but he probably knows, that the utility bills may be paid anytime, but they can wait until there is a sufficient balance in the bank account, i.e. electricity and telephone especially. But you don’t have to pay the first day. I expect to pick up a Diner’s Club Directory today also and Sitara has received another credit card, so we can make use of it.
I like the Mohawk Airlines’ smaller planes—more comfortable and without the usual goo. I love Saadia’s fiancé. Although he is rather reticent I can say in character, outlooks, and ideals, he is as near a perfect man as I have ever encountered, which is to say something. I think it is marvelous that there is a certain Ghandian influence, not fanatical and not political which has reached the hearts of many persons and affects their outlooks. I am very happy that Sitara and Saadia have understood each other. It is impossible to send greetings to everybody, and I am not going to try to push any program due to its enormity.
The mother cat here is already very friendly, but the kittens not so much yet. I have met a number of dogs that look like Wuta and they acted just like him to me! Well, I kissed a girl right on the smacker last night—guess who. Maybe I did it for you and maybe you can do the same for me while I am gone.
I think this is a New Age in which the heart outlook is going to express itself. We are in a district where there are many cults—spiritual and pseudo-spiritual. The Vedanta Society is right across the street. The Meher Baba group is within two blocks. Our meeting only three blocks away. We expect to dance in the park Sunday and to have interviews Saturday, keeping Friday for my relatives.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
October 5, 1970
Wali Ali Meyer
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco California
My dear Sheikh:
Perhaps the most important, and certainly the most exciting event, has been the receipt of a letter from young Fazal. I meditated two days after giving him an acknowledgement. Lonnie here thought I should write a strong letter, and I feel Vilayat would like a strong letter. And after meditating, a strong letter came, copy enclosed. The other copies are being held until we see Pir Vilayat. The only question in my mind at the moment is who shall publish it? I am pretty sure the folks in Seattle would love it whether they publish it or not. And I certainly am going to see that Walter gets it, but in any case I think this is a good preparation for the Pir.
As you can see, there is some information in it which even Vilayat does not know. I want to get this over. This is a new age. My optimistic visions have largely come true, but disciples are having even more optimistic visions, and, Inshallah, they are coming true.
The interview yesterday afternoon with Father Haughey was marvelous, and Peter enjoyed it very much. At this writing, it looks as if Peter will be returning with me, and Sitara will be riding with somebody, Inshallah. At the moment, I do not know when this will take place.
There is a meeting on the 14th at Rye, with putative spiritual leaders. I am not at all too sure and am not in the least interested in destroying for the sake of destruction. As Hazrat Inayat Khan used to say to me in the spirit: “You have everything.” There are enormous number of esoteric sciences, both in notes and within this person, that have to be given to the world. They may be given on Vilayat’s terms; they will not be given on strangers’ terms. Yes, the letters from Stern are very nice and optimistic. At this writing also, it appears Murshid may have to make periodic visits to Southern California. One does not wish to oppose or antagonize, but we must remember Sufism is historical and has millions of followers and cannot equate itself to non-historical movements with few followers and little evidence of cosmic attainment.
All letters from the West have been most beautiful, and you will probably hear again after the mail comes and is acknowledged.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
October 5, 1970
Hassan Herz
910 Railroad Avenue Novato, California
My dear Hassan:
It seems no time is ever wasted here. Occasionally we have short siestas which are very refreshing. The weather is marvelous.
I thought you might be interested in the letter from Ajmer, and so enclose it and a copy of my reply. I don’t want to overload anybody. I feel very optimistic, but we are going to need funds, Inshallah, so as to have secretaries working full-time. There does not seem to be any doubt of this.
I am not writing you about everything and have a hard time keeping Wali Ali informed. Our visits to Columbia were very successful and maybe even quite important. Tomorrow we visit the campus again to meet a Hindu who is trying to reconcile the Arabs and Israelis. There is a fairly full program until the fourteenth when we shall go to Rye to a putative joint meeting of spiritual leaders. This afternoon, after this letter, we go to the Park to join Baba Ram Dass—not far from here—and may also put on dances. Then we have to go to the lecture hall where Vilayat will appear, also not far from here.
I am writing you because we may drive to Boston, going through Stanford Spring on the way, and to Fall River on the way back. As soon as my time program is clear, we shall contact your parents. Undoubtedly there will be more news after the afternoon and evening events—Ram Dass and Vilayat, We have already mailed copy of letter to Fazal.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
c/o L. Less 27 W. 71 Street
New York, New York
October 9, 1970
Dear Ram:
Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram. It is wonderful how Ram works.
Sam brought a secretary to New York City and found also several of his disciples here. Our main concern was to promote peace through mutual love and respect in the Near East. It is a remarkable story. Sam once had as traveling companion Mr. Gunnar Jarring of the United Nations, who said he thought Sam’s plan was the best he had ever heard. The time had come to act.
The day before Sam left San Francisco, he led a thousand young people first in Dervish dances and then in Ramnam dances. It was a joint affair with an Indian spiritual teacher named Yogi Bhajan. At first Same came to N.Y. To do this, but also went ahead with his peach program. In the meanwhile, he met an Indian named Mr. Karmakar, who had almost the same program. The Indian invited Sam and his associates to attend a Durgah festival. Thus he has met many Indians and may be called upon to lecture to them.
Now there are a number of so-called international yoga congresses going on in India. They quite ignore each other, but each presumes to be leading all the spiritual people of the world! In the meanwhile, the yogi teachers and swamis in this country have decided to establish their own international spiritual movement, certainly not manas-shankara. Certainly not emotional campaigns with stress on ego-personality. Certainly mutual recognition of spiritual attainment. This is the only basis for establishing love and brotherhood. We are going to have two convocations, one in California and the other in N.Y. Sam has been invited to each, but hopes to attend the one in N.Y.
We have already been quite successful in introducing the Ramnam dances here and in other matters. We have been invited to New England also and hope to go soon. This place is right across the street from the Vedanta Center, and Sam has received also a cordial welcome from them. Everything indicates an international alliance between the real spiritual leaders and teachers apart from emotionalism and modern pressure advertising. These means do not delude the young; they do not even reach the young anymore. It is so obvious that many of our young people are advanced souls who lived in India in previous lives.
The universities are also opening their doors. It is a new age. Even a considerable number of older people in this region are aware. We do not know if we can reach those persons and groups who have been trying to establish their own personality leadership instead of Divine leadership. They have many graces and virtues, but one of them is not that they lack in recognizing the graces and virtues of others, and this destroys all claim to universality. Atman is Brahman. Jesus said: “Ye are gods.” A sermon is not necessary. Truth is now coming to the surface. Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram.
Love and Blessings,
Samuel L. Lewis
Postcard
Oct xx, 1970
Dear Ones,
Miss the babies, Rufus and the cats, but not the food because we have a wonderful New Age restaurant in Cambridge. May phone Fall River tonight but have appointments in the meanwhile. Weather fine. Getting better with Karmu’s help.
Love,
Murshid
Saturday night [October 1970]
Dear Wali Ali:
Your news was so welcome that we are trying to reach you by phone. I am hoping Monday morning to take the clipping to some of the press, not with necessary optimism, but at least to show there is an aspect of life which is not often considered by the top-level commentators who do not mingle with the masses.
We have just come back from spending a good hour or more at an orthodox synagogue with Schlomo. I was slightly disappointed in the generation gap, but this was actually his sermon, and he certainly pounded into the older people. I think he was correct and marvelous. If we’re going to have a Jewish religion or synagogues, we had better follow him, or else Jews will really become antis—not anti-Semites, but just antis.
The worship was also a slight antidote to our running away with Hindu faiths. It seems that Hindus have more heart, but Jews have more balance. Inayat Khan wanted to bring these two streams together, and perhaps, inshallah, we are doing it.
I have absolute faith in both you and Jemaleddin and in a lot of others too. You can kiss Leslie for me, and if any other girls want kisses, you may do so if you kiss Leslie between in the name of Murshid.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
October 11, 1970
Beloved Ones of God:
This is Sunday morning. There are engagements this afternoon and evening. We have had two devotional nights, one with Jews end the other with Hindus, very, very different. There is some question whether they are as actually ennobling as emotionally claimed. Indeed if they were it would be a better world already.
One is almost completed with the reading of a biography of Mark Train (Samuel Clemens). The difficulties in his life came almost entirely from misdirected “goodness.” Pir-o-Murshid said that both goodness and evil are vanity. I see no difficulty in our efforts but this misdirected goodness. It constantly cross-trails one and causes even the best, and especially the best of us to be concerned with efforts which in the end are little but vanity.
We now have tremendous undertakings and so long as we stick to those undertakings, there may be success because it seems that God Himself is with us. But we are always apt to get involved in personality-goodness and go off to do good (?) to or for others because it pleases our ego and vanity. It is often not part of our dharma and then we have difficulties and frustrations which prevent us from accomplishing the great ends to and for which God has directed us and which also may be the purpose of our very lives.
There is plenty of defense against evil; there is little against personality-goodness. A Sufi is supposed to be endowed with Insight and Insight is not always rational and way even be quite contrary to our whims and wishes. One notices posters and billboards toward this same end as means of stopping wars. We are not going to stop any war if we think it proper to stop our neighbor.
All the news concerning “Hallelujah of the Three Rings” is excellent and this means Murshid will be working hard in the short time before leaving for Boston. There is some doubt about outside meals. Murshid is supposed to conform to the time set by others, and this is not only contrary to the spiritual teachings but also to common practice that the one who pays should set the time. One cannot always be explaining.
The first grand endeavor is for peace and this is so enormous that many delightful young people do not grasp its magnitude. The second is the cultural exchange based on spirituality and this also is not just going to happen. It Is the Goal Set Before Me By Inayat Khan himself. It is remarkable how many can say. “Not my will but Thy will be done” and are so satisfied with their own words that there is no capacity for the Divine will at all.
The next two matters are so encrusted around this person that it is most difficult to get it fully accepted—not respected but accepted. One is the work with the dance. It is absolutely necessary to organize this and if any disciple henceforth goes off on a tangent in my presence to “do good” for others without my approval it is going to push a terrible block. Excepting on one point—that when this is done another dance is received.
In the Olympian mythology sometimes Ares (Mars) and sometimes Vulcan is depicted as the consort of Venus-Aphrodite. When Murshid is angered, the war-elements is sometimes transmuted into the creative elements. But this means more mental work and actually typing and this is most difficult under present circumstances.
There is a new Rose Dance and signs that there will be dances for many particular flowers and plants. Note may be taken of this but all this interferes with Concentration.
Then one has already written about the need to restore the esoteric sciences. That was the purpose of the Sufi Message. Again and again Inayat Khan stressed it and again and again his followers stressed organization and personality. One is praying to live long enough to restore these sciences but on one’s return there will have to be a restriction to forbid disciples and especially those living with Murshid to waste any efforts on “goodness to others” because this is contrary to the Toward The One, etc.
This will be a voluminous undertaking unless one can go into seclusion. One hopes Moineddin gets well to help in this. But one may also call on Akbar during his Christmas vacation if this can be done. We have skipped the central chapters of “The Unity of Religious Ideals” and one cannot go on lecturing forever.
One has not kept track of the books on which there are commentaries and those on the sacred lessons are far from complete. And there is much, much more. For the first time, one is pushing this not because one likes to push but because of the dangers of side-tracking by “goodness.” It is also the basis of the meeting presumably set for Wednesday and perhaps Thursday with other spiritual leaders. It may compel Murshid to spend hours in explanations.
The lecture last Thursday on Islam shows not only the absence of spirituality (which was not so absent) but of culture (which was very, very absent). One has not seen any literature of either the Israelis or Muslims not filled with dishonesty. It is not one’s place to correct all this but one will not lower oneself to levels based on sentiments and ignorance. The world cannot be helped that way.
There is no question that multitudes are seeking for love and for life’s fulfillments. One is glad to see that others are now coming forth and giving, giving, not demanding or seeking from the multitude. The meetings with the top people at Columbia and with Father Haughey shows there are enough educated, informed people in the world to insure positive efforts toward peace, knowledge and life’s fulfillments.
The private rearrangements of certain disciples must be given every consideration. Van, Jemila and Mansur must each be integrated into our efforts. If there are any business meetings during my absence I can assure you there is complete faith in those so participating.
This letter is not written in anger but in firmness. One does not see high spirituality in merely repeating some enigmatic Hindi phrase. Jesus Christ warned against this but we have by-passed him. One uses “Allah” most of all and finds it most effective. A large number of young people here wish to go to India. It is emotionalism not spirituality. The news from that land is not particularly pleasant. But I guess it may be for one to bless those young emotional but neither wise nor informed devotees that they ought to go.
Baba Ram Dass is returning and says he has not found it. This person found spirituality and spiritual teachers on his very first sojourn to India. But facts and information are of no value to convinced emotionalists. They have to learn, and learn through pain and hardship. So one readily dismisses henceforth all who wish to go to India and seek “passage to India” and not Whiteman’s “passage to more than India.”
One sees the restoration of sacred mountains in this land, and has faith in the mountain climbing efforts of both Amin and Rimpoche. One hopes the body is firm enough to join some of those oneself, but as the program stands there is not time, time, time.
One will therefore be most careful about the emotionalists. Vision is vision and it is real. Insight is Insight and it is real. Love is love and it is real.
God bless you all,
Murshid
October 13, 1970
Dear Wali Ali and everybody:
A number of copies of this are being sent out and the duplicate to Wali Ali is to be sent to Ted Reich. One has to be most careful because on the one hand too much is expected and on the other hand in time-process, the hours are the same whether they are used, wasted, personalized or cosmic. So at this writing one can give prospects but a person is a single person and there is the trap that personal errands have to be done, and also the health, physically, is not so good as it might be. One has trust that one will be seeing Karmu soon and this should change that.
The day can be divided into two portions which overlap: the telephonic preparations and the Japanese items. As Sitara, Peter and Murshid have not come together one can only outline. Tonight one speaks at a church on West Fourth St. and we have promise to have in the audience a representative of the two scientists who are investigating states of consciousness and have, in a certain sense, been able to produce them in the laboratory. Of course this will not affect the hard-boiled. To them evidence is either fraud or unimportant.
But this morning—unless something else comes up, Murshid will be visiting the American Society for Psychic Research whose offices and library are quite near here. After that, or even before that are a number of follows-up with the press and publications for the Three-Ring efforts. And tonight after the public appearance we are to meet Schlomo. This will give little time for preparations to go to Rye where the convocation of “holy men” takes place tomorrow.
One has to be careful. Self-proclamation does not prove anything. But there will be the advantage first if one can meet the scientist tonight and then Schlomo, for one has run into many “Neptunian” enthusiasts who take time and are totally blinded. And if there is any such push one will not give in. One has no intention to laud the new and lambaste the old. Between Schlomo and the Zen people one has already objectively two successful working groups in this city.
Nor is it wise to write on the potentials of Sitara contacts. They are excellent and they can be time-consuming. But we shall probably go to Rye and then to Boston and will not be taking this typewriter to Boston. In fact one is not sure of one’s addresses and it is possible we shall telephone from one of the houses near Boston. Neither do we know how alone we shall be there. If there is any progress before we leave we shall delay our meeting with former Ambassador Badau but must be back to meet Pir Vilayat. Then to Washington at some uncertain date and then we may fly from there or return here first.
The weather has been quite good, but even oppressive. The buildings are too warm—they may have automatic heating in some cases. The Sunday program was filled and wearing. Too many young people call anything “spiritual” if it arouses them emotionally or is totally different from either their private traditions or the dominant philosophies. The danger of leaning on some “avatar” is very great. Personally I prefer even questionable swamis. Because they take the load off of this person who is not yet ready to lead crowds or mobs.
Peter and Murshid took an unusually long walk Monday, Columbus day. Then we went to an “expensive” Japanese restaurant near here. One had a “habe” dinner. The soup or sauce was excellent but the main item was lobster over which one is not particularly crazy and there was a dearth of vegetables so we shall not visit it again. The night before we went to a Spanish restaurant where I had what I should call an excellent Paella but everybody was not enthusiastic about it. Tonight we dine, inshallah with Peter’s mother. We have not had too many meals out. Mostly with Diners’ Card.
One shall not ask for any financial report until after November 1st. As Sitara will not be flying back with me but may be driving later, one will fly from either Washington or here with Peter but should be back by November 15th. One’s birthday will be celebrated at Boston and good-luck to Shibli.
We walked to 81st and West End to a Zendo and were welcomed, had Tea and were given some pointers. So we then crossed the Park--going east and a long way to 67th and 2nd Ave. Although the place was closed our credentials--especially Mentorgarten—got us in.
We met the finest type of young Americans I guess we have ever encountered. They were courteous, informed and very busy in their stone garden. When I referred to the book on Tea-Ceremony they responded beautifully.
Well, folks, this place is Home. They have Senzaki’s ashes, and his picture along with that of Shaku Soyen but they have the picture of Shinryu, nor of Daisetz Suzuki! After a most pleasant visit we learned that Master Taisan were there. And that did it. “To verbalize is to understate.” The preaching and practice of Oneness of Master Shaku Soyen can be real and realized and we can pray forever, “Raise us above the distinctions and differences which divide men,” but the external realization brings as much joy as the internal. In fact I think we ought to contribute—only a small but significant sum.
These two visits brought up the subjects of the publication of Nyogen Senzaki’s works and also my own “Zen Stories.” I am not—enigmatic Chinese of a thousand years ago. The need for recounting to our first Japanese host, to the boys and then to the Master indicates there is enough live material which is not enigmatic and the day when the “superior” self-installed “experts” can stand in one’s way is over. It is a new age.
One cannot help contrast the success in building this Zendo with the lament from Alan Watts and Kennet Roshi. If they have Prajna, what should they look to anybody else; or in so doing why do they or should they fail? This is a fundamental question and problem.
In the inner states one has been shown clearly that if there is any monetary surplus, so far as this person is concerned as an ego, this surplus is to go into organic gardening. This started long, long before anybody was being employed by Fred and especially after Moineddin and Hassan were. There is no use going into it, as the answer is constant. Now, of course, all the elements, factors and personality involvements continue, as a stream, not as a trickle.
Besides that there is one thing on which my contacts, from top “establishment executives” to the most “far-out” young person seem to agree on and that is the need for natural foods. This is particularly true here where cocktail imbibing is considered more important than eating, breathing or anything else. We are losing friends all over the earth and if whiskey is the means to stop communism, we had better take a second look. The dangers are very real.
Now we should be nice to Kennet Roshi but at the same time as one has always declared, there is an egoistic vanity in repeating the Prajnaparamita and not using or applying it. One sees successes and one is optimistic even now although the last few days have not brought mail (not too important). Any success in the New Age or Three Rings along may be changing our own financial positions but there is no sign we are to share, and especially with those who proclaim the word Prajna and fail otherwise. This is ignorance and confusion.
Sitara may not come back with Murshid or she may come after a short delay. We shall have to have secretaries. This will be especially true of the scientific research to support the Peace plan, and this is but one small item. Anything may arise after Vilayat’s return.
Love and blessings,
Murshid
October 13, 1970
Wali Ali Meyer
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, California
Dear Wali Ali:
Murshid is trying to make reports clear. We don’t have to look for excitement. Things are going on. I was ready to stay in Boston for an indefinite period, but the telephonic conversations of the morning indicate that when we come back we shall have a pretty full program on the peace schedule. And even if we do some work today, we may not write further now. If anything tremendous happens, inshallah, we may either telephone Benefsha or you.
The weather has been unusually warm, but we understand it will be cooler in New England and also there the maples will be in color. We have not even had time to go to the People’s Fair in Central Park in very short walking distance from this place.
We expect to see Schlomo tonight, but of course other things may happen in the meanwhile. One does not mind setbacks, but one is going to be very firm against any more a priori nonsense which was administered in the past.
It may be a godsend that we overlooked Walter’s address. I feel we will have oodles of material for him—the question is what does she want?
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
October 13, 1970
The Khankah
910 Railroad Ave.
Novato, California
Beloved Ones of God:
Whatever else be true, there is little time for dullness. Murshid went to the American Society for Psychical Research, Inc. this morning and is enclosing some literature so that Ayesha can see it. They do not take organization as members, but persons, and this will bring up the question of who should become the member. Offhand, my own travels and interests are so many. Of course it might be a nice Christmas present for such persons as Ayesha and Basira. I will get all the information necessary when we return from Boston.
The program is exceedingly full. One gives a lecture tonight for which there may be collection. Then we go to Rye to the meeting of the so-called spiritual leaders. At this moment, I feel an alliance with not the out-of-order-regardless of the actual spiritual status of the persons involved. There have been too many Madison Ave. “universal brotherhoods” all ignoring each other and all negating persons, events, and teachings which each of them does not choose to recognize.
We have not had any mail, but do not care. Sitara has had some telephone conversations which may, inshallah, open doors and even our hotline to San Francisco.
I am pleased to report that I am now feeling physically well. I have been mentally well most of the time, but the body has been slow.
There is another crusade which we cannot absorb and that is the interest in natural foods, both from the standpoint of gardening and merchandising. After all, there are a considerable number of the bourgeois who are interested in profits and not in philosophies. The press and the advertisements, of course, always wish to uphold the status quo.
We are having no mail forwarded to Boston. If we happen on a typewriter, we shall write, but I do not wish to spend time in Boston as here in the office. Nor does Sitara, with whom I am in full agreement on this point. While Sitara will tell you that she has not had the advantage of going to many of the seemingly promised meals, we hope to correct this on return, provided our health is good. Unfortunately, Sitara has to go to the dentist today, but I am praying her teeth are good enough when we return, that we can continue with our program of eating, dancing and praying with everybody. God bless you all,
Love,
Murshid
October 14, 1970
Dear Hassan and Co.:
So much is going on which needs attention one does not look far ahead. We are going to Rye to meet some so-called spiritual leaders. Peter has met Taisan and thus had firsthand experience of meeting a real attained person. But I see the need to break through the establishments which claim universality and are so restrictive.
Have no doubt if there were an agent here we could sell The Rejected Avatar, etc. Last night strong pressure to have this person or a representative in this region. But this depends on Vilayat whom I hope to see later on.
On return my stay at the Khankah will depend partly on the weather and partly on Moineddin’s condition. There is so much spiritual work to be done but some details will be affected by the Rye meeting. Also on return here I hope to initiate my god-son, Norman McGhee into esoteric astrology. Which can easily take on.
I keep on getting that prosperity can be invested only in organic gardening. This came very strongly at the beginning and keeps on coming. And it seems easier to push that than even the peace program.
Met a young man from Indiana who should be seeing Marty soon. Next to Boston; when we return to contact the press for the Three Ring program. But mail scarce, and it may not be necessary. We do not wish mail to Boston but may phone Wali Ali from there. Sally Ann and Patricia have become very anxious, and we may remain until late in the month, inshallah.
Attendance fair at meetings, but types excellent. Peter is coming with us and also he may be flying back with Murshid while Sitara drives.
Frank. I shall not want any financial report until after the turn of the month. Trust you can carry on well. It will also cost somewhat less to return unless there is the unexpected.
Much of my work at the Khankah may be affected also by conversation with Vilayat. Love and blessings,
Murshid
October 18, 1970
Dear Everybody:
We hope Moineddin is back end taking interest in affairs.
Last night presented the first elements of Astrological dancing and twirls. The Ramnam for 5 is most popular. The audience voted against “Hare Krishna” and one believes this is because these devotees have been acting so emotionally and inconsiderate that they have not won friends.
It is time to order to some spring blossoms. Do not know if the former ones were properly stored. They can be transplanted. Please order such things as Freesias and Tulips and if planted, add some lime. It may be a little early and it may not. But do not plant too many. More when Murshid returns in December. But Lettuces can be planted any time.
Will be busy through Wednesday no doubt and then phone the Herz family. Haven’t seen Karmu yet and need to for self and also for Sitara.
Whole hour yesterday in interview with a radio station. The program may be on today, in which case I shall miss it; or next Sunday, when we should have been gone, Inshallah. Want to be back then so as to wait for Vilayat. Tuesday with Houston Smith and others at M.I.T. then will report after to Harvard also. Short but excellent visit there.
Have also interviews coming up and one or two potential candidates. Want to find out what Vilayat wishes for have no intention of functioning outside of California, Arizona and New Mexico unless he wishes.
Great Russian wolf-hound has been coming to the dances, and we are most friendly. Last night Greek dinner and may have another downtown later where Mansur and Murshid went. Haven’t seen Richard yet. The Sphinx has been sold but more of Inayat Khan’s books on the shelves than I have seen anywhere, and it is the largest of all collections on display and sale. May purchase some books there also which I have not seen in other places.
Thanks to Hussein and Gwyneth for greeting. But hope most mail has remained in N.Y. We also have to go to Arnold Arboretum perhaps on Tuesday, Inshallah.
Love and blessings,
Murshid
Cambridge, Mass,
October 19, 1970
Beloved Ones Of God:
Love and Joy and Peace to you all. As many copies of this are being typed so the “news” can reach you directly. We had a most marvelous birthday, and perhaps the greatest joy was to have so many Lama people with us, including the children. If Kevin especially had been here he would have felt wonderful and also the Mathieu children. After a very big dance evening we had ice cream and puddings made by Sallie Ann. One is almost torn between the personality progress—which is not too important, and the Message. Why even Fazal Khan sent a greeting indirectly but one cannot take him too seriously.
Perhaps this is because of one’s reactions against the meeting of “spiritual” leaders at Rye. A spiritual leader is a spiritual leader is a spiritual leader. And no one is permitted to say anything. And the Hindus spiritual leaders at Rye all came late, praised meditation, introduced some resolutions, made some speeches and departed, coming late and leaving early and this is the way “We” have to accept to have peace in the world! But, of course, we have the right and privilege to share the financial responsibilities.
One Hindu made a grand gesture in proclaiming his own guru, and insisting that one must have a guru and that his was especially enlightened. In the evening when the organizers asked Sam to draft a letter, he walks in, dictates the letter and when it is completed, made an impassioned speech for Krishnamurti who says all so-called gurus are fraud! That is it. The Me-big-man efforts are to be accepted by us peasants and that is it.
From the very short report about Los Angles it would appear Leonard has been there and they are making much of it. But there were men there with whom Sam is quite unwilling to sit. So he sidestepped by giving Benefsha’s name and address feeling sure she would not be taken in. The success with the Hallelujah of the Three Rings is so small when you look at Swami I-Me and Yogi Infinity Plus. We have no time and I hope Benefsha has the wisdom to tell what she is accomplishing and ask for financial help. This will shut up the Me-Big Men Superleaders.
Had a whole hour interview with a radio station program director Saturday. I was told the tape would be played either yesterday (we were occupied) or this coming Sunday. Yesterday began with a Russian bath, the birthday offering of Hans of Lama. Then lunch with his family. Then Greek luncheon, very good. We ate at a branch of the same restaurant the night before, not too good as they have moved and did not have all the items.
Last night beautiful birthday dinner at a New Age restaurant. A little difficult without my stand-ins from Precita so I had to accent all the lip- services rendered and tenderly tended by so many lovely lovelies! Sally Ann made a marvelous pudding, then ice cream and sherbet at night, so eagerly and greedily devoured by the juniors from Lama, Lord love them.
So many things are happening cannot recall them. One hour interview in radio station Saturday, to be played back on a Sunday. And making a climax of seeing Houston Smith Tuesday. But no time yet for Karmu.
Please tell Saul that Chris and Tenny have invited us to a home not far from Fall River. We will ring up the Herz’s as soon as the way is clear and tell them we would be glad to sup with them or visit them, but bedroom accommodations have already been offered. The weather is still pretty good here, and I understand that part of Massachusetts, which I have never visited, is beautiful. As matters stand, we shall have little time for diversions.
We have not yet seen Karmu, and I must visit the Bank of America also. As soon as we get to New York I shall take care of some financial matters. I am presuming that Wali Ali and Hamid will send any necessary material or bills there.
The attendance at meetings has been gradually growing. The Hare Krishna people are not particularly welcome. They are so obtrusive, they’re being opposed by a group of beautiful young men who wear long hair, a totally different type of clothing, very beautiful and very nice to everybody. In fact, it was only last night I put on a Hare Krishna dance. Fortunately, with some Lama men, and some male disciples, it was very easy. Then we expanded it, and it was very welcome. But the most popular dances are the Ramnam for 5 and the Allah snake dance.
Actually, I am concerned for Hallelujah! The Three Rings. This is real. We may try to reach the Christian Science Monitor before we leave here. There are two or three opportunities for the Saturday Review of Literature. This magazine has been complaining about the Press, but only once did they even recognize an eye-witness report and never published that. Sooner or later some magazines and newspapers will have to accept that there are accomplishments toward peace.
I am not always making headway to please the public. I have been saying openly that the almost universal craze for excitement is the cause for the young people seeking it and finding it in ways objectionable to the liquor interests and other poison manufacturers. When you have a society in which drugs are considered more harmful than poison, you cannot expect to find too much sanity.
Sooner or later Benefsha and Jemaleddin will have to handle some reports I am sure we will be making. The problem, and I’m not sure it is a problem—will be the establishment of a secretariat. Any funds collected for Hallelujah! The Three Rings must not be controlled by Murshid. The larger the amount the less he is to have to say, but of course the directors may help in either paying for secretaries or travel matters. As I see it, either Jemaleddin or an assign will ultimately have to be traveling, especially between the coasts. There are other things here too than just the Arab-Israeli-Christian accord. This may have to be taken up at some general business meetings.
The other person for whom we shall have to make accommodation is Philip. Philip will have to decide whether he wishes to remain in a place to write and publicize; or to travel. I have supreme confidence in so many disciples today.
I have not had time to properly annotate everything going on. We still have to make one or two journeys downtown to Boston and may not have any time for diversions such as museums. This morning will be spent in interviews. I do not know whether we shall establish some kind of Sufi effort here, but the bookstores are pressing the sale of Inayat Khan’s works, and we have not even time to visit them. I do not know if Vilayat has any representative in New England. If he has, that will be most helpful. But Pat is thinking of returning to California, and Sally Ann sometimes dreams of it. There are one or two men here, however, I should consider excellent representatives.
Have not even had time to meet with Richard, but have a date with Karmu tonight after our meeting. This will be the last public meeting. I am even told that there is an appointment tonight after the class with a radio station. Everything is moving almost too rapidly. The mind has been in good shape, and I am trusting Karmu can still help me, although the body is not in bad shape.
The welcome here on my birthday has been so great that I guess I shall be asked to travel more, but this also will be taken up with Vilayat. People need something more than the brief instructions and practices from either Vilayat or Yogi Bhajan.
There is a very beautiful large Russian wolfhound who comes to our meetings. Murshid is diverted because he dreams of having Wuta meet this dog. Black and white, male and female.
I still hope to visit more restaurants. Had a real new age birthday party—really really real. New restaurant not too far from Harvard Square. Other meals here Greek (personally I prefer Retsina but compromise on white Wine). Cocktails horrify me today, not so much because of the whiskey, etc., but because they are establishment symbols (in fact, I had a fight the other night with a woman who engaged in so-called cancer research). Nobody looks for the harm or poisons in heavy alcoholic drinks. The “Jew” of today is some unseen virus while hatreds, poisons, and disturbances rend the air.
There is also here a new sort of new age raw food movement, which we may investigate. I am not sure human bodies can thrive best on raw foods, but there is no question, thank God, that beef-eating and pork consumption are on their way out. This along with the change in clothing is one of the causes of the so-called depression. No politicians look at realities. So many will not vote, but I am not advising this in California, although a spiritual teacher cannot promote a candidate.
As there are already two people to interview here, I am stopping at this point. Some of the carbons will be mailed, but the one for Wali Ali will be held up.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
Charleston
October 20
Beloved Ones of God:
This is partly diary notes and in preparation for a literary form on peace, especially peace in Palestine. It may be written this morning. Peter and Sitara have gone to Karmu. We met him last night and he gave Sitara the works—which should be most helpful for her. And so far as Murshid is concerned, there has been slow but steady improvement perhaps due to the rests he has had. But in between there has been extreme activity.
Later. They have returned from Karmu and seem to be much better. This is a complex though delightful subject upon which one expects the persons involved to relate. There are many signs that there should be a Sufi Center here, or at least a dance group. No doubt Pat will help for a while though she is planning, inshallah, to return with Sitara.
Our meeting last night was very large. Should take up with Vilayat the spreading of the Message. Harry is a new disciple. Had him prepare when here before and gave him Bayat and also appointed him as temporary representative, excusing him from the fee because of his efforts which will continue. We are to lunch tomorrow again with Richard at the “NGE Restaurant” which has remarkable parallels to “Sufi surprise” and “Sufi Delight.” Many people practice chanting and some of these have become interested in the dance.
Met one Hassan from Dacca, Pakistan and he seemed amazed and delighted. He may come West and call on us. Murshid has promised every visitor from this region one free meal but not said anything about lodgings.
One works on and off on new dances but will need a secretary for this. It is impossible to plan either organization or reorganization. One presumes there will be communication from the Tucson area but one does not yet know whether Walter will want articles or biographical sketches. We shall be going soon to see Huston Smith and then continue this writing.
Later. Had a very fine visit with Huston Smith. He has been to many lands of Asia but did not stay in any long. He followed Mansur and myself to England, meeting people we had met and so learned of our visits. He also met Sufis in Iran, presumably the same ones that Phillip has been greeted by. We each had much news for the other. He is sorry not to have seen the dances, but our program is so packed we may have to stay here longer than planned.
Thus a Yoga class on the agenda for tonight and several visitors coming up and then Richard Harvey again. Fortunately the weather has been favorable. Will probably be a pack of mail in New York but then also business. Just learned Patricia may be leaving here earlier than she had told us.
Can’t think of anything more excepting new dances are being “seen.” Love and blessings,
Murshid
October 20
Beloved Ones of God:
While one has written to Wali Ali and sealed that letter, a lot more things have come to mind.
We are constantly running into interest in organic gardening and it is probable that Richard Harvey will be taking us to some real or potential gardens tomorrow. This is very much in the air—everywhere.
May have to take up some book purchases with Hassan on return. Sitara spent some time with Karmu and is getting the results.
Interviews tomorrow but get very tired from them. Still one may thus find seekers for God. Must take this up with Vilayat. Want to spend a day with the “Lama” folks who live only 12 miles from Fall River. Will probably phone the Herz’s tomorrow night.
First time I have ever been “homesick” but hardly a chance to predict return. Huston Smith gave us an important introduction to a scientist in New York who is studying saps and plant psychology but apparently knows little of Jagadis Bose.
Sally trying to help with literary introductions. After the “Vietnamese” experience am a little cautious, but there is interest in the Near East and we may have a newspaper interview (or more) before leaving. Short radio talk last night. Cannot keep up with everything.
Love and blessings
Murshid
October 25, 1970
Wali Ali Meyer
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, California
Dear Wali Ali:
I am starting in to answer some of your letters. I am not sure that in my rather sudden letter to Walter I have complied with his request. It is easy to ask; it is sometimes difficult to comply. We did stop at Westport and Fall River which are near each other. I felt very much at home with my Lama friends and in addition to that, they had dogs and cats. Their biggest dog was halfway between Rufus and Wuta in size, and all the way in loving response. The male cat was very much like Nessim, although slightly smaller. Boy, did we feel at home.
Last night we spent a few hours with the Herz’s. I talked out of my mouth: “Shish kebab for the Israelis and Gefilte Fish for the Arabs,” and got it. Mama Herz trotted out Gefilte Fish—I didn’t have a chance. Neither did the plate. Mama Herz brought out her proclamation that I should eat more horseradish. It was a case of unconditional surrender. I may phone the Khankah tomorrow morning.
It will be rather difficult for me to write Walter now, because we have so many actual or potential interviews, but I am seriously considering coming home earlier than originally planned.
We just had some discussion about Indian spiritual teachers. Yes, I can call them “spiritual,” but I cannot call them divine. They have a high level; no question of that. They do not have universality. I am not demanding universality, but I cannot permit spirituality to interfere with universality.
There is no objection on my part to your showing anything I have written to Fazal. It is barely possible that Vilayat may wish another procedure, but I feel I am complying with his earlier request.
Sitara may not be returning for quite a while. She wishes to go to Vilayat’s retreat and also to visit Boston again. This would not only be for Karmu but would help our other endeavors, so I very much favor them.
That’s enough direct. You will get carbons of other letters.
Faithfully,
Murshid
October 26, 1970
Jemaleddin Lewis and colleagues
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, California 94110
Beloved Ones of God:
Asalaam aleikhum. We received the report of the minutes of October 16 just before getting your last most encouraging report. I had better begin with some unconscious mistakes. All my life I have found that even associates regard my earlier life as a blank. I have done most of the research already. I have the contacts. That is why I wanted somebody to go over the various draws of material in San Francisco. It is most important. The meeting indicates you are seeking for that for which Murshid has already done research. The only time I was permitted to speak by the so-called fair-minded, the meeting adjourned abruptly because the chair said all problems had been answered. I could have told you exactly what Ghazi would say. I know him quite well.
Remember, the mosque has never let me speak or report on anything and did not even thank me for what we did with the Hadith of Mohammed. The talk here by a Muslim was elementary and superficial. The chief prayer of Islam has Allah as the creator of all, and the chief teaching of Schlomo has God creating men and women in His image. For God’s sake, please do not do any outside research work. Wait until I return. You have so many people interested in The Three Rings on so many projects that your whole program can be self-defeating.
Jesuits: Peter went with me to my very wonderful friend Father John Haughey, and we shall have to see him again before leaving. I am sure we can count more on the Jesuits than on some of the rabbis and Muslims. Mrs. Hollister was not home when we passed by Greenwich, so we must phone again.
Ralph’s suggestion of affiliation with other groups is absolute nonsense. Father Haughey is chairman of the Committee of the Temple of Understanding, which deals with others groups, and Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti is a member of that committee. There is no better proof that your Murshid understands world situations better than the marvelous report from Philip. It substantiates everything Murshid has ever stood for on the spiritual plane, and Murshid has stood for much more on the material plane.
I think most of your contacts are of a low order: Peace and Freedom Party; Gandhi; etc., etc. Murshid is already putting out of his own pocket $100 a month for the Arab and Hebrew studies at the University of California and has the goodwill of the alumni association and others. For God’s sake, and I mean God’s sake, consult Allah or Murshid before running around trying to make yourself popular. This person had his paper on Vietnam rejected thirty-three times and by some of the very people you have contacted.
According to Chinese philosophy—I mean the Chinese philosophy of the Chinese, not of the experts—there is a constant movement between heaven and earth. Mansur and Murshid were told by the only Chinese representative in Geneva that we were about the only ones who understood his teachings. And we have a prayer: “Open thou our hearts that we may hear Thy voice which cometh constantly from within.”
There are just three sources for Murshid’s understanding:
a. Divine communication and mystical experiences
b. Sound scientific research
c. Contact with scientists, technicians, and religious leaders
Murshid has piles of stuff on all these, and it is very awkward when there are so many things to be done that so many people have been called in on a venture for which they have not deep understanding, dividing our forces, multiplying our programs, etc. One has already written, and it cannot be repeated too often, that Murshid has been warned by God, so to speak, that it was goodness which would spoil our plans and not enmity. I should say that if over 50% of the suggestions made for the Hallelujah! The Three Rings on the meeting of Oct. 16 are pursued, Murshid had better resign and devote himself to God, the Sufi Message, and Pir Vilayat Khan. I am very serious about this. We need help and help and help, and here you have a lot of mureeds mentally concerned with ideas out of their egos on matters for which they have not capacity.
I have broken down time and again with Sitara, warning her that I am totally overburdened with spiritual matters. At the moment, I will not give my blessing to any suggestion for any mureed other than Jemaleddin, Michael Gest, Benefsha Gest, and Wali Ali in these affairs. I want them excluded. I want to make this clear. I want to make them excluded. We have other work.
When I return I shall have to go over all my field notes with somebody, and I mean that. How do you think I got to Gunnar Jarring? Etc., Etc.
We are in the Sufi Movement to spread the message of God and not to go into politics and sociology. If this program goes through as in this meeting on October 16 I shall call off all dancing classes except the women’s, and I’m not sure of that. I mean just that. We are dividing our forces. This will never bring peace. In fact, I think I will telephone.
The last report is beautiful and thoroughly in line with the Divine Will. Murshid can easily supply the material for the Cambium Fund. Please continue in this line. The telephonic conversation was well worth it. We have to have system and organization and not everybody plopping in on everything. I am totally in favor of all the bread-breaking, the dancing, and everything else. I dislike in extreme having to find fault with anybody. I am not as angry as I might have seemed over the phone, but I’m very positive.
The re-arrival of Vilayat in San Francisco means that Peter and Murshid will try to arrive the 10th. A letter will be written to Wali Ali on the financial situation. Or, one may refrain paying one’s creditors until one returns.
I have before me the magazine Fellowship. Their office is Box 271 Nyack, N.Y. 10960. I think you should subscribe. They are presumably working for disarmament and peace.
The September issue has a long article, Abie Nathan’s Peace Plan; it is all political. It does not regard Palestine as a Holy Land toward which many people have different attitudes. Indeed, one of the headlines is, “The Churches Stand Off.” This is not true. Everything is particularized; nothing is universal.
Peace in the Holy Land did not come as an inspiration. It came as direct mystical vision; it is under divine guidance. One cannot compel non-disciples to accept divine guidance. Therefore, one finds oneself in an extremely delicate position when non-disciples are called in to present their ideas, and these are even placed side by side with the divine visions of a mystic.
In the complete constitution of the Sufi Order and its branches, certain things are forbidden, and one of these is politics as we know it. One sees nothing gained by calling in various dialecticians. The day of the dialectician is over so far as this person is concerned. We have been to a Peace Conference of spiritual leaders. Although Murshid has found fault at a certain level with many of them, at the worst they were far better than some of the items presented in the meeting on October 16th. I feel our duty is to follow God and divine wisdom. Some of the suggestions are totally nonsensical because peace has not come out of any of the efforts of dialecticians or politicians. One is reminded of a book written by the once famous Mary Pickford, Why Not Try God? That is what the Sufi Order is for. At least I can say Gunnar Jarring liked what I was doing, and we hope to see some rather important persons.
I also give you the name of Rev. George L. Collins, 160 S. 14th St., San Jose, Calif. 95112. He is on the Field Staff of the Fellowship of Reconciliation which puts out this magazine, Fellowship, besides. To recapitulate, my seeming positive stand over the telephone: 1) You cannot build up an organization if too many persons are concerned with each and every endeavor of everybody else. 2) I have failed in my efforts to explain what has to be done: a) the esoteric sciences b) the dances c) my creative writing—poetry and prose d) my autobiography or its derivative e) scientific research.
I have no objection to one or all of these things set aside, but not for the sake of or at any suggestion coming from non-disciples. I had hoped a few disciples would take over this endeavor and act as executives. If one of them seems incapable by his own cognizance, he or she should then be willing to listen to mureeds rather than non-mureeds. Mureeds can be given spiritual practices and meditation; non-mureeds cannot.
I have no doubt there are many groups here in New York that could be contacted. I feel that the efforts to raise funds plus the suggestions received from Ambassador Badeau could promote a real group, either the Three Ring endeavor or some other. I notice there is also a Catholic Near East welfare association. I may even contact them.
I am going to stop at this point and answer in block to the correspondence from Benefsha. The subject matter overlaps, so each shall get a copy of what is written to the other.
Signing off with Love and Blessings,
Murshid
October 26, 1970
Dear Saul:
Murshid greatly appreciates the post-card pictures. Have not been to the tomb of Akbar, which is not exactly in Agra itself. Had to leave the Pearl Mosque. The vibrations were so terrific that when I prayed there, one seemed to be possessing miraculous powers of all kinds. There is no doubt it has been used by saints.
But the tomb of Selim Chisti is so terrific. It is there that the Dances of Universal Peace were born—not just conceived, but born. I joined a group of Kawalis in that place and danced to their music. It was wonderful. People began inquiring: Who is that American saint? But what do you expect of Asians? They are nothing like our "experts." Their psychologies are totally different from ours, borrowed either from Englishmen or Europeans or from ego reactions. But that day is over.
I woke up rather tired, but something has snapped—it is almost 11:00. We may go out for lunch, but will eat in tonight so as to get to the meeting place early for Pir Vilayat. He does not seem to be staying very long. At this moment, his schedules seem to be uncertain, but we may have a little time with him—maybe? Already people are coming who want to see him.
In addition to the business which will be discussed with Jemaleddin and his associates, we are going to try to reach one Dr. Backster this afternoon. He is doing work roughly in the field of plant physiology, saps, etc. but does not seem to know much about the late Jagadas Bose of India. Will keep you informed.
According to present plans, Sitara will stay here awhile, and Peter will re¬turn with me. We feel it important both to promote our dances and contacts with Karmu in Cambridge, Mass. Peter had an extra long visit with him and brought back some medicine. Also there are some instructions for both Sitara and I concerning eye treatments.
The weather has been very comfortable here, though changing—not yet cold, so we are going out for a short walk and then must take up our heavier business with Jemaleddin and others.
I have written elsewhere about our visit to Westport Point. Dinny, Chris, and the children were there, and I felt very much at home, especially with the dogs and cats. Boxer is halfway between Rufus and Wuta in size and behavior. Boy, did I love it and him. Fortunately, Sitara got along so well she has been invited to stop there on and off when she goes to Boston and Cambridge again.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
c/o Lonnie Less 27 W. 71 St.
N.Y., N.Y. 10023
October 29, 1970
Amina Eickson
112 Edison
Corte Madera, California
Dear Amina:
I have to start this backward. I did not look for a problem, but we received a telephone call from Parisa. She is caught in an awkward situation. She is caught in an awkward situation because she has acted more like a 14-year old girl than as an adult. She is undoubtedly a victim. But besides presumably often love and sympathy, we have been almost caught in the same trap in another way. Indeed, the bad news, if you want to call it that, did not come until after Murshid had written some very positive letters illustrating, what he considered as wisdom and not super-sugary super-metaphysics verbalized as "love." No substance, sometimes not even poison.
Murshid would like to be wrong here. He should wish that Leonard and his associates have something to offer toward establishing peace in this world. But his associates have belittled our very successful efforts. While they are going around capturing women, money, and moonbeams, chiefly the latter. One wishes it were not so. In any event, the very practical down-to-earth sides of this complex make Murshid feel very concerned, and it is only be¬cause of his absence that he is writing to anybody about it. Despite some changes in the general program, we should be back on Monday night, November 9.
The presumed changes in the program may mean that Murshid will have a free Tuesday. He needs it very badly, but by "free," he does not mean he is going to spend the time at the theater or museum, although it is possible he will be visiting the Rudolf Schaeffer School of Design. This is because, in our wild peregrinations today, we found the remains of the once celebrated Roerich Museum, end there is certainly more life in it than there was one generation back, but hardly, of course, the life of two generations back.
Our visit today was short, We were able to buy some pictures which Murshid especially admires and which will be shared chiefly with Fatima and yourself—one copy to Zeinab. We hope to visit the museum again in the daytime and take another look and possibly other purchases.
We do not know, of course, whom Parisa is now contacting. I do not have her address here. We have given her practices, but at a time, we cannot give any individual definite consideration. Our visit to the UAR headquarters was very successful and so some other madventures, details to Banefsha and Wall Ali.
Tonight we expect to go to a lecture by a Kabbalist and close at this point, with possible follow-up to Wall Ali, etcetera. The weather has been remarkably mild. One wishes one could say that for Murshid caught in the complications of really great problems. He does not think that Leonard and Armando understand at all. They are wishing. One is not sure that wishing solves problems, but one does not close the door on the possibility thereof.
Love and Blessings,
Samuel L. Lewis
October 29, 1970
My dear Khalifs, Beloved Ones of God:
Murshid is in the midst of turmoils because that is the way of the world. And there is a Buddhist teaching that Samsara and Nirvana are identical. This morning one hopes to expand one’s activities in the direction of our peace efforts. The main obstacle here is going to be the division of forces and efforts caused by pressures. The pressures will come and one will not oppose them. It will mean, of course, some delay in successful efforts unless there is strength to prevent diversions.
Our conversations yesterday indicate that we shall not entirely fail in our mission to Washington but every time there is success there is pressure for expansion. Murshid is not a young man and on the other hand he shows far more vitality than others. But because of this very extra vitality he is being subjected to pressures, almost to the breaking point. And as one sees it this will also be on his return, there will be pressures. They may be conscious or unconscious and most of them will be in the direction of “goodness.” The answer is very simple and most difficult: the write out the full system of Concentrations as laid down by Hazrat Inayat Khan in particular and by Sufis in general.
This is a tremendous work and the constant mention of it has not been effective. It can even lead to a retirement and at this moment this can be more easily done at the Khankah with Moineddin and Hussein.
The general science of real expansion of real consciousness is found roughly speaking in the Surangama Sutra, the latest Upanishads, and some of Meher Baba’s earlier writings. The last were replaced by emotional stress on personality. And it is emotional stress on personality which is one of the greatest obstacles.
Sufis say: La Illaha El Il Allah. Murshid has not given out the various degrees of interpretation of this most holy phrase. But the verbalization without the action development and realization can add to confusion. Murshid has given to Khalif Akbar some of the basic teachings for the Jelal path but has not given to Moineddin the basic teaching of the Jemal path. There is no time available and one is sometimes troubled.
Now so much has been given on Meditation and more will be given on Meditation and perhaps more and more. The question is, does this lead to spiritual awakening? When he was told “no” he gave out systems of Meditation which he told the defaulters to try. Evidently they worked, at least for a while. But they became crystallized. They were later challenged by Sankara and there we see the “spiritual” behavior??????? Don’t answer. So there has been confusion. Buddha never taught that his was the only way. He taught that there were many upayas and verbally “Buddhists” say the same but they actually call all other heretical. Lama Govinda quit the South because he said he found no enlightened man.
The refutation of Orthodox Buddhism by Sankara lead to divisions and confusions which persist. The Hindus who affirm that they have no dogmas insist you have to have concentration before meditation. This is beautiful and is an “irrefutable” dogma. So many forms of Meditation have come and some are not satisfactory. And there is emphasis upon perfecting Meditation.
Murshid worked out a partial system and then something funny happened. Mrs. Ivy Duce seized this system as being part of Hazrat Inayat Khan’s original teachings and returned to him a lot of the very highest teachings of IK as being “fictions” of Samuel L. Lewis. So one does not have one’s own system even, just parts of it. But one does not wish to emphasize this over other presentations. Besides in Sufism, Murakkabah is most important and it leads toward Mushahida the Cosmic Contemplation. As matters stand Murshid has been able to present this Contemplation to non-mureeds but not to mureeds.
But now comes a question as to the values in Meditation. And some people are dissatisfied and they are coming to Murshid, and he has accepted already Lonnie Less, the friend of Jemaleddin as his representative and will give him the second degree Bayat as soon as possible. Then when one returns, after the tumult one shouting Murshid must have some time to work on Murakkabah. This will answer many of the needs of the day just as “The Three Body Constitution of Man” according to St. Paul. Murshid is not troubled over diversions in the long run, just in the short run.
This matter will be taken up from another view in a letter to Sufi Barkat Ali, and there will be many copies of that—to the Sheikhs as well as to the Khalifs.
Concentration means pulling in our horns, not expanding, but one is well aware that efforts will be made to expand and one is not so sure that these efforts will not gain momentum and this will delay the fulfillment of Hazrat Inayat Khan’s instructions. Perhaps one will try again, “Six Interviews with Hazrat Inayat Khan.”
Love and blessings,
Murshid
Moineddin Jablonski
910 Railroad Avenue Novato, California,
November 1, 1970
My dear Khalif:
Life is like a series of passing shows. There is something doing all the time. The awakened ear, mind and heart are again at work. Until recently this was only in the dances. The new dances, the draft choreography of which has been sent to Amina and Wali. A series of stymies, if you want to call them that, has helped bring forth renewed inspiration.
Enclosed are draft materials. This is not to be presented to classes yet. It may be read to those in the Khankah and the immediate neighbors only. It is not yet class work. But as the revised material will probably be given to Hussein (or Mansur) and not to overworked Wali Ali, you may be prepared therefore!
All Love and Blessings,
Murshid
November 2, 1970
c/o Lonnie Less 27
West 71 Street New York, N.Y. 10023
Wali Ali Meyer
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Wali Ali and Beloved Ones of God:
Murshid is gradually settling down a little bit. It became necessary to cancel the Washington trip. One cannot just do everything and be everywhere.
Under separate cover, some things have been sent to Benefsha. It is also very satisfactory that Van is working on the files. We can go over these things and also it will be necessary to discuss more with Benefsha.
Sometimes Murshid is quite firm, and he is going to be firm about dues. It is always easy to wring the hands and cry. If dues are not paid, we shall have to change the ruling and charge the same for members as for non-members on the Wednesday night gatherings. I would prefer not. This may give somebody some ideas as to what to do.
I agree entirely with you on all your remarks. Yes, the drama class suggested by Vilayat is old age. The instructions for the spiritual teachers make it very clear that when the mureed does, he is superior to the teacher who merely asks. It may give a few people some pleasure to be in the drama class. I personally feel that all encouragement and cooperation should be given to Mansur, and that will be more than big enough. His drama is new age. My lectures on “The Three- Body Constitution of Man” are new age. The psychedelic problems and their solutions are new age. Merely because we have a lot of disciples does not mean we should be in a thousand activities.
Strictly speaking, I believe all things should be done for God or for money, not for sentiment not for dreams not to satisfy some people. Concentration means concentration. Decentration is not concentration.
Thank you for the letter to Finley Dunne. It is with some regret that I cannot make it to Washington, and he has so expressed it.
All Love and Blessings,
Murshid
Hassan, Moineddin & Everybody
910 Railroad Avenue
Novato, California 94947
November 3, 1970
Yesterday I said to Sitara, “We just have one more letter, a note to Hassan and no carbons.” That’s what we thought!
The civilization of the United States is based on headaches and excitement. I guess we are still Americans. Although we have gotten rid of headaches and drug-drugs, we don’t seem able to avoid..... We did have lunch at the Shah Bag Restaurant in the East Village. I had lived in the Shah Bag in Dacca, but we out-welcomed our welcome by singing for them. We are very welcome at all these Pakistani restaurants, and fortunately for us, the food and the flavors are not unwelcome.
We had gone toward that district to call at the office of the World Federalists but they had moved, so Sitara said, “Why not visit Samuel Weiser Books,” (734 Broadway, N.Y., N.Y. 10003.) I guess I am not an old man, for I am always finding or being shown wonders, and this bookstore must be included. Ever since leaving San Francisco Sitara has been asking for a Koran and we found the Yusuf Ali translation selling for about one-third the price I had to pay when my income was about one-third what it is now! You can see why I am not for “peace with justice.” But you can see how I accept Mohammed’s “Praise Allah in times of prosperity.”
We ran into some Americans who are very “spiritual,” and quite agree that this person has a lot to learn and that he is not a spiritual teacher. But we ran into two Negroes both from Islands in the Caribbean, and this makes one wonder if we are not going to find out that there are many spiritual personalities among the Negroes of a part of the world which we have neglected, i.e. the Caribbean area as against both the United States and the continent of Africa. Murshid was not a bit ashamed when the white people denied his evolution, but he truly became humble when the Negroes accepted it.
But the great event was our finding the l’Awarifu-l-Ma’arif. I was given this book for one of my early khilvats, and it became the basis and source for a lot which has since grown into what we might call profundity. I cannot over praise this work. It will be brought to the Khankah, but it is possible that other copies will be ordered. However, here we must not be in a rush. The cashier told me that there would be companionate works published very shortly and we shall get them. I am totally and absolutely agreed.
This work lays down Zikr, Fikr, and Mushahida as the fundamental sciences of Sufism. This is quite in accord with what I have been feeling inwardly, and I hope enough disciples begin to realize how much has to be restored of the esoteric sciences. I am glad to say that Wali Ali is willing to abandon the sideshow drama class. We have a world message, not a theater. The Hallelujah! The Three Rings, the choral undertaking, and the dances are in accord with the world message. One does not like to dispute, but it is not only the Sufi Movement, there are others who start in proclaiming God is the only Being and also shove Him on the shelf. It is quite possible that Murshid is both tired and overwrought, but he is always seeing the need of the restoration of the esoteric sciences.
This morning one feels entirely encouraged. We are enclosing the card for Hassan. We believe these people will be glad to put “The Rejected Avatar” on their shelf. We believe he is just the outlet for the work on spiritual brotherhood which Hassan says he is publishing. Sitara will remain in New York, and it is possible that one of the Three Ring representatives may be visiting this area this winter. Murshid is entirely for an entente cordiale. Carbons of this letter are being sent to certain persons, but it is entirely impossible for us to keep everybody acquainted.
This store is a new age store in all respects. It has fine astrological, new age food, and other literature of the contemporary period and practically nothing else.
It is fortunate one did not go to Washington. There are still family obligations. There are still Kabbalistic matters to be taken up. And we have stopped our spreading in all directions.
Last night was a tremendous wonder. We heard Dr. Backster, friend of Huston Smith. In him are all the marvels of the new age. One does not know whether Gavin Arthur or Dane Rudhyar would agree, but here is a man who is a highly trained technician, a laboratory scientist, and an adept in Asian philosophies. He spouted phrases which could only come from a man well-versed in oriental literature or who has been under the guidance of real masters. When I rose to ask a question, before he replied he said, “Aren’t you Samuel Lewis? If so, I want to meet you as soon as possible.” After the meeting he gave suggestions how this can be done. This afternoon we expect to go to a lecture on the Kabbalah and then will be with Lonnie Less, our host, in the evening.
This ought to be enough for a diary entry. We may, however, hold the letter until after the mail.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
November 5, 1970
To the Khalifs and Sheikhs:
Beloved Ones of Allah:
This is a sort of spiritual summation of our work here. It is evident since the small talk on “May the Message of God reach far and wide” that the time has come for this. And this involves both external and internal spreading. Sitara is writing separately to Jemaleddin (and others) about some of our work.
There is no question, after meeting in turn a Rabbi, a Church Father and a laboratory-scientist (Report will go to Mansur) that there are many fine constructive people who have more positive love than shown by angelic souls. In his instructions to teachers Hazrat Inayat Khan warned against our being over involved with the angelic person. They are nice, harmless, superficially loving and lovely but they absorb, they do not give out magnetism.
In this period where so many “women’s” dances have been coming to Murshid, it has ended with either “men’s” dance, or a basis for men to absorb and give out Baraka, magnetic-blessing. This is far from angelic although it may be presented next Saturday night, inshallah. It will balance any conclusions about Murshid being involved with women as such. That work is a resuscitation of the career of “Hierophant” and also the actual restoration of the Mysteries.
One constantly examines oneself and often gets surprising answers about one’s careers and purposes in life. There will quite evidently be an expansion of women’s dances for two “reasons,” if you want to call them that: (a) Women’s dances are closer to peace while men’s have been closer to war; (b) More women have spare day time and the number of available nights is small. However it is quite possible that there may even be one men’s night a month—not so much to exclude women, but to give more time to them. The women would be welcome to play instruments, especially Amina.
The growth of “Love” in women and “Magnetism-baraka” in men seems to be part of the unfoldment of spirituality in the New Age. This work is positive and not “nice.” Angelic souls are “nice.” But they would be unable to establish the kind of angelic dances one has in mind.
The Rabbi, Father and scientist are all positive men full of love, generosity and compassion. Murshid showed the Father the ceremonial “Lord’s prayer.” Actually this was a “clincher.” We also discussed the criminalization of Christmas hymns etc., which have been mentioned before. This would involve those in the woman’s and Saturday night class who are not in the choral group, but the program will have to be discussed with Ala-ed-din. It will be easy when there are soloists; then the rest could join with Murshid.
Murshid does not feel too happy with Vilayat’s “International Group” which not only is not international but which competes with “World Congress of Faiths” and at a much more superficial level. And tonight we are seriously considering going to the “Fazal” group rather than to the “Vilayat” group. Murshid wishes to have serious talks with Jemila (with or without Mansur) on this and the strange refusal to accept the appointment of Samuel L. Lewis by Hazrat Inayat Khan in fields where he knows so much more.
The Kabbalah meeting was so beautiful and profound that arrangements have been made for Sitara to attend (report to Michael Gest). There are enough people ready for more than superficialities.
Then who is presenting the Sufic sciences? They are more in the Githas, of course; in the “logia” which Murshid has; in other Sufic literature, such as l’Awarifu-l-Ma’arif just published. These are so much deeper than anything the Hindus or “New Age” groups are giving out. And with Richard’s ventures one believes we must work in these fields, abandoned or unknown to and by others.
There are numerous suggestions in the Unity of Religious Ideals. There is training for the “Master”—which has been started; for the “Saint,” not yet touched; for other lines of development of which there are scattered notes in both files. One hopes to have Moineddin and Hussein work in Novato and when there is proper assistance, to push Wali Ali in San Francisco. Otherwise if these places are overworked, to have an office in Corte Madera also. The “mysteries” are not restored by wishing, by obtuse books or by metaphysical psychics.
This should be the last communication excepting for odd notes. One feels very sure of many persons who are expanding in love, devotion and the ideals of the Message. We have not run into any determined opposition and seem to have clarified or disarmed almost ever one we have met. Indeed there is more danger, so to speak, from the “good” and “nice” people than from others and this will be our final undertaking.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid