date unknown, 1969
Dear Sam
My feet are still warm….
Since last we spoke at the temple with Lama Anagarika Govinda much has transpired…. Roy & I are now at Lama Foundation. You are in our hearts with your music of love & joy. There is some joy here … but there could be so much more through the opening-up & unfolding of our self. I know you are very busy, but perhaps you could find time to come &teach here … or 3 months or one week. If you find the time in your summer schedule it would be a meaningful experience for many of the people here. All of your housing & food needs will be taken care of & a possible plane ticket (if Lama Foundation receives the foreseen grants for the coming year) or car transportation. Please let us know immediately the dates you may be available so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Roy and Pandora Royster
Box 444
San Cristobal, New Mexico
date unknown, 1969
S.A.M.
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, California 94110
Greetings and Blessings,
We received a letter from Mansur saying that your August plans were still with us in mind. Accordingly, please find enclosed a cheque for $200.00 to cover air fare. We are in the process of finishing a little cabin for you while you are here and should be done by next weekend. (August 2.) We would be able to receive you at any time after that at your convenience. Please let us know when you will be arriving, flight number, etc. and we will have a person there to pick you up and drive you to Lama.
We will await your reply.
Yours in His Service,
S. Durkee
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
January 23, 1969
Lama Foundation,
Box 444,
San Cristobal, New Mexico, 87564
Dear Stephen and Beloved Ones of God:
Thank you for your letter of the 18th. I am somewhat in a quandary at the moment. I have been scheduled to leave at the end of March to attend a session for all religions and have not heard further detail. And after writing must go to the hospital to ascertain whether my brother will live or die and this will also affect my immediate movements radically.
It had been my intention to send my lieutenant, Moineddin Carl Jablonski while I might be in Europe or the Eastern States, but at the moment, prosperity, real or potential is here on account of the rapid growth of the Organic Natural Foods industry. It is with us and we are benefiting from it and others are also some potentials here.
Vilayat Khan made an unexpected and one expected visit here. The second meeting was very well intended. But it meant doing considerable work on the Dance Materials, and no secretary available. Mansur is either working at odd jobs or in line for “something big.”
In addition there are several other prospects which mean that at the moment I have no calendar at all, and so cannot either except or refuse but will file your letter and let you know later. Hope Hans and Frances contact us. Money is not one of my special problems at the moment.
Cordially,
Murshid
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
March 1969 [undated letter]
Dear Wali Ali,
Very sorry to be so late and hoping you still may use this information. In Boston I am sure the Murshid would be welcomed by Minor White*. Minor is a photographer, one of the best in the country, also a teacher ,at MIT and with numerous workshops. He has for long been seriously engaged in inner work. He is an excellent teacher, a serious student and a gracious host and would welcome the chance to become acquainted with the Murshid. I have written him and you should feel free to call or write when you know details of arrival.
Here we prepare for the beginnings of the Summer “Season: March 21. More people now come, a regular work schedule begins. There are stirrings in us as in the ground, mud, left-over snow, bogged-down cars, new weaving, library almost finished, plants growing in our new, solar-heated Growhole.
We plan tentatively for June, knowing some of the uncertainties. The remainder of our schedule now includes several short visits by people and definitely Lenore Tawney, a very fine weaver, and person, in July.
So if June does not fit you either August or September are free. It is better also, in fact, for Hans and me as we have to make a trip to Boston to sell our house and June would be best. But we will plan around the Murshid’s visit.
As far as details: all here welcome work with the children, and families, though at present there are only two complete families, a number of single people, and two women with their children. Hopefully more families will find us. The single people all are prepared to move aside or out for families to come if that is Murshid’s wish. It is his month whenever he comes. We want lots of music, lots of dance, and individual and group exercises as he sees fit. There are numbers of building and growing plans which we will be doing and which he can fit in however he chooses, knowing that certain necessities must continue. The plan for our regular daily life is not yet complete, as we are talking over now how best to come out of our “relatively” quiet and private winter lives into group work again.
I will write when details are clearer. In general it should be much like last year: morning and evening meditation and chanting; work most or all of day except half Saturday and all Sunday; one day a week of fasting and silence. We will not be together every night. The children will be included as much as possible with work specially for them or with adults. We know too little of how to do this.
I’ll stop now in haste so you get Minor’s address. We all wish you well in your work there and thank you many times for your hospitality towards us which filled our California visit with a special energy.
In His name,
Frances
p.s. Tell the Murshid we’ve had snow.
*Minor White
203 Park Avenue
Arlington, Massachusetts (right next to Boston) 02175
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
April 25, 1969
Roy and Pandora Royster
Box 444,
San Cristobal, New Mexico
Dear Roy and Pandora:
My chief secretary Mansur (formerly Otis) Johnson and I had a Chinese meal today and the fortune cookie said I would be called on a long business trip so I am rather soft at the receipt of your kind letter.
Mansur is going to New Mexico the early part of May, or rather about the 12th. I am giving him your address. Mansur, his wife Jemila (Caroline,) Moineddin (Carl,) Fatima (Patricia) and two others live with me in the Sufi Khankah at Novato. I won’t tell you much of the news for Mansur will both give it to you and make any arrangements. I must be back not later than June 24th.
I am in the Spring session at the University but can send in my term papers before that if we can make arrangements. Ordinarily the course would end on June 10th . But if you consider this too short a time I could take a longer visit from August 15th on, and that might be better.
Sunday. May 4, we are planning a big tamasha-shindig. We are having a Maypole up and as one has choreographed a number of dances, they will be done. Also we are dedicating some more equipment for the children.
As soon as he arrives Rev. Dr. Warwick, an old disciple of Lama Govinda, will take over for Puja and any other ceremonies he thinks are appropriate for the occasion. We are leaving it up entirely to him excepting we shall provide much of the audience and the food other than fruit.
Attendance has slowly risen, every single week this year slightly more than the preceding weeks, and now I have a following of around a hundred, not all disciples but they come more or less regularly to meetings.
It will also benefit Dr. Warwick to know more of the Lama Foundation. There is also a professor of Buddhist studies at the University of New Mexico whom both Mansur and I must contact in person. This is a long story. Everything fine excepting am always busy and always have more than plenty to do.
Love,
Sam
Samuel L. Lewis
S.A.M.
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
April 28, 1969
Lama Foundation,
Box 444,
San Cristobal,
New Mexico, 87564
Beloved Ones of God:
The brochure of Lama Foundation has been received and has either put me in a most delicate position or has solved some of the greatest complexities of my life. We are moving into a New Age where not only the philosophies are different but the faculties, functions and outlooks (abilities and senses) are different.
This Age has been predicated by a number of real seers—not to be confused by the pseudo-seers from Nostradamus to Cayce inclusive, but seers who actually saw into the future and no guess work. I shall name only two here, i.e. Bulwer Lytton and Sri Aurobindo. But the hard fact is that emotional groups selecting real or pseudo-seers have excluded whatsoever portion of mankind they choose to build up a “New Age” which is not a New Age at all but the continuation of the individualistic power-structure approaches, making themselves “more equal” than other peoples.
When the people following Sri Aurobindo in India began work on a real New Age project, the followers of Sri Aurobindo in this land joined with a Dr. Zitko to start their own “New Age” project and it flopped. The whole thing was based on personality leadership and the Sri Aurobindo movement in this land is almost entirely under personality leadership, giving no scope for the very type of humanity predicted by the Indian seer.
Nevertheless some attempt has been made on a project called “Auroville” a project to which I am theoretically entirely attuned, only there is a rub. This group has adamantly and absolutely refused to assent to the historicity of Emperor Akbar who built Fatehpur Sikri in central India, where people of all faiths came together for the first time in history and it was almost the last time. For the so-called “Congresses of Religions,” at least in this country, are almost entirely rigged.
There is another aspect and that is the universal consciousness, the reality of which is quite different from literature on the subject from those who have not had satori or samadhi or wujud or any of the actual cosmic consciousness states. In such states there is a breakdown of barriers of self and self, of race, religion, country and all barriers. They no longer exist. But this is something the people of what Lord Snow calls the “literary-humanist” culture do not grasp. They confuse descriptions with actualities and build up philosophies on descriptions and structures which have no objective reality.
We have just had a seminar on the mystical experience at the University of California here and the teacher always accepted the living experiences or claims of such experiences from the students. There were no rejections, a priori or otherwise. This of itself is a starter.
Meanwhile there is a deep interest in “communes.” This is a field I once worked in from the literary point of view but life brought me into them from what used to be called the “spiritual point of view,” something quite different from the use of this term by literati who have never dwelt in them. But as you might surmise, this is the center now of New Age agitations and I have been called on in several capacities and am illustrating this on a small scale, like a miniature Plato. Indeed Sunday we are having a joint May Day and Wesak celebration and are going to have Puja given by a local Lama.
After that my secretary Mansur Otis Johnson will leave for New Mexico as just written to Roy and Pamela. He has been the star pupil of Prof. Huston Smith of M.I.T. and is absolutely trustworthy.
I am also, in a sense, a god-son of the late Ruth St. Denis. The philosophy of Walk, which we discussed, ends almost in that of Tai Chi. I do not know the Chinese methods but feel they are one way to regeneration, or even prevention of decrepitude. But it is also necessary to present several forms of spiritual dancing here, the impetus from the same source, Ruth St. Denis. We have each in our time given the outline of “Dance of Universal Peace” at the Fatehpur Sikri of Emperor Akbar, although there has been a new impetus from the leaders of the Sri Aurobindo movement. But alas, while claiming to be spiritual and integrative they have acknowledged neither the historical Akbar nor the living President Dr. Zukair Hussein who, so far as I can see, represents the same real universal, integrative, cosmic outlook.
Changes in my outer life compel me to take seriously my geographical movements. If I came to New Mexico and the Lama Foundation all I would ask for is my plane ticket which has been assured.
I am the first person in history, I believe, who has been validated as a spiritual teacher in Sufism, Zen and certain Yogas, chiefly Mantra and Karauna (Sober Bhakti) and have knowledge of all the scriptures of the world, and also a good background in many of the sciences. I am a member both of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Royal Asiatic Society, and not a lip-service promoter of a dream called “integration.”
I do not want to jump here but the fact that your group seems to be of the young and others rely either on oldsters or on political support makes me hesitate as to loyalties. It is too easy to say that you are in America and others are far away; and you may be right at that.
Sri Sankaracharya taught that we should recognize Brahma in everybody and I have to be very hesitant here that you may not be representing Brahma and that you may be one of the groups, even the group destined to herald in the New Age.
I believe in all the spiritual schools and transmissions and have been trained in many (but not in I Ching, Tai Chi Chuan, etc.) There is nothing but good-will and respect for all spiritual schools as well as for the modern learning hidden in our great universities from the public by the blatant and emotional controllers of the avenues of communication.
I am keeping the dates in mind as written to Roy and Pamela but immediately after the last letter have been summoned to Seattle, invitation refused until our mutual relation is established.
God bless you,
Sam
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
S.A.M.
May 1, 1969 Wesak
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, California 94110
Ya Rasul Salam,
We received your letters of 4.25 and 4.28.
In the initial letter you mention the time after August 15 as being better suited in that your time requirements/commitments might not be so restrictive after that date. We, here, are in no rush on that level and would enjoy/profit by the possibility of sharing more time/space with you and question whether a longer, more relaxed period might not be more efficacious in terms of the transmission of your teachings. In any case, what is best for you will be best for us in this area.
In the closing paragraph of your letter to Lama Foundation we were left a bit up in the air. Did you mean that our invitation to you to come here had been refused until some mutual relation had been established through the auspices of (we presume) Mansur Otis Johnson, or did you mean that you had refused the Seattle invitation until such time as we had made a mutual relation? Please clarify this point for us.
We shall be awaiting the arrival of your secretary, Mansur Otis Johnson. Enclosed is a map and set of directions which should enable him to find us. We request that the map and directions not be made available to general public.
Hoping to hear from you at your convenience. If you have any questions or things which you would need to know, please let us know and we will attempt to answer them and take care of those areas.
Mina ‘l-au ‘minina rijalun sadaqu ma ‘ahadu ‘llaha ‘alay-hi-fa-min-hum man qada nahba-hu-wa-min-hum-man yantaziru wa-ma baddalu tabdila
Lama Foundation
S. Durkee
(Sage enclosed)
410 Precita Ave.
San Francisco 94110
May 3, 1969
Lama Foundation
Box 444
San Cristobal, N.M. 87564
Beloved Ones of Allah:
Asalaam aleikhum. I am so excited from your letter of May 1st, and usually I am never excited at all. I am enclosing herewith copy ofThe Rejected Avatar. Someone has presumed, and rightly presumed, that although this poem has nothing to do with me personally it was largely instigated because of the compound and usually a priori rejections received in and from this land in another day. This is not so now.
I am perhaps the first man to have been initiated and ordained as a spiritual teacher in both Asian Zen and Asian and African Sufi Orders. Nothing to do with social or scholastic acceptance although one is slowly and definitely receiving these today.
I am sorry previous correspondence was not clear. It was just that an invitation had come from Seattle the day after I felt it was necessary to come to New Mexico. In the meanwhile, Mansur and I have been considering the geography of his visit to your state. We shall also probably send you copy of The Oracle which has again appeared belatedly.
I have long been an ardent devotee of Emperor Akbar who made the first provisions to bring together the spiritual and religious leaders of all faiths—the leaders and not some carefully selected representatives or mis-representatives. Despite the fact that he played most important roles in real Indian history, outside the University of Chicago he is hardly mentioned and he is almost universally devaluated.
I cannot tell you how delighted I am to find your Wesak heading. We have just come back from our annual visit to the Daibutsu in the Golden Gate Park in this city. And tomorrow we are combining May Day and Wesak. Thank you very much for the map which I am turning over to Mansur. He should be leaving here around the 13th.
With all Love and Blessing,
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
S .A.M.
PS. Of course I accept the August invitation on any terms whatsoever.
May 16, 1969
New Moon
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
410 Precita Ave.
San Francisco, California 94110
Dear S.A.M.; Asalaam aleikhum
Received your letter of 5.3. yesterday due to complicated mail procedures.
We will be looking forward to your arrival in August. You should let us know, when possible, what your travel arrangements will be cost-wise and when you know more the exact time of arrival and place so that we will be able to pick you up.
I gather that Mansur should be through sometime soon. Could you arrange to have additional copies of your article in the Oracle sent or will Mansur have copies of same?
Let us know how things proceed and keep us informed of your traveling plans. There Is No God But God
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
August 2, 1969
Lama Foundation,
Box 444,
San Cristobal, New Mexico 87564
Beloved Ones of God:
Thank you for your letter with check and also your notice about a cabin. My God-daughter who is from Pakistan is coming here tonight and this is slightly delaying my departure. But a round trip ticket to and from Santa Fe has been purchased. The TWA plane from here Thursday arrives at Albuquerque at 12:15 and there is a 1:30 departure for Santa Fe on a Texas line.
This means I should be reaching Santa Fe early Thursday afternoon.
I should be back here not later than August 21st because there have been series of emergencies (my normal life) at that time. But the intention is, if further visits are warranted as follows:
My God-daughter wants me to visit Cornell University where she is matriculating for a Ph.D. And it would be in order to go from either Cleveland or Philadelphia after that to Albuquerque again on my return in September.
I have learned a little about your procedures from Mansur Otis Johnson: and having both studied and been disciplined in Oriental cultures as well as having lived “ruggedly” there is no problem here. But I am assuming you wish to know something about Sufism in some sense and am ready therefore.
Sufism may be “taught” in one of several ways:
a. Meditation, etc.
b. Breathing practices, etc.
c. Lectures
d. Music, dancing, chanting.
Hoping to see you soon,
Cordially,
Sam
Samuel L. Lewis
S. A. M.
December 22, 1969
Lama Foundation
Box 444
San Cristobal
New Mexico 87564
Beloved Ones of God:
Extreme appreciation must be expressed for your wonderful poster. I feel with all my heart that this is part of the New Age. To me there is a vast difference between a Universal God who created all the mountains, and an exceedingly narrow “cosmic” God who is limited to the Himalayas; or if you are a follower, and I mean a follower and not a disciple, of the late Ramana Maharshi, then “God” is limited to Arunachala.
Being stupid or enlightened enough to find God in all mountains, and more especially, the “mountains” whence Jesus Christ delivered the Beatitudes and celebrated but by-passed sermons, I find or conclude that wisdom emanates from many mountains and from many people dwelling on these many mountains in all parts of the world. This of course is heresy to all the “world saviors,” “Avatars,” etc., etc. But your poster to me perfectly exemplifies the possibilities that Shiva is not limited to Asian Himalayas, nor that the real God is limited at all. In fact, if your poster does not wipe away my sins, it certainly eradicates any pessimism lurking in my background or seeming to emanate from my ego.
My present program would indicate if God willing, I may appear at a Parliament of the real religious of the real world, and may even be able to say something. This is scheduled for the end of March next year at Istanbul, Turkey. Any success there would react to our mutual benefit, and would then fixate the date and program for my return to Lama. I am expecting to take Mansur with me. There have been many dramas in our mutual lives, dramas but not tragedies, and mostly it is we are both overworked, but at the same time our respective financial affairs are in better order.
The Dances of Universal Peace have gotten out of hand, as they should. I feel I am a conveyor and instrument rather than author. You may be pleased to know that the latest inspirations include the Dervish square dance, and the Ramnam Quadrille. The Ramnam Quadrille has to me the supreme merit that all eight persons participating in each square must dance with each other. It is an actual integration of the actual East and the actual West. I doubt the success of this with the so-called movements verbally pledged to “integration.” But their day is over. The old people love the word “integration;” the young people are integrating, Allah be praised.
I am therefore sending a copy of this letter also to Auroville. It has been almost impossible for these otherwise worthy people to realize that the Light of God as Quran teaches, is neither of the East nor of the West. Of course India has another “avatar” coming here, and coming soon. I do not intend to try to convince that Jesus was born in a very neglected manner. To me it also may be that the Divine Light may manifest in New Mexico, which is one of the least of the states in historical and social prowess, which perhaps means exactly nothing to God.
You probably know that things do happen here. We have had the great gatherings of musical groups. We have had dramatic events around our “Hare Krishna” infiltrations (including Alan Ginsberg.) The poetry class and its leader show both the inner and outer cosmic urge and search. The philosophical classes also show cosmic tendencies almost impossible a short while back. In this house we expect to have a Christmas Eve without a tree, but with a cross and a manger for my god-grandchild.
There has been a growth both quantitatively and qualitatively both in my own work, and in the Dances. Although there is for practical purposes, continual open house here, we have very few visitors from Lama or from the friends of Swami Ramdas. We understand that his work and prowess are increasing. I don’t think anything else is possible in this New Age. All signs point toward human brotherhood; expansion of consciousness and love in the hearts, and the abolition of artificial distinctions and differences which so long have kept the world divided.
I am sending a copy of this to Auroville. I wish it were possible for movements purporting to stand for “integration” to recognize each other. Unfortunately, certain groups wish to supply the “leaders” and stop there. There is no such leadership in the worlds of heart. There are no such personality-divisions in Ananda. I am seeing a glorious world, and if I bring my poetry it will be a much higher caliber than the Rejected Avatar, etc. Both pleasure and pain, and above all, accepted human responsibilities, elucidate an ever deeper inspiration and the resultant creative arts. This now comes out in music, chanting, and dancing, and every sign that it will follow in painting, ceramics, and the creative arts generally.
With all love and blessing from Mansur and myself and a deep appreciation of both your accomplishments and plans, devotedly and lovingly,
Sam
Samuel L. Lewis
Jan. 19, 1970
Lama Foundation
Box 444
San Cristobal, N.M.
Beloved Ones of God:
This is just a note.
One is finding more and more references to your establishment and “Cookbook” without your being named or even placed. I think it is a sign of the times, of the enforced growing recognition of actualities.
The other night I was approached by a young man who asked to come to my house in re forthcoming visit of Baba Ram Dass. A few days later he placed a notice on the bulletin board here. Fortunately, these meetings are to take place on my one free night, i.e. Tuesdays. So I expect to meet him next week, inshallah.
My work is going ahead on all fronts, excepting for the lack of proper secretarial assistance. This may not long be a problem, for there are growing signs of financial alleviation, which could take care of that. My associate, Pir Vilayat Khan, has been here, and at his request I began writing up the dances. But again, there is a need for secretarial assistance.
The classes are growing in attendance, variety, and interest, to say the least. They keep one over-occupied.
After Baba’s appearance here, I may report again, but I also have a complex concerning a presumable visit to Europe before coming to Lama. Mansur is now working outside most of the time. We are also involved in the growth and expansion of the New Age Food Stores.
Love and Blessings,
Murshid
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
January 18, 1970
Dear Murshid
Please forgive our long silence at least on this plane. We received your letter of 12.22.69. at Christmas time and it made all of us feel good to read your words and know that you are here.
We have been through a lot since you were here this summer. The stream is clearer as a result of all of these experiences especially the key experience of the ashram which was the hermitage in which people spent periods of time in isolation and silence.
We would like very much if you would be able to be amongst us again and bring your unique gift of dance and song to our mountain. The children still sing the songs and at all sorts of strange times reminding us of the lasting influence which was conveyed through you to us.
What we would like to do this time if it harmonizes with your plans is to turn the whole scheduling over to you. To only have people here who are specifically interested it what you have to teach us. Not such a general group with so many diverse interests as was here last time. This would allow you to go more deeply into certain areas which the generality of the previous time would not a11ow. Only to have people who were specifically interested. We were thinking it would all so be possible that some of your people in California could also come as well as people who you know are interested. We were thinking of a time somewhere between April 15 and May 15 or so many days on either side of these dates, as was convenient to you. The only “work” we would be doing or at least at least “have to do” would be spring planting at that time which would seem to be it harmony with what you “do”. At any rate Hans & Frances will be it California in three weeks or so and will try to get in contact with you so that we could know more clearly what the possibilities are.
Would you be so kind us to write us and let us know if any of this might fit in with your plans.
Yours in the one One.
Stephen for Lama
Stephen
910 Railroad Ave.
Novato, Calif. 94947
January 29, 1970
Lama Foundation
Box 444
San Cristobal, NM 87564
Dear Stephen and Beloved Ones of God:
This is more of a note than anything else. Baba Ram Dass addressed an audience almost entirely of young people this last Tuesday. The place was literally filled to the rafters—all seats taken, all floor space, standing room, gallery, everything,
I never saw such a shower of greenbacks. The door tenders themselves were delighted. If this continues, Baba will have no trouble collecting the money he needs for his venture. It may be necessary to report later on this.
My life is so full of drama and melodrama to say the least, with mixtures of certitude and incertitude but no necessary tragedy. Health and finances in good shape. Also new dances coming to me all the time. Monday we may organize the proper secretariat for this.
Will write again as soon as certain skies are clear here.
Love,
Sam
Samuel L. Lewis, Murshid
910 Railroad Ave.
Novato, Calif. 94947
February 11, 1970
Lama Foundation
Dear Stephen and Beloved Ones of God:
This is a very difficult letter. But the difficulty may be in my mind only. It is being written under harassment, and therefore, may not be entirely clear or justified. Mansur and I are preparing to go to a conference of all of the religions of the world. We may be called upon to mingle with and even to speak with as well as to listen to persons of importance in the social, ecclesiastical and spiritual realms, living persons in the flesh and not imaginary abstruse or subtle personalities. I had been hoping, I am still hoping, that this may bring prestige and that I can share the prestige with you.
At the present moment I am taxed to the utmost. I do have a very faithful secretary in San Francisco as well as Mansur here. We are just beginning to get additional office help, far less than needed but still real. Everything being done now, everything in the offing has been seen in vision. These visions were much more clear and much less subtle than those behind “Introduction to Spiritual Brotherhood.” They were not only less subtle but they are coming into objective manifestation at a rate which taxes me to the utmost. It would seem now that I shall soon have 100 disciples; I definitely saw this coming in visions of utmost clarity, in dreams which operate so rapidly I cannot always adjust to their material manifestation.
Inayat Khan has said “Give me heaven or hell, oh Lord, but not purgatory.” I am perforce in a purgatory of having my brother suspended between life and death with uncertainties. At least we are in substantial agreement as to what is to be done with the bulk of the balance of our father’s estate. He may even leave me some of his capital but as that would be subject to probate it would not affect the material outlook for some time. But as to my father’s estate, that definitely would release me, inshallah, for the balance of my life from immediate material affairs. Only at the moment I am in a purgatory as above and may have to leave here without the above being settled.
Now I am going to the convocation at Geneva and may be representing even what we call legally “conflict of interest groups.” To begin with, I shall be representing the Korean Buddhists on the one hand and at least two Sufi Orders which are active in parts of Asia. I shall also be representing off the record Pir Vilayat Khan and even if he comes in person. I may be also representing the Sufis in general unless some other representative of dervish orders appears. In fact I shall have so many “credentials” that I can easily stand aside for others and still fulfill any role.
I already know what that role is: it is the integral harmonization of all the diverse religions, sects and cults. I am neither presenting words nor personality here. I am neither capable of making a long speech on silence nor maintaining silence at this convocation. Not only has Jesus Christ taught that in such affairs one may be opening his mouth that the word of God comes through it, I must fulfill—this is my dharma—the words of Hazrat Inayat Khan: “Open our hearts that we may hear Thy Voice which cometh constantly from within” and “Speakest the word that is put into thy mouth as the Light filleth the crescent moon.”
No doubt, bombastic claims are inferred here. That is right, they may be bombastic. But the time of the fulfillment of my life’s effort is come. I feel I can lay down a protocol:
1) We are either going to have “every valley shall be exalted and every hill laid low; the crooked places made straight” or we are not. Before God, I am assuming the right to demand this from all and sundry who claim any sort of superiority over the masses.
2) “The lamb and the lion shall lie down together anda little child shall lead them.” “Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings….” “You will find me in little children unto the age of seven years.” (Logia of Jesus) “Every child is born a Muslim.” (Hadiths of Mohammed)
Either these things are true or they are not. If they are true fine; if they are not fine. One of the major causes of disturbance in the world—and I think this is worse than bombast—is to find people speaking interminably in utter equivocation regardless of these quotations. We are either going to have them or we are not.
I would not dare to write this letter unless I had on the one hand the divine approval from within and the approval of an infant from without. I mean a suckling infant and no nonsense about it—no more crap, no more hyperbolic obtuse harangues but realities from the worlds within and without.
My plans if you want to call them that for Lama definitely depend upon the acceptance that infants and little children are the mouthpieces of eternity. We have had a lot of phony schools of wisdom from PhD’s charlatans and pseudo-gurus. Right here today externals are compelling us to recognize the words of Jesus Christ and Mohammed whether we like them or not. We have a few functional occultists among my disciples, and there is certainly absolutely agreement upon this point of wisdom manifesting through the little ones. Therefore I had two complete programs for Lama—one impersonal and one personal. I am definitely demanding the impersonal, and I think many of the devotees of Lama will agree—the applying of this cosmic truth that children are the spokesmen, that they are the angels on earth etc. etc. It is only after such acceptance that I can possibly present my personality.
For my work in this world and the next is not writing “Cookbooks for the Astral Plane.” I am all for that. I am all for that in a manner far from sarcasm as I am for motherhood. My functions do not include writing “Cookbooks for the Astral Plane” or being a mother. My work at the lowest levels include leading—and I mean leading—people to rise above the distinctions and differences which divide men and which keep them divided and divided.
No doubt one must go beyond this and therefore one has a sort of compendium of mysticism, occultism and esotericism—all thoroughly seasoned with humble devotion wherein one would not dare to proclaim one’s superiority over others because one feels no differentiation from others. I am not offering any crap hypocrisy of Whitman’s “in all men I see myself.” This has to be functional, this is functional. I have not only had no days off this year, hardly any hours, and in my final stage of my preparatory work for God, the stage of advancing from 60 disciples to 100—and I mean 100 human beings, not thought forms—not audiences considered as brainwashed peasants without throbbing hearts—but all aspects of myself, and I mean actually and not symbolically, every one of whose pains I feel, can feel, do feel; every one of whose difficulties I can share, do share, must share; every one of whom is more than a sleeping giant, but God Himself trying to come to manifestation while functioning in the human body.
No doubt there may be some conflict here between those who are wound up in compassion and those who are wound up in indifference. Indifference is a beautiful escape mechanism which yogis share with a large sector of the criminal element. A mother at least is not easily convinced that indifference is superior to compassion. She may not have an enormous amount of compassion or she may have but I can tell you that if a mother places indifference along side of compassion she is a victim of a luetic infection.
I am not wedded to indifference. Indeed, that maybe my trouble. I am attending a class on the problems of southeast Asia. It is an impossible class; it is a delightful class. Nearly all the enrollees have lived in some portion of southeast Asia with the human kind thereof. The instructors also have lived in southeast Asia with the people. We are unanimously agreed being therefore totally right or wrong in our placing compassion to the fore and in being empathetic to the pains, sorrow, horrors, tribulations, spiritual outlooks, psychological behaviorisms and ethos of these people. I have found this nowhere else, but there are now enough of us to make a stand.
No doubt the greatest revolution possible would be one wherein speakers would have to listen to the humanity which they are discussing. My greatest inspiration drawn from the New Testament has been, “Have very loud ears and a silent tongue.” That is all through the text and absent from the pulpits. It would put the evangelists out of business—ergo, don’t read all the Bible.
Not necessarily more important, but more time-consuming in my life have been the positive efforts to raise the capacity of human beings toward exaltation and bliss. This is being done, this is being done, this is being done—not in lectures, not in sermons, not in verbalisms no matter how lofty, but in actual communications to and through the bodies, minds and hearts of those who have thrown humility into the dung heap and become receptive to this person.
Of course I am playing my cards as if I shall be successful in Geneva and then in London, but if successful and as successful I would have to come to Lama in the full capacity of a spiritual teacher. I call your attention here that other than the plane ticket I am not asking for any remuneration. I shall not need the money but it is right to have audiences who will be receptive and also to instruct that in receptivity by being receptive myself. It is on this last point I differ from most of the real or proclaimed gurus of the age.
I am presuming that one or more visits to Lama this year may become the backbone of my annual schedule, but I can assure you I am now being sought for more and more. And delightful to say by university professors of all men and of all things.
Inayat Khan said, “What I give to you you must share with others. “Other than a spiritual recognition I cannot and do not ask for anything.”
Love and Blessings,
Sam
Samuel L. Lewis, Murshid
Hotel Intercontinental Geneve
April 9, 1970
Lama Foundation
Box 444
San Cristobal, New Mexico
Beloved Ones of God:
It is with great joy, love and blessing that Mansur and Murshid direct their
attention to you all. We have been to Geneva. We have associated with the top
prelates of all religions, and we mean all religions; and some of the top holy
ones, and we mean holy men. These worthies are working toward common
understanding and the harmonization of religious, moral and spiritual forces.
We do not mean the blatant oratory of emotionalists, constantly repeating the
words, the damned, empty words, “love,” “consideration,”
“humanity,” “generosity,” etc. which they all expect from everybody
else.
In view of so many presumably conflicting views; in view of the fact that in a
sense everybody, and I mean everybody, was represented (with a notable
exception,) we even had the joint prayers of 14 different prelates, given in
succession. Not only that, they were given in the cathedral of Geneva, the
center of Calvinism! Nearly everybody got along fine with everybody else.
Murshid was, perhaps, the only one who could communicate with everyone and did;
or they with him. The only groups excluded were the various new organizations
and religions, or pseudo-religions, each proclaiming its own avatar, prophet,
messiah, etc. etc.; all verbalizing love and humanity, and all ignoring each
other. Thus they avoided a head-on conflict of two or more new “religions,”
and there was a general feeling that these ersatz “religions” were quite
out of place, because in a majority of instances they are neither universal nor
religions.
This illustrates karma and moral law. Murshid’s most absolute rejections have come from these so-called universal people who are far more handy with rebuffs than with love, consideration and humanity.
Sam introduced himself as spiritual leader of the hippies. This drew considerable attention. Fortunately, the few young people present were attracted to him to which Mansur can attest. The great weakness were two classes of absentees: youth and those of African descent. This is going to be remedied, but it is to be noticed that the many conflicting “universal brotherhoods” practically also exclude the dark-skinned races—at least till now.
It is going to be laughable when we have to face the many conflicting “Universal, brotherhoods” who themselves find every excuse for their own exclusions.
I am sorry for this, for there are some latent powers in India. It is
certain that Swami Ranganathananda Maharaj was the Vivekananda of the
conference. The next best new acquaintances were the Papal legates and the
Birla family from India, who are very wealthy and extremely devout. But Murshid
also received the most profound apologies, and they were profound and they were
apologies, from leaders of faiths verbally involved in the Palestinian and
other complex conflicts. These are long stories. I am only hoping they may
touch the hearts of some of those verbally dedicated to universal love and
brotherhood.
Sam’s last speech was direct and to the point: if you do not build a Temple
of Understanding, the youth will. Elders want oratory; youth demands action.
Today we have at least two receptions, the first from the Royal Asiatic Society. Murshid will go in his dervish robe. He may keep them on when we next go to Gandalf’s Gardens. We have had long correspondence with these young people who are definitely universally minded, somewhat spiritually minded, and 100% new age. After all, it is the young who are going to live, and this is something all the self-proclaimers do not seem to realize. You can send to us any suggestions, ideas, etc. We are assuming that the month of June will be spent with you, but this brings up a question: how many people will we bring? Several of our disciples wish to come to Lama, but by the regular procedures. They would pay whatever is expected and also work in accordance with the program. It is only a question of how many you have accommodation for. Mansur and Murshid would like to share the same hut, if possible, so we can carry on our writing, etc. but even this we leave in your hands.
Dance inspirations continue to come to the last moment. Some of the new ones are very simple. While fun is never an element in inspirations, sometimes the joy evoked and involved is considerable.
There is before us a vast opportunity the dancing and a peace program (not ours) together. Inspiration is no monopoly; spiritualism does not belong, it is for everybody. Not that we are going to use anybody as guinea-pigs, I think that there is immediate enjoyment in all our recent efforts.
This spirit is arising in others of maturity, especially those who are not monopolistically minded. Already the religions of the world, so diverse, are coming together. One does not expect the new cults to adopt such an attitude, but the New Age people, young and old, yes. We think you know that. Therefore, we are writing in the hope that many of your neighbors will be interested in either what may be done by Lama, at Lama, or from Lama.
On our return, if not before, we wish to take up possibilities of Lama joining in with the chain of New Age food enterprises.
Love and Blessing,
Sam
Samuel L. Lewis
Mansur
April 30, 1970
Dear Friends:
Greetings from Mansur and Murshid. We have returned from a delightful and eventful trip. We have made some contacts which may be important but feel most or all of them would be of interest to you.
That is to say, we first went to Switzerland where we met the leaders of all the religions of the world, and on the whole had a very easy time with mutual and sometimes quite profitable communication. We won’t bother you with details now as there are some delightful stories. Anyhow, we wish to give at least one session, and perhaps especially a Sunday session, on reporting of the summit gathering of the world’s leaders under the auspices of the Temple of Understanding. Indeed, we believe the young people at Lama can do as much or more for the same or a similar, undertaking, that all religions would be welcomed to hold services in the same edifice, and also to show more respect, each for the other.
As important as this might seem on paper, we felt more concerned with our visit to London where we met some of the top orientalists and also the new age young at Gandalf’s Garden.
Our stopover at Boston was even more profitable. The people of the region and especially the young enrolled at the various Universities look more and more like their companions out here. That is to say, new age outlooks have certainly taken over.
They are also interested in Lama, but we did not push this. Indeed last night we tried to limit the number of applicants, and I am glad to say the number of adults is now less than 10. We made it clear that adults would be expected to pay any necessary fee and also to do the requisite work, the term “work” being interpreted by the group or leaders at Lama. So far, apparently, no trouble.
We have to know what date we are expected and how long our visit would last? Actually, we have removed all other items from our schedule for the time being. This is important because there is a possibility of a grand breakthrough in the autumn. We can discuss these things later if you wish, the most important item for the moment being the day of our expected arrival.
Of course we have lots of new dances and many venture stories. Love and Blessings,
Samuel L. Lewis
Mansur
May 4, 1970
Lama Foundation
Box 444
San Cristobal,
New Mexico 87564
My dear Frances and everybody:
It is very difficult to write this letter not because of any obstacles, but for quite the opposite—doors are opening up all over. I have purposely refused to commit myself to anything prior to coming to Lama, and also left the door open so I can cooperate with you fully.
One of the reasons for this is the plan of Baba Ram Dass to leave the country. I have run into many of his friends and devotees and our mutual relations have been excellent. It would almost seem that with him gone I may have to act in a certain sense as if I were protective Guru, so to speak, for the whole nation. The rumor is that he expects to be studying with a Sufi in South America. Naturally I do not wish to place any obstacle before a spiritual brother, but it may be that the outlooks, with both opportunities and obligations, will expand.
The trip abroad was successful in every direction, praise to God. I am giving a talk on it this Friday. The real leaders of this world are men and women of broad outlook and tolerance. It is their fanatical disciples who are blinded to the worthiness of others. I don’t think this will deter us in the least. I am of course ready to relate in detail what happened at Geneva, and also to relate the visits of Mansur and myself to London and Boston.
While present plans are not absolutely determined the nor of disciples signed up locally is now down to 8. This does not include children, nor the question of whether it is permissible to bring a dog. One of the disciples has a very loving dog who has travelled with Mansur and myself previously. We do not know how welcome he would be at Lama, and if he does not come we would have to make some provision for him locally.
There was a very warm welcome here. The attendance at the classes has been excellent. But I realize that one’s geographical field of operations must expand.
I do not wish to change any program you have except on small points. Naturally I wish to introduce more of Sufism. But in its largest sense Sufism has to do with God-realization and not with any orthodoxy that becomes more important than the awakening of the human heart. I am taking with me two books of Inayat Khan which I shall read and make comments upon. I am presuming that such classes would be at night. But I am ready to adjust to any program howsoever, wheresoever, whatsoever. If you want me to be explicit I should say there should be work programs every morning for the building, for the vegetable garden, for food (that is, meals) and purchases if necessary. There should be some devotions before breakfast, either in the form of meditations or Yoga, and of course Dancing and singing, but not too intellectual until later in the day. If you want me to work out details I shall be glad to submit them.
At the summer schools at which I participated years ago, we had classes on the world’s religions two mornings in the week, and sometimes what has been called the Universal Worship on Sundays, but at 11, not 10. The other classes were in the afternoon or evening. I would like to have a class meet evenings prior to singing, etc. but I do not wish to avoid responsibilities, merely to support harmonies. I would also be glad to comply with requests if studies in certain religion’s or scriptures are particularly wanted.
The only thing I wish for myself, however, is that I be given full permission to work in the truck garden two hours every morning unless it is necessary to leave the grounds that day. I may wish to cooperate here also in a fertilizing program, organic of course.
One of the items necessary to face will be that of children. I am expecting to bring one child disciple who is 9 or 10 years old. I did bring up the question with her mother concerning payment. I have been guaranteeing free transportation but not payment.
Mansur wishes to bring his little boy who is 3½ but mentally older.; then one disciple who lives with us who has children 5 and 1. Besides that there is my choral master and his wife who have 4 children. He is a wonderful soul, very capable, and I think his presence will promote any programs. There will be two other women coming, one with an infant in arms, and one two years of age. If this is not all right please let me know.
You will not of course have to send me any transportation money. If you feel there is to be compensation for my efforts. My main compensation would be to have Mansur come free. We have lots of work to do together. Besides this, I wish him to be totally aware of all my undertakings. He has just gotten a good glimpse of this abroad, and thus can verify as an eye-witness many wonderful things that continue to happen.
We do not wish to have any change in the food program, other than I want to see I have coffee at least for breakfast. I think that is all at the moment but I want to have as many things settled before we leave. Also to know exactly which day you wish me to be on hand.
All love and blessings,
Samuel
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
[undated page 2 of a letter from Frances]
...can accept a debt. Money not to keep people away but very necessary, for us all to be here, and also payment is a meaningful responsibility. We haven’t enough for any sort of scholarships now.
We have received a letter from Drew Langever (sp) wanting to come in June. He knows Steve Durkee and says he’s become a disciple of the Murshid’s. He wants to come after being with Vilayat Khan; our feeling is that because so many want to come for a whole month, it’s not right for him to have both and only be here for part of Murshid’s visit. I mention this because we have lost his address. If you see him could you deliver message that he might be able to come in July or August. Also that we as a group, not knowing him, need to know more about who he is, what he wants from Lama, what he’s interested in and what is the direction of his inner (spiritual) work. Please tell him to write us right away as we’d like to consider his application.
Thank you!
In June the work here will include garden, animals, making adobes and putting up 1-2 domes, and also building a pottery shop if we can find adequate information. You’ve just built a kiln there; what kind? Would whoever did it be interested in doing another? Any thoughts for that in June?
We now have 3 nights a week of spontaneous prayer, rather like Quaker meeting. Very beautiful thus far.
Feel very in touch with you
Love
Frances
Good News From Geneva! How was Boston?
May 5, 1970
Dear Wali Ali,
Please forgive the long delay in answer to your fine letter. Your letters give out great joy and calmness; and I don’t know why I’ve been so long answering the last one except for Spring here and lots of work. Have a number of things to share.
Thank you for kiln information. If we get to it this year it will be in August. We will try to get the books advised and will ask more questions later. Please pass on thanks.
All agree to the film being shot here whenever in June. Part of our purpose here is the sharing of new/old ways of life and alternatives to city society, so the film suits well.
We have a full house for June, 30 people. This is too crowded, really, but we hope to incorporate backpack trips into the mountains for 5-6 at a time. We are surrounded by marvelous country and want to explore and experience it. So please tell your people to bring if possible: backpacks, tarps, flashlights, rain gear, boots. We also will probably need a few extra tents to house so many if anyone has. Or those who have VW busses, etc. equipped like houses may need them for sleeping. We will put as many as we can in into the little houses here and it will all work out. The Murshid and Mansur can certainly come without pay. If anyone has questions please tell them to write.
We would like the names of those coming and who has children, their ages, how many, and also if they can bring tent/bus for sleeping or not so we can make plans. You mentioned 2couples, 3 single men, 4 single women and the Murshid, is that right?
We have said often enough that our wish is for the Murshid to take this month and use it as he sees fit. But I also know that he likes to fit into the existing situation and also there are certain practical considerations of what things have to be done here. So I’ll try to give you a clear picture of what we do here now as it has evolved since I last told you.
Monday—meditation room 7:00-7:30. Read Essene morning prayer, 10 minutes silence, 10 minutes a Buddhist chant, 10 minutes chant or say or sing whatever “janitor” in charge has chosen. Janitor is a rotating daily position. He has the meditation room candles lit, fire going by
5:30 A.M. Runs meetings etc. for day. Chants vary from gospel to Hindu to Indian.
breakfast 7:30-8:30. Sufi dance if it happens.
work 8:30-12:30
lunch 12:30-1:30
work 1:30-4:30 or 5 or whenever people stop; we’ve all been very into it lately.
dinner 6:00
meditation/prayer 8:15~9:30 like a Quaker meeting; spontaneous prayer, or silence, or speech as prayer to one another.
Tuesday—same except: fasting all day until light dinner. Silence until after evening meeting which is eye meditation- people sit in pairs wherever they want to and look into each others’ eyes, ½ hour, then kirtan in meditation room. This is an experiment; so far very meaningful.
Wednesday—same as Monday, except evening meeting in only (commons) room and is business.
Thursday—same as Monday (prayer meeting)
Friday- same as Wednesday (business meeting)
Saturday—“Process” in A.M.; plan the week. General cleanup, other work until lunch. P.M. Free evening; often music or a communal sweat bath or bath in large tub (holds everybody.)
Sunday—free day. Visitors come, often many. We have a meal of rice and vegetables at 4:00 for all comers and sometimes dancing before.
June is a month of clear weather and hard work here.
The garden—will not be producing yet (can’t plant until late May) but will require much care. (we’ve been eating fresh salads from the growhole for a month now.)
Adobes- that goes on all month. Hard physical work particularly for the men, but women do too. Incredible and yet obvious to see buildings come out of the mud.
Mudding—resurfacing outsides of existing buildings-particularly women’s work.
Ram Dass’ book—which we are rubber-stamp printing and illustrating. We planned to have it finished end of May but highly unlikely. So 5-6 of us need to spend half-days on that, probably first 2 weeks of June to finish.
Animals—5 goats milking now, 4 kids, hopefully God will grant us by then also a cow. Takes 2 people 2-3 hours a day. Also we want to begin soon a goat-herd system so one person and one or more children will take animals up the mountain to graze daily.
Last 10 days—making 6000 adobe bricks. Lot of work.
Plus whatever else. We’ve just ordered 50 fruit trees and enormous amounts of vegetables and flowers. Spring is at last here (I remember your planting in February!) and the people here feel very close and together. There are 10-12 of us now who have shared a good deal- the Ashram, the winter, many months of life, now the spring work and the book. We expect several more people who either asked to be here with the Murshid or seemed to fit well for him and June. A few will leave and you all will come. It will be wonderful month.
A group called Synurgra run by John Allen live near Santa Fe. They use acting as a vehicle for inner work. Their discipline is eclectic but, I believe, strongly Gurdjieffian. My impression of them is very strong and very good. They are interested in performing their play, “The Guru” here in our dome the first weekend in June (see program enclosed.) Some of us saw it last week and thought it well worth doing here. If the Murshid has no objection we’ll go ahead and plan this but please ask him and let us know soon.
All good wishes and a beam of love to all you touch from us here.
In His name,
Frances
[undated back of envelope]
Frances wrote this before seeing your last letter. We are reserving month of June for Murshid and ten disciples. From June 21st on, Laura has a commitment to making 6000 adobe bricks for an Indian family who has been very helpful to Lama. So last ten days, this other thing for some of the men during the day. Otherwise, we figure the whole month.
Our best,
Hans
May 10, 1970
Dear Frances, Hans, and everybody:
I am very happy to be answering your letter of May 5. The truth, both in its static and dynamic aspects, really belongs to all of us. It is a question of attunement and perception. Those who are attuned, those who perceive, will always see the same or harmoniously if there are differences.
Basically, the principle changes I would have are for the purpose of offering instructions either in Sufism, or toward universality. These changes would not be fundamental. They would be variations due to the fact that I have been invited to come as Guru. The only changes I would make in the work program might come in the afternoon where classes in instruction and meditation might begin a little earlier. I feel that six hours is a good maximum on labor. However, on the main aspects of labor as you have described them, building, adobe, brick, vegetable growing, husbandry, and general domestic chores, probably need not be changed at all. The only daily routines I might alter is the possibility of a trip or trips covering any of the land between Albuquerque and Denver. We may try to cover one of these before the first, and the other after we depart.
It is certain that considering the local Sufi movement as a whole, there has been a growing prosperity or financial alleviation, due to our interest in and participating in health foods and organic gardening. I am going to try and get a new type of organic fertilizer sent to Lama, from Chicago, and if it arrives during my stay, will use it, otherwise, you will have instructions thereto.
As to the kiln and ceramics. Two of my disciples who are not coming to Lama are going to a summer school not very far from Novato, and there will be some reports and advice no doubt, after their return.
As to filming. Mansur and I are absolutely at one with you in everything. The same is true with drama.
Impedimenta (Latin meaning) Last night we paid first attention to this. For various reasons we should all have ponchos which can act multi-purposely. We will also check on flashlights and boots and knapsacks.
There will only be three men coming besides Murshid, and I think 5 woman, not counting children. It will be very fine if Mansur and Murshid can have the mouse-house. We shall turn over to a lady (Selima) who is coming with us, Mansur’s VW, which will be occupied by this lady, and presumably, three little children, There will be another car with a family. And a third car, two ladies and two infants. One of these cars is multi-purpose (a camper.) The other car could be used, especially by Mansur and Murshid, for trips we might have to take north or south, after arrival.
We have still to check with those who are coming to class today. The main car besides ourselves is that of Bill and Kay Mathieu with their children and a little girl, Liese, who is our youngest disciple. Although Liese is, I think 10 years old, she does participate in our dancing, singing, and meditations. We hope she will also be interested in the animals.
Program in general. I do not think there will be radical changes, but question fasting the first week. If we can prepare for it on the first, we can go through with it on the second. We certainly can prepare for it for the succeeding Tuesdays, but wonder about the children. I am bringing with me figs and coffee. It does not make any difference whether the camp is vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
Looking at the calendar, I should say we will probably arrive on Sunday the 31st, and in this sense would begin on that night. Time of departure would fit your program. But if you wish us to arrive earlier on that day, and you have a program for us to observe, please let us know.
I am trying to make it clear that all who come will have both work and spiritual discipline. We will send you further letter either tomorrow or during the week regarding each and all of the actual persons. We shall bring 3 of Inayat Khan’s books, but also present Buddha’s Jhanas, basic meditation exercises which have proven to be both practical and beneficial.
We have, of course, added to our dancing and chanting. Some of these are simple, some of them profound.
On the very personal side, although I am coming as Guru, I wish to participate in the vegetable garden, and if possible in the brick or adobe work—not in carpentry, etc., mostly on account of age. I feel especially good the way things are happening everywhere. Today we met one of the New Age leaders at the Family Dog, which is a sort of center. Personally, I feel a certain burden in Ram Dass’ leaving this country, but the fact that he may become a disciple in Sufism is most encouraging. He certainly was of help to me in the Boston area, and we may have to return there in September, inshallah.
My health has been unusually good for a man of my age. Part of this is due to the assistance received from a holy man Cambridge, Mass. (right near Harvard) who was of African descent, and a most marvelous individual.
What I fear most is some omission on our part, so we will keep on going over your letters, hoping we are properly equipped by the time of arrival.
Love and blessings,
Samuel
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
May 19, 1970
910 Railroad Ave.
Novato, Calif. 94947
Lama Foundation
Dear Friends:
I just called Wali Ali and asked him to let me know immediately if he receives money from you, after I realized that I put no return address on my postcard.
Murshid said earlier that all he asked of Lama was an airplane ticket. But more recently he said he received $200 from you. I am glad you paid him, because many people ask him to come and see them and offer nothing. Murshid now supports 2 disciples in his home in San Francisco and is saving to travel not only to Boston in the fall, The next Temple of Understanding conference, and England in 1972, but also to take a dance troupe to England and a group of some number to the forthcoming conference. Therefore, I think remuneration is not only moral but also very helpful, although Murshid would never demand it.
TWA round trip to Albuquerque is $120 economy, but I drove the way last May for $100 which included some (2) new shocks on the return trip. I am having a complete maintenance Friday, but will not get a needed new starter due to lack of funds, and am not asking either.
My purpose for this letter is to request that you send any travel funds you can to Novato. Thank you.
Saul has turned up with a car, so him and his dog will travel together with Basira and her child leaving Murshid, Selima, Kevin, Sirin, and Nathan in mine.
Since Murshid’s musical director is coming I am busy now copying some Sufi material on that subject.
Love,
Mansur
May 20, 1970
Samuel L. Lewis
910 Railroad Avenue
Novato, CA 94947
Dear Murshid,
Enclosed is a check for $200 to cover travel expenses from San Francisco to
Lama.
Ram Dass departed last Monday morning to spend a month with his father. At present, it seems doubtful that he will go to Chile. Any case, however, he will be leaving the country for a couple of years to return to his guru. In the meantime, we now continue on production of the book. Arrangements have been made for printing, and the initial distribution is at least in the planning stage.
Our spring is overflowing quite nicely, filling our two irrigation ponds and supplying the garden now being planted. From the growhole, we’ve been harvesting fresh greens since the beginning of March (not so special to a Californian, but exceptional here, especially at this altitude.) We are getting about 8-10 quarts of goats’ milk a day, about 32 eggs a day; are planning to get a cow also. The new barn is underway, and we plan to start making adobe bricks this week or early next week. We’re in process of planting 40 fruit trees, hoping that they will survive here.
Inner work continues. Frances and I both are finally beginning regular early morning meditation. We are all beginning to find out what compassion means.
The children ask when you are coming. We look forward to your arrival.
Namaste.
Hans
May 20, 1970
Dear Mansur,
I’m sending in the same mail a $200 check to cover travel expenses, written to Murshid.
It was our impression that Murshid wanted no fee or stipend for his work here. The $200 he mentioned to you was for travel money for last summer’s visit. However, we can pay, and would certainly want to if it is his wish.
We pray for a good road for all of you, and look forward to seeing you.
Namaste
Hans
May 25, 1970
Lama Foundation
Dear Friends and Hans:
It was with great joy your letters containing travel expense check for $200 was received this afternoon. I rang Wall Ali up immediately to tell him the good news; that is, I rang Murshid up and he was out but Wall All was in and very happy.
In my last letter I mentioned some of the expenses which Murshid is undertaking on behalf of disciples (actually quite the contrary to tradition,) but did not mention the fact that his income from his two dancing classes a week comes to over $200 a month, a sum he will forfeit by coming to Lama. It is therefore for this reason also I feel that some stipend should be paid—and I use the word “paid” aware of all its nasty connotations.
I hope this will be given serious consideration. I can tell you that it is his wish to be paid and my wish on behalf of him to obtain travel expenses, and looking through the correspondence in the past I find that he has alternately desired both, at different times. And this is my hope.
Love,
Mansur
Mansur Johnson
July 17, 1970
Lama Foundation
Box 444
San Cristobal, NM 87564
Dear Frances and everybody,
You will have to pardon any shortcomings in this letter. Since my return there has been nothing like a day off—tonight I hope to take the household to dinner—I hope. Yes, there are plenty of people telling me to take it easy, or that I should get new help, or, or, or. But today, for the first time one man did show up to come to help me, and which is better than a billion words. I do not mean Saul, who is doing fine, and who is saying that I better send his love and blessing along with mine or else, and he is right.
It is very hard to know what to do. Within three days Baba Ram Dass, Paul Reps and Vilayat Khan all practically told me they were leaving the United States to my spiritual tutelage. And while they were writing lovely letters a Hassid Rabbi and a Korean Zen Master sent emergency letters they were arriving in San Francisco and expected to see me muy pronto if not more so. There used to be a song, “I love a parade;” that is all I get, but Allah-God-and Ram have joined forces to see that my health is excellent, even if my disposition remains steveish or peevish. No, nothing has gone wrong. Nothing has gone, everything is coming.
First I had better tell you about Daniel. He is the guitar player whom I mentioned to Steve as being a Sanskrit student. Allah-God- and Ram have joined forces giving Daniel Lomax a good paying job in Tucson, Arizona, and I have appointed him as acting spiritual Sufi leader for the states of Arizona and New Mexico. He leaves here about the end of the month. He has my full trust in almost everything, and the word “almost” is used because he has not yet the same trust in himself.
Mansur has been working very hard, largely on the films. This leaves me with Wali Ali Meyer and now he has a new assistant in whom I have considerable faith. But I need a much larger secretariat.
In the meanwhile my disciples are meeting without me to establish a more business-like and financially operative movement. This more unification is of great encouragement. In any case I have to plan to go East with Mansur this Fall—at least plan. And from then to the end of the year I hope Daniel will make periodic journeys to you on Sundays.
The kiln is not now operating so Drew will not be bringing you dishes. But there is some possibility that Basira may be visiting you with or without her husband James who “potters with pottery.” Last Saturday we celebrated the wedding of Shirin, the God-mother of baby Shirin, who is attending a graduate school in ceramics.
Leslie has written that she should be here soon. She must decide whether she will become my housekeeper or not, but the tone of the letter was beautiful.
Before Frances called I received a long distance from New York about the next “Holy Man’s Jamboree” in Boulder. To me this is not the way to God, spiritual liberation, or universality. I am still for everything that is going on in the Truth Room.
Tonight I take the second step towards peace in the Holy Land, among human beings, regardless of the scoundrels who operate the central governments of Russia and the United States. Or the amateur scoundrels in charge of Israel and the Arab countries. Circumstances beyond my control have practically compelled an active interest in effective undertakings. Actually there is so much more going on that it is very hard for me to uphold my own equilibrium.
I am not enthusiastic about the meeting at Boulder. I am far more interested in every dance session you have, in every prayer and ceremony, in the Truth Room, and even in the least of your folk art projects. While I am not offering direct advice, I feel that when you pursue your own inspirations you are coming closer to God and humanity, but when you are pulled by the winds of high sounding emotional endeavors you may be wasting time and energy. Look after the crops, the goats, and now the cows if you have them. Then God will bless you directly. At least that is how I feel.
Love and Blessings,
Samuel L. Lewis (Murshid)
910 Railroad Ave.
Novato, Calif. 94947
July 21, 1970
Lama Foundation,
Box 444, San Cristobal,
New Mexico, 87564
Beloved Ones of God:
This letter is written while Murshid is dizzy. Nothing wrong of itself, but so overworked that one does not know where to turn. Secretary Daniel is preparing to go to Arizona where he will have a good job and occasionally, I hope, visit you. He is the man who plays the guitar and knows Sanskrit, among many other accomplishments. Secretary Mansur is working for the films, and I am down to Wali Ali in San Francisco and a new assistant, Joan. But we are temporarily without a housekeeper.
This last problem may not last long. Leslie is back and has been putting in some volunteer time. There will be some shifting around, and we may be able to establish a rhythm.
Five different people appeal to go to Boulder or Denver; even money was offered but I simply do not have the time. Now Baba Ram Dass and Yogi Bhajan wish also to go to Portland, Oregon. I do not know what is gained by these efforts, which means simply I do not know.
While working one real peace program for the Near East I have been approached by good Catholic mystic friends, men who were close to the late Thomas Merton. And this has been helped because I was sent for the Chassid Rabbi, Shlomo Karlbach of Jerusalem. He has been having packed meetings and there is some underground for peace. But generally no leadership and this one is expected to fill the empty space.
While that was going on the Buddhist Master, Seo Kyung Bo of Korea came. We gave him a packed meeting. Schlomo’s meetings are packed. My first meeting on Christian mysticism, packed. Dance classes very enlarged attendance and so money coming in. Other meetings larger attendance. And chief associate, Moineddin Jablonski ill all the while!
Then a lot of young people want to break up their partnerships or marriages. And an independent effort to raise money to help Murshid, excellent in conception but leaving me without help for the time being.
Present hopes are that Basira’s husband can come down later after the kiln is in operation and bring you dishes. Drew about ready to leave.
A lot new disciples and a lot of applications and hardly time for anything. So I am going to appeal for help, not sentiment—get a lot of it, but help, real help and maybe my balance can be restored. Anyhow health good and finances good.
Love and blessings,
Murshid
Samuel L. Lewis
August 2, 1970
Lama
Dear Murshid,
Here is the cheque for beginning and two months. I’m sorry it’s so long in coming but here it is.
So much to say of Lama, of us, of me. Last month here very peculiar, you all leaving a gap filled by an assortment of people some very fine for here and some not fitting at all. Somehow we must find a way to choose more truly. There were a sizeable segment who wanted something else, ranging from more encounter-group stuff to less work and more meditation. Also those of us who live here were in truth tired, and didn’t feel able or just didn’t put out as much to the new ones as these needed. So there was strain and a lot of ego stuff, all of which now seems to be balanced out by the new group who, with the exception of one couple who left immediately, feel very much at home. A nice thing of last month was Lenore Tawney and weaving two hours every afternoon. We worked on little frames and on looms too and everyone got a feeling for yarn and the possibilities. A new rhythm for here and welcomed. Also Lenore a very sensitive, quiet, deep streamed person who belonged here. This month Millie Johnstone, who teaches tea ceremony, is with us. These two women may be examples of long Zen training...both from the center in New York...if so speak well of it from their centeredness, calm, yet active and perceptive interest in others. And both give fully and freely of themselves and their craft. Maybe the craft and its discipline explain them as much as Zen. The tea ceremony exquisite, still. I’ve never been stiller. She will work with us in groups of three or four...perhaps every person will do it every third day. We’ve taken the upper dome, the one Saul was in, as a tea house, and the walk to it is a good preparation. We also have a new schedule, by which we work 6 hours straight 8-2 and then have a big meal and quit. I thought you and especially Saul would like to know that today Hans put up a hammock and took a three hour nap and it was all legal. The long stretch of time enables me to do all the little things I’ve needed to do and to have space to walk or rest or whatever. It is much better. We have a big tea in late morning, do get hungry, but no matter.
Bell for supper, Eric’s birthday, will finish later. How can a letter explain the delight I have in your being and all it has done for me?
Going to mail this fast; will write again tonight.
Love,
Frances
Aug. 17, 1970
Frances van Briesen
Box 444
San Cristobal, NM 87564
Beloved One of God:
Your very cordial letter of the 2nd was not answered sooner due to the pressure of work. Secretary Daniel has now a paid job in Tucson, Arizona, and he has been appointed Sheikh for the activities in Arizona and New Mexico. We are asking him to send you to the studies called Gathas, and hereafter that you send to him dues or contributions.
This morning, Basira asked me to write because she wants to be with you in October if that is possible. As I expect to be away from this region that whole month myself I certainly have no objection. It depends largely on the policy of Lama and the facilities. Personally, I am hoping that the kiln is in operation and that she can bring with her the materials you need. The ceramics school finishes this week and operations should follow very shortly. There has been some complaint, quite unnecessary, that they have not enough orders, that the kiln is too large for small operations. I think quite the contrary. Anyhow you might write to Basira Pickard 112 Edison St., Corte Madera, Calif.
I also held up answering because of Stephen’s visit. He came at a most opportune time to see what was going on in our class work. To me the class held Saturday night was one of the finest in attendance and performance.
(If I were to write on what these wonderful young people are doing in their private lives and special careers, it would take volumes.) Secretary Mansur has an outside job in connection with the filming of dances. This program has expand and has become world-wide. All classes are slowly but definitely increasing in size, collections are slowly but definitely improving, and the list of applications for discipleship is also going up.
Last Wednesday I had a sort of day off if you want to call it that. I was a guest at the women disciple’s dancing which proved to be very good. After that I went from Corte Madera to Mill Valley which is the next town, to call on one Elsa Gitloe, a lifelong friend. Alan Watts, whom I had not seen for years, dropped in. When I mentioned Lama he mentioned Millie Johnstone. The world is very small, and the conversation became very complicated, but cordial.
There have been several occasions lately when I told the audience that my prophesies were far more efficient than those of Nostradamus or any well-known augur. When they asked me how this could be, who taught me, I tell them about Sokei-An Sasaki, who was the founder of The First Zen Institute. I am tremendously under obligation to him. You will find a picture of Sokei-An’s teacher’s teacher on my altar and also one of the teacher of that Roshi. We ourselves are now cooperating with a new Zen Center in Oakland.
There is a humorous side to this. A lot of people think women should have equal rights. I never say women should have equal or unequal rights, but here I am having recognized quite a few women Zen teachers, and not always recognizing men Zen teachers! In any case, I am now going to meditate about the whole thing over the tea house and may have some materials for you which we will go into later.
We are very busy working on peace programs. These are for the Eastern and Western parts of Asia. But my peace programs for central Asia depend upon the spreading of hammocks. And don’t think I am fooling. So please bribe Hans with this report.
My need for secretaries is finally reaching some people. There is a possibility of having two dance secretaries, and we will need them. All the additional dances will be sent to Daniel Lomax, but you will also get copies. This depends upon another operation—the growth of our printing, duplicating, and related projects, all of which are making very definite progress at this writing.
When I was with the Baba people, we worked from 7 til 1. I think you will understand that. As it was hot down there we did leave for breaks, but these did not take up much time. In general most parts of the world, this is also done.
The chief complaint at this time is that everything is going so fast it is hard to keep up. I think lots of people would like that kind of complaint.
We have three great projects in addition to the usual:
1. Real peace between Israelis and Arabs.
2. Filming and spreading international understanding by music and dance.
3. Mystical interpretation of the Epistle to the Corinthians.
You can see there is no time for a day off. You can see there is no time for dullards. You can see that for every increase in complaints there is ten times the amount of joy and exaltation.
Love,
Murshid
Samuel L. Lewis
P.S. Two of the biggest reasons for the present dilemma are the growth of The New Age Health Food Stores and organic gardening. Wow! I am able to make three curries extra every Sunday for the dancing class students from our produce. Wishing you the same.
Lama, August 18, 1970
Dear Murshid,
Sorry my last letter was so quickly ended. Wanted to tell you how beautiful your letter was and how we pondered how “help” is to be given. Knowing you need responsible people and energies and knowing our place(s) is (are) here, we pray. And know and believe it will do some good. Pray for all the joy and all the love and al the peace to shine strongly on and though all you endeavors and on you.
Drew is here and we wish he could remain, a wonderful addition, works very hard, he and Louise in the garden and now planning and beginning a children’s play area. They just returned with a truckload of kids and huge numbers of tires to build a thing to climb on.
Have to stop, just wanted to touch. One personal question: part of my morning practice is to meditate on the Sufi Symbol. I don’t understand how to do this. . . .whether to imagine it in my mind, or over my heart, or to draw it and actually look at it. Also feel unclear about the evening meditation “on the heart.” When possible could you clarify these for me? Feel very queer asking for any of your time but there it is.
No word from Daniel but hoping he does contact us soon. It is a boon for us there is someone from you in this area, even though the area is several thousand miles.
Hans, children and I go to the East coast for a month, leaving early September, to clear up affairs there and visit. Missing too much of the harvest but must be. Then home again.
With great love in God’s name,
Frances.
August 24, 1970
Frances van Briesen
Box 444
Lama Foundation
San Cristobal, NM 87564
Beloved One of God:
Your very beautiful letter of the 18th is greatly appreciated. It comes at a time when we are totally jammed. Daniel has gone down to Arizona and is very busy. We hope he can contact you, but you’re going East gives him a little breathing time. I also expect to be going East, a rather complicated undertaking so I shall spare details.
Murshid is absolutely crushed between two grinding stones so to speak. On the one hand, the chief associate Khalif Moineddin has been ill for weeks, and so ill that it has caused far greater concern than he can realize. This illness came at a time when Mansur was given a full-time job with the films. The film projects also have been most successful. My relations with my godson Ralph Silver are wonderful! And he is leaving soon to attend spiritual holy days and visit shrines in foreign ports.
The New Age Food business had been more than prospering. It is keeping many of my disciples employed at a time when I myself need help. The organic gardens have also been very very successful. The Dances are expanding and expanding. So are the dancing classes, and no secretary as yet.
The attendance at all meetings has grown. The reports from Daniel in Arizona, Peter in New York, and many friends of Baba Ram Dass in New England, are all excellent.
Very glad to get the news about Drew. But my understanding is that he will soon be working on a playground project right across the street from my home. And now lives with me, and we naturally have a vested interest in this. But maybe we can arrange for his return to Lama
next year.
Meditation. Feel the symbol in your heart, and see it with your eyes at the same time. These feelings will meld into each other.
Please let me know about your geography when you go East. In the meanwhile if there is anything you want and you get no letters from Daniel, let us know and we will handle it from here although we are terribly burdened. Love and blessings to everybody,
Samuel
Murshid
December 14, 1970
Lama Foundation
Box 444
San Cristobal, NM 87564
Beloved Frances:
I have the dramatic report on the fire, etcetera. Before I give a review, let me tell you what Murshid’s position is: it is dramatic, almost fictional, and, from another point of view, even humorous. Murshid is absolutely overworked. He is advised by many people to take it easy. And on the other side he is kept so busy and he has so little help! But before you react, and it is so easy to react—Mansur is now operating on his own. He lives right across the street from the Novato Khankah, and his last reports were so optimistic! The last reports from godson Ralph were even more optimistic. If I tell you at the moment there is a shortage of cash, the only thing wrong would be your reactions to it. For there is every sign of growth and the possibility of a really large commune or establishment. There is not a lack of money, but the absence of time to bring those who have money together for a working program.
On the surface it is to get land for organic gardening, and then to have houses. But I am disinclined to accept any of the traditional forms of architecture, and I am not sure that we could not gain from either the Lama Cookbook or the New Age type of architects I met in Massachusetts. But we do not want to do anything in this line until the visit of Pir Vilayat Khan.
Next Sunday, December 20, we are having a bazaar in the city of Sausalito. It is presumably for three purposes: to raise funds for our peace efforts; to aid Murshid; and to get aid for the sufferers of East Pakistan. We cannot tell at this moment the programs are very ambitious. But Saul has been most successful in getting us proper publicity, etc.
Another thing that is going on, absolutely successful, has been the work of Bill Mathieu (now known as Alla-u-din.) This choral group is more than something; it is so marvelous. We are going to have programs next Sunday, and then for Christmas, and then for Vilayat Khan.
On top of that I now have six dancing classes. Two are for women only and one which was just established for men only. This last is so perfect I am amazed and delighted, and I see huge possibilities.
Coupled with this is what I might call New Age Yoga, which comes out of the work of a disciple who is also a real Yogi. His name is Krishna Das. I will try to get all the materials from him I can, and add my own work to it, and bring this next Spring. But there is a possibility—don’t count on it yet—that I may be taking a long session in Arizona at the end of January presumably, and either visit you or meet you at some convenient place, for a trip to Albuquerque is most important.
We have now had the report of those who went to Asia, and the doors are open. It is largely a question of organization.
Now I am not too sure but it is quite possible that for all the drama and damage, the fire was an initiation process. Initiations by earth, water, fire and air are not only symbolic, they can be very real. And they may have some deeper significance. It is very easy to make a comment or suggestion, but I myself am working with the philosophy that actions are the most perfect solutions. Anyone can give ideas. However, I should add an idea, if you have not done it already: Have joint meditations either in the morning or evening and take impressions from each other most seriously, if you have not already done so. It may be that visions will open up, God willing.
Basira has been unwell, and the theme last week was the use of Sufi chanting to promote good health. But the lesson this week will be Sufi chanting to help promote clairvoyance. Both of these are her needs. This is mentioned because the program is not adjusted to her. It happened that her problems came just at the time the Sufi medicine, so to speak, was being made available.
Whatever our problems are here, they are not basically those from the weather, with one exception, that we have had an enormous amount of rain, and this one family lives in the woods in the canyon (Fred and Julie Cohn, who have been the leaders in our filming.) If anything happened there it would be a water initiation so to speak.
Does Baba Ram Dass know about your drama? Has the fire affected your work in cooperation with him? Sometimes I think we have to get out of our dream world into what we call “realities.” Inwardly I feel wonderful about it, only regretting I have not time for further consideration. When I landed in the hospital a few years back I had a series of Visions, and every one came to manifestation, down to tiny details. Later I had less emphatic Visions, more oral communication, but these have come out exactly. And at the moment all intuitive and parapsychic forebodings are most favorable, excepting concerning my ability to be an organizer and executive. Yes, I was trained for spiritual teaching and want to do more of that.
I am very glad to get the picture of Barbara and Steve’s house.
In re-reading I got some idea of Ram Dass’ book. I will go over some of these matters at the gatherings on Wednesday and Sunday. Both of these are in Sausalito. We are getting an average attendance of 100 people there. Even the “small” meetings in this house are larger than in the past.
I only have two hypothetically free evenings, no free days. Last week the Tuesday was spent at the University of California in Berkeley, and the Friday at the ashram of Yogi Bhajan in San Rafael. Both were given over to Dancing, largely, with the response somewhat larger than I personally can handle. But this morning one of the lessons at the men’s Dancing class was to prepare the participants to become spiritual leaders through the Dance. They are all very anxious.
Leslie is now my housekeeper. Last week we had Selima come and Christmas presents were purchased for Kevin, Shirin and Asa. All three immediately saw what they wanted, were very determined to have just that thing, and the costs were remarkably low. So neither time nor money was lost! If life could only be like that. (Nathan arrives tomorrow. He has been with his mother. And Mansur will probably drop by with him.)
We assure you you have all our sympathy, and we hope more than that. Despite working every day all day it seems the health is not bad, especially for an “old man.” Leslie joins me in sending love and blessings. Please forgive me for anything I have overlooked.
Samuel
Samuel L. Lewis