January 16, 1959
My dear Rudolph:
Knowing you a long time now a letter of appreciation might be regarded as personal or emotional. In some sense this letter is both. But the contact has brought something much deeper and that I wish to outline here. I am sending a copy to Charles Siegferith because I think it contains elements for articles on the two subjects mentioned. The two subjects are quite different and perhaps illustrate two distinct sides to my nature.
Several years ago you were giving a lecture on Oriental Art with particular stress on your own collection. During that lecture I experienced something like an outer Samadhi. Perhaps at first one just looks at objects. Later on he perceives details. But still later he passes from sensual to esthetic appreciation. If that were the end of it this would still be an emotive letter.
What I found was something like a deep attunement. The Zen expression of becoming a stick of incense may become valid if one does not stick to the intellectual “stick of incense.” In this instance it was one of your own vases. To feel the beauty and perfection in the vase passed on to feeling all the emotions and dreams of the creator and finally one reaches a point where one feels he is creator, material and product.
No doubt this might be called a “Samadhi” and for practical purposes there is no objection to the term. I felt a good deal of this in Japan and again in Bombay, Agra and Madras. Although in those instances I was looking at historical pieces, I find the same state of consciousness now continues in Chingwah Lee’s class. In a certain sense I am studying Chinese art anew. But what is really going on is a passage from observation, historical study, technical study, deep aesthetic experience to the spiritualization of the totality.
In this way one comes to a “Samadhi” or “Satori” with every object shown, regardless of time or period or skill of workmanship. One does not compare pieces any more than one compares the perfection of the drawing of a ten-year old with one of a finished artist. On the feeling side there is little difference. And although one may begin with a certain mood comparable to the several rehearings of a symphony I find that Chinese art, in total, is far better for me in uncovering my own “aesthetic” soul.
The other sense of awareness is of a totally different kind. I am outlining for Bill Gaskin a short paper. For purposes of this letter it would have a long title: “The Sociological and Esthetic Parallels between Eighteenth Century Japanese Art and French Nineteenth Century Art.” This can become an ambitious paper and that is why I am sending the carbon to Charles.
We have in each case the following:
a. A new form of esthetic expression which does not conform entirely with either the accepted Classicism or Romanticism.
b. The subject matter is more humanistic and humanitarian.
c. The poster art is developed connected with the theatre and allied arts.
d. The curves of beautiful women are depicted, connected with both fashions, costumes and grades of nudity.
e. Completely new and revolutionary methods are discovered and developed in the use of color, space and light.
f. The clientele are found among appreciative masses rather than classes, but also
g. The artist creates because he must and not because of patrimony.
This is too ambitious a program to embark on now. I wish to continue another semester with Bill Gaskin before attempting it, and also go to my own memoirs.
I think I am now psychologically more prepared for this. The past three months has resulted in the winning of a number of skirmishes and battles, in a certain sense, with regard to American-Oriental relationship. Two of the few men who have been my well-wishers in the past have returned again from India. One is Russell Smith, Executive Vice-President of the Bank of America. The other is Prof. Richard L. Park of the University of California.
I was once gardener for the Smiths. They were having the then Chinese Ambassador as guest for dinner and I made a Chinese-like peony flower arrangement. Although we never had any serious discussions they evidently had their eyes on me and gave me a most encouraging bon voyage. They set their foci much higher for me than even I in my most egotistic dreams proposed. But recently events in Pakistan and Egypt confirm their intuitions. This, plus Mr. Smith’s ability to confirm in his own experience what I had written to him.
Both Smith and Park are now accepted in the highest international circles for their respective fields. The latter speaks at the Aurobindo Ashram this coming Thursday night. My relations with Park have been technical and very cordial. But today my own views in so many branches of Orientalia have been confirmed and I seem to be receiving almost as much encouragement as previously I received discouragement.
All the above themes and notes tend toward the establishment of better cultural exchange universally, of which the East-West Gallery is the prime external institution.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
October 15, 1959
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 3, Calif.
My dear Rudolph:
In re: Collecting and Research for the East-West Gallery
I am sorry I did not wish to stay for Dr. Spiegelberg’s lecture partly because I am overburdened with time (writing two books and two epic poems), but because of the inspiration received at the lecture this morning. The immediate proposal below is not one for any organization of the E-W gallery, so much as to provide a framework for suggestions given to me and not by me as to what may be wanted.
The immediate proposal for a representative collection would be a grill pattern (used here as a scaffold and not necessarily as a house)
Islamic World Greater India Far East
Metals
Good
Good
Good
but best expensive
Ceramics Good Poor Excellent
Fabrics Fair Good but Silks
Weaving Excellent Dye stuffs (?) Excellent
Sari cloth Excellent
Miscellaneous Grills Wooden screens Well known
No objective art from Southern India
Metals: Immediate plan is to collect metallic objects from both Islam and India or to obtain full information thereof, etc. On rare occasions one runs into ancient metal works, Buddhist or Chinese, that would cost much less than in this country but still expensive. Have secret ingress to certain parts of Asia which would rather send objects d’art than report.
Ceramics: Need to balance Chinese collection with Persian, and Near East material.
Fabrics: This will depend upon a private event; my being married. My finance has a tremendous collection of fabrics and costumes and knows considerable on this subject.
Miscellaneous: Cost of purchase and shipping may be an element here but do not know.
Research Problems:
Color: On the immediacy, Fabrics use dyes vegetable or coal-tar; Ceramics derive from ions of metals in solution or colloidal form; Metals use enamels which fall between these.
The only part of ancient Egypt I am immediately interested in, both for the purpose of the School and my own desire, is the tracing of brick and tile making in ancient Egypt, especially with regard to color and finish—and to ascertain whether any of these arts and crafts have a continuous history down into Islamic periods.
Then there would be the agreement or contrast with Chinese and modern methods.
In the case of fabrics this would involve an investigation into dyeing methods, etc.
Craftsmanship: This would involve the taking of pictures and making of observation. My own conclusion at the present time as to the status of many artists and crafts is:
Islamic World Greater India Far East
Fairly honored Held in far
greater
Highly honored
contempt than we are
willing to face
I must call your attention here to the pictures of Stowitz shown in these parts many years back.
This involves next: tools and techniques. In the case of tools it might be an adjunct to the school to be able to collect some (as we now collect inks and tools of Sumi, etc.) The second would be to watch. I was able to watch craftsmen in two parts of India and the observation is that skills have been well maintained but the contempt held to the craftsmen is almost beyond our conception. And this was only in 1956. I would have insulted some fairly well placed persons if I dared to communicate even indirectly.
In Japan there is a similar situation in gardening but not in the fine arts; but even there communication was permitted because I told them I was a “dirt-gardener.” Of course in the end I became the only person in history to have the Emperor’s private gardener give me a lecture on training of dwarf shrubs!
I did not meet the workers in wood in India but that is a part of my next trip, I hope (thus Bangalore and Mysore).
Please take note here that the purpose of this is to build up the Gallery and collections and not as lecture-material. I ask that the grill-pattern be worked out and suggestions made as to what is most desired, etc.
My financial resources will be limited unless I am able to get some returns on the books now being written. On the other hand—and this is quite important—there are diverse persons in diverse lands under obligations to me with the understanding that these obligations will be paid off in art goods. And in the case of one country, at least, this has already been arranged.
Finally if the above “goes wrong” there is some possibility of my receiving a teachers job in one of several universities in India and Pakistan where I am recognized in manners not conceivable in this part (except by Prof. Richard Park of U.C. who has not gone to the University of Michigan.)
Cordially,
Sam
March 30, 1960
My dear Bill:
I hope you are now well adapted to the new head-quarters. I am compelled to write at this moment because you will be getting a few post cards and a tube from the Cleveland Museum of Art which I visited yesterday.
There is a sign above “Huntington Museum” but none of the attendants could explain that. Evidently Huntington: Museum: Carnegie: Libraries.
I only visited the Asian rooms with one exception, and did see one or two recent works. But there were plenty of sections adopted to Medieval and presumably “Christian” art. What struck me in them was the introduction of ceramic pieces, evidently under Islam influence, through Spain and Sicily. Some of these works showed technical developments quite different from those in any part of Asia, East or West, but the technical developments were not necessarily aesthetically fine.
There are not many pieces in the galleries; they are invariably very fine specimens. The whole place gives one the impression that they have plenty of money and very little room, so whatever had to be done was done well. The Chinese exhibits interested me most, but because of rearrangements going on I saw little that is Japanese—or they do not have them.
The guard system was like at the Metropolitan and not like in Boston—they had “beats” and they were not even instructed or interested in the exhibits. Even the new men at Hyderabad had better training and discipline. They seemed more interested in maintaining order, in case young people came around. In general the visitors looked like the young “super”-Beatnik type one finds in Sausalito and they were not pedants.
The museum itself is about as far from city transportation as in S.F. The building itself is conservative and heavy—post-Doric type. The internal arrangements, however, are somewhat better than the De Young or Memorial and there is a fine organ with court attached for listeners.
I won’t go into the details, but the Chinese, Indian, Buddhist and Islamic rooms were most interesting with excellent pieces. The general effect—or maybe it was the one I wanted—was that I was most stimulated by the early Chinese. Historically the exhibits and the centuries were well spaced together so there was no top—heaviness of any period—this with the Chinese but not so with the medieval European which caused me to evade the latter.
I did see some excellent Jade pieces but then I am over-attracted by Jade and scorn Gold (possibly the symbolism of gold versus the symbolism of light has something to do with this.). As I am more interested now in cultural exchange than in art criticism, after an hour I sought and found the information desk. They were most cooperative.
I sent Chingwah a tube with just the Chinese and Japanese, but the tube for the School will have four scrolls. Also I selected at random some of the cards. But these cards are not representative of the exhibits and were selected for their photography in part.
The over-all is that you will find one or two excellent pieces for each period or school, but not quantitative material warranting good studies. That is to say, the Museum is excellent for the history of art or even its technology. Despite some wonderful Oxblood Vases, I think the Schaeffer School, with its variety, will become more effective in actual exchanges at many levels, although this is an almost snap judgment.
I have been fortunate in being here when there has been an Institute on China and India. The Indian Institution was from my point of view the best yet held in this country—and I have been to many. There were three representatives from India, each with quite different backgrounds, and the two Americans who spoke also had excellent backgrounds.
The World Affairs Council here was one of the first established in the United States and this may account for the excellent (to me) handling of details and over-all as well. It stands in marked contrast to the UNESCO meetings of S.F in 1957. To be specific, in the case of India, all the speakers had the okay of the Indian government. We have habits of selecting our “experts” without examining their backgrounds.
Our “expert” on Zen Buddhist has never had any real Zen training nor been in Japan. The result is that the last book on “Zen” written by a Chinese, attacks almost everything he has said, done and written. I don’t know who will be popular in the end but maybe the Japanese or their representatives would like to get in a word when we have the chance—generally we are not given a chance.
Nor is Islamic Culture represented by Muslims. At UNESCO we had a Christian Missionary from Canada; around San Francisco it is a man of mysterious backgrounds who has been a friend of the Sultan of Morocco and the late Ibn Saud.
But here we had the refreshing opportunity to hear India described by Indians despite caustic remarks about “experts” by some men who would like to have been considered as “experts” themselves. To me, India is too vast to have an expert.
I have also been to Ann Arbor where there is a great movement toward East-West exchange in Art. The moneys formerly available have been transferred to a corporation at present involving Michigan University and Freer Gallery. As the chief curator was away, I left a note and may write later, but there is little to be gained by so doing (myself).
I also met an exchange professor from India while at Ann Arbor. I am going to his university ultimately either to do some research, or to teach. Until recently no Institutions around San Francisco has ever permitted me to report on what I know on some subjects which I am to teach in India. At the last moment the Department of South Asian Studies in Berkeley realized I do have the knowledge—rejections don’t mean a thing—and so part of my biography has already been published in India, and without my permission.
I also have, independent of all this, a date in the Indian Embassy for April 27th. I leave for Washington on April 25th, but meanwhile will make a side-trip to Columbus, to meet students of Oriental culture; and faculty members of the Ohio State University (Botany and Horticulture).
Guess that is enough gabbing for now.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
May 12, 1960
My dear Rudolph:
This morning I mailed a couple of brochures about which I had previously
written to Bill
Gaskin. I was sitting on my bed and noticed one on my host’s bed and noticed
one on my host’s book-shelf entitled “Mondrian.” So I am adding some
news.
Though the writer discountenances that Mondrian in the father of Mondrian architecture, I would go in the opposite direction and say that this is becoming Mondrianville. It is certainly an improvement (to my mind) of what has been and maybe it may be the acme of all that might be. But there is an absence of plasticity, life and growth which I have found in Frank Lloyd Wright.
Today I visited the Metropolitan which is several blocks closer than the Guggenheim. My first disappointment came that the Chinese pieces are all being cleaned and will be re-exhibited later on. I found the place jammed with Medieval European things and followed arrows to a “Greater India Exhibition.”
This consisted of a single room only and was marked by expensive, rather than choice works. Tomorrow morning I will phone Ward Moorehouse of the Asia society. They have a Gandhara exhibition on. I am presumably destined to visit both Swat and Bamian (at least the doors are open) so a preview would not hurt and then I would know what to do.
I am almost indignant—which is my special privilege—at the Net. Hemmed in between all the European rooms and with no notices of any kind, I found a contemporary American art room—a single room and not overfilled. It was dominated by Jackson Pollock and a glorious sun-burst of plastic materials, a three dimensional representation in gold-color and so invigorating and stimulating I forgot all the rest. It was like the splendor of heaven amid the loathsomeness of a modern city. And for that one room I could forgive the whole Museum.
But I left quite uncertain as to whether I should buy any reproductions of such a small collection. You may get some brochures of Asia Society Exhibition, if I consider them worthwhile. A surprising number of my accomplishments so far have been in line with their endeavors. And so far I have been very well received. The UAR has given me a “Courtesy Gratis” Visa. That may even set the tone for some other countries. This is a long story, but it will not hurt in my artistic (and other) mission to that country.
Cordially,
P.S. The death of John D. Jr. is, of course, receiving much attention here. Several of the people I am yet to meet belong to groups financed by him and his family. Their extent is very great indeed. The morning paper says that there is a measure in Congress to support schools in the field of fine arts. Will enclose.
July 4, 1960
My dear Rudolph:
I am at the moment in New York again. I have been staying with my cousins in Gloucester, Mass. Adolph is a professional flower grower; he needed help and I came along with several weeks to spare. I am now supposed to sail on August 8th. So I spend much of my time around his greenhouse and in the adjacent laying-out fields.
I had two hours extra time in Boston and visited the Art Museum. You have probably received a packet before this. It had no name on it but when I go to these places I always mention East-West Gallery and your name. I went through many of the rooms but the ancient Chinese bronzes “send” me. I have found this same reaction to Flamenco and Caucasian music, Japanese gardens, a large portion of contemporary art, and the presence of sages. They have something in common, indescribable, but experienced.
It is possible that my young cousin, Amy Matz may visit your place. I have asked her to call on Chingwah Lee, to learn more about Chinatown. She is also interested in Zen and it is comforting that this is common to many of my relatives on my father’s side. One of his cousins married the man who financed the first Vedanta centers in this country—at Boston and La Crescenta. But it is the others who lean toward Zen.
Adolph Matz, my host, has not studied modern art but works in the genre of the times. I have found in going around the acceptance of an Infinite Silence, or Space, and many types of derivatives from this space which forms the nexus of art. Thus we are coming to a “truth” which underlies Zen and most Japanese Art without its being either Japanese or Zen. In the Gospel of St. Thomas Jesus says: “The Father is a motion and a rest.”
Gloucester is, of course, an art center but there is a revolutionary trend toward the new or “non-objective” methods. This is particularly noticeable among the young, but to some extent among elders who have gone to Harvard.
I am writing because at this moment I am under a great temptation to which I am not yielding. I expect to visit the Paragon Book Store which deals exclusively in Asiatica. They have a number of wonderful art books which I have not seen elsewhere. But I am resisting this temptation because at the moment I should prefer spending the moneys on actual objects d’art in Asian lands. I have a feeling that any success on this trip will require my crossing the continent again and so long before this I should be seeing you.
At the time the so-called anti-American riots were taking place in Japan, I received another copy of a magazine honoring me. It has led to my writing an independent article which may be submitted to certain publications. The strange fact, Rudolph, is that Paul Reps and I have been accepted in Japan as few or no other Americans have. Perhaps along with us is one Karl Phillip Eidmann, an actually ugly American. Like Lafcadio Hearn before him his very ugliness led to his rejection in this country; he is in Japan, the authority on Japanese Buddhist history. But we prefer to get our knowledge second and third hand from Englishmen, Germans and Frenchmen—most of whom are not particularly admired in Japan. Some day we shall awaken to the fact that Japanese-American relations must be decided by Japanese and Americans meeting together.
On April 28th my “Lord Protector” died. He was Baron Nakashima and he was the advisor to many Prime Ministers. Through him I was the only Westerner even shown the stupa over the ashes of Lord Buddha in Japan, and admitted to the Royal Cemetery and Imperil Grounds—as a guest of honor, something never before shown to a simple person.
I carried on international messages for the Baron and was quite successful. The City of San Francisco being linked with the City of Osaka is one small element of one of his many undertakings. But he never put his name in print; he did not have to.
There is a strong feeling in Massachusetts for the need of a school of creative arts. The schools are largely traditional; the artists and the young are not, but they have not yet reached the stage, officially, arrived at in France at the rise of Impressionism. None of my acquaintances have ever heard of anything like the School of Design and most of them have been at least college graduates, with rather large backgrounds and outlooks. There is some agreement that the New York School of Modern Design and the Museum, except the Guggenheim, are using words, but are timid.
The Architectural exhibits at the Boston showing were to me the worst, just as the Sculpture was the best; the former were leaning backward and dreaming, the latter were bold and adventurous—and to me, delightfully.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
October 4, 1960
Morland House
16, Sharia Kamal ed din Salah
Kasr el Dubara
Cairo, U.A.R.
Rudolph Schaeffer
Utah & Mariposa Sts.
San Francisco, Calif.
My dear Rudolph:
This is sort of preview letter. I should be meeting Dr. Creswell who is the authority on Islamic Art within a few days. I have not been able to embark on my main adventures here because none of my presumed “hosts” were here at the time of my arrival. Dr. Roushdy of the Bank Misr and Chamber of Commerce is back and I make an appointment, I hope, tomorrow. My main link, Dr. Shawarbi, may come back any time.
Socially it is fortunate for me that they are not here. Excepting last Wednesday, I have not had any time off for exploring or going to Museums, and have refused to buy a single picture post-card for serious purposes. Now it may not be necessary.
Briefly I have been entirely successful in my scientific contacts and ventures and today, after a long meeting at the Department of Information, it looks as if something will come in other fields.
The Department of Information asked me to help them get materials in the artistic and religious fields. The latter I am delaying. The fiasco of the so-called American Academy of Asian Studies and the placing of departments of the Universities of California, Stanford and Pacific in the hands of Europeans, sometimes of doubtful nationality, is thoroughly execrated both by the Islamic authorities here and by our intelligence. We have a perfect right to reject Mr. Nasser in politics, but that is no reason for calling in Hungarians, Poles, Germans and what not, often of Jewish extraction, to be the “authorities.” We would not permit a Chinese to act as the authority on Latvia or Bulgaria, but the opposite is not unthinkable. It is done. No wonder it is so easy to rouse anti-American mobs.
I have given three names to the Department of Information: yours, my friends in Hollywood who are connected with the Hollywood Art Association, and the Art Museum in Lahore, Pakistan. Each of you may be receiving books, pamphlets, what not from time to time. I have especially asked for the Travel Bureau magazine which contains some fine colored photographs of Mosques.
We agreed that the neglect of Art Studies from his part of the world is one of the greatest gaps in real cultural exchange. This evening I am going to a lecture on modern art given at the Embassy which is close by. So far I have the full cooperation of the Embassy in every regard. They know what I am doing, fully approve, and when I return if any university rejects my material, and the professors are not American, they will be reported to the State Department. It is that important. There must be open exchange.
I had to miss the lecture on modern art last night. I called at the Indian Consulate and met Mr. Pande, the cultural attaché. We formed an immediate bond. I have about 10 universities in India on my present itinerary, not counting the scientific centers and may be lecturing in all of them. The immediate result is that I went to hear Dr. Chandrasekhar, the noted demographer, whom I have heard lecture at the University of California.
More important, I learned that my friend, Hussain, who used to be Indian Consul-General in San Francisco, is coming here as Ambassador. I was his guest in New Delhi and he is one of the few men in the whole world who knows what I am doing. His presence here is going to be of great help to me.
I am having my poetry reviewed and am working on all levels. I am very serious in this proper two-way cultural exchange between Nations without intermediaries. We shall never have peace and understanding without it. I am quite firm and adamant here, but I demand honesty and objectivity and so do all the Egyptians and Americans I am meeting here. My whole outlook is most encouraging.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
October 11, 1960
My dear Rudolph :
This is my diary note for today and I will begin with the afternoon which will interest you most. I went with the manager to a Jewish merchant in the bazaar in the eastern part of the city near Al Azhar and Syedna Hussein Mosques which are two of the most important buildings here.
I looked over a number of things and only purchased a scarab wrist bracelet for my friend, Dr. Baker, who gave me the money. There will be trouble locating ancient scarabs and there is almost as much trouble in shipping any mounted in silver and gold so these will have to be sent from Pakistan.
I also saw a number of uncut and some cut stones from the Sinai Peninsula which I intend to send to my friend, Seth Wood, in Sausalito. I also saw some prayer beads which I am taking for the most part to Pakistan.
I went over the shop but not too carefully. I saw one copper piece Nefertiti, which I intend to send to my friend, Mrs. Magaña Baptiste, but which for practical purposes, would be sent in packages to you for display. A secondary reason is that on my next visit the merchant will show me the coppersmiths and silversmiths at work; something in which I am interested.
I am glad to get the reports on gold for we previously visited the gold bazaar. You can get “genuine” gold with from 14K-24K and “honest” statements. But with this warning I am off, because I don’t want to pack stuff with me and have complications.
The first thing I am going to get is a blue dish, which is from the Mameluk period so it can be compared or contrasted with other blue pieces you have. This is undoubtedly cobalt blue but put on rather heavy on some pieces, so that it is dark. It would be a good contrast piece. It is the only thing that costs much.
The metal things I saw were so inexpensive we agreed that the packaging would not be worth it unless I bought several and there is no use sending things on unless they are somewhat varied. I do not know whether I shall leave before December and the later the time of purchase, the more money I can release. But for $25 I can send you quite a few things. The question is after the metal and dish, what is there to get? And I did not go into that at all…. They tell me it would take at least four weeks for goods to reach you and I would have everything marked, “For a Museum, Display purposes only.”
At this moment everything in my life has struck a high note. I am getting full cooperation from the Embassy and from the UAR government in all my efforts. These cover so many fields of endeavor; I do not wish to relate them now.
The United States Cultural Center has just put on a series on Modern Art, by one Mr. Beuer of Chicago who is very well informed and the husband of one of our best artists. Tonight begins the first readings on Contemporary Drama.
October 14, 1960
I was not able to complete my letter the other day. I am saying: “An adventure of day keeps the doldrums away.”If I do not have an adventure, or rather more than one, it is because of the heat. The last few days it has reached successfully over 95o, although it gets below 70o at night. This has delayed indefinitely any possible visit to Karnak and Luxor.
I now have and am getting more invitations to museums but have had no days off. Every morning is in conferences, with scientists, literati and the Information Bureau. I am learning about almost every aspect of contemporary life and culture, taking me far afield and giving me opportunities. The programs worked out with both the Egyptians and Americans will give me many opportunities in the presentation and exchange of cultures.
On top of that the Indian situation is becoming complex. This pension is the rendezvous for these people and I have piles of addresses both of persons and institutions to call on if I can reach their respective parts of the country. This is being further complicated that Mr. Hussain, who was once Consul-General for India in San Francisco has been appointed Ambassador here and is expected to arrive in about two weeks.
Then I received a letter from India from a man who has some saris ready for shipment. I made a deal with him, purchasing a transistor tape recorder and he was to pay in art, goods and saris. I wanted the art goods either for you or for display with Martin Rosenblatt. So I am sending for two saris for here and the others may go to Magaña Baptiste because my women relatives don’t take me seriously—it’s always that way anyhow.
I shall probably send Bill or you copies of my diaries when I visit museums or historical, places, but I am going to be slow in purchasing postal cards. I have already written that the Information Bureau has offered to put your school on their mailing list.
Perhaps there is a lot more to say but there is still a lot more to do here.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
November 21, 1960
My dear Rudolph:
I shall be sending today or shortly to the United States for some, money for the expressed purposes of spending it here. My whole journey has so far, been successful in every aspect, so much so that I called on Dr. Paul Keim of Berkeley Saturday and asked him for an evaluation. “I am not that good.” But Paul could find no flaws excepting that perhaps I may be trying too much. I do not know of a single proposal down to a minute detail which has received a rebuff. Indeed so different is my reception by actual Asian peoples that I often wonder whether I should not give up residence in the United States entirely.
For in addition to this I have been able to repay my $1,000 loan to the Bank of America way ahead of time and so increased my credit—which has been pretty good anyhow. It costs me only $70—$75 a month for room, board, laundry, telephone and tips, with other extras. My main expense remains mail and I often wonder what I might be doing if I gave up writing. But I feel—and I am somewhat of a crusader, that my country needs to understand the peoples of Asia.
The greatest obstacles to understanding are two:
(a) The insidious growth of the psychological aspects of dialectic materialism which has crept into our people via the medium of the press aid what not; for although they are very anti-communist, they carry some of the same attitudes on many subjects: clothing, mystics are fanatics, everybody ought to use machines, etc., etc.
(b) the use of intermediaries instead of meeting Asians face-to-face.
These two facts and factors cause the peoples of Asia from one end to another to deplore the United States. We are too materialistic and we do not accept as envoys the actual representatives of Asian peoples. I have no doubt but that the recent book by Koestler “exposing” mystics will be widely read. It overlooks Ruth Sasaki and Dr. Radhakrishnan, and of course it overlooks the 50,000,000 Sufis who are found far and wide. When this word is used, we consult a dictionary. Excepting at Harvard University, a Sufi may not speak on mysticism, and this includes, I regret to say some of your best friends. The American policy forces these 50,000,000 living people into a sham neutralism because we spurn them and criticize them and we never let them have the platform excepting at Harvard and a few universities on the East coast.
Last week I attended a very special reception for Ambassador Husain. You know him. He was once Consul-General at San Francisco. I was the only person present who had no diplomatic credentials, and incidentally the only person who knew the Ambassadors.
I was introduced as an American Sufi and immediately had a crowd around me. The whole staff of Indonesia are Sufis from the Ambassador down (or up.) I know this is true of Sudan too and many others. I have met too many and am their guest, all kinds of them here but chiefly just the class of persons whom our European mis-informers deny exist. But we trust the Europeans though God knows why, and we do not permit Sufis to speak on Sufism.
So far as you are concerned this means ultimately I shall have access to all kinds of Indonesian art; if, as, and when I get there. The obstacle is an unusual one, and one which San Francisco will have to face sooner or later. I have such a long list of Pakistani and Indian Universities and personnel to visit I do not know whether I can cover Indonesia and Malay is a must.
I have been helped no end because this Pension is the rendezvous of the Japanese and Hindus, though there are many Americans here.
The Khan-i-khalili bazaar is the great place here. I have now contacts—and almost humorously so—with a Jew for Islamic art goods, a Muslim for attars and perfumes, and a Christian for jewelry and folk-art. As soon as my money comes I am going to call on this Jewish merchant who is very honest, upright and reasonable and send some things to you. These must include at least one Mameluk piece of pottery and otherwise mostly metals. There is another Mameluk piece which I want to send to Lahore. There is also a fine Persian lamp but I may send this to Martin Rosenblatt. The main bug at the moment is that the stuff, whatever I send, may get in during the Christmas rush. So if there is a delay it is for cause.
It would appear I may remain until February. Today I go out to find about my ticket to Karnak and Luxor. I am not going to go to all the ancient sites, but the principal reason is financial. I have been promised field trips by both Americans and Egyptians, so why spend money therefore? After the field trips, it may be different
My main “successes” have been largely due to the many graduates of the University of California and the many Sufis I meet, in particular among the scientists. Some day some people in California are going to permit a Sufi to speak on Sufism. . . .indeed things have gone so far that if this is not done, the U.S. Government is going to ask some tough questions. The ill-will caused by misrepresentations is the only barrier I have to face. I get over it easily, my country does not.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
December 12, 1960
My dear Rudolph:
I am writing this letter preparatory to receiving an invoice for five pieces which I am sending to the School for study. They are modern pieces, exemplary of contemporary folk art. It is not easy to get historical pieces as the attitude toward early works is somewhat like the Japanese toward “national monuments.” There is no finality in this but I am planning to return to this land later on.
One of the chief reasons is that “local boy makes good—elsewhere.” I am going into no details. I was accepted on each Asian land I visited before; I am accepted on a larger and more serious scale now. I will spare you details, but there is one American habit that has to be changed if we are to have world peace and understanding and that is our habit of putting on “sunglasses” in looking at Orientals. When we look at them directly there is every chance for good will; when we look at them through intermediates, there is no chance. But we do look at them through intermediaries, we laud the intermediaries and often as not, those authorities on “Oriental culture” in the United States are the most loathed in actual Asia. I mention no names.
Nevertheless it is this habit which disgusts Asians and more here than elsewhere. They want us to eat with them, talk with them, even pray with them—or for that matter hate them directly and not through timid third party’s eyes and minds.
As for my projects, I have had quite a few and everyone has been accepted and every one of these acceptances at the highest levels. This has been both delightful and sorrowful for I shall not remain in the United States and have doors shut in my face when here all doors are open and even the whole staff of the U.S. Embassy is for me, including field experts.
And the doors are also open for me wide in other Asian lands. My old friend, M.A. Husain who used to be in San Francisco is here as Ambassador from India and through his staff I have had other introductions to other Asians, and everything looks potentially rosy for my future. On top of that the local newspapers are just awakening to my experiences and I have a nice letter from Chet Huntley whom I have known at least casually for many, many years. All of this delays my return or even desire to stay around San Francisco.
Wishing you and the staff the best of Happy New Years.
Sincerely,
Sam
January 8, 1961
My dear Rudolph:
I am beginning to wind up my affairs here but this will take a long time. The whole trend of affairs has taken another and sudden turn, upward. Everything that I came to do here has been successful, not only things planned but things long laid aside. I had a long newspaper interview the other day. They took my picture about eight times and if it is published, copy will be air-mailed to Mr. M. Mehdy, Arab Information Bureau, in the ferry building.
Tomorrow I am submitting two articles written at the request of certain local philosophers, and also part IV of my epic poem “Saladin.” This at their request, but it may open up other doors for me. It is not always that one meets with warm receptions and I cannot say I met with a warm reception, everywhere. But I have been thoroughly successful in all my scientific ventures and this also took another turn, and upward. The successful conclusion of this will not take place until I return to the United States.
This morning I went with the Americans to the Sultan Hassan Mosque. This is, to me and also to Dr. George Scanlon, the guide, the best Mosque here. I almost got esthetic fatigue, seeing so much that is wonderful in marble, wood, mosaics and stone. I purchased postcards but will probably not send them because a deal is on with a son of a friend here who is a semi-professional photographer. I could go around with him and get exactly the pictures I should like and if the deal goes through would send these to you. Temporarily I am planning to use the post-cards for Pakistan, but it is reasonably possible that despite this, I shall get others so I get a fairly full collection of views.
I am not sure about books. The best ones are in French and again it is a matter of shipment. The merchants do not like to ship small packages. The one who seemed most money greedy calmed down a lot when I talked shipments and said to buy copper and wood, which is what I have done. So it may turn out that my silver purchases would remain in my bags and carried all the way with me, which would mean that I could not distribute them until I return—which may still be a long way off.
Suggestion. If you have any friends coming this way please have them contact the American Embassy. They would not only get free tours on Sunday mornings but much better ones. The guides are thoroughly informed Americans, not dragomen who learn certain things—one never knows whether by rote or in full, and so better saving money and getting real knowledge; one has a good time, not to say the pleasure of cordial company of fellow Americans, stationed here. I do not think this is generally known.
I think it is part of our foreign policy to educate the staff of Embassies and Consulates. In certain places they emphasize languages. One of the citizens around here contradicted this approach: “You learn Arabic but not Arabs.” On such trips you learn something about the country, its history and people and a lot of things through the study of art, architecture and archaeology.
However next Sunday I may not go on the trip, because the next few weeks the emphasis will be on ancient Egypt and I have been invited to visit the Armenian and other Eastern Churches. I am more interested in Islamic art than ritual, but much more in ritual than in ancient Egypt. This, of course, is a private matter, but there is still a vast field for investigation of the best music of the Near East, not that of the casinos, but of the churches, people, and most of all, the dervishes.
After this letter I am going to another dervish gathering. The outside world knows them either not at all, but for their circus performances with snakes. I have not seen such things although I am now a member of the Rifa’i order which puts on such performances. So far I have been much more struck by their music. I think this is a continuance of the Gnostic Music. There has been a recent article in “Time” about the Gnostics and they did continue in Egypt long after they disappeared elsewhere.
Actually I do not leave Cairo until February 15, but this week I go to a place called Tantah to visit a dervish monastery; I have to make a trip to Alexandria for scientific purposes, and another to some of the American projects going on in Egypt. When I go to Alex, I should be visiting the Greco-Roman Museum and will send you cards, etc. from there. But at the moment I am busy all day, every day.
I sail from Port Said about the 20th February and thus arrive at Karachi about March 1st. I am planning to go to several places in the Indus Valley, partly for scientific purposes, partly to meet dervishes, and if the trip can be arranged rightly, to go to the old sites, but when I was there before there was no tourist bureau and I was sent to wrong places, but those trips were also profitable. After I reach Lahore I may spread out.
Probably late in Spring I should be in Afghanistan and if so, might go to Bamian to see the great Buddhist remains, but in N.W. Pakistan, I shall keep my eyes open for Gandhara art, etc. Also for Native Art. Also I am getting some things for the Art Museum at Lahore and I hope they will reciprocate—this would be to your benefit.
I have been planning to return here in a few years. I have another complex arrangement with the Fine Arts Guild of Hollywood and if the deal goes through, may work out the next itinerary to their benefit but cannot possibly take on any more now. Despite all the claims of each Nation, nearly all fail to mingle with the peoples of other lands. I do mingle, have mingled and shall continue to mingle and the results are often both control to protocol—diplomacy and exceedingly edifying.
My final venture here will be concerning my poetry, which has been highly appraised. But in the midst of other things I don’t know what I might do until I return. Plans for both India and Pakistan are much more elaborate than before.
I hope the School is getting on. In the midst of adventures I don’t miss anybody, but still this is not a settled life.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
January 19
Rudolph Schaeffer School of Design
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear friends :
I begin with my diary entry for the day and then may add to it. I have become very, very tired, largely because of a long parade of successful ventures, so I took the afternoon off. I went for a long walk with my friend who operates the book and magazine stand at Hotel Semiramis and he took me to his brother’s.
G. Deirmenjian, 33 Abdul Aziz St., Cairo, has a government job in the morning and operates a photography studio in the afternoon. He has a daughter in the United States. Last year she worked for Mardikian’s “Omar Khayyam.” If you are friendly with Mrs. M. you might relate this incident to her.
I am arranging with one member of the family to have unusual pictures taken of scenes which do not appear on postal cards such as interiors of Mosques, tombs, etc. We shall check carefully. But I shall not bring many cards home. Most of these will go to Pakistan. Instead I shall place a tentative order for Mr. Deirmenjian to make glass slides, perhaps colored, and these could become the property of the East-West gallery. I am pretty sure you will approve. Only at the present time I cannot put out my own money. I have neither the returns from the United States nor the forms for my Income Tax and must keep a considerable amount in reserve until I find out. Besides, I should want to lecture and such lectures could be used for raising funds for the School. I have made some such suggestions before but they have been treated lightly.
In the meanwhile it is possible that you have received the shipment I sent some time ago.
The morning was spent in scientific research mostly for city College and even this was “light“after the engagements of the previous day. Most important may have been another long newspaper interview. I am always getting interviews, but only slight news. I have been promised at least one long notice because my picture has been taken at least eight times and over 2 1/2 hours in interviews and this does not include articles published without my being interviewed. I have sent a number of serious reports to the American Friends of the Middle East, and others to the World Affairs Councils, but this does not cover my scientific or Islamic ventures. I do not have any time “off.”
Before that I had a long interview in the Ambassadorial section of the Embassy. This is the first time I have really stayed for a conference. They want a full report from me, my ventures, contacts, suggestions especially. The day is over when whatever knowledge I have collected or experiences I have had are going to be by-passed. I am quite unconcerned with rejections. The bigger the people the less the rejections. I have long since broken down the dividing line between the races and social groups. I have done this in every country and I do not think there is anybody I cannot meet anywhere. No, I have not met President Nasser yet but I only recently asked to see him. I have my epic poem for him which has been very highly praised. This was true in S.F. before I left—by outsiders, of course—the poets would not let me present it. As I went along I found my writings evaluated higher and higher by Asians of all sorts and now by Americans in the foreign service. I have studied more about certain phases of Asian culture than any man I know and have so been received here as I have been in each Asian land I have visited. Two magazines want my material, one a local one, but one, thank God, American, due to my work on food problems. And the Agricultural Department has long since accepted my work; they are much easier to meet than the State Department which in turn, is much easier to meet than the press.
From this point on it is difficult for me to communicate. It is easy to meet representatives of any people of the world. One does need linguistic interpreters; one does not need mental or heart interpreters. The United States both as a government and as a compendium of human beings has made a severe error in international affairs by leaning on mental and heart interpreters and not meeting peoples of the world directly. No doubt one needs someone here who can speak both Arabic and English and in Japan or Indonesia bilingualism or multilingualism is important. But art and heart are also important.
The Rudolph Schaeffer School has had some excellent art-and-heart interpreters and there does not seem to be any pretense that such instructors know or knew many languages. A man knowing Arabic, Hindi or Japanese does not necessarily know how to interpret the paintings, architecture or music of those countries and it is doubtful whether linguists, as such, have contributed much to learning outside of language itself—where their contributions must not be under-estimated either.
There is a measure before Congress now for the Federal government to contribute toward Asian studies. It could be in the form of a new school, as in Hawaii; it could be in the form of grants to schools already in existence. But if it comes in the manners now used in the United States by the acceptance of intermediaries instead of direct contacts between East and West it will continue to offend rather than to promote communication. The whole world of music, for instance, is untouched here and will remain untouched until persons can freely cross from Arabian society to American society. This I have done personally. Most of the answers and information I have is in contradiction or direct opposition to positions held by the intermediaries we, as a Nation, have unfortunately accepted. The President has been blamed for our low prestige abroad, the politics and what not, but I can assure you that the low prestige abroad is quite apart from our politics. It comes in the strange almost national behavior in not meeting peoples face-to-face, mind-to-mind, heart to heart.
I can assure you, in closing, that this American is welcome, has been welcome all over Asia and it looks at the moment as if he will be more welcome. And other Americans, all Americans can do this without knowing languages or even religions if they just take other human beings directly as our own Declaration of Independence holds.
It is not easy to live a dual life, to have to transform oneself constantly every day in going back and forth between social groups. That has made my work hard and tiring but it may make it easier for those who come hereafter.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
February 2, 1961
My dear Rudolph:
With less than two weeks remaining in my stay here I am trying to clean up loose ends. Whatever my intentions had been originally, the visit here has far exceeded these intentions and I have been compelled rather than impelled to walk in many places where nobody else has walked—although there is no reason for it. It is just not done. An American going to Paris who frequented out of the way places might be regarded as a wholesome adventurer, but in the Orient one immediately becomes a sort of tramp. Besides we have all kinds of rules and protocols which having nothing to do with life or humanity and we are hedged by these rules and protocols to the extent that communication with peoples becomes difficult. A Professor Burdick may insist that one must know native languages; there are plenty of Americans here who know Arabic, but they don’t know the Arabs.
Today I made another trip to the Islamic Museum where there is some unfinished business. I am buying a number of postcards and pictures so I can have colored slides made. I have put in an order for about 100 slides already. These are to be divided between Pakistan, Northern and Southern California. I think the man’s name is Dermirjian; his daughter worked for the Mardikians as I wrote in my last. He has suggested that I purchase just one slide for California and have duplicates made in the States. So I am having the art-slides sent to the Hollywood Artists. This is a long and complex story involving my closest friends who live in Hollywood and who have gradually risen socially during the years. I expect to go there and talk in Southern California on Islamic Art and modern Cairo. I am having slides of flowers and trees, etc. sent to my friend Harry Nelson, Greenhouse City College. While this operation is simple, the hours kept by the photographer and the sales staff at the Museum are so different that it is hard to get together and I am compelled to run back and forth.
Tomorrow morning I am supposed to meet Dermirjian’s nephew to discuss further photographs which he will take, so I can end this business.
Last week instead of going to some recently uncovered pyramids I re-visited the Mameluk’s tombs and was privileged to climb to the top of a very high minaret, on the top of a hill on the east side of the city. This enabled me to look out for a long distance, besides the exhilaration both of climbing and the view. Tomorrow night I am scheduled to climb the big pyramid by moonlight, which will please others because that makes one a hero—part of the protocol.
The great art of the tombs is that of glasswork. I think it is the supreme work. Just before the Turkish conquest the substitution of Venetian glass for the local industry resulted in the disintegration of this art and I understand that all the late glass fabrications were imported during the Turkish occupation; this art seems to have been entirely lost—not socially necessary.
The glass-art shows up in three types: (a) Arabic script (b) flowers, (c) non-objective, beginning with simple geometry and then criss-crossing with the other styles. It is to the Mameluk buildings as coloring was to the Persian manuscripts. One notices, however, that in Egypt the dead got better buildings then the living even in Muslim times as well as in ancient periods. Of course this was changed and although I saw some more recent 19th century tombs, quite ornate, they did not squander the wealth of the country for the dead. Even Farouk and his immediate predecessors at least wasted luxury on the living.
I was suddenly called to Alexandria as a guest of EARIS, the Egyptian American Rural Improvement Society which is the institution for American cooperation or aid here. This is grand social and scientific experiment which I shall write about elsewhere. When I was through, I called at the Tourist and Information Bureaus in Alexandria and had two of the most delightful experiences in this country where I have nothing but scores of delightful experiences.
The woman in charge of the Tourist Information desk is one of the most beautiful women I have ever met. This is important, not because she is beautiful so much that she attracted all kinds of
-2
persons and there was a continual parade mostly of men, not interested in
tourism at all, and by this
means I met quite a few notables which will enhance my enjoyment when I should
visit Alexandria again. As it was raining torrents I remained in these offices
all afternoon.
I had hardly had a chance to talk to this women when a man, the manager came in and said: “Ah, there you are, I have been waiting for you.” Shades of Paul Brunton. He had eyes exactly like those which appear in the last part of “A Search in Secret Egypt” and he could read my mind like a book. He claimed to have the faculties of telepathy and clairvoyance and it was obvious that he has them both from the statements and questions he regaled me with.
Like myself he is a dervish and that as yet means nothing in the U.S. Soon it must mean because all my reports are accepted most seriously in the Embassy Compounded and evidently my last reports were given consideration because I am regarded there as a V.I.P.—and I entered this country also as a V.I.P. But I shall not relate here the political details and conclusions connected therewith. They are stories by themselves.
At seven o’clock my host, Mr. Fuad Leithi, the district of attorney of Cairo and another man went with me to a studio. The artist’s name is “Seif Wanli” or something like that. They said he ranks among the great artists of the world and has won prizes all over. I do not place anybody above him but Picasso. He started out in the orthodox styles excepting for the element of integration, bringing Arabians and American materials together with the European; then he worked impressionistically, then went into surrealism and now creates in the modern “geometrical” manners. One could see the great parallels with Picasso, although at times he deliberately patterned himself after one or another of the French masters.
The trouble was that I remained there only one hour as my hosts had other engagements. I told them that that hour was worth the whole trip to Alex, and I am sure I enjoyed it more than I would have to the Graeco-Roman museum. Perhaps this came as an aftermath to the visit of the Modern Art Museum which is right close by (so not visited until recently). I found much there to duplicate, what has happened in India—the last threads of decadent tradition re-enforced by elements from the traditions of Europe and offering nothing but techniques. The ceramics are ornate but never “strong”, nor impressive. This museum is for tourists, that of the Wanlis for art-lovers. There was a brother also who recently died who was more “traditional” or “objective.” I also found a strong Degas influence in both as they used dance and theatre motifs, but their dancers covered many European forms. They went beyond Degas in the use of various types of perspective such as the Chinese bird’s-eye and Japanese rain-perspectives, etc. All of this keeps one busy and whenever I go to Alex again I want to visit both these people and the studio—in addition to whatever else is in store.
I also spoke to the Curator at the Islamic museum about books on art, which are mostly in French. I cannot put out any more of my own money now but hope to take this matter up with you when I return. But it is always possible that some angel or foundation will interest themselves in this and other projects which I am carrying on alone. In the beginning of this letter I said I was venturing forth where Americans have seldom if ever gone. This illustrates in part this approach.
Today I learned there is a schism between the intellectual and diplomatic groups here in their approaches to local situations. The former are interested in culture, the latter in people, and the two have not coalesced. Mr. Bowles, I believe, is or has been here. I don’t know what this means, but I do know my “missions” must continue on.
Cordially,
Sam
c/o Abdul Rahman
K-462 Old. Kunj Abbottabad
Hazara Dist. W. Pakistan
March 27, 1961
Abbottabad, Hazara,
West Pakistan
Lewis McRitchie
c/o Rudolph Schaeffer School of Design,
San Francisco, Calif.
My dear friend:
This is a sort of preliminary report covering many things which may be of interest to you.
School For Asian Studies. There is before Congress a measure to appropriate Federal funds for such purpose. I have written many letters and somewhat in vain protesting against the present system. The method of selecting teachers in Asiatics is entirely personal, or else in a system of totally false premises. Thus the present authority for Islam in the U.S. is neither an American nor a Muslim.
The efforts of our USIA functionaries abroad has resulted in an epidemic of mobbing of our libraries. Why can’t we have two-way cultural exchange is a question that has been asked me over and over again, ad nauseum. I finally did convince one official that we should introduce at least six Arabs into the U.S. at all costs to have them explain the culture and religion of their part of the world. This is today entirely controlled by Europeans and Zionists, not one of whom is recognized abroad.
I met in Lahore one Prof. Barker. He graduated from the University of California with high honors. As soon as he looked for a job the Europeans of all backgrounds ganged up on him; he was thrown off the air, he could not get interviews. So he applied to this part of the world and was welcomed in Pakistan.
I told the officials they could not argue with me, for regardless of what they said, I put this question to them:
Why Do We Americans Downgrade Our Fellow-Americans in the Asian Field!
This is an incontrovertible fact. We want to win Asians by our cultural efforts and we snub those Americans who have most knowledge of Asia. The case of Judith Tyberg is one which has weighed on me—she was a Ph.D. in the U.S., went to Benares and won another degree and then came back and found all the jobs were taken by European refugees, not one of whom is recognized in Asian-Asia.
So you may see that on principle alone, even without regard to knowledge—which you do have—you ought to be on the receiving end of a lot of money which is now thrown away. I am going to fight to see that Asian Culture is shared between Americans and Asians and I shall not retreat, so help me God, or Allah.
The Burmese Situation. The Burmese mobbed our library. Why not? Do we employ Burmans to explain their culture to us? Is there any place in the U.S. where the tremendously deep philosophy of U Nu is even introduced?
Coming closer to you. I saw recently a very large tome on Arjanta—all Indian pictures. Not a single Gandhara, not a single Burmese. When I was there I said to my fellow traveler, who is an authority on Indian architecture: “All books on Arjanta are wrong.” He assented. The Burmese contribution is bypassed and when I go again I shall check to see if the Burmese did not start the projects there. We pay no attention to this and accept without invitation the European conclusions regarding the introduction of Buddhism into Burma and reject the Burmese claims. How can we win friendships?
Indian Art. The Rudolph Schaeffer school has accepted too many subjective lecturers which temporarily put it outside the pale of true cultural exchange, and for no reason. I can say that all you presented is objectively true and verifiable, but some foreigners have been received with éclat and been permitted to mis-teach. The whole Moghul culture is bypassed and until it is properly emphasized or presented, the School and the public interested will never know Asian art. I did not get to the meeting of those dilettantes who were starting (another) organization on Asian art. I have seen these come and go during my lifetime. In these days we need cultural exchange and it should carry the social interchange along with it, not the reverse.
Gandhara Art. I am, of course, on the edge of this district. In a few days I shall be on the estate of my friend, Rabbani Khan. One of Asoka’s rock inscriptions is on his property. All the books are wrong, and there is no clear geography of the Indus Valley anyhow. I was born on the wrong side of the tracks to correct this (till recently), but I was born on the right side to see it myself. There are still traditions of Asoka in this region.
I have been informed that I shall be taken to Swat later. If so I am going to try to get at least one Gandhara piece. As I am lecturing on Islamic Art, I should prefer to get objects d’art to money and this is highly possible but it involves a number of other things, some of which will be mentioned here. At the moment I am planning later to send one of my suitcases back with surplus or unneeded clothing, Pathan costumes and art objects which would go to the School.
I may also go into Afghanistan later but that is some time off.
Moghul Art. I recently met one Mr. Qureshi. He told me his ancestor was the Court Jewel for Emperor Aurangzeb. We have heard many tales of the disappearance of Moghul wealth. Well, I saw 100,000 worth of jewels in one minute without going further. Not only that Qureshi Sahib has one Greek—Greek Alexandrian and therefore pre-Gandhara specimens. I saw two.
He is at the moment negotiating with a firm in Los Angeles and it is possible that a Bank of America Habib Bank handling may enable some of the jewels to be introduced for sale or otherwise. But I have written to Conlon Associates and am trying to link them with Qureshi Sahib. This will increase the market possibilities beyond Los Angeles to San Francisco.
There is a minor issue here (financially minor). He also has uncut stones from that period and he still collects uncut stones. There seem to be many deposits here which are not exploited. As I expect to be in Pakistan for a long time and Abbottabad is to be my headquarters, it is possible that some arrangements can be made with and through Conlon. Until then I would not approach people like Gumps or Granats.
My meetings with Qureshi have so far either been on a business basis or on a spiritual basis and we have not gone into the arts much.
Islamic Art. I have received here the slides ordered in Cairo on Islamic art, being a compilation of the official slides, and those copies from the Islamic Museum. I am at the moment trying to find a projector. I shall next take them to Rawalpindi. The director of Radio Pakistan there is an old and close friend of mine and I am pretty sure he will give me introductions all around both in this and my official business in science and horticulture.
These slides will ultimately become the property of the Department of Fine Arts, University of Punjab. I was given a most wonderful welcome there. I turned over to them my two books on Islamic Art. I gave the Lahore Museum, which is just across the street, a large photo from Medina and another one from Mecca. I have to go to this University to speak on the relation of Oriental Philosophy and modern science and will during these periods, show these slides, first to classes and then on a larger school.
I have ordered a duplicate set sent to the Hollywood Artists which is under the direction of my very closest friends. I shall be glad when I return, to bring these slides to the School and I am in a position to have duplicates made at any time. But I cannot afford to be bypassed between; I am neither an Asian or European. I have made in the past a number of suggestions, all of which have been snubbed. I have no time for being snubbed. Even the highest officials of the U.S. Government abroad take my reports and suggestions very seriously and I next have to write for the papers here. I am working for honest, objective and impersonal cultural exchange.
The Fine Arts Department at Lahore has accepted all the views as proposed by Bill Gaskin and I felt doubly at home there. There is a sudden rush to painting. When I was there in 1956 there was just a small department to teach adult women, mostly society dames. It was “nice” and that is all. Now there is a grand rush into both folk arts and modern art, almost an avalanche.
I saw this also in Alexandria and have kept my notes on the same.
New Arts are now either eclectic or integrating, bringing East and West together. This is true in music, dancing, architecture and even poetry. I read my poetry in public here and the chances are that some of it will be read over the air before long. I personally believe it will live after me and all the apparently exaggerated statements that emanate from my ego have been substantiated later by facts and events.
Oriental Philosophy. This is a huge joke outside the above but psychologically connected. I am the first foreigner who dared to give the “saints” a lecture on their own philosophy and the upshot was that they all embraced me. The very top men in the Orient: Prof. A. A. Siddiqui here—Dr. Radhakrishnan, Swami Maharaja Ranganathananda and Prof. S. C. Chatterji accept me as an equal, while their disciples and sycophants snub me. Anyhow the staff at the USIS building in Lahore has asked me to give them talks or private lessons and I have accepted the opportunity. The foreign office by and large everywhere is recognizing what I am doing regardless of my home town, and now I have made some breeches, not for myself, but on this principle that the field must be restricted to Americans and Asians.
There is no doubt that Prof. Jung has done some harm and when he praises Koestler, that ought to awaken some American’s eyes as to the folly of accepting blindly or not the private speculation of Europeans on Asian teachings.
Art Objects. I have inferred here that I may try to get some folk wares, etc. to send to S.F., coming from Kashmira and the Peshawar district but I would rather do than write.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
April 6, 1961
My dear Rudolph:
I am in a far away country, with the peaks of the Himalayas in the background, and the foot-hills very California-like, a sort of mélange of Marin and San Luis Obispo and San Bernardino Co. I look with some humor on them and call this the country of the “Glossed Horizons.” Yet I tell you if there is not gold in “them thar hills” there are things of value, ores and minerals and gems. I am receiving nothing but cooperation and good-will in my desire to know more about this part of the world.
I am being received here as elsewhere. My whole life has been centered in Asia and on my previous trip as on this one, I have been received by Asians as if my whole life were centered on Asia. My return to the United States was not so welcome. The control then of so-called “Asian studies” by non-American, non-Asians have established a terrific rift between our parts of the world. I found that our Foreign Service—which gets blamed for everything and which is the one thing trying to establish real friendships—is well aware of this condition. California is particularly a bad spot with its people mad about metaphysics and mad about exotic personalities and filled with misinformation about the religions, cultures and even arts of this huge continent.
I was received by the Asians. I have had to wait five minutes before a Zen Monastery. I have been in strange monasteries; I was the only American to see the stupa over the Ashes of Lord Buddha in Japan and to be permitted to see the Royal Cemetery. That and much more there, that and far, far less at home. I was either not believed or not received.
I ran into Claude Dahlenberg in Cairo; literally ran into him. He was once house manager at the American Academy of Asian Studies. I took him through the bazaars. We saw some of the finest pieces of Asian art collected from all over the country. I must have $200 for a purchase there. I am not asking for any help through begging, although through my achievement. If I were to get more to spend there I could bring in things that would “knock your eyes out.”
We went then through the alleys of the iron mongers and lowest class of folk-artists and everywhere he saw them greet me. I have a witness. Heart overcomes class and intellectual and social differences.
I have witnesses here. In Lahore I met Barker of Berkeley, here Connaught of San Francisco. They “belong” and the people love them. But their story in the S.F. district is my story. They both swear by Senator Fulbright who has made it possible for Americans and Asians to meet, without intermediaries and mis-explainers.
But I am not writing this to tell of triumphs. I am leading up to something most serious. I am enclosing two pictures of myself and the Wall of the Shrine of Shams-i-Tabriz at Multan. One picture gives a little idea of the art-work there, based on Persian methods. The other shows the “saint” with me. This man permitted me to do something San Francisco has never permitted me to do—give a deep talk on the spiritual side of Asian philosophy. In the end I had to embrace all the disciples. I was “in” and so on. We’ll skip that because again that is about me. But now I have a poser.
The Moghul wealth was not lost. I have seen portions of it.
I recently met a Mr. Qureshi who sought me. Here I am the inventor a la Emerson of a mousetrap. People seek me. We’ll skip that too. But we have four very large projects to take up:
Moghul Art Treasures
Marketing uncut stones and the mining thereof in this district.
Psychic research roughly along the lines of “Brady Murphy” but much more along the lines of my friend, Dr. Reinhold in Hollywood.
Sufism and Sufis
We’ll skip the last three here. On my first visit to him he brought out a bunch not only of wonderful jewels from the Moghuls but examples of Greek and Gandhara art. He has been making some preliminary efforts to market some stones in California. I at once wrote to Conlon & Associates on Clay St. because I have a verbal agreement to represent them. There are huge possibilities. I guess he had about a million dollars worth of things in a small box.
We spent yesterday morning together and he has already been of material assistance to me, which is going to cut down my expenses very much. But he will leave soon to go to England and may remain through August. I expect to stay until September and if we do not meet here in Abbottabad, we shall meet in Karachi.
The story he told me is a fantasy. I have gone over with him roughly historical materiel which has never been used. I ran into some in Fatehpur Sikri near Agra which was turned down by the Royal Asiatic Society; I am always being, or rather always have been turned down, but no more. Qureshi has historical records, family trees and the history of each item which has fallen to him. He is the descendent of the Court Jeweler of Aurungzeb, the last great Moghul. He has the family records, the history of each stone; the analyses of them by most modern methods. He sent a number to Great Britain and they have not disposed of them. He was offered much better prices by a gentleman from New York, but I did not ask him whether this man represented Tiffany or Met. or whom.
Yesterday he gave me the exact story of the disappearance of the wealth and where it can be located now. This of itself is complicated. But then he asked me all kinds of questions of the prowess of the ancient Greeks. He has some Greek items prior to the Gandhara period.
The story here is that the Swatis are descended from the Greeks and the Pathans from the lost tribes of Israel. Fortunately the staff at Harvard University reacted entirely different from any people in California both as to historical records and Asian philosophy. They accepted absolutely, no long conferences. I am on my way in a few days to Rawalpindi, the temporary capitol and I expect to get permission for Harvard U. (Dr. Cross of the “Dead Sea Scrolls” fame) to “dig” here. The reports on Taxila are a travesty; for every Buddhist remain I have seen ten Jewish and I am sure there is much, much, much to be found.
The Swatis not only have Gandhara art but earlier Greek things. Mr. Qureshi has some items. There seem to have been forms of engraving at a very early date, and some of these Hellenic arts were transported here—as is well known—but the excavation or preservation of items is not so well known.
Not only have I my friends from S.F. in Lahore and here, but “The Asia Foundation” and “American Friends of the Middle East” are operative in Lahore.
I am lined up in Lahore for lectures on the general subject of “Islamic philosophy and Contemporary Science” and “Islamic Art in Cairo.” When I reach India it will be “Oriental Philosophy and Contemporary Science.” I shall not have any difficulties further on because I have excellent friends in high places in the Indian government and my good friend Dr. Radhakrishnan, is scheduled to become president. I shall have no difficulties in Malaya because the top Buddhist is, perhaps, my dearest friend.
I am sending copies of the materials to Hollywood. I can bring them to San Francisco, but I have no desire to meet socialites dallying with Oriental Art and wanting speakers who are well known, even if they know little about Oriental Art. I am trying to promote better understanding between the U.S. and Asia and stop this mobbing of American USIA libraries.
I saw it in Cairo. It happened in Burma. We accept blindly the European conclusions about Buddhists in Burma. We do not even examine the Burmese point of view. I have just seen an enormous tome on Arjanta, the finest pictures, a book which sells at a high price, and which is one of the most vicious pieces of propaganda ever turned out. It has only the Indian pictures. When I was at Arjanta it was quite obvious that the Burmese were among the pioneers there and that many of the early caves were Burman. Then a large sector was Gandhara. I expect to go to Arjanta again and this time Ellora from the city of Aurangabad, built be the aforesaid Aurangzeb. I am going to make exact notes this time of the actual contributions of each race.
I think I wrote you before that I have read Dr. George Creswell on Islamic Art in the Near East. He attacked every one of his predecessors—and every time he was right—one man against a mass and today everybody knows that Dr. Creswell is the authority.
When I came to Lahore I met Mrs. Ahmed, born Jewish, turned Christian, now a Muslim. She is teaching almost the same things as Bill Gaskin with the same outlook. I told her “The so-called spiritual art of the past was by those who were devotees to God. The present art is by people who are becoming if not God, then gods, functioning not as devotees but as divine creators. To me this is the “spiritual art.” I am inclined to think that this is just what Rudolph Schaeffer and the Schaeffer School has stood for.
I am sending a few booklets on this to Bill Gaskin.
This town has few bazaars but I have come upon some fine folk art in silk. I am also going to look for silverwork which I wish to send to my friend Seth “Silver” Wood in Sausalito. I am planning a most complicated trip in this part of the world. I am told the best folk material is at Peshawar but I can’t go there for a month. I have things not shipped because of complications in UAR. I wish to get these off my hands. But much as I would like to send you things, and will undoubtedly send some things, my work as an individual is to unite East and West through art, through culture, even through spirituality, but not through persons. Enormous harm has been done by brand name Americans who have posed as authorities on Asia and are not accepted in Asia, and enormous harm is still being done by non-Americans, almost all non-Asians too, who are accepted as Suez canals. I have nothing to do with such people; I have to do with objective things—the actual art objects, the actual historical records and perhaps next the actual rock samples and folk wares.
My conclusion at the present time is that the grand art of any religion is not superior to the grand art of another religion. Any stress or emphasis that Buddhism or Hinduism is more “holy” than Christianity or Islam is a private matter and when it is publicly accepted it not only obscures knowledge but causes personality reactions. The Sufis have absorbed much of Christian Gnosticism which the Christians have rejected. We are now discovering more and more Gnostic texts and they will shock traditional Christianity. This is not a matter we need discuss.
But these Gnostic elements have gone into music, ritual and architecture and I could not help noting and experiencing them. The “atmosphere” in the Rifa’i (Sufi) Mosques is much more “Christian” than one might suppose. Their buildings are enclosed structures, not like the “Faustian” cathedral, it is true, but they stand out. I am compelled to conclude that there is no superiority nor inferiority in Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism as regard to art and artistry.
Qureshi aside, there is untold wealth in folk art, mineral resources and archaeological and anthropological materiel here. The only book written, “Castes and Tribes of Punjab and Northwest India” by H.A. Rose is neither studied nor superseded. Today, thank God, the Department of South Asian Studies in Berkeley accepted me seriously though the Near East Department does not.
When I return home I expect to give talks on Islamic Art in Hollywood and before the American Friends of the Middle East in San Francisco. I will do anything for you, Rudolph, but one must realize at the moment almost any talk I should give will contradict in some portions lectures given in your rooms from time to time on certain aspects of Asian Art. I want to be absolutely honest, objective and clear. The idea of an East-West gallery can sweep the world.
I met more Egyptian persons than either Billy Graham or Satchmo Armstrong. I guess I met 150,000 people in India before. I expect to meet at least that number in West Pakistan now. The way to promote good-will is opening communion between heart-and-heart without the intervention of anybody else’s head.
With the exception of that book on Arjanta referred to, I have not seen a bad work on Asian Art printed since 1950, but as in the case of the Near East, these books refute some of the things held by the best meaning men of an earlier day. Let us accept this. “When the gods arrive, the half-gods go.”
Sincerely,
Sam
July 24, 1961
My dear Friends:
I have made my first visit to the museum at Peshawar. The curator, who is a friend of an excellent friend of mine, was away, so I have limited myself to the pictures enclosed.
I want to say here that my missions to Pakistan have all been very successful. Details of various phases have been reported to:
Harry Nelson, City College, San Francisco
The American Friends of the Middle East
Department of South Asian Studies, University of California, etc.
I am being recognized all over but chiefly in regard to matters for which no platform was opened to me before in the S.F. Bay Area.
Today my poetry was again accepted. I lined up four college lectures in three days without having an opportunity to contact those of my own profession. I have met almost everybody all over Pakistan from high government officials, top industrialists, professors, holy men, Saints and all kinds of common people. I have long passed Paul Brunton, Major Yeats-Brown and others, but that will come out later.
One of the lectures lined up is for Mardan. Between Mardan and Takht Bhai, there is much excavation going on for Gandhara art. I have appointments at both places and it has been my inability to cover all points and nothing else that has kept me back. I cannot promise anything but I am going to try and try.
I do not think at this time that I shall enter Afghanistan. I am receiving most cordial invitations to India, on more levels than I may be able to handle. The way to get along with Asians is to understand their religion, philosophy, culture and prejudices. I do not use other languages and even if one knows ten, there are ten more.
I am going to do some objective research in Indian caves. My conclusions are quite out of line with what appears in many books. I think I have already written about Prof. Creswell in UAR. Well, at Peshawar they insist that Gandhara art is Roman rather than Greek. Certainly the clothing is Roman and I can assure you that one female figure looks very much like certain Italian women we see in the street today. But I cannot argue the point. It is very hard to deflate the Greeks and elevate the Romans, but maybe Benny Bufano is right in more ways than we realize.
There are San Franciscans here and I meet quite a few Californians in my trips. Too bad that the press and political circles do not recognize what is being accomplished.
Sincerely,
Sam
September 8, 1961
Peshawar, Pakistan
My dear friends:
I am hoping to leave the N.W. Frontier region soon. I have been in a long series of mix-ups, but these mix-ups do not necessarily mean bad luck. For instance while my host went away without notice, I have also been fortunate with other hosts and these are taking me into the economic and social fields, which strictly speaking are outside my domain.
My lectures have gone over big with the Pakistanis and I have had three newspaper interviews in the last two days. But whatever I do, mostly being out of the ordinary, will only slowly penetrate the American way of reacting—at least so far as politicians and the press are concerned. Regarding the universities, I have no such view and have been sending in long objective reports.
This morning I made a sample purchase of some wooden bookends; walnut from Kashmir. Folk-art has been dislocated because a great many Indian workers left here and the others have either also been scattered or not properly organized. The best metal work is Indian and would be about the same as one can see at Channons.
There may be some samples of rugs or carpets enclosed. Please hold them. There are for “me” in a different sense. There are excellent fabrics here of all kinds. I told them any large purchases depended not on money but on coordination with interior decorating. But I have found at least two ways of making purchases easily—which need not concern you. As I do not know the customs attitude and am constantly traveling, I am avoiding anything which will involve customs now.
This afternoon I expect to go to the bazaars and buy more folk-shoes, for friends. When I return to Abbottabad I may buy some silver work. I have long refrained from the purchases and complications of shipping. But I think now I shall have enough room for them and can declare them when I return. All of the silver will be for display purposes with a single exception.
I have visited at Takht Bhai more Buddhist ruins—this was by accident. I cannot go further into this subject except to report much disagreement about Gandhara art and I did not get into Swat where the Italians are working. The latest theories are that there are more Roman than Greek elements. The Takht Bhai ruins show definitely the Roman (or Etruscan) and not Greek arch. There seemed to be more Indian elements than at the main excavations at Taxila, but with the authorities differing, I do not want to say more. But I think I have seen enough to properly revaluate Arjunta later on.
I am giving here a temporary Indian mailing address but have no clear idea of my itinerary in that country. My main objective—the food problems of Pakistan and real reciprocal cultural relation—have reached their marks here at all levels. But there has been “success” in other lines and these latter successes have been almost too much for me. This is the hazard of traveling.
Cordially,
Sam
Lahore,
December 30, 1961
Rudolph Schaeffer School of Design
San Francisco, Calif.
My dear friends:
There has recently come to Faletti’s Hotel an American lady who in aforetimes worked for the S. F. Chronicle and who is now employed on the Pakistan Times. Her last husband was a Hearst editor and she has been touring the Oriental world for some time.
Rudolph may be interested to know she went to the Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry where she remained some eighteen months. The story, however, reflects on some of the teachers we have in America who think they know Indian culture and do not. This lady, Mrs. Medlock, was won by the talks of Prof. Sen who is known to Dr. Chaudhuri and even now she is collaborating with our old acquaintance, Jay Smith.
There are two small shops at Faletti’s, the personnel of which know me indirectly from my former visit. I noticed in each of them a sort of Nataraj, but one was so charming I could not resist and I have purchased it, ostensibly for myself. But today I added a copper bowl and am having them sent to the School. The bowl is an example of contemporary Kashmiri art.
I am not at all sure whether I shall be buying more things here or not. After a most uncomfortable series of incidents, the combined forces of the American Embassy and Prime Minister Nehru himself, are getting me a Visa from the High Commissioner’s office, the morals of which need not be entered into here. I learned today that American Express can book me by an air-route which would take me down as far as Cochin and back. This means that I can pay in either American dollars or Pakistani rupees which will be easier on my pocket book.
I am going to Karachi for a few days and then return here to make final arrangements for India, first stopping at Delhi to meet my friend, Satya Agrawal, who also may be known to some of you; then going south and returning to Delhi before coming back to Lahore. This means a basic air-flight trip with smaller journeys by bus or train; and this is now necessary because of a time shortage on my part.
I have also written to Malaya to ascertain whether my projected visit there may be followed up, or cancelled. The three months or more absolutely necessary remaining here due to the high handed methods of the Indian High Commissioner’s office has entirely altered original plans. They took my money and gave me neither Visa nor information, and, indeed retained my passport despite demands for its return.
At the moment I am also waiting for the possible promotion of my host, Major Sadiq, to a new position which may require his coming to the United States by Japan; plus an alternative factor of visiting the Philippines. The big obstacle to all this, of course, is the forced time lag. Nevertheless my stay in Lahore has been exceedingly rewarding, by methods never used before by any American, or foreigner for that matter. This story can wait until I return.
I shall keep my eyes open, however for more Nataraj or Krishna figures both in this country and in India itself.
Although you will not be receiving this for some time, it is my Happy New Year greeting.
Sam
P.S. I have located some fine Gandhara Buddha heads. Pray for me and I’ll pay for thee.
February 4, 1962
Bombay
My dear Friends:
When one is in distant parts and traveling off schedule it is very difficult to report or communicate. In any event it is easier for me to write to people who are not expected to answer.
When I was in this land previously the foreign service was bragging about the Embassy. There is a booklet enclosed and I understand there is still an interior decorator, Janice Keropf, on the premises. I did not see her because on the one hand my time was taken up with serious (and quite satisfactory) interviews and Ambassador Galbraith was to arrive shortly thereafter. But I am told I can meet her later.
I do not know what opportunities will be open in these parts for graduates from your school. Personally I think next to real agricultural advice, decorators are needed. Building goes on at rapid rate, but there is neither town planning, nor for that matter apartment planning. I happen at the moment to be in an apartment of friends of mine. Plumbing is advancing at an unusual rate and there are strong enough electrical currents to warrant refrigerators, ironing equipments, etc. There are no good systems of stoves and I would not want to suggest. For not only costs must be taken into consideration but functioning, and to some extent beauty.
The Indian Embassy impressed me far more than the Neutra-Pakistan one. But I don’t wish to report other than with the enclosed pamphlet until a revisit and possible interview. At the moment I am inclined to think that this will be granted. As usual there has been excellent response on the part of Asians. I was able to see my good friends, Chief of Protocol Bannerji and Vice-President Radhakrishnan, when they were not granting interviews on account of Independence Day and the continued illness of President Prasad.
In Bombay there is fierce fighting over K. Menon and the people are more pro-American than one would surmise. But on our part we fail to understand the spiritual and occult backgrounds which are much more of living forces than Westerners will understand—unless they are pulled into the Huxley orbit.
Was four days in Poona and the first man met was Dilip Koomar Roy. He has his own ashram and continues his singing. It has attracted and is attracting many people. I found there—and this may be regarded as personal—a great deal I did not find at Pondicherry. There is some question as to the standing of Indira Devi but her poetry seems genuine and also her claims. These are so regarded by the public.
There have been several meetings with the Ramakrishna Mission leaders also. And later on I go to Swami Ramdas. But here my host, Kabali, expects to take me around to leading spiritual lights. Nevertheless he and his family include more Christians and Muslims among their personal friends than Hindus—which is as I think it should be.
India is going very slow in the direction of Japan as to preserving monuments. First the Muslims complained but I understand they now have cooperation of the Central Government. Actually Nehru has been kinder to the Muslims than to the Orthodox and my only complaint is that many historical monuments are ignored. This is a pity, because many of the old monuments are free from idolatry, pictures, etc. and show a high degree of skills as well as devotion. As soon as religious art became overly pseudo-objective, it seems to have become degraded. And this is one of the things you can’t say out loud.
Streets are cleaner and there is less poverty than when I was here before but I am learning the reasons for the poverty and they belong neither to what Katherine Mayox complained about nor what political theorists complain about. There is an article in an old Reader’s Digest about sand-dunes in Michigan and our inability to control them. Heavy rainfall on clayish soils produces severe problems not easily handled.
Bombay itself is quite modern, “civilized” and cosmopolitan, along with age-old traditions. I may try to see some Mosques. The newest are far better than Indian temples, but before reaching any final conclusions I hope to see the new Cathedral—it will be a month before any report can be made on this matter.
The complex + and - in financial affairs, sudden changes in schedule, etc. now make it doubtful whether I visit caves, regardless of earlier plans. If my debtors here—and I have them—pay up, I shall be able to do something for you. But there is an alternative, and this depends on the Bank of America representative in New Delhi. He was away, but if he is there when I return, I may be able to purchase Bank of America Travelers’ cheques right in this country and if that is done, then look out. Either I shall purchase, inshallah, a Bodhisattva for ChingWah Lee—any profits to go to the School—or a lesser priced one for the school. I am under the counter, but must wait.
Hope to be back in May or so, but under circumstances so different from those of former years it will be hard to get into focus. I am generally received as a sort of “expert” on many, many things, both by Americans and Asians. This will require quite a reevaluation when I return, and the settlement of home and future career is unsettled. But health is excellent and I am going to give my “secret” to Walt Baptiste—giving things away free is useless, nobody takes them seriously.
Faithfully,
Sam
Feb. 28, 1962
Bangalore
Rudolph Schaeffer School of Design
San Francisco, Calif.
My dear Friends:
Today I have visited the Government Arts & Crafts Emporium and purchased a few things—one Sandalwood figure of Lakshmi and the others, samples in Rosewood. I purchased two boxes, with a half intention of reserving the right to pick up one of these to give to a friend, or rather remove for display purposes. This is not “Indian giving” but merely to follow certain niceties in gift packages.
It is now over two years since leaving home and this period has been packed with adventure. These adventures cover so many aspects of life and what borders the miraculous often comes in the quite ordinary, but it also comes in the miraculous.
It started in New York when a stranger was looking over my shoulder at the newspaper. Being lonely myself at the time I welcomed him and thus became most friendly with Prof. Nambriar, an English teacher at the Central Government college which is very near this hotel (Embassy). I have visited this college, English and Botany Departments, Also the Government Agricultural Offices where I came upon an Indian writer who is on the way to solving one of the most technical problems in horticulture. Tomorrow I go to the Agricultural College where there is an American. The Americans in this sector come from Tennessee.
While I was in Bombay and short of cash I found signs up, “Diners Credit Cards” honored here. This lead to my purchase of some Tibetan objects sent to Chingwah Lee, and Saris to Magaña Baptists. I also found a Nepalese shop where I have reserved some items for the Rudolph Schaeffer School of Design. But I am holding up in case my debtors pay me in rupees or art goods. I shall not press them, but if they do not, will order the Nepalese objects. The Diners Club Card is now serving me in excellent stead. I can get moneys in New Delhi if and when I locate the Bank of America official, who has been traveling. The difficulty, my friends, is not money, but forwarding of it through mail. I have been compelled to change my program incessantly due in part to sudden changes on both rail and air lines and partly to heavy bookings. Perhaps this is to be expected, so mail and money are constrained to Bombay and New Delhi.
I was particularly anxious to getting some hardwood objects here. But I am also planning for another visit in a few years, God willing. This is a complicated subject and the complication is largely due to a certain devaluation of my knowledge in my own basic background. This will gradually disappear now. The welcome received from the Chief of Protocol and Vice-President on entering this country were of the most gratifying nature. My knowledge of Sufism and Vedanta, though rejected at home, is universally accepted on this sub-continent where one consorts with the highest philosophers, saints and seers with the greatest of ease, and now also with the scientists and technologists.
I do not wish to go into subjectivities about Indian philosophies but only so far as there is a growing sense of recognition of East and West both by the other. Our press fails utterly to understand the motives and motifs of these people but I am happy to see that more and more American thinkers are closing gaps. A knowledge of spiritual realization and experience is worth more than anything else—I mean the real knowledge, the real experience—not lectures about these matters.
It was a curious thing that at the Ashram of Swami Ram Das I ran into the school-mates and “first disciple” of Alan Watts and learned history. But this man is a real devotee and has firsthand knowledge of Indian temples and architecture.
Prof. Tucci has returned to Europe and we are beginning to get some real knowledge about Gandhara (and other culture-arts) of the regions northwest of India. An American team is digging up cities vaster and older than Mahenjo-Dara. Traditions in the south are holding firm against “Vedism” and “Aryanism” which have discolored the pictures of Indian history and civilizations.
The Kashmir “problem” has rebounded to the benefit of folk-artists who now sell their wares in both the Indian and Pakistani markets. This has reacted to the benefit of folk arts, particularly in India. I have tried not to duplicate anything that Channon-ji might have but, of course, this is difficult. I have still Hyderabad to cover and if my Diners Club Card is acceptable someone may get a package.
As I become acquainted with more and more devotees of real Yoga and real Sufism, my list of contacts grows and grows, and welcomes also. But there is an extremely difficult, not to say insoluble situation—one’s boundary of the unknown keeps on increases and it is not humility to recognize the extreme vastness of this unknown.
I may or may not visit the Porcelain factory. But the fact is that there are parallels to Jackson Pollockism here. Some of these are undoubtedly independent efforts. In Thailand effects are obtained by the use of ground-glass. Here the use of certain kinds of sands on slips, etc. applied immediately after the removal from kilns brings one into a world of non-objectivity where, however, there is natural harmony. Internal harmonies also appear in experimental glazes somewhat like our own Ceramicists (as in Marin Co.) are acquiring.
Mosaic arts are highly developed here but interior decorating has hardly started. You also see buildings go up in Bangalore on a vast scale using principles of new schools. English influence has been smothered, not by a renaissance of Indian art forms, but a renaissance of human spirit. Although Wright stands as a grand man, Mondrian has become the world prophet—more than any of the prophets of religion, politics, philosophy or anything else.
Parks and gardens here are renowned for their lighting system but I do not expect to visit Brindaban at Mysore. My serious work is with the food problem of this Nation and interviews are becoming more and more serious, cordial, effective and short.
If I say much more the last will be contradicted. But on account of the extreme cordiality and seriousness with which all my missions are being received, tourism is being cut down. I am meeting people, seeing institutions, not places of historical or archaeological renown. These I shall save for another trip wherein I hope to have a team with photographic and phonographic equipment. I know the places, how to reach them, etc. There is an enormous amount of material unknown to the west yet and which will never be opened up to select cultural groups. You have to know the heart and spirit of peoples—this is particularly true of many kinds of music of which we have no record.
I do not know whether I shall write again. I am on my last lap and it means constant moving and moving and moving until I get ready to return “home.”
Faithfully,
Sam
Hyderabad,
March 7, 1962
Dear Friends:
Visited Hyderabad almost 6 years ago and said I felt like committing murder. Now I do. Re-visited the Salar Jang Museum. There are about a billion dollars worth of art, piled together making a junk shop look neat.
The Chinese collections are kept like books. You see row upon row of cloisonné and what not, stacked like books, so you can only see the ends. Or piled on top of each other without regard. True, I saw more “delicious” blue and white than noticed anywhere and there is every evidence that they have added to their collections:
When you see one, two or three vases in a room you can appreciate them. But when you see over 50! I once spoke to over 300 young girls and had no time to look at any of them. When you get 300 pieces of China in a room—and that is being modest, what are you going to do? You get mad.
I have seen Japanese pieces the likes of which I have not found anywhere. The Freer Gallery is a kindergarten. And these peopled do not know what they have. Actually I had aesthetic fatigue. Then I went to the Burmese room and they have nothing like it in Burma, I can assure you.
At this point I was saved by one of those “impossible” encounters. I met a brother Sufi and we spent some time going over the pictures of saints. There is nothing like this anywhere. I saw more ‘Sufi” art than I knew existed, both in paintings and engraved manuscripts (I don’t mean quantity of books).
Then I ran into what I consider the best element in Indian art; the paintings representing Ragas and Raginis, the music theme. I think some of our Cubists and Post-Impressionists of a later day will be learning from them just as we are now learning from the Far East. Fortunately I have a tremendous collection of folk lore, tradition and what not in my cranium, a good deal more than some better known persons and this enabled me not only to get through, but to walk through with intelligence.
What is needed and needed very badly is a good color-photographer and permission to take pictures. I think I may be able to arrange this some time.
But what has happened is total and absolute successful in all my scientific achievement and constant meeting with holy people or visiting shrines where Americans seldom go. Every day I grow more tired and more encouraged.
I am unable to do any shopping now and I am just as unable to avoid it in and for the future. When I return, I’ll have a talk with customs and we shall then see what should be done and how.
It takes one and a half hours to run through the Museum—giving you an idea of its size. But I cheated by skipping the European rooms. One should divide his trip into four visits—Far East, South Asian and Islamic Painting, ditto other arts, and European. The silverware alone is an adventure, not to say the armories, etc., etc. Unfortunately there is little effort to study the basic paintings here and unless this is done soon, much may be lost.
Faithfully,
Sam
April 14, 1962
My dear Bill:
Freedom is the right to exercise your own form of insanity. I danced before a holy shrine in India and was immediately proclaimed a saint! This will not work well with either the respectables or beatniks in S.F. But there is rising a new group in California and elsewhere, not so much a Brave New World as a Brave New Race. It is much as foretold by the theosophists who do occasionally (or more than occasionally) hit the mark.
As I prepare to return I find myself not only a saint—but only among Asian-Asians! But also a sort of pioneer-father among a lot of disreputable, decrepit wanderers, mostly blonde and from the U.S., Canada, Great Britain and Scandinavia, looking for God or Shangri-La or something different and often as not finding it. But seldom finding it within the accepted matrix-premises for God or Shangri-La or adventure. We even have some from San Francisco led by one Felix Knauth, a Fulbright genius.
So Agra was a double venture. Having seen it at dawn, I added dusk and moonlight. The day ventures count only that I met so many wild men and women not from Borneo. They sleep on floors, they sleep in station-wagons, they like to beg lips, they hike, they mingle, they eat Indian foods, they go to ashrams and dharmsalas and even Mosques. They are like ants all over the place.
One Fred Hass has returned to S.F., 1245 15th Avenue. He is crazy, thank God. He looked at India instead of at tourist guide-books. He broke all the rules, Zindabad! So you can understand why I am planning more trips to see what is to be seen, and not so called “tourism” which is strictly for the Fulbright, T C M, Ford, Rockefeller, help the down trodden Nations—and their colleagues from Germany, Russia, everywhere, who, well paid for the moment, luxuriate in hotels, eat bad English food and find it possible only to go to certain spots. If you want to see real India you must have a taxi and it is 1000—1 the taxiwallah won’t know where or how to take you. Of course in Delhi there are rapid busses which take you everywhere and give you full information, but these are not for “tourists.” Do you want to lose caste! Boy, is caste abolished? You just form new quadrilles with different kinds of classifications and so there is no more caste, just new divisions with new names and new respectabilities.
I am now throwing my hat in the ring. If it hits the bell I get the jackpot. No use telling, not that my affairs are secret, but they just don’t fit into our premises! Fortunately failures at Tourist Bureaus are not failures at our foreign offices. Differing from news reporters, they have to mingle and know faces. The more one “weirds” the more he is accepted—by them. Even a democracy has to admit that when the weirdies outnumber the “respectable” too much, you can always neglect them. This is what is happening. I hope to come home soon and tell more.
Sam
P.S. I hope my Nepalese and Tibetan things arrived. They belong to the school for study and specimen, but are just samples.
Passage from India
One turns his mind, if not his footsteps toward home, with the hope, perhaps, that the response one has been receiving takes on a material turn. If one has to return on his own—which is possible—there may be a certain loss of face in it. Other than that there is no loss, but there is the tremendous problem of making simplicity clear to those who have been trapped and self-deluded by conventions either accepted, or actually fostered by enemies. The enemies of the Lotus-eaters enjoy their food and the followers of Ulysses do not wish to return.
After over forty years one still finds people who have examined Fourth Dimensional and Hyper-geometry, Indian Philosophy and the Cosmic Conscious experience. R. Rolland said they might prove to be reconcilable. The Philistines shout “hurrah” and do not examine each severally. So we import the Philistines to teach (!) us the Indian philosophy and the Cosmic Experience. If any man dares to assert he knows Indian Philosophy or has had the Cosmic Experience, that is regarded as ipse facto evidence that he has not. So the few that know are bound over the ridicule.
“Only in America” could one have a serious discussion on “Yoga” in which only Ph. D.’s were allowed to be on the platform. “Only in America” are graduates from European (and Canadian) universities upgraded in Asiatics. “Only in America” do grand universities downgrade graduates of rival universities in Oriental philosophy. “Only in America” are the cheap frauds of the scum of the East accepted as “spirituals teachers” and have huge followers. One does not discuss this Philistinia.
Over and over again one hears the “poor benighted Hindus” cry over our choice of Europeans as mentors in Orientalia. It is so obvious that they are envious over the jobs and emoluments. Then one goes to a huge mass meeting, a tremendous mass meeting. What is the subject, “The Bhagavad Gita.” How in God’s name one could attract such a huge mass when “everyone knows” that the Gita has been so fully explained. Yet to this mass meeting one goes and finds not the spawn and dregs but endless rows of people who looked as if they were at least college graduates. They are humble enough to want to learn more.
The Swami not only explains the Gita (one thinks he did very well; thousands of others think he did very well). But this is India. And the poor benighted heathen took fifteen minutes out to excoriate European teachers of Indian philosophy. Not only that he pointed out, detail by detail and not just in those generalities which delight “Miss Cloud Nine.”
Then one goes elsewhere and finds the Muslims celebrating. What were they celebrating? The victory of Krishna Menon! How could this be? “Every-one” knows the Hindus and Muslims have no traffic. To prove this the American literati unanimously rejected invitations to the soiree where Hindus and Muslims were uniting. The Muslims in India are anti-American. The Americans in America have just invited a Canadian or an Englishman or a Scot to talk on “Islam in India.” There are no Sufis and their lead has just been appointed to a high UN post.
Philistia is a huge amphitheater in which everybody must sit. One can sit on the left side or the right side or the central sections and high up or low down. That is protocol. No man can have a degree in journalism unless he studies Philistine-geometry. All over the world all journalists, no matter how much they differ, have their degrees in Philistine-geometry. They know, automatically and intuitively (?) that the Riemannian and Euclidean’s cannot meet. So the Riemannian are outside the pale.
Of course Einstein has come and said that the Riemannian and Euclidean’s belong to the same super world.
Alas, Poor Wilkie, I knew him well!
No politician should be serious over biology,
Which reveals a single human race—
The segregationalists denounce his heterodoxy,
Then rush to Basin St. for their Saturnalia—
No wonder I am Puck.
Kadinsky discovered the truth and put it down. This was a mistake, or the salvation of humanity. The artists rushed pell-mell out of Philistia into “The Brave New World” (long before Aldous I). This discovery of truth is called “escapism.” Whatever Jesus Christ and the physicists know (and we know they are right) the Philistines must continue as if they were wrong. But the artists, one by one discover the universe.
The Beatniks rush out of the amphitheater, into its basement. Huddled in the dark corners thereof, not daring to budge, they drink to the “new freedom”—every night another coffee recipe. But you must not budge an inch.
Death to the amphitheatre!
We are the sons and daughters of Samson,
Come to undermine this spurious structure,
Down with sticks and stones welded together,
We want the Brave New World,
We are its pioneers,
We’.
The sun also rises, but not on them.
“Oh Galilean, why does one not search through the heavens.” The Inquisition warned that the Florentine would have everybody turning away from self into outer space. This would be “escapism” and dangerous to humanity. But the apostles of the new found freedom established Philistia; this was the heaven-earth of Euclideanism.
Let us search the skies,
Let us explore the heavens,
Let us get away from heart and self,
Let us pioneer into grandeur, outward, outward, outward,
The further away from this the more wonderful,
And call this outer journey “Reality”
This will win us friends.
South Asia is invaded by blondes: Americans, Russians, Germans, technicians, doctors, missionaries, advisers, surveyors; well paid, they overcrowd the luxury hotels. They are the “tourists.” They never mingle with the multitudes. They care nothing of Islam or Yoga, or, unless they are archaeologists and historians of ruins and temples. They come, they go, they bring lots of money, they are most welcome. They are happiest of all when they return … leaving trails of baksheesh behind.
South Asia is invaded by blondes: Seekers of adventure, mountain climbers, beachcombers, wayfarers, station-wagon caravans, hikers, using thumbs instead of push buttons—thousands and thousands. They are ignored. They shun the luxury hotels. Why pay 10 rupees for an awful pseudo-meal when you can get good native fare for 1? This is sacrilege! Why associate with one’s fellow nationals? Why not meet the people?
So Timur and Alexander and Nair Shah are no more. The pacifists come, the adventurers come, the seekers come. Nobody pays any attention to them. Thousands, lakhs of blondes in South Asia, seeking, searching, looking, wanting. And not a word about them anywhere.
They do not believe in blowing up humanity. They do not care about bombs or atoms and even less if Uruguay beats Paraguay in reaching to the moon, or satellites of Jupiter. They have the strangest of beliefs: The Kingdom of Heaven is Within You! However they differ, that is their total banner cry. And the doors are open to them—all excepting the luxury hotels and Tourist offices. And, of course, now that caste is abolished—it is you know: This Restaurant Has The Right To Determine Its Own Patronage. Stay away and save your rupees, my friends. You do not pay for good. You pay for atrocious interior decorating. You pay for a superfluity of waiters who congregate around the empty tables and do not dare to serve you unless they are assured beforehand (which they are not) of extra cumshaw and baksheesh (especially here you see “No Tipping Signs”.) Stay away from them. Seek only that a native restaurant is clean and do not be disturbed about prices or food. You shall have your reward and perhaps no dysentery either.
And Nehru. A real Yoga. Who has real spiritual teachers. Who cannot possibly make his views clear to any Philistine, and doesn’t half try. He has learned. Why waste the trouble. Hindus and Muslims may congregate—that is not news. They may fight—that is news. But when will Baptists and Catholics congregate! Philistia, how wonderful thou art!
All over India you find what no newspaper man or European professor could possibly find. Why tell more about it? It is there. They are there. The young people will return (perhaps) and know. The old fossils go and return and we listen to them. And India will re-elect Krishan Menon. And Nehru will have a dozen worthy successors. And every year more people will win Nobel peace Prizes and Lenin Peace Prizes and Philistia will march on. But no sir, not I, sir.
Hoping to return soon,
Sam
[hand written]
Rawalpindi
July 7, 1962
My dear Rudolph:
I am on my last tour with the typewriter left in Lahore and after this I expect to return home. It has been a long time—too long—and I have missed two winters—so it has been almost entirely summer—one spring week in Delhi and a little autumn in Lahore. Yet also I have been to “Shangri-la.” Neither the heat nor age diminishes. Indeed “salvaging Old Age” seems more salvaging than old age.
I have just read another article on Picasso. I suppose he is one of my gods, like F.L. Wright was; too little of such men is know in Asia. Our cultural leaders give us Tennyson Collins but I must say attention is being given to architecture. This is a boon and a fear. 1960 Architecture with 1360 interiors! I won’t go into stats. The folk-arts are not thriving. Caste had a thousand shadows on India, Ceylon and Pakistan. Politics, folk-ways and protocol’d customs dominate everything but the opposition in the [?] Assembly knows this and more.
I do not know how I shall be received when I return. I have been the companion of saints and spiritual teachers all over the subcontinent. This was true in Japan. I am no longer concerned with rejections or spurnings—this is past. The extreme cordiality and consideration from and with all Americans abroad, particularly the Foreign Service, is changing life and attitude.
This is a land of frustration and uncertainty and I dare not send the bad news because there is always the possibility of a favorable reversal, even at the highest levels. I understand this land and maybe others. There is no need of trying to convince an “uncle Louis”; it is impossible. There is no need to try to convince President Radhakrishnan—there is nothing but the deepest love and understanding between us. There is no need to try to convince Lucretia del Valle Grady. I seem to know what she wants to do. This can, of course, lead to fame and fortune and just might.
I am now the accredited representative of Islamabad University which seeks reciprocal relations with reputable American institutions. It is raising its own funds. I spare you details but I can assure you the whole background of this institution is in every way opposite to a lot of misinformation that has been palmed on the American public.
I have been encouraged no end by the new Cultural Attaché. Although he had the highest credentials, he received the Judith Tyberg treatment also—shoved aside for graduates of European institutions by men not recognized in Asia and palmed off on us as “experts.” Our common gripes and common knowledge have drawn us together.
I have been assigned the subject of “Leaves” for my future scientific work and there is such a vast space of opportunities here that it helps give me the zest for long living. The details involved are very great, covering so many facets for the most part either overlooked or scattered: Animal-food, vitamins, hormones, soil conditioners, sources of teas, uses as vegetables and of course the whole subject of [?] them. Although I have wished to return to university I shall not immediately. There will be travelling. I must visit my attorneys and then Hollywood. I am hoping against an offer so I can establish HQs in S.F. I have two books to write:
A reply to “The Lotus and the Robot”
“How California Can Help Asia”
The first work is more or less personal. The second has already been discussed with Harry Nelson, City College, the American Friends of the Middle East, the World Affairs Council and Asia Foundation.
At least three departments of the University of California are involved and I have not even begun with Stanford. The work will be objective in all respects. I think I can get the good will of the Chamber of Commerce and even Californians Incorporated if it is still functioning. Sam Yorty of L.A. is an old friend of mine. I have enthusiasm, contacts and knowledge.
Once settled I may or may not re-enroll having decided against most institutions. But a job or endowment would also change matters. These will depend in part on advice from the aforementioned Harry Nelson. No doubt there will be lectures.
Some of these will cover health, longevity and “Yoga.” I am not too anxious for those and yet cannot refuse offers. Besides in Hollywood I am bringing a number of techniques for psychiatric adjustments and my best friends have a goodly portion of the Beverly Hill “big names.” I am not anxious to get involved and I cannot refuse offers. So things stand at almost a non-plus.
Then there are the worlds of mysticism, occultism and psychism between Dr. Radhakrishnan in India and Professor Reiser of Pittsburgh and Jo Rhine of Duke. I am pretty well assured and not troubled by anybody. When I tell my stories of each land, it will bring this time favorable responses. The reactions of the entire foreign services have been so encouraging I do not care how the press—or anybody else—receives me.
All has not been lovely. I have also experienced a “Comedy of Terrors”; robbed of large sums under droll circumstances.
This deprived me of money I had expected to use in further art purchases but so are the trends of events that with even a short time left, something “big” may occur. I am not out of Talbot Mundy storybook-land. We don’t know these people. Both Nehru and Ayub are “spiritual” in ways quite outside our orbits.
There may be a Pakistan Tourist Office soon in San Francisco. I am not too enthusiastic. There is much more to see in India. Much more freedom and much better official cooperation. But the travel faculties here are much better. Not the hotel-service. Too many “luxury” hotels which mean fancy prices and too few real things to offer. This is not Japan. I still commend Japan.
These last days will be rush and the awful business of arranging luggage, finding or duplicating papers (some stolen) getting out reports, part of the red tape, etc. I got out easily to India but then I travelled “light.” There are stories connected with most of my luggage but thieving has resulted in the loss of samples—nearly all taken. The thieves were the very persons selected to guard my things—members of the family. (“Comedy of Terrors”—the social losses are ten times the financial ones). This is, I hope, the last time I travel alone—too much to attend to.
I am no longer concerned with “foreign aid.” It is sentimental, emotional and political. There is need for real rapprochements with real people. Everything is too institutionalized. On the whole I have been successful. My audiences at times have been vast. And I shall no doubt spend much of my future life in travelling to Asia. I see the beginnings of all sorts of hope and opportunities.
My larger projects will have to be demonstrated. My poetry has been accepted socially. Now we shall see if it can be published. I know I may become a sort of Goethe; I know I am the successor of Iqbal but know nothing about publishing. So I shall try to have my other writings published and then see.
My last project will center around Radio Pakistan and the exchange of folk records. Esthetics is still in its infancy. This is true of India. India is poles apart from Japan. They are opposites in so many things. The only really beautiful buildings are the engineering structures—dams, bridges, tile-walls, etc. Why I don’t know. My friend Professor Boggs has returned to teach Architecture in Oklahoma. He may also speak his piece some time.
There are some non-accomplishments in life. The World Congress of Faiths has verbally acknowledged my reports—but no more. Dr. Bryan, our chief Cultural Attaché understands this. The Scientists accept facts and the literate accept implications. In my religious and mystical resources I have been as objective and radical as in my soils, crop and water research. But you can’t get certain things over by facts. So I may give up plans for better understanding in the field if “comparative religion” which means the doors open wider for the East-West Gallery. Now Dr. Bryan is an amateur archaeologist and he formally tipped me off to things not yet made public. I must see him before I leave and shall explain to him the East-West Gallery. Here, with little esthetic development, there is often a blind acceptance of modern genres—this does not prevent good work being turned out. At least there is not too much European classicism which does not belong here.
I am hoping to get one or two persons ultimately to come to the School. I have failed in the case of the brother-in-law of Abdul Sattar former Pakistani Consul-general. Yet this failure is relative. There would be endless scope here for skills learned at the School and maybe ultimately, the opposite may have to be done—induct somebody to come here. This is a long and complicated thing. It runs up against the “Peace Corps” which I still consider 40% humbling. Enthusiasm does not unite people. You have to communicate it with something that awakens the hearts of others.
Real esthetics should be approached more from a quasi Mexican angle plus Persian elements—clays, ceramics, plasters, marble, vary—not much wood or metal. Mosaic art would go over big. Flower arrangement has hardly been touched and there are “oodles” of flowers. One good Rudolph Schaeffer would counterbalance 100 Tennessee Williams or Ballerinas but things are not done that way—yet.
I cannot even give a conclusion. Anything may happen in these last weeks. If so! I hope to be home in August.
Faithfully,
S. A. M.
Sufi Ahmed Murad
Samuel L. Lewis
September 23, 1964
My dear Rudolph:
The Stone Which Is Rejected Has Become The Corner-Stone.
When I left the school Monday morning there was some uncertainty as to the welcome that I would have on that Berkeley campus of the University of California. All my life has been dedicated to Asian Studies—Natalie Dobbins would be an outside corroborator—but while this has been accepted all over the Asian continent, it has not been so accepted here.
The uninterrupted hour with my “fairy-godmother,” Miss Ruth St. Denis, was followed almost immediately by public acceptance by leading scientists, and, step by step by step, stage by stage years of study, research and endeavor are being accepted. Within a week I hope to have another top-level meeting—one does not count on it but I am being sought out now, not seeking.
The replacement of a European by an American as head of Asian Studies on the campus has also brought a complete volte-face. The American brought in Asians to assist him. Now I could put my head in five offices after another in one place with very warm greetings.
This has been enhanced by the acceptance of my teachings and research in Asian studies abroad, also enhanced by the marvelous success of my goddaughter in Pakistan. She was not only the youngest full professor on the whole continent of Asia, she stands out even more by being a woman in a part of the world where, until recently women were not given opportunities.
And finally, for the first time for years I have even been granted an appointment by a professor in social studies. This dichotomy between the warm welcome of scientists and the strident refusal of social study teachers is an example of our “two cultures.”
I am not going here to relate the tragedies that have arisen from the refusal of certain classes of citizens even to talk to other classes—the whole Vietnam tragedy results from this and I have been a pretty close eyewitness. Until we open our hearts and greet exotic human beings as equals, there is much to be done in the world.
Therefore I shall probably find it difficult to continue any daytime work at the school—just night classes, at least for this semester. Today I have the satisfaction of approval by industrialists, chambers of commerce and engineers while the press, the commentators and our foreign policy people lag. I feel like the doctor in “The Enemy of the People.”
On the other hand I had a wonderful esthetic experience the other day which I hope to relate, even illustrate before long.
Cordially,
Sam
February 27, 1966
772 Clementina St.
San Francisco 3, Calif.
Rudolph Schaeffer
2255 Mariposa St.
San Francisco 94110, Calif.
My dear Rudolph:
I wish to thank you for your acknowledgement of my small contribution. You will understand that at the moment I am involved in a legal complication. Any satisfactory settlement of it will enable one to give what I call a suitable contribution to the immediate and later worthy projects.
As you were tired and as one should not mingle two or three kinds of business at the same time, no effort was made to see you the other day but I have two reports, one personal and the other impersonal.
The personal one is that I taking a course on Japanese culture for credit at the University Extension on Laguna St. The class is dominated by wealthy, retired ladies. They have taken over part of the instruction and have been showing slides and pictures and books which, in addition to the teacher’s (Mrs. Bock) contain far the best material. I am going to try to get closer to them and see how far they would be interested in the East-West gallery.
In preparing for this class I purchased two books from my friends, Books in Review in Los Angeles, with the afterthought to present them to your library. But Chingwah Lee wants one and Shibata-san the other and I have several inquiries also for them, to be followed up. Book purchases consume a good part of my income at present and necessarily so.
Several days were spent with my friend, Mrs. Vocha Fiske-White, whose husband, Bartlett White was one of your students down on St. Anne St. Mrs. Fiske-White has returned from Japan with one of the most characteristic collections of Japanese art I have ever seen, covering an excellent cross-section of both fine and folk-arts. These pieces are to be exhibited in Los Angeles (now on) and San Francisco (being planned) and I am wondering unofficially, whether it would be possible to use your studio exhibition room. This is just a feeling out.
Mr. Martin Rosenblatt of Gump’s who knows each of us has shown more than casual interest and it is possible that between Mrs. Fiske-White and himself some arrangements may be made.
At the same time Mrs. Fiske-White has told me that one piece each of this, the Ubukata collection, is to be given to the University of California, Los Angeles, and to your good self. This is not a bribe, this is in the “plans.”
I know that you were good enough to put on a Vietnamese exhibition at a previous time, but I do not know your plans at the moment. In fact if it had not been in the offing to give you one item I should have seen to it myself.
In addition to Martin Rosenblatt I tried to reach Charles Lindstrom at the De Young. He was not there but I did get at Mr. Chardinse, who is in charge of the Brundage exhibition and immediately aroused his enthusiasm. We have an appointment next Wednesday afternoon.
The same was true with Chingwah Lee, Mr. Shibata, the Japanese Consulate and everybody contacted so far, including the students in class.
The exhibition in Los Angeles will be on until March 11 and some time also will be needed for packing, etc. before it would be possible for Mrs. Fiske-White to come with these pieces here.
I also had a very nice visit at the new Art Building at UCLA where the attention is at the moment focused between Oriental Art and Degas. The Art Department at Berkeley is also interested but I did not push anything during my visit there.
I hope you keep well during these hard times for schools.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
May 10, 1966
My dear Rudolph:
Because you do not see me physically does not mean I am not with you in spirit. Even before Princess Poon Diskul visited here last we felt certain measures should be taken for World Peace. And my next gesture may come this week when I shall visit the school to present a few post-cards of my “Fairy God-mother,” Miss Ruth St. Denis, as a gesture to this same World Peace.
All my life I followed this lady, mostly at a distance but closer and closer. I do not wish to relate anything here excepting in connection with the Heritage of the School for Design.
After a long time I was re-united with my first-goddaughter, a lady whom I had to adopt under peculiar circumstances to give her away as bride to my then best friend. There were many things unusual about her but the fundamental chords were harmony and understanding on many levels, too many to relate here.
I said: “Tsil-Tsil, I am afraid of nobody. You cannot crush me with metal, mobs, opposition, or any and all earthly power. But if the power is not power, I am fragile. I am hopeless before babies, feathers and flowers.” She understood and we had a meditation on the beauty or rather beauties of a single flower-petal.
I then introduced her to Miss St. Denis and we had an esthetic “samadhi.” (I have had this at your lectures too.) She began sending me rose-petals and as they faded I wrote, “You have won all the orders of the Purple heart.”
Shortly after that there was an exhibition at the Flower Shop, City College and I was shocked at the lack of feeling in their displays. Outwardly they were very much like what you have at the School and in feeling they were far away as possible.
Now there are some “peculiar” types of boys around who are very critical and when I offered the feeling criticism they took it up at once. And I am finding more and more young men who have what I call “the cosmic vision” of “Flower in the Crannied Wall.”
I meet more and more such young men and we sit in meditation before flower-petals and rocks and such things and apprehend the spirit of the Universe. I am telling them about the School and hope something more will come of this.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
January 17, 1969
Novato
Rudolph Schaeffer School of Design
Utah & Mariposa Sts.
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
My dear Rudolph and Peter:
An Esthetic Pilgrimage
The potentially popular Allen Ginsberg is always saying: “What we need are more Blakes and Whitmans.” He gets the applause. This is always the way. The speaker gets the applause and the Blakes and Whitmans come and go, to be discovered never by the speakers who get the applause but by generations later on, if ever.
Being a Whitman (perhaps) “In all men I see myself.” On this point Whitman and the Whitmannians differ in toto; Whitmannians do not see themselves in others. And the other day we saw ourselves in Quarterback Namath of the New York Jets who having foresight, insight and intuition foretold the championship contest and was scorned before and criticized afterwards. But we, who have been trained in the use of the intuitive faculty, were well tuned in on him and had no trouble following the game. And we know that yet any person who has foresight, insight and intuition will be demeaned as was Namath, called all kinds of names, etc.
It is fortunate one can turn from generations of those who gain prowess by praising others—of the past—who never recognize their contemporaries and live on borrowed fame. The young will have no more of that. They are accepting the Orientals and not the “Orientalists,” and they want Whitmans and Blakes, not orators who praise the dead and snub the living.
My ersatz family here in Novato are artistically inclined and learning that the Lindstroms had moved to Sonoma we took off yesterday. We first called on myself in the form of Seth “Silver” Wood. This proved to be a good choice for the Lindstroms missed the telephone publication and so are not listed. Seth told us how to find them. But there was something odd, that in both instances our friends are fixing up next studies and will be ready in about a month.
Seth is an old buddy from Marin County. He was immediately recognized by the young as a pre-Hippy and there was no time lost in mutual recognition and communication. We want the Whitmans and Blakes; we have had enough of the laudatory orators. We shall therefore come to Sonoma in about a month. The family and several of my very close disciples are artists or artisans with a slight emphasis on ceramics at the moment.
The visit to the Lindstroms also exemplifies the practicality of intuitive foresight—which are dialectics of the “New” left and “New” right, and of the old, and all dualists shun—for one of the disciples had been assigned to list the trees of the region with the hope of encouraging woodcarving—and this is exactly what Charles is doing. Communication in zero flat.
The “Sonoma Palace of Fine Arts” is at the head of a high valley road. There is a gully to the right with a stream, most lovely and musical at this time of the year. But the house itself dominates the formation. I suppose the basic rock would be called tufa, though I do not know enough geology. They did some blasting. But the “Napa-SonomaMendocino” complex has much underlying volcanic formation which is so beneficial for wine-growing. Years ago I claimed all the hills of this district.
The Lindstrom home is to me like a Monsalvat or Art. It looked as if all
dreams are coming true and I am simply stunned for everything attracted me and by everything, I mean “everything”—rocks, scenery, garden, “Frank Lloyd Wright,” architecture; the “union of the within and the without,” the use of wood, stone, ceramic materials, painting, etc. It was too much and it must have stunned and attracted by family.
They are preparing for a summer school and there is no reason why we cannot cooperate, for it would not take long to go from here (Novato). Two of the girls are registered for Ceramics at Marin College this Spring. There is no reason why they could not continue at the Lindstroms. This is only one field but it is the one in which we are emotionally and esthetically most concerned at the moment. The work done by my most favorite young woman is in this field now.
I am not going to take time to detail anything but I can propose a visit by your forthcoming graduate class. We have two station wagons here which could seat, I guess 20 people easily, and could stand the expense of such a visit—and the class could take in Seth Wood en route.
But what I feel and feel very strongly is a sane reaction against some of the tendencies of the moment. Our old friend, Ed Hunt, is very bitter against temporary trends and especially against Picasso. I see nothing in the rich world of harmony of form or color or constructive intellectual or super intellectual themes or techniques in Picasso. He is simply the apotheosis of those who think they hunger for “excitement.” There are backgrounds of love, or harmony, of beauty, of wonder, of rhythm, of bliss, of longing and of hope. I saw all of them at the Lindstromatorium.
Charles and Mariam were very happy over this visit and send their love to you via this intermediary. I see such new hopes and feel also that the dream of Morris may come true, despite. We have already taken up the subject of woodcarving, furniture craft, etc. I think this was one of the most wonderful day of my life—sculpture, ceramics and the use of California native trees in woodcraft of all sorts. To the continued … I hope.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
January 19, 1969
410 Precita Ave.
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
Dear Peter:
Following up the conservation of the other day. I am offering my Dervish Dance class to particulate in any fund-raising campaign. This class is now also involved in some Yoga and some ceremonial dances.
Besides this I shall be glad to assist in the forthcoming fund-raising campaign with a suitable contribution.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
April 14, 1970
My dear Peter:
This still finds us far from home. Our sojourn in London runs 6th to 16th inclusive. It has not been entirely a tourist’s programming. The weather alone has been detriment but we did not plan anything beyond contacts with personalities and organizations. All of these have worked out in a satisfactory manner and will keep us busy until the last moment.
Today we found ourselves near the Victoria and Albert Museum. This as a result of our calling on the rather celebrated Marco Pallis. It took us a whole hour just to walk around the museum, but we did buy a few booklets which will be delivered after our return.
Our visit to Geneva was successful, and eventful but on arriving here there was a cablegram saying that my brother had died. I shall not know the exact social and financial results, but have good reason to assume that my income will be largely increased. Although family relations had been far from ideal, there was a tacit understanding that at least a small portion of these additional funds should go to the Rudolph Schaeffer School. At first this amount may be small, because I must repay the loan taken out for this journey. This will be easy and $100 now would be more available than $100 in the past.
However, I do not wish to subsidize Claire’s further tuition. She has a wealthy mother and the man to whom she is a fiancée is earning a very good salary. I see absolutely no reason for her not continuing her education and may even be adamant on this point. But there are possibilities that might arrange for another person to go to the school who may not be so fortunate in this direction. We can consider this later.
We are leaving here Thursday, morning for Boston. The length of our stay there will depend on arrangements already made for us and partly on whether it is necessary to hasten our return. I wish to be back not later than the 24th unless some emergency arises.
Please convey my best wishes to Rudolph and the staff.
Sincerely,
Samuel L. Lewis
September 21, 1970
410 Precita Ave.
San Francisco, Calif.
Mr. Rudolph Schaeffer,
Utah and Mariposa Sts.
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
My dear Rudolph:
This is a letter and it also may become a historical document. There is a moral law in the universe and a karmic law, although the karmic law is totally different from that presented by lecturers and “authorities” on Oriental culture. The “greatest” of these was one Russian artist about whom we do not hear any more, whose pictures have been stored or scattered and who, self-proclaiming to be a Master and authority on all things Asian, lost everything, and especially reputation in the end. He has been succeeded by lesser Roerich’s but the operations are always the same. And, of course, Brahm is never in the little man, or the “Jude the Obscures.” On this point all the prominent dialecticians of all schools are agreed: The solution to problems is to find some significant or insignificant person (according to the camp you are in) and put the blame on him.
It has been my experience for some time to find that every letter written to a scientist was acknowledged and not a single one to a non-scientist, especially on “pollution.” I was amazed to find that a number of chemists have such a different view from prominent “parlor scientists,” declaring Sam Lewis was one of the best soil-scientists they ever turned out. Anyhow I did attend the very top soil science conferences in India and my plants are in total agreement. For one of the problems of the moment is to have a most beautiful and fruitful garden in Novato and practically no help.
But this is not a cry-baby letter. The reason I am not sending a check at this time is simply because my affairs are totally complicated and it may be two months, maybe not, before I become an “angel” to the Rudolph School of Design, and possibly sooner to the University of California. The beneficiary will be Department of Near East Languages. It is a long story and I am writing some of it to be on record and future generations will look askance at the dominance of liberty, democracy, humanity and pennant, shut up, a point on which all “wingers” are in agreement, though they hate each other and also believe that hatred and murder solve—but I don’t know what.
A few years ago I finally brought a family suit. I belong to a prominent family which was very respectable and well known and could not give a college education to the son who had one of the highest records at Lowell High School—of all places. On his death bed my father relented, but that did not settle much. The reputation remained, etc. Finally I brought suit against my brother and won—not so much the suit, but the end of the family mess. And my brother died at a most opportune moment for me when I was doing what was totally “impossible” in the minds of all the prominent San Franciscans and Marinates excepting those in the same dog-houses.
I have inherited from the late Ruth St. Denis her blessing and her methodology of drawing dances out of the cosmos. As all the “good” people know this is impossible; I am going right ahead. “Dances of Universal Peace” had her blessing and full approval before she died. She had the audacity to treat me as if I were her biological son, and as I am small, she always treated me as if I were a small body excepting with total respect. Now “Dances of Universal Peace” are spreading and I must leave as soon as I can. The young want them; the cemetery-candidates would not look at them anyhow.
For almost forty years I did research for the World Church Peace Union, with the full blessing of the late Dr. Henry Atkinson. When he died my reports were quickly waste-basketed. But this is not a sad story at all; it only shows how karma works and it works very differently from the explanations by prominent, but no longer very popular authorities on “Asia.” The knowledge remains.
I went to one president of the so-called “American Academy of Asian Studies” after another with a paper on the relation between Jewish mysticism and Hindu mysticism. Those stalwart defenders of karma and “moral law” without exception laughed at me and threw me out, including some former very good friends of yours. I went to the Department of New East Languages at Berkeley and they offered me a Ph. D. Degree for the same thing. You see, Rudolph, despite all the “good” and “prominent” experts on Asia, I am one of the few disciples of the once celebrated Paul Brunton whose career and footsteps I have followed both symbolically and literally and the next generations will scoff this one with its false claims by socially prominent but really ignorant “scholars.” I am one of the few members of the Royal Asiatic Society in this region and they gave a reception to us which no prominent group here would think of doing. But there it remained, the Department of Near East Languages offering a Ph. D. degree for what the “experts” on Asian culture scoffed at... in the meanwhile one has won the full recognition and cooperation from Dr. Milton Singer of Chicago University.
I offered to take Otis Mansur Johnson with me to Geneva this year. Otis Mansur is a friend and top student of the celebrated Dr. Huston Smith of M.I.T. whom I hope to see soon. We were the only ones to be greeted by all the leaders of all the living religions of this world, the actual ones, not the noisy words from prominent lecturers. The conference began with a kiss from the top Greek Orthodox prelate and another from Mrs. Judith Hollister, Founder of the American “Temple of Understanding.”
It was a joke; it was such a counter balance. Every single famous person there became a friend. The first two days apology after apology from the leading Protestants and Rabbis. Later a warm friendship with the top Jesuit whom I expect to see next week. The warmest appreciation—the only Chinese there had such a different view from our English and German “authorities” on Chinese culture! The leading Swami gave this person a sudden public ovation. And on and on. In the midst my brother died increasing my increments. And we were welcomed in England by the very top Orientalists.
At the conference I told everybody I was the incarnation of Lessing’s “Nathan the Wise.” The real leaders of the real religions of the real world are no longer ignoring that. When I returned I found a large number of young people wanting Peace in the Near East and they have gone ahead having impossible joint Israeli-Christian-Arab dinners. I shall be a guest at one tomorrow night.
Hardly had this started when a name appeared in the paper. I once had as traveling companion a Swedish diplomat who said he represented the U.N. in the Near East. I outlined my plans for that region and having nothing else to do he did what no “good” people every do, listened. Then he said he thought it was the best thing he ever heard of. He said his names was Gunnar Jarring. You read a lot about him now.
I returned home and got the “Judeo-Christian” ethical treatment from the prominent. You can name them. All the same. “Jude the Obscure.”
Well, you know the time I landed in the hospital and could hardly walk. “Then the fun began.” I recovered. My visions all began coming true. I once had nine disciples and took them to Ching Wah Lee’s and you said: “Sam, where did you even get such beautiful young men and women“. You should see them now. This place is always packed. I work seven days a week. I am surrounded by the New Age young. My open declarations that we could have joy without drugs is coming true.
Along the line I met one Phillip Davenport. He was New Age, and tried writing and for a while had “The Oracle.” He published about me which was ignored by seniors here but not by Asian seniors who have very different views. Now he is traveling. I met the real leaders of the real religions in Geneva but am ineligible to speak on “universal religion.” Phillip is going through exactly the same type of “adventures” meeting top people and holy men in one land after another and being gloriously welcome just as I was. He will remain in Asia for awhile.
Then, my godson, Ralph Silver. He has been welcomed by top Protestant and Jewish leaders and has gone on to Iran and India. India is very strange. The top Indian-Indians have such different views of this person than do the “only in American” experts. Ralph and Phillip will have their stories.
You see, Rudolph, a man with some wealthy backing was so delighted in “Dances of Universal Peace” that he began filming them and then a lot of other “New Age” events. Some of the persons involved are well known. So they have expanded their programs and are filming and recording ceremonies and personalities totally ineligible for the so-called “American Academy of Asian Studies” and “California Academy of Asian Studies.” It has been easy. You should see the letters from the real Asian leaders! And the Indian government has given every sort of cordiality and cooperation.
So I am sending a copy of this to the American Society of Asian Arts. But I see no reason not to inform you too and you may even wish to show these films—you getting the full financial benefit.
The great mistake of the press is that a lot of wealthy young people are also “Hippies.” They want peace and understanding and not the noise-words from prominent and self-prominent persons. They are doing and fortunately quite a few of them have accepted same as their Murshid-Guru. Besides this even National Geographical Magazine has a two page picture of Lama foundation in New Mexico of which I am Guru. And it has been mentioned innumerably by one of the national hook-ups. Why even “we” have been granted an interview by a radio station while the dances go on and the joint Israeli-Christian-Arab dinners go on, and on and on. God and Rand-McNally do not always agree with the commentators and “experts.”
I am about ready to leave for New York City via Cornell (Ithaca). I am already assured of welcome there; “impossible” in this city, and do not care. I may even try to see Gunnar Jarring again. And while the press is telling about all the murders and horrors in the mid-East we will go right ahead with our joint Israeli-Christian-Arab parties.
Years ago a very prominent publication had an international essay contest on “What is Making for War with Great Britain.” I submitted a paper on “What is Making for Peace with Great Britain.” Of course nothing happened. Some prominent people won the prizes, but everything I wrote turned out later to be historically true, and this has been my general career anyhow.
But there is nothing really negative to report. There is every sign of improvement in every aspect of life. I have met recently a rather wealthy editor who wants everything I have ever experienced. I could write essays based on solid facts which would make Zola’s J’accuse look elementary. Years ago I said “The real third world war is between the professors and the commentators.” I have seen no reason to change that. But I am writing this because it looks at this writing like I shall be paid and then attempt to use such monies to promote real cultural exchange between Asia and America, and real peace between human beings. And my whole life has been in support of peace through the arts. Therefore I am hoping to give the Rudolph Schaeffer School a real good Christmas gift. There seems to be no obstacle at this writing. The New Age is based on honesty, morality and something else than emotional prowess. If I cannot see you before leaving, shall certainly come as soon as I return. “The stone that is rejected has become the cornerstone.”
Love and Blessings,
Samuel L. Lewis
October 29, 1970
c/o Lonnie Less
27 W. 71 Street
N.Y., N.Y. 10023
Rudolf Schaeffer School of Design
Utah and Mariposa Street
San Francisco, California 94110
Dear Peter, Rudolf, Claire, and everybody:
I am in New York and in plenty of high adventure, real high adventure. In fact, so high that there is a 50-50 chance of Columbia Broadcasting Company giving me a welcome home. I am not too sure yet, but our interviews have been marvelous.
Roughly speaking, I am in the field of peace through the arts—roughly speaking. And today we wandered into the vestiges of the Roerich Museum where a few pictures were purchased, and another visit vouchsafed. We will go there again to see what pictures are on display.
Earlier in the day we went to the Guggenheim Museum. As a devotee of what is Wright, I have always loved to walk up and down the ramps there regardless of what is on display. They are leaning very much toward Bauhaus and various from of impressionism. I would have liked to have bought you some books, and they are quite willing to send you a list. If I purchase have to outright, I might be duplicating.
Of course these were interludes in our main work here. My dances are being accepted more and more and more and more. Our peace plans are now being accepted very seriously by the few that have opened the doors to them.
The weather has been remarkably good. We are staying near Central Park and walk there practically every day. Should be home around November 9 or 10 after a short visit to Washington
Best Regards to everybody,
Samuel L. Lewis