772 Clementina St.,
San Francisco 3, Calif.
November 23, 1965
Dr. Seo Kyung Bo,
c/o Dr. Eugene C. Elliott
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
My dear Master Seo:
I must thank you for your letter of the 14th. At the present time my life is very complex. In this city I am involved in two lawsuits, one on my family estates and one on a complicated matter concerned with my connections in Asia. They are not only complicated and time consuming but practically none of the people I know has ever listened to me on either matter.
And while one does not like to present his private troubles to others, and as a Bodhisattva should not, the Bodhisattvic functions are even more secret because people simply do not see beyond their senses. You can get people to lecture against their senses but you cannot compel them to function beyond their senses.
The other night I had occasion to read the ending of a fierce debate between the Japanese
Daisetz Suzuki and the Chinese Dr. Hu Shih. They seem to differ in their explanations on every point. Yet they have so much prestige that nobody is going to respect a mere American from his interpretation of Oriental philosophies. This may compel me to turn to my manuscripts. For I know that neither of these men have had the Enlightenment Experience and neither is advanced in Prajna and both confuse the mission of the Sixth Patriarch.
Besides this I am involved in the troubles between India and Pakistan, and the army of one of them is occupying my farm there and I don’t know which one. So I am trying to work out a peace program, which is most difficult. This means there is very little time. It is only because of the confusion between Daisetz and Hu Shih one wants to write and this again will be difficult. However as the Korean papers would publish anything I shall try to send some materials to you. Or I might send some of my older papers—which I do not like but they are already written and you can go over them and select whatever you wish.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
He Kwang
772 Clementina St.,
San Francisco 3, Calif.
November 23, 1965
Dr. Seo Kyung Bo.
c/o Dr. Eugene C. Elliott
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
Dear Master Seo:
I wish to thank you for your letter and all the news.
My present life is very complicated and a Bodhisattva does not like to put burdens on anybody. To begin with I am involved in two lawsuits here and my farm on the Pakistan-Indian border is occupied by an army and I do not even know which army. Besides until recently nobody would believe either the difficulties or connections abroad.
But on the eve of my withdrawing from society I was invited to a party and the people there were very spiritual. I read the long and confusing debate between the Chinese Dr. Hu. Shih and the Japanese Prof. Suzuki. They did not seem to agree on anything and this is easy to understand because they are not deep in the Dharma. But that does not prevent Americans from accepting their speculative conclusions and rejecting the experiences of lesser known men.
On account of the complications I may send you a copy of my original manuscript which I do not like too much and anybody can publish anything they wish and leave out anything they wish. Only it does not give the story of my life. I would prefer to send it out first and then tell my story after they see this, which is what you call a draft.
Besides these lawsuits I am now engaged in working a food program for much of Asia and a peace plan and again there is a difficulty for most of the people who think they know me have never let me talk. And the late Nyogen Senzaki did not think this mattered much and perhaps it does not matter much.
Only at the moment with the legal complications I have no rest and you will have to be patient.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
He Kwang
April 19, 1967
Dear Master Seo:
Coming and going, going and coming,
It is all parts of the Day's work.
War and peace, peace and war,
They are all parts of a Life's toil.
When I have a moment's breath,
It will be done.
I am sorry to say that at the moment I am ill. If it is not too bad, I shall get ready to leave as soon as I am well and go first to Guy Mills which is in Western Pennsylvania. I shall be seeing my doctor tonight. He is a Chinese Buddhist.
Having been spending much time with Dr. Thich Thien An both here and in Los Angeles. He has with him Miss Janet Hailey who is far more advance in Dharma than any young people here and is now translating Buddhist texts in Los Angeles.
I have also received a beautiful piece of calligraphy from master Roshi Soyen Nakagawa.
To think and operate in Sangha -terms and no in ego-terms is the Way. During the years I have collected many things. They will be placed in the hands of Rev. Eugene Wagner in my absence and when I return I shall have my own center and secretary and be able to get out my work. I am sorry life has had so many obstacles but they are being overcome.
I shall let you know of my movements.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
June 8, 1967
Dear Master Seo,
The Wheel turns and sometimes our hopes are dashed and sometimes our despairs bring forth fruit and flowers.
All ready to leave on an extended trip I was stricken with illness the first time anything like this happened. It was undoubtedly "good" to experience pain in the flesh and weakness in the muscles.
My physician is Dr. Fung, a Buddhist and co-translator of the Sutra of the Sixth patriarch. On recovery, in thankfulness I have purchased a dozen copies of this work and sent it to England. I hope to purchase ten copies each month and will soon send two to you.
Just before the illness much time was spent with Dr. Thich Thien An of the University of California. I have since learned that Thien is Vietnamese for Zen-shi. Dr. Anis a close friend of Bishop Hanayama of the Buddhist Churches of America here in San Francisco. He studied under him in Japan.
After thirty-three rejections of my paper on "Vietnamese Buddhism" I received Dr. Thich Thien An's paper on the same subject. He hopes to have it published.
Now I have had years of legal troubles and this kept one in uncertainties. And there is now a change in my financial status enabling me to move into larger quarters. During illness Dr. Warwick read the Healing Sutra and I followed it by reading more Mahayana Scriptures. So I have also sent to England to try to buy more Scriptures.
Not only are Americans very ignorant of Buddhist Scriptures (there are lots of "Buddhists" but hardly any know Scriptures) but this was brought out in the novel called Sarkhan. Dr. Rev. Wagner is making some effort to teach scriptures but it is not always easy. It is easy for me because I have no Sangha or Zendo so the young people who come here have not been led astray.
As soon as I am well I hope to move into larger and more commodious quarters. But after a long illness one learns not to play and to accept each moment as "the moment." I am sorry I have not been able to accomplish either what you would have liked or what I would have liked. Dr. An teaches Prajna and Samma Drishthi. At the Wesak these were also part of the sermon.
Please give any suggestions. After I move I hope to resume my writing.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco 94110, Calif.
July 12, 1967
Dear Master Seo:
In going over the papers now in my possession I have found enough book materials for a
“The Roshis Speak.”
Yesterday we found that the two copies of notes written by Shaku Soyen are entirely different form his “Sermons of a Buddhist abbot” and so far as we know, they have never been published.
There then is another manuscript of a friend of Shaku Soyen translated into English by the late Nyogen Senzaki.
And there are the lectures of Master Tai Hsu in which I thought you might be particular interested.
I have written to Charles Tuttle but notice there are some other publishers in this country who accept Zen materials. All of this is apart from my own autobiographical notes which will be revised and put into book forms.
I am also enclosing a card which was printed to give us one of Shaku Soyen’s methods. He had some others. I am using this method instead of that in vogue, because that in vogue has not produced any results.
I now have not only a good Zen Library but a good Oriental Library but am careful not to substitute books for living experience. The young are responding to the living experiences.
Faithfully.
Samuel L. Lewis
(He-Kwang, Zen-shi)
[undated, 1967]
Master Seo Kyung Bo
College of Liberal Arts,
Philadelphia, Penn. 19122
Dear Master Seo:
I am having many problems but if you look at them closely you would say these are not problems at all but the music-of-life-working sometimes in consonance and sometimes in dissonance and all in the end will resolve itself into beautiful melodies. And You would be right.
I was going over my poems and found one on the closing of the Zendo here in San Francisco many years ago. This poem proved to be very prophetic, for it predicted the end of the leadership in the teaching of the Dharma in Japan and said there would be a world-movement in which the teachings of Tathagata Sakya Muni would be taught to the world along with other teachings but not necessarily by the monks and priests of Sangha.
As I have too much to do all the time I put this poem aside. But when your letter came and the manuscript by Prajna I went to work immediately and was hardly beginning the readings when I found exactly the same teaching in the first pages of the manuscript of Master Seo San. So I have stopped to write this to you and then will continue the proof-reading.
I had made some arrangements for Monday and this morning Prajna was very active and I said suddenly to the man who may be my secretary that he should come to San Francisco with me that day. So this was already arranged. And therefore I shall continue to proof-read and edit and we will work on it together when he comes. I do not have much time for it, but something tells me it is important.
This morning we did the Zen walk, both according to Hara and also the way you explained, we used both methods. In this the pupils learn by themselves and decide by themselves which is good for what. Each is excellent but each has, perhaps, limitations. And some of these young people are progressing very fast. It is a joy. I am also meeting them tomorrow.
I have not talked to Dr. Warwick but I must tell you something else. I have already made the first arrangements to have manuscripts of Masters Shaku Soyen and Tai Hsu sent to Tuttle. This is not yet done but will be soon and I have sent you copy of the manuscript of Master Tai Hsu.
Then there is a new publishing house in Los Angeles where I must send some of my ventures and the first one will cover two days on the sacred mountain (Takao) where the stupa over the ashes of Lord Buddha stand. I have to send the editor a picture. I am also getting other pictures reproduced and may send you these pictures with some explanation.
There are always new books on what the writers call "Zen" and I am very tired of them. The manuscripts of Master Tai Hsu and Roshi Shaku Soyen do not tire, they strengthen and so does this manuscript. You can also see which are the fruits of Dharma and which come out of human minds.
Then yesterday some of us visited the office of the University of California Extension. There is a Japanese lady on the staff and she rushed to me and said, “I have found a publisher in Japan and he especially wants Buddhist manuscripts. What have you got?” This was so sudden it was surprising. But if you put all these things together we are back in the Kegon teachings in the real life. Everything reflects everything and I am amazed by how many things happen in a short time. So I am sending this out by air-mail and then you will hear more later.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
January 26th, 1969
Dr. Kyung-bo Seo,
Dept. of Religion,
Temple University, Philda, Pa. 19122
Dear Mater Seo:
I have not answered you letter of the 15th sooner because I am not only always very busy but have three homes to work from. But this is part of something bigger which may be turning out very well.
For this week I met one of the heads of Departments of Asian Studies in Berkeley and we have already agreed to meet. So when I try to fulfill this engagement I shall bring your credentials and also tell more about you.
I shall also write to the Department of Far East studies at UCLA in Los Angeles unless either one of my students or myself goes there.
Now what might be called “my group” is not exactly a group for while we work as communions, we are neither separative nor fixed. Sunday night is Dharma night here and on Monday night we present Dervish dancing. The attendance is good. The general attendance has been fair but the combined attendance very good. For instance Dr. Warwick and Sam Lewis joined on New Year’s evening and we also had a Buddha Darshan which is most difficult had also most necessary. We had over seventy people.
There are now movements to open up lecture halls here outside my hope and this may be in February. I am also presenting your situation to the editor of the “Oracle” a local publication which comes out irregularly, and I think they would welcome any material from you on Korean Buddhism or Zen generally.
One of my disciples has been in New York City and she tells me she would be glad to cooperate it you have not succeeded in getting your manuscripts accepted. I have sent one to Tuttle on Master Tai Hsu but have much more material here.
Thank you, my health has been very good and most of affairs are in excellent shape today. I shall also write to New York City. I did not get a very full report on the meeting of the great religions of the world in Calcutta but Her Serene Highness, Princess Poon Diskul, seems to have played a leading roll.
Will write again when there is news and thank you for your kindness.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
Rev. He Kwang
410 Precita Ave.
San Francisco 94110
March 18, 1969
Dear Master Seo:
I have before me your credentials and have been working on the possibility on your obtaining a position out here. I have visited the Department of Near East Language in Berkeley. There are possibilities of obtaining some kind of connection there, but there is not some uncertainty about timing. I had been presuming you would want a connection for the so-called “Fall term.” One complication is that there is no universal program in this country covering college semesters.
Offhand we believe the best approach might be to get you into the Extension division. The staff of the Buddhist church on Channing Way has also expressed a willingness to cooperate if an Extension program is possible. In this instance, I could probably handle all the details myself.
Before going ahead with this subject. I have invited Dr. Warrick to take charge of a Wesak celebration, preferably in my new home in Novato, on any Sunday in May. He said you would be here at that time. We can easily have 100 people at such a celebration, and possibly more. This means you might be here in person. And this means also we might take you around in person.
I have connections also in the Department of Far East Languages, University of California in Los Angeles.
But now another matter has come up. I have just been invited to visit Harvard and Cornell Universities. At Harvard there is the largest center in the world for Religious Studies. There is also a thriving center on Buddhist Studies under Dr. Reichower, and these Buddhist Studies are largely under Asians—not the usual Western-educated Occidentals. I have also in the last two weeks made contacts with Professors of Buddhism in Oregon and New Mexico. So while I shall continue at Berkeley, doors are opening rather than closing.
Please bear in mind I have little spare time, and these doors are opening not because of any personal effort, but this is the present picture of things.
Assuring you of my willingness to cooperate,
Sincerely,
Samuel L. Lewis
Rev. He Kwang
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
Sept. 30, 1969
Dear Master Seo:
Thank you for your letter advising about your return later to this country. You have not said where you would be but at this writing it does not matter.
One is very, very busy. The big thing is that I am now preparing to attend a confidence of all the world’s religions which may be held in Istanbul, Turkey in March or April of next year.
I have written a letter, copy of which is enclosed, to Dr. G. Malalasekera who is one of the editors of the Buddhist Encyclopedia and he may send you copies direct and I shall be glad to pay for them. They are, of course, in English. He knows this language very well.
Now I have become an adviser to one professor who is having speakers for all the different “new” religions. The first speaker is expected to be Rev. S. Suzuki of the Soto Temple here. They have a very large membership. But I do not see many signs of enlightenment. Also on the list will be Rev. Too Lun or a representative: they are a small group but very intelligent with signs of enlightenment.
Dr. Warwick is also in the list and also for the class at the college, and also there is a Tibetan teacher here. I do not know much about him. There may be many speakers both at the college and local conference. I do not know whether much time will be used in meditation.
But I did find in the Christian Bible a passage which says that every one of us is a part of each other. This has not generally been noticed.
I am very well but very busy. Rev. Wagner joins me in sending his greetings.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
Rev. He Kwang
Nov. 16, 1969
My Dar Master Seo:
Namoh Omito Fu: It has been several days since I received your kind letter of October 18. We have been very busy—my problems have consisted mostly in getting help whereas the problems of most people seem to be concerned with money.
I have not heard from Dr. Malalasekera and may have to write again. It seems to be part of my Dharma Mission to help distribute the Encyclopedia of Buddhism. There is so much misunderstanding. I have found myself between the words of Lord Buddha, the great Prajna Paramita Sutras especially, and some of the lesser-known writing of Dr. Daisetz Suzuki, one has all the material one needs. I find the translations of Dr. Luk and have assigned them to a few students who are specializing in the in the deeper philosophies of life.
Yesterday when so many Americans were concerned with peace in Vietnam, it was rather strange that we should be getting here a telephone call from one Vietnamese friends; and that Dr. Thich Thien-An actually came here. Saturday night we have spiritual dancing, but we did perform the second jhana of Buddha Sakyamuni, to illustrate our work. Among others we also did the nembutsu dance. We expect to have a special meeting on Vietnamese Buddhism sometime next month.
I am attending classes at the university here on poetry and philosophy, with particular emphasis on the influence of various types of Buddhism on American culture. Too little is known of Asian culture and there is too much concern special personalities which is very awkward, not only because too many so-called Buddhists ignored the anatta doctrine, but even more because there is unifying spirit deep within the human heart quite apart from human personality. Perhaps that is why I like Daisetz Suzuki’s expositions of Kegon.
We do not duplicate the work of other persons. I have the greatest respect for Rev. Too Lun, but have no time to see him. Rev. Joe Miller is new living in Oakland. Rev. Horowitz is now in New York and I am glad to report he is closely cooperating with my friends and colleagues there. Rev Wagner always asks about you.
Concerning Dr. Warwick. I do not know anything I admire more than his mountain climbing approach to spiritual awakening. It is exactly what I should have wished in my younger days. It has also caused a number of other people to take mountain climbing and contemplation seriously. This week we are considering Tibetan Buddhism at San Francisco State College.
As matters stands, I may be attending a conference of the world’s religions at Istanbul in Turkey next Spring. And should be back late in April. I would like to know exact days you may be here, for I am under contract to teach at Lama Foundation in New Mexico. They are very much under Buddhist influence, but also are concerned with other forms, of Asian spirituality. Other than being overworked, there are no negative reports.
With deepest respect,
Samuel L. Lewis
He Kwang
410 Precita Ave.
Dec. 7, 1969
Dear Master Seo,
This is to acknowledge your letter of Nov. 24. We have written to the Embassy of Ceylon to see if we can get action concerning the “Encyclopedia of Buddhism.” Also you find a copy of letter to Dr. Warwick which gives you some news.
I am interested concerning a Zendo in Virginia. Please let me know exactly where. I have lived in parts of that state and visited other parts. I am also in touch with rather important people in the region of Arlington, which is not far from the city of Washington.
The new Zendo here is under a British lady Roshi who had here training at Sojiji. Everybody likes her and her staff very much. But personally I more interested in the combination of the deep study and understanding of the “high sutras” than of just sitting. There is no doubt multitudes of Americans will become interested in the Dharma when it consists of something more than just sitting. Here we combine the meditative method of Lord Buddha with Prajna Paramita. We do this not to get in competition with others.
Our next venture here no doubt will be in connection with Vietnam. But quite outside of
polities.
Most faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
He Kwang
Jan. 25, 1970
My dear Master Seo,
Thank you for your letter of Dec. 27. I did not answer sooner because of several uncertainties, and these have not been resolved.
I have been invited to attend a conference of all the world’s faiths. It was originally to have been held in Istanbul, Turkey. This was cancelled, and no further news has been received, leaving me without any form of schedules at this writing.
Then there is the family problem. My brother is now in the hospital and he does not know whether he will live or die. You will be pleased to learn that following the teaching of Tathagata Sakyamuni, I have ignored all his early ill-will and he recognizes this. Indeed he has promised that if he leaves this world soon, I shall be left in very comfortable circumstances. It that case, I should be glad to make a very suitable financial donation.
There is another circumstances also I must tell you. There is now in San Francisco an English lady known as Kennett Roshi. She attained her ordination at Sojiji Monastery in Japan. She had been a friend and disciple of my very dear friend the late Phra Sumangalo. We are on very cordial terms. My disciples love here and her disciples. She has made some effort to establish a Zendo here in California somewhere neat Mt. Shasta, and we also have what can be called vested interests in that region. However, I have not promised her financial assistance, and if the proposed Zendo in the state of Virginia needs such help, it would naturally have priority.
In addition to this, I have been invited to so many places, it is very difficult to establish any kind of schedule at the moment although this need not be called a tragedy. I am therefore sending a copy of this letter to this address in Virginia you sent me.
I may have to visit the city of Washington and am awaiting information. I have also some important contracts in the city with regard to Vietnam. Actually there is no bad news, only life does bring one certain type of problems, and they need proper attention.
With all assurances of my good will.
Faithfully and Sincerely,
Rev. He Kwang