January 5, 1961
My dear Florie:
It is ten o’clock at night and I have had a most busy, and in a sense a
most profitable two days. Because I have a certain élan and exuberance many
overlook the fact of my age and that I have accumulated a certain quantity of
knowledge and perhaps experience, if not wisdom. At this end the general
conclusion is that I have wisdom. A small example is that the shoe-shine boys
used to charge me 5 ps. or more, 2 ps. is considered high and 1 piaster normal
for a shoe-shine. Now they fight to shine my shoes, not for the money but for
the Baraka. This, you will please note, is my diary entry and I am not in the
slightest degree concerned with the reactions of anybody, especially people in
far-away places. For this supposition of my having Baraka has spread far beyond
the shoe-shine boys. One guide—who overcharged me—is nevertheless
advertising me far and wide because I went to Syedna Zeinab (where a
granddaughter or some woman descendent of the Prophet has her tomb) and then
the tomb of Imam Shafei who is a great saint and founder of one of the law
schools of Sunna.
I have made two visits to the National Research Centre with the final
acceptance of my literary proposals. I hope to put these into operation soon to
the detriment of certain well-known groups who collect funds. Period. This will
be reported to the Embassy tomorrow along with the following two incidents:
I received a call from one of the leading newspapers here. We finally
arranged an interview which lasted about an hour and a half. They took at least
six pictures with discussion of my scientific work, Sufism, Yoga, etc. It was
so long and involved. It came out of the reaction to my poem “Saladin” and
my paper on “Surrender Consciousness and Unifying Consciousness.” This
received the highest commendation from the savants here and as soon as the
present pressure dies down I shall write to Aligarh University in this
regard.
As I was retiring last night I received another call which lasted one hour
from the Islamic Congress. They not only accepted in full my report on Islam in
the United States but held a meeting to work out a program for me when I
return. In turn they asked me to write a paper on “How I became a Muslim”
and “An American’s Reaction to Ben Gurion.” The latter will be an unusual
paper for I shall attack him in part on universal grounds and partly on the
strange departure from traditional Judaism which seems to go on indefinitely.
If this man is not suffering from megalomania, then he is one of the worst
enemies of true religion that ever appeared on earth.
I received one letter from Congress about a new school for international
studies and I, stimulated by these events, have entered a strong protest
against any further spending of moneys by the Federal Government for European
professors on Asian studies. I am going to follow this up by reporting on the
strange case of Judith Tyberg, pushed aside after she graduated with highest
honors from an American University and received a further degree in India. I
shall request she be given top priorities when Federal Funds are appropriated
by Asian conferences, or for the projected university. We have not only gained
nothing but have lost ground steadily by this interposition of Europeans in
Asian studies.
Furthermore my stand that the real Islamic Philosophy have been smothered by
Europeans writing books about a few men of the past whose works they happen to
know, overlooking the greater works of many of Islam’s top thinkers and
muddled explanations of others. The greatest name in Islam is hardly ever
mentioned in any courses in the West—which has prompted one Egyptian to
disown every European writer, without exception. Maybe he has gone too far, but
this is an Egyptian outlook and it corroborates Indian, Pakistani, Indonesian,
Malay, Burmese, Thai and Japanese outlooks. I have finally convinced the
Foreign Office on this naming names and giving incidents.
January 8, 1961
My dear Florie:
This is my diary entry again. I just came back from a second visit to Sultan
Hassan Mosque. It was under Dr. George Scanlon of the American U. here and the
party consisted entirely of Americans, mostly those who work at the Embassy. We
pay nothing for the tour but baksheesh to the people who work around Mosque.
Even at a piaster a piece, the group is so large that they get good
largesse.
Dr. Scanlon is entirely opposed to the famed ornate Mohammed Ali Mosque and
claims that the Sultan Hassan Mosque is the best in Cairo. There is no
argument. He knows the ins and outs of all the art, the historical background,
the kinds of materials. I almost got aesthetic fatigue. Last time we walked
miles but I did not get tired. Today my eyes are tired and I forgot to change
my glasses.
The mosque uses stone, marble, lapis lazuli, glass and wood and each of
these has to be treated separately. The monumental wood carving equals anything
I have seen in Japan. The marble in-lays are perhaps the best of their kind.
This place is so large and with so many details it is harder to visit than the
Taj or Shalimar Gardens. But there is a fine feeling of awe and austerity. I
want to go to the Rifa’i Mosque across the street again but Dr. Scanlon is
stopping for a season and the next tours will be to relics of Ancient Egypt. I
do not know at the moment whether I shall make such trips. I have been invited
to an Armenian Church and the experience might be worth it. Somehow or other in
the midst of so many activities I just cannot warm up to antiquities.
I was sure you have been very busy and thought you had gone to Santa Monica.
I have just completed two papers for the Islamic Congress and will outline
others which I can write when I return to California, inshallah; or write from
Ohio should I go there for research. This morning I thought of the worst
criticism of Christianity: “there was no room for him in the inn” but the
inn has taken over the religion, especially Christmas. I am getting more and
more antagonistic to Christmas.
We are losing ground in the international field. I have written Washington
that our politics and economics were fine but we simply have no moral and
psychological approach, will not face the fact and are constantly “shocked”
by easily predictable events. I am not surprised at the China report. The
press, the movies and the literati do not know how to face humanity. The lines
came to me in a letter the other day: “Lust is the ghetto of love.” Few of
our writers know how to get out of the ghetto and another sees adventure only
in the science laboratory. This is utter nonsense. I find adventure every
day.
I am running up against a dilemma on the buying of art goods, as to their
shipment. This means either purchasing them through a New York Office at a much
higher price—which I don’t mind; or carrying them with me, which means I
save money but cannot distribute anything for a long, long time.
I think I told you I heard from Abdul Rahman from Abbottabad, and our plans
rather coincide. I expect to find Pakistan “easier” than here because there
is more openness and more people speaking English. I am now in the midst of
biological research, literary work and waiting to see how much of the interview
will be published. Tomorrow I go to the Islamic Congress and when I present my
papers will see what kind of advice or suggestions they give me.
It would have been a simple and easy matter to have a Mosque in S.F. I am an
old San Franciscan. I know people who would have contributed heavily for
international reasons and I found today that these people are supporting four
students at the University of Cairo right now. Well sometimes other than Allah
knows best and when other than Allah knows best you get their kind of Mosque;
and when Allah knows best you get His kind of Mosque. But other-than-Allah
knows best so many places so you have to have the other-than-Allah Mosque.
More later.
January 9, 1961
My dear Florie:
Please bear in mind that this is my diary, for my records and for posterity
and is not any effort to win anybody over; indeed some people will say as they
always have said: what egotism! All my early life was rife with suffering and I
used to envy Job! I am not fooling. The biblical saying that was before me was
“The stone that is rejected is become the corner stone.”
I placed the carbons of my articles in the hands of one Attia who is both a
scientist and dervish, but in addition a business man. The next result is that
today I have to attend immediately to a scientific matter; then conduct my
affairs; than meet a Sheikh and then prepare to meet several more Sheikhs and
Allah knows what dignitaries.
I have followed with full faith the instructions given to me by my Murshids,
and though there is nothing secret, there is everything sacred about them. Two
or three people who have known me all this time and were disciples of my first
Murshid are living witnesses of it but most of the disciples were more against
me than anybody but my parents and one even more than my parents.
These instructions covered exactly what was the subject of the walks
yesterday. Sufism may be called “Operative Islam.” We place God off in the
subjective and then try to compensate a la Madison Avenue with a lot of
adjectives bribes.
Allah has not asked for bribes. He has asked for surrender and that is
exactly the one thing we do not give Him. Everything else. I had to show even
those long steeped in Islam that when they bowed their heads to the grounds
they empty their heads—their minds, their egos, and when the torso by reflex
action even, is raised Allah may fill our hearts and beings with His Grace. But
it is this type of Islam which Rom Landau attacked and most everybody but Abbas
joined him and Abbas resigned as any devotee would do.
Sheikh Abu Salem Amria who has in part accepted me must be a great man
because many of the Ulema from Al Asher ware there last night also to hear him.
He gave lessons, mostly moral and spiritual and not the humbug words of
lecturers—”moral and spiritual.” This was the real stuff. The Mosque was
packed to the doors.
There was also present Sheikh Mohammed to Sidi Sharani. I cannot explain
this man. There is such tremendous love between us that is real and the
manifestation of it astounded even the Ulema and many of the devotees. And it
is Sheikh Mohammed who is taking me out today, and I go with him.
This is a holy week. It is in honor of Zeinab, the grand-daughter of the
Prophet. “Women have no souls in Islam” but can you point to a single
woman-saint in Judaism or Protestantism? This very subject was touched and I
can name several woman saints in Islam.
The first question that Sheikh Amria asked me was, “Have you visited
Syedna Zeinab?” Well I had made a special visit to that shrine just before
and you can believe or not all our European Orientalists that there is no
telepathy or super-telepathy, but why this question as a greeting? I have had
many such experiences.
Some day there may be in American schools for religions studies, schools for
Islamic studies. Lest night there ware studies—only from Holy Qur’an, many
from Hadith and many from the lives of the Kaliphs. This is exactly what I
wanted but evidently my Allah whom I hope I worship is not the same as the
“Islam” which some people have substituted for Allah and then filled with
any selfish content they desire. Allah grants wishes. This god named Islam
apparently does not. This god named Islam is just like the old Hebraic is
deity, a private one in whose name one can do anything and everything. I’ll
have none of it and neither will the world, but we all say “Alhamdu Lillah”
and that ends the communication—in preparation for more adventures.
January 13, 1961
My dear Harry:
This is my diary entry and I am sending it air-mail which may bypass other
letters and reports. Will you kindly send me air-mail to this address a
pamphlet on the Hotel Management Section of the City College. There is a young
man working here who wishes to come to the U.S. and take this course of
training. He already has many of the qualifications, speaks several languages,
and has more than passage money. Details are being worked out with the American
Friends of the Middle East, who also have an office down town (323 Geary St.)
You do not have to write anything, just please send the folder.
I am in the middle of a rat-race. I use this term although everything is
most favorable. I had two other projects outside of Horticulture and not only
have they both been successful but have reacted in turn on my Horticulture
ventures. One has been my interest in Middle East affairs and the other in the
Dervishes. I have no intention to write here on these subjects but I have found
many of the Dervishes in important posts in horticulture; and in turn I found
one of the chief Islamic philosophers gave me an opportunity about which I
shall write next. His name is Attia and he asked me to check on the American
Soybean Foundation. I did so and met one André Tawa, Director of the Soybean
Council of America.
It was more of a love-feast than a meeting and I am to submit a paper at his
request. In my previous journey I was interested in following up the
introduction of the Soybean into India despite Clifford Clinton’s “Meals
for Millions” abortive experience. The Soybean Foundation is not only working
literally on everything from “soup to nuts” but faces every problem from
the pests which make growing difficult here to the manufacture of plastics,
etc. and all between. On top of that Mr. Tawa heartily endorsed my bringing
Horticultural literature to this country and said the Foundation would not only
back me psychologically but even financially.
This comes at a time when I can report, with a degree of disgust, that a
number of American organizations, purportedly opening in the fields of
international friendship and collecting plenty of $$$ for such purposes are not
here at all and I never happened upon them before and am keeping a keen eye
open. This quasi-fraudulent method is adding more fuel to the fire of
international suspicion. But the Soybean Council is doing and what is more is
working just in that area of the world which I visit and have been effective so
far.
Ali Asad, Chief Geneticist, Vegetable Research Station
Hasan Salah, Chief Plant Protectionist, National Research Center
Sa’ad Kemal, Chief Geneticist, En-Shams University
Murtaz Billah, Director, Vegetable Production, Veg. R. Station
Mohammed Dessouki, Chief, Foreign Affairs Dept., Ministry of
Agriculture
Mr. Dessouki is my theoretical host; Hasan Salah, recently from the
University of California and friend of many personal friends, has been my
effective host. He sent me to En-Shams University where I went before to meet
Yusuf Wali, Chief Pomologist. This man, like Murtaz Billah, is a
Dervish. M. Dessouki is a first cousin of Murtaz Billah.
The other day I called on Ali Asad first to get a contact with Louisiana
State University to report to them on the use of Water Hyacinths as a
vegetable. He gave me the introduction. When I met Sa’Ad Kemal I learned that
the two men had gone together to L.S.U. and were close friends so all these
people are close workers with each other and with me.
I then told Ali Asad that I thought his work on Sweet Potatoes was
it. He was doing exactly what I have been arguing about for an
integrative resolution of the earlier Lysenko-Mendel controversy. I have asked
for a special interview in February so I could enter the report in my diary and
carry his work to other universities without infringing on his patent rights.
He was delighted. He was further pleased to know my enthusiasm was as great as
his. I have since had opportunities to disagree, or argue with other scientists
and can see that they have not reach the integral “solution” as I think and
Ali does. I hope he is right.
My visit to [En-Shams was something. Sa’ad Kamal used to be Professor of
Horticulture but now handles Genetics and Statistics at the university. He took
me around the grounds and later to his place. For the record I notice the
continued use of Lantana for low shrubs but a form of Bougainvillea also. I do
not like the latter for this purpose but there it is. One sees plenty of
Jonquils, very fragrant; Stocks, Nasturtiums, Petunias, Geraniums, some Canna,
all kinds of Points, but no garden flowers with which you are not familiar. The
Roses are doing well now showing they are an all-the-year plant. The chief
store flower is the Glad. They look fine and full. Phlox are also in bloom,
Violets, etc.
Sa’ad Kamal took me to his farm where he does Cotton Research. He is
trying seed-planting, putting some in the ground every 9 days, beginning with
November 1st. Those which rooted well before the cold weather are in
fine shape, but the others grew well up to about 6” and then the cold wind
gets them. It does not kill them, but causes leaf-fall.
There are several reasons for doing this off-season. The first is to see if
they can get plants and blooms before the pests are active. The second is to
ascertain the actual thermal factors. Light, he tells me, is natural and long-
or short-day planting does not seem to be effective. The genetic factors seem
to be very dominant over the “environmental” ones and so far as Cotton is
concerned Sa’ad Kamal is pretty close to Mendelian orthodoxy.
He has also developed Cotton as a perennial windbreak. This serves several
purposes. Thus, no labor of replanting. He has not yet determined the economic
benefits or losses to this method. But the windbreak shrubs protect the new
plants. He has had laid out both seeds and cuttings in one open field, and on
the other side of the road reported his experiments with the Cotton shrubs as
windbreaks. There he has had very much greater success with the seedlings and
somewhat greater success with the cuttings. The cuttings require more labor,
but come free; the seeds less labor but an expense. So it is just the beginning
of a season of experimentation; to add the economic facts and factors to the
genetic ones…. However, I think these principles might apply to a lot of
other crops.
He is also doing work with Grasses and Ground Covers to ascertain their
value and usefulness. He sees that the Goat has been the envy of Egypt and that
it destroyed all the ground covers but C. dactylon and even much of that. He
says that economists, historians and others have overlooked this and tend to
blame dynasties and political groups. He says that the Goat eats so close that
it does not permit plants to revive, especially the ground covers in Egypt and
that this is the prime factor in the centuries of downhill in the history of
the soil. He is not trying to introduce many ground covers. He finds his Lippia
particularly successful.
We also discussed the relation of crops to soil moisture, atmospheric
pressure and ultimately rainfall. My ideas, although worded out logically
rather than scientifically, are the same as those of all the men whom I have
met who are [?] on this and similar problems.
Sa’ad Kemal’s home and station are about 10 miles northeast of Cairo.
The weather there is moderate, warmer in winter and cooler in summer. The soil
is rich black alluvial. Until recently he used no fertilizers, part of his
tests outside of Cotton being the use of crop rotation to see how far this
could be done without additives. Now he must use some N in his cotton work. As
both of us were too interested in the experiments, we forgot to go into the
rotation program.
It is quite possible that I shall visit this University again. At the moment
I have no program excepting the very important one of extracting from the
Entomological bulletins, about which I have written before.
I also spent some time at the Library of En-Shams. They claim to have a
moral complete collection of Botanical and Horticultural books than elsewhere
around Cairo and this is undoubtedly true. I did a small amount of checking but
then we had a long discussion on information exchange. The result is the basic
working out of a program to exchange first, information between Pakistan,
India, Japan, U.S. and UAR. Then go into seeds and later into ropes. Later
today I was advised that Mr. Dessouki of the Ministry is going to India next
week so I will see him immediately in the morning and extract some names from
my diary, especially the contacts at Dehra Dum. If this program can be
accomplished, it will round out my general purpose and give me a full-time
program, if I wished, for the rest of my life. Of course more countries might
fit into the pattern, especially, Indonesia.
At the moment there is also some rivalry between U.S. and U.S.S.R on the
World Agricultural Exhibition which will open after I leave. Evan if I get a
preview, I could hardly give an objective, over-all report. For Russia’s
discoveries or advances would only in a few cases be of benefit to this
country. Both the basic crops and conditions are different. But even the wheat
research might be further advanced here than in either country, but the press,
including even the local press is too concerned with excitement to give
a deep, serious report.
I have now written to Mr. Kinoshita in Japan covering the basis facts
without details. I may have gotten into too many things but now I am sent for.
I have to see Mr. Attia, who is concerned with the commercial side of Cotton
but also interested in the basic food problems of this region. He has several
contacts for me, the nature of which is not clear.
I have now written asking for an interview with President Nasser. Even if it
be granted I am afraid the news value of it would outshine the truth value. For
I consider the contents of this letter above of far more importance to the
world. Indirectly I feel concerned with the failures of Russia and China in
this crops and harvests. Other countries have also suffered this year and the
world seems out of focus, with population going up and food going down.
There is a general feeling that the new Administration will be better. I did
not vote and while I feel that the State Department is a decided improvement,
do not wish to extend my onions, which are not well formed. Mr. Benson was here
recently but it did not get into the news, nor did he make any basic
pronouncements or suggestions.
I told Sa’ad Kemal that what the UAR needs from the U.S is neither money
nor advice, but the tourism of farmers who have grown Cotton, Cane and Rice. I
once wrote Senator Ellender on this subject; ignored. Some of those lowly
whites from the South, with all their weaknesses, could make better suggestions
than the none-contacting diplomats, experts, etc., who visit neither people nor
villages. Anyhow I may make arrangements for out-of-town trips next week. The
Sundays now give the choice of visiting ancient Christian churches or going on
art-jaunts with the American colony. Either of which is acceptable.
Cordially,
January 16, 1961
Dear Walt and Magana;
This is my diary entry and only incidentally a letter. It is evident that my
sensitivities or intuitions are growing and the incident last night may fortify
the story below it. Ted is a Harvard grad here and has been concerned with
going to Iran. He is in some difficulties and I begged him to sup with me. He
declined thinking he was a burden. As I sat down to dine there was a man
opposite me who proved to be Iranian envoy and had all the answers for Ted both
on how to go to Iran and what to do. We also had a very pleasant discussion of
Sufism which he says is much alive in his country. Of course the
“authorities” deny this just as they deny it is alive here and God knows
how many thousands of them I have met and I have two or more spirituals
teachers to meet soon.
Yesterday I had to go the Al-Asher Mosque after visiting one Sufi Khankah,
and having time went to the bazaars. I had brought a small amount of spending
money with me. Now either Allah or my Agatha daemon is with me, for I get
pinched and called “stingy.” I had brought the money for no other reason
than spending it. I bought some shoes and they will be shipped with some other
stuff to Peg Almond, 470 23rd Ave., San Francisco 21.
There was a fine Nefertiti robe, no there were several and there were a lot
of other robes. It is very hard to get the merchants to keep quiet. I was not
interested in price excepting to see that the package was valued at $10. Well,
I finally got a Nefertiti robe and one pair of green shoes to match although I
cannot be sure of the size of either, and it does not matter. These were paid
for, also postage and insurances to 111 Ellis St. and if they get there I think
you have the acumen, wisdom and assurance to know what to do with same.
It is because my intuition or the divine grace has been working and working
overtime for me in several affairs I feel this will be included. Anyhow Allah
or the Agatha daemon or my conscience or something told me not to be stingy for
you folks, and I guess I had better not. There are no orders about other people
and I may be stingy there, although here again only Allah knows why or knows
best and I shall try to obey orders. (This looks very funny, actually it is
most serious.)
I believe at this writing all my major and many of my minor projects have
succeeded, alhamdu lillah. I have written asking President Nasser for a short
interview and the presentation of my poetry. Also I may try to see the local
Mayor and Governor on other matters. This covers a long list of things. I am
half afraid, at times, to record even for my diary because things look bloated
and egotistic. I once took Dr. Baker with me to an Asian conference and she
never again criticized me, but I do not have many opportunities to take people
to see what happens when I go forth.
The work being done by scientists here has amazed and delighted me. I am now
concerned with cultural and related exchanges. The arts are not so well
developed here. Painting is catching up, but dancing not so; the progress in
music is malgré lui. I even heard square dance calls in Arabic. You may
be glad to learn that some of the Hindus I meet have heard about you and there
is no doubt that you could draw many people if you came here. But the State
Dept. and ANTA are still too much concerned with brand names and a visit of
Armstrong is going to delight the Americans and the American press; but I doubt
much whether there will be any valid communication or “meeting the people.”
This is something which is not going on at a proper rate.
I leave here in a month and look to a later return. There are lots of
loopholes in this visit and thought I just purchased a camera it is for
somebody else and I should prefer others talking pictures. It is a burden with
all the things I have in tow, and I am not able to carry on my literary
work.
Cordially
Samuel I Lewis
January 18, 1961
Dear Ruth and Everybody:
Please note that this is my diary and only secondarily a communication. I
had my fortune told three times when I was an infant and all the people said I
would die famous. A number of years ago a woman read my coffee grounds and said
that someday I would do something for which the U.S. Government would honor me.
My name is already on the roster of famous people at Fort Mason, Calif. just
below Carlson’s Raiders. Every time I open my jaw to say what has happened
there is a roar of opposition. It is not I but they who have the egos. Anyhow
in order to tell what is happening here and happening here in profusion, I have
to break this down into a series of incidents. Please bear in mind that this
is just one third of my existence here and the other two thirds are keeping
pace with it. The top scientists, including a number of Sufis, are my dear
friends and I am now no longer controlling my affairs but am a witness and a
witness only and this is just one-third of my current existence. As much as
possible goes into my diaries but now I am not sure, so much is happening and
happening all the time.
Dr. Mohammed Kemal Hussein. The Sufis at Ajmir gave me such a
reception that I became ill from dysentery, the only time I was ill on my
previous journey—nothing but feasts and teas with milk and sugar between,
excepting when we climbed a holy mountain or attended ceremonies. Whatever
happened then—and things did happen—were not on the plane they happen now,
either internally or externally.
I arrived in New Delhi and had the same rooms as previously and
Pir-o-Murshid appeared and said I should go to the Egyptian Embassy. So I went
sick—I came back healed. There I met this gentleman. “What do you want?”
“I am interested in Moineddin Ibn l’Arabi and Islamic Art before the
Turkish conquest.” His jaws dropped. “How did you find me?” “Why?”
“I am the world’s greatest authority on these two subjects. This is the
first time I have ever left Egypt and have just arrived and you found me!” I
told him and we have become most excellent friends.
He has reviewed my “Saladin” and places it in the top ranks of all
poetry. He has read my papers on “Surrender Consciousness and Identity
Consciousness.” He has seen to it that my name got into the paper. We have
outlined a lot of things, firstly in Islamics and later on for horticulture
when I return inshallah. This is necessary because of
Dr. Shawarbi. He is now in the U.S. and normally should have been my
host. He arrived in S.F. under dramatic conditions summoned by an enemy who was
fighting a friend. At the meeting of the U.N. where all the religions came
together I showed him a single page of “Saladin” and we walked off, he did
not want to see anybody else, and were together constantly. Originally it was
planned I was to tell him with his farm. I need somebody here through whom to
introduce California crops, all kinds, so these doors are opened.
Newspaper Al-Akhram. Dr. Hussein has not only given me publicity but
I was 1½ hours in his home recently for an interview with 8 or so pictures
taken. But nothing appeared. I go to Semiramis Hotel all the time and I was
told a beautiful woman reporter wanted to see me. Paul Keim of Berkeley was the
first American I met here and we have become very, very close. He has a
beautiful secretary named Katie whom I had to see in re. dancing. But I told
Katie this a.m. I could not stay because a beautiful Egyptian lady wanted to
see me. This was so and I had another whole hour and a promise to have a big
article or several articles in the paper.
The Jilani Family is descended from Abdul Kadir-I-Gilani, the
greatest of the Ghouses (and no nonsense despite the people who want to lead
Sufism without studying it). I met a representative of this family in
Washington before whom I laid my plans for Palestine. He began by wanting to
throw me out of the door; he ended by embracing me.
My plan for Palestine has never been refuted. Everybody accepted it before,
and I am resurrecting it step by step. There is an Iraqi in this Pension and he
told me a member of the Jilani (or Ghailani) family is here in charge of the
legation. I went there this morning and was promised an interview soon. Same
stuff—the gruff voice followed by sweetness, light and love.
The Duces. Mrs. Duce who is now a titular Murshida was the only one
who knew my plans. Three times I have almost made it in international affairs.
The first time I was betrayed by a woman whom I had initiated, my only real
mureed. The next time Murshida told everything to Etta who told everything to
Mirza Mehdi her husband who told it to his friends. Finis. The third time Mrs.
Duce went out of her way to denounce me and my plans, crossed the country,
publicly and privately denounced the same. Made me retract this article in the
papers which published me, although my view was very close to that of the new
Secretary of State, Rusk.
I got kicked out of Fairfax, kicked out of the Sufi Movement and was called
all kinds of things for which I could have hailed her into any court anywhere
but did not want to disgrace the name Sufism.
I made a friend in Colonel Evenson, new director of the American Friends of
the Middle East in San Francisco. He is a very close friend of Terry Duce. Just
before I left home—and I may have told you this—as he wanted to introduce
me to Mr. Duce I said: “Hello Terry!” He had just told him that my
“Saladin” is a most wonderful poem, a prelude to Mohammed Kemal Hussein
above. Ivy then came in, hang dogged.
Well today during the interview I heard the name Mr. Duce and found Terry
is now here. I immediately went to the American Friends of the Middle East
and dropped an indirect message: “All my plans here have been successful.”
I may watch for him. The whole world and I mean the whole world has reversed
itself.
U.S. Embassy. I had a long and the most important conference I have
ever had with a Federal Govt. Official. Roughly I told him that we have not a
single book on Islam as it is, nor a single book on the Dervishes which means
anything. Without getting into detail he accepted every proposal I put to
him and I am to write them out carefully and they will be given every
consideration. I think I have things which may affect the whole balance of
power in the U.S.
Local Sufis. Sunday I did not have time to complete the trip with the
Americans but we visited a Khankah. I got kicked out of a school in California
for using the term “Khankah.” I was urged to make this a “cause
célèbre” as it is called and I probably shall. I went and greeted everybody
there.
I met also this week Sheikh Sharabassi of the Rifa’i Dervishes. I had been
to the Rifa’i Mosque and had the most wonderful experience there. Now he has
invited me this Friday with my friend, Atila, to be interpreter. He had me
stand up in a public meeting and get an ovation—this is becoming common
place. In fact I am supposed today to have lots of “Baraka” and most people
call me “Sheikh.”
I have been going to “The Garden of Allah” in the Khan-i-Khalili bazaar
for purchases. I was introduced to a shoe-maker down stairs who fitted me out.
Somehow or other the story got round that I am a dervish. Yesterday when I was
in this shop the shoe-maker came up breathlessly, and took me by the hand
downstairs. This was surprising as my shoes were not to be fitted until next
week. There was an old blind man, a sheikh. We sat silently and I gave him my
beads: “Naqshibandi!” He glowed all over—he is the Naqshibandi—teacher
here. We embraced and then one experiences Baraka, not just blessing, but the
warm fire of love and magnetism and joy penetrating all through one’s
personality. It was a tender moment of happiness. There are things beyond words
and language.
Prospectus. I am to leave here on February 16th for Port
Said and to arrive in Karachi on February 26th. My mail address
between February 15 and March 5 will be c/o Consulate, U.S.A., Karachi,
Pakistan. Then c/o Abdul Rahman, K-482, Old Kunj St., Abbottabad, Hazara, N.W.
Pakistan.
I may tour West Pakistan in many directions, depending on my friends. I have
accepted the invitation to stay some time with one Jamshyd Khan, in Mardan,
N.W. Pakistan. He is the largest modern farmer who has been most successful.
But the truth is that not only am I interested in soils and soil problems—and
have a lot of stuff for him, but the sons of Hasan Nizami have a coal company
there. The late Hasan Nizami was Pir-o-Murshid’s closest friend and he died
in his presence. So if I meet the sons I may question them about
Pir-o-Murshid’s last days.
Several men at the Embassy are also going to help me with introduction in
Pakistan and Dr. Kemal Hussein above already has.
Islamic Culture. This is very long and very complicated. I have
written two papers for the Islamic League and shown them part of “Saladin.”
I am also going to Al-Azhar University office Saturday to discuss the whole
problem of Islamic culture. They are going to start a radio station and
indirectly they need my advice on how to reach the English speaking world.
Roughly speaking the people here are Conservative Muslims, Progressive
Muslims, Islamic Sufis and Universal Sufis. It is hard to draw the lines; there
are no fixed rules and most are Muslims, but the top men are Universal as I
have written before and underneath a lot of other people are universal, too.
Discussions. When I went to the bank last they gave me my money and
entertained me and I them. They even forgot the papers which I had to sign!
They had me give them sermons and discuss the relative merits of Christianity
and Islam. I walked off a hero. The same happened the other night near here. I
mingle with the people and they know I am an American. Nobody else does
this.
Future. I had to criticize the American habit of raising funds which
never reach here. Only the A.F.M.E. mentioned above, the YMCA. and CARE do
anything here—and for that matter wherever else I have been. The most
disgusting thing is the appeal for literature and funds, and any decent
literature never gets here excepting through the Government (U.S.I.A.), which
is always being attacked. And the filth that clutters the market—they don’t
need Russian literature. What is saving as that the condition in Russia and
especially China are terribly terrible and China may even try a suicide war,
though I don’t think so. They simply do not have food.
I don’t want to overstate my case and at the same time I don’t want to
overlook with false modesty because small events as well as big ones may play a
part here. Remember this is just one-third of my program!
Love and blessings,
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.
O. Deirnanjian, 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. Deirnanjian 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 in 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
lines 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
arts 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. The 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 works;
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
January 24, 1961
Dear Tony:
Yesterday I went on a different errand in the Muski district which is just
on this side of the Khan-i-Khalili bazaars which are just on this side of
Al-Azhar. I passed one synagogue which was closed but was not interested
because it is an Ashkenazi or European. We did see an old Sephardic synagogue
which is shaped like one or two I have seen in the United States and they use a
standard prayer book. I have not contacted the Jews who were here before the
Turkish times.
But the purpose was to visit the Franciscan Fathers. I suppose I have two
prejudices here. One is that I was not only born in S.F. very close to the
mission but socially having been on the “side of the poor,” consider this
Order very noble. The other is Puck’s protest against the clerical collar
which he considers the worst atrocity—or like the Pushtuns, a masochistic
device.
The monastery is for study and research only. They come from various
countries and are supposed to know Latin, French and English; Greek is presumed
but not so compulsory. However they must know Greek in the course of their
disciplines. But Arabic and Coptic are the main courses and no one can leave
until he has a working knowledge of these languages.
Studies are made in early Christianity, not only the Church Fathers but all
aspects. There is still a big gap between the very early Christianity and the
literary periods, however developed before the time of the Islamic conquest. I
am not interested in theological differences and schismatic quarrels. I am
interested in liturgies, music, ceremonies, monastic disciplines and spiritual
experiences.
Although I have been accepted and apparently will be accepted more and more
both as a Muslim and a Dervish, I do not criticize Christianity—excepting
indirectly for the modernism which has refused to face the facts of filthy
literature. So my visit was very pleasant all around. I consider these Fathers
clear and clean and while I do not wish to use the term “saint,” in the
earlier Hebrew sense of “holy ones” or pure ones (Chassidim, etc.) it would
fit very well. I am not trying to flatter you, but to report that the meetings
were very cheerful, wholesome, cordial.
They have recommended me to the Dominican Fathers and to two groups of
Copts. I may go, but I have not yet warmed to the Copts and can’t explain
why. I just don’t know. I feel much warmer toward and with the Armenians,
perhaps because they blend my sort of West with my sort of East. That is
another story but I am planning several things with Armenians such as getting
colored slides for talks; and introducing folk art. I don’t expect to do
everything but am planning for my next visit.
However my trip has been successful far beyond hopes and dreams. It is easy
to bring East and West together. Only nobody does it. Everybody is trying to
remake the other like himself. It is true that I think they need dancing and
some gymnastics and sports here to release tensions and energies. Outside of
that I see no basic need for alterations which are not taking place. There is
some departure of morality with the lessening of religious ties and I do not
look on favor of it. They fail to see that if there is anything wrong with the
U.S. it comes from just those mishabits which they are beginning to adopt. I
don’t think a man is a fanatic if he prays five times a day or gets up before
dawn for God.
I am told there is a place where the Holy Family rested. I am not interested
in testing the historicity of it. I am interested in the feeling behind it. You
will find two books enclosed. I leave them to you to keep or to share with any
Church Father you select. I am hoping they get out. I am not trying to send
anything which is not in accord with the customs and desires of the U.S.A.
officials. I am trying to study this country as it is, not as I or anybody else
would desire it. This may not be easy but it is worth trying. Certainly with
all its faults this country has made such gigantic strides that not even the
apologists can keep up with them. Only, like in India, I hope this can be done
without the expense of dispensing with so much of the old. In the next few days
I expect to attend more dervish gatherings and to hell with Prof. von Plotz!
The U.S. Government is now accepting all my reports on this matter. We need to
know the religion of this region and we do not.
Cairo, UAR
January 24, 1961
Pir-o-Murshid Maulana Abdul Ghafoor
Ramna, Dacca, East Pakistan
Beloved Teacher:
Allahumdulillah Rab-ba alamin, Er-rachman, er rachim.
In pursuance of the duties set before me first by Pir-o-Murshid Sufi Inayat
Khan and then by your gracious person in the capacity of Khalandar, I have come
to this land with many purposes and little external assistance. Nevertheless
Allah is Great and though a man walk alone, whether through strife or ease, it
is possible that heavy burdens or light may come to successful fulfillments.
This is not due to his person so much as to the fulfillment of righteous duties
laid before him.
This week two reports are to be submitted, one to the State Department of
the United States Government and one to Sheikh Absalem Amria of the Rifa’i
Order of Dervishes, each in its way marking the culmination, inshallah, of my
external reasons for being in this land. But even before I left San Francisco
and more and more as I have travelled, there has been a reversal on the part of
others of attitudes and responses; doors which were previously closed have
opened wide, and new avenues have stretched before me, of which one had
previously been unaware.
On the external side the purpose was to bring having horticultural
information first to UAR and then to Pakistanis to assist in the opening and
cultivation of desert and salt-encrusted lands. Also to open up for an
information exchange of agricultural information. No one seems to have been
doing this although vast sums have been collected for such purposes.
Nevertheless, I appear to have been the first person to do rather than merely
appeal for funds and this effort, this work, has long been recognized by
important representatives of the Agricultural Departments of both the UAR and
U.S. Government.
One day, in the pursuance of these tasks, I was introduced to a brother in
Tarik, one Murtaz Billah of the Shadhili Order of Dervishes. Like myself he was
engaged in horticultural research and our private interests are very, very
similar. But our grand purposes in life also. Through him many doors have
opened, of which here I sketch a few.
1. Yusuf Wali is also a horticulturalist and claims to be a disciple of all
the living ktub. I have heard from others that this honored person now lives
and functions in this region. Yusuf has given me reports on operative Sufism
which are entirely in harmony with what I have been taught or believed to have
experienced. I hope to see him further, inshallah, before I leave the
country.
2. I have attended many Zikrs, chiefly of the Shadhilis and Rifa’is and
have seen some of other Orders. I am hoping soon to go to Tantah which is a
large city inhabited chiefly by Sufis and Dervishes and headquarter of the
Bedavi Order.
3. I have been blessed with visitations of Saints and Rassoul-lillah and
this week am to make a complete report to Sheikh Amria. But I have also met and
love deeply one Sheikh Mohammad Dessougi and one Dr. Sharabasi of the Rifa’i
Order. All indications have been from the moment I reached UAR indicated my
induction into this order.
I must record here one incident. I entered the Sidi Shirani Shrine one night
on the occasion of this saint’s birthday celebration. There were thousands of
people present. As soon as I took off my shoes and crossed the threshold, two
arms seized me. I thought: “Now your presumption has caught up with you; you
have dared so many times to enter holy places without permission.” Instead I
was immediately conducted to the microphone and found myself guest speaker of
the evening! One does not know how these things occur, so thousands heard my
voice on a single occasion.
This week also I am to make a résumé of my work and suggestions for the
State Department of the United States Government. One by one the members of the
Embassy have come to recognize what I am doing and have given complete
cooperation. It is an entirely different world.
Also I have had many interviews for the newspapers but so far few articles
published. This is always likely to occur. But the other day during an
interview the name of one Mr. Terry Duce was paged as I entered the hotel. I
was able to walk up and speak to him graciously, ending a fourteen year effort
of persecution on the part of his poor wife who, in the name of Sufism, has
given out all sorts of false teachings and also had previously done everything
possible to destroy my person and all my work. This is a sad, sordid and tragic
story which, in the end, has brought no satisfaction to the poor lady who is
devoid of any moral vision, alas. She used power and social position instead of
appealing to Allah. But there is the incident of the Cave, and I have never
forgotten it.
My health, beloved Murshid, has been remarkably good and my strength has
been preserved through the years. This story will be given this week; it has
already been published at Aligarh University and will probably by known to the
world. And last night Sheikh Amria gave incidents also of the appearance of
Khidr to living persons.
That this is not a legend is also confirmed in my poem Saladin,
brought here to be presented to President Nasser, Inshallah. Those who have
read it place it among the great Sufi poems, but I leave that to Allah and
posterity. Nevertheless I have a carbon with me and shall be glad to read, or
have read, certain sections of it which deal with the more lofty aspects of
experiences in fana-fi-Rassoul.
Preparations are under way now for my departure to West Pakistan, but the
length of my stay there is indeterminate. It presumably means by going to the
Peshawar region where I hope I can meet Brother Ansar Nasri again, inshallah,
but I already have many contacts. My presumable home is Abbottabad but also I
have been invited to stay in Mardan. I understand that sons of the late Hasan
Nizami live in Mardan also, so I hope I may be able to meet them, inshallah.
Much more could be written, all of a cheerful and hopeful nature. I have
lived under many conditions and now at a later era in my life Allah has removed
many of the burdens and brought either the fruit of effort of the Grace which
is needed to follow the pathway of a Khalandar in life.
My love to all.
Ahmed Murad Chisti
(Samuel L. Lewis)
January 29, 1961
Dear Jim:
I am purposely sending you my diary entry because I have failed to keep a
record. Today I made a purchase for the Arts Department, Punjabi U., Lahore.
Also, I picked up some handmade shoes for myself. £E 2 which is $5.60 in our
money, excepting there is a special discount. The shoes are very good, heavy
leather. I have already sent some folk-shoes for display to S.F.
I have been going to Al Azhar for some special training in Qur’an and also
to Mosques, especially those of the Rifa’i Dervishes. Tomorrow I am going
again to the tombs of the Mameluks to meet the Sufis there. I want to get as
much material as possible. They celebrate saint’s days here even more than in
India and Pakistan. It is partly an inheritance from Christianity, partly from
older religions and no doubt come to fruition in the Fatimide Period when
Shia’ Islam was in control. They have moulads which means festivals,
like the Mardi Gras and includes everything. Last night I attended a circus.
This is largely in the form of side-shows but one side-show proved to include
the main events, beginning with lion-taming and having a combination of a
vaudeville and animal show. I saw the native dancing, perhaps as good or better
than at the casinos and much less coarse. I had to buy the candy which is
supposed to contain the Baraka. Later I may go to Tanta, inshallah,
where the Bedawi dervishes hold forth, whose candy is particularly sacred.
Evidently just as monks make wine or liquors, dervishes make or cause candy to
be made. It is quite different from most forms at home. They have some like
peanut brittles and New Orleans types.
I am now writing out my reports for the Embassy covering everything. I am
not holding back. Thus Rom Landau is getting the works. I mention Alan Watts
with his control of radio stations and their refusal to permit lectures on
Islam. I mention the German professors without names for they do not give any
clear picture of Asia. Anandamaya was Spiegelberg’s favorite for one year, a
woman who has a big following and who claims to be God-conscious, which
Koestler says isn’t so and the infallible Jung says Koestler is right which
makes Fred look like a plate of spaghetti, which he is. But what I object is
that the Spiegelbergs get jobs and the American Judith Tybergs who are admired
in the Orient go around begging. I am all for Spiegie in his languages and his
Tibetan stuff, but outside of that, what does he know about Asia? I have
completed my Indian studies and they are way off from both him and Chaudhuri
but not at all different in anything from Satya.
No doubt Blanche took on too much karma. She did not know how to rest. But I
do not know whether I know enough to preach about it, only I am very much alive
and getting very strong.
I have also written to Connaughtons and sent it air mail because I have not
heard from Bill Hathaway whose mother lives just below you. His father was the
only one who ever briefed me in diplomacy and by God, he briefed me correctly,
regardless of any and all sundry.
I suppose I may run into Claude some day. To me he is a symbol other than a
person but I guess there is nothing wrong in having a symbol.
At the moment with my interest in dervishes I may seem over-enthusiastic.
Religions are like trees and when we try to describe them in seed-form we are
projecting and differentiating and not describing. Islam, even more than the
Catholic Church, includes all sorts of phases and institutions. To regard them
as “wrong” is like regarding the oak as a “wrong” Rose-bush or
“wrong” Pine tree, there is no “right” or “wrong” about the
so-called accretions. They are there, there are part of life. We can study and
even come to understand them, but to give them moral or personal judgments is
totally nonsensical. It prevents communication and lack of real communication
prevents understanding and peace. At least I am interested and may go more
deeply into it, only I am not going to be given the cold-shoulder any more. My
editors and publishers, yes they have the right, but those people who run after
funds and keep them and do not dispense them for the purpose presumed, that is
different.
I’m quite satisfied with the personnel selected by Kennedy. I find the
Massachusetts educated people by far the best in the U.S.A. They are objective
and impersonal, so it is easy for them to be fair-minded. Being fair-minded
they are accepted. All the propaganda in the world cannot change that.
I am glad you are working steadily. I certainly hope you are in California
when I return. At present my presumed travelling will be:
Leave February 15th. Mail until March 10th c/o
Consulate U.S.A., Karachi, Pakistan
After that unless otherwise directed K-482, Old Kunj St.,
Abbottabad, Hazara,
West Pakistan (c/o Abdul Rahman)
I am presuming a trip north in Pakistan, then a short visit to Lahore, with
a later stay there afterwards and to many places in Northwest Pak. This subject
to change.
I am satisfied I came here and expect to be back in a few years, inshallah.
But I am not sure of my geographical future, occupation or pre-occupation.
If you even go to S.F. call at the Yoga Centre, the Baptistes. Do not know
what came of the Academy. Want an objective one and am trying to see if the
Fed. Govt. goes into the Asian business; they have real instructors and not
dopesters. There are plenty of real men in the U.S. and plenty in Asia; we
don’t need Europeans or Suez-Canalers in that field.
I have written complaining that the real life situation is the refusal of
editors, and until recently of the State Department, to American citizens who
have been to such places and have alarming news. They are always brushed aside
as trouble makers and then we are “shocked.” Fiddlesticks. We deserve to be
shocked and I expect more shocks from South America and Asia until we trust our
own citizens in some things besides trying to raise funds for them.
See, same old sour cayenne disposition but I see straight, I teenk.
Cairo, UAR
January 30, 1961
Beloved Ones of God:
Toward the One, the Perfection of Love, Harmony and Beauty, the Only Being,
United with all the Illuminated Souls who form the Embodiment of the Master,
the Spirit of Guidance.
One is forced constantly to choose between a personal report and a sermon. I
would much rather the personal report but it is received as a personality
report and not so much as an objective one. This makes communication very
difficult. One cannot compel the surrender of any ego but despite all the words
in all the scriptures on “surrender” it is not usually a living
function.
In Pir-o-Murshid’s original teaching there were two paths distinctly
marked out: a) the path of progression in Zikr; b) the path of progression in
fana, which comes in three stages, fana-fi-Sheikh, fana-fi-Rassoul,
fana-fi-lillah. In practice there has not been too much understanding of these
ways of progression and I can only refer to them here as part of one man’s
biography, regardless.
In Moral Culture we have reference to the Law of Reciprocity, Law of
Beneficence and Law of Renunciation. Reciprocity is the Moral Law for ordinary
persons. Call it karma or not, it operates and in the teachings one should take
advantage of all the suggestions. Beneficence comes from the Spiritual Path or
Tarikat, and in Holy Qur’an we find Bismillah er-Rahman er-Rahim which
indicates the identity of surrender, (fana) with beneficence. But people
identify these qualities with God and do not usually try to live Akhlak
Allah which is to say, in the manner of God, or, in the presence of God.
I find myself at a distance from Orthodox Muslims who place all the virtues
in a Deity and do not try to develop these in themselves. No doubt it is a
first step to see them in God, but it is not a last step and it is not a Path
or Progression. Whatever way you place religion, it universally teaches:
“Guide us on the Right Path” but it is not the prayer, nor the words; it is
the adaptation of the life within oneself. This is the greater Jihad.
Paul had to correct the people of his time with too much attention to
fana-fi-Sheikh and he tried to universalize fana-fi-Rassoul, whether people
were ready for it or not. In bringing the Message to the West, people became
enamored with fana-fi-Sheikh and they do not rise to fana-fi-Rassoul, as the
words of Salat become empty. They remain just words. If a man wishes to change
these words into truths he will be misunderstood, but if a man desires to
change these words into truths he will gain understanding, and perhaps
wisdom.
Here there is a great deal of difference between any invocation of “United
with all the Illuminated Souls Who form the Embodiment of the Master” and the
direct understanding thereof. It has been insisted by many that there is a
living Kutub in this area. I cannot argue though I have not met him yet. But I
have met many Sheikhs and from them received so much love and Baraka that I can
never thank Allah enough.
Years ago I wrote “The Bestowing of Blessing.” The copies were all lost
or destroyed but one which Edward Connaughton may have in Santa Barbara. I wish
to get that book, for it would be easier to explain the whole science and art
of Baraka.
In “Marriage and Morals in Morocco” much is said on this subject and I
think there is a Tractus berachoth in the Hebrew Talmud on the same
subject, but I have not read that. Jesus started with the Beatitudes but there
is a dichotomy between bliss and happiness, that we do not see “blessings”
as “bliss” or “bliss” as happiness. Actually there is a living function
here. I have received Baraka both from human beings, usually Sheikhs and
Khalifs; but also in the Mosques, especially the Rifa’i Mosques. But there is
another form of Baraka which comes in fana-fi-Rassoul.
Pir-o-Murshid gave us a long list of Messengers ending with Mohammed. I have
experienced the fana-fi-Rassoul in and with Mohammed, but immediately after
that with Jesus; and in the course of time with Buddha and Siva and then under
the guidance of Mohammed with all the prophets of God of all religions. In
theory this completed the path of fana-fi-Rassoul. But when one regards God as
the only being, one does not, maybe one cannot of himself distinguish between
fana-fi-Sheikh, fana-fi-Rassoul and fana-fi-lillah; nor does one care for as
Pir-o-Murshid said: “Thy light is in all forms, Thy love in all beings … in
an inspiring teacher.”
Following the literary method of the Zoroastrian religion I must paraphrase,
for my own record, the teachings in fana-fi-Rassoul received today wherein
Mohammed seemed to play the part with me that the Angel Gabriel did with
Him:
Sage: What is the difference between prayers in no direction as Kabir and
others taught and prayers in a direction, say, as inherited from Judaism?
The Spirit of Wisdom: In effect there may be none. If one accepts the
Fatherhood of Allah, He is everywhere in everything. But if one also accepts
the Brotherhood of Man, there should be kibla. The effect of the apparent
universality of Kabir, in breaking down certain Islamic institutions has been
the dissolution of the spirit of Brotherhood. The Sikhs carried the
“logical” argument to the extreme and analytically were right but instead
of Brotherhood, nothing but strife followed. So kibla is advised.
Sage: What is the difference between Jerusalem and Mecca as kibla?
The Spirit of Wisdom: Jesus spoke of Jerusalem as being the city which
stoned its prophets. Despite the Hebrew claim that only Jeremiah was
persecuted, we have no record of any prophet of God actually being welcomed in
Jerusalem. Indeed the career of Jesus there ended in failure.
On the other hand Mecca has been the kibla of success, both with Abraham,
the Friend of God and Mohammed, the Messenger of God. One does not like to put
forth the argument that Jerusalem has been the kibla of failure and Mecca of
success, but you can still see the Christians fighting each other there and the
Zionists are all divided as to religion.
Sage: The Muslims always mention your name with a special praise.
The Spirit of Wisdom: That is all right, but it is not my way. Qur’an
distinctly says that there are no distinctions between the Messengers of God.
And though it is said that prayers are not made to me, there is psychological
intercession. The psychological intercession falters if it becomes merely
theological, which it usually does; and benefits when men learn to pray
with the Seal of the Prophets, and not mention his name at all.
This is very difficult but the errors in religion usually come from too much
zeal and zeal alone is not bad but it becomes a substitute for morality and
selflessness. There is too much praise for literature called Holy Qur’an and
Hadith and too little concern with the contents thereof. The same is true with
most scriptures.
Sage: What then is the “Right Path?"
The Spirit of Wisdom: Allah has already shown you that Path and therefore it
is not for me to add. Many will reject you but that is of no importance; what
is important is what you accept and do, not what others say or think about
it.
Now the initial stage in fana-fi-lillah follows the same pattern as took
place with Pir-o-Murshid in his 1911 career. Then he was using mostly music and
concentration. He often broke into ecstasy and sang loudly in praise of
Mohammed. This probably did not go over big. But I have found there are three
sorts of praise of Mohammed and they all look the same, but are different:
a. The initial stage is that one praises Mohammed and it may even be that he
has inherited this phase of religion. He is using it as a crutch and it may be
a crutch; he is using it as a ladder and it may be a ladder. Actually it is no
better or worse than the praise of Jesus or Buddha or Krishna nor anybody, but
neither is there any gain by dispensing with it.
b. The second stage is that one praises Mohammed because that is the
experience. He is really talking about himself and he is not talking about
himself. The change from fana-fi-Sheikh to fana-fi-Rassoul in one’s life is
revolutionary. One is no longer restricted in vision or in faculties and he
finds a tremendous universe before him. Time and place and stage and condition
become small things. He cannot prove this nor is he doing this by himself.
In his first sessions on Sufism Pir-o-Murshid placed Mohammed as the Perfect
Man of all times. I shall explain this a little below.
I think the Sufis in Islam generally work from this position.
c. The third stage seems impossible, that while one is being immersed in God
the praises of Mohammed become grander. Dante had it of Jesus but I don’t
think Dante reached the highest stages. He held on to selfhood. Even among the
mystics of Christianity excepting a few like John Tauler never got above the
selfhood or to the Unitarian realization.
Nor does it seem that God praises God. This seems a contradiction. There are
two aspects of Allah, the silent and the creative although neither of these
words is exact. The silent praise is discussed in The Mysticism of Sound
both in the chapter called “The Silent Life” and in the final chapter which
is partially a dissertation on Zikr.
The Bible says that God created Adam in His image, but Adam is usually
associated with “sin.” There had to be a perfect man for redemption. Now,
there are all kinds of correct men and as perfect men I do not wish to raise
any distinctions or differences between them. But the Buddhist does not live
like Buddha, nor the Christian like Christ nor the Hindu like Ram or Krishna.
We wish to live in an operative world, to raise families and go into business
and study and do all those things which we consider human. It is on this point
that Mohammed excels. He does not excel in being nearer to God, the Creator,
but he does excel in being nearer to man, the created.
Anybody has a perfect right to differ from him here, but the point is not
argument, but demonstration. He does not see people demonstrate what Jesus did,
or Buddha did; we do see people demonstrate what Mohammed did. Therefore the
idea that God created the world through Light and this was a living light which
also had to become the essence in and of humanity. The idea of Adam, derived
from dam, earth, is that the Light of Allah had to come through the
earthly forms. But how did it come? In Masnavi the cosmic evolution is
taught ending in man; and the cosmic evolution continues until the perfect man,
or as I see it, the perfect-perfect-man.
Buddha was a perfect man who showed the way to Nirvana and in the Southern
Buddhism this teaching is kept. But it is a limited Nirvana and not the
perfection. But the layman has received perfection and so the later Buddhists
said, no, that creation and Nirvana were identical. Only this means that the
common man could attain perfection. But what common man has attained to
perfection? One cannot call Rama common because he was a king and Krishna also
had a special place in society and Jesus and Buddha became monks. There was
only one ordinary man who represented both Adam and perfection and when an
ordinary man reached perfection, this closed the revelation. So with Mohammed
the revelation was sealed, which does not take away from any Scripture or
teaching.
I do not wish here to go into the stories about Mohammed which substantiate
this point. What I am really telling you is my experience. As Al-Ghazali said:
“Sufism consists in experiences and not premises.” Only previously I have
told my experiences and there is a personality reaction. So I have clothed what
I am experiencing in philosophy which is a veil over it and is not
it.
I have written before that I came here with three missions and have
accomplished a dozen. Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan and Pir-o-Murshid
Mavlana Abdul Ghafoor have given me the whole world to work in and with the
intellectual people. So I transfer my experiences into philosophy. But some day
when people want truth and will accept from the simple man he will give the
simplicity. As the simplicity is rejected he gives the philosophy.
Jesus taught that one must be like a little child to receive the kingdom of
heaven. One can always be open to blessings. One can always listen to the
“Voice which constantly cometh from within,” constantly, always, but if we
keep on using the mouthpiece we can’t hear what is coming over the
receiver.
I am sometimes destined like Pir-o-Murshid wrote, about the career of the
dog who took 2 days to go from Basra to Baghdad instead of twelve. “I owe it
to the kindness of my fellow dogs. Whenever I stopped to rest they came and
barked at me.” So the more humanity barks the faster the progression. Every
time a rejection or a seeming failure, Allah comes and brings me blessings and
success and this will probably be my career until I am called hence. I, Samuel,
have nothing to do with it.
There has been a school of Sufis called “Nalamatiyya” which depended
upon public blame; only they sought it. I do not seek and I am not checking on
reactions. Every rebuff is followed by meditation and/or prayer and in turn,
something pleasant follows, usually much more pleasant than conjectured. So one
comes back to the first lesson; Subhan Allah, Alhamdu Lillah, Allaho Akbar.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
Ahmed Murad Chisti
Cairo, UAR
February 2, 1961
My dear Rudolph:
With less than two weeks remaining in my stay here I am trying to close up
loose ends. Whatsoever 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 adventurist. 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
those rules and protocols to the extent that communication with people 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 post-cards and pictures and 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 Darmirjan, his daughter worked for the Mardikans as I
wrote in my list. 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 dearest 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’m 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 Darmirjan’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 revisited
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 excited 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
pretense!
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 impacted 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 symbology and then crisscrossing 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 get better buildings
than the living even in Muslim times as well as in the ancient periods. Of
course this has changed and although I saw some more recent, 16th
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 a 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 one 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 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 those offices all
afternoon.
I had hardly had a chance to call to this woman 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
is must mean because all my reports are accepted most seriously in the Embassy
Compounds 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 Laithi, the district 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 him with anybody but
Picasso. He started out in the orthodox styles attempting for the element of
integration, bringing Arabians and African 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 Greco-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 Chin as birds-eye and Japanese
rain-perspectives, etc. All this keeps one busy and whenever I go to Alex.
again I want to visit with 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,
c/o Abdul Rahman K-482 Old Kunj St., Abbottabad, Hazara Dist. W. Pakistan
Cairo, Feb. 6
My dear Rudy:
This is my diary entry for today though it may include a list of events of
the last week. I have written elsewhere about these events but even if I make a
duplicate diary entry on some points it will not matter.
On January 30 I was able to submit a full report to the Embassy on my
experiences including many of the past, and my proposals. There is no question,
to begin with, that lines of communication here have not been established with
many lands of Asia and Africa. Sending a special diplomat or famous person no
doubt results in widespread headlines home, but it seems little or nothing to a
foreign country. Everybody does that and everybody is self-deluded by doing
that and there are very few indeed who avoid even delusion and deceit. As I
have just written, what we need is more communion and somewhat less
communication.
My reports are sometimes strong and unfavorable. I have placed one copy in
the hands of the American Friends of the Middle East here and another copy to
S.F., the copy here to go to Washington. This is one of the few organizations
collecting funds and functioning; a lot collect funds. Period. Next
paragraph.
Then we teach bosh, partly through European misfits and exiles and partly
through Zionists who are usually of European birth also. So we don’t know the
Near East. Of course my pet peeve is that we don’t recognize the dervishes
and I shall probably refer to that further along in this letter. There are far
more dervishes than we surmise. I meet them everywhere. I am regaled by them
everywhere and I am the only foreigner who goes back and forth between the
societies. This is a tragedy. Even the Muslims from abroad restrict their
peregrinations.
I no sooner filed this report than a group of Kadiri Sufis came to my hotel.
At that time I could not see them for without any notice I was asked to go to
Alexandria which I did. I spent Jan 31 at Abis which is the joint undertaking
of the Egyptians and Americans (EARIS–Egyptian American Rural Improvement
Society). In a sense I found myself in a new world brave or unbrave. In another
sense I saw exactly the society forming which had been previously
“revealed” to me and recorded though never taken seriously. It is here now
and will have to be taken seriously. My works on social reconstruction and
brotherhood were much more prophetic than logical, psychic than physical, but
there are here now. I have to write this up in detail elsewhere so you will
excuse me if I don’t say much here.
Anyhow the dispossessed are being placed on reclaimed land, given small
homes, private barns which can also be used as storage, farms, animals, seed
and a small space for a garden of any kind. At present people are not settling
as fast as necessary; perhaps this is because the Egyptians have in all ages
been good builders and not nearly so good in some other aspects of life.
Paul Keim asked me not to come the next day as the visit would be too
technical and perhaps monotonous. Anyhow it poured terrifically and meanwhile I
had gone to the Tourist Bureau, Alexandria. There I met Nadya, one of the most
beautiful women I have ever seen and this attracted many men there who were not
interested in tourism but in Nadya and that meant I met a lot of cordial
persons and had really a wonderful time.
Well, I did not have much time to get acquainted with Nadya when her
supervisor, Fuad Laithi walks in. “Ah, there you are. I have been waiting for
you. How much do you remember of your previous incarnations?” Shades of Paul
Brunton; that was it. I did not get it at the Valley of the Kings, but at the
Tourist Information Office, Alexandria. He told me I was travelling to escape,
that there was a woman in my life and I could not think who it could be. When I
got back to the hotel (Leroy) I do remember one such woman with whom I have had
a sort of aeonic romance but she had long gone out of my memory. I had
forgotten all about here; but whether it is she or another I don’t know.
However I have had my fortune told five times, all the same and all stressed
romance—Sufi Sheikhs, card readers, everybody, so we shall see.
Fouad claimed to be telepathic and clairvoyant and you can put it in my
book, he is. He read many things which I have told nobody, almost secret
experiences I have had at holy places and which, in a certain way, affect my
international peregrinations. I told him that his eyes and forehead look very
much like those published in A Search in Secret Egypt by Paul Brunton,
in the last pages, where he mentions an adept. He told me personally that all
adepts here are Sufis.
Anyhow among Fouad’s visitors, or rather Nadya’s, was the District
Attorney of Alexandria. He began by challenging me right and left and ended by
cordiality and we had a delightful time. The result was that the conversations
reached a higher and higher pitch during the day. I stayed until 7 o’clock
when we went to the studio of Alexandria’s greatest modern painter, named
Wanli, or something like that. I was shown many of his works and excepting
Picasso, I don’t believe there is a contemporary or near contemporary artist
whom I admire so much.
I told Fouad the next day. I then saw Nadya’s cousin who works the morning
shift and again the conversation was on Sufism. At Cory’s I had the same
conversation over again with a different man. Everywhere I go here I find
people interested in Sufism but quite unaware of the Dervish orders where they
can learn about it, and the multitude of them in their own midst. It is
fantastic.
I later visited the Information Office upstairs and had another delightful
few hours, then back to Fouad until he went on a errand for President Nasser. I
definitely recommend him to any tourists coming this way and I wish you would
tell your colleague about this. Anyhow Fouad’s name goes down in my address
book and we both feel very assured we shall meet again. But I wish to go to
Alex. when the university is in session, rain or no rain. So I missed touring
the city again which may have been no loss. For one comes back to a multitude
of correspondence and the need to get ready for the next step.
Yesterday was a theoretical “Sufi” celebration being the anniversary of
the death of Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan. I had one of the dreams of my life
fulfilled—riding an Arab horse. Went from the Pyramids to Sahara city and
back. I originally took up horseback riding because I said that someday I would
go to Arabia and I might as well learn. I had forgotten all about the incident.
But the reason I went was quite different.
I had gone to Mona village (near the pyramids) at the invitation of two
close friends and they introduced me to a Sufi Sheikh. He earns his living by
renting horses. So on account of this I hired him. On our way back we had a
“crazy” time chanting sacred phrases. I don’t think any Egyptian ever
before had such a client. He then took me to lunch but while waiting I danced
for his children. I also left a good gift for the children, giving me an idea
which I shall discuss forthwith. I was pretty tired when I left.
Came home, took a real hot bath, then hot chocolate and off to the Rifa’i
dervishes where I stayed 2 ½ hours and then home, only to meet a delegation of
Kadiris from Iraq. They want me to visit their country for spiritual reasons. I
have neither the time nor money now but will visit them and then take it up
with the U.S. Embassy. For I think one of these days some foundation or
somebody should come to my rescue. I am working all alone as in a terrific
vineyard with an unlimited harvest and nobody else there.
But at home we listen to humbugs saying there are no Sufis; that is that,
and what goes on in the world has nothing to do with what the
“Orientalists” teach—if you want to get credits for the course. This is
called “international relations.” No wonder we don’t get anywhere.
You can see from my reports—as well as from conclusions reached through
many other sources—that there are levels of consciousness and activity. Our
conscious sense of assumed superiority is a great bar to international
understanding. We are trying to reach friendship on the political level. We are
not meeting, not understanding human beings. Our sense of "humanity" has become
a thought form which prevents us from communing with human beings.
I am trying to get slides made to send home, so to speak. But I am having a
little trouble finding the right people at the museums, because everybody has
office hours which run every which way. However the slides made by the
government are OK, and I may use them for lecturing both in the States and
Pakistan. My main one would go to Hollywood where I could have duplicates made
for other purposes. In the end I might have to have several sets. I do not
know. But at present I am doing everything on my own—and affairs have gotten
beyond me. It is like a man who has planted trees or shrubs and at harvest time
finds too much fruit or too many flowers.
Visited Cory Brothers again today. There was another man on duty but just as
cordial. He told me where the Bureau of Health was—I had been misdirected. I
need Yellow fever shots but nothing else—I have had this checked. I should go
to Port said by bus and get my ticket ahead of time. I can the go to Cory who
will take my surplus luggage, arrange for my hotel, etc. There is some
uncertainty as to sailing time and though I have given myself four days there,
it is possible that the "Cecilia" will sail ahead of tie. They have no notice
as yet but I phone on the 15th.
I asked several questions about different lines. Having a traveling
companion will affect both my dates and tours. He will not fly and I do not see
my way to East Pakistan at a time which will interfere with presumable lectures
in Lahore and Peshawar. Besides, I may be staying in Mardan which is in between
them. This invitation is very important because Jamshyd Khan is the largest
successful farmer in that part of the world. I am to learn about his ways and
even work there.
I would like to go to Sind before it is too hot. I am assuming a short stay
at Hotel Taj, Karachi, where I was before, and my mailing address there is c/o
U.S. Consulate, Karachi. After that, unless notified otherwise it will be c/o
Abdul Rahman, K-462 Old Kunj St., Abbottabad, Hazara, W. Pakistan. After I
leave Sind I do not know whether I shall visit the Indus Valley sites or go to
Multan before going to Lahore, and from Lahore I should prefer going directly
to Abbottabad to get rid of some of my luggage and then travel as lightly as
possible. This is all tentative and I am liable to land anywhere.
I am assuming entry into India in July or August, but this is tentative and
excepting for Kashmir, a later time would be preferable, staying in that
country the rest of the year with a possible side-trip to Ceylon. This might be
by air; then to E. Pakistan and Penang, beyond which I do not care to look and
cannot even suggest whence and where and how.
Cory Bros. acts as freight forwarders. There are two possibilities for my
next trip. One is, seeing that all prognosticators say I shall be married, that
I will be having more luggage. The other—and these two are not in
conflict—would also suggest a trunk for gifts. I would like to bring in
footballs for gifts for young boys and cake-chocolate or something of the kind
for the Sheikhs. I took such gifts to Japan. Cory could handle such luggage for
me and Mr. Scarzella, who with his wife jointly operates this pension and the
one across the way, have agreed to a storage if necessary—before arrival. It
seems looking far ahead. But I also might have such things as a record-player,
etc.
Projects Incomplete for the Future:
1. Recording Sufi and Coptic and any other unusual music.
2. Getting certain basic scientific index-works for the national Research
Center.
3. Cooperating in getting proper literature in the universities and
institutions of culture.
4. Possibly introducing folk-or popular-dancing on the common level,
providing same does not introduce on the folk mores.
5. Arrange trip through Syria, possibly from Latakia down and stay according
as to needs of any and all kinds.
6. Arrange visit to Bagdad, etc., at suitable season. This especially to see
the tomb of Abdul Kadiri-Galani, and other sacred places.
I have not visited the semi-holy city of Tanta here but have little time. I
am invited to go to the nearby town of Helwan Wednesday where there is a
Japanese garden and hot springs. I do not know whether I shall be writing you
again from UAR but will undoubtedly on board ship for mailing from Karachi.
I have entire psychological satisfaction from this trip. I must next write
in detail for the San Rafael Journal-Independent. I have to learn to have as
little resentment for what has happened to me, but I am making a special
division between:
a. Personal resentment which intruded on my ego and does not affect the
international situation.
b. Do. Which does.
I have no time to argue with all and sundry of the first class. I certainly
have no intention to lecture for Fritzi Armstrong at any level without an
apology and certainly do intend to lecture for the Baptistes at any level on
any terms they may lay down.
As to the second class. I have already seen the redemptive karma on Mrs.
Duce. But I do not like to see these European intruders in the Asian field who
misinform our public and control avenues of education and communication. So
long as they are "in" I shall not be satisfied and I know foreign governments
will be unhappy whether they tell us or not.
I realize I must face a hostile audience of people who have hypnotized
themselves in various forms of "Zionism" based on emotion, sentiment,
ego-wishing and ignorance. Which does not mean that the Arabs are entirely
right so much as that their critics may be entirely wrong. I shall not attack
the synagogue and shall resent such attacks excepting on the level of
superficiality in religion. Actually I am as much against superficiality in
so-called Islam, only the deeper levels here are very strong. This matter I am
taking up separately with the Mosque in Washington.
Well, Rudy, I am on the whole very happy, without being entirely satisfied
with this journey. You will hear from me again, inshallah.
February 7, 1961
My dear Abdul Rahman:
This is my diary entry for today and I am sending a copy to San Francisco.
Yesterday I called at Cory Brothers, the agents for the steamship line which
has the S.S. “Cilicia.” It is still scheduled to sail from Port Said on the
20th and to arrive at Karachi on March 3rd. However I am to leave here on the
16th. It is possible that the ship will sail earlier so I will be there four
days ahead of time anyhow. I get my bus ticket on the 15th. I shall go to their
office in Port Said and they will provide me with accommodations there. If the
ship leaves ahead of time, I will also arrive earlier in Karachi, so I might
write to Hotel Taj also ahead of time.
I shall have to get inoculated for Yellow Fever but I am told the rest of my
health certificate is in order. At Port Said I may turn in Egyptian for either
Pakistani or English money—I may use the last on board ship, but if they
accept Pakistani money will get rupees. I have been notified by the bank that
my money will be waiting for me in Karachi.
I think I have told you my Diner’s Club Card is supposed to be good at
Faletti’s at Lahore. I have already shipped some art gifts to Lahore and am
trying to buy some pictures from the Islamic Museum here. But everybody at the
Museum keeps different hours and I never know when to go and so have lost a lot
of valuable time. I shall keep on trying but this means that the slides may not
reach Lahore for some time.
I am now thinking it will be best to go to Sind and then North and not leave
your country until after July at least. During the warm weather we shall either
visit Afghanistan or if God wills, as your brother Abdul Aziz said, we might go
to Swat. It will also be necessary to spend some time at Lahore, for lecturing;
also with Jamshyd Khan and even more so at Peshawar.
Today I spent a whole hour at the Iraqi Ministry. I do not know when I can
go to that country. I have neither the money nor the time now to visit
everyone. If I can get funds, this may change plans. Anyhow what I learned was
most important. That the Ambassador from Iraq to Pakistan is another Abdul
Kadiri Ghailani and I should call on him. I am told he is a very spiritual man
and honored in your country. I have reasons, both private and public for
wishing to visit him and I am hoping we can go together.
My visit at the Islamic Congress was long and involved. There has been a
complete change of administration and the former secretaries went off with my
papers. I have no time to write them again. It took me hours upon hours and
that looks as if wasted.
I had to go over the program for San Francisco and for the United States.
They spend more time crying because the Zionists are strong than in doing
anything. The Zionists are strong because Muslims just sit back and cry. They
don’t send anybody to present their side. Besides this is political. Then I
had to argue against Arabism. I told them I was interested in Islamic
teachings, not in the Arab language, that if I wished to see more Arabic I
would be studying that language. I told them that one of the great troubles is
that everybody says Islam has Five Pillars and when it comes to practice one
finds everything but those Five Pillars. Instead of Shahud and Salat, I find
zeal for Arabism, converting everybody else to go to Mecca without going
oneself, more insistence on others performing wasu than prayer and devotion and
a whole lot of crying about Congo. In this Allah is lost and I did not see how
they could stop others from spreading Islam while they were wasting time in
politics and unnecessaties.
They told me they had started a new school in Somali. They were using the
native language and not Arabic. That I like to hear. I told them that all over
Africa there were people using Swahili, Hausa and many other languages and I
don’t think those people wanted to learn so much about Arabic, they wanted to
learn the religion.
There is no question but that the Kadianis and Ahmadiyyas have gone ahead
because they are teaching religion, not Arabism, not politics, not agitation,
and were trying to bring peace to the world. That it did not good to sit by and
cry. Actually the Islamic Congress is not against the Ahmadiyyas. Its purpose
is to get all the Muslims to work together. The Buddhists have done this. They
have a single mission for sending people abroad and do not use funds competing
with each other. On the other hand you have all kinds of missionaries from
Pakistan ignoring each other and in competition and so causing confusion. And
the Arabs sitting back and crying.
It is true that Sheikh Shaltout of Al-Azhar is now in Indonesia and he has
been traveling around. But travels alone do not help the religion. He is
therefore trying to get a giant radio station to spread Islam. I think that the
policy is to translate Holy Qur’an into many tongues. I approve this, but if
it is so, why should they waste so much time talking about Arabic? They talk
about Arabic and they don’t talk about Allah and the world needs Allah and
evidently Allah has seen to it that people speak in many tongues. If it were
not His Will, how could it be so? So, I am compelled always to get into
arguments and win and this is no fun, for I don’t love arguments, I am
working for cooperation and brotherhood.
I told them about San Francisco. Joseph Di Caprio is crying about everybody
also not cooperating and he can’t surrender to God in anything and he won’t
learn. I don’t think he has bowed his head to the ground many times.
People are most concerned in Algeria but they are concerned about Algeria
one day and Congo the next week and then Laos and Cuba and everything else and
so they can’t do anything about Algeria because they are too concerned with
everything else. There is another way to win, and that is by surrender to God.
I have seen the ways of victory through surrender and evidently I shall have to
lecture on this subject in your country. They say “Allaho Akbar” millions
of times, but what does it mean? Allah has not decreed the politics, He has
decreed religion.
They are doing wonderful things here. The UAR would be the greatest nation
in the world only the people are not so concerned with their own country or
even their own religion. Islam is supposed to mean peace and there is too much
agitation. There is not quietude, softness, generosity.
At the same time we came to agreement at the Congress. We placed all our
differences down and agreed. They want to see Islamic teachings in the U.S. and
they want all Muslims, Shias, Sunnis and Ahmadiyyas of every kind working
together. They would like to see some Imams.
The San Francisco people are crying for an Imam but they ignored their own.
They ignored the Ahmadiyyas because they were Ahmadiyyas and they ignored Abdul
Rahman Lutz because they did not like him and ignored Abbas because they said
he could not speak good English and on and on. And they talk “surrender.”
So they will have trouble.
On top of that you have Alan Watts who has control of the radio stations for
religion and didn't allow Islamic speakers. And the same with Prof. Moore in
Hawaii. It is up to Muslims to provide some kind of teachers. They even told me
they had money but I told them not to waste too much money because some
Americans who call themselves "Muslims" are greedy and more interested in
having fine Mosques than in having fine teachers.
I told them the world needs the teachings because the situations today are
international. Book are being translated from Arabic and the American people
can read these books but they don’t know the Book upon which all these books
are based and nobody is telling them. Fortunately, again, there is an Islamic
League in Karachi under the direction of one Abu El-Allah El Madudi, and they
want me to call on him.
I could say that this may be one of the first orders of business for me
while I am in that city. I also wish to call on the Mardan Coal Co., see about
my mail and money and then get out, inshallah, assuming that we shall stop in
Sind on the way north. But I am not insistent about the journey and details and
want to see some travel agent of the tourist bureau.
Anyhow I shall be writing by air-mail to you from Port said as soon as
possible to give you the final information.
I am quite satisfied that I have visited this country and am fairly sure
that I shall visit it again. I met several Dervishes Sunday, first those on the
desert who have the horses. I rode around the Pyramids to Sahara City. I also
met Sheikh Ali Abu Aziz of the Semawi—I think he said Dervishes. But in these
last days I cannot call on everybody. I want to get a few more things at the
bazaars, if there is any room in my bags and money left over. But I find
shipping a problem.
The name of the man at the Art Department in Lahore was Mohammed Nazub. I
met a lot of other people but lost my old address book. I have a lot of things
to do in Lahore but they do not have to be done in any rush. We shall have to
work these things out, also other details, long before we can consider going to
Kashmir or anywhere else.
My health has been good but I like rice meals better than other things. I
don’t mind curries. The rice here is excellent but it is used mostly as a
cash crop to ship abroad. They use leftover bread to cook with rice and
sometimes a few vegetables and tomato sauce. It is very enjoyable. They cook
their meat separately.
I can’t think of anything else at the moment. As-salaam aleikhum.
Samuel L. Lewis
February 9, 1961
My dear friends:
There is just one week left here before I go to Port Said. Monday I am to
get my shots for Yellow Fever. Yesterday I visited the Islamic Museum and got a
number of pictures. Today I met an old friend from San Francisco while walking
in the street. His name is Claude Dahlenberg, and he used to live at the
American Academy of Asian Studies on Broadway St. I am taking him with me to
see the man who makes the slides and have slides made for both California and
Pakistan. I have also bought two pictures which are being made of places in
Mecca. These things are for the Art Department of Punjabi University at
Lahore.
I shall write Mr. Jamshyd Khan as soon as possible. If he cannot see me in
March I still may be in West Pakistan a long time. I do not want to leave
before August unless we go to Kashmir and it is not absolutely necessary that I
go to Kashmir. I won’t know until the 10th about the time my ship
leaves Egypt and arrives at Karachi. I have two different days. I wrote Hotel
Taj that I might be there on the 28th and then they told me, no, not
until March 3rd and then it might be between them.
I do not know whether the ship will stop on the way or not. If it does—and
being a British ship I think it will stop at Adya—I shall go ashore and try
to buy some things, such as a camera. The one here did not serve me much from
my point of view. It came to about $14.00 which is less than 70 Rupees.
Yesterday morning was a very busy time. I spent one hour at the Iraqi
Embassy. In the end it was decided that the best thing I can do is to call on
the Ambassador from that country to yours. He is another Abdul Kadiri Ghailani.
All the Ghailanis I have met are wonderful people and they all want to help me
visit Baghdad. But I don’t think God wishes it yet. But if I do get any great
surprise like a job or more money I will certainly spend it for spiritual
things and then I would go to Iraq and visit the tombs in Baghdad and probably
the tombs of Ibrahim and Rabia near Basra. The secretary, Mr. Rushdi, here,
said that the weather was not so terrible, only the English would not stand it.
I know Americans can stand much more heat than English people.
Then I spent two hours at the Islamic Congress. I am sorry to report that
after writing three long papers for them, the old secretary took these and went
away, and so they may or may not be published. I have not time to re-write
them. Besides they were about me and I am not too anxious to write about me
excepting for Aligarh University which I should visit later on.
We had a lot of discussions. I differed from them on two strong points—I
did not think so much time should be wasted on Arabic, and I do not assent to
their views on things. I do not think this sort of politics belongs in an
Islamic Center. I am sure the Prophet would not have agreed that Muslims should
lay down their arms for a Kaffir, and he certainly would not have assented to
Muslims fighting for a Kaffir against other Muslims. Besides how does one know
which side is the “right path.” And I don’t like it to go into a place of
friendship and brotherhood and have my hosts look for a subject on which we
might have a hostile argument when there is so much to be done.
They had to agree with me on Arabic, too. For the Islamic Congress is now
spending a lot of money to have an Islamic Center in Somali-land using the
language of that country. That is what I favor. They want one to learn Arabic.
(Everybody knows Arabic here and nobody knows Hadith and a lot of people do not
know much Qur’an either. It is chiefly the dervishes who teach the religion.)
The other people just perform the prayers and rituals and give very simple
sermons which everybody can understand but that does not help much; it does not
add to understanding.
We did agree, and they admitted I was right, on two very important matters:
One was that the world needed a lot more of Islam; and second that it had to be
taught in all languages—I suggested Swahili, Hausa, Fulani and other
languages and they agreed. The same would hold of Urdu and English. We then
discussed the religion and culture. In Somali-land they are teaching the
religion and culture together. In San Francisco they don’t study either, they
just cry for money and they want money and they want an Imam but they want to
tell the Imam, not listen to him. I would not be surprised if Abdurrahman Luts
came here any day. He was supposed to be an Imam but they would not listen to
him or to Abbas or anybody.
The Islamic Congress is very broad. They are trying to have all Muslims work
together. They don’t go into distinctions as to sects, and dividing up and
the Pakistani method of having a lot of rival missions wasting their money and
all doing the same things. They are not even against the Kadianis. It is
certain that the Kadianis are making a lot of converts today especially in West
Africa. The Sunnis are not doing much. They wait for the Sufis or Kadianis or
Ahmaddiyas to do something and then go out and correct. Anyhow I have been told
to please call on the representative of the Islamic congress in Karachi and I
want to do that as soon as possible.
The Congress is also willing to give money and books but I don’t want any
money to go to S.F. and have it wasted. They want social life and I think
Americans have too much social life. At the Congress they asked me if Americans
did not have a great void and I told them, yes, and that that void should and
could be filled. This was a very good visit. But I told them that there had
been lots of money in San Francisco and a few people did not like the
Ahmadiyyas and would not accept their Mosque; and they would not accept the
terms of President Nasser and so the offer from UAR was rejected and they
blamed Nasser when it was Mirdad who was to blame.
Now I told them I would open a big school for all religions if necessary,
and get Islam in that way. I would see that the other faiths had their teachers
and I would see that Islam was presented. You may be glad to know that the U.S.
Embassy has accepted all my ideas, many of them. We talked over a lot of things
and I will tell you when I see you. It means that everything has turned out
wonderfully here whether I see President Nasser or not, and I must return to
this place whenever Allah directs.
I shall write Jamshyd Khan and enclose a copy.
Ahmed Murad
(Samuel L. Lewis)
February 13, 1961
My dear Harry:
I am trying to write some notes in my crowded last moments here. There is no
question but that I jumped into a grand salon of vacuum which invited
international relationships but into which practically nobody has gone, and in
some cases not dared to go. I have written detailed reports to the Foreign
Service and have come up with what would have been the most delightful response
because by and large not only have these reports and suggestions now been
accepted but some have gone on with an OK to Washington and even to the UN in
New York.
What has been called “diplomacy” is nothing but a fancy game for an
imaginary thing called “honor,” the nature of which is not quite clear. And
on the other hand, to me, at least hunger is quite clear. And although I
primarily started out with the mission of the exchange of international
information in horticulture, the contemporary populace/food ration, the failure
of crops in certain lands—chiefly behind the Iron Curtain, plus the Congo
mass starvation and plus a lot more things make my position logically
exceedingly strong. But for that logic, one still must face the fact that there
is a second world war going on between the literary tradition and the
scientific tradition and the two do not always come close.
My last proposal has not only been seconded, but recommended by the UAR
government—to come and work in their library and show them how to use
scientific indices, gazetteers, etc. I had a good training in this largely from
the Chemistry Department at the college and whatever I learned there has been
very valuable, though the department itself has largely changed in personnel. I
have learned how to extend over into the whole fields of Botany and Physics the
methods taught by them, but I do not find the librarians skilled in this
direction. They are excellent at cataloguing and cross-filing, but not in
looking up subjects, and certainly not today with the mass of magazines, many
of them devoted to a narrow field of specialization.
I suppose off-hand I am most interest in Tomato, Soy Bean and Pest Control,
with a narrower field in Weed Control and food crops outside of grains, but
less in the need for drought tolerant crops and especially trees of types we
have in California and Arizona.
I received an acknowledgement from Mr. Kinoshita which had special letters
for Mr. [Tama?] of the Soy-Bean Foundation and fortunately ran into him in the
office of Mr. Ferguson, Agricultural Attaché at the Embassy. I also delivered
another to the Vegetable Exp. Station and Ministry of Agriculture—which are
across the street from each other and had a wonderful final meeting there,
perhaps one of the most enjoyable meetings yet. But I immediately went down to
the National Research Center to say good-by and this involved me in a number of
other subjects, all fine, but the mind just does not adapt and carry on in
every field.
The most delicate matter is that of Dr. Salah Hassan, director of the Plant
Protection Dept. I had written to Senator Engle on the ironical situation—I
came here on my own and pay income taxes. There are several organizations in
the U.S. collecting funds to bring about better international relations and
that is what they are good at—collecting funds. There is one in particular
that has been collecting funds for fertilizer and spray equipment. You give to
them and get a deduction on the income-tax form and they are a privileged
“non-profit” organization. I found they were non-functioning excepting in
more campaigns for more funds, eaten up by more rents and more blonde
secretaries.(!)
I had no sooner written this than I called on Hassan again. You see they
have a project for soil sterilization as a possible means to combat the pupae
of Predonia latura, the Cotton Moth. It is a very complicated subject, but what
is not complicated is that they have not the equipment and not the dollars to
get it. I blew my top off. I am writing to Lloyd Luckmann telling them that
Hassan is one of the prize U. C. men here and what he is doing and trying to
do—and that the World Affairs Council has thrown open its doors to one
organization which collected funds for pest control equipment and got them.
Period. End of page! Hassan needs help.
I visited the 38,000 acre EARIS project directed by Paul Keim of Berkeley.
This is Egyptian American Rural Improvement Society. The land is reclaimed from
the sea, a big bulwark having been constructed, then flooded. This leaches the
salt to a certain level and then sowing is started. The Americans are
responsible for the roads, bridges and ditches and they accept it. A slight
defect in drainage and Paul took on full responsibility. No hedging and no
politicians. Farmers are given homes with sanitation, barns, animals,
seed and three plots, one of which must be in Cotton nine months of the year,
then in Clover which in three months can give one hay cutting and then is
plowed under. This way they have a perpetual green manure feeding. There is
sufficient P in the soil, and I presume K. I saw good Cabbages there, but the
land is still largely unsettled.
The people pull every which way weed for fuel. These dry out quickly anyhow
in the warm weather. In going up through the desert I noticed the sudden change
from desert to sown, little transition sectors. This may be due to the fact
that much of the desert is sand-gravel and so too large to hold seeds. Water
goes down to a table underneath and now for the first time there is serious
study of this water table. At that it has to be observed for saline and other
mineral content.
Wheat is also grown and each farmer is helped to think out a best program
for himself but he has latitude in the choices of all other crops excepting
Wheat and Cotton and has room for a small kitchen or flower garden besides. The
farmers are settled in villages which also have the proper small tools and
things to keep them in shape. But here and there are service-villages which
house the cooperatively owned trucks and heavy farm equipment, have the repair
and other shops, cooperative store, mosque—and I presume TV or movie, but
radios may be owned separately. It is all new.
It is entirely in line with the Integral Philosophy of Oliver Reiser which I
hope to introduce elsewhere and which attracted also all the scientists I have
seen.
The biggest thing was my final report from Ali Asad on the Sweet Potato
experiment. He found definitely that genetic factors are there. There are a
number of runts from the seeds that he used. This does not mean to say that
there are many runts, but this particular type showed them. All the seeds were
from the same plant. He found it was impossible to promote faster growth on
these despite a variety of N feedings (with addition of other elements, all
sorts). Some plants remained runts despite. Apparently all the other plants
grew, with or without feedings although of course N feedings made some run
rampant.
But the question was and is, how about tuber production, and what kind of
tubers. This is complicated because, although he used 10-pots practically every
plant is pot-bound and he has not the time or labor to re-pot because they go
into the field in two weeks. The question is largely: what is the relation
between the top growth, root growth and tuber-production?
The Sweet Potato can grow indefinitely and produces more per acre than any
other starch-root. But Ali is working not to get the largest tubers or most per
acre, but the maximum of Carotene. At this time he has no idea and so he has to
wait until the plants are put into the field and observed. But the fact is, he
says, that you can grow Sweet Potatoes to any size, and there is no need for
starvation. In fact there is none here, this being the food of the poor and you
can buy them cooked for half a piaster, which means a little over one cent. So
he is working on quality. And there is also the question of the increase in
vitamins in the plants.
I think in my report on Indonesian crops, they use some of the top growth,
but this will have to be studied more.
There is also the problem of control of top growth which takes sustenance
and nourishment from the roots and tubers. This has been done so far by making
cuttings. Time out.
Note: The Arabian, at least local name for Lettuce is COS and for
Banana MUS. This should interest you.
Evening. Today was spent with farewells. I said good-bye to Abu Salem
Segag-el-din, the librarian at En-Shems and also to Yusuf Wali of the same
institution. Then I called on Mr. Attia, the treasurer of the Cotton
Consolidation Organization. He wishes to invest in a Soy Bean industry. I shall
cooperate but did not tell him—yet, the problem of pests here. But while I
was being kept at the library I looked at their latest acquisitions. One was a
purchase of more of Dr. Meyer’s work on Botany and Plant Physiology. His
first wife, who was my physician, died recently. In the other book, dealing
with Cotton, I found that Tachina larvarum has been found to be the best
biological control of Prodonia. I did not shout this, but this enforces my idea
that people here do not know how to look up research in books, even though some
theses seem overladen with references and not fully enforced with experiments.
I shall no doubt write to Hasan Salah after I reach Peshawar or some place and
tell him I found it there. (Stinker!) But after all I am primarily an American
and I want them to realize that Americans can help them, maybe more than
anybody else.
Tomorrow I should say good-by to Cairo University and perhaps some of the
experimental stations of the Ministry of Ag. which are in the same general
area. Especially I want to see Dr. Mohammed Azauni who is a Cal. graduate, whom
I have partly converted, your reverence to Prunus lyonii for experimental
purposes.
I still find in general, in eagerness to emulate the great nations, very
little attention is paid to xerophytes, and, as Dr. Azauni told me before,
there is no clear water program for the different requirements of different
crops. I am sorry I could not go there and see the Clerodendron before and will
have to chance it now. Not only very busy but a San Francisco protégé of mine
is here—I found him wandering around the streets. He left S.F. at the same
time I did in the opposite direction!
There is still some interest in Tapioca and I am wondering, too, about the
relative merits, or demerits of starch foods in so far as they contain or not,
various vitamins, trace elements, etc., the sugar content, etc., and so the
value as food. Besides, some, like bananas, are supposed to leave alkaline ash,
the grains acid, and others are neutral. I don’t want to preach, I just want
to know what I am doing and after seeing you, whenever I do return, I wish to
visit the Stanford Research Center.
It is true I have ambitious programs and I know I cannot carry them all, nor
do I wish to. But I want them considered and perhaps some money spent on real
foreign aid. I have found now some support for my idea of chartering a ship of
superannuated farmers who have had experience in Rice, Sugar, Cotton and other
food and cash crops of the Orient. This would be much better than hiring, as
they do, men like Satchmo Armstrong or ballet dancers and sending them abroad,
where 3,000 people attend their performances and they get lots of
publicity—home. Here and elsewhere it is not only regarded as an act, but one
which is derided. Some day those fellows who write papers on
“communication” may have to swallow it, if farmer meets farmer or even
merchant meets merchant. This top-level charlotte ruse does not better any
relationships abroad.
Indeed I would like to see one Mr. Harry Nelson see more of the world, even
if he did not more than see it. The big shots see but overlook and the
agricultural engineers are overworked.
I am planning to return here in a few years depending upon what happens. My
private life in all respects is uncertain. I am writing separately to Lloyd
Luckmann about Hasan Salah and I am planning to write a more complete report on
the Sweet Potato experiment aboard ship. If so, I shall send copy.
I am enclosing herewith odds and ends. I did not complete the copying on
biological controls, partly on account of time and partly because of the note
on Tachina larvarum above.
Roughly speaking I shall be concerned for UAR with
a. Tomato, b. Soy Bean, c. Draft tolerant food crops,
d. Drought tolerant trees, e. Controls P. latura and Agromyza pharcoli,
f. Salinity toleration, g. P. lyonii,
h. New varieties of Citrus fruits.
I must call again concerning the colored slides. I am having three sets
sent, the smallest being to you. I have not been able to get more pictures of
plant life here and must lay that aside for the future. Somehow or other I
think I shall be making a separate trip to the Near East.
I do not, of course, know what reactions I shall have. The newspapers will
have to face reality, which does not mean changes in their political and
economical views, but certainly does psychologically. We cannot win any wars,
cold or not, when the press refuses to interview people who have strange
reports. I mean refuse to interview, not refuse to accept. I think there will
be less of the latter anyhow. My farewells to and with both Egyptians and
Americans has been most cordial, and on Wednesday I must say good-by to sundry
Orientals.
My affairs in other directions have prospered socially at least. I do wish
more Americans would learn to communicate by finding out what foreigners think
and like and play their game a little. None of the powers do that.
My schedule is uncertain due in part to the opening of another “home” in
Pakistan and to the fact that one Jamshyd Khan wants to visit the States. He
has been in S.F. before and if he goes again I wish he would call on you. He is
said to be the most successful farmer using modern methods.
I am tired.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
Port Said
February 17
My dear Jack:
I have been so busy I have been neglecting my diary and you are it. I left
Cairo yesterday traveling by bus. Gary Brothers, the travel agent here did not
arrange this and their office was closed so I came to Akri Hotel which is Grik.
You know the Griks. Here they are not shoe-shine boys. It is the Egyptians who
say: “You wanna good cheyenne? Very good.” It does not matter whether you
just had one or are going walking in the mud. They come down in price here but
I want to be left alone. Anyhow I have guides with me who have a hard time
speaking no Eng-leesh, so I must be kind to them. No, I don’ wanna
cheyenne.”
This city is built on the Canal and has water on two other sides. It has a
slim connection with Egypt proper across a salt waste which is about half
between the area near Great Salt Lake and flats near S.F. Bay. There is nothing
there but the unusual. You leave both desert and sown behind.
The weather here is moderate all the year around. It is cool, but not so
cold as Cairo which at this season is not so cold as Luxor which is always hot
in the summer. This is the season and it is full of Americans. This did not
stop a mob from attacking the Embassy and breaking all the windows. The mob was
made up of school kids, some left out purposely. They first set fire to the
Belgian Embassy and then attacked us. I think they also attacked the U.N.
headquarters. The police did nothing. Even a Sam Lewis is worth ten police and
I am afraid what a Jack Betts would do to them if they got funny. Anyhow I may
have described the police.
When the girls get tired of waiting because the cop is signaling the cars to
go ahead regardless they rush out into the street and then the police, afraid
of being overwhelmed, turns a right angle. Of course as likely as not both the
cars and the pedestrians went at the red light. Other police used to spend all
their time watching the lights and paying no attention to traffic. This might
have made some of them color blind.
I was given a farewell tea by a Sheikh and his friends. Next morning I made
a final plea to the American Embassy, for God’s sake have Arabs teach about
their country and don’t subsidize English, Germans, Hungarians and Irish
Jews. I made my point but too late for the mob. I had warned USIA long ago that
they would remember my words when they were mobbed, but the man I had warned
was away.
I think they are fairly well convinced now we don’t need European
outcastes to tell us about Asia. Anyhow some of the Embassy Staff was in the
restaurant when I was having my farewell dinner and I was warmly greeted. I
have been given so many warm greetings you can understand I want to come back.
Get me [$30,000] and you can come with me. I may try Rockefeller, Ford or rich
widows now. I have the projects. All my projects other than seeing Nasser were
successful.
I can have a job, too, teaching at the National Research Center. This is
going to be pretty hard on Lloyd Morain who never gave me a chance but I think
he is a sick man. I am working with his teacher. I never hear from Gavin and I
think he will be different. I love that guy in a certain way but he is too much
like the Egyptians, not like the Americans.
I made friends with Onnig Alexian, an Armenian merchant who has a branch in
New York. I brought three types of silver work with me, and for Chingwah Lee
(or rather Mrs. Margaret) in Chinatown Lane, one for Martin Rosenblatt at Gumps
and one for Pakistan. The first is a charm bracelet with ancient Egyptian
figurines; the second is fine silver work; the third is Islamic. I also bought
some hand cymbals, for myself and for a dancer in Pakistan whom I expect to
visit at Multan. I shall try to ship the S.F. things from Karachi where I
previously bought a few things and expect to buy more because everything
arrived OK.
I also bought one Arab robe and may buy more at Aden with whatever money I
have left over. Aden is a free port. But dollars should be waiting for me at
Karachi and I have two small bank accounts besides. My friend, Abdul Rahman,
may meet me there.
I met Claude Dahlenberg in the streets in Cairo, very suddenly. You may have
met him. He managed the East-West house on California St. upon which Gavin
tried to arrange his Global House. Claude was once a very devoted follower of
Alan Watts. He has learned. But imagine bumping into him—literally, in a city
far away from home. That is Zen. Anyhow he knows something about the real Zen
now and looks fine. I have also written Norman McGhee about it and have some
business positions for Norman. I can’t think anything more at this point
because I am tired—I only had three free days in the over 5 months here, so
this is a resting period and then one discovers how tired one is.
Now I hope to have a nice dinner. Greeks run the place and as it is Ramadan,
the fast month, meals are shifted. It is a relief to get dinner at 7 instead of
8, but here it is now served at 6. I expect to take in a film later.
Well I ate well and then went to the movies. The cost here was absurdly low.
It cost me £1 for a ticket at the football game, which, at the official rate
would be $2.80. I think it cost about P.T. 6 for a ticket at the movie, first
class, which is around 15¢ more or less. There was one Western movie, not bad;
the scenery was excellent and the plot, though it could be figured out, was
somewhat different. Then an English movie, “The Dangerous Refugee” or
something like that, better acting and more “scientific” or artistic light
but I preferred the American—give me hamburgers!
Here I had a crab dish which reminded me of S.F. The weather is moderate
with the sun again shining. The news indicates that editors all seem anxious to
out-ly each other and that proves something although I do not know what. I am
hoping to have news when I get to Pakistan but then I will not have too much
time for it, maybe.
I can get Rupees at a good price at the moneychangers. I have to get rid of
£E which means pounds Egyptian. I think this is all the nonsense in my mind at
the moment, the rest being pretty much of a blank. If you can make this out,
let Evelyn read it; if you can’t let her read it and then feed it to
Cha-cha.
S.S. “Cilicia”
February 20, 1961
My dear Rudy:
I had determined to keep a log-diary and send you the original when I found
your letter which is certainly a confirmation of “synchronicity” or
attunement. I had written pointedly about Fuad Lauthi and therefore now send
his address: Fuad Lauthi, Tourist Bureau, UAR, Port Kest St., Saud Inghlal
Square, Alexandria, UAR.
Have insisted you to know about this man for a double purpose—business and
avocation and it is difficult to say which predominates. I have a whole lot of
material which might fall into articles for travel magazines or tourist-guides
and have written a friend about literary collaboration in this field. Then
there is an indirect “black market.” You cash your dollars, get UAR
premiums, and then when ready to go buy Pakistani Rupees and you get a good
price. Actually everybody quotes a different price and if I had waited until
coming on board I would have done still better. The Greeks are much better than
the Arabs in this.
Port Said is a small city on the canal with a very large Greek influence. I
stopped at Akri, which has not very good rooms and plumbing but excellent
meals, some say the best in the city, and the cost is ridiculously low, so low
I left a 25% tip. But taxis do not have meters and guides misquote and then
yell. I was amazed when the man who put my luggage on board did not holler, but
I told him I had no more Egyptian money left and he was quite satisfied. I
bought a friend a few presents with my last coins excepting souvenirs and have
about £3 and Rs.100 with me in case I go ashore at Aden. I would rather spend
the Rupees and save the British money for tips and extras. I think I have about
a dollar too, which somehow or other was left in my pants. This is a lot of
money here! Many Americans abroad get paid in local currencies.
It has been quite cool and is now just warming up as we are going through
the canal. The scenery is very varied without being exciting—salt marsh
lakes, deserts quite different in nature, and cities between. The canal is
historical rather than of scenic interest. Tomorrow I shall wake up either in
the Gulf of Suez or the Red Sea. I am anxious to see as much as possible of the
sea, but don’t know whether we shall be in sight of land on either side. I am
told the sea is rather shallow.
The SS “Cilicia” has many decks. I am on level D which I don’t think
has a deck. A above, has, then Promenade, boat and sea decks, at least above.
The Promenade Deck has the life-boat stations.
My room is quite small but there is enough space for all my luggage—nine
pieces! I met two boys from San Jose State in Port Said who are en route to
Bombay. I had seen them in Cairo. Also in Cairo I literally (not figuratively
but literally) ran into Claude Dahlenberg of 2273 California St. He left S.F.
about the time I did or before going to Japan. Another example of
synchronicity. He had been a friend of Alan Watts, but after seeing the real
Asia he knows only too well what I mean by “Phantastic.”
I had an English breakfast—figs, baked and with poached egg, sausage,
gooseberry jam and coffees. Early in the a.m. we had fruit juice, excellent tea
and one piece of dry toast. I liked the tea and will have it from now on. The
best coffee I had in UAR was made by an amateur, the wife of a friend who said
she did not know how to make coffee!
The passengers seem roughly divided into British, Americans, Indians and
Pakistanis. There is no way to estimate because you cannot tell a Hindu Muslim
from a Pakistani by name. There are many children on board and much
entertainment for them.
A surprisingly large portion of the decks are of wood. This seems to me to
require different cleaning methods. The crew contains many Goanese and
Laskars.
I am glad to have a chance to sail on a different kind of ship. I feel quite
happy to be on board although just now it is more like river or steam-boating
on a lake. At least I shall be “house-broken” when we reach the Indian
Ocean.
Fritzi is that way which does not help much. My last horoscope reading was
by Myra Kingsley and on the whole she has done well. What surprises me is that
I have had my fortune told so many times and all proclaimed a surprise romance,
and she did not see any in the near future. It certainly did not come in her
“near future.” I only mention this so we can determine later on the
relative merits of “spiritual” and “psychic” clairvoyance, and
astrology.
I am very glad to learn you are busy. I asked all kinds of questions at
Cory. The Egyptian in the passenger department was not very helpful, but the
Greek in charge of freight was a marvel. I am planning to send a trunk by
steamer whether with me or ahead, I do not know, with gifts and personal
effects, then load it with my purchases to bring back. I am planning, in a
sense an independent trip this far with side journeys to Greece, Turkey, Spain
and Iraq, say about 1965. This a rough date but again all feeling seems to be
confirmed by some events and from the “synchronous” experiences above I
think this is the wisest plan. Anyhow I have the best of introductions
especially from the Sufi angle.
A Sufi Sheikh gave me a farewell tea. I left feeling very well and in a
sense satisfied, more with my accomplishments than with my ego. I finally put
over a strong point—why don’t we have Arabs teaching Near East culture? The
excuses are terrible but the point was taken too late—two hours later the mob
stormed the place. I saw the mob from the beginning and am writing
independently to the San Rafael Paper and Chet Huntley etc. I may be busy on
board.
I am going further. I have demanded that American graduates be given
superiority over European graduates in Asian subjects. It is utterly
ridiculous; even federal moneys are used in the downgrading of our graduates.
There is a bill before Congress to establish an American School of Asian
subjects and I am going to fight like hell to see that Judith Tyberg gets
recognition, and that we stop downgrading her before a lot of European
“experts” who are loathed all over Asia while she is admired. She has
suffered for being an American and being a woman and it is about time to see
she gets her rightful place. Anyhow until this is done we can expect more mobs
attacking American properties while European humbugs get lots of money for
misteaching us about Asia.
Later. The meals are excellent, but with two breakfasts—6 A.M. and 9:30, I
have not stuffed at the other times. Had Indian curries and rice for both meals
along with other things. The morning coffee not good, but tea fine, evening
coffee much better. Although there is dancing tonight I think I had better
rest. I have my blue serge suit and may find out if I can get on the program
while here—Hornpipe or Spanish.
Morning. Slept wonderfully. Completely rested and got up and saw the
Sinaitic peninsula, mountains and all. Looks like a warmer and comfortable day.
Now writing to Mayor Poulson to whom I owe a long letter.
At Karachi I bought some art-goods for Chingwah Lew and sent him a vase
which I was given in Cairo. The art theories involved are more important than
the subjects themselves. The old bazaar where I bought things before is no
more. I mentioned this to Abdul Rahman and he says that I can buy things much
cheaper in Peshawar anyhow. I have sent Peggy Allmond some shoes from Cairo and
when I get to Peshawar, inshallah, should be buying more things. It is hard to
keep a budget because in Karachi it cost me more than I could afford and here
it costs me nothing and when the balances are made I come out at least even,
sometimes ahead.
This morning Bill showed me a jacket and it comes from Suez. This is on my
itinerary. It preserved many folk-arts and also Buddhist relics. So I expect to
be buying or receiving things there. I have a lot of moneys owed me and if the
payoff is in folk-craft goods or art objects I shall be satisfied. But I
mention this specifically because having no home, just as I am sending the
shoes to Peggy I would be sending any costumes or costume materials to you,
knowing aforetimes “off with his head” if I should even think otherwise
which I am not. This, of course, is neither a promise nor an obligation; only
no alternate course will be followed.
In Karachi I got rid of clothes purposely, as Zakat and tips, so I could buy
local things for myself. I was very satisfied with what I bought before, from
every angle. The sari is used here, too, more sombre colors than in India and
also they hide the dirt more, but preserve beauty and dignity. Of course as one
gets into the Pathan country the clothes will be different and in Punjab they
are different. Here too one often sees the women in pantaloons of some kind and
the men without pants. There are many kinds of costumes in Multan which is a
crossroad of several types of culture. The architecture is predominantly
Persian.
There are American engineers here building houses at great speed for the
people. Karachi has been marvelously cleaned up by Ayub Khan and the country is
so different from what it was before. I have also found much more English than
I expected.
At the moment things happen faster than I can record them and much more
rapidly than I can evaluate them. On the ship I met at dinner with Sindhis who
were Hindus by faith. They lacked the depth of the “Indian” Hindus but we
enjoyed the same food. The “Indian” Hindus are about the same as others,
philosophical, broad-minded, deep, but not always pragmatic, but who cares?
Most of the Muslims showed more heart, if not head and you could feel it. On
the whole the Muslims in this region are more heart-centered and less mental
than the Hindus, but I am delighted with the universal views expressed by many
of them. This is due, no doubt, to Sufism and the Mogul influences.
I am being accepted more and more by our Foreign Service and I am now very
satisfied with the attitude toward my experiences, reports, suggestions and
what not.
I have to write a letter to City Hall, because I met a niece of Don Cleary
here. She was born in S.F. and educated in L.A. The Americans here act like
Americans and not like a “foreign colony” which was true of those I have
met in Hong Kong, Karachi and Cairo. This made “infiltration” natural and
easy.
This city is noted for dust, flies, heat, beggars, dirt and tombs. I visited
the tombs before and the dust and flies kept away then. The weather, strange to
say, or alhamdu lillah, is perfect at the moment!
I am not used to the postage here. You see while I understand the rupee, it
has been changed over to the duodecimal system, divided into tenths and
quarters like with us so there are two types of coinage and the Post Office
operates on the old system and so do the printed notices. So while I can
mentally change from dollars to £ English and £ Egyptian to rupees and all
between, I am still unable to adjust to the changing system here and I do not
know when I can get to the P. O. either to mail this but will look around for
stamps in my bags and take a chance. To complicate this they are getting
rid of the “pise” and introducing something called the “paisa” or
resembling that and I am all mixed up—the amounts involved are small, the
mental calculations complicated.
The people who live next door have enormous albums of records and Bill has
tape-recorded these and they are one of the chief forms of amusement. The tapes
last a long time. There is also a demanding kitten here so I have right
off-hand two forms of amusement. There are also free American movies at the
cantonment nearby. Saw an Orson Wells production the other night—so sweetly
saccharine, pseudo either, alhamdu lillah.
I brought the folks finger cymbals from UAR They are heavier than the
Portuguese but are used like them. I brought in two cameras for my host and
showed them at once to customs—and no duty! I learned a lot at Aden besides
meeting a Sufi Sheikh.
I came here first-class air-conditioned with bedding. It was a fine trip.
The main problem is with bakshish-wallahas. (The tombs have boxes for offerings
and I gave to them and nothing to the beggars. I simply refuse and if they
argue I yell I am a dervish and they should be giving to me.) The point is that
I always prove my point. In accordance with my friend Reps they find I know
more of the depths of their religion than they do which leaves them aghast.
Then instead of wanting bakshish they want Baraka (magnetic blessings). Those I
give freely and thus I am liable to leave this world a “saint” or
“mysterious” character. This is to some extent true and is another reason
for writing to you in such detail. I am not concerned with reactions in the
U.S.
My host is an accepter of Paul Brunton which brought forth guffers and some
personal history for in a certain sense I am a successor of Brunton. I met Fuad
Lauthi in Alexandria who has the inner sight and gave me the works. That is a
story by itself. Everything is a story by itself.
I have written determinately to Washington against any more money in
Oriental studies going to phonies who aren’t accepted in Asia. I got tired of
predicting a mobbing of the USIA library in Cairo. It came. I saw the attack on
the Belgian Embassy, but of course the little man who was there never can face
the big man who was not. So I am propounding the Marco Polo Complaint
which is a continuum of the old rejection of the explorer whose reports are
rejected because he came from the wrong side of the tracks—and who, of
course, is the hero beginning with the following century. I know a lot of Marco
Polos and I think that the Government is going to listen to them henceforth
even if newspapers and Orientalists situated in Leiden, Heidelberg, Berlin,
Padua, Oxford and any place far away from Asia do not. I think that day is
nearly over. I am breathing fire and thunder now but of course by the time I
get back maybe the Americans will listen to the real stories about the real
Asia and stop all this anti-Americanism which they themselves are fostering.
Why in Cairo who came to watch the Russian ballet? The Americans,
certainly not the Arabs. So it goes. That is enough for one writing, or is
it?
Love and karuna and ishk.
February 25
We are now on the Arabian Sea north of Hydramout. I am not sure of
continuity at all. I am writing a few letters and sending Rudy copies for
reasons more or less inherent in the texts, though they are of different
natures.
There is one thing that stands out tremendously and I do not think
psychologists can explain it—they can explain it away but they cannot explain
it. When I went to Luxor the first man I met was the Dervish Sheikh there. When
I went to Alexandria the first man I met was a Dervish with clairvoyance.
We landed at Aden and I did not want to spend money and my friend Abdul
Rahman wanted a camera. We were taken to a shop (this word “taken” can be
used multi-variously) and none of us bought. In the next shop I noticed a man
with prayer beads and the next thing I mentioned was that I was a Dervish and
then I found the storeowner was the Rifai Sheikh there. We almost fell over
each other and the next thing was he was dropping prices. So I spent more than
I had expected and can only hope Abdul Rahman will be satisfied. I know I got a
bargain but cannot tell what the Pakistanis will charge for customs duty.
Apparently it is easier to get in Pakistan than India so far as red tape is
concerned. My former experience was the opposite—the Pakistanis, with their
multiple pseudo-governments held me up; then the Indians let me through when I
showed the letter from Dr. Radhakrishnan, so I had no real complex experience
there, only in S.F. when I originally applied for a visa.
The unconscious attraction to and with dervishes (Sufis) has now multiplied
and yet it leaves me wondering. This was also true when Claude Dahlenberg was
with me in Cairo.
The next thing which psychologists might consider is the use of “we.”
I have been playing around as “Puck of Pukhtunistan.” I have been
writing at length about this real-imaginary country. Yet the fact is
that on this ship the Pathans have sought me out and taken to me like a duck to
water, acting as my friends and protectors. It is seemingly fantastic but like
the case of Nila Cram Cook it might be explained by reincarnation or otherwise.
The attraction is mental and as unconscious as with the dervishes.
On shipboard now I am getting along with most Asians. The British ice is
being broken by children. Some are curious about this typewriter, some are just
curious. I don’t care.
I had a most wonderful curry-and-rice dinner at Aden, very reasonable. I
changed $50 more leaving my American money low, but have enough English coins
for the balance of the trip and, of course, for the moment, enough Pakistani
rupees. I am learning many ways to benefit from the black-market, grey-market
and other types of exchange. It is complicated but it can become profitable.
Aden is a free port and there are plenty of bargains. But I personally
prefer dealing with the Chinese or Japanese so do not expect to buy any complex
things until I reach Hong Kong.
It was much warmer at the “mouth” of the Red Sea, but is more pleasant
now.
February 22, 1961
S. S. “Cilicia”
Somewhere in the Red Sea
May dear Gavin:
I am writing to you because I feel that when I return you will welcome me.
You will change either because of yourself or because of the wind and I don’t
care which. The supposition that a man is wrong because more powerful person
are against him becomes invalid when it is found that still more powerful
persons are against the ones who were more powerful than he was. Prestige is
something that works both ways; a man who has prestige in one place may not
have it in another.
I am, of course, most concerned with those persons who have or had a pseudo
prestige in Oriental matters, I have always assumed that the Orient dealt with
Asia. I am therefore not particularly concerned with philosophies and histories
or even translations made in Occidental countries concerning this Orient. If
the East welcomes those philosophies, histories and translations, well and
good; if it does not—and usually it does not, we come abruptly against the
nonsense in the words “democracy,” “humanitarianism,” and “golden
rule” which words have little to do with democracy, humanitarianism and any
golden rule
On this ship I have quickly entered into social relations with a large
section of Asians. We can and do discuss the philosophies and religions of
their respective countries. What is more, they look up to me. I don’t suppose
any of them have heard of the “brand names” which have been or are the
fashion in the Western world, men famous or successful as book publishers who
are either disregarded or loathed in Asian-Asia. Some have written most
terrible books which have nothing to do with anything but their private
thoughts and private worlds. Of immediacy, I have been concerned with Dervishes
and Sufis, which terms may be synonymous. Their existence on a large scale, a
very large scale, is utterly contrary and contradictory with the whole of
literature now being on the market or presented in our universities excepting
Harvard and Princeton. After continual protest at the USIS, I finally won my
point, but too late to prevent the building from being mobbed. We will teach
nonsense and we will offend people and they will not like it, they may even
resent it. I can assure you that there are books little better than the
Protocols of Zion which are American text books and every effort to get
interviews on the subject failed.
Back and forth I went between the Arabs and Americans: “Why can’t we
have cultural exchange?” “Why don’t they take the jobs we offer?”
Something is wrong, fundamentally wrong. Anyhow I have had the satisfaction of
all my experiences and suggestions OK’d by the Foreign Service. And my
final gesture, also approved, is to investigate every European graduate in any
type of Oriental teaching other than language who has not the approval of at
least one Asian nation. The nonsense and humbug must go. Of course a Senzaki
was at one time an authority on Goethe and a Blythe is an authority on Japanese
poetry but these are rather exceptions, and outstanding ones.
Karl Jung is not God. He has made some fundamental mistakes in his efforts
to interpret some types of Oriental esotericism and he is way off base on
occultism and alchemy. His speculations remain speculations. In psychology and
related fields he no doubt is near the top, but that does not make him an
authority in Oriental philosophies any more than a star football player is an
authority on academy courses in his university.
This is now beyond argument. I have the full support of governments to
investigate the courses known as “Oriental Philosophy” or even
“comparative religion” to determine whether these are objective, or simply
the brain-children of some professor, invalid elsewhere.
This is no longer a subject for discussion, it is subject for action. The
world is very different today with all kinds of new nations and all kinds of
things that may be known as “cultures.” I have found the Islamic religion
totally different from any lectures on it, favorable or unfavorable. People
describe their ideals and call them “Islam” or they give that name to their
antipathies. The way Muslims actually act is often quite different; the same
applies to Hindus and Buddhists.
Claude has learned a lot and I doubt whether he has near the respect he once
had for some of his teachers. His direct experience has given him legs to stand
on. Whether he is “right” or wrong” he can at least stand up.
I don’t know how long Alan will remain in public life. His private talks,
or ravings about something he endows with Japanese names, have nothing to do
with anything and are given no serious consideration outside of metaphysical
California and pseudo philosophical America. He has any right to have any
philosophy, but if it consists in vocabi1arly stealing, there can be nothing
but confusion. And the confusion, of course, has struck his own private life:
The man who has been a professional psychologist himself needs psychiatry and
meditation, and how.
As to other personalities whom you have revered and who will not face me, I
may have to, in the course of my future career, simply go over their heads in
their respective institutions. It is no use prating the word
“peace”—which to me is more filthy the way it is used than some
four-letter words, and doing everything to impede anything remotely resembling
peace. I met that humbug Fox who had given a lecture on greeting people with
“Peace unto you,” went to his office, said: “Peace unto you” and he
fell out of his chair. That man was well named, but he did not live long.
I am, it is true, carrying some of Whitman’s poetry but I am more
concerned with Whitman’s ability to mingle with human beings and love them
and be loved. This is not mere social intercourse, keeping the latch open for
every lout or schemer who comes one’s way. It requires some vision and
circumspection.
I had only three days off in the UAR in five months, outside the trip I made
to Luxor—which was occupied full time. I meet people; I commune with them. I
was as welcomed by the top scientists as by the lowest artisan as by the
professors and by the common people—but nowhere more than in my own
profession and in this by Americans and Arabs alike. So far as official circles
are concerned I am made. But there is still the press and the universities.
Here again, Harvard is no problem. They said: “We want to learn from you
everything you know that we do not.” Imagine some of your “humanitarian,”
“democratic” intellectual acting that way! Oh, boy! Who is kidding whom?
I do not like to carry the term “scientists” or B.S. or anything. I like
to show my knowledge, or ignorance.” I differ from you widely when you say
that the Catholic Church and communists are alike in suppressing thought and
self-expression; in what way do they differ from some “brand names” whom
you have admired, you also would not let others express thought or present any
ideas? The ridiculous part is that every idea on every subject which Messrs: A,
B, C and D would not even listen to has been accepted, is being accepted. The
term “intellectual” often applies to liberate idiots. Their book reading or
book writing gives them neither logic nor wisdom.
I have kept a complete Horticultural diary, but with it are the scientific
notes. I was busy all the time—Bureau of Information, Ministry of
Agriculture, experimental stations, National Research Center and
Dervishes—not to mention all sorts of adventures. I went in where other
Americans do not go. There is nothing to prevent them. If a few Americans did
what I did we should not have to worry. But our propagandists are neither
farmers nor religious men.p>
One of my pet schemes is to charter a shipload of retired farmers,
especially from the Southern States, take them to the Near East and South Asia
and let them look over situations; then make their reports and suggestions.
They will do far more than, let us say. Mr. Harriman, who will do exactly as
his predecessors did, only more so. The trouble with traditional diplomacy is
that it traditions and does not diplomatize. It is useless. We cry about wastes
of money and waste more.
Satchmo Armstrong, at public expense, vitiated UAR, got a lot of publicity
in the U.S. and performed before a multitude of Greeks, Armenians, French,
Italians, Copts and Americans. Hurray! I bet he did not meet 10 Arab Muslims.
We have lots of money for that sort of thing and woe be to him who objects. Not
even those who want to “balance the budget” seem to object to anything
specific. But we tax ourselves to subsidize people who don’t need subsidies
or jobs and that is why I have written also that “we” are mad.
Of course I am mad, too, but my madness pays off. I am always gaining
friends, all over, in many sorts of ways. When the usual does not work, try the
unusual, and when the unusual does not work, try something else. There is an
answer for every problem. Boy, am I preaching!
Anyhow the world news is always most excitable than exciting and today it is
a sort of super-amusement for peoples who have not healthy outlets. Multitudes
have been thrown upon the world scene and “democracy” almost requires them
to make decisions, decisions on problems of which they have not the slightest
inkling.
I have been fortunate on board ship to convince the Asians that their
agricultural problems are paramount. In the case of Afghanistan, packaging and
marketing are as important as producing and that country evidently needs
canneries and air-freight. I could write much more, but I must not over-rate my
own accumulations even though they are both different and differing. I am going
to have more adventures, I know, I am learning strange geographies and am still
a long, long way from “home.”
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
On board SS “Cilicia”
February 28, 1961
My dear John:
I am writing on board, en route to Karachi where I shall soon land. This
trip has been most important in resting my mind and body and I am so mentally
relaxed at the moment that I feel like writing my thoughts on paper. I am
writing them to you first to see if they contain any ideas which may be of help
directly or indirectly to you and those who have been protesting against
“space” experiments. Then, if these ideas are serious enough, to let Paul
see or have them in case they give him time or inclination for future research.
There is no compulsion in any of this.
I am at the moment convinced that space is living and because it may be
living my experimentation prior to explanation is dangerous in two senses: it
is dangerous because such procedure is contrary to the whole ethos of science;
and dangerous per se because of elements involved. The first may be more
important than the second, for heretofore we have made surveys of the
territories involved and not just plunged into them. I know you are much
opposed to this plunging but here emphasis must be made as much on the plunging
practice as on any poisons involved. One does not dive into an unexplored pool
because he wishes to go swimming.
The completely different approaches have brought me now to the same point.
The first is western and involves Haeckel and Reiser; the second is Oriental
and revolves around Dr. Radhakrishnan. Haeckel, for some un-reason or other has
gone out of fashion. I am particularly disgusted because I am a very strong
anti-Hegelian; and possibly from a minor point of view because my present day
interests, and more than that, the experiments I have witnessed in the UAR
would have delighted such a man. His monism of matter-and-energy seems to have
been substantiated a great deal by modern advances in Physics.
If we turn to the Carbon-cycle and the Nitrogen-cycle we find ourselves in a
world of embolism, and operation, strangely identical with Indian doctrines,
down to the smallest iota. In these cycles it is obvious that both C and N have
functions in- and out- of living bodies. So long as there are no radioactive
transformations, there is the operation of cyclic law which can to some extent
be examined and understood and perhaps even controlled.
Turning from Biology to Physics, we admit that electrical energy, in its
largest sense also operates within and without bodies. The great doctrines of
Conservation of Energy and Matter seem, today, to be unified, justifying the
monisms both of India and Haeckel. But when it comes to Life we are facing, or
rather refusing to face a certain enigma.
Is life energy? Well energy exists within and without bodies. We have the
electrical discharges in “space”—and that is a very bad word today. These
charges may or may not be limited or unlimited to ionosphere, stratosphere,
etc. etc. Are there fields of force around us? And are these fields of force
living or dead?
We immediately get into complexities. Our present pseudo-conceptions of life
restrict it materially to a Carbon-Oxygen complex both within and without
bodies, with chlorophyll or protoplasm. But there is no fundamental reason why
life-energy must be any more (or less) involved in chlorophyll or protoplasm
than magnetism must be involved in Iron and related metals. We have long since
explored electro-magnetism and are now finding an Energy, subject to laws of
Einstein, Planck and who not, which is either a Genus to these species, or an
integration thereof.
Here we come to a problem, which seems to be overlooked. Are the forms of
energies species of a Genus and can energies be correlated like the plants and
animals in a Universal tree? Or are they abstractions or differentiations from
a Summus, permitting only differentiation and integration in the logistics
thereof? This jumping back and forth from Aristotelian-Newtonian thinking to
contemporary outlooks itself seems to me to be a source of problem-making.
Field Thinking. I think this is most difficult. Offhand those fields
or areas seem to be relation to exponents or logarithms of distances rather
than distances themselves. And spatially the fields may run into each other
with gradual differentiation, or they may overlap, or they may inter-penetrate.
I doubt very much whether there has been any thinking through on these points.
Just trial and error with the gross assertion of uniformity where there has
been no exploration.
The folly of this uniformity comes when one reads, and reads with all
seriousness on the thermal and thermodynamic conclusions to date. They are not
only contrary and contradictory (like the Jeans-Eddington differences) but what
is worse, vital contentions of certain parties are often overlooked by the
experimenters and, of course, the experiments fail.
Is Life Inherent in Space? Is Space Living? Before answering this, or
even attempting to answer it, I am placing this question here because all
nuclear experiments have assumed to the contrary which is metaphysics and not
science. The blind assumption can be disturbing. While some astronomer becomes
a prophet by saying the world will come to an end 50,000,000 or 50,000,000,000
or 50,000,000,000,000 years hence, the fact that we are interfering with this
Universe may bring grounds for fearing much, creating these speculations,
called prophecies.
Any chain-reaction in a controlled field (laboratory) produces end-results
which are not always controlled—the field may be, the results not. We are
often liable to consider poisons from the toxicological rather than from the
energy outlooks. In Bio-physics and Physical Therapy we have studied to some
slight extent the benefits the human organism gains from certain kinds of
radiation; if it gains from certain kinds of radiation it may also lose from
certain kinds of radiation, nuclear or not.
No doubt the atomic results of nuclear experimentation may be limited. We do
not know how much “matter” is in “space,” but evidently there is dust,
and if it be a material-cosmic-dust, you are so right in your outlook there can
be no other determination. But even if there is not such material-cosmic-dust,
the fact that we are sending forth uncontrolled energies is itself a dangerous
thing. The wise course would to desist—in addition to all your previous
claims, until space itself were further explored. But by this
space I mean areas or fields, let me say, up to 100 or over 5,000 miles
beyond the earth’s surfaces.
When we know the nature of such areas or arenas, we can objectively and
logically determine more or less exact results but those we do not, we may be
affecting life-energies.
Planetariums have models of the universe, with stress on atomic formations.
These Planetariums do not seem to have stressed much the fields-of-force
involved, and they have overlooked the forces involved.
The question of life on Venus, let us say—really is a question as to
whether biological energy can function other than with Carbon-complex
chemistries. I say it might. I do not think vital energy is any more or less
concerned with Carbon than Ferro-magnetic energy is concerned with Iron. There
is nothing to prove that there may not be Vital, Evolutionary and Mental
processes under entirely different systems of Chemistry. We are already finding
that Silicon has a wider range of combinations similar to Carbon. Indeed the
Chemistry books today assume that the Chain-system of Organic Chemistry is the
norm. When we were in school the bond-method was looked as a special order of
things to be studied apart. Now the bond-method is applied to all chemistry and
next—if it has not already been done—the subjects of saturation, rhythm,
light-rotation, etc., etc. found in organic compounds may prove to be
universally true.
Then we may find that the boundaries we have placed between
chemical-phenomena and non-chemical phenomena are more artificial than we
thought and Haeckel’s principles be realized, though not necessarily exactly
as he thought.
I am inclined to think that life-energy is scattered in the universe and
that the manifestation of life through the Carbon- and Nitrogen-cycles is a
peculiarity of earth itself. The life-energy may manifest through other cycles
elsewhere and even the beings of other planets may have delivered developed
“minds” or “spirits” based on different chemistries than ours.
This would bring up here whether the mind determines the Chemistries or the
opposite which I do not wish, or am unable to cope with. But if the life is in
time-space, however, and we define or examine space, any interference therewith
by radioactive efforts can be upsetting an equilibrium, more dangerous because
it is uncontrolled than because it is poisonous. I think in the end we shall
find all uncontrolled phenomena poisonous, by separating that word from its
toxicological aspects.
I am therefore at the moment at the conclusion that Space may be as varied
as earth-matter; that just as the unit-electron manifests by vibrational
attunements, rings, etc. into the chemical or atomic elements, so space may be
as varied energetically as earth is atomically and chemically. We are
assuming uniformities based on non-experience and this is a dangerous precedent
for science, if it is be science at all.
Of course by assuming that non-uniformity of Space and the existence of
multi-various energies, simplified or complex, or engaged in interchanges
similar in a sense to atomic interchanges in molecular phenomena, we will
ultimately private a background for Astrology and this may well be.
Earth—which we may say, is a ring or a round electro-magnetic body, traveling
in a circuit around a body like the sun—must be establishing certain types of
“fields” in “space.” Whether the nature of such “fields” has any
relation to character, “karma,” etc. is another matter. But even the most
materialistic scientists have ascribed weather-effects of sun-spots, etc. and
it is very strange how many “astrological” elements have come into common
conclusions while rejecting that as a field for serious study.
I think the field-theories of Einstein and the corresponding discoveries of
mathematicians are been treated as too specialized to affect common logistics
and logic. But Professor Oliver Reiser, with his Integrational Philosophy,
begins, not ends there. And if we apply these to our thinking, or assumptions,
or practice, we shall have to change our attitude toward space and begin to
differentiate as was done by the ancient Hindus, between the space as the Grand
Totality and “space” concerned with a specialized or limited phenomena.
The Nobel prizes in Physics the last few years have confirmed elements of
Oriental philosophies. In 1956, talking to the most developed sage I had ever
met we agreed that the next prize would go to Chinese—which proved to be
true; and the rotary behavior of light is in strict accord with Yang-Yin
teachings. This may be accidental or it may be fundamental.
Likewise the uncovering of “non-matter” may ultimately prove to be more
revolutionary than we have any idea about. I cannot overlook these things if
one tries to grasp a picture and not just a symbol of the universe. At the same
time the Upanishads have given me working models and each year I find the
integration of Western Science comes closer and closer to these models. What it
means in the end, I do not know. But I see a Universe quite diverse in each of
its aspects, areas, arenas, yet; and I have always believed, since a little
boy, that actual “space-travel” would show how “wrong” we have
been—meaning mostly the humanity and literary traditions, when they dare to
hold conclusions as conclusions and continue with their continuum of
theological psychologizing outside the field of religion.
At least these are my momentary conclusions. I do not know how clear they
are. Clarity is here more important than truth. But I am faced with Max
Black’s statement that our vocabulary, inherited from deductional thinking,
may prove to be inadequate in induction and integration. And I wish to avoid,
even if I could, large masses of integrational formula which often as not, hide
the mental condition of the writer.
One does not know how valuable or important this is. But I am scheduled soon
to speak on the relation between Oriental Philosophy and Modern Science and to
this writing have not run into any objection to my momentary conclusions. Every
person I have spoken to or with—mostly scientists but more recently
diplomats, businessmen and philosophers (all Asian) agree. The scientists were
about 50-50 Western and Near Eastern. All seem to be looking toward
integrational approaches and welcome them—even though my own particular
conclusions or program are mis-applications thereof.
This may be enclosed with another letter. It is written on shipboard when I
had time and relaxation and my mind seemed to be working.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
Karachi,
March 4
World Affairs Council of Northern California
421 Odell St.
San Francisco, Calif.
My dear friends:
I have now been in Pakistan four days and have had a very rapid start. When
I was last here I took out an account in the Habib Bank. When I returned home
Mr. Russell Smith told me that he and the Habib family were very friendly, the
two banks are co-respondents and this enabled me not only to get my money but
in the manner I wished. I am following this up when I reach Lahore by an extra
“campaign” so I may write advice to tourists and to those who stay abroad
for longer periods. Transactions are performed in various ways to obtain
various experiences the benefits of which may be passed on.
I next went to the Embassy where I had three long and successful interviews,
more details of which shall be mentioned, and one “unpleasant type” also.
In UAR I had to take certain rebuffs from Americans on inter-cultural exchange,
and though I lost the discussions, regretfully my predictions of the mobbing of
the USIA library came true. There was also there a letter of my close friend,
Robert Clifton and between us, in a sense, we cover the whole Asian continent;
have been uniformly successful with Asians, and unusually unsuccessful with the
press.
Excepting Marriage Ceremonies in Morocco by Westermarck I do not know
any books which detail the Islamic religion as it is practiced. I can refer you
to a book in the S.F. Public Library on Chinese funeral customs and you will
look in vain in them for connections to and with the stuffs peddled out as
“Confucianism,” “Taoism” and “Buddhism” by various worthy graduates
of European universities. They take you into the higher echelons of wonderful
metaphysical speculation, but tell nothing about people as they are.
The political attaché in Cairo finally assented we have failed to establish
contact with the public and public mores in the Near East. The political
attaché here knows it and is doing something about it. The attaché in Cairo
has now asked that I report in detail actual communistic doings which I run
upon and the attaché here had me tell him in detail how I turned the mob on
the commies in India—the life I saved happened to be my own. I am forced to
pun, that the un-usual in Asia is too often the un-news-ual, and this is a cold
war.
Actually the commies have started an Anti-American movement here which, as
with most such movements, are financed and supported by Americans! There have
been reports of conversions to Christianity in Pakistan. The last printed
statements were that these were from the Harijans and not from the Muslims. No
matter, feelings have run high and commies are undergrounding it that the
Americans are behind these efforts to make conversions. Unfortunately some of
our staff in Foreign Service are very pro-Christian and make no bones about it.
This was not true in Cairo; I met nobody there who permitted feelings to enter
into this subject. They were warped on cultural exchange, which is not cultural
exchange at all.
Fortunately there are people in Washington who are engaged in objective
studies of the culture of the Near East and this means in the end we may cease
to rely upon Zionists and displaced Europeans as the “sources” of
information (?) concerning this part of the world. The selection of Prof.
Reischauer as Ambassador to Japan is exactly what I have been advocating for
years. We do have Americans who know something about Asia and are admired in
Asia.
We do have Americans who know something about Asia and are admired in Asia.
I once proposed that you invite Dr. Kingsley Davis of South Hall on the
Berkeley Campus to speak before you. I have been estimating him very highly,
but his estimation here both among the Pakistanis and Embassy is of the very
highest. It is this sort of man who should be addressing audiences and giving
them information. And it would be a wonderful thing if our editorial pundits
fished around and found some of these Americans who really know something about
Asia or are admired in Asia or both. We might win the cold war very quickly.
Much of my time has been spent with Dr. Farooq, assistant to the
Agricultural Attaché, who is at present in Washington. He was very
enthusiastic about the program outlined and happens to be a close friend of Mr.
M. A. Cheema of the Ministry of Agriculture who was my previous contact.
Between these two gentlemen I have gotten a plan for my itinerary which should
take me as far as Kabul, Afghanistan, and I may go into unusual parts. I shall
not write further on this point but I have still to find an agricultural, or
perhaps even a scientist, who is not entirely objective and impersonal, and
purportedly practical.
I have already spoken at a Junior College where they train young men to be
Agricultural Inspectors and Advisors. The failure of our Point IV program has
been that between the colonels and generals on top and the privates (peasants)
there were too few intermediaries. Now we shall have corps of sergeants, so to
speak, well trained in science, English and accounting methods.
My other contacts overlapped and include both Islamic teachers and Sufis. I
am particularly anxious to have some Islamic teachers in the United States at
the Universities, or even at centers. I am concerned with information, not
“conversions.” The Muslims in the U.S. are very divided and almost as
ignorant as divided; this is a private matter. But with the large number of
Islamic nations in the U.S. it is time we at least learned about their religion
and folk-ways. My own opinion at the moment is that the best presentations of
Islam are made at the Seminaries in Hartford and Berkeley. Missionaries are
trained in the actual details of the actual religions which they are to face.
Other peoples go around with whitewash or tar and so we have little objective
knowledge.
The cases of Sufism are an example of extreme stupidity on our part. The two
“authorities” on Islam in California are displaced Europeans; next to them
come linguists who are Zionists. They have no interest in telling us the facts.
I had, again, my farewell from the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo, and those
people have again and again invited me to their land to try to bridge the
misunderstandings between our countries. I must repeat, it is they who have
extended the invitations. For my own part I am pleased to report our Foreign
Service is fully in favor of it, but my resources are limited and my successful
ventures are increasing.
I think I have already written about the tenders put out by the Sufis
(dervishes) in U.A.R., to become better known to and by Americans especially to
carry on this Cold War to a success. When I return to California I may even go
to court on this matter of nonobjectivity in certain scholastic institutions
unless some newspaper is willing to carry on a campaign.
You do not have to believe it, but there is a kind conscious and also a kind
of unconscious telepathy or empathy which brings us together. In Alexandria my
contact (who has a high position in the U.A.R. government) had the conscious
faculty. In Port Said unconsciously my contact was a Sufi teacher. In Aden,
where I stopped to make some purchase, my contact was another one. And here I
met the Sufis very rapidly and shall meet more.
I am not in the least concerned with the acceptance of Sufi mysticism; I am
concerned with the recognition that there are millions of us, and that we are
unanimously opposed to those Nations and forces with which the U.S. is
combating, but strange to say, we are either rebuffed, or recognized only so
far by the foreign service. We have plenty of advertisements about
“people-to-people” programs, but the actual operation of
“people-to-people” is something else.
Because we do not have a real people-to-people program, even in this
friendly government it is easy to start grapevine movements against the U.S.
The one on the Christian-Islamic imbroglio above is an example. Monday I hope
to visit the American Friends of the Middle East. They have done much to try to
establish “semantic” relations between Christians and Muslims and the
effort therefore is the success. Getting people to sit down together is to me,
the recognition. Agreement is not so important.
The next underground step is concerning India. The selection of Chester
Bowles enables the underground-grapevine to say we, the U.S. are pro-Indian.
When I was here before I saw the rather successful efforts of the commies to
“prove” to the Pakistanis that we were pro-Indian in Kashmir; and to the
Indians that we were pro-Pakistani. Our USIA programs, with their noble and
lofty overtones, do not reach the masses. Our art and musical shows are nothing
but boondoggling for those who need no such support.
Off hand, here, as in UAR, I hope to emphasize agricultural cooperation as
the basis for friendliness. Here the whole thing becomes complicated and
unified. I have been urging more agricultural literature and less “true
immortality” pulps. The Islamic distrust of Christianity here has nothing to
do with the missions. The Protestant Churches are blamed for the lurid
literature and surrealistic movies, and they themselves protest against them,
but not loud enough. Islam now comes out for “home and mother” and in this
the whole United States becomes the butt of rather successful attacks. Until
Erick Johnston & Co. are removed, or until Hollywood itself supports true
art, neutralism will continue and even increase.
The above, incidentally, is the compendium of a large number of
conversations held before and repeated now in these last few days.
The percentage of people speaking English here has increased. Urdu, which
bears relation to it, is not an exact language. But the government is trying to
systematize the teaching of both.
I met a large number of Asians on the ship, giving me more contacts. In
general they hold that both Great Britain and the United States are offering
the scientific and cultural training needed in Asia. It is only when
sensitivities are concerned we fall down. The staff at the Embassy here assents
to my contention that it is a myth and a very bad myth that we do not discuss
religion abroad. We are held to be materialists. This was the unanimous opinion
of Hindus, Pakistanis, Pushtuns and Persian-Afghans, however else they
differed. I do not know how long we shall continue to be limited by our myths.
We have others.
These people, however they differ live in psychological longevity.
Metaphysically it makes them our superiors and more; but physically it tends to
have them adhere to principles rather than actions. The two need to be brought
closer together.
I shall be with Americans in Multan and learn what they are doing there;
then go to Lahore to plan an ambitious series of programs. Then to Rawalpindi
where my friend Ahmed Bashir Minto, once of San Francisco lives, and where the
government is moving, then to Abbottabad, my “home.” From Abbottabad I must
move in all directions.
Sincerely,
Samuel L. Lewis
Dear Willie:
I am already very busy, in fact started off right away. I expect to leave
here as soon as all my business is completed at the Embassy, but that is
something I cannot foretell. Everything has started off very bright but I do
not wish to become too involved here. Besides, friends are waiting for me in
other cities.
March 7
My dear Rudy,
I started out to keep a log-diary on the “Cilicia” but misplaced some
sheets and never kept it up. I was very, very tired after UAR with only three
days free in over five months. I did not realize it until I was on board and
slept and slept. After I had rested—and the first few days were not easy—my
whole body went through a renovation. I’ve felt so fine and both the Red Sea
and Indian Ocean were calm. At least so to me. I did not miss any meals and I
liked the strong making tea. I drank little coffee, excepting the small blacks
after some heavy meals.
My stateroom was small, just large enough for my luggage and myself, but
that did not matter. There were so many tables—and three rooms—where I
could do my typing.
It is naturally that after I wrote I did not expect to buy anything at Aden
I did. When I came to Port Said I found the taxi man was a Sufi teacher—and
the next thing I was sight-seeing not because I wished to, but on account of
the spiritual bond. When we came to Aden I was almost plummeted out of the
first shop.
In the next one the man was explaining these cameras to me but he was not
very successful in convincing me that the most expensive was the best. While
the bargaining was going on I noticed a clerk repeating the name of God. I
spoke to him and found he was a Dervish. I told him I was one. Then he pointed
to the store-owner who was trying to sell me a camera. “He is the teacher.”
Down came the price of the camera! We reached an agreement and embraced.
Now it seems that I get along fine with the Asians but not always with the
British. My companions were a Persian Afghan, a Pushtun (Pathan) and an
Indian—quite an international set. We stuck together on breaks but always
came back to the dervish (Sufi) merchant. We found he was the most honest and
reliable and he certainly got $200 from me, perhaps more. There are plenty of
bargains in Aden but also plenty of cheaters—as one might expect. If I ever
go that way again I’ll go to that teacher.
Getting through customs was not too hard. They did not examine our health
certificate. And as I had all my things to declare and had appeared so open the
officer in charge let me through. He was very fair when the people were fair
and was as serious to let them through as they were. It was the small people
who kept on demanding papers. There was one slight mishap—there was a Miss
Lewis on board and they placed one of my bags with her things and also told my
friend, Abdul Rahman, that there was no male Lewis on board. This took a while
to straighten out.
I immediately repaired o the American Embassy to get my mail and cheque. For
the first time since leaving home all my financial papers were together. But I
have found it is better to buy cheques in the U.S. than bring in dollars. I am
learning a lot of ropes and think I have some other letters for you which will
go slow mail, on advice, etc. In fact I want to either speak to travel agents
(closed meetings) or write articles on some of my experiences.
Fortunately, again, the Habib Bank, in which I have my account, is the
correspondent of the Bank of America. I deposited most of my money and may buy
Pakistani Travelers’ cheques when I get to Lahore.
I met Mr. Farooq at the Agricultural section in the Embassy and we hit it
right off. We have had three conferences with at least one more coming up. He
had me speak at a school where they are training young men to become
Agricultural inspectors. The Political Attaché took extended notes and gave me
the name of a man in the State Department who is interested in Sufism. After
all the tripe they teach in the U.S. it is no wonder that Asians resent us. We
brag about ourselves and don’t study them objectively at all. So I have
written to this contact, and can at least hope. Step by step I am by-passing
all those persons who claim to be Sufi teachers and know very little indeed.
In the afternoon my friend Abdul Rahman (a longtime resident of S.F.) found
me and we went to a friend whom I also found to be a Sufi and have met several
Sufis among the people contacted here. We have now purchased our tickets, he
going to Lahore but I’ll stop off at Multan where I have personal friends.
Then I must go in turn to Lahore, Rawalpindi and Abbottabad.
I had a short but most important meeting with Mr. M.A. Cheema, who is now
Secretary-General of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. He had been my
contact before. He is now the chief permanent servant of the department and
gave me advice which I shall follow. It means most of my time should be spent
at Lyallpur, Lahore and Peshawar, all in the North.
But it also means my department by sea again. I do not know whether I shall
be going all the way to Chittagong by sea and then visit India later on or stop
at Bombay. If business requires my going to East Pakistan first I’ll do that,
for after all my present Murshid is in Decca, too.
It is not yet hot here—it gets up to 90 but cools at night and this is
even more so at Multan and Lahore just now. In fact some districts are
unequally cold at night but Spring and I shall be keeping company. I expect to
stay in the North for many months and may go to unusual places.
I now have so many names in my book. I cannot see my future unless I can
organize or get help. For my conferences and meetings keep on getting better
but this increases the amount of time at the typewriter, which I haven’t. I
did a lot of typing on ship-board and get my “heavy” things out but not
details.
Cordially,
Karachi,
March 8, 1961
American Friends of the Middle East
323 Geary St.,
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Admiral Evenson and Friends;
I am making this my diary entry for the day. I am enclosing copy of a letter
to a fiend which has some interesting news of you. Most important to me here is
your library. I have been presetting and howling and I shall continue to
protest and howl over these points:
a. The wide-spread market for lurid American literature.
b. The almost esoteric attitude toward good trade, technical and scientific
magazines.
c. The failure to recognize that most people have been attached to the
land.
d. The strange acceptance of European authorities on Asia-men who are little
regarded in Asia.
e. The strange down-grading of American authorities on Asia-man who are
highly regarded in Asia.
f. The refusal to look at the religion, folk-lore and habits of people as
they are.
This library fulfills, to me, all these requirements. I am going to write a
separate latter to the home office. For although I kept Virgil acquainted with
all my doings in Cairo, at first he did not respond to my protests against
certain types of books:
a. The bosh at the American university put out as branches of Islamic
culture.
b. The bosh at the UISA library put out as Islamic philosophy.
I grant the right of every man to differ, but first we should have the
fasts. As a nation we simply do not know what these people believe and
practice.
The Indian papers are editorializing about Pakistan’s trend toward
neutralism. It is a trend into which they have been pushed. They want Islamic
culture and we do not face it. They want certain kinds of foreign aid, and we
want to give certain kinds of aid and we have not sat down and talked
everything over as it should. As in UAR I have found tremendous anti-Russian
and anti-Chinese sentiments, perhaps more so here. But it is based on different
premises, premises which we as a Nation should face. We are the strange country
with a fundamental declaration of Independence which we do not always
appreciate. It was all right for our Forefathers to talk about God, but we are
so afraid of stepping on other people’s toes. We keep silent.
The affects of the AFME to have Christians and Muslims sit down together is
very much appreciated—abroad. Today a tremendous member of Nations are either
Catholic or Muslim—something our press and public does not seem to realize.
It is not only to stem communism (and with it mass-starvation and barbarism)
but the progressive development of mankind which is in the offing.
I have had nothing but delightful interviews here; with the police; with the
Ministry of Food & Agriculture (Mr. Cheema); with our Embassy; with both
orthodox and heterodox Muslims and with citizens. There is a plan on foot to
have me speak at Karachi University when I return. But I have so many plans for
Lahore. I was told your office in Pakistan is there so I shall see them and
keep them informed.
My itinerary is very complicated socially but not geographically (in India
it will be the opposite). I expect to go even into Afghanistan, inshallah. But
I am of those who would rather do then just talk.
The Tomato seeds from Ohio State have been given to Mr. Cheema but my main
horticultural work will be in the North. I am stopping at Multan first to visit
a Christian mission and may do a little work there.
I understand my arrival has been excellently timed, for especially around
Lahore these two things are coming up:
1. A Campaign to speed up the agricultural universities and the research
therein.
2. A world gathering of lay Muslims.
I hope to keep you informed.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
Multan, Pakistan,
March 12, 1961
My dear Magana:
It is now several days since I made any diary entry and many things have
happened. I had to meditate very carefully before deciding to whom I should
address the top sheet and I think that during or after you have concluded the
reading, you will possibly agree that you are the most fitting person to
receive the totality of the news which covers many subjects. And to avoid
suspense, if this were to have a title it would be: “Dante in the House of
Beatrice.”
I did not enter Pakistan as a V.I.P. as was true in UAR. And this produced
some complications because I found it necessary to report to police and make my
forms over again. For there is a mighty majesty in karma which can, under
certain circumstances impel or propel us ahead.
I immediately went to the U.S. Embassy and before a few moments were over
found another of those deep heart friendship with Dr. Farooq, attaché to the
Agricultural Section. In fact the next day I spoke before a class of his, a
junior college where boys are trained to become agricultural inspectors.
My visits at the Embassy were long and complicated. The USIA people simply
do not understand the Orient. They are trying to present American culture to
other peoples without the slightest effort to understand or sympathize with
those people. It is enough to try to bring America to them, it is more than too
much to impose even in the most indirect manner, your religion. And today it is
much worse because Christianity has lost its soul, and Islam has not.
This last statement should not be taken with finality. In my last days in
the UAR I learned that a large number of Gnostic texts have been uncovered. By
the time the next generation comes around we shall be examining much more than
the Gospel of Thomas. The “truth” that Jesus taught or represented or
was is not a different truth from the one you hold.
On ship board I made friends with the Asians and some British observed his
and praised me. I do not always understand how this is. When I came into Port
Said my taxi driver was the Sufi teacher there and when I went ashore at Aden
and went into a shop: the owner was the Sufi teacher there. Pleased don’t ask
me how these things happen….they happen.
The next day after seeing Dr. Farooq I called on Mr. M.A. Cheema. He had
been my contact before and it was after conversations with him that I have
traveled and traveled and spent and spent. Now he is Secretary-General of the
Ministry of Agriculture. It took a relatively short time to lay out a program
for me which is not being followed at the moment, but no matter. It is there
and I most follow it at Lahore and at Lyallpur which I have never visited. The
timing has been perfect.
My friend Abdul Rahman, late of Mission St. met me at Karachi and took me to
a Mosque. I met a Sufi there. We went to his friend’s house and I found he
was another Sufi. I was shown a picture which reminds me of one depicted in the
occult work, “Brother of the Third Degree” or something of the kind. Only
this is an actual picture and as the father explained that picture to me, he
was also explaining me. I told his seem that just before I left. I said: “Not
one moment here was wasted. Your father thought he was explaining a picture to
me; actually he was reading out of the “akasha records” my duties.” So I
left Karachi.
I had originally planned to stop at Multan and visit Dr. Girardeau who
operates a mission hospital here. But in the meanwhile “Beatrice” had moved
here and she and her husband, Bill, kept on writing constantly to come here and
here I am. Beatrice’s actual name has the some meaning, but is in another
language. I have written tremendous poetry for her and even about her. But now
comes the most fictional-like facts that makes one wonder.
Beatrice has lived most of her life in India. She is the only non-Indian who
has been trained in all sorts of Indian dancing. She is a friend of Asoka whom
she says is now is Hollywood. I shall come back to her in the course of this
record. She married Bill who is an American and who works for the engineers
here. I had never met Bill and don’t know what she told him—but he is the
spiritual one. He believes in Yoga and occultism. Our views on politics,
international affairs and esoteric matters are so closely akin there are at
times when it is like looking at a soul-mirror-image. He has also lived much in
India. I have not his story yet, but he is certainly another one of us
re-incarnates from India is Western bodies, for whatsoever purposes the Wisdom
of the Universe wishes. So it is with him and to him I have been drawn. This
has produced some strange complications. For these complications are nothing
like triangles but follow almost weird patterns.
Yesterday Beatrice and I visited the tombs of saints here. I visited six
before. Yesterday I visited four, three of them repeats, the other different,
the last being the most “occult.” Beatrice who was with mo and is a skeptic
received an earful. Bill who was not with me accepted everything. It extremely
different for me to write and yet I have to keep my diary. It is a containing
difficult for me to write and yet I have to keep my diary. It is a continuing
fulfillment of my friend Paul Reps, who writes Zen material (the real thing).
“Sam, you have to go to Asia to teach the Buddhists dharma, the Hindus their
religion and Sufism to the Muslims. Now no respecting “Orientalist” will
accept such stuff and my lectures in your rooms were full of “egotisms” and
“egoisms.”
I met Claude Dahlenberg in Cairo. Literally ran into him in the streets of
Cairo. His address is 2273 California St. I don’t know when he will return.
He was once the fair-haired boy of Alan Watts. No more. He has been and he has
seen. We did not have to talk. He went with me into strange allays in Cairo and
saw the people tumble out of shops and bazaars to great me and I greeted them.
This was impossible but I have an eyewitness from S.F.
In Karachi the legend also grew and one elderly lady had me go through a
Sufi ritual to which I added another—which could only please her more. Well,
Beatrice does not believe in such things but here was I at the tombs of saints,
giving instructions in Oriental Wisdom to Sufis. It is fantastic, it is
impossible, but there was another living witness. And they want me back,
everywhere they want me back.
But before I stick too much to “me” I must tell you about Beatrice. She
wanted to come to U.S. and continue with her career as a dancer. I was trying
to help. Now she has given this up. It does not matter perhaps because she has
a husband and is both a professional photographer and painter and her work in
either of these two professions is proficient enough for her to make a success
in the U.S. I did not mind her giving up her profession—that is a private
matter. But she got rid of many of her costumes and that whacked me and is the
main reason for my writing to you now, darlings. I don’t want her to give up
many of her costumes from this point on.
So I got you into the picture. I told her that what she did with herself was
a personal matter, but what she did with her costumes was a public matter. I
have begged her not to give up any more costumes of any kind—either to hold
them until she ultimately reaches the U.S. or to let me sent them to you under
any circumstances, conditions or what not. I don’t have your permission.
Queen Nefertiti, but this is one of these cases where the Queen of Hearts will
shout, “off with his head” if the subject has not the perspicacity and
perspicuity and pertinacity and persiflage, then it ought to come off.
This is, of course, only the beginning but I also told them a little of the
story of Ruth Prager who would also want her “ins” so dahlings, I must keep
on trying.
Lahore, March 18, 1961
My dear Florie:
I am on the train in the station here ready to go to Rawalpindi. I have no
idea as to whether you have sent me any mail as I shall not pick it up until I
reach Abbottabad later in the week. But so many, many things have happened that
I must record them. And in doing this I shall undoubtedly be omitting many
things even many important things. But it must be made clear to you and
everybody else that I am no longer the person that left home and the prowess
and also power within me has been given full scope. This scope has increased
for the numbers of my friends, allies and associates is increasing and at a
rapid rate.
I arrived in Karachi on 3rd March. Shortly after that Abdul
Rahman met me and took me to a Mosque. There I met the missionary Ibrahim who
has been at the Center in San Francisco. Instead of listening to my story he
regarded me as an individual and as a possible missionary. And he did not
fulfill his appointments. This caused me loss of time for I met a missionary
from Ceylon, another one. I have met two in Cairo. They are much better adapted
to influence the Western mind; they all dress clean and seem to have high moral
outlooks, etc. In other words everything one wants to expect—in others.
My hosts, who were friends of Abdul Rahman, were also Sufis and when I
return to Karachi ultimately will help me out. I have most pleasant visits with
the Political and Consulate officials but not with the USIA. There is an
underground ill-feeling between Christians and Muslims owing to the high degree
of conversions to Christianity. In this I find that the missionaries today are
highly educated and moral and transfer some of their virtues. The old mullahs
simply have not these virtues. But it is not the part of any Federal government
official to side in this conflict. The funniest thing is that although the
chief of the Cultural Center in Karachi leans toward the Christians, the Chief
at Lahore leans the other way. There are psychiatric elements for the Chief in
Karachi is a woman who acts like a frustrated female, just the type that goes
in for missionary work. But I know “frustrated” women who have plenty of
heart and they are successful. On the other hand in Lahore I have been asked by
the cultural staff of USIA to give them talks on Sufism and Islamic philosophy.
This is a great diplomatic and personal victory. On top of that the Political
Attaché gave me the name of a State Department official who is specializing in
these studies and I have written to him.
This auspicious beginning has been followed at a great rate. I stopped with
some Americans at Multan. They acted like Americans and not like a foreign
colony. This made me feel very much at home. I revisited certain shrines and
also one I had not seen before. I met the Wali of the Dirgah Shams-i-Tabriz and
astounded him and his associates by going deeply into tasawwuf right
off-hand. Before I left we had our pictures taken together which made him feel
very happy.
Lahore has been the scene of my happiest moments and if it did not contain
the happiest moments at least at no time in my life have so many missions been
accomplished in such a short time, alhamdu lillah. In UAR I entered as a VIP.
This was not done here and this assumed modesty has made it necessary for me to
re-fill a number of forms and required additional visits to police stations and
consular offices. In turn this has helped me through conversations, etc.
The biggest thing actually accomplished in Karachi was my meeting Dr. Farooq
of the American Agricultural Section. He fell in with all my ideas immediately
and the next day I spoke at a Junior College where they are training young men
to become agricultural advisors. Dr. Farooq happens to be a close friend of M.
A. Cheema who was my contact on my previous visit. I found that Dr. Cheema is
now Secretary-General of the Ministry of Food & Agriculture and a most
important man. I gave him my reports which were exactly what he wanted and he
laid out my general program within a few moments, comparatively speaking, and
this is being followed up, alhamdu lillah. (We are on our way so I am stopping
to observe the scenery.)
After visiting the consulate I went to Habib Bank to straighten out my
finances. It was fortunate for I ran into complexities. On the worst side my
hotel bill was higher than I had expected and there was a triple bank holiday.
On the other side I found I had much more money than I had expected for there
was an accretion of several years’ interest, etc. Then I called at the
Punjabi University, wow!
First I met Prof. A.A. Siddiqui, head of the department of Islamic Studies.
He introduced me to his staff and we had a wonderful but short visit. He
invited me to a special meeting which took place last night and of which more
anon.
Then I went to the Department of Fine Arts with which I have been
corresponding. I brought them two books and picture post-cards. Next day I gave
the Museum across the street one picture each of Mecca and Medina. I told them
of my purchases in UAR and will be writing that country to find out about
shipments, which seem to have been delayed in transit. But they were consigned
to the University, not to me, and should thus be permitted to go through
customs.
The new head of the Fine Arts Department is just the sort of woman I might
liked to have fallen in love with. She was born a Jewess, in England. She left
the synagogue because it was too narrow and became a Christian and left that
religion for the same reason. She has married a Muslim and has risen socially
and intellectually. Besides this her views on modern art and art in general are
about the same as my own. They gave me half a dozen booklets and I found this
quickly by reading. At the present moment there is a very vigorous art movement
or even groups of movements going in on Pakistan.
I then went to the Botany Department but the interview was technical. I did
give them also a couple of booklets, but I held my other things in reserve,
which proved to be a wise decision.
I then went to the Tourist Bureau and before I got out they wanted a long
article on Tourism which went to one Mohammed Idrees. I typed the article that
night and he had my picture taken the next day for the Pakistan Times. I then
had to write a short biographical sketch which was done last night and mailed,
also for publication.
I next went to Civil & Military Gazette, Kipling’s old paper and was
given a hearty welcome by Mr. Makhzan, my previous host here. He introduced me
to the editor, and as soon as I reach Abbottabad I shall start a series of
articles on Pakistan and my reasons for re-visiting it, etc., etc. This is
going to keep me very busy. Then I learned that Mr. Marghrab Siddiqui who
originally invited me to Lahore was back and head of the department of
Journalism at the Punjabi University. I visited him next day. He was a friend
of my friend Surindar Suri, and he also visited the Islamic Center and A.A.A.S.
on Broadway where I first met him by appointment. We had a long and cordial
visit but on account of my commitments mentioned above, I shall not do much
with him until I re-visit the campus whenever that is.
If you think by this time I have had enough and I did have enough, that was
not God’s will. I went to the Faletti’s Hotel where I had stayed before and
there the clairvoyant Munshi Bashir Ahmed was waiting, saying he knew I was
coming, and indeed he stepped out from his desk and saluted me from a distance.
The metaphysical materialists who don’t accept such things have much to
learn. We made an appointment the next afternoon and he gave me a long reading.
In this he certainly surmised some of my deeper intuitions and experiences
which are known to nobody. He has predicted an excellent year for me in 1962.
We shall see. I did not find my other associates there but met the brother of
one. There was no time for further grubbing around.
Multan,
March 12, 1961
My dear Professor Cutright:
I have been in Pakistan some nine days now and I hope you do not mind some
reports. I have disposed of the rest of the Tomato Seeds given me but shall not
ask for more until I know definitely the best place to send them.
Sometimes a life story unfolds like a piece or pieces of fiction. My visit
to the UAR resulted in series of rather favorable reactions. One of my last
ventures was to boldly request a position in the National Research Centre to
instruct the librarians in how to utilize the vast collection of materials they
have in practical research. The experimental scientists and their staffs do not
know how to utilize literatures. The collections tend to be vast because in
part, due to cold war rivalries more and more books are contributed, if not
purchased by the UAR government.
I have to use here cold-war-rivalries. We think off-hand of the competition
between the U.S. and Russia. But there are also competitions between India and
Pakistan, between the Arabs and Israelis, etc., etc. all of which stimulate
both research and book-writing and this has been of benefit to the document
section of the Research Center.
Multan is known as the city of flies. When I was here before the
Chief Engineer begged me to do something to help eradicate the fly-nuisance
here. I spent some time with DuPont people who told me they had agents in
Pakistan. I asked them if we had to wait until the Russians had a fly-swatter
or spray before we would rid this region of flies. In an earlier age we did
wonderful work in Panama, the Philippines and Cuba in eradicating insect
menaces. No politics were involved.
On shipboard a Pathan became particularly friendly with me. He learned that
I shall have to come to Peshawar some time and we agreed. Then I asked him his
profession. He is the manager of a D.D.T. factory! But I have
learned that today some work is being done with spraying and the army engineers
are also active in the region. In any event when I do get to Peshawar I expect
to visit the place and send in a detailed report.
I also learned that there is a large fertilizer factory some eight or nine
miles from Multan. I shall be interested in visiting the place. There are
several severe problems here, chiefly of which is the high salinity cum the
high water-table. There is not the rainfall even of the Alexandria region. The
soil is either very, very friable or clay-eye. This city is noted for shrines
and today I found that the hill-tops where these shrines are located have been
landscaped. The hill-tops, of course, are above the water table and there is no
saline problem then.
Dr. Farooq is the Assistant to the Agricultural Attaché at the U.S.
Embassy in Karachi. The Attaché was in Washington at the moment of my visit. I
laid out my plans there and they were well received. The next day Dr. Farooq
took me to a Junior College which trains young men to become Agricultural
Inspectors. To me this is a worthy step. We either have high-grade Point IV
advisors or specialists—and peasants. Generals, colonels and privates, so to
speak. Now we are training sergeants who will act as intermediaries. I gave a
short talk there on my second day in Karachi.
M. A. Cheema was my contact on the former visit to Pakistan. He is
now Secretary-General of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. He is also a
close friend and associate of Dr. Farooq, aforementioned.
My visit with Mr. Cheema was short and to the point. I gave him the packet
of Tomato seeds with the exception of a few to Farooq. He told me that my best
work would be at Lahore—where I have been, and Lyallpur, where I have not.
The chief instructor in Horticulture for all Pakistan, who was formerly
stationed at Karachi and whom I know slightly, is going to Lyallpur. His name
is Dr. Siddiqui but the country is full of men with that name. Lahore is my
next stop, and then I wish to go to Abbottabad to get rid of my clothing, etc.
to travel light.
I have still my suit-case with so many bulletins.
Lyallpur is being thoroughly re-organized. There the Salt-soil problem will
be faced. I have not yet heard about the visit of Dr. Fireman of Riverside. I
have six or more important contacts at Lahore without mentioning others not so
important. After Abbottabad I am supposed to go to Mardan where the largest
successful farmer using modern means has been expecting me. But I have learned
that Judge Rabbani is also awaiting me. He has the largest successful farm
using traditional methods—old hand labor of peasants rather than modern
equipment.
Judge Rabbani is also one of the leaders in re-forestation. And there is now
a project going on at Quetta in Baluchistan The soil here is friable and dusty
so it can take seeds. So the desert problems will be quite different from those
of UAR, but offhand I should say the salt problem will be worse.
There is no knowledge here of American accomplishments in UAR but I may
equally say that there is no knowledge of American accomplishments here. The
really great things are never advertised ands go on as if almost secret.
West Pakistan is largely the Indus Valley. The Punjab—literally “Five
Rivers” means mostly branches of the Indus. The Kabul River is on the other
side and I hope to visit that valley, going up the Khyber Pass to Kabul itself
on this journey. I am told that that region resembles California in many of its
aspects. This includes Abbottabad where I shall “live” and have been
before.
The garden flowers in general that I have seen are those of California but
in Karachi I saw the largest Petunias yet and also the largest Lantana grown as
a big shrub. But this is a country where Buxis is a tree, not a shrub. I
have not the secret of that—yet.
So far I have just touched the soil and crop problem and wish to unload my
literature on these things first. Then I shall go into pests, etc. Outside of
flies this immediate region is rather free at the moment but I think this is
due in part to the regular DDT spraying. “American” grasses are used on the
lawns, and not the ubiquitous C. dactylon.
This is sheep and goat country. Milk, etc. come from both the buffalo and
cow but in this household they get their dairy products which are air-borne
from the States.
Food processing is even more important here and no doubt I shall be
collecting notes which may interest your colleagues in Columbus.
I do not know when I shall be writing again. The possibilities of extending
horticultural exchange whether of persons or knowledge are endless. I met a
group of farm boys in Karachi en route back to the U.S. It seems that the
Kansan Universities made the exchanges here. Of course I may meet some of your
own students on the Indian side, but that is far off, in time.
Sincerely,
Samuel L. Lewis
Multan,
March 16, 1961
My dear Harry:
I cannot escape it. It is inevitable. I follow the old E. Phillips Oppenheim
dictum “Fools for Luck.” The difference is that there were two of them in
the stories, who stumbled into adventure and intrigue and often as not in Asia,
and there is only one of me. I could not get accommodations when I arrived at
Lahore and I was shunted to the Imperial Hotel, which is an old group of
buildings made into a new hotel. They may be charging me a lot or a little but
for the moment it does not matter. For I wander around alleys—they are not
dark in this section of the city—and the first thing I see is a building:
“Agricultural Department” so I nosey in and send my card and in about two
minutes I meet Mohammed Ali Bokhary.
I tell him about my missions and that is what he is interested in. I tell
him about deserts and desert reclamation and that is what he is interested in.
I tell him about salt-water from the ocean and that is what he is interested
in. I tell him about reclamation of saline soils and that is what he is
interested in. I even tell him my private ventures and that is what he is
interested in. Why go on? The net result is that I may plan to come to this
hotel again and show him my “etchings” or rather all the bulletins I have
which you so kindly help me collect, and for which everybody gives me the
benefit (scrounge), and also others which I had from the University of
California, etc.
I have not heard about Dr. Fireman being here nor have I run into Mr.
Sparhr, the forester, who was my host in East Pakistan and who is supposed to
be ranging around this neck of the woods (synthetic).
At the moment Lahore is very beautiful and I am not far from the Zoological
Gardens where I met or rather was contacted by A. A. Shah on my previous visit.
The whole city is in flower. But what do you get? Daffodils? Pansies? Violets?
Jonquils? Well you find Dahlias in full bloom and Hollyhocks seeking salvation
in Heaven and Cosmos all over the place. This is Springtime, n’est-ce pas?
You also do see Pansies but no lilaceous or orchidaceous plants. The Roses are
here but not in profusion. There are Gaillardias and Marguerites and Coreopsis
and Sweet William. The most profuse flower is of the same order in structure,
but looks like a Bougainvillea in color; I don’t know its name. There are
several flowers which I cannot name.
The most abundant trees are Ficus sp. but I have reported on them before. I
did visit the Botany Department at the Punjabi University. The junior classes
take Botany as part of general science but the upper division and graduates are
engaged in research and to prepare to be teachers. The research is not divided
into subjects like Plant Physiology, Plant Nutrition, Cytology, etc., but the
students are given projects which cut across the more or less artificial lines
of the sub-sciences and do their work accordingly. Evidently the higher degrees
depend upon specialized research which may be elected or assigned but which
should have practical value. There is still much to be done both on the actual
plants of Pakistan and the plants that may be grown here.
The conversations here show much ignorance as to “tolerance” and the
tendency has been to wish to change the soil rather than to seek plants which
will grow.
Multan is dusty. The desert which is beyond is totally different from that
of UAR but which resembles in many respects some in Baja California. The tombs
which I re-visited have all been landscaped and are in pretty fair condition
considering that this is one of the “dry” seasons.
Lahore is very different, certainly just now.
Generally speaking, my welcome to Lahore has been astonishing. It was
before; it is even more so now. I had arranged to take out a Habib Bank
Account. What did I find in returning to California? That this bank is the
correspondent for the Bank of America and this has facilitated my operations
and made it possible to get Rupees easily.
The Punjabi University gave me a wonderful welcome in all departments. Then
I found the original “villain,” one Marghab Siddiqui whom I had met in San
Francisco was here. We always avoided each other after swearing eternal
felicity and friendship. But we met again at last though he has been jumping
back and forth in the opposite direction. He had introduced me to the Civil
& Military Gazette which was Kipling’s old paper and which gave me a
multitude of welcome before. Now they are sending in the bill—please write
articles. The opposition paper heard that and asked me to write my biography,
autobiography, and everything else but I had pledged my scientific articles to
the Civil & Military Gazette because I believe that East and West can meet.
This is possible in our football games, of course. In Multan American aid is
very active until 4 P.M., building, feeding, instructing, helping—and after 4
P.M. all the Americans go down and teach the Pakistanis a game called baseball.
In Lahore they must be different Americans for I have seen many a baseball
field and hardly a cricket field, but baskets all over the place. Only it is
Ramadan and as you are not supposed to drink during the day time at the moment
they are not in use. But I never have seen so many basket-ball courts.
Tomorrow and the next day are the biggest feast days of the year. Trust me
to get in on them. I used to know a song with a refrain: “If our legs will
hold out we’ll stay” but with me it is mostly, “If my stomach will hold
out I’ll stay.” Anyhow I have arranged sundry lectures on everything from
Islamic Philosophy to research in Genetics and how to get around in modern
Cairo and I have so many people in the American Consulate wishing to hear me
that I have arranged for private talks.
So far I have met only one lady. I hope she is still married. She is head of
the Fine Arts Department, wealthy and mature in age, of Jewish birth and now a
Muslim. I don’t know if this means anything but I am a confirmed bachelor to
which applies the saying: “A woman is as old as she looks, a man is old when
he stops looking” and I have not stopped. Besides my friend the fortune
teller was here, waiting for me and he told me I was going to live a long, long
time yet, so might as well be resigned to it. Which I am. For if for me life
began at 40 it got bigger at 60 and is still growing.
I am waiting for a phone call from the American Friends of the Middle East,
and after two attempts on the phone gave it up—everybody wants to see me, so
I am afraid to try any more. Every day and in every way I have bigger and
better interviews. And I have so many assigned articles and had to fill out
forms because I became modest and did not enter as a VIP as I did in UAR so had
to make my forms all over again both for the police and Americans. It does not
pay to be modest. I guess that is enough bragging for now.
Cordially,
Lahore,
March 16, 1961
Pakistan House
San Francisco, Calif.
My dear Friends:
In writing my diary at this time I have concluded that you are the most
appropriate people to send it to. This communiqué does not require any reply
so it does not matter when Consul General Sattar is in or not. It is certain,
to me, that so many things have happened of personal interest, if not of
importance, that I wish to record them.
One does not have to accept the statements of clairvoyant Munshi Bashir
Ahmed. He was waiting at Faletti’s? and said he knew I was coming. He
certainly had nothing to do and called my name out from a distance. Later he
told my future, using two or three of his several methods. He is positive that
I shall live long, gain fame or influence or both and in general succeed in
life. He bade me take things very serious and I am doing just that whether his
predictions turn out correct or not.
I remained at Multan longer than expected and before that my Karachi finale
was very concentrated, so I have had to write to both Minto and Abdul Rahman
being very unsure of my arrival in their respective cities. I entered UAR as a
VIP and that necessitated certain forms to fill out. I did not enter Pakistan
as such as this required my making secondary applications, etc. I think I told
you that Secretary-General Cheema of the Food and Agricultural Ministry has
outlined my trip. I did not see Ibrahim the missionary again, but the Siddiqui
family, to whom Abdul Rahman introduced me, is interested in Sufism. I also
learned from our political attaché in Karachi that there is one research
scholar in Washington with the same interest.
My hosts in Multan are an American Engineer with a British wife. Although
she was raised in India, living mostly in Kashmir and Bangalore, she retains a
non-Oriental psychology, but Bill Bailey served on the Burma Road, lived long
in India and now in Pakistan and is a “believer.” Mrs. Bailey accompanied
me in my revisit to the tombs and she listened while I gave a lecture on Sufism
to a Wali and his students. “Coals to Newcastle” sometimes has astonishing
results. I also had my picture taken with him at the Shams-i-Tabriz shrine and
when I receive it at Abbottabad will probably send you copies.
The Americans are doing a grand work with their drainage and housing
constructions. This is not being advertised. But it is most surprising to find
a changed Multan. Besides, with my companion on shipboard being the manager of
a DDT factory, the fly problem is being brought under control. And the dust had
not yet risen. I am anxious to bring in one or more vacuum cleaners either on
my next visit or beforehand. These will go only to missionary hospitals and
mosques.
My former visit to Lahore was like a compilation from the works of Marion
Crawford, Rudyard Kipling and Talbot Mundy. Many of their characters are real
and events were fictionalized into stories. I had the happiest hours of my
whole life here before and the same is happening all over again, but this time
it is somewhat objective.
American Officials. There has been little difference between the
reactions of the Americans and Pakistanis working at the Consulate and
Informative Services. They all listened to my general program and took my
reports most seriously. One of the outcomes is that I shall be giving talks on
Islamic philosophy and Sufism to members of the staff when I return next to
Lahore, inshallah. They accepted the gist of my reports from UAR on all
subjects.
Punjabi University. Islamic Philosophy. I first went to this
department and Prof. A. A. Siddiqui was delighted to see me. I had spoken twice
with him before. He gave me a tremendous build-up and has made arrangements so
I meet his colleagues and other worthies tomorrow when the fast ends. This
delays my trip to Rawalpindi and I only hope Minto will be around. But this
build-up is very important. Dr. Siddiqui is very much against the phony experts
who lecture in California about something they call “Islam” and who are
believed and followed. He speaks excellent English and is the sort of man who
should be sent for when the Federal Government finances studies in Asiatics.
Department of Fine Arts. I have been writing to them as I purchased
some wares in UAR to illustrate more or less recent creations. I have also
ordered colored slides. When these arrive I shall be lecturing in this region.
The wares go to the Museum across the street. The slides become the property of
this department when I leave North Pakistan.
They showed me a little of their present policies. The head of this
department is a Mrs. Ahmed who was born a British Jewess. Her “conversions”
in both religion and art parallel my own very closely and I think we formed a
binding friendship. They have given me a number of books which I may keep or
send to the Rudolph Schaeffer School.
Mr. Schaeffer is a life-long friend of mine but has been influenced to
receive very warped impressions of the art of the India-Pakistan sub-continent.
His so-called informants have skipped the whole Moghul influences and much of
the other Islamic influences also. Someday, no doubt, they will let me speak on
what preceded Taj and how it came to be built. But one cannot spend one’s
time lecturing on art and clearing rubbish and that is what so often has to be
done now.
The class work and the exhibitions show a remarkable freedom of spirit.
There are traditions but they are not necessary from one direction, being
Islamic, Indian, British or French—not much Persian here; or else a growing
acceptance of many more or less contemporary schools and methods. Few of the
artists went through periods of “civilization” but seem to have passed
quickly from childish art to the newer methods.
I gave the class a short talk on my views of spirituality in art and found
they had all come to the same conclusion.
This morning I gave my reprints, one picture each of Mecca and Medina, to
the Art Museum across the street.
Botany Department. This visit was technical and scientific. I left a
few books and we agreed that I should hold the major portion of my materials
for Lyallpur. However it is probable that I shall give at least one talk there
after I have gone to Peshawar. There are “revolutions” in teaching,
research and reorganization at both Peshawar and Lyallpur so my visit is well
timed.
Department of Journalism. Mr. Marghrab Siddiqui was originally
responsible for my coming to Lahore, and he was not here when I arrived before.
He has also made another visit to the States so I am sure you have met him.
Anyhow he was in the office today and we had a very serious conversation. The
follow-up is questionable owing to the reports which immediately follow:
Tourist Bureau, Public Relations Section. This is a new organization.
I was given a very warm welcome by Mr. Mohammed Idrees. He asked me to write a
paper on Tourism. Alas, it impressed him so that he wants me to write at least
one autobiographical sketch. They also took my picture and want to use the
materials submitted for articles in the Pakistan Times. You may be seeing my
picture or articles before you receive this letter.
Civil & Military Gazette. I was the last person to be given a tea
of honor in Kipling’s old work shop. Not only has the office been renovated
and modernized but the whole publication has come out of the “red.” It is
probably that Ayub’s elevation was at least indirectly responsible. The
Pakistan Times had fallen under anti-American influences or worse and in any
event was perpetually anti-government with no constructive program. This has
been changed now, but the need for readjustment of policies stimulated the
Gazette and elevated its prestige to the plane which it deserves.
They have asked me to write to them about my scientific mission here and on
other points. Regarding my studies and knowledge of Sufism and Islamic
philosophy. I am at the moment in a quandary because both papers have asked me
for articles. So I shall be keeping busy when I reach Abbottabad.
This accounts for my not going further with Marghrab Siddiqui.
Agricultural Department. I could not get rooms at Faletti’s and
they sent me to the Imperial Hotel, a new establishment on Jail Road near
Cusons. While out walking this morning I came upon the offices of the Punjab
Section of the Agricultural Department and met Mahmood Ali Bokhary. It seems
that the missions I have gone on at Mr. Cheema’s suggestion are all well
within his scope and interest. I agreed to show him everything before I go to
Lyallpur.
The Lyallpur University, I understand, will not open its session until April
3rd, which will give me ample time, if necessary, to come to Lahore
from ‘pindi before proceeding to that city and thus show everything I have to
Mr. Bokhary.
Tourism. I have written a long article on tourism and have had
interviews with both Mr. Idrees and the Globe Travel Agency with whom I have
had dealings before. I understand that the network of bus lines has been
increased. These lines as well as rail and air have both been quite efficient.
My main proposal has been to have an international airport either at Lahore or
Islamabad; and, if the one at Karachi is retained, to arrange tours to Thatta
and Mahenjo Daro for Karachi has little to offer. Its hotels are fine but the
best amusement are the movies.
On the other hand this city has so much—not only Shalimar and Badakshi
Mosque but modern gardens of all kinds and bazaars. I had long talks on bazaar
and shoe trade and perhaps may take this up with the Department of Small
Industries when I return to Karachi. Or with the counterparts in the Central
Government should I remain any length of time with Minto at ‘pindi.
I did visit the Mian Mir tomb last evening, but have had no time to go to
the old city, etc. Tomorrow morning I had planned to visit either Mosques or
Anjumans or Jamias, but expect a telephone call from the American Friends of
the Middle East. Surprisingly while in Cairo they keep much longer hours than
the Central Government, here they keep many less.
I am at the moment a little disturbed over possible duplication between them
and Asia Foundation who, for the most part, have been working in quite
different areas.
Lahore at the moment is most beautiful. What is surprising is to find
many of our autumn flowers—Hollyhocks, Dahlias, Cosmos in bloom and not the
spring varieties. The parks and grounds and even waste places are aglow at the
moment. I am fortunately following spring into the various areas I shall be
visiting.
Prospectus. Abdul Rahman has gone ahead with part of my luggage,
including gift perfume oils I am bringing to his nephew. One adds alcohol or
something else to create marketable perfumes.
I have received invitations to visit the farms of both Judge Rabbani and
Jamshyd Khan. I have some information for the former whose farm I have already
visited. Jamshyd Khan says he is going to visit the States so you may see him
at any time. But I am going to remain in West Pakistan for several months at
least, inshallah. I have been told that his brother will welcome me and Abdul
Rahman at any time.
I am also scheduled to go to Swat and this intrigues me on account of the
Buddhist art remains in that section.
Whenever I do go to Mardan I shall follow this with a visit to Peshawar,
perhaps arranged for lectures and then go through the pass to Kabul. I do not
wish to remain in Afghanistan but I do wish to see the American Agricultural
Attaché there. I also wish to relocate Mr. Spahr, our forestry expert, who may
be roaming in either the Peshawar or Quetta areas. There are now large
reforestation projects going on in those regions.
The sea voyage from UAR was very healthful and I have remained quite well
since. I am delightfully amazed at the number of friends I have here and the
bright hopes for several of my many missions. As Abdul Rahman gets airsick I
may not fly to East Pak. but wait until my work is pretty well accomplished
here. I have not yet been able to meet the missionaries of various
sorts—Sunni, Ahmadiyya and Christian whom I have already met. I also have
various pen-pals in this region but will write to them from Abbottabad.
I cannot promise detailed or even short reports later on but, of course, I
do keep my diaries and hope to arranged lectures for the American Friends of
the Middle East. And as soon as I get to Abbottabad will report to the South
Asian Studies Dept. at the University of California and perhaps to the World
Affairs Council.
As-salaam aleikhum,
Samuel L. Lewis
Ahmed Murad Chisti
March 23, 1961
American Friends of the Middle East,
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Admiral Evenson and Friends,
This is really my diary entry for the period and I am sending a copy to your
colleagues in Lahore. I missed them. In UAR where the government offices are
open only till one or two, your offices are opened in the afternoon; and here,
where governmental offices are open in the afternoon, the AFME offices closed
at two. I telephoned the director but he was away and did not call back.
In order to connect all points together I shall begin with Cairo. I had warned
again and again that one could expect the USIA library to be attacked, that we
did not have two-way cultural exchange. We try to impress others with our
knowledge and achievements and we do not equally grant these others to impress
us. I became tired running back and forth between Egyptian and American society
with stories which simply did not fit. The political attachés have been most
helpful and perceptive, but the cultural attaché not so. They are either
self-satisfied, or in Karachi, pre-Christian and any attitude other than
strictly pro-American is dangerous.
I pointed out that the American position was untenable because we
down-graded American graduates in Oriental subjects. We did not in mathematics,
science, literature, but in Oriental subjects “we” honored degrees from
brand name European universities, not one of which is accepted in continental
Asia. It is utterly ridiculous and we not only do not give “Mahmud Effendi”
a job teaching Near East culture, we don’t give John James, Colorado or
Minnesota either. The Arabs can’t get jobs, the Americans cannot get jobs,
the Europeans get jobs without even submitting to tests and even “phony”
credentials are accepted without examination “for fear of offending the
Asians.”
I won my point but too late to prevent the mob-action.
I relate this because when I visited your library, or any library in
Karachi I almost fell over. Here was a library full of authentic books, with
every American authority on Asia listed. These things don’t exist
elsewhere. They don’t exist in many of our schools or departments for Near
East studies in the U.S. (some very important notable exceptions) and they
certainly didn’t exist in the otherwise fine library in Cairo. The library
had an excellent selection and assortment of books but the Near East section
was not only small, it contained some very questionable books. The AFME library
in Karachi, ought, in my judgment, become the model for all libraries on the
near East and Islamics.
Even you, if you have not already, should have Dr. Kingsley Davis come from
Berkeley and give a talk. He is one of many, many Americans actually admired in
actual Asia. Now we are going to have a real American honored by Orientals as
Ambassador to Japan instead of a “brand-name.” It is time to get rid of
brand-names and ask the Asian-Asians what Americans they admire and why. Dr.
Kingsley Davis is just one and I found books of all the others on the shelves,
too. And what is called “Islamic Philosophy” there is Islamic Philosophy.
And what is called Asian culture or Islamic Religion or Pakistani culture, etc.
etc., is just that. The library avoids the two evils of not having enough
books, or of having the shelves filled with over-advertised works by Europeans
which do not explain the Near East at all. Alhamdu Lillah, I am very satisfied,
perhaps in some sense, for the first time in my life.
I had a very cordial visit there but they urged me to see the staff at
Lahore.
I stopped at Multan as guest of the American Army Engineers and saw what
they were doing. I also visited the Mission Hospital and will try to get money
to purchase a vacuum cleaner for them, but this has to be done in a certain
way. I also “carried souls to Newcastle.”
I gave a deep talk on Sufism to a Wali and his associates at the Dirgah
Shams-i-Tabriz. They were amazed and a few days later I had my picture taken
with the Wali. This would never have been permitted in the S.F. Bay region
where all talks on Sufism are bottled by European professors who know nothing
about it even when they are engaged in translating books.
For within 24 hours I was a guest of Dr. A. A. Siddiqui at Punjabi
University, before whose groups I spoke before and he has not only invited me
to a big celebration but wants me to talk on the relation between Islamic
Philosophy and Modern Science (Physics, Botany, Psychology). He incidentally
has no use for any of these European Professors in the S.F. Bay Area. Another
man who has no use either because he has clashed with then is Abdurrahman
Barker, Urdu teacher and graduate from the University of California.
I also met the heads of the Botany, Fine Arts and Journalism Department. You
may know the latter, Marghrab Siddiqui, who has been in California on several
occasions and first invited me to visit Lahore when he was away.
I have sent for slides from UAR on Islamic Art and Modern Cairo and as soon
as they arrive had intended to speak at Lahore, but they were sent to
Abbottabad. This means I may be taking them around with me.
I am also writing for the Tourist Bureau, Pakistan Times and Civil &
Military Gazettes; and today received a request for both for two New York
Publishers. Only the San Rafael Journal Independent has taken me seriously
before. I else gave the Fine Arts Department two books on Islamic Art in UAR
and the Museum two pictures, one of Mecca and Medina respectively.
I could not see all my friends and having completed my financial
arrangements (Habib Bank) and signing papers at the American consulate went on.
But there they also want me to speak on Sufism which will do.
I stayed a few days in Rawalpindi with one Ahmad Bashir Minto who used to be
in S.F. and gave a talk “Islam in the U.S. and UAR” But since reaching
Abbottabad I have been told that my friend, Nasar Ansari is now Regional
Director of radio Pakistan at “pindi.” This means I shall have every chance
at introductions and speaking.
As Karachi I saw Mr. A.M. Cheema again. I have been working for years on
what he wanted and he directed my footsteps north. I saw the Deputy of
Agriculture at Lahore and when he found I have materials on saline and desert
soils he asked to see them before I go to Lyallpur. I also have some papers
from the UAR on scientific research but the others I have given to Mr. Cheema
when he wanted then. Dr. Farooq of the American Embassy in Karachi has been
most helpful.
I expect to stay in this region for a while writing and arranging programs
and itineraries. I must visit Monserah which is north if here to see Rabbani
Khan again. He is the most successful landowner in this region using
traditional methods. But he has already been in the board of Directors of the
World Congress of Faiths. I hope to introduce this into San Francisco so that
real explanations can be given of living of religions by people who know them,
and not imaginary descriptions, defenses or criticisms of beliefs of centuries
back which having nothing to do with the world of today.
After that I must contact other landowners for appointments and then make my
visit to Lyallpur. This would necessitate going to “pindi” and Lahore. I am
learning a good deal about local travel and the Tourist Bureau has already
accepted my first paper on tourism. But I must write again because there is a
movement to make concessions to tourists and I can assure you that the hotel
charges are much higher than what is written in the folios.
I have one slight fear which may be imaginary. When I visited Asia before
the work of Asia Foundation and the AFME did not overlap. Now they are both in
Lahore. Perhaps their fields of endeavor are separate. I can report with
excellent authority that in S.E. Asia there is competition between American
societies organized to promote between relations with the Orient and the upshot
is that people react just as they did to rival Christian missions. And in
Lahore there is a strong reaction to rival Christian missions which seem more
keen on rivalry than on Christianity.
Recently Indonesia has expelled a number of American organizations on the
ground that they were a not operating in good faith. I do not agree in certain
instances for I feel that certain ones were operating in good faith but I am
just as certain that others were not working in good faith. But the reaction
was against many or all American groups. I don’t think this included the
YMCA, and although not a Christian, I have seen these people do a very fine job
everywhere, very sincere, educated, of high moral character.
There are now a number of campaigns going on for scientific research and
Islamic culture. I am not so far in scientific research as in the literature
thereof. And here as in UAR they do not seem to know how to avail themselves of
the literature. But a least I have done enough research and have backgrounds in
logics and logistics so I hold my own.
Besides the Punjab I shall have to go into the Northwest Territory, to
Peshawar, Mardan and other places and inshallah, into Afghanistan. I have
contacts at Kabul but that may wait. I have also been invited to Swat and being
interested in Buddhist Art am rather keen about that too.
My immediate host is Abdul Rahman who has long been an American citizen and
lived in S.F. He speaks Urdu, Punjabi and Pashto.
Tomorrow is Pakistani Day and I am on the Program. The morning and afternoon
will be devoted to parades and sports; the evening to intellectual matters. I
have spoken in Abbottabad before and many remember me. This time I shall read
from “Saladin” and also perhaps one short Islamic poem. Some of
“Saladin” may be translated into Urdu and it is possible that all of it
will before I leave the country, Inshallah.
As an ambassador of good-will I am hoping now to get some recognition for I
cannot carry on all that is before me. I rushed into a vacuum in the UAR, and
here I rushed into opportune times. Mr. Harriman agrees times are right, but I
have anticipated him in re: salt-water conversion, saline soils and desert
agriculture. I understand Dr. Fireman from Riverside may be coming here but I
have not heard anything definite yet.
I have signed many papers which grant me the right of residence for one year
but I expect to leave this region in September, Inshallah.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
March 27
The other day a Mr. Qureshi came to my rooms. He is descended from an Arab
Family which became custodian of the Moghul Court Jewels. They are supposed to
have disappeared. I have seen them. He has been negotiating with a Los Angeles
firm and it was agreed that transactions could be handled through the
Habib-Bank of America hook up. I have written to Conlon Associates on Clay St,
about them. I saw by far the largest and purest Rubies in my life and some very
ancient specimens too from this region. It is possible that some business will
result though it may take time. The immediate transactions will run up to six
figures and he calculates his heirlooms easily run into seven figures. If God
wills and I get even a small commission here it may change my financial status.
This may be slow but my former trip was helped by a similar deal through the
sale of Thai Zircons.
Uncut Stones. Qureshi Sahib also has a lot of uncut stones. This is
his own possession, as against the heirlooms. He has told me there are many
gems in this region and I hope to see some of the mines. But I have been tipped
off too to other possibilities. While this would involve far less money, to me
it is much more exciting and interesting.
History. Qureshi has also kept his genealogy and historical records.
This involves both his Arabic background and some Moghul history. I have sent a
carbon to Prof. Park at Ann Arbor and may shortly be writing to the South Asian
studies at Berkeley.
Chisti Sahib. This is the most interesting. This man is a real Sufi.
He was being mobbed recently because he denied the efficacy of political
payers. I was told he was very poor. I called on him and took one look at his
eyes—full of love. He speaks only Urdu and Persian but Qureshi knows both and
English so we had a very fine session.
Most of the time he explained Moin-ed-din Chisti and Jelal-ud-din Rumi, both
of whom used music in their spiritual training. He went on at some length and I
gave the flute chant to show him I understood Rumi. For he said afterward,
“Yes, the real flute is in ourselves.”
From the occult point of view the Chisti stories were the most interesting.
Khwaja Sahib had many powers and he was able to control the water supply at
Ajmir. I told him I had been at the very place and it is mysterious to find a
lake high up in the mountains above a desert. I often wondered about it and
have talked about it many times.
The essence of Sufism comes in the Auliya, saint or hierarchal development
and a master learns to have control ever the elements. This is not nonsense. I
am pretty sure that Chisti Sahib has both power and wisdom. He also told part
of my future which corroborated in every detail what the Munshi said but added
more. Most important is that he feels I should establish myself … still more
marvelous is that he came into the room at this point and gave me his blessing!
I hope to see him soon and often.
We did a little talking through an interpreter.
Both he and another man here are really “disguised saints” operating as
very poor men.
Now I have another visitor and stop and may or may not add more to this
letter.
March 24, 1961
My dear Gavin:
I wrote you the enclosed while on shipboard but from the moment of landing,
I hardly had any time for myself and then could not always locate a post
office. Every town I have been in has a different system.
My welcome in this country is gradually being publicized. I have no concern
with persons who are personal and non-objective and snub and refuse interviews.
Most of the Laotian complex is the result of the snubbing of my friend Robert
Clifton who worked for the King of Laos, came to the U.S. and got nowhere or
even less with Dulles. But the newspapers were no better. Pearl Harbor or no
Pearl Harbor it is very difficult to get warnings accepted. Fakes yes,
particularly by newspaper men but that day is over. The new administration has
become human and humane.
Or maybe I am saying this because early little detail of my experiences is
now being recorded and cordiality is increasing. The European professors may
take a dim view of my knowledge of Asiatics but the Asian professors take even
a dimmer view of the Europeans. And I met a professor, a graduate from the
University of California, who has had runs-in with the Europeans and Zionists
who control the Near East Department of U. C., with Rom Landau and Alan Watts.
Well these men have to face it and I am beginning to take this matter up in
earnest and I am not kidding.
A number of members of the U.S. Foreign Service want me to teach them
Sufism. I gave a lecture on it to a wali in Multan to the dismay and delight of
all present. Later I had my picture taken. I have a whole bunch of lectures
lined up in Lahore. All my scientific reports have been accepted by all
Americans and Pakistanis encountered so far.
I have also entered into complex arrangements with the Department of Fine
Arts, Punjabi University. The head of that department, strangely enough, is a
Jewess, converted to Islam. Needless to say we understood each other
thoroughly. Her esthetical views and mine are also in complete harmony.
I once wrote a letter to you about Munshi Bashir Ahmed. As I entered the
Faletti compound he called out at a distance: “Hello Samuel L. Lewis—Ahmed
Murad Christi. Welcome, I have been waiting for you.” You had better page
some psychologists and humanists to explain that. He read my horoscope, Indian
fashion. No great change until next birthday and then … we shall see.
Both the major newspapers want articles and so do some others. Then I got a
letter from Bob Stice who has gotten a fine job in N.Y. and wants articles from
me to be marketed. Dorothy is working hard but Rick is still not too well. I
have written both of them and have the stuff Bob wants—from my experiences. I
am informing the American Friends of the Middle East in S.F. I feel just like
Alice at the end of the two stories, shaking the chessmen and knocking the
cards down. It is raining here and the country looks and feels like Marin. I
have not yet met Americans in Abbottabad though there are several here.
I don’t know when I can write you again. I now have friends and contacts
all over and my relations are improving in many directions. I am going more and
more into a new life.
You may be interested in a lawsuit here. A girl wished to marry a married
man. He accepted. Her parents did not. They tried to get her a husband and she
refused. The case was brought into court and nulle prosse, or whatever you call
it. It is regarded as a private matter. This could not happen in some
countries.
March, 28, 1961
How dare you! There is only one side to our questions.
Hallo Leonora:
I am clearing up things. The show goes on tonight, inshallah. I modestly
presented myself at the college here and they modestly accepted my request for
lectures on all sorts of subjects. I may be gain with the slides I have on
Cairo.
I told Evelyn I would write from the Hindu Kush Mountains, only to learn
that the background here consists of Western spurs of the Himalayas. What am I
to do? I am planning to climb some of the foothills around here which must be
some 2,000 feet up. Soon I shall be taken to Mansehra, the next town north.
Later I may roam about the hills.
But my friend Ansar Nasri is Director Radio Pakistan at Rawalpindi and I
shall visit him as soon as the Mansehra trip is over. I have written John
Felicic (even this typewriter respects him) about dancing and music here. I may
look into folk records. But I left my stuff home—what with nine pieces of
luggage as it is. However after going to Peshawar I may send one piece back
with surplus clothing, and purchases. I don’t think I’ll need my heavies
any more unless we go north of Swat, but even that will be done before my
Peshawar ventures are finished.
What one needs here is a map. You study Urdu and find you are in Pathan
country, and study Pashto and find you are in Baluch country and you study that
and come back and find the people are speaking Punjabi. No I’ll stick to
English, or American as it is called here. English is used on the cricket field
and school classes. American is used in man-to-man (or woman) conversation.
Understand?
I have also written to the Agricultural College which is at Lyallpur.
Everybody says go quick before it is too hot. What am I supposed to do “all
summer?" I want to go to Lyallpur and Lahore in April and to Peshawar in May
and then here or North during the hot season unless we go to Afghanistan.
I am going to have a complicated time with my money as there has been no
mail from “home”—what a liar! At this moment your letter arrived.
I am going to write you air-mail and then send these things on.
March 29. I just wrote some new poetry inspired by Abbottabad and with this
place at its theme. I hope to see the Stanford professor about it this p.m. I
have been pounding this typewriter incessantly.
See other side
The Pukhtunistan News
All the News that gives Fits to the Printer.
On shipboard. Sno use, can’t be incognito. Puck wanted fame, he got it.
He stuck in his thumb and gulled out tons of plums and now he is paying the
price. He does not mind paying the price if he does not have to pay the piper.
There are no pipers here. Only in anti-Imperialist Egypt they do everything to
Scottish music, excepting when they announce the news it is in British music.
Nobody follows the tried and true way which has long been discarded excepting
the anti-imperialists. They are vigorously attending the G.B. of 1890 and seem
to enjoy doing it, but they have no idea of the G.B. of 1961.
Puck was interrupted by Hindus. If anybody loves to interrupt it is Hindu,
and if anybody loves to be interrupted it is Puck. Every time Puck tries
anything the Hindus interfere. This keeps Puck from being lonely. He had a long
argument with a Hindu and finally convinced the Hindu that he was right. He had
another argument with another Hindu and convinced him also that he was right.
He was arguing with another Hindu and was interrupted but that time he also
proved to the Hindus that he was right. “He was right” mans that the Hindu
was right. Puck was approved; the Hindus and the Hindus were approving Puck,
but was longing for a good Muslim.
Pardon me. Peck was uncovered, discovered and revealed with all his
inglorious and glorious panorama. “My name is Shah, from Pukhtunistan,”
“Excuse me gentlemen, God rest you Marry Gentleman; may nothing you dismay,
but I have just been informed my mother-in-law is ill today; I have plenty of
bills to pay, and that is all I’ll say. Good-day.” So Puck deserted the
Hindus and their vanity and their courage and their hospitality and their
interferences and went off with Shah of Pukhtunistan.
This is all very fine but after having met so many non-existence (a la Von
Plotz) dervishes and Sufis, it is also glorious to meet a non-existent Pathan,
and to have had a whole hour discussing Pukhtunistan and agreeing with each
other like Alphonse and Gaston only more so. Every time Puck talked Shah saw
divine wisdom and every time Shah talked Puck found human wisdom so Puck will
never have another hour of peace on shipboard, Praise be to Allah.
We discussed the subject of freedom in Pukhtunistan and agreed that it means
the same thing. The Pushtuns wish to be free and free to be free and don’t
want any national boundaries, income taxes and policemen, that is all.
Pukhtunistan Zindabad. And more later.
The Pukhtunistan Times
Abbottabad. Puck is home. This city is called “Up to Bad” which
is a fit pronunciation. It looks just links Fairfax near White’s Hill in
Marin County. When Puck arrived every store had a sign INN or IN, The INNS
furnish food and sometimes lodgings. The INs remind one of UAR. There they say;
“Fattah” which means literally “Enter.” Actually it means. “Come on
sucker. Spiders have to eat flies. A fool and his money are soon parted but we
take you both in. We take you in and we take your money too.”
Even the shop downstairs has its sign wINe.
This is being written before 9 o’clock. After that the local invasion
starts. Puck likes those invasions. Mr. Qureshi called the other day. Mr.
Qureshi is descended from the man who was Court Jeweler for Aurangzeb, the last
very great Moghul. The Moghuls are gone, the Empire is gone, but jewels!
Now anybody that has gone to Von Plotz’ lectures knows that the jewels
have disappeared or been swallowed like pearls in vinegar and all that. Far be
it from Puck to dispute Von Plotz but after meeting Qureshi and having food
with him he nearly had hand-burn—100,000 plunks of precious precious in stone
minutes. Qureshi Sahib wants to market the jewels in California. He has already
started.
Puck is all for helping his fellow-man and himself both. This time Puck was
convinced he should help his fellow-man so he began writing letters to Conlon
and Associates on Clay St. and to the S.F. Chamber of Commerce and to Prof.
Park who is now in Ann Arber and who does not like Von Plotz either. Park came
from Harvard where they never heard of “Oriental Philosophy” but teach what
is going on.
Qureshi, not Puck, is dissatisfied. He wants more and more cooperation. And
Puck out of love for his fellows is doing just that.
Of course the Moghul Jewels are not the only thing. Qureshi Sahib has lots
of uncut stones and knows where there are all kinds of mines and even Uranium
deposits in them ther’ hills and is going to show them to Puck. Puck has
grudgingly added these assignments to his portfolio and admits he might as well
try to help his fellow man all he can.
For desert Qureshi took Puck to Chisti Sahib. Puck is also Chisti Sahib.
Chisti Sahib here is very unpopular. He denounced the Mullahs and the Mullahs
denounced him and tried to mob him. There were only a hundred people in the mob
and Chisti Sahib said the odds were too great—on his side. Unless they got a
thousand people to mob him he refused to be mobbed. It was admitted they would
not get a thousand people for all Muslims being brothers absolutely, there are
so many sects here of people who don’t pray together that you can’t get a
thousand people on any side. The mob got so angry at this they refused to
martyr Chisti Sahib.
Chisti Sahib is now very happy and very uncomfortable. He is happy to have
met a Chisti Sahib from America and he is uncomfortable because he did not ask
for reinforcements and he is afraid that the mob will be dissolved before it
gets another chance. Anyhow Chisti Sahib told Puck his future which looks very
much like a fortune.
Lahore: When Puck was in Lahore he went out to see some old friends.
He did not get far when he heard. “Puddinhead Puck-Samuel-Lewis-Ahmed Murad
Chisti. Welcome. I have been waiting for you.” Thus Munshi Ahmed Bashir, and
he told Puck his fortune which was the same thing. Now this will disconcert the
inhumanists no end because they don’t believe such things possible. And maybe
it is a conspiracy for Puck. But Puck is home and conspiracies must be
for him here.
Politics. When Puck left the campaign was on: “We want no more
elections. We demand plebiscites.” Now the campaign is on: “We want no more
plebiscites, we demand elections and dictators.” Now all through Pukhtunistan
they are having elections. Nobody knows exactly what an election is. But why
not have dog-catchers where there are no dogs; traffic cops where there are no
motor cars excepting an occasional jeep; tax collectors where nobody will pay.
Every week there is a new election and people are running into booths.
Indian reaction. Nehru is disconcerted. He favors elections for
people that cannot read and write. Thus the Congo, Andaman Islands, “Irian”
(not a toothpaste), Terra del Fuego. There he is demanding elections. But
Kashmir!! Are you trying to start another world war? That is an internal
matter. Nehru never interferes in the internal affairs of any country excepting
South Africa, Spain Viet Minh, Vietnam, So. Viet Minh, So. Vietnam and Taiwan.
Otherwise he is for self-determination. The Latts, Lithuanians and Ukrainians
being educated don’t need to vote. But this terrible exploitation of South
Georgia has to stop.
Afghan reaction. In the hills.
The Afghans have come to free the Pushtuns from imperialistic domination and
elections. They enter villages and grab everything and when there is objection
say: “Have you forgotten your national morals? The Potlatch dinner and
kindest to strangers.” They grab everything and head for the nearest
mountain. That is as far as they can get.
The Pushtuns do not say a word. But go on with their quiet campaign of:
“Let’s Get Rid of the Yetis, the abominable Snow Man.” So they wait in
the passes for the Afghans returning toward home and just have open season for
Yetis. It is great sport.
The Afghans have protested: We are not abominable Snow Men. The
Pathans have answered: “We apologize. You are not Snow Men.”
In the valleys. The Afghans have invaded Mardan. Peshawar, Nowshera.
This is called Tourism. La même chose, or something. But this is called
Tourism.
Ayub Khan. There is another campaign: Death to dictators and Zindabad
Ayub. They used to have elections here and everybody stayed home in protest;
now they are campaigning for elections in Abbottabad. There have been no
surveyors here and nobody knows (or cares) where Abbottabad belongs to
Pukhtunistan, Pakistan, Moghulistan or India. The educated would like to return
it to the British. Why not? Besides Ayub makes everybody sweep the streets.
Public Lectures. Puck is in for it. He has read his poetry. His
pictures which were to go to Lahore were sent here. He will have to show them
(slides). He is contacting Radio Pakistan. Everybody else is contacting him.
Even Abdul Sattar is coming all the way from San Francisco to negotiate. Last
night Puck was interrupted (Snafu): We are the family of Abdul Sattar. Come to
dinner. (You get dinner at an INN. Or is it dINNer.) One thing you can be sure:
Inn, inner, innermost, din, dinner, dinnermost. Or no dinner without din. Not
Gunga Din. Just plan din. Always turn the radio on to drown out all other
radios, protocol.
The Pukhtunistan Times
Ova Polis
Notice: Pat Han is standing in for Puck in America and sends in occasional
reports.
Pat Han: Why are you so downcast your Eminence?
Cardinal Cushing: The Pope has sent me a sad letter. American tourists are
not going to Rome.
Pat Han: Why not?
C.C. He says that they feel if they go that His Holiness is controlling the
American government.
P.H. What has that to do with it?
C.C. It hasn’t but people believe it. So they stay at home or go
elsewhere.
P.H. Have you discussed this with Cardinal Spellman?
C.C. Francis never thinks.
P.H. Don’t let that worry you. I have settled the case.
C.C. How?
P.H. I have written Congressmen Cohen and Goldstein to introduce a joint
measure offering foreign aid to the Pope. If it were introduced by a Catholic
it would be voted down. Now nobody dares oppose it on the grounds of prejudice
and intolerance. Your days of worrying are over.
C.C. Foreign aid for His Holiness; why didn’t I think of it first.
- - - - - - - -
Azad Kashmir
Puck, addressing the crowd. “You have been advocating Azar Kashmir for 14
years and where and what has it gotten you. You are not permitted in India or
in occupied Kashmir and you won’t let yourselves be 100% Moghuls until
Kashmir is freed. You have been fourteen years at it and all you have is
poverty and propaganda. Now listen to me:
“Azad Kashmir is no more. You have new Tourististan. Put up signs
of welcome all over. Establish inns, dak bungalows, swimming holes, skiing
courses in winter, mountain climbing in summer, shish kabob feasts, one luxury
hotel—only one, private cabins and don’t ask questions about the occupants.
Put in a few tennis courts. Have horseback riding and very special, nowhere
else in the world yak riding. The people will come. Tourististan
Zindabad. Your worries are over.”
Puck thinks he has lost the issue over the great sale of the repressed
novel: “Lady Chatterji’s Lover.” It is going like wild fire all over
India and Pakistan but Puck gets nothing out of it but glory, and
hallelujah.
Pig sticking. The wild board is raiding farms and the people won’t eat it.
So they are organizing witch hunts. They apply these to any minority group.
Puck has written the Moghulistan government: “Why don’t you permit mobs to
kill the boars. No one permitted to kill a bore until he has killed a
boar. That will do it.
Smuggling is the chief industry in this part of the world. Profit is
of no motive. It must be contraband. For ages this was done. Now there is a
question of the division of the Pukhtunistan between Russia, China,
Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. The more they meet to decide this the freer we
are. But we allow smuggling in, not out and we have plenty of black markets.
The question is not about smuggling but “how much can you get.” We refuse
to buy and we are coy about selling. As written previously, we balance the
budget by disposing of Gandhara art, real antiques, ageless and synthetic, all
guaranteed.
The Thirty Thousand Feet Limit Special.
Lichtenstein and San Marino have endorsed the Pukhtunistan proposal for a
30,000 feet up boundary limit. The representative of the Chinese Democratic
Republican Socialist Communism People’s Freedom Society protested.
“Al right, we make it 31,000 feet.”
“But.” “Fine, 32,000 feet.”
“That is imperialism.” “No, it is impy realism.”
Impy Realism Zindabad.
Telegram, just in. Andorra has endorsed the proposal and Tibet would like to
but nobody knows what does on the snows.
Nehru has come out for plebiscites in Congo, Irian, South Georgia, Andaman
Islands and Mao-Mao land; but he is against it for Kashmir, Pukhtunistan,
Latvia, and Ukraine. This proves his firm belief in democracy, literacy and
“I am always right” particularly the latter.
Puck Trapped Again. When the Congo agitation was at its height Puck
established a center with a sign “Congo line—please enter here” and
attracted thousands. On his return to Pukhtunistan the printer made a mistake,
maybe accidently on purpose. Instead of a Congo Line he found a Tonga
Line—all the king’s horses and all the king’s men waiting For Him.
Agricultural Show, UAR: The Americans are showing how to grow more corn per
acre. The Germans are showing how to grow more shredded wheat per acre. The
Chinese are showing how to make more organizations per acre.
The Red Star Vation diet is not attracting many friends.
Afghan Refugees in Pukhtunistan. Hordes of people are pouring over the
border. The king wants everybody to work. Rumors of revolution. Puck put up the
sign “Workistan” and the Afghans rushed over Peshwana way. The inn-keepers
raised their prices. The Afghans said this was intolerance. “Sure, haven’t
you been intolerant for centuries. You showed us how.” No answer.
Ismailism. Puck with visions of surplus $$$ and £££ is thinking of being
converted: “There is no God but Allah, Mohammed is His Messenger and Aga Khan
is not Pope.” There is one great point here—the Pope must have
infallibility; the Aga must have infant-ability. Everybody goes to the Pope and
pays. The Aga Khan calls and collects.
God. All Muslims agree that all other Muslims are back-sliders. All
Protestants unite in protesting against the Pope and each other. The Pope,
Allah bless him, only knows what he reads in the newspapers—how fortunate.
Spring. We are having apples in blossoms, plant trees in blossoms, flowers
blooming and the sale of Puck’s Egyptian perfume begins promptly. He brought
only five kinds but his host is a master of adult-eration. Puck has a bad pun:
there are many cents in many scents. The perfume is neither free not
sense-less.
Karachi. Puck entered this country incognito and got into trouble. He
has had to report since to five police stations and to many consulates and make
out all kinds of forms. If he had come in VIP as UAR this would not have
happened. It is going to make some European authorities on Asia feel very
bad.
Barker Sahib came from the University of California. He graduated
with honors. This made him unfit for a teaching job in Cal. None of the
Universities would have him. He had no credentials from Leiden, Heidelberg or
Moscow. The whole Von Plotz clan united against him: Cal., Sanford, Pacific,
KFPK, KQED, even U. of S.F. and S.F. College—all, all banded together. The
idea of a graduate from an American University teaching Oriental subjects. Do
we want to offend the Asians?
So Barker Sahib is in Lahore teaching the Muslims English and the English
and Americans Urdu and not being kicked off the air or removed from
universities and collecting good bak$hi$h. Why if this thing continues they
won’t be mobbing the USIA libraries and such. Why deprive the people of
fun?
Multan: Puck was escorted by an American to the tomb of
Shams-i-Tabriz. There he looked at the Wali (guardian saint) and said: “I am
going to teach you Sufism.” He went ahead while everybody—the American
included—was agape. Puck talked. Then they all rose and embraced him. (This
could not have happened in U.S. and maybe it can now.)
Lahore: Puck went to the Consulate at Lahore and told this to the
staff of the USIS. They all asked him to explain Sufism to them. They ought to
be fired. Imagining good American $$$ going to employees who are willing to
learn about Asia from an American! Sic simper protocolis!
Punjabi University. It should not happen to a dog and didn’t. As
soon as Puck invaded the Campus the whole Department of Islamics came out and
embraced him. This is not news. Maybe what happens will become news and then
the Laotian complex will be finished.
Insidious Propaganda. Puck visits the Ismailias in Karachi. He did
not know much about the Ismailias:
There is no God but Allah, Mohammed is his messenger and Aga Khan is not
a pope. Women are equal to men.
This is all but. He was given to understand that Aga Khan is not a Pope and
he should keep on repeating this, all good Ismailias do.
Puck soliloquized out loud: The Americans may not accept Allah, but they
might under duress accept Mohammad. As for Aga Khan, they already have accepted
him. There is no question about that. Why don’t you start a Mosque in
Hollywood? Dim visions of a grand conversion of movie actors to Islam and dim
vision of a grant conversion of $$$ to Puck, and this matter will be taken up
later. It was accepted at once. Besides in Ismailia Mosques women pray and they
are regarded as equals to men. In Al Ashar they are not regarded at all. The
Azharities believe in the equality of all men, all races, all colors and all
money. Period. Finish. Women, dogs, donkeys and camels don’t count. Why Allah
created them is a mystery. But the Ismailias don’t accept such mysteries,
they just accept. And Puck is thinking of accepting. Sheikh Puck, Iman for Aga
Khan, Men, Women and Horses!
Abbottabad. Puck is disconcerted. He was greeted by a Church father
who is a Hollander. This is contrary to Protocol and Puck has written about it
elsewhere. Besides all saints should be Italians or Spanish. Puck took this up
with Qureshi. It was agreed:
All the Greatest Christian Saints were Spanish
All the Greatest Islamic Saints were Spanish
Why should anybody interfere? But if you repeat this you must be a Fascist.
History has nothing to do with it. The trouble today is that everybody speaks
English and so the Church Fathers are usually not Spanish or Italians here.
Map. Puck had a hard time locating a map. Each province had its own
map and Pukhtunistan has no map. He got one at last. He insisted upon
Pukhtunistan’s rights to the 30,000 feet limit. All planes and Afghans flying
below that will be shot without notice.
Music. There is a grand change going on and especially in the INs,
DINs and INNs. The radio and records show a transition music, missing up
Indian, European, Cha-Cha, and Caucasus themes in a hodge podge. You can’t
make head or tail of it and ‘swonderful.
Puck’s title may be changed from Ambassador Plenipotentiary to
Ambassador Plentipotentiary. Puck will accept the change. He is a peaceful, or
is it pieceful (?) man.
Writing: Puck is now under assignments from the newspapers here,
Tourist bureau. Greenwich Village and San Rafael Journal Independent. The
people here are learning about Greenwich Village and are shaving their beards.
This gets the Mullahs angry and makes the barbers happy. But Puck has to
arrange for lectures, tours and writing. He hopes more of it gets to Von Plotz
& Co.
Diplomatic Complications. Consul General Satter is coming all the way
from S.F. to meet Puck to negotiate. And Begum Selim Khan who used to be in
S.F. has sent for Puck, diplomatic protocol and tea. So Puck will not be able
to complete this issue.
Remember: It should not happen to a dog, and doesn’t.
P. Puck
March 29
My dear Jack:
I have much to report. This is also my diary entry because in the pressure
of events I have kept up correspondence but not recorded my own affairs. I
shall be typing on both sides of the paper unless otherwise noted.
Bank Reports. I did not get the reports. I must ask you to send the
bank clearings by Air and I shall compensate you either with a check by return
mail or otherwise as agreed. I have had two air-mail letters from the S.F. Bay
region indicating that they took only six days in transit. This is marvelous
considering that I am far off the beaten track and that there is no
international airport near here. I have to make out some kind of Income Tax
return and although I have until June 15, I may send a letter air-mail
registered before that time to get on the right side. I borrowed money from the
Bank so I could be using it and I have a fair surplus as of February 20 which
is some time back. If you just send the one report from the Wells Fargo
air-mail that would be a sufficient because I could then determine the deposit
amount. Besides I must need that back signed. I intended and occasionally I may
air-mail it to you because you would drop it in the box (no local postage
required) and I could be sending you news at the same time.
Coins. I never asked you if you were interested in coins. I have been
sending a few to friends and stamps to the other persons. Somewhere along the
line I was given an old Roman coin. I have been saving it as a present to you.
It is possible that before many months are over I may send a suitcase bag with
some art things. I would declare the coin if I sent it. There is also the
matter of uncut stones about which more below. I am going to Lahore the middle
of next month and I shall take this manner of shipment up with the consulate.
For if the coin entered without being declared and we took it to a numismatist
there might be trouble.
I am not sending the coin along now for not only would there be registry but
the following two events are in tow.
1. Pakistan is changing its monetary system. A lot of very cheap old coins
are going out of existence. If you sent a dollar I could get so many of these
that it would cost $$$ to send them so I have asked my friends not to send me
money for this purpose. I might be getting a whole pile of these cheap coins.
But if declared or otherwise they could later enter the U.S.
2. When I was in Taxila before I got a rare coin which I shipped to a
friend. He never acknowledged it so I don’t know if he got it. This time I
want to register any such coin and there is a 50-50 chance of getting more old
coins. So I would keep these, the Roman coin, and the Pakistani tokens for a
single shipment on some basis. If they are all kept for a suitcase shipment I
could include in the suitcase a blank check either through you or direct to the
Collector of Customs, S.F. to protect you and incidentally myself.
If this is not clear please let me know.
Mr. Qureshi, Uncut Stones. This is his profession. He has been
collecting them and has told me there are mines in the hills here and I have
heard other stories. I am going to try to collect some and others I may bring
in my cases. These might not collect much money though same will go to jewelers
and lapidaries. Let me know how much you are interested.
Mr. Qureshi, Cut Stones. He is descended from the Court Jeweler of
the great Moghul Empire. It is said that the wealth of the Moghuls has
disappeared and there are a lot of stories and legends. But it is no legend
that I have seen scads of them with my own eyes. Every stone has been weighed,
tested for “water”—that is light behavior, chemical formula and age. Not
only that these tests have been recorded and notarized.
Qureshi Sahib has some negotiations on with a jeweler in L.A. whose location
I know and whose shop I have seen. But I also had about $100,000 of stuff in my
hands in a few moments. He has the largest and brightest Rubies I have ever
seen and he said their value was $16,000 each. At his request I have written to
Conlon and Associates. I did not overlook any bets (no pun) before leaving so
when I come into any district there is no opportunity that I let slip by.
Conlon & Associates are readying to invest in the development of Asian
countries or in the promotion of international trade, both ways. I hope to see
him again because.
Qureshi. Occultism. This must be divided into two parts. Through him
I met a Chisti and there was mutual recognition. I am going to speak a good
deal on Sufism here where there are no European professors to interfere; only
people interested in Sufism and this includes a large segment of the American
foreign office in Lahore. Chisti Sahib is a man of heart and he also went a
little into my future although our meeting was short. He told me the same as
did Munshi Ahmed Bashir at Lahore. I think I gave you that report but if I did
not please let me know.
Qureshi has a friend, who is a medium who seems to be able to trace patterns
of former incarnations in people. He wants me to meet this man and I hope to
and will let you know more later.
Occultism Otherwise. I received a letter from the Assn. for Research
& Enlightenment of Virginia Beach acknowledging my report but advising that
Hugh Lynn Cayce was away. I then sent the report to Marjorie Hansen who had
been in Egypt checking the Cayce records. So far as I could ascertain not only
was Cayce correct but in the morning paper they found evidences of very, very
ancient civilization in Libya. It is going to support the views I hold and
perhaps also those who accept the Atlantean tradition. We won’t discuss that
in letters, too much else.
But I told Marjorie I am against the Cayce Foundation and all others who
restrict their researches. I get a flat refusal from some organizations that
collect funds to promote occult research and many are so exclusive it is no
wonder that they are rejected. In science you must be university or else.
Art Lectures. I ordered slides of UAR to be sent to the Department of
Fine Arts, Lahore. By “mistake” they were sent here and I expect to be
showing them in Abbottabad. I now have a letter from Lahore scheduling me about
April 15. I shall try to arrange accordingly.
Rabbani Khan is an old friend of mine. He may be picking me up soon
to go to Mansehra, the next town north. We have to discuss agriculture, Islamic
philosophy and my cooperation in the establishment of a branch of the World
Congress of Faiths in S.F. It will be the real thing and no phonies or
Europeans without credentials.
Ansar Nasri is another old friend and a fellow Sufi. He is now
director of Radio Pakistan at Rawalpindi. After my visit with Rabbani I shall
go to Rawalpindi though this means a doubling and redoubling. I may be on the
air and also through him may meet big shots.
Newspaper Writing. I am busy almost every day with contributions to
the Civil & Military Gazette and the Pakistan Times, the English papers at
Lahore. The former is world famous as being Kipling’s paper. I am also trying
to send things to Bob Stice in New York.
Poetry. I read part of my “Saladin” at a public meeting for poets
last week. Poetry is the most popular art and diversion in this part of the
world and it has been so for a thousand years without a break.
Today I began another and different style—short versus, which I sent to my
friend Margaret Albanese in San Rafael. These may go to New York for
publication (requested of, not by me). I met another Californian,
a Stanfordite here who teaches English and I shall probably bring him my verse
this p.m.
Agriculture. I have written to the agricultural experimental station
at Lyallpur for a meeting after April 3rd. I have to go through
Lahore to reach there. I keep a map of Pakistan handy at all times.
Tourism. I have already submitted one paper on how to improve tourism
and am ready for another. The airports are in the wrong places and I am urging
their change because the capitol is being moved from Karachi (thank God) to
nearer this region which has so many more attractions.
Bus travel is very cheap and is almost like Greyhound in its complications,
many lines, etc. In out of the way places the bus stops for anybody anywhere. I
expect to use bus lines to go to many parts in the next few months.
Science. I am writing first to the papers and next when I go to
Rawalpindi so I can turn over my materials from UAR and also give them some of
my experiences. Please note I am not the person who left S.F., nobody stands in
my way though I can and do make mistakes. It is a great deal of difference from
being found wrong and not being allowed to express oneself at all. The whole
bunch of road blocks around S.F. on me is turning out to be a series of huge
jokes and the persons involved will pay the piper sooner or later.
Prof. Barker is a Cal. graduate at Lahore teaching English to Urdu
speaking people and Urdu to Americans. He had trouble with exactly the same
people I did and has the same friends. I am taking his case to Congress and to
my associates. It is about time we put the phonies in their places.
The Burmese mobbed the USIA library. Where in the U.S. have we asked a
Burmese to explain about his country? We accept all kinds of traditions about
them from others and then want to explain what wonderful people we are to them.
But we don’t let them tell us how wonderful they are. What kind of psychology
is this? I am quite willing to have people tell me how wonderful they are, and
then get dinner and lecture invitations.
Lectures. The local college has invited me to speak on the relation
of Islamic Philosophy to Contemporary Science. I have in mind the four subjects
of Logic, Psychology, Physics and Botany. I have been able to discuss fragments
of these with actual scientists I meet here. In these lectures I shall
introduce some elements of American culture nobody else has brought here. I am
sorry for Lloyd Morain and Don Hayakawa who live in private worlds. I offered
to introduce their work here; I am too unimportant—sez you. So nothing has
happened but with me either things happen or I seem to make them happen.
Begum Selim Khan is the widow of the first Consul-General from
Pakistan to S.F. She has a lovely California style garden where she spends much
of her time. The rest is devoted to teaching women about “guided
democracy.” They had been kept down so much. Islam is the religion of the
brotherhood of men—leaving women out.
Ismailism is a form of Islamic Religion not leaving women out. It is
the sect headed by Aga Khan. As Puck I am telling the world I am a hypocrite
and am going on Aga Khan’s payroll. I told the heads that if this form of
Islam were introduced in Hollywood with the leadership of Aga Khan and equal
rights for women it would sweep the movie colony. Hypocrites, but there’s $$$
in them thar Beverly Hills.
Money Résumé. At the moment you see this opportunity plus the
precious stones above just might. Say, Jack, if the coins come in I had better
hire you. You carry the luggage, cameras and purses and leave the rest to
me!
Serious Writing. I learned that my god-daughter Dorothy is still
pushing my stuff. But I am making so many contacts now and doors are opening so
fast that I think sooner or later I shall be accepted seriously in the U.S.
Food. Mostly rice and curries here and I like them. There are two
meatless days, and I eat fish and take curds, the latter every day anyhow. The
meat is mostly chicken and mutton.
Cost of Living is impossible to estimate. Slightly over my head in
Karachi, way over in Lahore, nothing in Multan and Rawalpindi and easy here. I
am seeking a rebate under a new ruling especially as I have so far just offered
my services. But after my free lecture at the Fine Arts Department it is
possible that paid lecture will be coming up.
Abdul Sattar, the Consul-General of Pakistan, is coming here. This is
one of my biggest breaks. We have been very close friends for a long, long time
and he is becoming so important that Pres. Kennedy offered him an interview. I
have been sending some stuff to Pakistani House on Pacific Ave.
American Friends of the Middle East have also been getting my
reports. Their headquarters in Pakistan are in Lahore and I have written asking
for an appointment.
General Evaluation. I seem to have anticipated everybody in what to
offer this country and moreover have literature with me. I am next writing to
Senator Engle in regard to getting on the Peace Commission that the President
is advocating. I am doing, have already done and no doubt will do, not just
say.
I have written to the City Hall and am now arousing friends against the
European and other phonies. I don’t care if this lands in the law-courts. We
have to know the truth about Asia as well as tell them the truth about
ourselves. I have sent Gavin my last letter unless he begins to realize that I
am both anxious and informed. I give informal talks here on Islamic Philosophy
and the conclusion is that I know more about their religion than their
preachers—which might be true without saying much.
Health has been generally good. Resuming playing ping-pong and
hiking. Boys here play cricket which is more fun to watch than play. There are
plenty of fields for hockey, football and basketball but so far empty when I
visited them.
I may not write more now. I hope I have not made any error about the money,
and will put in a tracer. As you can see everything seems to be going fine and
there is a full program ahead, even taking me into little visited areas.
Cordially,
P.S. I am reading every Perry Mason book I can get hold of and there are
lots of them here. Also some Peter Cheney.
Abbottabad
March 30
Dear Joan and Harold:
With the failure to get replies from some people and with the accumulation
of a few stamps I decided to write my diary entry to you. One cannot make
enclosures in aerograms at least one of which will reach San Rafael before this
for now the rehearsal is over and the show is about to begin. I may enclose
some uncancelled stamps not purchased at the moment.
Coins. The country is passing through a change over to a duodecimal
system and I am sending a few coins to two friends. In the collection thereof I
have been given an old Roman coin which may be worth something and which will
go to my former room-mater, John Betts, 772 Clementine St., S.F. I may run upon
other old coins in the course of affairs.
I had my first conference today with Rabbani Khan, covering:
1. Agriculture and reforestation in this region.
2. Establishment of the World Congress of Faiths in California. He was long
on the Board of Directors. Bishop Pike may become the leader there. The idea is
to present the actual living religions as they are, by their own followers and
not by carefully selected Europeans or others who have become the
“authorities” and simply gotten by—while our USIA libraries are mobbed by
people who are not permitted to present their living culture to us.
3. Semitic Archaeology. There is evidence that the Lost Tribes of Israel
came to this region. I have the green light from Harvard (Prof. Cross of the
“Dead Sea Scrolls”) to ask for a permit for the Dept. of Semitic
Archaeology to work here. I am going further into this tomorrow.
4. A serious program of actual cultural exchange between this region and the
U.S. without any more intervention of European and sometimes Hindu
obscurantists.
Before seeing Rabbani I was closeted with the Principal of the local
college. There I am now scheduled to give a series of talks on the religion of
Islamic philosophy to modern science. Ultimately there were to be given at
Aligarh U. in India but now first to the most important Punjabi U. In Lahore.
They may also be given to the Islamia U. in Lahore for I recently met a U. C.
grad, Dr. Barker. I know very well that some of my past seems very paranoic,
but the fact is the Dr. Barker had the same difficulties with the same
foreigners to whom we have given over the instruction on Near East Culture in
the S.F. Bay region—Cal., Stanford, Pacific, and the radio and TV networks,
to say the least. The only thing we have gained from this is the mobbing of our
cultural missions abroad.
My next mission after seeing Rabbani Khan will be to go the Rawalpindi to
meet a friend, Ansar Nasri, Radio Pakistan. This may become most important for
he is just the person who can introduce me to the top level people. It is not
the introductions which are difficult but the temporary capital is Rawalpindi
and most of the offices are not listed and the officials are roving about.
I am at the moment writing to both the Pakistan Times and Civil Milatary
Gazette of Lahore. I am now ready to disgorge my scientific and horticultural
notes and papers which will lighten my burdens. I shall just keep the
bibliography which Harry Nelson of S.F. got for me and will work on that
further later on.
Part of my burdens are over. This city used to have its book-stalls owned by
commies who earned their fare by selling American lurid literature and thus
roused anti-American feelings at our expense. One does not see this awful stuff
now. Indeed there are few American magazines outside of Dell publication—just
Time, Life, and couple of movie magazines. On the contrary there is a multitude
of paper backs from our country. The whole atmosphere is different with now an
increased number of people using English—compulsory in all higher
education.
Abbottabad
April 1, 1961
My dear Horace:
I am going to reverse a habit and send my diary note to you and the copy to
Harry for reasons contained in the subject matter of this letter.
The flowers are in bloom and they are the same as you have—pansies,
daffodils, gaillardias, etc., etc. I have seen just two kinds of Irish here,
one has a huge flower, brownish running into several pastel shades in the same
bloom; and the deepest blue I have ever seen.
The trees are all at the Spring best. One sees various Prunus and Apples in
blossom now. I am told that the Apples do not all set. There is very little
pruning done and also the general soil looks acidic. There is a small Pome here
which in size is like a very large olive. It is lacking in pectin and esters so
though small is very, very far from a Crab.
I have been the guest of Judge Mohammad Rabbani Khan whom I visited before
and who has been in San Francisco. At that time he was operating the largest
successful farm in this area. But at the moment there is a movement called
“guided democracy” and I went to meetings. I also saw him collect
rents—he has one group of 50 stores which all pay him. He is very famous in
Great Britain and around Boston but in this case he is also well known in his
home.
The great tree here is the Chenar; I think that is the word, famous
in Persian poetry and perhaps introduced here also with the Poplar. It
functions more like a Maple having glorious colored leaves at this time. It
makes one feel poetry. The Poplar is slow. There is a Cypress which looks more
like a big Yew, columnar. It is planted all over.
In my former visit I found that Boxwood is a tree here and I notice that the
Eucs, Platanus and all non-columnar trees seem to have huge trunks. I do not
know what causes that. The local Pine which is the main natural tree, in its
adult stage looks like P. longifolia of the Southwest. In its juvenile stage it
is pyramidal like a “Christmas Tree.” As it grows it either fails to
develop more branches or is self-pruning. When it becomes very tall it
“umbrellas.” The Eucs. also “umbrella.” It is only in its “youth”
that the pine looks “gawky.”
I have met a young Botanist who has offered to be my guide and identify more
native plants.
The other night I was a guest of a doctor. I once wrote a poem that someday
Poison Oak would be discovered to have medicinal properties. Well while waiting
at the doctor’s house I noticed Rhus. Tox. and later was informed it
is a specific for Angina Pectoris. I did have a book Medicinal Plants of
India and Pakistan which I gave to the New York Horticultural Society. Now
I am anxious to have more copies. Rhus. Tox indeed!
The chief crops are the grains. One sees Wheat, Rice and Oats. At the
doctor’s I was told that most of his patients suffer from malnutrition. They
don’t get enough vitamins. Well the “lawns” are filled with dandelions
and I have seen only one or two old women go out and collect them. And the
fields are filled with wild mustards—and the people suffer from lack of
vitamins. I think I’ll tell them how to use the outside cabbage leaves, if
they can’t afford more. There are “oodles” of cabbages on the market.
Also turnips, spinach, oranges, carrots and things that look like cresses. They
are here and not too popular. And they have no idea, as the people of Indonesia
do, how to [?]. [?] College at Lyallpur for an appointment. I stay here for one
week then go to ‘pindi, the temporary capital, for a conference and perhaps
also to speak on the air and meet high officials.
At the meeting of a “guided democracy” village I told them that if I
lived here I would suggest first a program of reforestation. And that’s just
what they did. In Cairo Nasser put all the beggars out sweeping streets; here I
would have them plant both fruit and timber trees on these hills which were
once well forested. This idea is going out by grape-vine.
In this district erosion is the problem. The government has now ordered that
goats be slaughtered instead of sheep. The goat has done considerable harm all
over but the other animals have been “the goats.”
The reason I am writing for you is that there are all kinds of wealth in
these hills. On coming this way I not only saw very red rocks, but reddish
powdered grounds—and nobody touching them. I feel there are high iron ores
below and perhaps manganese coming this way. I have since met two different men
interested in collecting stones and ores and I understand there are both
qualities of gems and uncut stones but many valuable minerals in this vicinity.
I am going to find everything I can about them. Tomorrow I have a “hiking”
engagement with one rock hound and he tells me he knows a lot.
My other informant has already gotten me on the job. His name is Qureshi and
he says he is descended from the Jeweler of the rich Moghul Emperors. Well he
showed me stones the value of which run into six figures and he has other
treasures. The stones have already been tested for weight, “water,” purity
and composition in a modern laboratory. He has been negotiating to sell them in
L.A. but I have written my contacts in S.F. (Conlon & Associates) about the
possibilities of a larger market and also for the mineral development of this
region.
I have been told (unconfirmed) that both lead and uranium are present. I
want to see these places, but other than Talc I have not yet handled specimens.
Years ago I used to love to look at and feel rocks (then women, now flowers!!
?) I believe there is untold wealth here but the people have no enterprise. If
half a dozen Americans came here they would be roaming the hills. Here you just
find Missionaries (God help them) and teachers. Both here and at Lahore I met
teachers from California, the ones here being San Franciscans! It was a
surprise on both sides. They are “my kind” of people. The one at Lahore has
identically the same friends and enemies (European “Orientalists” not
recognized in Asia)…. I am going to stop here and add if I learn anything on
the field trip for tomorrow.)
April 4, 1961
Dear Bill:
Despite the whimsy here this may be one of the most serious letters I have
ever written you. It will compel me to review the booklet on how to study a
language and at the moment is a pressure force for me to return to university
and study some languages and economic botany. There are still two other
possibilities—that of lecturing and writing and that of returning to the
soil. The later depends upon a law-suit. I did not intend writing you but under
pressure this came to me which I felt must be dedicated to you:
There are no industries in Indus,
There are no taxis in Taxila,
But it would be an awful thing indeed,
If you couldn’t find a man in Manila.
I have just sent Anca (or is it Anca) some serious verse. You may, of
course, show her the above, but it is dedicated to you.
The next thing is a Puck experience. Instead of finding myself with two men,
one trying to teach me Pashto and the other Urdu at the same time, I found
myself with three, a third trying to teach me Punjabi. So I am wondering indeed
if there were not divine wisdom in it.
You know darn well that I have had a whole series of battles. In these
battles I have found a number of allies all sort of mixed up in this grand
linguistic squabble. I was nearly thrown out of a meeting when I called out
“I was there” before a huge audience addressed by Prof. Burdick of the
“Ugly American” infamy. I now have the dope, I think, which is the coffin
nail.
I objected to Burdick strongly because if what he said was right, “Asian
Foundation” was a fraud. Maybe they are, but it is a dangerous confusion. A
short time later my friend Prof. Park returned from India and said it was of no
value to study Hindi if you went as a technical expert because the language
changed every 50 miles. It was fine if you were a military man but you could
never deal with the peasants thereby. And Park, unlike Burdick and Lederer,
visited villages.
I was with my friend Rabbani Khan, the Pooh-Bah of the district to the
north. I had already written: “Anybody that finishes a sentence in the same
language that he began it will finish a sentence in jail.” Actually he took
me to the law-court. An attorney here has to be acquainted with Islamic,
Indian, British and Pakistani law; the end result is that each case is tried on
its own merits. But the conversations they would have made, and—no, I’ll
give it a name: Desperanto. You would despair if you had to translate
conversations into any one tongue.
Abdul Sattar has been for a long time Consul-General of Pakistan in S.F. He
is one of my best friends and is coming to Abbottabad which will be of greatest
assistance to me. I am constantly approached by his brother-in-law, Khalid.
Khalid told me after the “triplicate” situation above that every 10 miles
here, even there is an idiomatic change. Now we run into complexities. I want
to put all the cards on the table and perhaps I am asking for advice, perhaps
making a suggestion.
The most complete book on Sufism that I had read years ago was A glossary
of the tribes and castes of the Punjab and North -West provinces by H.A.
Rose. I shall take up the linguistics first and then the Sufism.
In going go Mansehra I was struck by the number of caps and turbans and my
temporary conclusion is that these are tribal heritages. This has been a land
of ceaseless invasions. As Puck, I am interested in getting one or two
costumes, turbans in particular. But after the triplicate event I began to
think and am thinking seriously of the work of Norman Browne at Pennsylvania
and, of course, Rose. The Pathan words thrown at me seemed to be nearer the
“original” Indo-Germanic. I think in previous years I sent you notes about
Albanian. Sometimes the Pathan words were astonishingly like English;
occasionally this was true of Punjabi. Thus three is tré in Punjabi,
but tin in Urdu. Quantitatively I am unable to make a lot of notes now,
being overwhelmed. At the same time, as I expect to be here for some months, it
may be advisable to do so.
I am sending this by sea-mail. Your answer does not matter because in April
I may be moving about. In May I have accepted tentatively invitations to other
places.
Prof. Barker. I may have mentioned him before, grad. of U. C. who had
the same troubles with the same people I did. He speaks Urdu with an obvious
American accent. But Urdu is a “Yiddish’ or even “Latin” so everybody
has an accent. It is a literary language fostered largely by Sufi poets, an
excellent poetic language being forced on the multitude, though perhaps with
their consent.
Prof. Connaught is from S.F. and Stanford. He also has the same views
of my bêtes noires. He says that the best way to learn Urdu is in situ. He
says that Pres. Kennedy’s peace plan will not work because training young
people to learn a language as a means of communication and expecting them also
to be experts in some field is impossible. It takes time to become an expert.
On the other hand both of these men say it does not take more than two months
to get a speaking acquaintance with Urdu.
But I personally am not interested in learning Urdu for this reason. As a
Sufi yes, that is most important. But as a scientist I am becoming more and
more curious about the Indo-Germanic heritage, and more excited and more
interested. I came upon Max Fuller early in life and wanted to follow him and
was initiated. On the other hand I have had my fortune told twice recently—by
a clairvoyant and by a Sufi and they both insisted I was going to live a long
time and re-visit this country, which I feel is true.
The immediate scientific and social successes all but throw me off balance.
I do not run into inhabitations and frustrations. But success does not bring
one any more wisdom than failure.
The removal of Prof. Bingham at Cal. has resulted in a most cordial contact
with the whole South Asian Dept. I sent them reports. I was both told I spread
myself out too much. But when you are in a village and there are few divisions.
You “case” the village and you enjoy the village in accord with your
willingness to be interested in everything. This has compelled me into two
subjects”
Mineral resources. I think I wrote about Mr. Qureshi who has a large
portion of the “lost” Moghul resources. He introduced me into native (in
the geological sense) ores and gems here and this has been followed by a series
of most cordial contacts with young men. It is a long subject and I won’t go
into it.
Sufism. I’m constantly running into Chistis (a spiritual name) and
Kadiris, i.e. Jilanis (a family name) and this despite all that the
“authorities” in California teach; the opposite being true. It could,
however, be a natural concomitant of Rose above mentioned, confirming him and
having strong objective material for my views, again confirmed in situ. This is
a very long, though delightful subject.
I have omitted my visit to the Ismailia Sect in Karachi. I went there
because I dared not be intolerant, and my personal rejection of Aga Khanism is
contrary to my general outlook. I found the staff all highly educated and they
are giving an examination to missionaries. These missionaries must be equipped
to explain religion in at least two languages one of which must be Arabic or
Urdu. College graduates are preferred. They are also keen on the moral
outlook.
I cannot tell you too much of the details of this Shia Sect. It is based on
a genealogical Imamate. They rely much on philosophy also and of rather a high
grade though one might never notice this in the behavior of some Agas. I think
they feel very relieved by the present new youthful head.
The biggest thing about this sect, and the most important to me, is their
recognition of women. Women are supposed to pray and study religion and are
encouraged in it. I told them that this aspect of their faith plus the
publicity given to the Agas Khan would easily result in a successful mission in
the Hollywood area. No doubt this is not too serious a statement but knowing
Hollywood as I do, I am pretty sure a lot of Americans would pour into any
center they would establish. And they can get the money, only they use it
cautiously.
Before I left Lahore I had found I had embarked on a wise adventure.
After I had filled out my forms for the American Consulate I refused a tonga
looking for a short-cut. The tonga-wallahs try to take you by long routes and
never know your destination. I had not gone far when I found myself before the
building of the Department of Agriculture. There I met Mohammed Bakhari. It was
another one of those wonderful meetings.
I went over the materials I have with me and agreed to see him before I go
to Lyallpur. My visit to this region is well timed because there is a new
Department of Agricultural Research at Lyallpur which I have never visited.
According to Mr. Bakhari I had just those things which he is most interested
in. I may go to the same hotel or have Mr. Idrees give me advice when I
re-visit this section.
I stop at Rawalpindi to see Imam Minto who used to be in S.F. and talk over
many things with him and then to Abbottabad. Thence I should visit the farm of
Judge Rabbani, who is a big man in the world and another non enemy of the
European “Orientalists.” Also to Jamshyd Khan whom I met at the Center in
S.F. But Jamshyd Khan is going to America soon so I do not know whether I shall
be seeing him. Abdul Rahman tells me his brother has invited us and there are
now several serious things to discuss there as well as just paying a visit.
At the moment it is Spring. I never saw so many flowers blooming at once as
at Lahore. It seems that about everything excepting Spring Bulbs were out, our
own Spring, Summer and Fall flowers, all at once and others. I did not have
time to call on Judge A.A. Shah, Supt. of Parks & Gardens, but that will no
doubt come later, inshallah.
The biggest think that happened took place last night. I had agreed to stay
over at the request of Prof. A. A. Siddiqui. He is not only one of the world
authorities on Islamic Philosophy but is most proficient in English. Not only
has he been by-passed but he vigorously dissents from all those people against
whom I have been ‘belly-aching.”
April 4, 1961
My dear Jack:
This is my diary entry for day believe it or not. I have never thought of
trying to convert you to Islam but if you are not a Muslim by the time you
finish this report please tear up the check. I wish you would be sensible and
remain a Muslim until you cash the check. Then you are free to revert or
not.
I called on the Muslims today and we discussed religion. I said that the
Muslim kids had little diversion. He felt that cricket was a great game for it
gives every man an equal chance to bat, etc, I agreed. He said the Prophet was
also a great one for sports. The clergy who say they are not clergy and are,
are against any forms of freedom and they use the words “Qur’an” and
“Hadith” without reading the books.
Well, the Prophet upon whom be peace and blessing, was a great sportsman and
his favorite sport was that of kings and sultans and conquerors and wise
men—to keep you in suspense, horse racing. Of course this is against
“Islam”; everything is against “Islam” which puts the woman in prison
and makes second class citizens of everybody excepting and so on. This was a
new one on me that the Prophet liked horse racing. No one Aga Khan who is his
chief descendant goes to the track and so on. He has the family records—even
the genealogy of horses as well as of himself.
In fact I told his followers that they should build a Mosque in Hollywood
with equal rights for woman and equal rites, too and Aga Khan and the whole
movie colony and I guess the racing set too would be coming in.
Later in the day Chisti Sahib came in. He speaks no English but my friend
Abdul Rahman walked in. I called on Chisti Sahib because I am also a Chisti. I
may or may not be a saint but you will find my picture herein with a real
saint, whatever a saint is. I gave him a lecture on his religion which he never
thought a Kaffir unbelieving American dog-of-a-pig could possibly know. I could
not give it in S.F., but I gave it at Multan and all these guys and others
embraced me. I did not give it to the woman but the same thing might have
happened.
Anyhow I now have a reputation of being a Chisti and consorting with saints.
Chisti Sabib was not always a Chisti. He made his living by picking out winners
on the track and it was a good living. Then he got converted to being a Chisti
Sahib and the money came rolling in. It does not always happen that way. After
he got religion he began buying and selling horses tee and running his own.
Being a Sufi he had sort of prevision and, of course, was always in the
chips.
You must understand in India it is legal for a Hindu to squeeze a Muslim
Mleccha unbelieving pig-of-a-dog, but the other is forbidden in the land of
justice, honesty, brotherhood and fudge. So when India got its “freedom”
the majority of Hindus who got their livelihood by squeezing Muslims also lost
it all at the track and Chisti Sabib was in the chips and how. So the honest,
non-violent Hindus who never hurt cows, snakes, crows, flies, scorpions, cows,
bulls, cows, water-buffalo and cows, said the rule did not apply to non-animals
and said they were sorry for considering Chisti Sahib a pig-of-a-dog or
dog-of-a-pig to whom they had to be kind, that he was a mere outcaste so they
outcasted him and grabbed his home and money and everything but him and his
family so he had to flee to Pakistan. How the Hindus can go back to their
peaceful, non-violent life of squeezing Muslims without fear of losing it all
at the races, so Chisti Sahib is here. But they do not have race-tracks here
and the horses are used for pulling tongas.
This enlightening series of events made me humble indeed and I must,
according to the dictates of real religion absolve you from having to beat on
horses with Arab names, for God is no respecter of race and maybe even of sex.
You are under no compulsion to lay it on the line for Nur-ed-din, Shah Jehan or
Sonovabitch. (I think the last one is of Russian extraction anyhow.)
I have not yet cracked the code by which Chisti Sahib was successful but it
I find more out will advice. I am now waiting for the family of Abdul Sattar. I
was accused of giving bakshish to his brother-in-law. Maybe I did, maybe I
didn’t but why should I give bakshish to a young man who insists his father
is a millionaire as wants me to come and live with him sometime. When the
family arrives I have to go the Rawalpindi where I shall be given the air on
Radio Pakistan and visit the tomb of some more saints. I never thought before
of asking the oracles who will win in the fifth of even in the first race, but
it is an idea.
I am somewhat better now. Next I have to see Mr. Qureshi who has all those
Moghul jewels I think I wrote you about and also the uncut stones and mineral
deposits about which I wish to learn more. I am still under the Western
delusion that “that’s gold in them thar’ hills” even though it may be
minerals or gems or something that will help one garner rupees.
The idea that an American would take a pick and look is reprehensible. A
Pakistani would take six outcastes or peasants and make them do that if they
found anything it was his and if not, they get no wages. This is called
“democracy.”
I will close now but if I think of anything or anything happens before
posting (letters, not horses) will add.
S A M
Sheikh Ahmed Murad Chisti
Morning;
Praise God from whom all blessings flow and you being the day
By drinking two or three good cups of wonderful Nescafe;
The hulls are green, the flowers out—geranium and viola.
A very wonderful place to be—you can’t get Coca-Cola.
Actually poetry-writing is a game here, rather complicated because words
rhyme easily but there is a campaign on against delinquency. I wish they had
more baseball here and other games than cricket, but season’s you know.
My expense account as gone way up. There is a bookstore here and it is
stacked with Peter Cheney and Err-ul Stanley Gardner. I can keep away from
horses and woman, but I have my weaknesses too. Anyhow I am using these as
gifts—I find all the intelligentsia like them. Me too.
Abbottabad, Hazara, W. Pakistan
April 5, 1961
Dear Dan:
As I have not kept a continuous diary I send a group of notes from which you
may select as you will:
Multan: The American Army Engineers were may hosts. They are doing an
excellent job in sanitation, barracks and house building and pest-control. The
fly—not starvation, not space-conquest, not communism—has been the bane of
these people. My prediction, that as soon as the Russians come we would see to
it that a program of pest-control was put into operation has proven correct. As
soon as Russians appear we come down to earth and do these things for which we
have capabilities.
Enclosed are two pictures of me with the Wali (guardian-saint) of the tomb
of the strange mystic Shams-i-Tabriz. I was welcomed by these people and others
and am the first foreigner to have given them a talk on their own philosophy
and teachings. Penalty: they all embraced me.
Foreign Aid: Rumors go around that we compel people to take certain
types of aid instead of asking them what they want, or need. To some extent
this is true. On the other hand anti-American propaganda moves faster that
gift-goods. The present one is that we send them inferior Wheat. This
propaganda is passed by gossips and envious people who themselves need nothing
and who have not always been instilled with the spirit of charity.
In the UAR nothing is said about “inferior wheat.” There the wheat’s
most satisfactory, of course. As soon as it is landed the stevedores come and
change the signs from “U.S.A.” to from “U.S.S.R” So that “wheat” is
good!
Lahore is one of the most beautiful cities of the world. I have
conferred with the Tourist Bureau on the matter of making Lahore rather than
Karachi the site of the international airport. Fortunately some measures have
already been started in that direction. It has the most beautiful buildings in
Islam outside the Taj. It contains the most wonderful gardens and I have never
seen more flowers in bloom at once. All our summer and autumn flowers already
in bloom in March.
Abbottabad is like a misplaced Maria. I have visited Begum Selim Khan
here, widow of the first consul-general from Pakistan to San Francisco. Her
garden is so much like those around Ross, and she has made it deliberately so.
She has a multitude of Iris and Daffodils. The Iris here are of two varieties,
one a very deep blue, deeper than even our Wild Flags, and with longer stems.
The other is the largest blossom of this species that I have ever seen, with
petals of pastel browns.
The hills are a sort of cross between Marin and San Bernadino Counties with
the western Himalayas in the background.
Basic Democracy. There is a movement toward a real Asian type of
democracy. The village is being organized on the same basis as that of ancient
Aryans, plus some features that look like New England town meetings. Begum Khan
has taken the leadership with the women to instill a political consciousness on
them.
I visited a place called Khwaja Gan as a guest to one of these meetings. It
is also the junction of territories where Pathan is spoken in one direction,
Swati in another, Punjabi in a third and Urdu in the fourth. They are learning
a common national patriotism and they are delighted with it.
Pukhtunistan. There has been a great deal of propaganda on this
subject and the Afghans and Indians have been accused of fomenting it. I have
met many, many Pathans and they are all strong for Pakistan. The reforms of
Ayub interest and excite them. Besides that there is a rush toward education
that is tremendous. There are many, many Pathans in the college here; and of
course, those at Peshawar are filled with them.
The general tendency is for Pathans to attend the colleges and universities
here and for the Urdu-speaking elite to go Germany, England or America.
American Institutions are encouraging these movements. I have had
only tentative talks with the representatives of Asian Foundation and the
American Friends of the Middle East. But already a stream of young men have
come to me.
American Professors Here. I have met two, both from the S.F. Bay
area. They are very popular. Like myself, they have found their ways blocked by
the European “experts” on the Orient which cluster especially in
California. It is a totally false and untenable policy to employ Europeans for
our so-called information about Asia. The Asians would like to speak for
themselves; or else have Americans do this. We cannot and will not win the
hearts of peoples with whom we do not deal directly.
Parker in Lahore and Connaught here are nobodies in the S.F. Bay region and
are very popular in these parts. They mingle with the people. They learn from
experience what Burdick (“The Ugly American”) could not know. For every
district has its private dialect or series of dialects. We shall have to choose
between actually going to villages and writing editorials on the subject.
Those Americans who have gone to villages have all been ambassadors of
goodwill and those editors and commentators, some of whom we esteem greatly,
fail because there is no wisdom without humility. By mingling with humanity and
learning from them we support the best American propaganda.
Disappearance of Communism. General Ayub has cleaned up the country.
Gone are the lurid magazines, gone are the whispering campaigns. The
book-stalls do not have much American non-fiction but what is there is clean,
like “Time.” They do have a considerable degree of American fiction and our
favorite, Earl Stanley Gardener, is the favorite here.
Law Courts. This is a very complicated subjects because at the moment
there is a cross-current of Hindu, Islamic, British and contemporary Pakistani
law, complicated by the poly-lingual district. The tendency is to settle each
case on its merits so far as possible and the unwritten law is very powerful at
the moment.
The attorneys who are not busy are given a reading room and most of them are
reading “Perry Mason.”
(Interruption at this point, resuming concerning topics of interviews.)
Pakistani Culture: It is a curious thing that we do not deal directly
with this ally of ours. We either classify it as an “Islamic Country” and
place Islamic culture under the tutelage of Europeans and Zionists, or we
called it a “South Asian Country” and add to the Europeans Hindus, omitting
the Zionists. What kind of logic, what kind of psychology this is I do not know
but it is the almost.
universal policy with our press and universities. On top of that the
American press and magazines have a most confusing hodge-podge of non-geography
in regard to the recent visits of Queen Elizabeth.
Moghul Culture has been very wide-spread and is the dominant factor
in most Indian arts, a subject that many Indians, whom we welcome in the U.S.
by-pass, so we remain in ignorance thereof. Some of the greatest characters in
history are totally ignored.
Moghul Wealth. The Moghul Emperors were once the richest rulers on
earth. Many books teach that this wealth has disappeared. It has not
disappeared. I have seen goodly portions of it and am getting very factual
information as to the location of much more. I hope to inform the Department of
South Asian Studies, University of California in Berkeley; and Conlon &
Associates on Clay St. in San Francisco about such matters.
Natural Resources. In this very California-like country I am not only
sure there is much mineral wealth here, but I am getting data on the subject
and have been invited by several people to visit mines. In the country to the
north which I have also visited, it is more Colorado-like in structure. I am
going also to try to get as much objective information.
People. There is only one book, Glossary of the Tribes and Castes
of the Punjab and North West Frontier Province by H.A. Rose which made a
detailed study of this country and its peoples. An American studying in
American universities, under non-American, non-Asians, was turned down so many
times in efforts to review this book for class work, that it was abandoned.
This country is full of dervishes. They are coming to my aid. They are
leaders in politics, education and community development despite all the
misinformation on the subjects we swallow from our non-Asian, non-American
“experts.”
Pukhtunistan and Russia. There is always another Laos or
Czecho-Slovakia or VietMinh in the making. American reports have been turned
aside by the press who then criticize the State Department. My records have
been accepted by the Foreign Service here. I have met many Pathans and everyone
is from Pakistan. The universities are crowded with Pathan students; many of
the Urdu-speaking youths go to Europe or Great Britain or the United States for
instruction.
The Pushtun leaders have been subsidized by Afghanistan. They have not been
very successful and one, the leader, has gone to Soviet Russia. The Russians
are encouraging a very reactionary region in Afghanistan but you can be pretty
sure when it is overthrown it will be by a “Castro-Junta” to our dismay. We
have treaties with Pakistan in S.E. Asia and here. We have treaties. The people
have in many instances asked me whether it would not be better to “trust”
Russia whom they can honestly mistrust than the United States which never seems
to be with them in crises. One can almost say that someday the corrupt
government in Afghanistan will be overthrown and we shall have another
Czech-Slovakia or Viet-Minh, etc. I hope you will take this seriously. I am
tired of predicting the mobbing of USIA libraries only to find them happening
or in the last instance to see them happening.
Sincerely,
Samuel L. Lewis
Abbottabad
April 6
My dear Horace:
I am reversing a procedure and sending you my diary notes with copy to Harry
because there will be more concern with the Mineral than the Vegetable Kingdom.
I have tried three times to write but like Emerson’s inventor of a mouse
trap, the world is beating a path to my door and there are constant
interruptions. My problem today is that while things are not going
wrong, too many things are coming right.
When I first met you I had three groups of enemies, which can be called (a)
Personal, (b) Yaleites, (c) European professors of Oriental Philosophy called
EPOOP for short. The chief personal enemy was a woman who did everything
possible to destroy me and in the past few years my affairs have compelled me
to become friends of her husband’s associates. They lauded me several times
in public and right in front of her and I met her husband in Cairo to his
surprise and that is over.
The Yaleites gave me a bad time. When my father died he left a will saying
that because neither my brother nor I had offspring the bulk of the estate was
to go to one of four institutions – three hospitals and the fourth the
University of California. I called there and had a most miserable time with a
Yaleite who ended, “You are wasting your time and mine.” I thought
afterwards that I was not wasting my time and look with negative satisfaction
that U. C. was cut out of the will.
Prof. Wild of Harvard at an international gathering called down the Yaleites
by name in their presence and made no bones about it. When I returned in 1957 I
found that the Yaleites had been removed or demoted on the Berkeley campus and
the whole of the South Asian field and others were in the hands of Harvard
Professors. When I reached Cambridge I got the brief announcement: “We want
to know everything that you know that we do not.” I left there with the right
to ask for a permit from the Pakistani Govt. to do research on the Lost Tribes
of Israel—this for Prof. Cross of “Dead Sea Scrolls” fame; this also from
various departments connected with the Orient. I met in UAR several graduates
from Harvard and there was complete understanding—objectivity in
research.
When I reached Lahore I met Prof. Barker, a graduate student from Cal. He
was an honor student until he began seeking a job and then the whole gang of
EPOOPS from Cal, Stanford, Pacific and their radio stations ganged up on him.
He and Prof. Connaught from San Francisco and Stanford who is here in
Abbottabad, greatly praise the Fulbright Foundation which opens up jobs for
Americans only in the Oriental field. Our colleges are filled with Europeans
who misinform us about Asia and cause resentment. This is a long story. When we
get to have Americans and Asians meeting face to face we shall win the
international conflict. The selection of Harvard professors, admired in Asia,
though not always in the press, is viewed with complete satisfaction and I feel
at the moment that all my previous “grief” is gone and only encouragement
ahead provided I can hold the pieces together.
A couple of weeks ago B.A. Qureshi sought me out. He had four interests: (a)
Psychic Research which need not concern us, besides nothing has been done in my
presence: (b) Sufism into which we need not go excepting to say this is of
great help to me socially and now financially; (c) Minerals, ores, uncut
stones, into which I shall go presently; (d) the Moghul treasures, perhaps the
most exciting and E. Phillips Oppenheim episode in the midst of a lot of E.
Phillips Oppenheim episodes.
Abbottabad is in a sort of saddle or more rightly a rift valley. The water
drains in three directions. It looks like a piece of Marin with San Luis Obispo
and San Bernardino elements added. The western end of the Himalayas is in the
background with still some snow. The weather is quite Marinesque. The trees and
flowers are quite similar. The Chenar is now in full foliage and one can
understand why the Persians were so crazy about it. It is P. orientalis, but
its russet color and palmate leaves make it look almost like a Maple. However
it has a very strong trunk and not so strong branches. This tendency for strong
trunks also appears in the Pine and Eucalyptus here, but the E. globulus, or
variety has much larger bows and tends to “umbrella.” So does the Pine in
its adult stage. In fact all conifers seem to have very distinct youthful and
adult behaviors.
At breakfast I found Vinca, Freesias and Calendulas on the table. I wrote
somewhere a poem about the presence of the flowers, these and the viola; the
fact you can get good coffee, but not a sign of coca-cola. They give you the
tin and a pint of hot water, for about ten cents. You would like that—but it
is Nescafé. They can get Maxwell House from army stores.
Yesterday I went hill climbing and last night Arif Khan called on me. His
Father is a professional mineralogist. Apparently he and Qureshi hardly know
each other but I have been invited to go hill climbing and look at ores and
late last night Khan senior asked for a meeting after I return from
Rawalpindi.
My experiences in UAR plus the policy of the economic geologists there is
that if land is not fit for agriculture, why not tackle it as a basis of
minerals. I wrote at great length about sands, clays, refractory materials. As
I have told people the great difference between U.S.A. and their countries was
that our first president was a surveyor, and that we have been great on
surveying and geology. So we know something about our country. The British made
no geological surveys to any amount and they throw countries into freedom
without any idea of their internal resources.
Coming up this way I saw huge deposits of red rocks and a few places reddish
friable soil. I have never been to Minnesota but it looked similar to the
pictures I have seen. Qureshi told me that there is another such deposit on the
hills toward the northeast. I have not been able to go over the Khan material
other than Talc which is here in profusion and they also have a marble quarrel.
Qureshi has been more interested in cut stones. I am going to try to get a
complete picture before long on this. I am always excited by stones. I have
been told there are lead and uranium deposits too.
North of here are Himalayas and just beyond that the conflux of these and
the Karakorum and Hindu Kursh mountains, very high, explored more for Ova Polis
and mountain climbing and not for minerals. I may or may not add to this before
conclusion.
Moghul Wealth. Introduction. One of my wars against the people has
been the absolute conclusions they have offered us—and if you don’t except
you get kicked out or flunked and I am not fooling.
When I reached Cairo the hero was Prof. Creswell who proved that all his
predecessors were wrong concerning Islamic Architecture—and they were, too.
The there are the pyramids. I tell you, Horace, most books are hokum. Every few
years there is the absolute finality that the “last” has been discovered.
Well they found more king’s tombs when I was there and every few weeks
another pyramid. I told Prof. G. Hughes, head researcher for the American,
thank God, Oriental Society, that I did not believe 10% of the ruins had been
uncovered. He agreed—well, there have been revolutionary discoveries since
then.
The tremendous rigor we use in petroleum analysis or in soil chemistry has
not been applied in archeology, anthropology, etc., until very recently. And
scientists do not lean on names, they lean on facts. But the EPOOPs are
different. I got elected in the Royal Asiatic Society by pulling the rug from
under their feet and it is going to be pulled more. The evidence of Jewish and
Greek remains here is tremendous and little is done.
Qureshi is descended from the Court Jeweler of Emperor Aurangzeb who made
the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Rockefellers small town…indeed whatever the
Nizam inherited came in part from this source. The Qureshi family has kept a
complete account of genealogy, history and gem
records. And despite the EPOOPs I have seen about a million dollars worth of
stones, beginning with Rubies that knocked my eyes out.
Qureshi kept a record of all family stones—they have been weighed and
tested by the most modern methods. He has to go to England soon where he has a
consignment not sold. One Harry Winston of New York offered a huge price which
the bank of England turned down and he is going to sell those stones or take
them away. He has offered double the commission to his British agents but they
want to keep them in England. Even the Queen is involved.
He has been making some inquiries with a Los Angeles firm and on top of that
the deal would be handled by the Habib-Bank of America connections. It just
happens that I have put unwittingly put my money in those banks without knowing
that they were associated and once worked for Russell Smith who was the top man
in this field and today is a very good friend.
I have written to Condon & Associates on Clay Street, carbon to James
Wilson, Foreign Trade Section, C. of C. on this matter for Qureshi tells me has
or has access to more wealth than the L.A. firm can handle. (I have long since
been a Jew in religion but you can't stop the nose—I did not overlook
anything before I left.) And I have not yet written to Gump's either and that
may be coming.
Qureshi has also kept in touch with the families of all former nobles of the
Moghul Empire. When that ended in 1857 the persons scattered but kept in touch
with each other. He is willing and perhaps he is already acting as agent for
them and so can release a horde of wealth which the
EPOOPs insist is no more.
On top to that, and I don’t know how, Qureshi has a lot of relics from the
Gandhara and before that the actual Greek times—including a gold inlay of
"Alec-the-Greek" which is by itself worth into six figures. I don’t know much
about the Greek skills but my knowledge of Oriental art does not help much
here, but I shall take this up with the Americans in Lahore when I get
there.
The American foreign office service in Lahore previously and now, have been
my best advisors. They are dead set against the EPOOPs and previously advised
me even to go to court—which I may. For our strange blind acceptance of
personalities, and these not graduates of American universities either, is the
best ally of Russia in this field. It is incomprehensible why our newsmen and
many of our universities simply do not trust Americans and do trust
strangers—to the fury of Orientals in all parts.
Qureshi wants to see me and I him as often as possible before he leaves for
England and I expect to stay here until he returns. he has arranged for a
bungalow for me.
I have again been a guest of M. Rabbani who visited me in S.F. and which I
visited in 1956. I had a strange encounter in London—which ended by my being
embraced in public by Lady
Ravensdale who is now a member of the House of Lords in her own right. Well
Rabbani and Lady R. are close friends and associates and he is taking me to
Rawalpindi shortly for a conference.
Rabbani took me many miles north. We passed a village called "Khaki" and I
was told that that is where we got the English word. We arrived at a village
called Khwaja Can and I saw what they are doing in what they call B. D. or
Basic Democracy. It is sort of cross between the ancient Indian Panchayat and
the New England town meeting. It is self-determination with a vengeance. I told
a few of them, that it was not my business to comment but that what I thought
they needed was tree-planting. I got it right back. At their first meeting I
was told that all the simple villagers who, strange to say, were allowed to
talk, came out for tree-planting. It was carried with enthusiasm.
Now I am interested because I have been telling the folks here that with
tree-planting and mining the whole district could be prosperous. In India and
Japan they stick Apples in the ground wherever they can grow and Conifers where
Apples cannot. They have a Pome here which is like a very large Olive but has
little pectin and practically no esters so its taste is far, far away from the
Crab. The Apples are in flower but I am told many do not fruit. There is no
pruning done.
Mrs. Salim Khan, widow of the first Consul-General of Pakistan to S.F. is
here and her place looks just like a Marin garden But she told me she is now
going to introduce fruits. There are a few Prunus species here too. I have not
re-visited Rabbani's place but will undoubtedly later.
There are no small fruits here but Strawberries are certainly indicated. The
parks here resemble those of S.F. more than any I have seen. I reported this
previously to Harry. There are now other San Franciscans here and I expect
Andul Satter soon. He was for a long time Consul-General of Pakistan to S.F.
and is one of the best friends I have in the world. It just seems that now life
is so much for me as it used to be against me.
At Rawalpindi I shall meet another friend, Ansar Nasri, who is director of
radio. This can lead to anything; I have to be prepared for all sorts of
things. The government is crying about the saline and water-logged soil
problems but the papers have not published my articles, or else I missed the
editions. I have just the right literature in my portfolio but I shall make
every effort to see top
officials. At the moment everything looks very good, but sometimes too much. I
am also preparing to lecture at the college.
There is probably lots more, but I have run out of energy and soon will be
going for a hike.
Cordially,
Sam
Abbottabad,
April 7
My dear Chingwah:
You may remember that we agreed that more spirituality might be transferred
through commercialism than all the intellectual exhortations and metaphysics.
The wheel of karma turns and it is one of the ironic patterns that
lecture-wallahs are about the last persons to recognize it. Nicholas Roerich
claimed to be a messiah and when tragedy struck he cried: “How could it
happen to me!”
I am not here going to relate what is going on in the necessary rewriting of
the history and more particularly the art-history and archaeology of all the
countries I have been visiting because of the nonsense of what I am now calling
the EPOOPS, European Professors of Oriental Philosophy. When next I go to
Ellora and Arjanta I am going to write down a statistical report of the caves,
nationality and data. I am telling people it is no wonder the Burmese attack
our cultural centers—where in the U.S. have the Burmese been permitted to
present their own case.
At the moment I have the ego-satisfaction of finding that the efforts of
communist infiltration observed in situ, that is in place, were reported
by the Manchester Guardian the same day I wrote to Chet Huntley. The details
were all the same and my objection to the John Birch Society is that in looking
for communists under the sofa they don’t see those sitting in the chairs.
I had to write Rudolph a letter a few days back. I am in a position to
collect both materials and data; I am not in position to be refused and so I am
preparing to send things to Hollywood rather than S.F. or was until a bunch of
doors opened all at once.
When I returned to Lahore from this district a few years back I was attacked
in public by a German professor of Oriental Philosophy who was representing the
universities of his country, Great Britain and the U.S. He had credentials all
over the place; he did not have knowledge. Within a week I was a hero and the
overtones of that alone have me on a most busy schedule—outside my basic
program.
I met some merchants there who promised to sell me things under the counter.
When I called at Faletti’s I had the unusual experience of a Munshi—who had
read my fortune before, coming out into the court and calling from a distance:
“Hello, Samuel L. Lewis, Ahmed Murad Chisti. Welcome, I have been waiting for
you.” This is not the first experience of this sort I have had. Anyhow the
Munshi took so much of my time I had no chance to interview the merchants. I
should be going to Lahore again about the end of the month.
In the meanwhile all my efforts have been well received and after mailing
this I go to Rawalpindi to be the guest of Radio Pakistan and perhaps more. I
have gone through the bazaars here and all I have located in Abbottabad are
silverwork and silk things. I shall undoubtedly buy some of the latter but
until I go to Peshawar, will not go into other things.
Into my life have come B.D. Qureshi and the Khan Brothers. They are
independently interested in mineralogy, uncut stones, ores, etc. When I return
from Rawalpindi I have an important meeting with the Khans who are going to
start a ceramic factory here. This will be a story in itself which I shall not
tell now, but report later, inshallah as they say here.
Before leaving San Francisco I had talks with Conlon & Associates on
Clay St., James Wilson of the C. of C. and Martin Rosenblatt. This has been
most fortunate, for B. D. Qureshi here has placed in my hands the possible
marketing of a good bit of Moghul Wealth. Now it is one thing for the
Epoops and Chaudhuri or even Coomaraswamy to give emotional exhortations as the
basis for Hindu and other art and also to exclude Moghul Culture—which
undoubtedly was the greatest of this region and many another region. And it is
another thing to come forward with actual pieces of that art and furthermore,
introduce them into commerce.
The American Academy of Asian Studies did a good job in interesting people
in the Orient and an awful job in trying to explain that Orient; and in
particular, that basis of dogmatism: “We Hindus are not dogmatic.” So help
me God and Allah.
I have written to Martin, to Conlon and next to the Bank of America, for
Qureshi is leaving for England soon and has granted me permission to act as his
correspondent and secretary in his absence. I cannot, of course, predict any
direct negotiations. I shall also take this up with the American Consulate at
Lahore where I have found much cordiality.
Incidentally there are two other Sam Lewises here—Barker at Lahore,
graduated from U. C. and Connaught here, from S.F. and Stanford. They were
snubbed by the Epoops and are the best ambassadors of peace I know—not
Washington symbols but the real thing. Bringing Asians and Americans together
without intermediaries will straighten out many a dilemma.
Meanwhile I am learning a good deal about ancient Jewish and Greek culture
here. It is time to consult the natives and not the professors from Leiden,
Oxford or “Beer Hall.” Furthermore I expect to find some things. I have
been given tips on Swat (descended from the Greeks) and Pathans (supposedly
from the Lost Tribes). But I hope to go further since I am also getting tips on
art relics.
My hope has been to get at least one Gandhara object for you from Swat but
we shall see. I have also had a cordial letter from my friend, Phra Sumangalo
at Penang. That is a long way off.
You will understand I love Rudolph, but I am not going to be belittled by
exudation of emotions over professors from afar. That demi-god Jüng praised
Koestler who abolished Mrs. Suzuki and Dr. Radhakrishnan. This ought to awaken
us about all these Europeans who know much about Europe.
I saw that mob in Cairo attacking the Belgian and American Embassies. How
many Egyptians have we in the U.S. teaching us about the culture of the Near
East? How many Pakistanis have we talking about their culture? Here we have
Indus valley, “Lost Tribes,” Greeks, Gandharas and two sorts of Islamic
Culture—all subverted. No wonder the Pakistanis don’t understand us.
Anyhow we come back to business. Never mind the exhortations. Let the facts
and the arti-facts speak for themselves. If there is anything I can do for you
please let me know.
Cordially, Samuel L. Lewis
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
April 9, 1961
World Affairs Council of Northern California
421 Powell St.
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Friends:
In re: The EPOOP, or European Professors of Oriental Philosophy
Today one of the newspaper leads was the ban on an Epoop book. One can well
understand that. In America, or rather in the universities, the chances are
that the Epoop book would be required reading. In California, in particular
this is so, with a sort of cynical attitude toward books by Americans on the
Orient, the same books being admired in actual Asia.
In the past 24 hours I have met about 100 persons. I am at the present
moment the guest of Radio Pakistan. Last week I visited a meeting of the B.D.
or Basic Democracy. It was presided over by a Sufi. The Epoops in California
unanimously deny there are any important Sufis today, or if so, they are not in
politics. You cannot dispute with them or you will be in serious trouble. I am
going to run down the story of Prof. Barker in Lahore more, for it
substantiates what I have been saying.
The manager of Radio Pakistan is a Sufi. My former host in East Pakistan, a
retired general, lives in Rawalpindi, he is also a Sufi. He told me there are
many Sufis in high places here. The late Ahmed Bokhari spoke to a large crowd
in S.F. in 1957 but the Epoops ignored him, they had to. If Pakistan is
classified as an Islamic nation, the “authorities” are Epoops or Zionists.
If it is classified as a South Asian Nation, the Zionists are displaced by
Hindus. No wonder Russian grapevine propaganda is successful. Lies are spread
but the absence in the United States of general cultural interchange is
something we cannot overcome by conferences or lofty editorials. These things
never reach the masses. Subtle whisperings do.
I told my friend Ansar Nasri, Director of Radio Pakistan, that I found at
least six cultures here, exclusive of Indian influences: Indus Valley, Hebrew,
Greek, Gandhara, Afghan and Moghul, although I did not consider the list
complete. At Harvard they accepted my verbal reports, no questions were asked,
merely facts and substantiations. In California with the exception of Dick
Parks and his successors it was quite another story.
Pakistan is large enough and populated enough to be given equal treatment
with Italy and superior, let us say, to Sweden or Spain. We never think of
that. Urdu is a cultural language with an immense literature, hardly touched.
Back of Iqbal there is a whole procession of geniuses.
Circumstances in life have directed me to become interested in Moghul Art
treasures and natural mineral wealth. I am following that up because all the
matters have been put in my hands. Since writing Conlon I have also written to
Gump’s (Martin Rosenblatt) and the Bank of America. If we can’t have
cultural exchange we at least can have commercial exchange. These facts of life
are going to speak out so loud that our universities will be compelled to
accept them. I am very much opposed to have any non-Asian teach Asian subjects
unless he has had a degree of a proper Asian university or the approval of the
country in question.
Unfortunately in the case of Pakistani and its related culture, the top
American—who has received Federal backing, has refused to accept papers
dealing with the deeper aspects of this subject and has insisted, and quite
falsely, that he does not find Muslims and Pakistanis with a good knowledge of
English. We are now considering before Congress a Federal appropriation for a
school of Asian studies, and if Moore gets his fingers in and appoints his
Epoop friends, we might as well resign.
In the case of Pukhtunistan I recently wrote Chet Huntley a detailed report
of my direct experience. But the day I mailed it the Manchester Guardian
published its review and at least, although far from a scoop, I was right on
every point. Up to the Kennedy Administration it has either been exceedingly
difficult for an American to send in warnings, excepting to our Foreign Service
who still bare the false stigma of “Ugly Americanism.” Now the Foreign
Service not only receives reports from its Nationals, but they are permitted to
screen these reports and send in suggestions. The Foreign Service knows what is
going on and this includes the Epoops too.
I remember the time there was an Iqbal celebration in S.F. As I had
corresponded with Iqbal, in a sense, am his poetic disciple. I asked to speak.
“We would like to have you on the program, but we don’t want to offend
the Asians.” An Epoop was one of the principal speakers. “I am very
glad to have this opportunity to address you on the greatest of Asia’s poets,
Rabindranath Tagore.” This man still gives our degrees on Asian
subjects. He is, to say the least, not very popular in Pakistan or for that
matter, Asia. Not a single Epoop is recognized in Asia, only in the U.S.
Prof. Connaught from San Francisco who also lives in Abbottabad has recently
sent letters to the Chronicle. He bet me they would not be published. The
Americans who see history being made, often, do not stand in with the press.
But I have been here about 30 hours, have had one interview after another,
addressed an audience on Islamic Culture in the U.S., am having my poetry
reviewed and am promised interviews with all the top officials on each and
every one of the projects which I have brought: saline soils, desert soils,
salt water conversion, desert agriculture, culture exchange … and finally an
interview with either the President or his Secretary. I am not ready for the
last—indeed I left my introductions in Abbottabad, but this is in line with
my previous relations with Pakistani officials. I had a sendoff in East
Pakistan equal in every way to my being permitted to see the Royal Cemetery,
etc. in Japan. (Mr. Nichols was present when Prime Minister Kishi greeted me. I
seem to have friends all over and I want to use those friendships to help my
country, not my ego.)
If any big interviews come to pass I shall airmail the San Rafael Journal
Independent and ask them to distribute copies. I am writing as if optimistic
because there is a tremendous program before me—more, far more than I can
handle. I shall try to screen this program when I reach Lahore with the
American Friends of the Middle East and Asia Foundation. I have been in places
in each country either not visited by research workers or obtain data not yet
included in authorized texts. The temptation now is to return to the University
of California to work for a special degree, but there are so many opportunities
before me I cannot even be sure of clarity. And if there is an opportunity now
to represent Pakistan I may accept, but wish this cleared first.
Sincerely, Samuel L. Lewis
April 12, 1961
My dear Harry:
As I have told you before and will no doubt tell you again I am the damnest
piece of “Fools for Luck” you ever saw. I always stumble into the right
places without knowing where I am going. This is the temporary capital. The new
capital will be Islamabad, nine miles to the North. In the meanwhile the
governmental offices are scattered here and there, there are no maps of any
kind and districts spring up like mushrooms. The busses are very cheap but not
always direct.
I wanted to go to the Mining Office. Because in Abbottabad where I live
there are all kinds of mines which I hope to meet and I wanted some sort of
geological and mineral reports. So got a taxi. The taxi-driver, the
tonga-wallah, etc., must know to drive. They don’t have to know anything elsa
but “Yes” Sir and “Get in.” In some places you have to have faith in
God or Allah, preferably both with a few more names thrown in to be sure you
will get out alive. In Pakistan your body is perfectly safe, you know you
won’t get killed. That is all you know. You may start out from a know
position and that is it. You don’t get into the wild blue yonder, you just go
into the wild yonder.
Well yesterday the wild yonder was the Agricultural Experimental Station.
Fortunately I was shown how to get a bus back. Well there I was in the middle
of a huge station and when I finally found a building a man come along and he
was the man in charge of records and information. In a little while I was with
Mr. Pirzada, the director. We had about two hours conversation but it was
agreed that it was only a preliminary effort.
They are interested in Sugar, Strawberries, Corn, Cotton, and Mr. Pirzada is
the chief Floriculturist of Pakistan. I hope to see him later and go into
details. The Strawberry is a new crop. It has been planted successfully in the
mountain regions and they are trying it on the plane here, elevation 1500 feet.
The young plants are vigorous. They are hilled and irrigated. They have not yet
fertilized and I wanted them about the Himalaya method of putting a lot of
Ammosulphate and getting beautiful dark green shrubs! They put on P fertilizer
separately.
I told them about F. veluntina and P. lyonii—there I go again. We
discussed reforestation which will be go into from time to time. They have done
experimental work on lawns but do not know about traffic grasses. The trouble
is that they lump the grasses for landscaping, athletic fields and fodder, etc.
and are too new in this to separate each kind out. I may go into this further
later one.
My host here is Ansar Nasri, director of Radio Pakistan, whom I visit daily.
On the next block is the Soil Conservation Center. There I met Mr. Riaz and we
agreed that I would help him look into materials on Erosion. I started a latter
to Karachi but it is unfinished. This, I think is the biggest problem next o
saline soils.
Then there is General Ayub National Park. “My dear chap, you can’t go in
there.” “My dear chap, I have just come from there. “Same story, but a
new chapter. They use lots of pots and the big blossom at the moment is the
Clarkia, which grows quite tall and branched. I saw a greenish Gazania. Sweet
Peas here grow tall and straight though strings are also need. Whether it is
the type, feeding or what, they stand up. This would seem to indicate K in the
soil and at the Research Center nothing was said about Potash being needed.
There are all kinds of pots but I could not take notes-Cinerarias,
Calendulas (which here tend to be simple and yellow), Pansies, Roses, Freesias,
and Hollyhocks. I shall try to look around later, Mr. Nasri has introduced me
to Secretary Shahab with whom I have had two conferences and tomorrow morning,
inshallah, I am to meet President Ayub Khan in person. Say, isn’t there some
mistake? How did I get in here? How! I would like to know myself; any
suggestions?
Brevity is the soil of wit and I guess I am the most witness man there is.
How did I get into this company?
Rawalpindi,
April 15
My dear Mr. Everts:
I am enclosing a copy of a letter written to my home city although I have
serious doubts of its being published or even reviewed. I have been meeting
people here in such large quantities I cannot absorb all their names or
positions. But I am being called into counsel on matters which are of grave
importance to Pakistanis, and to us not important at all. I think I told you
that one “myth” which absolutely stands in the way of friendships abroad is
that about religion. We won’t touch it. But not only do we not touch it we
turn it over to non-American, non-Asians and think it is overlooked.
There is the great (to the local people) question of Islamic Culture in the
U.S. They want cultural exchange (Russia has granted them that) and they
want also to have teachers in the U.S. on Islam.
We can’t touch religion, oh no! We have the Mosque in Washington; we have
the Canadian-American Muslim League. That takes care of everything! Have you
ever read their publication: Some of the best simple explanations of Qur’an
and Islam I have ever come upon. And some of the nicest most sedate articles
about the virtues of “Anti-Imperialism.”
Sheikh Shaltout of Al-Azhar not only lectures on Islam, he also speaks on
anti-imperialism. He does not spread “Islam,” he waits until heterodox
teachers go from Pakistan and then he “corrects” the teaching. The
“heterodox” Pakistanis are all strongly anti-communist. The “orthodox”
Aharites are “anti-imperialists,” behind the scene, they supported the
mobbing of our embassy in Cairo—I was there, and they have not protested
against the treatment of Muslims in UAR or China, or even India.
You never saw Sheikh Shaltout go to Russia. We don’t hear of him sending
Imams to Russia. He sends Imams to the U.S. They are thoroughly clear in UAR.
They are cleared of all kinds of things, but not of “anti-imperialism.” So
we are going to find the U.S. encouraging “anti-imperialist” Islam and
rather shun the Pakistanis, heterodox or orthodox. Then we will get rid of some
of the “Epoop” control, but we shall be the laughing stock of Asia. We
don’t know the religions, we don’t really study them as they are, and we do
not support our friends.
I won’t go so far as to say that Imams, etc. from UAR are going to be
subservient to Russia. But I do say that Imams from Pakistan will be friendly
to us and all the Pakistanis I have met are strongly anti-Russian, especially
the “fanatics” who are all over the place.
I have met multitudes of Sufis (whose existence is denied in the U.S.) and I
have met multitudes of heterodox Muslims who want to do missionary work and
whatever their brand of Islam, they are our friends.
You can see why I am so anxious to work with “The World Congress of
Faiths’ which is totally non-political and which permits each faith to be
presented by its own speakers. The United States started this at the World
Columbia Exposition in Chicago in 1893, inviting all religions to send their
representative and explain them. End of paragraph. End of subject, or maybe the
beginning and the revival of a very American method—I hope so.
Sincerely, Samuel L. Lewis
My dear Florie:
It is morning, April 16 and, as, I have said, I hope to meet the
Pir-o-Murshid and other Sufis today. I continued in Burckhardt which gives some
idea of Sufi “philosophy” but not much of operative Sufism. The idea of
utilizing love as a means of communication remains an idea. Sufism has been
identified with Bhakti. In the Bhakti I have witnessed outside of Ramdas there
is an ecstatical relation with what one calls “God” in some form which is
nothing but transcendental infatuation. It brings ecstasy but not breadth of
outlook or being. Real love is a universal communication which runs in all
directions. In the spider-web each ring is connected not only with the center
but with each other. Thus the love and brotherhood go together.
The other form of teaching comes from effacement before the teacher. The
teacher is real and living. I have read a lot of books about spiritual teachers
and the books as such, are generally true, but the writers often have no
capacity for surrender. This is not abolition of self. In the prayers one puts
his head to the ground and raises it up. In discipleship there is something of
the same thing. In the mystical side of breath there is the same thing
but none of the professors who ever taught at the Academy know this. Some of
the Swamis know it and therefore I am still compelled to place Ramakrishna and
even the Vedanta Society way beyond the empty-intellectualism of the professor,
especially those who have their so-called knowledge from books and not from
lives of persons or even their own lives.
Last night, after finishing what I had written to you, two young men came
in. The father of one of them works for radio Pakistan and he is also a Sufi
disciple. The young men and his friend have been troubled at the seeming
dichotomy between traditional religious instruction and modern scientific
instruction. I had no trouble answering their dilemmas. Actually there is not
much difference between the scientific outlook and the spiritual outlook. As
the world stands the metaphysician has gotten in between the scientist and
mystic in the West add has sent up clouds of effluvia and fog. In Egypt it was
not so and here even less. The egocentric metaphysical outlook is not strong
excepting where the German and Greek cultures came in. These cultures are
better than the Jewish culture in being broad, but they lack devotion entirely
and their “god” is a mental abstraction, not the center of worship. On the
other hand, the Jews, while worshipping, have turned this into an
egocentricity. Being egocentric they symbolically “crucify” Jesus who is
the opposite spirit, that of surrender and universality. But the teaching of
Moses was one of surrender and universality which he tried, in vain, to impose
upon the Israelites.
Burckhardt is well aware of that and also of the verbal side of hidden
teaching and the hidden side of verbal teachings. That is why I shall send you
this book—and some others, after reading. I have not many books here to send,
so may do a little purchasing because there is no use sending a small package
and less use in me carrying dead weight. I think I’ll do this even if I do
duplicate purchasing in Lahore. If you ever get to Rawalpindi I must recommend
the London Book store.
I think I have a formula for the reconciliation of the different types of
imams and missionaries above sect. I have won same awkward debates on this
point, but most people are looking for solutions, rather than debates—how to
present a common front in foreign lands. Gradually I must name Louis G., even
officially, to show the harm he has done, perhaps more unconsciously than by
intention. The question still remains whether Islamic studies will come under
the Congress of faiths, under a Cultural Centre of under Imams. It will not
come under the formula adopted in San Francisco, and which has not borne
fruit. There will have to be surrender. It is inane to stick to the word
“Islam” and show no surrender and little lillah.
This is a prediction and not a warning. The world today needs religion
without emotionalism, rhetoric, veiled self-praise, veiled or open
ancestor-praise, real non-racialism, real non-class distinction, and in the
West, equal right between men and women in learning, if not teaching.
April 20
Dear Jack:
I started to pun: Spays, God from whom all blessings flow. It was a thumper.
Soon my roof was bombarded by hailstones and I am land-locked. There was a tiny
creek below this bungalow. There was. Not now. The kids are out taking their
baths. They just put on soap and shorts and out they go. But, that was before
the hail. I am starting this letter as part of my diary. I have not been
writing regularly, too much. I have been having doors open for me all over but
at Rawalpindi they opened faster. I did not see the President but I have been
in “The White House” and he approves of everything I am doing. His
secretary does not like some of the people to whom I have been exposed and who
stood in my way. It is incomprehensible to Asians why we import Europeans and
Canadians to teach their culture. They can’t understand why we don’t employ
our own Americans, and they cannot understand why, if we have so much money and
have not good Americans, we don’t employ them. I have been harping about this
and the Big Shots in every country I have visited have been harping about it
and now I am yelling louder. There is a new staff in Lahore but they are most
sympathetic. All my belly-aching is getting support.
I called on Prof. Connaught yesterday, he is from S.F. He is happy over the
Fulbright Foundation which offers jobs in Asia to Americans. They can’t get
jobs in the U.S. because Europeans have these jobs but Europeans cannot get on
the Fulbright scholarships. They have a lot of say. We have been bombarding the
President’s “Peace Corps.” They are going to take kids from college and
these kids are going out and teaching sewing and masonry and carpentry and
brick-laying to Africans. And the Russians will then take some Americans and
give them college degrees and send them home to teach sewing and masonry and
carpentry and brick-laying. How long will the Americans last?
Somehow or other I get by wherever I go, and I meet other Americans who are
very popular but not in the press at home. There have been famous Americans in
Asia—I don’t mean Chester Bowles and they did unusual things and became
popular but they did not do it the “American Way” which is nothing but the
Russian Way in reverse English. Dr. Gardner Murphy went around asking people
what they wanted and they told him and that made him popular but not “at
home.” I ask people questions and the easiest way to become popular here is
to drink tea and associate with them. So I drink tea and associate with
everybody.
I had to get a padlock because the Muslims are the most moral people in the
world and they even trust each other every Friday between 2 and 4 in the
afternoon, they are so superior! Next I have to get some rugs. I bought a
Pakistani Umbrella and nobody knew what a Pakistani Umbrella was until I showed
them—you stick the hook in the back of your neck when it is not raining and
walk free!
The next thing you must do here is to pretend to be religious. It is more
important to pretend than to be religious which is very fortunate. The result
is that most people are either ignorant or hypocrites and they don’t know it.
I met a bunch of boys who said they were atheists and challenged me. Instead of
getting angry I patted them all on the back, which was not what they expected.
Anything for a laugh.
Did I tell you what happened when somebody put a Pathan cap on my head and
said, “Now you are a Pathan.” “Pathan nothing. I am Puck of
Pukhtunistan.” That is the same thing but now it is out so I am Sam Lewis
between 6 A.M. and 12:30, Ahmed Murad between 12:30 and 5 and after that Puck.
I am waiting for my friend Abdul Sattar from S.F. Now the noise is more,
thunder and lightning in addition to hail. I think I shall have to send a
packet of my letters home for files. I also visited a silversmith and will try
to get a package off to Sausalito. I shall hold this open when there is
something to write about.
Dear Bill:
This is my diary entry for April 22. You will excuse the red ink for both
ribbons and paper are hard to get here. I am way behind both in my entries and
everything else but I have a very serious report to make, so serious I am
mentioning names. For I am near a powder keg, only today the Foreign Service
listens to us little Americans who have experiences. While President Kennedy is
dreaming in the skies of a “Peace Corps” there are a lot of Americans going
around doing things, much more mature personalities and admired in Asia. And my
position has been greatly strengthened at a time it did not particularly need
strengthening by California colleagues here, who have been stuck in the same
mire, for the same inane nonsense which has reacted in the destruction or
attacks on USIA libraries. We do not have two-way cultural exchange and instead
of meeting Asians face to face, we have self-appointed “Professors of
Oriental Philosophy” (like Northrup) or Europeans greatly admired in
California above all, but in general through the United States, not one
of whom is recognized in Asia.
International Art as a Conveyor of World Peace.
You know I was mixed up in the Roerich complexities and wrote a minority
report saying that art would have become a means to world peace and
understanding unless the artists themselves were the leaders. He accepted the
goodwill of every politician and international gangster and in the end lost
everything. His personal losses may or may not have been important, but he
started something which has continued: personnel as the nexus of world
peace through the arts, so it becomes individual persons, rather than
movements, which become the center of the stage.
There are two kinds of persons—those filled with self-esteem and those
recognized abroad. My friend, Emil Fairchild, got the same deal in California
as I did, went to India and was recognized all over. He has remained there. I
do not know whether I shall meet him or not, but psychologically the story is
the same.
You have in San Francisco the Baptistes and I am inclined to believe that
some of Walter’s claims will be laughed at, at home. This is the usual, but
they will not be laughed at in India. He was recognized by the Indian
authorities before I left S.F. and a lot of other people who have been paraded
around as “authorities” on India, were not recognized—indeed cannot be
recognized.
It has been very hard to make my California friends believe that I have been
behind the scenes, that I have associated with and talked with the biggest
people in Asia, usually as an equal and I know what the score is. I have
half a dozen projects, all approved in person by General Ayub Khan, in fact the
last of them was suggested by him in “The White House” while I was there.
As former Consul-General Abdul Sattar will be in Abbottabad shortly, I wish to
take up these things with him, but before that I may have accomplished at least
three of my missions here, inshallah. I shall stick to Art.
Ansar Nasri, Director of Radio Pakistan at Rawalpindi and soon to be the
Chief of Broadcasting in this country is a very close friend of mine. He
introduced me to Q.U. Shahab who is not only the top intellectual, but the
Secretary to President Ayub, a cultured Sherman Adams, so to speak, but in an
official position. Even before we were introduced he threw at me that same
firecracker which I had in UAR and especially from Prof. S.C. Chatterji,
Haridas’ mentor—“When are we going to get rid of Non-American, Non-Asian
professors of “Oriental Philosophy?” This has been done ad nauseum. But
inasmuch as it includes the whole subject of Pakistan Culture and these in turn
include a multitude of art and art forms, for the sake of my diary record I am
detailing them here.
1. The first culture here was that of Indus Valley. I do not wish to talk
about it here. I have been told by Mr. Sattar’s father-in-law that he wants
to take me on a tour and this would bring me so close to Harappa I should be
visiting the place and will report there.
2. There are two forms of Iranian culture at least and I do not know enough
about them. In Multan we had the grand “tile” architecture. If I find my
pictures I shall enclose them, but will have to get more anyhow. This shows
some of the detailed art work but it is a personal picture. Incidentally the
men with me there are saints and they listened to me speak on subjects from
which I was barred by all the “authorities” in the S.F. Bay region—no
more.
The other was merged into the landscape gardening and finally in the Moghul
culture of which more below.
3. The next was the Hebrew culture. There is no mystery about what happened
to the “Lost Tribes” of Israel but there is a mystery why we don’t do
field work on the subject. Fortunately I have the OK from Prof. Cross of
Harvard of “Dead Sea Scrolls” fame. Taxila, despite all the “experts”
who have never visited the place, is full of Persian, Greek and Hebrew (or
rather Aramaic) elements, far, far more than Buddhist, and even these Buddhist
things are not Indian.
4. Greek-Gandharv. The story here is that the Swatis are their descendents.
I have seen examples of both pure Greek and Gandharv things. It is my dream
that I can obtain a piece or two for San Francisco though in what capacity, I
do not know. As I have the OK from top officials this is possible. In any event
I am on close terms with the very top Buddhists elsewhere, none of whom are
“officially” recognized in our schools, outside of Harvard, etc.
5. Turk-Afghan. This was a “strong” manly architecture and I suppose it
developed in forts. Its highest achievement was the Ktub Minar in Delhi. It did
not necessarily fuse into the next step.
6. Moghul Art. This is the grandest thing in all Asia. The so-called
“American Academy of Asian studies” refused any paper on this subject.
There are elements in India who are denying the importance of this art. The Sri
Aurobindo School has a single book on the subject and Sri Aurobindo’s
writings are not only valueless but positively detrimental if one wants to
study Asian Art objectively and use the arts as means of bringing peoples
together.
There is not one art in all India and Pakistan which did not stem directly
or indirectly from Emperor Akbar and only one man who ever taught at the
Academy took note of the fact.
7. Indian Art comes out strongest in the Folk-Craft. The weakness of this
art was and still is, till the last few years, the caste system. No matter what
anybody says, it is contemporary art, not politicians, not philosophers,
not orators, which has rescued the craftsmen here from the caste shadow.
I had two such revolutionary experiences in Rawalpindi that I am all but
ill, for the opposite reason that persons usually get ill. Secretary Shahab
accepted every single one of my projects and then, with General Ayub’s
approval added one more. The most personal of these was my poetry and that was
demanded on the spot, in his home. I had to copy one section immediately for
translation into Urdu. It is being published piece-meal in East Pakistan but I
have discovered an extra copy which will be taken to Rawalpindi by me on my
next visit. I am accepted at the top level as a successor to Iqbal.
Fortunately for me, Admiral Evenson of the American Friends of the Middle East
“discovered me” through my poetry; I know it will live. I have tried to
evaluate myself objectively and have not been wrong, so far.
I have written to the School already about my experiences in Lahore, wither
I shall go shortly to lecture on “Islamic Art” in UAR. These things will
not be repeated.
At Rawalpindi—as elsewhere—I was introduced to a fellow Sufi who
operates a hotel at moderate prices. Right next to the hotel is the Folk Art
exhibit and I have looked over the things. I have written Martin Rosenblatt on
other things—chiefly about the Moghul Treasures which have been placed at my
doorstep, but I am almost in a quandary about what I saw. I cannot, at the
present time, put out more than a certain amount of my money for “gifts” or
“exhibitions,” and at the same time I can even less afford to let the
opportunities go.
My visits in India showed a lot of wares not on the market, but now my
friend Channon has some of them. I do not wish to send him anything from
Pakistan until I talk things over with Sattar, for political and other reasons.
The best things would be to cajole the Government into letting me have some
“samples.”
Skipping all other things, I saw the most unusual leather-ware, and
sculpture in Salt and Gypsum which “knocked my eye out.” The leather-ware
comes from the Multan District and as Abdul Sattar’s father-in-law has
invited me to that district later I may want to look into it is detail. The son
(Abdul Sattar’s brother-in-law, was partly instrumental for my quarters here,
the other host being Mr. Qureshi who has the Moghul treasures).
The Salt and Gypsum things amazed me so much I do not know what to say. The
reaction was exactly the same as my childhood one to alabaster and my later one
to Jade. As soon as my income tax is paid (I have until June 15), I shall have
a surplus of funds—unless the unforeseen happens—which I might use. Or if I
can make the arrangement that my friend, Robert Clifton made, that any moneys
due him be paid in art goods I shall do just that.
This situation has, however, been made a little complex. Mr. Qureshi here
wants to market some of the Moghul Wealth in S.F. He has a deal in Los Angeles
and I have suggested consigning the gems or part of them to the Bank of
America, just as some now are in the joint hands of the Bank of England and
National Bank of Pakistan in London. I have not had replies from S.F. and if I
do not, I may become a sort of commission agent and work with an importer. This
will take time but it would throw a lot of things into one basket.
The Salt and Gypsum things come from Peshawar which is the center of many
folk-arts which must be visited by me later, perhaps twice, at least.
Then not only my friend Qureshi, but the Khan Brothers of this town are
interested in mines. There are all kinds mines, real and potential here. The
most operative are Tale but I am looking for details. The most interesting, to
me, will be the use of ores in Ceramics and I understand there is a start of
this industry not far away. This also means that I hope to integrate many of
these elements together.
The outlooks which I have had are shared in common with my juniors. Just as
Teucer duce, I have caught the drift of modern art trends, so the whole
age seems to be coming closer to views I hold previously, to outlooks wherein I
was in the minority. Some of these things were psychological, no doubt. My
scientific training has made me become hard in the matter of fact-finding and
very careful to see that theories do not overlook facts. My bugbear, “The
European Professor of Oriental Philosophy” has reached its reductio ad
abaurdum when Koestler, with the blessing of Jung, abolished Dr. Radhakrishnan.
The Foreign Service knows this; the Schools did not when I left the U.S. Now
may be we shall be willing to look at Asia as it is. I think I wrote that; when
I visit India next I shall take numerical notes of the contribution of each
culture at the caves. Etc.
End of diary note.
April 25, 1961
My dear Barry:
Life goes along humdrum, which means that part of the time it is humming and
part of the time it is drumming and I am never silent—thank God, for I guess
I threw everything into this journey and I can’t say there have been no
results.
There are beautiful hills around here and I am getting constant
confirmations of their being treasures therein. I am acting part time as
secretary to one Mr. B.D. Qureshi of this city who claims to have some of the
Moghul wealth and I am making copy lists of his materials. He is trying to
market the things in England, New York and California. The list I have here
runs into six figures and there is a bare chance, if he does not dispose of
them in the other places I may run around California. Anyhow I know people in
L.A. and S.F. so I am not bothered.
Qureshi also knows about mineral deposits and that of China Clay
particularly interests me. I hope he will either take me or show me how to get
there. I understand there is at least one mountain of it of high grade.
I also go hill climbing with Arif Khan whose family have invested in mines,
etc. and are starting, I am told, both a soap factory and ceramic factory
therefrom. I shall learn everything I can.
Well Arif took me past the Forestry College. It used to be down on the flat
near where I live. The Administration has gone to Peshawar but this campus has
been moved high up and I guess they are just training the former students till
they complete the training. Anyhow as I wandered into the place I ran into Dr.
Abdul Hamid Khan, U. C. Berkley, 1948. It seems I am always running into
something like that. We hit it right off.
He gave me two pamphlets which I have mailed. I know. There does not seem to
be universal postal legislations; each town has a different system within
itself; the codes are all in English and you never know what weight system
(they’d also have a “wait” system) they have. On top of that the small
coins and stamps being transferred over to a duodecimal system (I think I’ll
enclose some of the old samples which may soon disappear) and that makes it
complex, for one system is based on a combination of 12ths and 16ths and the
other 10s and portions of 100. It costs far more to calculate than to waste the
coins.
The booklet on Acacias interested me very much, but it is evident through my
actual life I have had more experience with different kinds of Acacias then
they have. One never stops to think of such things.
Today I paid a real visit and met also the assistant botanist and the Chief
Ecologist. We were together about one hour and a half and it is agreed that I
am to copy the tree list from “California Desert Agriculture” and also look
through the bulletins on trees of the Southwest (needed for West Pakistan) and
Swamp areas (needed mostly for East Pakistan). There is no question that the
problem of water-logging is next after dry climates.
During the course of conversation they gave me my leads in Lahore where I
might unload my literature on these subjects and also find out what they want
next. Evidently Dr. Fireman did not come here but one of his assistants did. I
shall follow this up, no doubt, before the end of the month. I now have a load
of things for Lahore—lectures, conferences, what not, anyhow.
They knew a little about F. velutina here but not much. They are more
acquainted with Eucs, especially E. globulus but have never used it for
drainage purposes. I am again reminded about the Euc. Conference in Rome but I
never did get hold of any final report on it. I have seen many of them now in
many places and they behave and function rather differently in different
environments.
They don’t know about T. distichum here at all. Evidently I was fortunate
to have lived in the Carolina swamps. Sometime it might pay me to visit that
area and look it over in view of my accumulated knowledge of the past few
years, especially.
I guess I shall also add to my conference subjects with you that of visiting
the nursery in Saratoga or nearby which has the Calif. natives. By the time I
get home I think I shall have Horace and you to a Smorgasbord to satisfy your
appetites and give us a long session. Anyhow the food here is so different.
I also want to ask Dr. Hamid Khan about the training he received from Cal.
While this stands out in my mind I am also aware of the lawsuit in which my
close friends are involved which could lead me to some nursery work. I had a
fortune teller me I would land both, splitting the year. We shall see.
I occupy a room in a hostel near the college. I went to the graduation and
was asked to speak to the Junior Science Club. I thought I might tell a little
about the science training at City College. Of course this will be confined to
biological and chemical courses, but the systems used and the fact that they
also training for lab technicians should interest the boys.
Abdul Sattar, long time Consul-General at S.F. arrives soon. He is one of my
best friends. His brother-in-law goes to the college here and wants to take
further work in one of the colleges or universities at S.F. Fortunately both
Asia Foundation and the American Friends of the Middle East have offices at
Lahore.
It is very beautiful now, gets warm in the middle of the day but not in my
room and there is a pleasant balcony outside where I can also type or eat.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
Abbottabad,
April 25, 1961
World Affairs Council
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Friends:
At the moment World Affairs are very much my affairs. I am enclosing a copy
of letter to the Second Secretary of the Embassy at Karachi. When I visited
Lahore in 1956 the Consul-General confided in me and begged me to go on several
errands without mentioning his name or the source of my projects and
information. Every one of his proposals were turned down flat. It has
been awkward to have the strange mixed reactions to the same experiences by the
three classes of persons referred to in the letter, but this was almost too
much for me. You can understand then why I took so much umbrage at “The Ugly
America.” The guilty classes were blaming the innocent for the
“crimes.”
The new psychological policies of this administration have been wonderful.
All that is necessary to treat Americans as if voting, responsible citizens. It
is as simple as that. The newspaper man would have any precedence in his being
in the witness-box before a jury. Indeed the actual witnesses would be given
more credence. As it is that simple idea I am working for—not sending our
college graduates into fields, especially where their fellow-Americans have
preceded them. Some European governments require all returning citizens to tell
them of the land visited. On the whole this has not been our case and not only
our case but just the opposite.
My play-game about “Pukhtunistan” has brought me nothing but refreshing
and delightful experiences and reactions. People like to be considered as if
you were one of them and they one of you. It does not need much insight for
that. It is only the idle here who heeded the Russian space-experiments. Their
concerns are “bread and God.” I give them bread and that could be half the
battle, but often as not we take “God” from them.
Yesterday I learned of a work “The Two Qur’ans.” You see, my friends,
there are two religions everywhere. One is the religion of books and
apologists, the other is practice. Westermarck’s Ritual and Belief in
Morocco has never been duplicated. I find the world of Islam most
interesting, full of wonder, magnificence and superstition. We have the
Christianity of Bible, creeds and Eastern hats and the trouble is identifying
them with one another. Outside this identification I doubt whether one can
logically justify criticisms. Folk-ways are folk-ways or folk-mores; actually
no hypocrisy or ill-will is intended. But if we continue to regard as
“Islam” just the book or lectures given us, and often screened, we shall
understand nothing. The best school for Islam that I know of in the U.S. is the
Hartford Seminary for training visionaries. They have to know what they are
dealing with and they learn. But as a nation we are so afraid to discuss
religion, and that is where the Russians are taking every advantage and will
take every advantage of us.
The grand exception is Harvard and wherever Harvard professors have
gone—as in the Department of South Asia Studies in Berkeley—you find
objectivity and sound scientific approaches. That is all we need.
I do not get much news from America—only “Time” but I have no time to
study. I may apply for the reports from our Consulate in Lahore. I guess today
I am even stronger for our foreign service than for my own projects or
protests. There are plenty of alive personalities, and thank God, we have our
share of them in and from America.
Samuel L. Lewis
April 26, 1961
My dear Jack:
Last night I received a telegram which I consider an emblem of good-luck. It
is from one of my former pals who, because of our separate meanderings, have
lost touch with one another. I am going to Lahore again at the end of the week,
stopping at Rawalpindi, the capitol. It may be very hard for one at a distance
to understand what is happening in my life because I, who am in the midst of
continual adventures, do not always understand things myself. Part of it is no
doubt due to what the Hindus call “karma,” which is now “good.” But
from the Buddhist and Sufi point of view it is the harvesting of life and some
of this harvesting has been favorable.
The Buddhist explanation is better because while it also teaches that we
reap accordingly as we sow, it is not always through the same persons. I
started out early to be a sort of “foster-uncle.” When my first boy who was
the nephew of a young companion reached the age of 16 his father suddenly
appeared in S.F. and took him away. This has been my history, that the boys and
girls whom I have looked after were often suddenly “discovered” by their
parents; but those to whom I was especially attached sometimes died, and in a
few cases jealous relatives poisoned them again me. Now here I am called
“Mama” which means maternal uncle and my pal, Abdul Rahman from S.F.
is called “Chacha” (where did you hear that before?) which means
“paternal uncle.” You see you are not the only one who has a “cha-cha.”
It’s funny how the earnest things and the jest things always get mixed up.
I had been challenged for being stingy. I am not stingy (I hope) but with
money in six piles it requires some book-keeping and juggling. Anyhow I told
him I would give them a dinner and I made arrangements for them. Actually you
can treat a lot of people for $10, but it is very difficult to get cash here.
This society lived without coins and money in our sense for so long they do not
easily become accustomed to it—excepting the beggars of course, they were
always coin collectors. But my necessary trip to Lahore will enable me to get
some ready cash and to provide for more.
I could easily pull a Gavin’s “Uncle Charlie” on you now. For
certainly if I were to die there is no reason not to give you any money on hand
in the Bank of America at Market & 9th St. on my account. But I
have had my fortune told many times now, and I feel it, too, that I am going to
live quite long. Of course I might be fooled. I would rather leave it there and
ask you for material assistance—in return for cash of course, when I return
or just before I return.
My belonging to the Chisti Order of Sufis has been of great social and
material assistance to me although that was not in mind. The strange and
immediate acceptance of my poetry plus the OK given on all my projects at the
highest level has undoubtedly somewhat un-nerved me. If you struggle and
struggle and get a sudden release it is not always easy to adjust. Fortunately
I have received nothing but kindness and cooperation from the whole Foreign
Service excepting one spinster dame in Karachi whom, I know, is stuck on
Puritanism and ought not to be so serving in the foreign field.
Now my coming to Abbottabad is mixed up with a lot of San Francisco stuff.
My host, Abdul Rahman, lived there many years. Then I am just across from the
college where the English teacher, Prof. Connaught is from S.F. Then Hamid
Khan, who is a graduate of Berkeley and it was a regular love feast. I have to
go there again but my plans fit in perfectly with what they want. I do not wish
to make a lot of predictions and prophecies, but between my stop-overs at
Rawalpindi both before and after Lahore may bring up something. Then I shall
see Abdul Satter, former Consul-General of Pakistan at S.F. for some real
high-powered conferences. I am going after money, not for its own sake, but so
I can have assistance and I am hoping it will be of practical nature. I am not
forgetting you but I don’t wish to throw B.S. promises and fall down. My best
real friends have often been those of presumably “low” social degree,
likely as not colored, too. I don’t parade them and I don’t forget them.
I have been in several conferences with B. D. Qureshi here who has for
immediate consignment to U.S.A. jewelry market-priced at $500,000. This does
not include what he has in England, or what is in “them thar” hills. This
is a long and exciting story but I want more firsthand information. If I do not
get married my hope is to be able to get a car and a driver, but the
fortune-tellers are optimistic about my future. B. D. Qureshi has not brought
his friend, the psychic, here. He says the man is always right, and I am hoping
to meet him and see what insight he has or there can be. All the people I met
in 1956 said the same things—but they did not entirely come out that way. All
I have met since Fuad Leithi in Alexandria have said the same things, but the
time is not yet.
Saturday I go to my friend, “Judge” Ghulam Rabbani who is the most
important man in these parts. What we have discussed previously has not become
top level stuff with the Pakistani Government and I wish to carry this message
which will certainly reach President Ayub. Then at Lahore I shall meet some
very big people. Dr. Hamid Khan, above referred to, has given the names of the
people I must meet and that will close my introductory cycle here, for my
lectures will begin promptly. I may have to make such trips periodically.
Then the grape-vine brought us fine news. Abdul Sattar’s family is
arranging for me to make a trip around August and I may see Harappa and other
places of very ancient importance. Also Jamshyd Khan, the richest farmer in the
Peshawar region (Mardan) says he is waiting for me. He has provided my pal,
Abdul Rahman, with a car and a driver for me any time—we just have to pay for
the gas. This should mean sooner or later a trip to Swat Valley and elsewhere.
You see I am pretty well booked up.
I realize that the U.S. is losing face abroad. The old Frenchman,
Clemenceau, said that peace and war were two things which could not be
entrusted to diplomats and generals. The young kids here are not worrying over
food, clothing and economic theories—they want to learn to play baseball. The
teenagers want to learn to dance. I was even asked to play football (soccer)
last night but I excused myself because I have a sore toe—which is true. I
have umpired tennis matches. There things are equally important with a
knowledge of religion and history but generals and diplomats are totally unable
to understand these things.
I have purchased a lot of Erle S. Gardner and some Jack Webb which, after
reading, I am taking as gifts and don’t think they won’t be gobbled up.
They are worth a thousand books on how Congress conducts or misconducts itself
or whether the fleet is amply provided for or tourism in the Adirondacks. Every
nation in the world is (mis)educated that other people are or must be on high
levels. I could make a fortune here selling some of our cheaper phonograph
records—“cha-cha” again.
I don’t know how much stuff I shall enclose. Sooner or later I want to
send a lot of things for my files. Also when I get to Lahore I hope to see the
commercial agent on a lot of things and also find out how I can send some of my
surplus luggage back. I don’t think I shall need heavy clothing until I
return or else I should buy some in Hong Kong.
My problem is not bad luck, but piling up of good luck, good “karma,”
opportunities, etc. Also the minor problem of going into bank-less and
money-less societies which we can hardly appreciate.
My news is that lots of South-of-Market “slums” are being cleared up. I
don’t know where I shall live or want to live. I would like to still live
south of the lot and go back to college unless I get a job or offer and it is
too early to settle. Otherwise I should prefer Fairfax or Southern Cal.
How is your Arabic research coming? You don’t have to split this three
ways on Shah Jehan; you don’t have to split it all at all.
“Mama” SAM
April 27, 1961
My dear Leonora:
This is my diary entry. I supposed I would have written it to Evelyn but
when I left we were not good friends. The one thing Puck said he liked in
America was the Potlatch dinner and tonight he is giving a pot-latch
dinner—about 8 people and the costs is around $11-$12 for all of us. There is
an excellent menu. I shall probably send it to my friend, Leonard Austin. Some
of the men here thought I was a skinflint. This was partly true. But when your
money is divided into six parts you often have to do a lot of juggling to get
it where you want. There is no regular international bank here; just two local
banks which do a limited business. Now I have some extra funds in Lahore and I
have to go there.
Well young Arif Khan came in after lunch and he asked me if I wanted to go
mountain climbing. My hiking shoes were in the middle of the room and before I
could answer the shoes were on. We climbed a mountain on the west side and the
country above looked like the hills between Fairfax and Woodacre. We went as
far as a divide and came back. There was a lovely gorge which has fresh spring
water. It is not a “Steep Ravine” yet it was a steep ravine. Below that was
a lovely Presidio where the soldiers live—a park-like section with Pines,
Cypress and Eucalyptus, somewhat more hilly than the S.F. Presidio but without
fog. True the sun was out when we started but it became cloudy without being
oppressive and there was a slight wind.
I find generally that I can out-climb the young who are not too strong. I
did miss some of the athletic games and I think it is better for me to type and
get ready for my trips.
I have been most fortunate with my dervish connections. The hostel here is
run by one and so the hotel in Rawalpindi. Now I had a wire from my friend
Major Sadiq. We swore “eternal friendship” but lost sight of each other. In
fact my old address book was stolen. As soon as I located him he wired me and
he is living in Lahore which has been the most expensive place for me. At the
moment, this cooperation of friends makes it appear that I will be well in the
black. But I have a use for being well in the black for I have seen so many
things I should like to buy.
I have a whole lot of lectures and appointments lined for Lahore. Did I tell
you that the Chief Botanist here is from Berkeley and he told me what do at
Lahore with my horticultural literature. In fact I do not know at the moment
whether I shall go to Lyallpur or not.
Tomorrow I go to Mansehra to see my friend Ghulam Rabbani Khan, the big wig.
We shall have to confer on many things. Then I shall go to Rawalpindi. The taxi
costs only about $2.00 per person—shared by four or five. And it goes very
quickly. In fact I shall try to go to Lahore that way. The first class rail is
about $9 and the second class is $4.50. If I can get a fast station wagon for
these prices I shall prefer it to the train anyhow. I want to go to the
American Friends of the Middle East, Asia Foundation and many colleges and
universities there.
My friend, Ansar Nasri, is promoted and I may just see him at Rawalpindi
Saturday, but there is a new business in sight and I am very excited again. I
am always going through astonishing things—Sufis, Moghul jewels, Secretary
Shahab, universities, and now it is … you guessed it, F.D.
It seems fairly certain that the lost tribes of Israel came this way and
also the Greek armies. There is plenty of evidence for both but they have never
been properly studied. Most of the students here are Pathan speaking. While my
friend, Mr. Qureshi, was describing the Swatis to me, and showing me on the map
where the “purest” Greeks are, I began showing them sections of Greek
dances. All the college boys around applauded and said that these were very
much like the dances in their country. All agreed that there are descendants of
the Greeks there.
This is still more interesting and exciting for me because Jamshyd Khan has
sent for me. He is the richest farmer in the Mardan area and Mardan is just
south of Swat. He told my companion, Abdul Rahman, that he will provide us with
a driver and car any time provided we would pay for the gas. Does a fish swim?
So after I came back from Lahore I shall arrange with the local college about
my lectures and then go to Mardan with possible trips to Peshawar and Swat. I
have been urged to make my most important rip in June or July. It will be warm
then and even now the higher parts of Swat are cold. When one looks north one
sees the Himalayas in snow (My “Glossed Horizons.”) You see all of this
seems to make life very happy, or at least pleasant.
I am going to write Leonard later with the “Puck” news which, though
droll is so true we cannot recognize or realize it. I have been hoping to learn
about the Pathan dances. Here they are called “Kathak” which I think means
just “folk dance” for India is full of “Kathak” and their “sacred
dances” are called “Kathakali” from the same root but very different in
form.
I do not know what I shall bring back with me but I am now half
contemplating joining the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. I am now
stopping to write to others and still add as necessary for the diary.
May 1. I did not have time to continue and now I have other reasons for
“excitement.” I am in Rawalpindi and am preparing to see my friend Ansar
Nasri who is going to Karachi, big promotion; he is to be the No. 2 man in
radio and communications. I did not have a chance to speak to him the other
day, but then I did not expect to but rather just presented my poetry.
A whole hour was taken talking over folk-music and folk-dancing. It was very
pleasing from all sides. The current campaign seems to be to instill people
with patriotism. I am running a sort of compassionate campaign trying to
instill them with pride in their cultures past and current. This is much more
attractive because it implements the raw words “patriotism,” “loyalty,”
etc. with content. It fact it reached such a peak that it is very like I shall
have full cooperation in regard to securing folk-records and also
introductions. I cannot make any separate journeys just for such purposes but
on the other hand I have to go into many of the districts where the traditions
are strong and there is some likelihood of picking up dance-steps, etc. The
Hebrew and Greek traditions here excite me and the Indian elements leave me
cold. The popular Indian dance elements have no depth to them. By depth I mean,
to begin with, something psychological and physical—they cause the whole body
to rebound or thrill; then a psychic element is added which I cannot verbalize
but which everybody knows—it gives the impetus to dance and to continue.
I am not concerned with morals here. There is little hip swaying or buttocks
movement. I think this is on to an ancient “snake” tradition. I mean just
try a “rooster-chicken” dance, an elephant dance, a horse dance, a
bird-courtship dance, etc. and the body becomes different. But with the snake
the outside of the body seems to move, there is gliding and what not and the
Indian dancers not only seem to move their bodies externally but they move
their “space” that way and it extends into choreography. Take the Greek
dances, or even the slower Kolos and the whole body is involved and I think
when the whole body is involved there is something deeper not only physically,
physiologically and psychically, but even spiritually.
When I return today I might write to Madelynne for I may have a report on my
poetry. The encouragement has been so great I am working now on another epic.
This will have two parts, in contrast and the previews were accepted
immediately.
I am in ribbon trouble again, but I hope to correct this at Lahore. Even my
fountain pen does not work and it is only fortunate that I found a refill for
my other pens. Took out my teen-age friend Naji. I knew him as an infant in
S.F. and lived with his family before. We went to three shows in two days. I am
near all the better cinema houses. Because the radio is poly-lingual, one has
to have a transistor or many-wave set here because the language is always
changing. I was also interrupted at the Radio station because of applicants for
jobs—first requirements: four languages. So long.
May 1, 1961
My dear Madelynne,
This is written in Rawalpindi, the temporary capitol of Pakistan and is my
dairy entry. I am assuming, of course, you will be interested in its contents
and at the same time I am trying to relate events that might interest you. I
have just read a review on Gide, that all his novels were really his
autobiography transformed and that he was really writing about himself. This
has its dangers and its virtues. For when a man asserts himself, even if he
sticks to the facts, the reactions will be multifarious.
My last epic before I left U.S.A. was “The Rejected Avatar” and copies
were placed in the hands of Magana Baptiste for while an epic poem it is also a
dance drama. By recollection it had a good deal to do with rejected people. To
be a “Jude the Obscure” and still live on and defy is an objective. But
those who rejected me were almost entirely of two classes: (a) Americans who
have the prosecution complex and (b) Foreign professors of Asiatics. The first
group frustrated too many Americans and they revolted and got rid of them.
Group (b) is still in fashion in California and is anathema all over Asia. We
continue to elevate Europeans as our expositors of Asiatics and the Asians
continue to mob our libraries because there is no reciprocation. Into this I
need to go.
For on reaching Lahore I met another fellow from the University of
California, rejected all over the lot around S.F. bay and highly honored here.
His name is in the newspapers as an exponent of Islamic philosophy and related
subjects. In S.F. he was kicked off the air by a prominent non-American
“authority” on Asiatics who never has been to Asia and perhaps dared not
come; in the universities the foreign born or educated ganged up on him and I
found he was highly esteemed. I have since heard from other fellows from our
general area—same story there, same story here. This might have prepared us
for what followed.
Within a week I was in the home of C.M. Shahab, the “Sherman Adams” of
Pakistan and its top intellectual; and then in the “White House.” All my
projects were accepted and approved and two added—in direct contradiction to
a lot of what is going on in California. Even the grade Aldous Huxley will have
to treated as a psychological character—almost the hero of “The Razor’s
Edge” and not as an exponent of anything Asian.
I have read a here a book by a German, Titus Burckhardt, who proclaims that
all European exponents of Orientalia are wrong and he is right. And I think
here he would be universally supported. Anyhow I am being universally
supported.
My “Saladin” was gobbled at once. I had to make copies of a certain
section, then I found carbon of the whole and here I am informed that it is
being translated into Urdu to be published. Inasmuch as Mr. Ansar Nasri, of
Radio Pakistan, my host, is being transferred, we had no time to go into it.
But when the top intellectuals of a foreign nation immediately acclaim and
follow this up, it makes my “Rejected Avatar” and all sorts of rejection
stand out. This encouragement has provoked or inspired other poems. I have
written a short piece on Mohammed and this was gobbled up and no doubt will be
further when I return to Lahore, my next stop.
Then a newer epic, in two portions, has been started here dedicated to Mr.
Ansar Nasri who has been just promoted to Joint Commissioner of Radio and
Communications. Mr. Nasri (and Mr. Shahab) belong to a class of persons, the
existence of which is categorically denied on the campuses of Berkeley,
Stanford, Pacific, UCLA, and smaller fish—in California and they do not
relish this denial. Fortunately here the Cultural Attaché at Lahore and its
staff take other views, but then they did not graduate from Leiden or Oxford or
Heidelberg and are in Asia and are Americans.
My assertion that I was the successor of Mohammed Iqbal was scorned in the
U.S. excepting by Pakistanis and it took five minutes to prove it here. My
“Rejected Avatar” and “Saladin” though based on symphonic form,
skeletonize around the heroic iambic, but the new poem has synthesized the
traditional epic with the “poetry of darkness’—shadow caves, drinking,
tombs, etc. which dominate our literature, from Kenneth Rexroth to Tempest
Williams, and, of course, [?] from Jeffers.
My efforts are essentially of the “light” and I follow Iqbal and Dante,
and, of course, the Sufis whom they followed. Mr. Nasri leaves for Karachi, I
shall keep him informed and I feel very relieved today, that artificial
frustrations and a priori rejections need be no more. No one objects to
rejections, but this a priori stuff is going to react and react hard.
I mentioned above that I have been in “The White House” just as I have
been in the Royal Palace Grounds in Japan. I continue to go or get where
Americans do not go or get. Sometimes it is merely geographical and
continues to be merely geographical, but sometimes it is something else. These
tow streams will be united when Dr. Abdal Sattar, long time Consul general in
S.F., arrives in Abbottabad (which will be next month). Please excuse this
ribbon; they are hard to get here and not good.
There are strong elements which prove that many Pathans and Kashmiri are
descended from the Lost Tribes of Israel and the Swatis from the Greeks. I live
in Abbottabad in a hostel, the majority of whose members speak Pathan, the
language common to the Pushtuns and Swatis. I have been invited to Swat and am
excited. I have tried to learn Pathan dancing. I have had many promises but
most of the students are too busy preparing for examinations. Their common name
for Folk Dancing is “Kathak” which is also common to India and there are
common elements. But I was told Swati dances were different and Greek.
Well I showed some of the boys some elements of Greek dancing and the riot
began—they all proclaimed that the Swati dances are the same! This got me
excited and the more I performed the more excited they became.
My present program is to go to Lahore, presumably for two weeks, the return
to Abbottabad via Rawalpindi (where I am!). Then I must write to Jamshyd Khan,
very prosperous farmer at Mardan near Peshawar on the West side. He has
promised my companion, Mr. Abdul Rahman (also of S.F.) and myself a car and
driver provided we pay for the gas and other expenses and we can or may go to
Swati either in June or at some convenient date.
I have made a few inquiries into the language there and found a few Hebrew
and Greek words—I am not a linguist but this also was “exciting.” But it
is the dances I wish to learn.
I took my second inquiry at radio Pakistan about folk records and will go
into that later when there is no poetry to discuss. Before I leave
Pakistan—one month away, I think I can arrange a shipment of good folk
records. Off-hand I should like to send them to John Filipe but if he does not
apprehend what I am doing it might be wasting time. But I am also going to take
this matter up with the Cultural Attaché at Lahore.
I live next to the government’s Folk Art exhibit. They have only [?],
shoes and no costumes and I am told I can do best at Peshawar. But they have
some excellent pieces which I may send to Rudolph Schaeffer or somebody in
S.F.—salt sculpture, leather vases, etc. There is no time for dullness for
me. All of my projects have had approval and I shall be occupied with meeting
horticultural experts, lecturing on Islamic philosophy and doing and perhaps
accomplishing a lot of things categorically denied in S.F. excepting by other
locals who have themselves only too often been rejected. The acceptance of Walt
and Magana for instance, by Asians, is a psychological victory for honest,
two-way cultural exchange, so badly needed if we are going to have peace and
understanding.
I am also going to continue to howl for AMTA money for folk- and
square-dance teachers instead of expenses for balleters and soloists to
entertain our foreign colony. There is a tremendous cry for such things here
and a need even more than the cry. I am also crying: “Meet the Asians and
stop telling about ‘most the people.’” We have had too many campaigns,
too little action.
Well, the Russians are here so we are getting rid of the flies. A few more
Russians and maybe we shall do this, but I fear, not before and maybe too late.
Unless….
Cordially, Samuel L. Lewis
My dear Florie:
This is Thursday, May 4. It is now over 100° in Lahore and I have braved
the weather to come here. It is now not an easy matter for me to write here.
The laws of karma are no respectors of people but I have hardly ever met a
person who claimed to believe in and who lectured on karma who sincerely faced
the “karma” of which he was speaking. Of course there are many who believe
in karma but don’t lecture about it. And to me there is no question but that
we reap as we sow and that whatsoever we do unto others, the same shall be our
reward.
It is incomprehensible how any group of religious people—if they really
are religious, should arrogate unto itself the right of criticisms of the
consul–generals of several Islamic nations, the right to dispute with
President Nasser and the right to criticize the Prophet that they are going to
collect much money for a cinema house they want to label “Mosque.” You can
bet right now that no foreign government and certainly no financially sound
financial person or group abroad is going to subsidize a “Mosque” where the
prophet may be criticized and Nimaz considered as a side-activity.
Three times I have seen money go reprinted and then withdrawn because of
nonsense by so-called leaders of Mosquetizen, which is not and never has been
Islam. At this writing it appears very favorable that a large amount of money
will be appropriated for the student and performance of Nimaz and Salat and
Kalama, with additional study of Qur’an and Hadiths in tow. There are plenty
of people here who are anxious for such movements in America for Islamic
religion, Islamic philosophy and Islamic Culture and not for Islamic side-shows
and the psychoanalysis of the Prophet by those who have limited respect.
I am not now talking nonsense, Florie. We, who are anxious to establish the
systematization of prayers and studies in the United States, are now trying to
unite our efforts. I have not been successful this week in really contacting
Prof. Siddiqui and I have not tried to contact Prof. Barker. At the Center
Barker was not an important person; here he is. And as I shall explain the San
Francisco group is more keen on criticizing the Prophet—and not apologizing
for that—and for tea and delicacies than prayer and serious studies, you can
mark Pakistan off your list.
Now I know the leaders will not do that. There never had been so many
utterly godless people calling themselves “Muslims” as now. There are
people who have no interest in Qur’an or Hadith or Prayer, but are crying
over side-topics and not only crying but expecting others to subsidize their
crying. Let them cry.
I have already been in the palace of one of the richest Muslims and he is
very anxious to subsidize Islamic religions and Islamic culture in the U.S. And
I have met an endless chain of people who want to do something more. But you
can bet they are not going to contribute one rupee to a Kaffir organization
calling itself “Muslim” which criticized foreign Consuls-General and the
Prophet. You may tell Dr. Tamimi and his colleagues who do not know anything
about surrender and even less of surrender to Allah that they are not going to
get any financial help from Pakistan. But the chances are very great that the
Pakistanis will subsidize, and be generous about it, any Islamic movement for
serious studies and lectures. Not only that it would appear that your rejected
Sam Lewis and Abdurrahman Barker are going to have a great deal to say and do
about it and that there is a tremendous crest of interest in such an idea,
already long ago launched here.
I do not think there will be any objection to members of the Islamic Tea-
and Cinema Centre from joining the Islamic Study and Prayer Centre which may be
financed from this side. Not only is the money available but the personnel are
available. The question is just how much impetus will be given it from this
end.
There is no question about the formation of the movement. The next step is
just how far they will assimilate other missionary work. The ignorant Mullah
missionaries are out. It is getting to be more difficult for them to go abroad
on religious missions, especially to America, when although called
“Mullahs” they have no real knowledge of Islamic culture.
I shall probably be back in Abbottabad in two weeks to discuss with Abdul
Sattar the whole question of Pakistani culture, but it will be beyond his
determination to make decisions upon Islamic cultures as a whole. There are too
many big, serious and wealthy persons here concerned. Not only that, they wish
to be on most friendly terms with Americans. This is not an Al-Azhar
“anti-imperialistic” Islamic Centre. It follows Holy Qur’an in condemning
unbelievers first, last and foremost. These people do not adjust their
Qur’anic interpretations to the politics of the day.
Tomorrow I understand I shall be speaking in a large Mosque. I have already
addressed both “saints” and Sufis on Sufism. I am not the least concerned
with the reactions of European professors and pseudo-Muslim Americans. I
understand there will be several social functions for me, leading up or
connected with a grant campaign. All my lectures, ideas and schemes have been
approved. I next have to face interviews with Urdu papers.
Another thing we are going to take up is the superiority of Sufism over
Vedanta, Yoga, etc. This will be done in a friendly manner, and is more to
check pseudo-Muslims who on one hand acclaim the Prophet and on the next run
off to Yogis and spurn Sufism. Against the real Yogis and Vedantists there is
no hard feeling, and friendliness.
I don’t know what the finance committee will do or say if I come back with
large amounts of funds or commitments. “Allaho Akbar” but money is more
Akbar and that is something: Inasmuch as the S.F. Center never let me report I
have here an absolute veto over them and they can do or undo as they please.
Their preliminary meeting has already been held and persons are being lined up
to go to the U.S. There will be money behind them and they will have money. And
the way they are starting out they will have suitable American introductions to
go ahead. Besides under the auspices of the World Congress of Faiths I shall be
able to introduce them and others.
So far we certainly are not going to exclude any people who wish to pray or
wish to learn to pray; who wish to study Qur’an and Hadith on any basis, and
who wish to go into the Islamic presentation of Islamic culture. Florie, the
past is dead and the people who are stuck to the past and will not change,
their views are worse than dead. Those who believe in Mosques and oppose
inshallah are nothing but Kaffirs. They are going to be denounced and this
denunciation will ring round the world. This is their karma.
Someday, no doubt the moneys and the people who appropriate the moneys will
see that there are enough sincere devotees to warrant a Mosque—but not a tea-
and cinema show with the reins in the hands of the critics of Rassoul-lillah.
Finished.
I have had innumerable meetings with Americans, all very satisfactory and
there are more on schedule. The most cordial, of course, is with the American
Friends of the Middle East. I shall no doubt add to this before mailing.
Thursday Night: I was then to the tomb of Dada Hujwiri, a great Sufi
saint whose works I studied first long ago and then restudied many times. I was
met by a guard of honor and escorted all through the place as if I were a very
important dignitary, first a guest of a Sheikh and then of a Naqshibandi
Murshid who has 500,000 followers. Garlands upon garlands were thrown over my
head and a special turban given me for the evening. I spoke briefly before the
Sheikh and the Murshid has asked that I come again Sunday night. From the
American point of view this was fantastic and impossible; from the Asian point
of view we, the Americans, live in a land of dreams and fantasies. Someday,
inshallah, we shall look at Asia as it really is.
I wish to diverge for a moment on the question of objectivity I oriental
archeology. When I was in Ajunta both my companion (whose field it was) and I
agreed that all books are wrong, that the main early caves were excavated by
the Burmese. You know I disagree with all the "European experts" on the date of
the introduction of Buddhism into Burma and agree with the Burmese. Now the
India government, or some clever photographer, has put out a book on Ajunta and
not only is there no picture of Burmese art there but not even of Gandhara art.
I am on the edge of the Gandhara country and my determination now is to visit
both Ajunta and Ellora and make notes. I have a right to challenge
"authorities" when they step on the sensitivities of nations like the
Burmese.
My friend Rabbani Khan owns the land where the Asoka rock inscription are. I
did not visit them when I was in Mansehra but expect to see them many times
this trip. But the maps are wrong and my feeble efforts to have them corrected
have previously failed.
I have been more successful in the Taxila matter where Harvard U. is not
only honestly scientific and objective but is very much interested in Jewish
archeology. I have to pass through Taxila constantly so will take some time off
later on an send my detailed conclusion, but this time they will undoubtedly
have some confirmations and my friend Rabbani is very anxious to help in
this.
Rabbani is the Pooh Bah, as I have said, but he will leave Pakistan soon. We
are going to a conference in Rawalpindi before the end of the week. This is the
beginning of "my show." last week concluded the rehearsals. My going to
Mansehra and then far, far north of there was the preface and my intuitions
always turn out into dramas, at the present time mostly successful.
However I do not wish to come this way alone again. It is too much. Success
in my chosen objectives—agricultural information and cultural exchange, have
brought a panorama of other matters for few Americans visit these parts and I
am becoming a source of pilgrimages. The humorous and serious go together. I
said when I returned to Pakistan I would start a revolution. I was at once
challenged and then resolved, which I can do quickly. This has made me a hero
with the young who want me to teach them dancing. Not only that my insistence
that Islam would never succeed if their private brotherhood of man meant males
and not mankind. All the young men support me and I have become a hero at
college. But the professors go along. The difference between US and Pakistan
is, as I have put it, in the US the warfare has been between the professors and
the commentators and here it is between the professors and the mullahs. With
Kennedy coming into office I am most happy. I hate prejudices but everything in
existence has made me pro-Harvard and nearly everything has made me anti-Yale.
The selection of Galbraith and Reischauer as Ambassadors is, as Shaw would put
it: "Too true to be good."
I am now able to write at length to the Foreign Office. I shall continue to
work for objectivity—not my views, but factuality. You may remember my
diverse reactions between "ETC" and "Linguistics." But with all my assertions,
this very objectivity compels me to be negative and receptive on advice. I
think I can today read with much more interest the book on how to learn a
language.
Bus riding with people enables me to observe types. There was a distinct
Mongolian type on the bus, but I know there are two or three Mongolian
faces—one being round and the other triangular. The round type seems to
dominate in Tibet and Burma. The other has a sparse beard and very pointed
chin. I am not sure of the ethnology and have no time for it, but one can see
these things. Philology and Linguistics seem so much nearer at hand.
There are also serious political repercussions. The Afghans have been trying
to stir up the Pathans to demand equal linguistic rights with Urdu. At the same
time the new regime is trying to force Persian as a national language in
Afghanistan. So instead of the Pathans fighting against Pakistan, many of them
are coming over and acceding. No doubt Russian is behind these efforts and we
will just sit by and sign more treaties and lose more countries. The communists
are succeeding far more in India through the language complexities than from
economic factors; and, of course, again, our "anti-communist" dialecticians
fall right into it. We do not, have not, examined this subject of languages.
I am writing all this in detail because I feel with the more you know about
it the more you may come up with some answer. I certainly have no answer at the
moment. But I have written Senator Engle and I am following it up concerning
the possibility of federal backing in the "Peace Corps." At least I have done
things and do things. I wrote to my friend Bob Tice who may get my reports
published in Greenwich Village. I am overwhelmed now but there may be enough
here to warrant this basically serious letter—the humor often being more
serious than the prose.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
Lahore, Pakistan,
May 7, 1961
My dear Fred and Corinne:
I have long foreseen intuitively that this period would be the most dramatic
or the most important in my life. If I had not foreseen it I should not have
been able to adjust to it.
I am at the moment living in the home of Major Muhammad Sadiq, a brother
Sufi with the same spiritual teacher. We are in the strange position of seeing
in each other a person who had advanced much in the last five years. I shall
tell you more of “me” later, but I wish to introduce you to him because
there is some likelihood of our being involved in one or more joint
enterprises. On the surface, and perhaps the financial backing may come from
those interested in Islamic culture, Pakistani culture or Sufism—which has
never really been presented to the American people. Locally this may mean an
alliance with or a war against Von Grünebaum at UCLA, for although that man is
admired in many parts his statements that there are no important Sufis and that
Sufis do not take part in politics is so ridiculous that one appearing, like
President Soekarno, simply has to travel in a front-dramatic role, appealing to
the side of American nature that likes that sort of appeal. So far every
diplomat of Indonesia I have met is a Sufi, no exceptions, but that does not
effect or affect what goes on in the schools and lecture halls in the U.S.
Major Sadiq has been blessed with a healing gift which is both spiritual and
occult. He prefers to hold to the former but will apply the latter when
necessary. He has the gift of healing by touch and of magnetizing water and
food with super-physical vibrations which seem to have remarkably excellent
effects on the health. He has even “cured” people who have been to Lourdes.
His “legend” has spread far and wide and every day we have a strange sight
here—long lines of people, usually peasants, to meet him; and scholars to
meet me.
The general basis of his faculty, which we both hold is a grace and not a
possession, coincides with the “theories” of Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan and
some of the details of the applications are the same. Yet because my studies
with Pir-o-Murshid have been fairly thorough, I have been able to make a few
suggestions.
If we begin with the theory of Jesus Christ that the body is the temple of
the holy spirit and continues on to include some of the teachings of a Pir who
recently died here, we can apply to a complete method of “cure” and
sanctification which is entirely in line with the original idea of “savior”
which has little to do with divinity or theology, but meant, in a sense, a
metaphysical or superphysical healer.
At this point please include all your interests also in psychic phenomena.
There is no question that there is a clairtactic power and it seems also to
both of us that the higher psychism, as against mediumship, is clearly related
to the opening of centres, particularly those which we identify more or less
with the Pineal and Pituitary glands. We are going today to Zikr meetings of
the Naqshibandi school of Sufis which set great store on the opening and
development of these and other centres and I do not know whether much of this
will be enhanced in the next 24 hours or not, but I do wish to get some notes
off.
Here we have had parallel and complementary developments which helps explain
the common theory.
By entering into meditation Major can function clairvoyantly, locating the
focus of infection and also, through chromatic clairvoyance, occultly determine
the nature of disease. He has, in a few cases, corrected the wrong diagnosis
which prevented physicians from effecting cures. After this correction the
physicians have succeeded.
Here he does not take money for healing, though people have spent
considerable sums to visit him. In the U.S. this might be on a different basis.
But I must say that if we do come to the U.S. or if we wish to establish
ourselves in your section, the funds will come from this end. I have already
met some of the most important and also some of the wealthiest men in Pakistan,
some through the Major and some through our spiritual brother, Ansar Nasri who
has since been appointed to be Joint Director of Radio Pakistan, a close friend
of Secretary Shahab, the real Mr. Big behind the scenes. Shahab is also a Sufi
and Ayub, if not exactly one, a sort of disciple. Major told Ayub beforehand of
what he was going to do and his predictions proved to be correct.
I am in such a “summit series” of events I cannot be sure of my
correspondence. I have sent letters or copies to Luise, mostly by sea-mail and
I ask you to share it with her and also let Hugo know. But I also add here, in
addition to so many obligations on your side, no time either. There is no hurry
here and long before I reach the U.S. I should be seeing Pir-o-Murshid Maulana
Abdul Ghafoor, our spiritual director at Dacca and now becoming quite famous
too. So any kind of verbal answer to this would be quite unnecessary.
I have an immediate impression which I do not wish to impose either. That is
if the Schloss matter comes out clearly, it would be wonderful if we could be
established there. In any event it is at this point my intention to ask the
Major, when there is a clear way to the U.S. to get art objects, etc. for your
friends or rather the Society. I have seen all kinds of things. I have to be
sending some to the U.S. soon but I have some qualms of quondam associates or
even life-long friends in the S.F. Bay region—certain exceptions—realizing
what is happening, that this is the time of harvest and it is a real harvest,
praise to God.
I have already addressed thousands here in Lahore and next week I am to
speak on “Islamic Art in Cairo,” duplicates of which slides may be in your
hands now. I am also preparing not only for colleges and universities, but
meetings with Sufis and have just been informed of a trip to a place called
Mardan where lives one of the wealthiest farmers in Pakistan, who is a good
friend of mine and has been long awaiting me.
Also all my contacts have been one long series of successes. Yesterday I
turned over my materials to the institution handling the problem of saline
soils and learned that Prof. Fireman is coming here this winter, not last, and
that there is a steady stream of cooperation between the University of
California and the Pakistani officials. I still have to visit other leaders in
Agriculture, etc. All preliminary conferences have been most cordial and
between my assuredly selfless efforts and being a Sufi, this is, in a sense,
the time of my life. But I have to be very careful, not of pride or dismay or
excitement but of holding the reigns in each new series of experiences.
I have made here several contacts with psychics and generally these people
are involved with astrology, too. My present idea is to soften the astrological
side. We cannot be involved in too many things. I do not know how clear this
all is and no doubt I shall write more later. Lahore has now on each visit
given me the most blessings of any place in the world.
Love,
SAM
Sufi Ahmed Murad
Lahore, Pakistan
May 8, 1961
Department of South Asian Studies
University of California
Berkeley, Calif.
Dear Friends:
You will please excuse the use of this type of paper and the need of writing
on both sides. There is something in Urdu psychology that they have no original
term but use either the Arabic wakt or British time and while I
am at the moment the recipient of unusual honors, it is almost impossible for
me to be given any opportunity to attend to personal needs such as the purchase
of badly needed clothes, drugs, stationary and postage.
I am finding myself in a position, which becomes stranger every day and yet
has been a norm in every Asian country I have visited. My immediate
reason for writing at this point is a most important invitation to Malay and an
introduction to another high governmental official, Dr. Fazal Rahim Khan, a
Director of Agriculture and a fellow-alumnus.
This sort of thing is going on almost without cessation. There is a terrible
blockage in communication which makes it most difficult for those who succeed
in crossing the boundary into Asian hearts to communicate with those who do
not. My reading of Fielding Hall’s The Souls of a People many years
back continued on to such books as In The Minds of Men by Dr. Gardner
Murphy with perhaps a little of Ruth Benedict thrown in, shows that there is a
simple method of connecting “exotic” peoples and even becoming one of them,
but like Geoffrey Gorer too, one finds oneself an outcaste in trying to explain
this. And although as a nation we are hypothetically fighting against Marxism
we are so adamant against Spengler that we cannot see that neo-Spenglerism is
entirely in account with modern non-Euclidean mathematics and some American
philosophies that have been derived therefrom. We cannot eat our cake and have
it and we can easily get rid of the political Communist invasion if we took the
trouble to examine and appreciate the folk mores of Asians as we appreciate the
assaying of mores. The precious values may be in unusual norms.
I came to Japan in 1956 with a single introduction which proved to be
invaluable later on. On the third day I called on the chief Zen Masters and was
invited immediately into their presence, an event which won for me the undying
hatred of the “authorities” on Zen and related subjects in the U.S. who
have no more knowledge of it than I have of Japanese. In a few weeks I was the
first outsider ever to be invited to the Royal Cemetery and to see the stupa
over the ashes of the Buddha. And, before I left I had the extreme honor of
being a special visitor to the Palace Grounds—the first time in history for a
commoner—and to be given a farewell tea by top industrialists.
At that time this looked so much like a show being put on for my benefit
that I did not get the impact. The continuation of this high level program in
Thailand may have been due to my sort of brother-sister relationship with
Princess Poon Diskul there. But after two days in Burma I was invited to meet
the Hon. U Nu and did not think myself ready for such an event nor did I wish
to become entangled in politics. Yet the fact remains that in each nation I
have visited I have been received socially as if a high dignitary—which I am
not, at least in the ordinary sense, though I have so been received because of
knowledge of the history, culture and religion of one Asian nation after
another.
For purposes of communication here I will try to restrict myself to the two
above invitations. The first came from my own desires to promote an
international horticultural exchange program through information being passed
freely through existing channels. I talked this over with several persons in
Giannini Hall (Prof. Reyerson & Co.) The whole thing has been way over m
head, totally successful but built on the simple premise that most peoples of
Asia (and maybe elsewhere) are or wished to be associated with the land and
growing of something.
So far as the University of California is concerned this is a long,
complicated and marvelous program. I did dispute with the Alumni Association
against the overemphasis on the discoveries of nuclear physics and related
semi-destructive sciences and mentioned them, as I must repeat now, that the
work of the Riverside research laboratories is of inestimable value. I shall no
doubt miss Prof. Fireman as I have missed members of his staff but U. C. is,
thank God and praise Allah, doing in far-away places what I have either wished
or known, without receiving full accredit on the campus or off. I shall not go
into this further but will add either a postscript or write separately to the
Alumni Association after some forthcoming interviews.
But I did take up with the Foreign Service in Lahore and I am certainly
going to take it up both with the Alumni Association and the top authorities,
the need of a California-in-Asia organization like the Princeton-in-Asia
organization; and I hope to go further. For I think such groups would
accomplish far more than the Presidents admirable but emotional “Peace
Corps.” You have very successful graduates all over the world and they are
friends to the United States. But under some of our strange protocol-diplomacy,
only now being renovated, the Marco Polos of this world are snubbed and the
press has not learned this at all.
The invitation to Malaya comes from a very real Marco Polo who has all the
credentials Prof. Burdick prates about and on top of that has been there. This
is a long, complicated and sorrowful story of our failure to have an
intelligent Intelligence which would listen to stories of Americans. Today at
least the stories are heard and after a few more set-backs in maybe Cambodia
and Burma we shall no doubt awaken to the simple facts that some Asian lands
have some traditional cultures and that some Asians, conceivably, are as human
as those hated, villainous Russians and Chinese.
This particular invitation comes from my knowledge of Sufism. I am not going
into too much of an explanation of it here, but warn you that any effort to get
knowledge of it out of the “Encyclopedia of Islam” is about as valuable as
trying to understand the geography of the day from a worn-out Cram’s Atlas.
We simply as a nation and as a body of intellectual institutions know
practically nothing of this subject.
Yesterday I spent a considerable amount of time and money at the celebrated
publishers, Ashraf & Co. One book I did not get for I have it already is
Titus Burckhardt’s An Introduction to Sufi Doctrine. He says in it
that not another European writer on the subject has the least inkling of its
content or import. And this apparently strange ego-ic statement is entirely
correct and all of Pakistan accepts it. We do not study Physics or Biology or
Medicine by reading books of fine litterateurs and staying away from
laboratories, but we certainly do with regard to Sufism, and to some extent the
deeper or “esoteric” sides of Asian faiths.
Our strange predilection for European professors in Oriental philosophy has
gotten us as a nation in very tight spots in most of Asia. Were I to name the
sources of my information before a “secret” meeting of a Foreign Affairs
Committee, they would blow their fuses. It has become almost monotonous and
wearing to hear an endless stream of protestants on this subject from one end
of Asia to another but “we” are so afraid of offending conceptual Asians
that we insult physical ones. The selection of Profs. Reischauer and Galbraith
ends an era of tremendous obscurity and darkness that we may not for a long
time realize the impact of those appointments.
A number of years ago American Orientalists and some others held a
conference and a book was written—1939 or before. At that time Prof. Wild of
Harvard gave what socially would be considered a most offensive and inexcusable
address, for he held some of his colleagues to absolute contempt. But the fact
is here again. Wild was right, the majority was wrong and Harvard has gone out
and studied Orientalia on the same objective, impersonal basis that we have
used in most sciences that has given us our position of world leadership. But
when personalisms dominate facts and data-gatherings, we end nowhere.
Despite all the statements of Grünebaum, Landau and your brethren of the
Near East Department, the Sufis are in high places all over. I was given a
special tea by the Indonesians in S.F. after “Prof. Von Flotz” said openly
there were no Sufis and none in politics and they told me there were Sufis. The
Indonesian consults to staff in New York told me the same; so the Embassy in
Washington, so the Embassy in Cairo. I had a talk with the cultural attaché in
Washington which was on a level second only to those which I had with Dr.
Radhakrishnan and Swami Maharaj Ranganathananda in New Delhi, and perhaps more
important because the tenor, contents and details were in direct contradiction
to what is still being taught in some places. I have had four invitations to
Indonesia because I am a Sufi.
I met the Sufis in UAR through a top scientist who was “converted” by
his wife, who is a top scientist. This is “impossible” but true. I even met
one top scientist Sufi who was a graduate from U. C.! I met them immediately in
Pakistan and finally was introduced to Secretary Q.U. Shahab, the “Sherman
Adams” and “Robert Frost” of Pakistan in one. From that day on, I have
met Sufis all over the place and every day more and more come to meet me, an
unusual American, a Sufi, who can teach Sufism to Sufis, but who was not
even permitted to submit a paper on this subject in various places in
California—nolle tocceri doctores Teutonicos.
I am now offering talks on “Oriental Philosophy and Modern Science” and
socially meet a tremendous number of scientists, as I did in UAR. All my
undertakings have been approved of by President Ayub that Fakir of first
rank, perhaps. And despite Brother Grünebaum—and all the press of the U.S.
the actual A. No. 1 Fakir is His Excellency Abdul Kadiri Gilani, Ambassador of
Iraq to Pakistan. There never was and never an be a Hindu fakir. Even
the Encyclopedia of Islam affirms that.
But the remarkable thing is that all Sufis and all dervishes are solidly
against Russia and would like to help. Even in UA R I found currents and
under-currents the nature of which belongs in reports to Intelligence and which
would surprise us.
But the press of the U.S., even in a “cold war” is as determined to keep
up the misconception of “fanatic” as they do the misconception of
“fakir” and hundreds of millions of people are compelled into a neutralism
into which they do not fit, but our constantly offending them and stepping on
their sensitivities leaves no other room or course.
In such a situation a Sufi can do nothing but put on an act—and this is
part of this discipline. As we do not take Indonesians as seriously, President
Soekarno pays us back in Hollywoodian pseudo-psychologies. There is no question
that Indonesia is largely under the control of men who are, or pretend to be
Sufis. And equally the number of Sufi disciples in this country is enormous.
I have been given a grand ovation in one Mosque and spoken now to many
assemblies of Sufis here. There is no doubt that this will be continued. I am
next invited to Malaya to come as an American Sufi and the whole background and
conditions are so against our newspaper traditions and psychologies that they
cannot and would not believe this invitation comes through the Chief
Buddhist!
In Cairo I attended the reception of Ambassador M. Aziz Hussain whom some of
you may have met in San Francisco years back. I was introduced as an American
Dervish. The whole Indonesian delegation immediately surrounded me and I did
the unpardonable thing—won their friendship right in front of the Czech and
Russian. This was unpardonable and entirely against protocol as I was the only
non-diplomat at the affair.
The Americans! They were too busy with cocktails and chit-chat with NATO
allies to bother with Asians.
I do not know what these affairs are for, nor our ANTA tactics of
entertaining our citizens abroad and think we are accomplishing something. Our
farm exchange program is exactly of the opposite nature and I am beseeched with
requests to increase it. Most of the people from here west are Muslims and
agriculturists in some regard. Nearly all the wealthy people I have met own or
wish to own land and develop it. I have even met top financiers. I shall report
later thereon.
Too late, it is true, the foreign service heeded my warning about mobs
threatening USIA libraries. I also wrote, “Time” that the “fanatics”
object to some of their articles. No attention, of course, but now Luce
publications are barred from Indonesia. This is not yet at an end. But the
Administration has started something and I hope universities will follow the
Harvard M.I.T. program of getting out of “realism” and into
reality.
People have, of course, every right to reject Sufism, but in a world of
international relations we should at least know something of its operations and
its personnel. I have failed, and perhaps it is my own fault, to reach the Near
East Department (which relies on European humbugs too). I have a list of
untouched subjects for research ranging from Aramaic archaeology to the music
of the dervishes, and from the natural resources of Pakistan to the continuance
of the caste-system in South Asia. Sometimes I long to return to the campus,
but today every door is opening here in every direction because the people want
to love Americans and to be loved, to know about us and to have us know about
them. And, thank God, Kingsley Davis and Richard Park are known here.
Sincerely,
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad ex-‘18
Lahore, Pakistan
May 9, 1961
My dear Wesley:
I have just heard from Leonora that you are in the hospital as a cancer
patient and I am writing to you because this is strangely in line with some
“coincidences” going on here. I have written Leonora a long letter, sent
sea-mail, and yet it will have little duplication with this.
All my affairs at the moment seem prospering especially on the higher levels
in ways which may be appreciated but not understood in the United States. There
is little hope for the world for it is divided, not into have- and have-nots,
but into potters and clays. Certain nations insist they are potters and at the
moment the potters are having “cold wars” and they cannot see that humanity
is not divided into potters and clays.
The first thing we have to do if we are going to have peace is to stop this
nonsense but we can’t. Clemenceau was a very wise man who said that war and
peace were too serious to entrust to generals and diplomats but if there are
two things we are unable to entrust to anybody but generals and diplomats it is
war and peace. We do not need a peace-movement so much as a Clemenceau movement
to entrust peace to others than diplomats and generals. But the international
protocol protective association of generals and diplomats want to be left alone
to carry on their cold war and consume the wealth of earth in so doing. It is
not Russia that is to blame, it is not America that is to blame, it is protocol
that is to blame and Russians and Americans worship the common god,
protocol.
For instance the Russians sent out a ballet troupe to Kohistan and 2,000
people watch it. The Russians seem to think they have won a diplomatic point.
The fact that the 2,00 people were mostly nationals of the NATO nations who
happen to be in Kohistan is unheeded. The NATO peoples spend millions to arm
themselves against the Russians and large sums also to be entertained by the
Russians and to entertain the Russians. Then we sent Satchmo Von Piffle there
and he plays to 2,500 Kohistanese and we think we have outscored the Russians
and the NATO people and Greeks and Armenians rush to hear Satchmo von Piffle.
The Kohistanese go right about their work with maybe a small headline
criticizing the Russian Ballet, but we are so enthusiastic about the Russian
ballet we overlook the Kohistani criticism. Besides the Kohistanis are fanatics
and backyard people, what can we expect of them? After a few weeks they will
mob our libraries and we shall be shocked and wonder and blame the communists,
of course.
There can be no peace without friendship. Otherwise it is just status quo or
armistice. Getting rid of arms without getting rid of hatreds is wasteful and
useless. We talk about “education” but half the time we mean propaganda
rather than information. We do not know what is going on in the hearts and
minds of exotic peoples.
I am in Pakistan, in the Punjab which has been the site of innumerable
cultures and wars. We do not know about these cultures or wars and we know even
less about the hearts of peoples. Wesley, there are sciences of the heart as
well as the mind and body. We live in a body which we do not study. Every time
the heart beats it sends a flood of fluid through the organization. This flood
of fluid feeds the cells and takes way the wastes. If we do not feed the blood
rightly it cannot feed the cells, and if we do not feed the nerves rightly it
cannot take away the wastes.
Medical science or the medical sciences are not exact. The laws of
cause-and-effect do not hold as they do in branches of true sciences. There are
too many factors at loose ends.
I am living in the home of Major Muhammad Sadiq. We have studied sciences of
which the last is not aware. We have both had the some teacher. A marvelous man
whose fame is just spreading now. His name is Maulana Abdul Ghafoor. From him I
have learned to treat the world as a whole single body and to learn to
appreciate the hearts and minds of other peoples; so I do not travel as a
stranger. In San Francisco I sat in audiences or I was shut out of audiences.
If I had any ideas, I was seldom permitted to express them. In the Orient, it
was totally different. I was admitted into the company immediately of the top
sages and later on of the top industrialists. Here it is no different, nor has
it been different in Asia.
The Major has the gift of healing. There is a constant procession of people.
Many of his patients have gone to Lourdes and he has even affected cures of
some who have been there. He does this by the touch, by manipulation, by
magnetizing water and by magnetizing bodies. These things are not as ample as
they seen. He has two faculties which are not recognized in the West. They are
called “Spiritual” and no doubt they are spiritual, but this does not make
them non–material. The means are not to mental. He has a sense of feeling and
a sort of sight or insight which enables him to locate and heal; and another
faculty which enables him to diagnose when that is necessary. Usually he does
not diagnose but when he is not successful he checks on the diagnoses of
physicians
There are four schools of medicine here: Allopathic, Homeopathic, Greek and
Indian. The last two are traditional from ancient times. The last three all use
herb medicines, the Homeopathies being systematic; the Greek being based on the
“humors,” the Indian or ayurvedic, I do not know at all. Between them they
seem to affect a lot of cures.
I was thrown immediately into a cancer problem. The Major works with medical
doctors and there was a case where he and the doctor had “lost face.” The
patient was a brother of the doctor and this was not an ordinary doctor but the
head of a big hospital. So the loss of face was very serious. Besides the Major
seldom loses cases. He took me to the patient. I said that the man was holding
a secret, either a loss or worry or there was somebody or something he hated or
feared, or there was an event in his earlier life where in he felt he had
submitted a sin—a sin and not a wrong. But a “sin” is a mark on one’s
conscience for having done something against a code and is a mental more than
an ethical tort. But whether mental or ethical it established a focus of
infection and that focus could not he destroyed unless the patient stopped
blaming himself. As the semanticists say, “God may forgive your sin but your
subconscious own mind will not.” The patient denied this entirely and said he
had clear so science.
His case did not improve. The major went again, the patient was adamant, but
his pain became terrible. Then the Major demands a show-down and the patient
broke down and as soon as he broke down the Major’s methods were effective
and in the last days there has been a great improvement.
This is affected in part through magnetized water and when I referred your
case to him he said he will take measures to send you his own magnetized water.
I don’t know much about it and between times I have been exceedingly busy.
The major also has a brother who goes to a doctor for medicine. The first
doctor was Allopathic, the brother goes to a Homeopath and I saw all the
vegetable tinctures. I asked him about cancer and he said cancer is not a
problem in Pakistan at all; they know how to cure it and he wants me to see
him… All this happened before I received Leonora’s letter saying you
were ill, in the hospital. I think it is remarkably coincidental and we shall
see what can be done.
Both the Major and I are somewhat of legendary characters already. This
being Lahore, I am more of a legendary figure than the major is, but of course
in California it would be the other way around. Anyhow, we are planning a joint
venture in California to bring in real Oriental philosophy and mysticism and I
am trying to affect an arrangement with friends so that this can be done. It is
not a matter of money but of channeling. There is no desire, in fact it would
be a great danger to establish a cult, and we have plenty of cults, but we
don't know the "wisdom of the East" on any level.
My letter can hardly be coherent. I am not the "Sam Lewis" of San Francisco.
I am a number of characters with a number of rolls to fulfill. I have
anticipated the Peace Corps and differ from the Peace Corps in that I am both a
fact and a factor. We are not going to win any friends by the Peace Corps. The
supposition that we are potters and the other [people clay is exceedingly
anti-democratic and immoral. The Russians hold to it. The Russians and
Americans are untied in what I call the Potter-Clay theory of trousers,
tractors, irreligion and materials, and it will fall and fall.
Asians have cultures and prides. Imperialism and feudalism have de-humanized
them but not deprived them of hearts and minds. These people are great on
conferences. They can out-think everybody, even themselves. In fact they like
to think and out-think, what they lack is doing. They plan and plot but they do
not execute.
I've been meeting all kinds of people, and endless procession. Last night I
was to dinner to an industrialist who is striving to expand the cement industry
here. We had a very good number of talks. Generally the people present looked
to me—on all subjects. It is very nice but so totally different from
California it is hard to adjust to. I am treated with tremendous respect. When
one goes into a room and not only ordinary people, but high government
officials, army officers, bankers, industrialists and especially college
professors stand when I come in, do not sit down until I sit down and listen
attentively to everything I say it is hard to picture we are in the same
universe.
Last night after we had discussed many subjects such as industrialization,
development of natural resources, religion, philosophy, mysticism, etc., the
host, Habibullah Khan Tiwana told me he had a complete system of socializing
the whole society and has something in his mind like Social Credit. We are apt
to confuse the term "socializing" with governmental ownership and not with the
word "social." This was an anti-climax after a lot of climaxes.
My immediate problem is that I have not a future, I have a whole string of
futures. I have been sent for to visit Malaya on a grand scale. My old
associates would hardly appreciate that. My enemies—those who would never let
me present my case—will be dumbfounded and a lot of them are going to be
cleared out. I am not fooling, Wesley. We want world peace and understanding
and employ humbugs. As Clemenceau said: "Peace and war are two things too
serious to entrust to diplomats and generals." But we do entrust peace to
diplomats and generals. And we entrust Oriental matters to a lot of
self-elected persons, usually Europeans, who are anathema all over Asia. I was
delighted and dumbfounded when the "Sherman Adams" of Pakistan attacked one of
my leading enemies at our very first meeting. The deplorable situation of our
looking to non-American, non-Asians as our "experts" and "authorities" for this
continent is psychotic and the results can only be psychotic. There never was
any Laotian problem. There was a unanimous refusal of our press to interview my
American friend who lived and worked in Laos. They all regarded him as a
trouble maker. Wesley, it is ten times easier to meet a Prime Minister than an
editor. I don’t know whether I have met ten Prime Ministers or not, but I
have not met a single American editor at any level, in regard to Asian
affairs.
I have also had the negative satisfaction of seeing "Time" and "Life"
debarred from Indonesia. Of course those people are "fanatics." The way to stop
Russia is to call all neutralists and near-neutralists "fanatics." They just
love that. So as we do not take Mr. Soekarno seriously, he does not take us
seriously and has put on a comic opera show. There is a way of doing it. I do
it myself but very few people will understand that Soekarno and I have had very
similar training of substituting a false personality for a real one when you
are not taken seriously.
Before leaving S.F. I met Porky at a diplomatic gathering. He was probably
in delights when he got into that crowd. I pulled his leg all over the place. I
called myself "Puck of Pukhtunistan." There were some Pathans there—the
Pathans and Pushtus are the same. They confirmed everything I said. The Hindus
confirmed. The Pakistanis confirmed. Porky did not know what it was all
about.
Why, I am even now writing further to the Chamber of Commerce in San
Francisco. I am not worried at all. Every week new opportunities and vistas
before me. And while I give my first "official" public talk this week,
something is going on all the time. And this in a city where it is up to 100°
daily. I do not know how I live, but I am living.
My home is in Abbottabad and when I return I expect to meet my friend, Abdul
Sattar, long stationed in S.F. It will be a high level meeting. By the time I
get to Japan (Osaka) I shall be "Mr. San Francisco" and no kidding. That day is
over. I had my future told again yesterday. I neither accept nor reject but the
man told me I would not only conquer my enemies but forgive them and that a lot
of people who have been standing in my way will now become friendly. I have
been expecting that.
The sum and substance is that there is no bad news, only too much of it. I
am going to be taken to mineral clay deposits, possibly to marble quarries and
a lot of other things. The United States refused from one end to the other to
take my reports seriously excepting in the Agriculture Department which
accepted them all seriously—they were the same reports by the same person on
the same matters.
We are not going to stop Russia by personalisms no matter who. Well, we now
have Reischauer as Ambassador to Japan who is very popular in the Far East.
Before him we had Mr. No. 2 who was very "popular" in the far east, far east of
the Hudson! We manufacture heroes of straw and are surprised when they topple.
Everybody from communist to Birch-barker lives in his own dream world which he
misnames "reality" and which is filled with clay puppets. Human beings are of
hearts and minds. They love and want to be loved. Everybody is seeking a kind
of fulfillment and yet wants to bestow on others blessings of his own miseries,
so to speak. If you suffer in a different manner there is something wrong with
you. This is called sanity and civilization. Well, I'll have none of it, but I
don’t want to confuse self-conceit with satisfaction and satisfaction with
happiness.
I do not "prescribe" for medical patients and I am dead set against throwing
empty maxims about presuming they comfort. At the moment I can't throw the
weight of heaviness against you because the old dispensation is over for me.
Conquering a nation or winning it for friendship is not difficult once we pass
the potter-clay boundary. You and your friends have been working for peace; I
have been working for friendship. But there is another "peace" of which we have
only an inkling of in the West—you will find it at its best in Dr.
Radhakrishnan. If you can ever get out of the hospital, and please do, report
to Walt Baptiste, he is the best one in S.F. It may be hard at first, but you
may be finding new life in some of the things he has to offer, really. Don't
wait for me, I don’t know when I shall get back.
My very best,
S A M
Sufi Ahmed Murad
May 12, 1961
Dear Fred and Corinne:
The Hugo predictions are coming to pass at a great rate. I am with
difficulty completing this communication. I meet saints, sages, seers and even
spiritual teachers at a great rate. Many come to honor me. People who are
regarded as non-existent float around or I meet them endlessly. Tomorrow night
there will be a grand gathering including some of the biggest dignitaries of
the region. In the morning I must write a big paper partly to be read, but
especially to be published. Saturday night I am to be entertained by one of the
richest men in the district. I have also met several other wealthy men.
They rather object to be called “non-existent” by stupid Europeans whom
we select as our “experts” on Asia and whom we are afraid to remove lest we
offend the Asians and the stream of dissidents in actual Asia includes
everybody that is anybody and instead of meeting these people face to face we
live in legends. It is not the masters of “the Far East” who are legendary,
it is we, steeped in materialism who are legendary.
I went with the Major to a case of cancer which he had failed to heal.
People had come all the way from Lourdes even and been healed and this cancer
case he could not heal. I told him the man was hiding something; the patient
denied this and again a failure. The suffering became unbearable and the
patient confessed and the next treatments were successful.
There are four schools of healing here the Greek, Indian, Homeopathic and
Allopathic. Between and among them they seem to be able to cure all diseases. I
am particularly anxious about cancer and heart disease and I have already been
given tips. I do not know whether I can follow it up on this journey which
covers so many missions and I am only one person and busy all the time. I broke
down in this heat, not necessarily from the heat—around 100°—but because
of the totally different psychic and social atmosphere. I dare not repeat in
detail what actually happens—few people would believe it. I am hoping there
will be some Americans among my guests tomorrow night—they will get
eye-openers.
Well I have asked about the Schloss estate and been told that it would be
settled satisfactorily in 7 months. I cannot return to the U.S. soon and
tonight it was definitely stated not for one year. I have much to do here, not
to mention India and on top of that received a most important invitation from
the friend of the Prime Minister of Malaya. I wish to see Mayor Poulson too,
because he started me off. (It is very strange that the contest in L.A. should
be between Norris, a former next-door neighbor, and Sam Yorty, a former pal. I
win in either case, wowwie!)
The moneyed people who will be coming to these dinners will undoubtedly plan
some campaigns either for the Major or myself or both together. These must be
considered very carefully. I mentioned a little about “The Church of the
Dawn.” We could easily combine this with Healing Sufism as we are outlining
and practicing it here.
But this involves another of your interests in psychism and spiritual
spiritualism. “Time” Magazine has been barred from Indonesia. We Sufis are
tired of being called “fanatics” or else “non-existent.” We include
within our numbers the Prime Ministers of Indonesia and Pakistan, not to
mention Sudan and those questionable people, the Senussis—how is the doctor?
Is he functioning? I think the idea of a Sufi healing coming to the U.S.A.
might excite him, even affect him.
During the course of this writing more interruptions and some predictions,
especially that after one year things will be entirely different for me in the
U.S.A., and somewhat earlier in Pakistan and India. I might even have to visit
UCLA and get some things straight there. The world cannot live half slave and
half free and it cannot live half “real” and half “fantasy” and so far
as much of Asia is concerned it is still fantasy on our part.
On the 15th we are going to shrines in Rawalpindi, the capitol city and will
also consult oracles, so to speak, on the above and other matters. But I have
still to clear up some things here. I started out with this best of intentions,
but too many interruptions. Yet it is clear there is a “revolution” in the
wind.
I am hoping to clear my main horticultural mission today. Everything is
crowding, everything successful. Our main spiritual contact in West Pakistan is
also Director of Food and Agriculture (there are no Sufis in politics and they
never carry responsibility). Well I think this is enough sarcasm and it should
not overcrowd the blessings. It is still a year off and much to be done, much
to be decided. We can pray for you and intercede for you, we hope.
Love and blessings,
S A M
Sufi Ahmed Murad
Lahore, Pakistan
May 14, 1961
Prof. C. R. Cutright,
Department of Entomology,
Ohio Agricultural Exp. Station,
Wooster, Ohio
My dear Professor Cutright:
I have your letter of March 22nd and from the manner in which my program is
operating, time is not a factor. Foundations are being laid and being most
carefully and successfully laid, particularly in this country.
I am writing under considerably different circumstances today. In this
country I am news. I should say that all facets of every type of program have
reached a high level of what may be called “success.” Although I did not
meet President Ayub, I had two long conferences with Secretary Shahab who
occupies a position somewhat akin to that of Sherman Adams plus Lyndon Johnson
and through him I have received presidential approval.
Quite independent of that I have been received in Lahore by the highest
dignitaries and socially prominent and wealthy persons. This has made my
program overfull and at a time when the thermometer reaches over 100° daily,
plus invitations to grand dinners and receptions, keeping me busy all the time,
but not promoting the best of health. This process is going on and there are
every signs that it will continue.
Both these people and the executives in Agriculture that I have met tell me
that I am the real “Peace Corps.” I have personally such a totally
different approach to this subject of peace and I see no advantage in sending
out amateur enthusiasts when this country, as Egypt, has graduates of our own
American universities operating in its posts, men who will be glad to advise
and assist us where we need advice and assistance most, and at no cost. There
is a “Princeton-in-Asia” organization already in operation and I am
suggesting that other universities or groups thereof utilize their alumni
associations to promote peace and good-will.
I met a large delegation of farm-scholars from Kansas U. when I was in
Karachi. These young men had already been, seen, lived in villages and
completed rather successful missions of good-will and accomplishment. Yet
according to present policies, particularly those of the press, they will be
relatively or absolutely ignored and they too, have accomplished and done well.
Every Pakistani I have met, and I have met many thousands, is or wishes to be
attached to the land in some way and he is not very amenable to the potter-clay
psychology used in international affairs.
This is a very long subject and I am finding much mineral wealth, etc.,
unexplored and unexploited.
I have been most successful in ridding myself of literature concerned with
saline soils and horticulture in general. The idea is also to connect people of
various lands together who have common interests. But I am carrying with me
problems connected with soil erosion, agricultural literature and further
examination of desert agriculture. This will take me two years and will require
my crossing the continent again.
Some time ago I happened upon a book by an Englishman who laid down a tree
program in 1911 or so, almost exactly what I have more recently suggested. Now
I have before me a copy of Firminger’s Manual of Gardening printed in
Calcutta in 1904 and so far as this part of the world is concerned I should say
that 90% (ninety percent) of what I have been advocating is in that book. There
are psychological roadblocks everywhere and not absence of knowledge or even
“common sense” which holds the world back.
This is one item, however, which particularly interested or excited me:
Cyphomandra betacea or Tree Tomato. This is, of course solanaceous
and was introduced into India from tropical America. It was propagated by seed.
Naturally I am wondering whether anything has been done, or can be done about
it. I have already gone into the subject of perennial Tomatoes.
Yesterday I called on Dr. Abdul Aziz Khan, Deputy Director of Agriculture,
Central Jail Buildings, and unloaded on him the rest of my literature, dividing
same into two portions: (a) plant protection, (b) crops. The latter includes
Strawberries, Tomatoes and in discussion the Soy Bean, Avocado and drought
tolerant crops. This will require a full program of following up.
Just before I left I met one Mian Muhammad Afzal Husain, who told me he had
been the chief Entomologist of Pakistan and he is now retired, his address
being 51/3 Lawrence Road, Lahore. Something drew me to this man and I wanted to
meet him again. In the evening I was the guest of Syed Maratib Ali, who is
Ford’s representative in this country and quite wealthy. There were a number
of celebrities there. The last man who came to dinner was this same Mian Husain
who did not know anybody and whom nobody else knew and he was seated right next
to me. We have agreed that meetings and programs will be in order some time
later on.
At the moment I must be in this city late in August or early in September.
But even while writing I received a special invitation—through dignitaries
too, to visit the new Agricultural Experimental Station at Lyallpur. And I must
go to Rawalpindi, Mardan and Peshawar also. This will both take up my time and
require me to see much of the country. I am, however, becoming a guest more and
more and while the land is overbearing socially, my expenses have gone down
enabling me to use moneys otherwise. And there is in the offing at least one
organization, perhaps two, which will at least indirectly help me in my
efforts.
Here the Pakistanis consider the idea of world-peace and understanding
through horticultural and agricultural exchange far, far better than other
proposals which have received more attention than careful consideration.
I appreciate your cooperation in regard to the seeds, knowing that this will
redound to the benefit of our country and its international relations.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
Abbottabad
May 18, 1961
My dear Harry,
You may remember that I hinted to you that I had had a past and it was not a
particularly glorious past. Today I see the flowering and harvesting of every
project I ever undertook in my whole life and going on at the same time with a
fury that is both delightful and complicated.
Take the case of my poetry. When I was a little boy—and at 13 I was still
mighty tiny—Archie Cloud gave me his blessing and I inferred that something
was coming out of it. It was only in the months before I left S.F. that the
poetry teachers of U. C. discovered I had something and it was a stranger,
Admiral Evenson of the American Friends of the Middle East that proclaimed me.
The Beatniks feared me for I beat them at their own game and the nice people do
not like serious poetry. Well I was hardly here when I told you I had met
secretary Shahab, the top civilian of this country, the chief expert on poetry
and literature and the best friend of General Ayub. One page reading and three
men demanded the Urdu rights. It is now being translated into Urdu and I was
told it would be published but I have no time to take this up further with the
bigwigs as I am in the midst of other things. I am also writing another epic
and smaller poems which are acclaimed on reading and this is no nonsense.
When I left working for the army in 1945 they refused my resignation until I
signed the heroes’ war book. “I am no hero.” “We know more about you,
Mr. Lewis, than you know about yourself. No false modesty.” Well I had been
turned down more times by the Intelligence and the FBI than one has fingers on
their hands but I realize today that the rooms were bugged and perhaps I,
too.
I was only last week able to tell somebody why Nixon was mobbed in India. It
was withheld from the papers and the communists had little to do with it.
Anyhow I faced the commies inn India and they had to run for their lives. No
wonder there is a certain part of my memoires called “Madventures”—and
they still go on, believe me. Since then I have seen a newspaper man who was
mobbed in India—not printed in the U.S. papers, of course, promoted to a high
governmental position.
I have long seen the warfare within the U.S. which I called “The Professor
versus the Commentator” and thank God we have two professors admired in Asia
as Ambassadors in India and Japan.
In California I was not even permitted to enroll in Islamic Studies. When I
got to Harvard they would have me all right, but how? As teacher. Where
did I get that wisdom? My knowledge did not change, merely the reactions of
persons and the politics of institutions and here I am teaching in
Islamics and I have been in many places where Americans don’t go. We never
interfere with local religions, but those nice, gentlemanly,
Marquis-of-Queensberry infiltrators, the Russians, are not so bound by the
rules they lay down and accept.
I have recently written a cousin a letter entitled, “Four, Just Men.” I
have a personal underground which in turn grape vines the whole of Asia. After
Pearl Harbor, of which I had been forewarned, I resolved it would never happen
again. But it did no good. I may have many letters still concerning Vietnam and
Laos, but I have recently received an invitation from one of those men to come
as the guest of the Prime Minister of Malaya which will probably be
accepted.
Another one invited me first to Asia and said: “Sam, all Asia needs
you,” etc. The fourth is Bryn Beorse Shamcher who is one of the grandest men
on earth, a cloak-and-dagger here, friend of Dag Hammarskjold, cousin of at
least one Prime Minister of Norway, the most thinking man I ever met in
economics and long engaged in research to produce fresh water from the ocean at
low cost, etc. He has also been in the recesses of the Himalayas, met real
Yogis in caves and had a long string of experiences. He does everything well
but get along with his wife, which is a great misfortune.
It did not take long for me to find my place here due to the combination of
the friendship of Ansar Nasri, or Radio Pakistan, friend of Secretary Shahab;
and now major Sadiq, friend of General Ayub. I had to stay in Lahore during the
heat and had a feast every night, meeting millionaire industrialists, high army
officers, high judiciary and other governmental officials, professors, etc. I
have told you about the chief Entomologist already. I left the city gloriously
worn out and stayed in Rawalpindi two days going to the movies in the P.M. This
gave me one morning about which I shall write here.
It is written in a mixture of laughter and tears. Someday some thick headed
editor in the U.S. will recognize that the peoples of the world are not
concerned with “foreign aid,” “dialectics,” “cold war” or “space
conquest.” Here there are two problems which dominate everything and anything
and to me, show that the people are far more sensible than most. Their primary
concerns are God and saline-soil problems and anybody coming here not
acquainted with these is going to have a hard make-shift no matter that college
he graduated from or what newspaper he worked for. True that the problems of
the desert and eroded lands are also immense but it is impossible to take up
all these things at once; and it is difficult for me to handle the situations
before me. I am not an expert on saline soils but I am an expert in finding out
what bothers others and than trying to do something about it.
The imbalance of this report is the imbalance of the facts of life. You may
remember how the Japanese were so amateurish in Rose growing although the
terrain and weather were suitable therefore; and the Thai the Egyptians very
successful because they made a study. I had long concluded that the lands
around Lahore and Rawalpindi were self-sufficient in K and deficient in N and P
just by looking at the flowers.
In touring the agricultural Exp. Station at Rawalpindi I ran into the
difficulty that Horticultural and Botanical Training are different. The latter
includes the “experts” which means they did not dirty their hands. They had
fine minds but did not have to have “green thumbs” and the Horticulturist
was different. He had to know how to plant, prune, graft and bud without
knowing the nomenclature, etc.
The one flower which struck me here has been the Larkspur. They are tall,
immense, and bushy. In sharp contradistinction are the Snaps which are
terrible, no foliage and few flowers to the stalk, seldom branched. I had long
concluded that this was due to the Soil Condition. They had no soil report and
there is a dearth of soil chemists, etc. in this land. I have fore borne taking
a testing set—too much luggage—but I hope somebody someday will look into
the matter.
I have seen shrubby Godetias and the best flowers of this type; also the
related Clarkias do very well. I regret, however, to report that I missed the
flower show in Abbottabad, held in my absence. Day Lilies are now in bloom and
many Mexican flowering plants and low shrubs have been adopted in this Exp.
Station. Roses do not do good, Dahlias much better flowering early in the warm
climate, Phlox well, Sweet William very fine and some relatives thereof which I
cannot name. Cone flowers in bloom offering contrast colors, Verbena excellent,
Nasturtiums good. Achilleas very, very fine. Hibiscus and Nicotiana just coming
out. Sunflowers and Hollyhocks doing fairly well (not enough N). Cosmos very
fine (I don’t think they need so much N and do well with K). There were not
only Gaillardias of the type I have seen but a compounded relative, also
Margaurites, Pansies, Turk’s Cap. Gardenias doing well but not yet in
blossom.
There were not many Ornamental trees around, the chief being a Cypress and
one which looks like a Robinia, having excellent “brush” like flowers
almost like some Myrtacea, but the leaves and pods were distinctly a Robinia
type. I shall try to see Abdul Hamid Khan soon and see if he can identify it.
The local name is “Shireen” which is Persian for a beautiful maiden.
(Incidentally being a flower man—and may be told you, I must not touch
plants, but this still does not stop me from lecturing to over a hundred
beautiful maidens and getting an ovation and re-invite!)
It is very hard for me to comment on the Vegetable section as this was being
used for seeds and you see immensely tall Carrot plants. I was very happy about
B. vulgaris for I have been howling about more Beets here and all I run into is
opposition. I tell them about Utah which is non-existent for them. This is due
to a certain stubborn psychology wherever one finds Indian blood—a priori
rejections. I say that the Sugar Beet can become the Salvation of Pak. as it
was of Utah and maybe it will.
Then came one of the great shocks of my life and I still do not know whether
to laugh or cry, and it is very, very serious. Between the Ornamental Flower
and the Vegetable-seed section were huge hedges with green-bluish flowers,
excellent: Artichokes! They did not know these were vegetables; they
used them in flower arrangements! They make beautiful ones.
Now Harry, we sent out experts and point four people and all kinds of people
from all kinds of branches of the U.N. They are making a survey for the great
problem of Pakistan, malnutrition. On one hand I had to point out wild
mustard and dandelions to a doctor of one school, elsewhere I find a doctor of
another school using all sorts of even common flowers and weeds for medicinal
purposes and to stop malnutrition. But as in India the communications are
blocked. This seems to be as terrible as malnutrition itself.
I never saw better Artichoke bushes. They are naturals here and they are one
of the plants I have long predicted as naturals. They have a certain amount of
Na-Cl (rather than just “salt” tolerance) and there they were. Wonderful
hedges and wind-breaks, full of buds and flowers. I had them pick those not in
full bloom and when I go there again will re-check. This is most important and
in a country whish suffers from malnutrition.
The Orchard and Small fruits are still in experimental state. The Citrus sp.
has the weather problem—a report below. Many grapes have been introduced from
Bauchistan. The strawberries are just coming to bloom. Fortunately unlike
India, they have not doused them with N. and the fruit looks promising at this
time not overcrowded with leaves. Other small fruits have not been introduced.
There is much experimental work with Pear-stocking mostly for budding and
grafting work. I did not go into Agronomy section.
At this point I also feel a sense of deep dissatisfaction with myself. I can
almost long to return to study and perhaps I will but the pressures in other
directions are terrific.
The office discussion which followed was so important that I am longing to
have some good sessions with you as soon as possible upon my return. This
“cold war” had made us mad and we do not look upon the earth and its
problems any more. I did not know the PH if the soil although I imagine it is
fairly high. The soils are fairly heavy and are of K-types.
The Legume section later gave me the weather and rainfall report which I
copy for my own records:
Max. Min. Inches
Max. Min. Inches
July 101º 69º 11.0
Jan. 67º 34º
2.8
Aug. 102º 74º 11.1
Feb. 80º 40º
2.9
Sept. 98º 72º 11.7
Mar. 81º 43º 3.2
Oct. 96º 64º 3.5
Apr. 94º 44º
1.6
Nov. 84º 43º 3.6
May 105º 54º
0.2
Dec. 72º 35º 1.1
June 113º 64º
0.5
Now as I have always predicted Amsulph will not work. High temperatures and
heavy rain with pH 7 or over means the disintegration and loss of NH3 gas and
so the N goes back to the air. I think I previously reported this that in Hong
Kong they were losing their farms, in Thailand they only use organic manures
and fertilizers and in India they are stuck. Even today Burma flourishes and
East Pakistan starves with very similar conditions.
My informants told me that the chief result of Amsulph was the destruction
of soil organisms and that this had worked terrible havoc. I gave him roughly
the Sam Higginbotham formula. They had never heard of Fish Emulsion, etc. This
leaves an immensely wide field open and I think something should and must be
done. And this was the second big thing that came out of this visit.
At this discussion also came up the problem of Bone Meal. There was a lot of
bones, waste from the meat industry and they have been conditioning them for
manures, but they do not know how to use them. Actually they use Superphos
which they have found much better and this is put into the soil 1-3 months
prior to sowing or seeding. It seems to work very well. The “organic” value
of Bone meal is counterbalanced by its slowness of availability and also by the
fact that in the heavy soils there are not so many bulb plants. But actually I
do not consider myself enough of an authority here. The staff did not think
they should utilize the Bone Meal as a “money-crop”—i.e. it is exported
to foreign lands now, especially Holland. This leaves the matter open.
There was some discussion about Avocados which I think they need but I am a
little timid about any large-scale plant introductions until there is more
knowledge of the soil. The above rainfall, concentrated in three hot months has
a great effect upon sowing and counter indicates multiply cropping during the
year. The land is too flat, off-hand for dams and reservoirs, but one can see
hills not too far away which may make damning and also water-power important, I
had already been the guest of the concrete industrialists but the government
policy limits the local manufacture of this commodity and I quite agreed with
the industrialist that this is a serious error. And without the concrete you
cannot build dams. (Incidentally concrete is very well used on the highways for
catch-basins, culverts, etc., etc.)
After that I went to the Legume sub-station. Unfortunately they had depended
on FAO and a lot of UN people who have wonderful ideas but are not aware of
facts. Seeds of 60 varieties of Soy Bean were sent—always one year too late
with no knowledge of variety. They lost all but one single species. Here again
one does not know whether to laugh or cry. Harry, I consider this very serious
and this was always almost too much. So I am going to work and will work hard.
Worse I have not had answers to my letters on this subject so will try again. I
think it is most important—and I can’t go home, not with my invitation to
Malaya from the Tops. I must stay here. Soon I shall go to Mardan where I will
make my appointment for a later visit to my friend Jamshyd Khan, the big farmer
of the area. . . I hope this is coherent, but basically it is my diary.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
Abbottabad, May 18
My dear Lemanda,
I have just come back from Lahore after what has been, perhaps, the most two
important weeks of my life. I have to write my diary so I am doing this, the
diary being the carbon of this letter.
Now it just happens that I was living with Major Mohammed Sadiq there. He is
my spiritual brother and a healer. I am now waiting for a telegram from him
which may come the next few days and I must join him on another trip. While I
was with him I received a letter that my old and trusted friend, Walley Milley
whom you know well is I the Southern Pacific Hospital with cancer. The Major
says usually he sends specially magnetized water to patients in far off lands.
In any case I am going to show him your letter.
He has been a very famous man. He used to live in the city of Jhelum and
people come from all over Pakistan. He thinks he has treated about a million
people. I saw some cures in my own presence. He also works with hospitals and
doctors and I went with him to one hospital on a cancer case and to another on
a T.B. case. He works every morning with the army and rests a while in the
afternoon. After 5 o’clock he treats people until it is dark, then he goes to
hospitals some times.
While I was with him there was feast every night. This was hard because it
was very warm in the daytime, sometimes the thermometer going to 105°. And I
could not walk in the heat and besides everybody treated me like a great
person. Not only did the servants wait on me but all kinds of people and it is
hard to believe that even some of the richest and holiest men in Pakistan
waited on me. It was like living in a dream. Sometimes I went to mansions for
feasts and the other times army officials and doctors and generals and
ex-generals and top people in all walks of life came to see me.
I spoke some in a Mosque to thousands upon thousands of people and must have
shaken hands with at least two thousand of them. I have been to many dervish
meetings and was received like a holy man ans sat with teachers. I have been to
shrines where Americans do not go and soon will be visiting more shrines.
You see, Lemanda, this is my home and these are my people. In this life I
had to be born in a Western body so I could bring Oriental teachings to
America. But this is new and hard for me. It is easy to live with the Punjabis
either on this side or on the Indian side. I feel as home with that. I also
feel at home with the Pathans. I can eat their food easily. The only thing I
sometimes miss is coffee but you can get Nescafe. I stopped at Rawalpindi
before and after going to Lahore and had excellent ice-cream there and went to
dinner for relaxation. But I also had interviews there.
All my interviews with the Horticulturists have been successful, also with
the engineers. They think I am doing what Kennedy wishes the Peace Corps to do.
But you can’t send young strangers here. The people will challenge
anybody’s religion and start arguments. They like to argue more than they
like to work. Everybody here is wise in thinking but not in action. You really
can’t tell them, they already know, they just don’t do.
In a sense I am becoming an expert in certain fields. This is especially
true on agricultural literature and some kinds of problems. The problems here
are erosion, salty soils and deserts. The people are only interested in soil
problems and religion. They are not interested in space travel and dialectics
and our kind of politics no matter what the newspapers say. Newsmen don’t
associate with the common people and they can’t associate with the
millionaires and cabinet ministers. Me, I am different, I can and do associate
with everybody.
This was the holy land of the Vedas and it is still full of spiritual
teachers, although some are pretenders, but some are not. Even President Ayub
visits shrines and is a “fanatic” from our point of view. In fact all the
rich are as “fanatical” as the poor. They visit holy men and holy shrines
and believe a lot of things which the “respectable” American would dare
believe. But it is even harder to believe that they came to see me, everybody
it seems came to see me because Major Sadiq has friends all over, including
President Ayub whom I hope to see before I leave Pakistan. After all I have
been I “The White House” and over the phone he gave approval to what I’m
doing and added more.
When I went to the shrines people threw garlands and garlands over me. They
are something like the Hawaiian leis, but when you have a dozen or so around
your neck they get heavy. I met the Naqshibandi and Chisti Sufis. It is too
long to tell you about them. I also spoke at the university and over a hundred
beautiful college girls came to hear me and want to hear me some more. So I
shall speak at the Lahore Museum in September on the same subject, which was
Islamic Art.
I could not get anybody to listen to my poetry in San Francisco and here
everybody wants to hear it so I am writing more. Every morning in Lahore I
visited the American Consulate or the universities or the agricultural experts,
then rested and after five everything happened. When the richest man in
Pakistan invites you to his home twice in a short while it is something. I am
hoping we can organize to bring Major Sadiq to America to present his spiritual
healing.
I also want this on account of my first dancing partner, Mrs. Hazel Reeve of
Mill Valley. She has long been paralyzed and I am much concerned with her. I
never had a chance to really fall in love and by the time I was on my feet
financially she was a victim. I do not know whether God wants me to marry or
not. I still feel pretty chipper. In San Francisco they don’t believe I know
much about Oriental Philosophy but they admit my age; here they say I know the
philosophy but they won’t accepted my age.
I did see a few movies in Rawalpindi. They can’t have TV here—too many
languages. In this district at least four languages are spoken and over the
hills to the west another one.
Abbottabad is in hills somewhat like Marin Country. You go south and east of
Rawalpindi which is the temporary capital. Lahore is about 150 miles east of
that, a very beautiful and historical city full of shrines and tombs and the
most famous Shalimar Gardens. It has many parks and trees and flowers and much
of it is landscaped. It is said the British did more there than anywhere else
on the sub-continent.
President Ayub has cleaned up Pakistan and is doing much to help it. He is
very honest, sincere, religious and most of all spiritual. We cannot realize
how a most spiritual man should be both the head of the army and operate the
government. But that is the way it is. Actually behind the scenes here are
great spiritual teachers and this may mean that Pakistan will be a great
Nation. People really believe in God and among the educated I have found the
finest characters in the whole world.
I am back in my bungalow near the college. It is warm elsewhere but cool in
my rooms. Tomorrow I shall write to S.F. on my horticultural and scientific
ventures. I am only hoping that the University of California and others will
take my experiences seriously. I am waiting for my friend, Abdul Sattar to
arrive. During June and July there will be a great many visitors here because
the plains will be very hot and then a lot of heavy rainfall will follow. I
have been fortunate to secure this place.
I am trying to get the government interested in teaching folk dancing. A
little more natural outlets for the young and they won’t have to worry about
unrest. But there is not enough play or diversion here.
I won’t be home for a long, long time. I have now an invitation to visit
Malaya from a friend of the Prime Minister. I sometimes wonder why I should
come back home at all. Here I am honored and could even live without paying
room and board! But America needs to learn about Asia and I think now I know as
much about Asia, its history, philosophy, religion and esotericism as
anybody.
Love,
Abbottabad, May 26
My dear Harry:
It is very beautiful here now. The Walnuts are in blossom and there are some
excellent Euonymus and dwarf conifers standing out nearby. Larkspurs and
Godetias dominate the flowering plants. And it seems that several ideas of
contemporary architecture and landscaping have been introduced here. Privets,
of course, are the leading shrubs, but Barberries are both cultivated and
wild.
I had a long and almost sorrowful visit with Dr. Hamid Khan, the forest
botanist. I had just missed Secretary Cheema. They had talked about the harm
done by goats and the need of reforestation. He told me that despite the
shales, it would be easy to plant trees. So today I climbed the mountain to the
east—perhaps 2500-3000 feet high. It is quite evident it was a Pine forest
and trees were removed. There are young Pines on the lower reaches. There were
leaf deposits all over and people even “mine” the soil in certain
places.
I was amazed at the number of Pomegranates growing all over and between them
Barberries. Wherever it was flat the Pomes grew even into trees, but on the top
too I found them and doing excellently. This shows that trees can be planted
and small fruits, too. I saw plenty of young Eucs, whether escaped or
man-planted, I do not know. In this there is hope for these could provide fuel
and stop this ghastly dung business. If this were Japan the whole hill-side
would be covered.
It is also curious that we have periodic rains in this “dry” season,
sometimes even heavy thunder storms. There is no reason excepting lassitude and
inertia which prevents a program from going through. But I have become at least
partly cynical. Do we have to wait for the Russians to introduce the obvious
tree-planting?… There were not many wild flowers, chief being a small Mallow
and a relative of Hound’s Tongue. But still I feel my inadequacy at
botanizing.
Some of the reactions and events are contained in a copy of a letter to the
Embassy. We can stop the Russians simply by accepting reports and information
from our people abroad and listening to them. It would cost nothing and satisfy
a lot of gripers, and perhaps for reason. But they seem totally ineffective and
thwarted.
I have discussed with Dr. Hamid also the further introduction of California
natives of any kind which might grow here and be beneficial. We took up the
matter of Rhus—although I wonder if they require a semi-acid or neutral soil;
my impression here is that the soils around here are of high pH. This has not
only come from the observation of high K, but I am told definitely the
underpinnings are limestone. One does not see many acid tolerant plants and one
certainly does not get the “feeling” of acidity in any of the higher
places—a little, but not too much in the wetter regions around Haripur which
is in the valley below. We also remarked about the need of soil-testing kits
which would be invaluable. I hope to God that somebody in the “Peace Corps”
dreams this up before the Russians do.
I am waiting for a letter from Jamshyd Khan, the most successful farmer to
the west. After that I should be going into the hill areas in every direction
from here. I met another wealthy man who is interested in basic democracy and
told him that this country needs nothing but mineral surveying and tree
planting. He jumped up and embraced me. I find that the wealthy and successful
people here seem to have a monopoly on brains and practicality. This may be due
to feudal heritage. The amount of wasted time—beggars, gossipers, tea
drinking is enormous and you can almost taste the hidden wealth.
The death of Sir Syed Maratab Ali, the wealthy man who gave me two grand
feasts in Lahore removed a man who seemed ready to back me in many of my
projects, but I was not expecting help that soon. But I have met his sons and
may meet them again before leaving the country. All one needs here is a trench
pick to plant trees and dig for ore samples, but I have not seen one. If I do,
God help (or bless) Pakistan.
Faithfully, Samuel L. Lewis
May 27
I wrote the above at night when I was tired and omitted the most important
thing: the water requirements of plants.
There is the grave danger in discussing anything that has to do with
international relations and that is one is told that the UNO or UNESCO or
UNICEF is looking after it and you are wasting your time. I have already
reported on the lack of viability in the soy beans sent as seed to Rawalpindi.
A few years back I think I told you the story of the seed-corn in Hyderabad.
And that is exactly what the officials are afraid of. Bring up a problem as
they see it and they will be told it is already handled by some international
organization and they have nothing to worry about. Then they worry more. Russia
is not bound by any such nonsense—they are sending in prospectors and
saline-soil engineers and we are going to get it!
I wrote you from UAR about how the experimental gardens were laid out in
Cairo University, that they used a flooding irrigation method without gates.
What they wanted to know is the water requirements of plants, etc. This is the
big thing here. If an impersonal organization takes over they are liable to
give 100 trees, with different ecological and natural aptitudes; some nursery
man or “expert” will help in the planting and leave exact or inexact (more
likely) directions for their care.
Between ignorance, laziness, and uncertainty of water supply trees are
either left to “Allah” i.e. rains, or they are irrigated, and how. No
peasant can easily be trained as to different water requirements of different
crops. A wise person would place crops with similar water requirements close to
each other and in whatever I have suggested I have kept this in mind. I am not
too sure of grapes, for example, because it rains at the wrong time here.
I hope to go over the pamphlets and find out more about this and see which
States have experimented; more I want to take this up either in person or get
proper books.
I am now reading with much zest, Introduction to Plant Geography by
Nicholas Polunin. This is an expensive book, borrowed from the college library
across the way. I was surprised to find nothing on Cynodon dactylon. But while
the writer is an expert, he has done all his previous writing on Arctics—and
I say Arctics because this covers oceanography, ornithology, and botany and all
parts of the circumpolar world—Russia, Canada, Greenland, etc. Besides the
book is an “Introduction” and it has much of tremendous value. I do not
know at this writing where I shall live and whether I shall want to build up my
own library or buy books for someone and borrow from him from time to time.
In any case between this book and the above conversation I know there can be
undergraduate work on the simple problem of water requirements of plants, and
these perhaps in sandy, silt and clay soils, and with two different pH
arrangements but not more (say lime and peat) at the bottom of the pot, or
plots. When one goes into new lands without this information there is much
waste, even tragedy. These things are not reported but they go on.
There is one other complicating problem here, and that is caste. These
people argue about our Negroes, but you ain’t seen nothin’ brother.
Sincerely,
Abbottabad
May 28
The American Friends of the Middle East,
323 Geary St., San Francisco
Dear Admiral Evenson and Friends,
In the course of many events here I have neglected to make entries in my
diary which I am now doing, sending you a letter therefrom. The rush of affairs
and the multiplication of personalities into my life are more than I can
assimilate and yet, from appearances at this writing, I shall have to speed up
rather than retard, until I embark on local traveling and adventuring which are
in the offing.
When I called at your office in Lahore I made it clear that any movement
here which would purport to introduce Pakistani culture into the United States
should be watched closely so that moneys would not be poured into duplicate or
rival projects. At that time I had just had one visit to the home of the late
Syed Marstab Ali and there were rumors of another affair. This did come off and
some days later I was dining in the midst of the biggest and richest people in
that part of Pakistan. It is not necessary to mention names or details, but
there were and are some outstanding features.
In the first place there is that terrible nonsense masquerading as Islamic
Philosophy and Sufism within the walls of our colleges and universities which
has nothing whatever to so with reality. Professors, apparently only of foreign
back-grounds or else tinged with Zionism, give a very warped and distorted
picture of what Sufism is, based on deductions from translations or traditions.
They have very few contacts and their tendency is to belittle Sufism because
they either did not find Sufism or were not over-welcomed.
Now it is not my intention to defend Sufism or Islam but to point out that
it is not an easy thing to be feted and dined night after night by the big
persons who unanimously declare themselves to be disciples of Sufi teachers.
This happened psychologically first when Secretary Shahab attacked in a very
un-diplomatic manner—from our point of view—the strange predilection we
have for authorizing non-American, non-Muslims as the “top brass” for our
(mis)information. This has been so old hat to be it is disgusting. But ten on
top of that one big personality after another comes forth and either calls on
me or meets me at social functions and emphasizes exactly the opposing of
scholastics, one wonders where to go next.
Anyhow within a week after I saw him Syed Marstab Ali died and I did send
one notice to my former employer, Mr. Russell Smith of Ross who undoubtedly met
this gentlemen or his sons during the course of his travels or functions. One
often wonders how many of this type of men have to get public notices or
whether I shall have to bring cards signed by Secretary Shahab, Lt. Gen. Shaikh
and President Ayub to the effect that they are disciples in Sufism and whether
this will do any good at all.
The aftermath of this is that now I am on the social register, so to speak,
at Abbottabad and have a long refusal list too—my stomach is limited, simply
because innumerable persons in this far off land wish to demonstrate that they
are existing personalities. This includes most of the men I have been meeting
in the course of my scientific exhibitions, etc.
I am referring to my three closets’ friends and myself as “Four, Just
Men.” I think among us we have met about everybody in Asia, and I think among
us we have had exactly two newspaper interviews and nothing important published
by any big paper. I have long written my last protest about this for quite
another reason which is also Creolism.
I have written about “finds” here, Moghul jewelry and mineral resources.
No answers. This has not interfered with the negotiations on the
jewelry—elsewhere of course and the extension of the Russians from Petroleum
to other hidden wealth. New the French have come in. This district is full of
ores and the other day I was with a man who believes he has Uranium. I may take
this up with Americans around Peshawar. There is one local difficulty and that
with the transfer of the capitol, government officers are constantly moving and
there is often a sudden change in personal, too.
Well we have had plenty of conferences on the saline-soil problem, which is
one of the worst and the next thing, after the Americans and Pakistanis have
conferences, the Russians send in experts. This goes on and on.
I have differed from my fellow Americans in that I ask the authorities what
they think they want or need. All I am doing basically came out of
conversations with Minister M.A. Cheema of Food & Agriculture. I did not
propose, I asked. We Americans tend to look over the country, see needs and
offer help; we do not always ask and so we have the strange complex of
insisting on one hand that these people are staring and undernourished and on
the other hand of offering help in almost every other direction.
It is not amusing to come and offer certain suggestions and be rebuffed in
my own country and come back and have the Pakistanis make the same suggestions
over and over. There is no difference of opinion, there is difference in
effectiveness. But now, instead of whishing newspapers to accept anything from
me, I am afraid, because once it gets into the press the Russians will supply
the need.
For instance I am a strong person for Soy Beans. I am going to make one
final effort to get them introduced properly. I know what will happen in some
quarters if I spoke on this subject. Oh, the UNO is taking care of that; UNICEF
has solved the problem; there is UNESCO. Russians do not let these words or
institutions fool them. One of these impersonal organizations sent a lot of Soy
Bean seeds to the experimental station—exactly one variety grew. Waste
of money, time and effort, excepting of course, the written reports which would
be most favorable—and useless.
Or there is the group collecting money to help solve the pest-problem in UAR
Collecting money, yes. And my friend, Dr. Hasan Salah, graduate from the
University of California, top pest-control man in UAR crying for equipment.
That from Germany and Russia in deficient and I know exactly what I am talking
about here.
It becomes very difficult to reconcile a life torn about so oppositely. But
I am deluging the Embassy with letters and reports, hoping that someday some
will be accepted. One of the most frustrating has been the approved in UAR list
which was sent on to Washington and dead-ended. Even if I have to wait until I
return, I will tell these in person; some I think too fundamental to commit to
writing even for my memories. I do not wish anybody to see them.
In the midst of my over busy period at Lahore I received an invitation from
one of the “Four, Just Men” who is functioning now as a close associate of
the Prime Minister of Malaya. This invitation is being accepted though I cannot
foresee when I can reach those shores. It is part of the same complex of the
difference between Islamic culture and what is taught in the schools. Very
often what is known as Islam has departed as far from the teaching of Mohammed
as, let us say, the Roman Catholic Church or the Latter Day Saints have
departed from those of Jesus Christ. I think “departed” is an unsemantic
term. Things are not like that. Religions tend to become often tremendous
organizations, even like universes, not to be subject to personality
evaluations but dare scientific and sociological studies to find out what they
are and why.
So many books present certain principles after which they throw on costs of
white ash or mud according to the purpose of the author. It does not occur to
the student that these people are giving us photographs or maps. We are going
through Id-festival here but I doubt if 5% of the people know what it is all
about—I didn’t myself. Or Christmas and even more out Easter have tended
far from the biblical settings and may not even be biblical festivals. But they
are living institutions, and may even be regarded as “grand ones” outside
over-commercialism.
Then there is a very curious turn in my own life. I used to play with being
Mr. Puck of Pukhtunistan—the largest real, imagination country in the
world.” I did not dream that this would be followed by over-welcomes from
every sort of Pathan-speaking person I have not. I am almost in a dilemma at
this writing concerning invitations from so many quarters. I am waiting, for
courtesy’s sake, for a certain letter but within a week or so may be
departing for the frontier section, some part. Against this has been the
meeting of top forestry man who are also inviting me to their sectors.
Actually the Pukhtunistan complex is involved with one of my ironical
outlines?
Russia may send spies to Asian lands but not teachers
American may send teachers to Asian lands but not spies
Asiastan may send teachers to Russia but not spies
Asiastan may send spies to America but not teachers
There is far more truth in this seeming nonsense. I think there has been
exactly one Pakistani teacher in the whole country to teach about
Pakistan—there may be more teachers from here but on other subjects. If you
go over the roster of instructors in our colleges and universities you will
find all sorts of men, but not Nationals of this country. On the other hand
Russia is constantly inviting Pakistanis, both students and teachers, to come
and “inform” them about this land.
As a reflex I expect of write Sectary Shahab about the library systems in
the U.S. and how they handle books on Urdu, Moghul cultures, Sindhi. Etc. I
took this up with your colleagues in Karachi where I was so pleased with their
library, so totally different from the establishments in the U.S. The
Pakistani—U.S. alliances seem to stop often at their front doors.
While I am writing some negative things here I shall not come to any
ultimate conclusion yet, as I have been informed that Asia foundation is going
to have a conference, here at Abbottabad sometime in the summer. This is a
great summer resort, and certainly the weather is wonderful here while it is
overbearing in the plains.
The border incidents continue. Part of them are due to the weakness in the
Pakistanis themselves who demand a plebiscite for Kashmir but will not permit
one for Pukhtunistan. Actually I believe if there were a real
plebiscite—which I hardly expect—not only could the Pathans vote heavily
for Pakistan on this side, but on the other side, too. A complete plebiscite of
all Pathans may surprise nobody but it is as “unthinkable” as one on
Azerbaijan, etc. Only the democracies may have plebiscites.
As to Kashmir I know nothing and have my hands too full although I may visit
Azad Kashmir. This in part because of Tourism. This government is building
hostels and inns all over. The only thing is that they do not inform the
tourists how to reach such places. The foreigners land at Karachi far off.
They have also made some serious psychological mistakes. While the Tourist
magazine says foreigners are given discounts, the actuality is that the best
hotels have upped their rates. I am trying to get information. This is bad
policy. Actually I know a lot of second-class hotels where one could live very
reasonably here and spend money in the bazaars and buy local wares instead of
living in luxury hotels.
I may also take out another bank account so I can learn more functions, I
already have two Bank of America and two Habib Bank accounts, but I am getting
rid of my last traveler’s cheques to open another account. This will enable
me to have moneys wherever I go and to report to travel agents, etc. how to
carry on. This will be important if the tourism does extend into the new
regions as the government hopes.
There is one final matter which is a little trying. I have been bombarded by
so many young men who want to come to colleges in the U.S. And when I go and
get the information, etc. they tend to disappear. In UAR I must say that when
they wanted to come to U.S. for higher education, they wanted just that. In
Pakistan and India I think I have met all told eight young men whom I offered
to sponsor in turn; no taker. And this does not include a far greater number
who say they want information. On this side, however, there is also the
“Indianesque” feature—they want desk jobs. The field is wide open for
engineers and scientists, but no to many injuries.
Faithfully
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad
May 30, 1961
My dear Rudy,
Seldom does one have the opportunity to throw all the eggs in one basket and
in this communication that is exactly what is being done. You will probably
find things here appealing to many or all aspects of your life and perhaps with
some rejoicing or satisfaction.
One of the great American classics is The Great Stone Face of
Hawthorne which shows the strange propensity of wanting to select even Messiahs
by democratic processes. In the midst of a “cold war” a politician or
newsman spending three days here will have an almost absolute priority over an
engineer or scientist spending twenty five years. The careerist who has put in
his whole life in the orient is unnoticed and we are going to send out a lot of
slightly aged children labeled “peace Corps” who are going to serve the
Russians well. For they are going to find that people will question them on
religious subjects wherein they have neither been briefed nor educated and that
all American aid is nullified by the atrocious movies and some literature which
is always available at book stores in which communistic money is invested.
The same applies to spiritual things. The work laid out for me by
Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan was of world significance, and the very
magnitude prevented anything I tried to convey, rejected. We apply democratic
processes to these things. There is one Marion Beaufait, a spiritual sister,
who hosted that Spalding who wrote books on Life and Teaching of the Masters
of the Far East utter frauds, but he was given a grand welcome by the
“elite” and, of course, by the metaphysical people who decide everything by
whim and personality and are as lacking in the deep insight as they are keen
superficially (they are, however, well above the materialists).
Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Maulana Abdul Ghafoor added to the work given by Inayat
Khan and in addition pointed out to me the path of the Khalandar. I guess
Americans know this word from the Scheherazade Suite or from the Arabian
Nights, but how can they learn anything about realities from the Europeans and
Zionists who control the Islamic culture in America? Soekarno has to travel
through America as a clown because the country is totally unable to discern
what a true dervish or fakir is. And we shall continue to apply it to the
nail-sitting Hindus and never to the true fakir who decides the destinies of
Pakistan. I mean to say that this country is today almost entirely under the
control of the Sufi-fakirs and no newspaper man and few professors can
appreciate this. So the world of realities and realism remain far apart.
I cannot go into detail here excepting to say that all my missions, all
without exception have been accepted no matter who in the S.F Bay region says
what on anything. My poetry, which could not even get a reading until Admiral
Evenson of the American Friends of the Middle East arrived, was gobbled up
immediately by the highest authorities and I am in the midst, among other
things, of writing further spiritual poetry which will live on.
I am in the Punjab which is the region of the Vedic rishis and I have even
seen sacred spots which must have been the habitat of great ones of long age.
It is so evident that I am now in the homeland of former incarnations and the
receptions are beyond my capacity. Two weeks ago Syed Marstab Ali Shah died. He
was one of the wealthiest and most influential men in Pakistan. I was guest at
his house twice, meeting so many top level persons and the one thing we had in
common and we did have in common was an interest in Sufism. This despite all
the drivel that is mis-taught in our universities and all the nonsense that our
press insists upon using with regard to “fanatics” and “fakirs.” These
men, despite their wealthy, education and position were fakirs and they know
how to empty their minds ad fill their hearts with God and spirituality.
At that time I was dwelling with my spiritual brother, Mohammed Sadiq, a
Major in the Army who possesses a divine gift of healing and uses it. Every
afternoon there were two long processions—lower class people to be blessed
and healed by him and higher class people to meet me and discuss Sufism. Some
came to teach, some to learn, some to discuss. But all welcomed an unusual
spiritual brother from across the ocean.
I am shortly to write to Pir-o-Murshid Abdul Ghafoor for advice, to
ascertain when he may be coming here. For his relatives live in Abbottabad and
his own teacher is at Mardan which is not far away.
I spoke in a great mosque in Lahore before thousands; I addressed two
assemblages of Sufis there; I was acclaimed at Punjabi University. I put in the
hands of actual scientists and engineers the materials discussed in high level
conferences and reported in the papers. They discuss I do, and shall continue
to do. But I do not wish to go into this further except to say despite any and
all or whomsoever of what level, capacity, function, outlook etc. in the San
Francisco Bay region all my proposals and functions have been accepted without
exception and usually at the very top level. This is outlook, too.
I returned to Abbottabad pretty well worn from so many dinners and honors
and now I am palsy-walsy with Supt. of Police Sardar Abdul Rani who is also a
spiritual brother of President Ayub, the fakir, despite all our nonsense. One
thing has led to another. The other night he brought me to a house right across
the road from my bungalow and there I met
Alfaqir Zulfaqir Ali Shah Nastan, Retired Tahsildar,
House No. 2509 A. Anandpura, Gawalmandi,
Rawalpindi, West Pakistan.
He is a Khalandar and was drawn to me immediately. He explained many things.
For example when I want to speak on Islamic Art at the Punjabi U. I had slides
which I had never gone over and it was to be a rehearsal. Instead all the seats
and standing room are occupied. The lights were put out and the words came into
my mouth letter perfect from beginning to end. It was like attending my own
lecture. He explained to me what happened and more.
We have since spent much time together both along and in the presence of
others. He claims to have many spiritual faculties and later I shall break this
down into subjects. Anyhow both he and Major Sadiq—at the moment
independently—wish to come to the U.S. and present spiritual healing; the
Faqir more with the idea of destroying our materialism, the latter with the
idea of promoting the International Sufi Brotherhood.
The Faqir told me some of his story. His own teacher is an Adept and has
“ordered” him to go to America some time. Also he has solved several
pressing problems of Americans and refused money. He claims that God looks
after him and he does not take and does not want money for healing. However I
did emphasize the practical side of his work in America; that he should take
collections at lectures and use this money for traveling and hotel.
While we were discussing three times I recovered the “sign” that I
should write to you at once on these matters, breaking them down.
Travel Agent. So far as I know the Faqir either has, or has access to
funds. He would want to know something about both flying and sea-voyage to San
Francisco. The term “flight” seems to have come up more often. In either
case there would be the necessity of having complete information—thus what is
the cost of flight to the U.S.? We are half way around and whether it be N.Y.
or S.F. both that and the timing might be important. At the moment there is no
indirection that he should land anywhere on route.
On the other hand a sea-voyage is not ruled out for there is always the
possibility of functioning on board ship. But this should involve more complex
time patterns—I mean from the day of embarkation. If he went by sea he would
have to leave from Karachi, but by land, P.I.A. might take him Lahore or
Rawalpindi and make international connections.
Even more important I told him would be the need of a travel agent within
the United States who would arrange for hotels and short trips whether by bus,
train or plane. He understands that this is a professional matter. Indeed his
pride or conceit seems to be that he can pay and not beg. And besides, there
would have to be trust and interest.
When the Zen Roshi came to San Francisco these things were well handled but
I think that man had clergymen's rights. There are not recognized cleric in
Islam although certain types of people are recognized such as Imams and
Maulanas.
Sufism, Occultism, etc. At the moment these things are not distinct in our
communications. He wishes to work I and through phenomena. He thinks the
American people will be attracted to phenomena, especially what they cannot
explain and it is his duty to break down the materialistic shell. This would no
doubt involve a manager, too, for him. I place this before you without
suggestions.
There is no question that we, as a people, need some anti-shocks to the
seeking of space travel miracles, etc. I am not so sure that we shall not come
up against imponderables and that sometimes even the most ignoramus psychic and
metaphysician may not be ahead of "official" science which, becoming official,
ceases to be scientific and accounts for many of our failures, more of which
will continue until we stop a lot of democratic nonsense and use higher
faculties.
It is the faculty of kashf or insight the Fakir especially wishes to
demonstrate and so far as I can see he is pretty well, advanced in it. I can
only say that he did get the exact years of my earlier suffering and described
details of my earlier life in manners no one else ever has. He did not
penetrate my spiritual being as did the Major, but my history and suffering he
got very, very well indeed.
We discussed the possibilities in the US and I warned him that the country
was very large and traveling might be quite expensive. He thinks he will be
permitted to stay just three months and my feeling is that this should be
confined to California and the S.F and L.A. regions. I did warn him against the
"Orientalists" but I did not warn him against the psychics and metaphysicians.
On the contrary I am inclined to feel that they may flock after him and even a
few gain something from him.
Astrology. This was a tremendous "Golden Apple" thrown into my lap. He
claims to have a complete spiritual astrology which is deeper that any now
given to the world. When I was with Gavin Arthur I found I could "read"
horoscopes and this I did by the application of both occultism and Sufi
Metaphysics. But this man is an astrologer, he knows something about the
"planets" within and without, and also their overtones o the higher spheres.
Some people may say Astrology is nonsense. For two or three weeks despite
unending feasts, welcomes, successes, I felt nothing but gloom, gloom increased
by an almost absence of news from the S.F. region and what did come indicated
an unfavorable response to my reports. I am a "spiritual egotists." Maybe so,
but the question is whether what I say or write is true or not—this is often
overlooked. Well, about three days ago I woke up—no gloom. There was no news,
there was no interior feeling, this had nothing to do with the condition of my
body, etc. The gloom disappeared long before defection. So I decided that there
was some Saturnian shadow over me.
When I was with the Fakir and asked him theoretical questions about
Astrology ha answered each one by pointing out either an event in my past life
or a prediction for my future. He did not deal with "theories"; and if there
was nothing in my career to illustrate the point he selected something in his
own or somebody else's life.
In my case he declared Sun and Moon to be benefic and Saturn and Mercury to
be malefic and illustrated this. It is most curious and I am writing this
purposely, that he was the third to predict the removal of Saturn as a shadow
or determinal influence in my life around my birthday and seven best years to
follow.
The detailed predictions were entirely the same, all beginning with October
and continuing for seven years, the best years of my life and the same
extremely favorable predictions bearing out exactly what the Pir-o-Murshid
Inayat khan and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor said despite all and sundry in
California. And I mean all and sundry.
The Sun will become important but not now. The Moon is important and will
remain important. Although we did not go over my chart, the Moon-Venus cum
Uranus trine was reflected in his interpretation. He has already pointed out my
romantic and dancing tendencies and predilections.
I cannot say that I followed him in Astrology as well as in Mysticism and
Metaphysics. It is not my field or forte and when he went into the overtones,
which he seemed to do well, it was new territory to me. But he seemed to
indicate, and this I liked very much, that he would like to present this
Astrology in America.
I have, of course, very good contacts in L.A. but I seem to feel he should
go to S.F. and do his work there. He is waiting for a sign from his own Murshid
before he makes dated preparations. But we both feel that what can be done in
principle now would expedite matters.
I do not wish to convey all false hopes or impressions and at the moment I
do not feel that this man is as spiritual as deep as the Major. I do feel he is
needed to break our materialistic moulds and that is what he has emphasized the
most. In fact I told him that his personal success would be the greatest favor
he could confer on me because I have been rejected all around by the very
persons, institutions and what not who should be working with me, if not for
me. I have not been appalled by rejections, but by a prioris, and there are
bunches of them around S.F. covering all classes. In general the newspapers and
sectors of universities have this same asinine attitude toward anybody who
comes to Asia and learns anything, so my trouble there is not personal, but
this strange surrealistic attitude by so-called "realists" who will not listen
to facts and information and later on are "shocked" and howl at the CIA when
the information was already in their hands, to land either in the waste basket
or pigeonhole (if one is so lucky).
My friend, Phra Sumangalo, who got tired trying to inform the American
public about Vietnam and Laos and gave up his citizenship, has invited me to
Malaya whose Prime minister is a friend of his. He wants me to re-assure those
peoples of the truth of Sufism. I have already had innumerable requests from
Indonesia, too. Indeed I would be wondering about studying in California at all
when I can live here tops at $100 per month, be received, honored, listened to
and admired. But the US needs to know the spiritual light and occult truth. And
I have to go back to :The Great Stone Face" or even the biblical "The stone
that is rejected has become the cornerstone."
If anything is not clear, please let me know. The Fakir will be here two
days more and I may (or may not) write further. I have his Rawalpindi address
and it takes only two hours by taxi service—there must be more
passengers—at about $2 for seventy miles! So I can visit him any time.
However he says if there is any need or advantage in writing him direct I
should furnish you with his address, which I have. For there will be
times—and sometimes it looks soon—when I may be adventuring in the Frontier
Province, and will not receive mail, nor have my typewriter with me.
I guess that is enough now, although it is far from all.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
June 1, 1961
U Can, Twin, Mandalay, Burma
Dear friend: I am writing you my diary entry because I need assistance,
assistance in interpreting a dream. I was in the midst of some very large
banquets, lots of people and I was sitting next to my friend Bill Hathaway. I
need him because he has the size of stomach necessary for one attending the
banquets I have to go to—protocol. It was all friendly and jolly and all that
but we were just two stomachs in the midst of multitudes.
After a while I asked to be excused. I am fed up with being fed up. So I
went to my room and began typing; the typing was most important but I don’t
know why. I left my door open because I never eave’s drop. I just listen
wholeheartedly, secret, you know with microphones and bugs. Indeed in the dream
world I seem to see too, even while I remain in my room.
After I left and enjoyed the peacefulness of my room and this machine Bill
suddenly became important. I don’t know why, but he did. He said: “Thank
God Puck is not here. I would not want him in on what I am going to say because
in his presence I have a protocol, “never say a good word” and in his
absence I have another protocol, “never say a bad word.” I don’t know why
this is but my father was an international spy, I mean diplomat of the highest
order and I inherited. What I don’t know but I inherited.
“Now I have known Puck a long time, too long no doubt, but I know him and
he is the greatest, grandest person in existence so long as he is not
listening.” Well you kept on in this vain and said he (meaning me) should be
given an ovation, that we had long given up “God save the U.S. but Puck had
and in between you called out loud “Puck are you there?” ” Puck, are you
listening?” And after the third time I yelled back, “No!” to each
question and you said, “I thought so.” And then after a while more you
became 12 feet tall and lifted me by the arm which became a long bar and
carried me willy-nilly but more wily than nilly because I am “so modest”
back to the banquet hall. By that time Bill had become the Bill cheese and
everybody was admiring him and following him and when we came back into the
hall together there was such a clamor and Bill lead the cheers and everybody
cheered and cheered and I was a hero.
Now, U Can, Twin, at this moment it being time to get up because the bearer
or his assistant or his assistant or his ass brings me bathwater at exactly
6:00 in a land where time stands still or runs like a rocket, and it was just
23 minutes early for 6:30 is exactly 5:43 or 7:13 or 6:21 exactly, exactly with
no deviations because they don’t allow deviationists here. So I awake and
strange to say feel wonderful, despite my self-banquet last night. For tired of
banquets and all that I bought some Lady’s Fingers last night (Okra) of which
I am very fond.
Well, U Can, Twin, there are only two ways of purchasing here. “The Price
is Right” which means, I have found so far, for butter, oil, and
superfluities you are going into Tiffany’s; and for fruits and vegetables
which coast I rupee (21 cents) in America cost less than a quarter of that here
and Mangos which cost 2 rupees in America cost almost as much in Abbottabad and
why they put them on the market I do not know because the public can’t afford
them. So they remain unsold and would be given to pigs if pigs were allowed. So
they all spoil because protocol “The Price is Right” does not permit
lowering prices for any purpose.
So you get butter for 72¢ a pound and in America Okra cost about 30¢ a
pound and one does not know why. Therefore because I love it I wanted one
rupees worth (21¢.) That is fine but Puck is Puck and sometimes he is “Ah
Yaint, a saint.” Well yesterday he got it. He went into the market to get
some “Lady’s Fingers” and put out one rupee. He had a big bag with him
for sundries. First they weighed the Okra very carefully down to a single item
but by that time the scales would not hold any more and there was enough Okra
on the scale to give one enough for a week. Fine! Oh know, how for Puck,
overweight, then they gave him overtime, then they gave him.
Fortunately Puck has good muscles and did not stagger because these things
don’t weigh much. So he went to his favorite restaurant and ordered some
fixed and then back to his pension which is a hostel because it is so friendly
and overwhelmed them. And then he ate and ate because it was not protocol to
eat and one does not go against protocol be—even though he takes tea between
times. Tea is like with Klaus a Just tea. Only tea. Tea and … and when you
describe the and … gave—save God save the bicarb. But then “You asked for
it” is also protocol, and this is my fault.
To get back to the dream. The appearance of Bill is very strange and
delightful because Puck has been blessed by Prophet Mohammed. He is despised,
admired, loved, begged, prepared and argued over here but mostly the last. Only
when Puck mentions Mohammed, this is protocol. But the Mohammed that appears to
Puck is very disconcerting. Mohammed gave a perfect religion (after it is
properly censored). He said he as the big cheese and the littlest boy, the
commander-in-chief and the rankest rear. And so there is “revolution” which
puts Mohammed over the Commander in Chief which is Ali and puts Mohammed over
him. In the meanwhile Allah having no partners is just pushed out of the
picture entirely.
Mohammed said in his lifetime, but this is never taught, that he was over
everybody and slave of everybody. And as he was infallible they just erase the
last portion. This is Islam. It is a perfect religion wherein everybody meets
on equal terms excepting women, noisy small boys, all people who work with
their hands excepting farmers and gardeners. So it does not make any difference
what your race is it is absolutely, positively democracy for all respectable
people. Mohammed is very glad of this for being relieved of being Commander in
Chief by Ali; he takes special interest in women, noisy small boys, outcastes
and people with dirty hands.
Puck has been reading Hadith which are absolutely as per revelation
excepting the “weak hadith.” If you don’t believe in them they are
“weak hadith” and if you do they are put over Qur’an. This is a wonderful
science which not only works both ways, but up-down, left-right, back-forth,
the most perfect science. For instance Mohammed said he liked three things:
perfumes, the company of woman and prayer. This is in Hadith. Then there is
this fellow Soekarno and there are three things he likes, perfumes, the company
of woman and prayer.
Therefore it is never mentioned and when Soekarno goes around the world
boosting for perfumes, the company of woman and prayer every respectable Muslim
shudders and does not know what to say. For perfumes and the company of
woman—oh, Mohammed has long been relieved and so he functions as he said he
was functioning as slave-of-mankind and Messenger of Allah which you have to
say and don’t have to believe “protocol” again. It is also very
disconcerting for there are no clerics in Islam, no priests, no monks, and this
is hard on the Mullahs, Maulanas, Imams, Muezzins, Kadis, and Hakims who
explain everything and wear long faces that anybody should dare to come out for
perfumes, women and prayer—excepting that they have a way of praying here
which is like an un-mechanical robot and you must say your prayers in Arabic or
you are unfaithful, and this makes it convenient because nobody understanding
Arabic and the Maulanas, Mullahs, Imams and other non-clericals can explain
things properly.
In the meanwhile Puck has been making dates with a Khalandar. Not everybody
can make dates with a Khalandar but after being fed-up and more than up and
more than fed by the non-existing Sufis (if you can get credits for your
course) s change might be welcome. Well the Prophet and Soekarno believe in
perfumes, women and prayer. But here they have “Islam” and don’t worship
Allah, they worship “Islam” because God hath no partners but that does not
stop anybody from being over “Green Pastures Papa.” And the Khalandar does
not believe in perfumes, women and prayer. This is scandalous. He interprets
everything by exactitude. For example per-fume which is per for perfect and
fume for smoking so it means “Lucky Strikes” or “Dromedaries” there
being no Camels here and he keeps packages in reach all over the place. He does
not keep women all over the place which means you must not enjoy women.
It does not mean he must not enjoy them, it must means “you” must
not enjoy them. So poor Soekarno has been keeping out of Pakistan and I think
like me Soekarno would accept your teachings, U Can. Twin. But by this time I
think you must be converted to Islam; it is so simple, perfect and all the
unemployed become attorneys trying to explain it.
Abbottabad, June 5
My dear Jack:
In the last two weeks I have received a single letter, from England. Not a
single response to any letter to anybody in either Pakistan or America and all
I have gotten otherwise are the banks reports—which I do need—and the news
supplied by the information service of the consulate at Lahore. However this is
not necessarily a complaint. This is my diary entry and whether I receive news
form the world, or from my friends, I live news.
First there is the politics. Before Johnson I was being regaled be all sorts
of people, the existence of which and whom is denied in the United States and
to whom I shall refer below. Now, after VP came here and got a lot of
plaudits—in the American press, the number of visitors has doubled and it is
only on account of the great heat that I get any relief. Fortunately I am
bearing up under the heat even better than most of the visitors who are Pathans
rather than Punjabis—and everybody seems to require a siesta, moi ausie—so
I get a rest in the early afternoon sufficient to keep me in good spirits and
good health.
We have pulled at least a partial international bloomer. The U.S. policy
seems to be to wave red-flags before bulls and when there is a big reaction
think there is big success Mc Arthur in Japan, Nixon in India and Johnson here
and each, totally ignorant or else indifferent to the feelings of the people
around them have made strong announcements which have resulted in even stronger
reactions.
These people do not love the Europeans and Zionists who are the teachers of
“Oriental Philosophy” and I am rather sick from hearing it from the top
bananas in one place after another and it is not believed. We keep on stupidly
going to those persons most hated in the Orient for “information” and
“briefing” and those American who know something about this part of the
world are ignored. The Mayor of Berkeley long lived in Pakistan but I never saw
him at an Asian gathering, but Prof. Scheercase or Von Plotz—and they are all
over the place and we yell for them and they give our their private nonsense
and we think we are learning something, my foot.
The one group of people with whom I got along most easily are the Americans
who live here. “Creoles” I call them. For like the Spaniards who left their
native land they became second-class citizens and are ignored by the home
folks. Naturally they resent it or are dismayed. They are not particularly
happy. I met the farm-boys from Kansad who had been sent to many parts of
Pakistan and certainly had experiences and gotten some knowledge. They went
home. Good-bye. They lived here for months or years. But sent reporter Untrue
Fierceone out, and he will shake hands with a few people, drink with a
newspaperman end our international diplomacy is changed! Well I have been
hollering my head off about our pornography (called “movies”) but only
after the American Broadcasting Company made a survey—pigeon-holed and every
Protestant missionary knows it and the Americans here know it. “Boy meets
girl”—and how—in the bed, in the bushes, in close-ups, nothing to be
imagined, in “rock and roll”—rolling on the rocks on the ground and no
nonsense. I even found Russian money invested. This brings profits to Hollywood
and saves Russia a lot of money. This merry-go-round goes on.
Soon our “Children’s Crusade”—Peace Corps will arrive. Pease
Corps my eye, some of them will be lucky to escape alive. They will be briefed
all right—from the Encyclopedia of Islam written in Leiden, or by Profs.
Scheercase, Von Plotz & Co. They are coming into a land where everybody is
“religious,” whatever that means and they are going to be bombarded with
questions to which they have not the answers. (A few from Harvard, Princeton
and Minnesota excepted where they do not stand for professional “experts”
but want and teach facts.) They are going to have to defend the movies and no
American has gotten away with that yet. The missionaries are hamstrung and mad
as can be and one can’t blame them.
Then they are going to learn Urdu and be sent into villages where the people
speak Pashto, Punjabi, Sindhi and what not. This is called communication. Then
they are going to teach English, weaving, manual training in districts where
there is no wood and dressing dolls where there are no dolls. This is
friendships.
Now look at crazy me. The entertainments here have been Football, Volley
Ball and Iqbal. I have added to it—Soft Ball. I got a Soft ball and a
make-shift bat and tried to teach the boys a game we have called
Pinkey-on-the-bounce or Piggy-on-the-bounce. You dare not use the latter term
here, besides Pinkey is correct; you use it in playing Jacks (no pun
intended), etc. I did not get far. Then out of nowhere a saint appeared—you
see us saints have to stick together. He stood around first-base. The batter
hit a ball to center field. There was a boy there. That did not stop the
saint—off he ran to center field. The next ball to short-stop; off the saint
ran. He backed up everybody but the catcher. He was certainly coordinated to
the hitting and maybe he had inner sight anyhow. But he tried to play all
positions at once. This intrigued hard-working college youths who have a
strange game—it is called arsenal. You have nothing like it in the U.S. You
sit on a chair and rub the seat of your pants against the wood and it is a bet
whether: the pants or the chair wears out first. So it may be called arsenal.
Well the saint broke up the arsenal league in three-quarters time. It is only
the hot weather that prevents progress. And me nearing 65 and throwing balls
and having them batted all over the lot and becoming popular with the kinds and
even with the arsenal youths.
So it being hot and me being crazy like the Englishman who goes out in the
noon-day sun in reduced handball. The only trouble here as that the boys like
all boys, began playing take-away and this no one had to instruct them in. But
I intend to go ahead only I have to give you the news. But you can see how
valuable you would be to me if you came this way and we taught the kinds a few
things.
I have even suggested teaching Jacks and Jumps rope to the girls and
bringing in old wheels so boys could make their own coaters. But this kind of
do-it-yourself is all right for “humanity” but no good for people. These
would cost little even here—the country of jute, but the Peace Corps will be
too busy explaining how to do that and how the U.S. Senate meets to do anything
like that.
This morning my friend Qureshi goes to Karachi. He introduced me to four
things: Moghul jewelry, mines, psychics, Sufis. Someday somebody will recognize
that these things are more important than Johnson’s hogwash. Well, little Ben
Franklin-Samuel Lewis, his hand on typewriter pen, went to it. For nothing,
about nothing. Nobody believed. But Qureshi has a deal on and it is going to be
a nice slam in the face of certain people. The jewels are on the market and
there will be red faces.
Then from him I as introduced to others who said there were minerals and
this kept on until I met a man who claims to have a Uranium mine. It is even in
the papers here now that the hills are full of Uranium, which is probably true.
The Russkies know this. Tell them there is Tin and they explore, same Lead, but
most of all Petrol.
I am not going to say “I told you so” because I have met stacks of
Americans who have been all over Asia and it is always the same story.
Politicians and newsmen are believed; the others are just trying to get up
scare-stories or become famous.
Qureshi’s efforts to get me into touch with the psychics has not been
successful and if there is wisdom in the Universe you can see it from what is
written below. He introduced me to a Sufi. This man was a poor decrepit person
like all Sufis are supposed to be in story-books, legends, etc. Yet what he
told me is exactly the same as what others have told me and are telling me only
they are different being of two or three types. Roughly these types are
two—intellectuals and seers.
The intellectuals can’t be Sufis because the Encyclopedia of Islam and
Prof. Von Plotz and Scheercase say no. They are all over the place, including
most Pathans which also means most generals which also means the tops in the
Government. I think I may have written to you about Lahore where all the
Messrs. Big entertained me because I am a Sufi, but don’t let that influence
the newsman or universities.
The fact that president Ayub has a Murshid, goes regularly to saint’s
tombs or to living saints (there aren’t none darling but what a procession I
get, and they don’t serve imaginary food, my stomach knows). This is a long,
long story. My present pal is the Sup. of Police. If there is any class I seem
to get along better with them professors, generals, cabinet members and hoo-man
beans it is top police. This is good-stuff. Anyhow he is also Sufi and almost a
saint and don’t you don’t believe either.
He is fairly wealthy. He also has a most beautiful wife and beautiful
children which is bad because they are not in Purdah. This is quite a subject
how the women first let you get a good look at them and then hurriedly cover
their faces but only after you had a good look. But some forgive him this
because he has open house and I am saving sheckles, beans and rupees with free
eats. This does not go well with my landlord and my friend the restaurateur,
excepting that the staff here at the hostel is getting more and more bakshish.
They scribe it to my “goodness of heart” and I don’t say anything. But
between you and me, with all my free eats, I can afford it.
Then there is the Khalandar. You never keep a date with a Khalandar but I do
every day. We call him “Pir Sahib Khalandar” which is very short for his
name which I may send some time. Anyhow he is preparing to go to California so
I wish to keep you informed. He claims to be clairvoyant. He has told me the
history of my life and I mean just that. He has gotten time, place, events, and
reasons absolutely correct. When I mentioned Los Angeles yesterday he
described the City Hall exactly as it is.
Incidentally, my friend Sam Yorty beat my neighbor Norris Poulsen down there
so I shall congratulate. This is the first time in my life I got into a game,
hands-I-win, tails-you-lose. No wonder I am looking with longing eyes to
L.A.
He wishes to awaken the U.S. to spiritualism. This includes both Sufism and
occultism. He has a number of faculties. I can say although he has not
predicted much for me it is exactly the same as all the non-existent Sufis have
predicted, no exception. Only he adds Astrology to it. Ah!
He has his own Astrology which he calls Spiritual. It appears to be profound
and perhaps exact. I met my Munshi friend in Lahore several times now who is
clairvoyant and has some astrology, but is not spiritually clairvoyant. And
inasmuch as there is no such thing as a Khalandar he is preparing to leave for
the U.S. He has his passport and airplane ticket but is waiting for some
sings.
I have already written to my friend, Rudy Olsen, 166 Geary, about him. The
combo of clairvoyance and a deeper Astrology should attract people. And his
ability to look right at somebody and look into them too will draw crowds, I
believe. It is largely going to be a question of program and arrangement. I
shall probably make more reports on this.
Meanwhile I am waiting for my friend, Major Sadiq, the spiritualist healer,
to write to me. He is also planning to come to U.S. and especially to
California. This may have official section. This Is Not Sarcasm.
I am planning a petition to be signed by Ayub and the members of his
cabinet, professors and scientists here; to be counter signed by worthies in
India and by the Prime Minister and other big shots in Malaya and perhaps
Indonesia, too, to the effect that they are Sufis and they would very much
appreciate it if some American authorities—newspapers, Universities or
government officials would awaken to this. This Is Not Sarcasm, it was
suggested to me, not by me. I have already carried a top level petition though
on another matter through Asia. Wm. Eilers of Asia Foundation knows it. Sam
Lewis is called a “spiritual egotist” but I wish somebody some time would
“call my bluff.” Wow!
Sufis do not pretend usually to have unusual powers and they have “unusual
powers” just as much as a tree has leaves. All kinds of culties. This
occultism of the Polynesians, the ESP and Cayce-ism are but kindergarten stuff
needed because in some things the U.S. is not even in kindergarten. Add to that
the complete absence of Pakistani culture in the U.S., the handling of Islamic
and Oriental Culture by Scheercase & Von Plotz and you can see the two
countries do not meet and do not understand. And the Americans who are here and
learn, they don’t count. Or maybe some time somebody will wake up. I got sick
and tired warning about USIA mobbings. It does not good. I think a couple more
here or in other Asian lands and finally somebody will awaken to realities.
We are, of course, going to send more top-level entertainers here. We have
millions of dollars (foreign aid??????) to send rich celebrities from home to
entertain American and NATO nationals abroad, have huge audiences and the
people will go right ahead not knowing about it or caring very little. We
can’t send troops, jumps ropes, hoola hoops, coasters, dolls or baby swings.
It jest ain’t done. Maybe the Russians will. We have all kinds of
organizations collecting money for all kinds of things but chiefly to employ
more people to collect more money for more all kinds of things. CARE, Asian
Foundation and the American Friends of the Middle function in Asia. The others
just function. Why don’t we get in on the super-gravy train—and no income
tax either. I think we have missed our calling. Why not rubber caps for the
poor babies of Baluchistan? They have not milk bottles but the idea is good.
Money for rubber caps. We would get contributions. The only fly in the ointment
is that there are fleas in the ointment, or rather in the milk. They do have
milk. We may have to change to get rubber caps for milk bottles for the Chinese
when they are freed from communism. You see they don’t have milk.
I feel wonderful, damn it, in the 100° weather. This is awful. I must be
losing my nationality or something.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
S. A. M
Sufi Ahmed Murad
Abbottabad, Hazara,
West Pakistan
June 11
My dear Norman:
The other day I started write a letter to one Roy Abrahamson, an early
student of the Academy and later of the Ashram—he is now away. He has given
me some news of reaction on my reports which are very interesting to me. I have
a large body of critics and I rather rejoice in this body of critics for they
have one thing in common: “Never let him present his case.” This is good
stuff if you can get away with it. It is particularly a habit of those who
lecture on the “law of karma.” All my life I have heard people lecture on
karma, develop a superiority complex and falling into the worst booby traps
imaginable. Think nothing of it.
In this country also I have critics and also I criticize and this had
brought me into contact with
Al-Faqir Zulafaqir Ali Shaha Nastan, Retired Tahsildar.
House No. 4509 A. Anandpura, Gawalpindi,
Rawalpindi, West Pakistan
He is a Khalandar. Now “everybody” knows there are no such things as
Khalandars. He says he has 38,000 followers, but they are in Asia and don’t
count although one of them is Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan
and I have met him. This type of things is, of course, very annoying to the
European professors of Oriental Philosophy but we will forget the European
professors and stick to some facts.
My own spiritual teacher said I would go on the path of Khalandar, even
though the Arabian Nights are history. My visit to Lahore brought me in touch
with everybody who is anybody and anybody who is everybody and I had a feast
every night—there were no European professors of Oriental philosophy there
and I don’t think they would have been invited to any of them anyhow. This
same sort of notoriety followed me here where the Superintendent of Police is a
friend of my spiritual brothers and himself is a spiritual man—as are most of
the big men in this country anyhow.
I think he got tired giving me tea and dinner and he took me to some friends
and there I met the Khalandar Ali Shah Nastan, as above. Allah is not only
great and good, but it happens that the Khalandar lives just about a block away
so I have seen him often.
He is the most complete clairvoyant I have ever met. He has read a good deal
of my past life—perhaps a little of the future also and given ample objective
proofs of his statements. Last night I met Max Hill, a “bum” like Claude,
and in the same way as I met Claude in Cairo. He was also a disciple of Paul
Brunton, and seeking. When he left today he was satisfied. For the time being
his search was ended, He had met Alfaqir Zulafaqir Ali Shah Nastan.
Despite all our Zionist and European experts on “Islam” the Khalandar
knows a lot about living Sufism and living Sufis—that is one thing. He has
also “penetrated into the sphere.” I don’t want to go into that. One
reason is that he is planning, inshallah, to come to America and explain things
himself. He feels we need the spiritual sciences and spiritualism. He is not
seeking money; he has 38,000 followers including that Chief Justice, who is not
exactly poor either. Also the head of PIA (Pakistan International Airways) is a
friend of him and there will be free transportation. In other words he is
planning to come to America to serve God, enlightened Americans and demonstrate
spirituality; not to collect bakshish. This may be rather new to us.
The way is clear for the Khalandar to come to California but the time is not
yet set. Presuming he might land in New York first I have written to Bob Slice.
But the destination is ultimately California and much of the State. This
involves travel. I have already written to my very good friend, Rudy Olsen, 166
Geary St, in this regard and also in regard to getting hotel reservations.
But today the Khalandar informed me that he would probably need the
following:
1. A suitable car, 2. A driver 3, An organizer, 4. A publicity man.
I told him I had just the person and one who was interested in spiritualism
and spirituality besides. He wanted to know about you so I have therefore
enclosed his address in full.
If it were possible to devote some time and effort to these projects, he
said it might be well for you to come to Pakistan. In that case he would see
that you are provided with a plane-ticket, at least. But I feel he would rather
discuss some things with you so I have given you the address. Besides this
there must be some interest and excitement in “spiritual astrology.” I have
always felt that both the science as it is presented is quite incomplete. And
the persons involved not completely disciplined either.
I wrote Gavin from Lahore five Years ago about native Astrologies but
received no response. I got a little in New York where there are rival
Astrological magazines and I think Clancy publications would be interested. But
I am more concerned with you personally. I am certainly not suggesting that you
get overboard on any Pakistani project or any spiritual adventure. I am merely
pointing out to what is. Furthermore in all conversations—including those at
which Max Hill was present, the whole emphasis was on giving, bestowing,
nothing was asked.
This is in complete support of the real spiritual outlook: that one depends
actually on God—not just the words—and receiving from God can distribute to
man, and on all planes.
Without pushing anything I hope you will be interested enough to make an
enquiry direct, but I fell positive there is something more than what is
conveyed in this letter. There are too many straws in the wind here about
introducing spiritualism, Sufism, etc. into the United States and there are too
many peaceful and wealthy persons concerned. (I shall mail either in the same
or under separate cover other details in this regard.) Here I am concerned
mostly with this projected visit of the Khalandar, the wants and needs he has
of a practical nature and of having him meet interested and trustworthy
people.
There is no bad news now, only a jamming up of good news—too much. I
receive too many visitors and they all demand I drink tea, always with sugar.
Often with milk. In 100° weather with little exercise, this is rather trying.
Otherwise no bad news and lots of good implied, if not expressed.
Faithfully,
S A M
Sufi Ahmed Murad
June 14, 1961
My blessed Pir-o-Murshid:
There are times when one has unusual experiences and these are text, no
doubt, of one’s spiritual and personal ability. Jesus said: “Let us not
into temptation,” and I do not know whether what I am facing is temptation or
not. I have met a Khalandar and I see him almost every day, even several times
a day. He is Al-Faqir Zulafaqir Ali Shah Nastan and he claims to have many
followers, including the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He is planning to
go to America and no doubt he will go to America. He wishes, or is guided, to
bring the message of spiritualism to my country and to other countries. He has
given me many evidences of his powers and what he calls “kashf” but what he
calls “kashf” is not the same as what I call “kashf.” Which does not
mean that I am right and he is wrong. Only his kashf seems to be concerned with
seeing and an ability to escape from the body, to function in “heavens,” to
meet saints, and to have grand faculties.
All this is excellent but to us it is not Tauhid. When I was in Japan I was
taken to the Third Secretary at the Pakistani Embassy. “Why do you bring this
man here? It is an insult. It is an insult to him and an insult to me. You do
not know this man. Only the Ambassador is fit to talk to him and the only
maybe.” This was rather a surprise because my host, James Otoichi Kinoshita,
had already accompanied me to many sacred and holy places in Japan where
foreigners do not go.
On the last day I was in Japan I had tea at noon with the Ambassador of
Pakistan. He told me the story of Farid, how Farid practiced austerities and
even made a lady and demanded food. She was very slow. Finally he grew
impatient and seemed to threaten her. She said to him: “Do not treat me as a
flock of birds that you can cause to die and be reborn.” This amazed him and
he asked her the story which she gave him. It is a well-known story.
Now I am receiving instruction from the Khalandar and he believes he is one
of the most powerful men in the world, and maybe he is one of the most powerful
men in the world. He knows much about sacred phrases, he undoubtedly goes into
heavens and he may have miraculous faculties. Maybe he is one of the few who
has them and maybe many have them. He says he has 38,000 followers and they
will help him to travel. I have no follower. I am going over the globe a second
time. I have crossed the United States many times. I crossed the United States
without having 50 rupees at any time and yet lived in fine homes and hotels as
well as in poor places. I had nobody but Allah and He showed me. This was a
different kind of kashf.
The Khalandar asked me to ask Mohammed where he belonged in the assemblage.
I am only in the rear rank of the assemblage. I have not been allowed to see
many there, only Isa (Jesus). But I told him I could not ask Mohammed because I
had already asked Allah. He did not seem to realize that if I could ask Allah
this might be higher than asking Mohammed.
I told him he was greater than I in all but me thing—I could be a greater
pupil than he. I could learn from him, I could listen to him but he could not
listen and learn from me and learn from me and although in Rubuyyat and kashf
and Shuyukhuyat he was far above me, I was a greater mureed. This rather
surprised him.
In some things I cannot agree with him, He places Ali above everybody and
then far above the saints, Abdul Kadiri Gilani. I have only had two visits from
Ali in my life and have never seen him. I am not concerned with persons, I am
concerned with duties. I cannot believe that Haqiqat and Marifat are stages that the human mind can fathom. I have not often been in assemblages under
Mohammed. I have been in one assemblage under Mohammed as Abdullah. In this
assemblage are many persons and I am only in a rear rank. I have seen him many
times clearing and cleaning a great Mosque. He does not use any magic, he does
not any power. He uses love and humility and I cannot compare the love and
humility of anybody to that love and humility. It is as if everybody were a
baby and he had to look after everybody and with love and sweetness.
He is not exactly assisted by Jesus. Jesus washes the feet and looks after
the shoes of the devotees that come to this mosque and does other very simple
things. I have seen this many times. Mohammed says this is his work as
Abdallah. It is not his work as Rassoul-lillah.
I have seen him in two other assemblages too and they may be
called—although this is not exactly correct—the assemblages of the Nabis
and the assemblages of the Rassouls or Pagambars or Avatars. The assemblages of
the Nabis are all of men mentioned in Holy Qur’an. The other Assemblage
consists of some not mentioned in Qur’an. These are described in my poem
“Saladin.” In “Saladin” I was shown a Meraj, not exactly as it appears
in the record but the old me he wished to reconcile Qur’an with Bible and I
had to write it that way. Also in the highest assemblage he made me write what
I have not believed and I do not think many Muslims believe.
“Saladin” has long been finished but extra copies were given to Ansar
Nasri and Quadrullah Shahab to be translated into Urdu and published. I have an
extra copy which you may read.
But now I am receiving another poem called. “Rassoul Gita.” It is to be,
inshallah, the Islamic answer to “Bhagavad Gita.” It is a very deep poem
and it requires me to be in states and stages of receptivity. I have to listen,
not see, and to feel and feel more in the heart. There are many things given to
me which I have either not believed or not known.
The poem is divided into two parts:
I. La Ellaha which deals with fana, the Kingdom of the Cipher and the
Conquest of India—meaning every sort of “other” worship.
II. El Il Allah deals with baqa, the Kingdom of the One (Tauhid), the
Conquest of
Pakistan and the Resurrection of Pakistan.
It is based on Nimaz and then on. My interpretation of Kalama has caused
some dismay and opposition but I do what God whishes. Anybody who has studied
the sciences, inner and outer, knows there are certain principles found, not
certain personalities. The whole poem is based on principles. It is also based
on fana-fi-Rassoul.
People here are unhappy, uncertain and do not have enough food. I have been
sent here as a servant of Mohammed, Abdullah and he wants me to follow him as
Abdullah. People call him “Rassoul-lillah” and go contrary to Hadith where
he say he did not want of lot of titles like the Christians gave Jesus. If one
says that Mohammed has all power, is the greatest of the great and then is
concerned with Kashmir, he is a liar. I have seen greater problems than Kashmir
settled. And in the poem Mohammed says the problem is Kashmir versus Kashf-mir.
If this country insists on Kashmir it will go down and if it insists on
Kashf-mir it will go up.
People here are concerned with Kashmir and Mohammed is concerned with Islam.
People use the word “Islam” and they know nothing about submission; they
only knew insistence and insistence is the enemy of submission. Besides there
is no peace and though I have met quite a few who know more and believe better
it is fortunate when they understand by their behavior, nafs-mutmaina.
The explanations of nafs in UAR are more complete than here and they give
seven stages, four in manifestation and two beyond and the last is not nafs but
comes in fana-i-baqa. There is another state between lauwama and mutmaina
wherein the imagination is active and this is the usual stage of the artists
and creative scientists. Anyhow I am preparing my lectures on “Islamic
Philosophy and Modern Science.” Evidently this is right because some Murshids
are coming here—not only to Abbottabad but very close to my residences, who
are scientists. This will facilitate the reconciliation of Islamic Philosophy
and modern knowledge.
I have fun into some opposition to Tauhid especially from some who say if
Ibn l’Arabi was correct then Ahmed Ghulam Kadian was correct. This is
nonsense; I have read the Ahmadiyya literature on nufs which is very good, but
very, very incomplete. I am not interested in such discussions and; hums n
logic cannot be applied to spiritual knowledge. This is one of my sub-topics in
“Islamic Philosophy and Modern Logics” The modern logics know much better
than the traditional logics which Al-Ghazzali had to overthrown. They do not
fit into the spiritual realm.
p>“Rassoul Gita” is being written in the hopes that it will help spread
the Messages of Mohammed through the world. The divines can take care of
Rassoul-lillah and they will succeed or not in so far as they follow the will
of Allah and not their own wills. But I have to show Mustapha, Ahmed and
Abdullah and this involves a lot of things people here cannot accepted.
There is an Australian here. He gave up lucrative work and does nothing but
keep the chief Mosque clean. This is acceptance of Abdullah. No talk accepts
Abdullah, you do not teach, you do not command anybody and you have to learn
love and reverence. This is not easy.
When I left the Khalandar yesterday convinced of his great power, a flock of
little boys followed me. I danced for them and finally bought each one a sweet.
I have been showing little boy’s games. I am nearly 65 but when I function
Abdullah I do not feel any age. Indeed I was surprised in looking into the
mirror the other day that I am looking younger. This has happened before. I
have died before death and my vigor and looks is the best answer I have to that
devil-show-off or whatever he is called at ‘pindi. This to me is real
demonstration of the Baraka of Khidr. Also my poetry. The success of my poetry
ends his claims and his false school forever because they demonstrate nothing,
only claim. I claim nothing, only demonstrate, inshallah.
I have asked the Khalandar to answer me two questions:
a. Why is there starvation in West Pakistan?
b. Why is there unhappiness in West Pakistan?
He claims Abdul Kadiri-Gilani is the greatest of the great. I claim nothing.
He knows Mushahida and disclaims Murakkabah. I try to practice Murakkabah in
the way you showed me in the writings of Abdul Kadiri-Gilani I keep on
succeeding even when I have no faculty for success.
I have met three Chisti Murshids. One does not seem to have any power at
all. But all of them had love, plenty, of love. You should see the way they
cherish their mureeds. They belong to each other. It was the Pir-o-Murshid of
Ansar Nasri who gave me the “push” which started “Rassoul Gita” and it
is you who, have given me the push to continue it. Whether I gain faculties or
insight is a matter of secondary importance.
The great questions here outside my ego are those of starvation and
unhappiness here (and maybe elsewhere) and the need of having the real
teachings of Mohammed broadcast. By “real” teachings I mean that even a few
lessons from holy Qur’an or Hadith be explained aid exemplified, not by
metaphysics or even spiritualism, but right here. Jesus prayed: “Thy will be
done on earth as it is in the heavens.”
It is no use claiming Islam can solve all problems when the problems remain.
But if even one problem can be faced and removed that it something. Claims are
to me noises, and sometimes dangerous noises. I have seen prayer work miracles
and I have seen multitudes pray and nothing happens.
Today I have to meet the Khalandar again. He sees in all three worlds, so to
speak. I have not even got good sight in this world. But seeing in all worlds
and functioning with full mind and full heart are different.
There are those places in this universe above assemblages, even above in
faculties, which are the well-springs of all blessings. I may be just sipping
through one little straw from these well-springs but if I sip truly then I may
be fulfilling the purpose of my life. It is exceedingly difficult to be
compelled or impelled to take teachings about Mohammed from others and have
these different from and often contrary to Hadith. I am not concerned with
titles, I am concerned with functions.
I am today to learn about Abdullah and Ahmed. Those who proclaim
Mohammedar-Rassoul lillah let them prove it by radiating love, peace, justice,
tranquility, and every sort of healing. I am still in the stage of learning. I
was never told I should be or become a Murshid. I even like my spiritual duties
and do not seek any others until it is so ordered by Pir-o-Murshid or Rassoul
or Allah. I have seen no such signs but now I am not seeing any signs excepting
what is communicated here.
I received no word about coming to Lahore and think this may be because of
the heat. It reached 100° here but excepting for the number of visitors I
receive and so cannot rest, the heat has not bothered me. Then we have had more
rain and so moderate weather than usual.
As you instructed me to learn about Khalandars I accept. I shall even
receive power if Allah wills. But my interpretation of kashf is so different
and my attitude toward Murakkabah and ryazat so different.
I knew the private secretary of Prime Minister Mosadegh. He is now home in
his native village, drawing water are taking it to the people on the hills.
This is ryazat, this is Abdullah. This does solve some problems.
Faithfully,
Ahmed Murad Chisti
June 16
Dear Tony:
This is my badly neglected diary entry. P.P. not only stands for Puddinhead,
Prelate, Potentate, Plentypentiary Puck, it also stands for Pied Piper. Well, I
asked for it. I have had the crazy, stupid idea that, if you ate, slept and
dined with people you would gain friends. Oy! Now I can’t walk through the
streets; “Natchra,” Natchra.” It came to me that “natch”—from which
we get the word “nautch” means “dance.” And then some. In the last week
I have gained the friendship of scores and scores of kids. I have now given the
boys at the Catholic School three softballs and intend to play more with them.
And for the others, both boys and girls I dance.
This horrible, poisonous, foul scheming way to win friends with Pakistanis
and keep them from Russian Subversion is of course both anti-international and
anti-protocol. Especially the latter. We must fight above board and keep to the
rules. When the enemy changes the rules we must follow accordingly. In jousting
don’t hit below the belt; and if the enemy changes from jousting to Siamese
boxing we must go and do likewise.
All invasions follow one-way traffic. Genghis Khan, his descendents, Mahmud
of Ghazali, Babar and Nadar Shah prove that. So the Russians can keep to
international protocol and that is all. We must accept the rules, especially we
must. So crazy Puck goes around and teaches softball, demonstrates dancing and
becomes popular.
There is just one family here from the U.S. not Protestant missionaries. If
you become a Protestant missionary you have to swear allegiance which means
that all other Protestant missionaries are devils and the Jesuits, of course,
are the worst of devils and then you fail, but you do not traffic with any
devils. Puck recognizes imps but not devils. He likes the Jesuits, admires
their educational system and loved the boys. This is horrible copy. What is
going to happen when all the boys from 6 to 21 admire Puck and grow up and take
over this government?
In the meanwhile to make it in reverse one gradually lets it be known that
no newspaper ever interviews Puck; that he got kicked out one university and
could not get interviews at other ones; and that all the best jobs in Oriental
culture are in the hands of Epoops. Why, he is so much of a hero it is
horrible. No rest. Whatever I begin to say there is “Hip, hip, hurrah.” So
when I write letters of protest and just let one person see, in a while the
whole town knows it.
In this country they believe in God, or Allah, They have assumed that
Kennedy is a believer; they have assumed that Nehru is not. So they don’t
like asked being made into followers of a non-believer. If Nehru, why not
Nikita? It is all the same to them.
The Afghan situation is perfectly snafu and the only change is that since I
have come here more people on the other side wish to join Pakistan, or is it
International Pukhtunistan? Anyhow the Pathans control this side and why not
the other?
Johnson missed all the big problems. And he asked neither for advice nor
suggestions. Some Americans were interviewed: “Do you approve of this
plan?” “How far do you approve?” That is all, so Simon McGee who knows
Urdu and engineering and mining and has spent 5 years more getting $300 a month
is going to see Lizy Smuts, graduate from Yale or Smith, coming here and
getting $500 a month start and more later. Is he going to like it? Or Prof.
Lunch who is getting a small stipend because he speaks Urdu and knows Pakistani
culture is seeing a former pupil coming here and getting a larger stipend to
start while he is by-passed. He just loves that, you can bet!?!? This is
diplomacy and protocol.
Now Nikita knows that people who want rice want rice and not ping-pong
games; that if they want Qur’an they want Qur’an and not Roberts Rules of
Order as practiced in the U.S. Sunset. If they want mining experts they want
mining experts and not street planners, etc. He can’t supply them but he can
say he will. And we go back and pat ourselves of a great diplomatic victory.
Liberia refuses to join the Red Bloc. That is something. Since Liberia never
had such intentions anyhow and may be the last country in the world to be
communized, boy what nonsense. Maybe we shall see a headline: “The Pope turns
Christian and absolutely refuses to compromise with Allahism.” That would be
something but that is our news and it is the news here and everywhere else and
the more emotional you are the more uninformed you can afford to be. Excepting
Nikita.
In UAR we predicted that the Assouan dam night never be finished. As I doubt
whether the Russians have experts I am not surprised that there is quite a
separate “cold war” going on between UAR and U.S.S.R.—hands off, that
would be very, very unfair and unjust on our part to interfere. I tell you
there is going to be an untimely different cold war and it will have the
God-lovers against all materialists, atheists and mammonizers. You know that
and have known that.
What is needed is an entente between Islam and South America (wouldn’t
Franco love that!). I think it may come. The Sufis are exceedingly strong here
and I am learning more and more. But we stick to nonsense and Tillich’s
“god” who is now being presented in the universities.
I am going to have a job in India fighting monkey-worship, cow-worship and
elephant-worship. And here there are the anti-clericals consisting of mullahs,
maulvanas, maulvis, muftis, kadis, ulema, imams; there are no clergy in Islam.
If they are clergymen they are exempt from Income Tax, and if they are not they
must pay. What to do?
Well Sam Yorty is now Mayor of L.A. And if I start feeding him my stuff
don’t be surprised if he is in the U.S. Senate after all. I can give him
facts, annotations and finally signed petitions.
My complaints, of course, make me feel fine and I am looking younger.
Playing soft-ball at 65! But of course ANTA has no money for this. We must
raise millions to entertain the Americans, Norwegians, French, Italians,
Armenians and Greeks abroad, even the Bwiddish if they wish, but for the common
people, protocol, you know. It is easier to reach Venus than the hearts of
people by this nonsense. They are no guinea-pigs to be compelled to choose
between Nikita and Wall St. They are human beings with hearts and souls.
Everybody in the Agricultural Department in Shington knows that; maybe someday
somebody in the State Department will find it out; and maybe, if there are
still miracles, some newspaper editor.
No wonder I can only write nonsense, but it is true, every bit of it, even
though heavily salted and peppered.
Cordially,
June 23, 1961
My dear Harry:
I have long contemplated writing a book, “Not so Innocent Abroad.” The
main thing is that one must do everything contrary to protocol. At the present
moment this is making me very popular. V.P. Johnson is just as “popular” in
Pakistan as Nixon was in India. As an anti-protocolarian this is has made me
popular in each country, but there are some very serious aspects to it.
I tried modesty in entering this country—it did me no good. I had to sign
special papers and these papers brought me in touch with Police and especially
Police Chiefs. There is nothing more satisfactory than having these men as your
best pals. I got into trouble in Abbottabad and to make things satisfactory all
around I registered with all the police. This also brought me more tea, free
lunch and pleasant discussions.
The Top Banana here is the Superintendent of Police or S.P. He is something
like a combination of a County Sheriff and Supervisor of all local Police
Chiefs. When I came back from Lahore he was waiting for me and we are as thick
as men can be (or as Harry Lauder says, “I think I’m the thicker of the
two.” Anyhow I have a big mission here in Agriculture, etc.’ another in
Islamic philosophy; another, by grace of President Ayub on Pakistan culture
coming up. All of these bring me to the S.P.’s office or home with a lot more
free tea, eats and conferences, all levels, all subjects.
Through him I met a Khalandar, right out of Scheherazade suite and a lot of
other strange persons, but I won’t go into that here.
There seems to be an affect of all rich persons, particularly the Pathans,
to invest in land. They do not care about industry, and Sardar Rani the S.P. is
no different. Besides he is also a friend of president Ayub who is also an
amateur-at least-fruit grower. Abbottabad is in a sort of Rift-pass, the
drainage goes on three sides but the place looks like a valley. It is subject
to drafts and the winds bring more moisture so we have had periodical rain
right through the dry season. At the moment the Apricots here are doing fine.
Crape Myrtle and Ligustrum are the chief blooms, both being used as small trees
rather than shrubs. Gaillardias and Phlox dominate the flowers with Begonias,
“Geraniums” and other familiar blooms being evident now.
The S.P.’s place here is at least four acres. He has large Pine trees,
other Conifers and fruit trees mostly—Apricots, Apples, a local Pear and a
few Plums. He has an orchard in the Peshawar district, mostly Prunus droops. He
has three compost heaps—night soil, buffalo dung and leaf. I have suggested
putting some dung in the leaf. He does not use the night-soil until it is a
year old. I also suggested another pit for Pine needles, to be used as winter
mulch. He is planning Persimmons and I think they, as well as Roses, etc. could
stand the mulch.
He has been most successful with Corn (Zea mays). He said he had stands last
year with as many as seven and eight ears. The soil is predominantly clayish
with heavy K, as I have reported before. This is reflected in the flowers and
particularly in the Carnations at the moment. This gives good stems. He is
growing Okra, Onions, Lettuce, Capsicum, Chilies, Tomatoes, Grapes and several
numbers of the Melon family—kept far apart. After the Corn is taken up he has
planted winter Peas—two crop rotation, also other Peas and Cabbage and
Spinach during the winter.
He gave me the same negative reports on Ammosulph I have had in Hong Kong,
Thailand, India and Rawalpindi. Indeed the American “foreign add” insisting
on this is one of the many factors making for the present ill-will. Ammosulph
keeps down the soil bacteria, etc. Also the heavy monsoons leach it and
how—so little is utilized.
Well, Harry, I am quite serious if I say with my money and my brains we
might save the country. I am gradually going after a subsidy. I have written
Secretary Shahab and sending a copy to a VIP friend and this may start
something when President Ayub returns. I have the S.P. with me and can get the
Food Director easily. But I am still waiting for my friend, Abdul Sattar from
San Francisco. A death in the family has delayed him.
I have also a letter from Asia Foundation and I am going to but a bug in
their ears, too, but perhaps later on.
I have talked twice to the S.P. about Hunza. The organic gardening economy
there has caused quite a stir in certain parts of the U.S. But here they know
nothing about it. You see these people have a totally different form of
language and also they are followers of Aga Khan. In this clergy-less land of
muftis, mullahs, maulvanas, imams, kitabs, ulema, hakims—the list is still
incomplete—you must not mention Aga Khan. Besides the Aga Khan people do two
things against protocol—work hard and get wealthy. I don’t know which makes
them more disliked and being heterodox on top, there is no cultural
communication.
Now politically speaking we are not far from Hunza though there are high
mountains in the way. Inasmuch as protocol pays no attention to American,
Australian and such climbing parties, we “must” do nothing, but just
invited a few Russians in and somebody is going to “rediscover” Hunza land.
Anyhow I have put a few bugs I the S.P.’s ears and he is going to see his
Chief who is all over the police in Pakistan, etc.
We also discussed dry farming and desert Agriculture. I have not yet made my
lists for Dr. Hamid Khan but when I do I shall include the S.P. with a carbon.
We have also discussed the advantages of bringing in Avocado, Olive and Carob.
It is also probable that he will be taking me to some landowners in the near
future but his Chief is coming tonight. (I have sung for him “A Policeman’s
Lot is not a “Happy One.”)
I have suggested the heavy manure or fertilizer spreading just after the
Monsoons begin and the leaf-mold-compost in the winter. There seem to be some
rains here at Abbottabad all year. There is some snow but it is generally sunny
in the winter.
It would also be wise, I think, to get in touch with the organic Gardeners
and with Atlas, but this I am leaving more or less to you to re-suggest to me,
or reject when I return. To recapitulate, we have the projects of organic
fertilizers instead of Ammosulph, drought tolerant crops, and heavy oil and
protein foods like Soy Bean, Olive, Avocado, to take up.
Besides inflaming the people by this pro-Indian stand, Johnson paid no
attention to the agricultural problems. Why is it that Russia and Yugoslavia
are sending in the “saline soil” experts?
The same is true about minerals. I have now a line on Graphite, Chromite,
excellent pure Silica and fine China Clay. I am asking that the young son of
the owners make a list of valuable mineral deposits here giving formula and
size of lode; also availability. I did not wish to take up more at one sitting.
But as things stand, unless we really wake up to Pakistan and Asia, we shall
either see further Russian infiltrations or hope that the Japanese get there
the firstest with the mosts.
Asia Foundation is calling on Americans here to make some suggestions. I
have not me a single one who does not feel rebuffed by Johnson and in general
by the Embassy. The very ones who understand about this land are the last ones
consulted. (Where would I be without gripes?)
Cordially,
June 24
My dear Harry:
There is a certain type of man—and so far I have found them only in India
or with mixed “Indian” blood—I do not know the face type, that is
absolutely imperious, immovable, dictatorial and from my point of view
impossible. They all have in common—and this is also unusual for people from
this region, a capacity for hard work and effort which is not general. So they
often get to the top.
My host here is one M. Yakub Khan who owns a drug store and around him and
his partners several worthies gather from time to time. I would characterize
there men as “imam” though is some respects they resemble our old
“cracker-barrel” philosophers. The evenings are mild and when clear the
number of persons who join them is sometimes liable to be large.
Last night one
Agha Faqir Shah (P.C. Retired) Land Acquisition
Officer & Collector.
“The R x,” Link Road,
Tarbela Dam Project,
Abbottabad
P.O. Ghazi, West Pakistan
sought me out and I shall have a good deal to write about him below (this is
my diary again). We discussed the dam and its possibilities and later on the
Assouan dam, etc., etc.
We did not get very far when we were interrupted by a man who claimed to be
not only “a” but “the” expert on Wheat, Rice and Sugar and I never saw
such a bundle of negations in my life. We are passing through a series of
international misunderstandings. This man sneered at all the experimental
stations I have been too—it was always the wrong ones. He belittled
everything being done and I certainly did not take the trouble to mention my
contacts, nor the fact that M. A. Cheema who “briefed” me is regarded as
the top No. 1 Agricultural Expert for Pakistan. Besides this man knew more.
He got everybody to laugh at me when I said there was 75-90% recovery from
the Sugar Beet. I let him win the arguments and I told the Agha later that we
utilized all the Sugar Beet and all the Sugar Cane but not
all for Sugar. I did not ask for the “expert’s” name and he told
me the top man from the whole world had come here and neither German, Russians
nor Americans had been able to solve the “local problem.” But it was quite
obvious to me the “local problem” consisted of non-receptive
“experts.”
One has to begin with the food habit—I did not bring this up. A large
percentage of “faminizism” in India has been due to the stubborn adherence
to Rice and a restriction even of “Rice-and…. Here there is some stubborn
restriction to Wheat. All right, the people must have Wheat. Now these have
been migratory people, many having ancestors from distant places like Agha Shah
above. They carry their eating habits into lands of different capabilities.
As the Agha well recognized, but the “expert” did not, there have never
been thorough Soil, Hydrological or Geological surveys here. The main
experimental station for Sugar and Wheat started in 1912. What have they
solved? Other then knowing in rough that there is much fairly high pH, heavy
soil here; one has not much more to start in with. Texas Seed Corn has failed,
but has it? So far as I could tell from the “expert”—they have their own
planting seasons, different. The soil chemistry is different. And the only
fertilizing is done with Ammosulph. Now if you add Ammosulph to soil of high pH
in warm, rainy weather, there is some chemical reaction, liberating the
Ammonium ion and so you lose N. I am not going to discuss this with experts
from exp. stations established from 1912 who have not found this out.
I am not enough versed in Genetics to have gone into the relation of new
breeds and the best soil chemistry for them. But I do know I can discuss this
rationally with the staff at the Forest Station above and I shall do something
about it.
As to Sugar I refused to play my cards. So far as I can see, with a changing
planting season, the whole process of photosynthesis is altered and, when on
adds the problems put to me in UAR they are way off base. Next, the
“expert” insisted that the machine system alone would solve the problem,
that the cost of labor was too high and that a peasant economy was expensive
and wasteful. The only answer to this I can see is to abolish humanity. It has
survived some rather in inefficient systems and perhaps systems will always
have a high degree of inefficiency.
I went into the Beet Sugar thing and this is too early to face economical
but I again refused to play my cards with an “expert.” To utilize Cane
Sugar in its entirety you have to have some machinery, not so much for Sugar
extraction but for by-products and wastes. Look at the history of PABCO. Well,
if “experts” don’t know these things it is too bad. Whatever way one
turned he had a flock of reasons, always ending with “the world experts have
been here and failed” and I can say whether the world experts have been here
been here or not, you can’t convince stubborn minds and closed ears. I will
later on try to by-pass such things.
As to Maize, he laughed at every statement I made and refused to take down
the names of persons who had succeeded. As the S.P. is very proud of his own
experiments I am going over this point with him. Perhaps the whole organic
gardening philosophy is involved and maybe Hunza will provide a partial answer,
but when I get to the “cracker-barrel” people in the “experts’”
absence I shall tell them a thing or two.
How in God’s or the devil’s name can one introduce expressive machines
into a land which has not good mechanics and where iron-mongers are held in low
repute? So long as there are countries in which you have the gold is greater
than silver is greater than copper is greater than iron, you reach an impasse.
The Jewish Falashas in Abyssinia (Ethiopia) won their economic independence
when technology reached that country because they had a monopoly on
iron-smithing! (Jews, of course, never work with their hands, and lot of
baloney still exists!)
All this time the Agha was trying to tell me of the Tarbela Dam on the
Indus, the conditions under which it is being built. A very large-lake
reservoir will be made and this will affect the water supply. Unlike the
Assouan dam, although the temperature rises just as high, this is during June,
July, August, when the greatest rains also come. The rain supply is more than
sufficient to overbalance any loss by evaporation. And there are neither the
technical difficulties of Assouan nor political involvements.
I think I have referred to a Nabob who wishes to see me, he controls the
land on one side and four villages must be moved. But this is a minor
obstruction because the villages can be moved more rapidly than the dam can be
built.
Agha Faqir Shah lives very near me. Link Road is the main highway
immediately to my right. He took me his home and we had some very long
discussions, coupled with my favorite drink-Maxell House Coffee!
The first problem he put to me was where could he get literature on the
color of flowers.
Now he has worked with fly Hydrangeas but tells me Alsuph is hard to get
here and he has never used Iron sulphate. Besides, as I have said, the pH is
high here. He could use Ammosulph but his objection to this was even longer
than what I have heard from other quarters. He positively confirmed the
peasants’ objections to it but then more in detail.
Outside my work in the fields common to us my largest project is in the
philosophy of Integration. My leader in the U.S. is Prof. Oliver Reiser,
Philosophy Department, Pittsburgh U. I have been trying to get him in touch
with various philosophers in the Orient. As luck would have it, he has
by-passed me in this. This will save me much time, the personal contacts having
can made.
The Integral approach is compulsory in the engineering field, you cannot
omit anything and many formulas are based on integrals. But the medical field
is exactly the opposite. We have diagnoses and diagnoses and diagnoses but
putting jig-saws back is not always accomplished. The Gestalt Psychology offers
another approach in integration or near integration.
I told the Agha that I objected to the Hendelian approach because it did not
take the soil chemistry; the auxin-problems are complicated with photosynthesis
and related light problems; and the genetic factors seem to be quite different
in different plants. I immediately gave him the address of Ohio State U. and if
I can find it shall give him the N.Y. Horticultural Society. As I was warned in
Karachi, They know little here about Agricultural literature, how to use
abstracts, etc. If this cannot be handled by correspondence I shall look up
Poole, etc. when I return. I do not know whether our agricultural attachés
have Poole. I think I may find it at Dehra Dun but with delicate international
feelings, you just don’t do things that way.
Indeed the Agha reacted just like S.P. when I mentioned Hunza. On top of
that I looked up the scientific edition of Pakistan Quarterly referred to above
and what they are doing in soil science is elementary. There is a part on
Tobacco. The “exports” recommended Ammosulph and they got huge yields at
very poor grade. My “expert” friend above told me that he was also skilled
in this field. Now, Harry, in my aeonic existence I have worked this crop in
the Carolinas and there were great debates there on fertilizations, soil
chemistry and residual effects. When rejected foliage and stock plants are
turned back into the ground as soil conditioners, the economic and qualitative
loss to the soil is much lessened. There is some uncertainty whether there may
or may not be some symbiosis or N fixation with this plant, too.
Experts here do not work the ground. They just give orders and the
Soil Chemistry also reports a peasant revolt against Ammosulph. Undoubtedly I
have been verbose here but I want to get everything down on paper. I am not
pessimistic about anything. I may see the Agha before I mail this. I wish to
see his garden, etc.
It is curious to have met two such men at the same time. The “expert”
constantly interrupting, but I am sure he has also interrupted anybody sent
here from abroad. I would not dare approach him on saline-tolerant [?]. And
though I was sneered at for not yet going to Lyallpur and Peshawar, this is not
going to affect my approach; it will largely acquaint me with more species,
etc. I stop at this point and will either mail, or add.
June 21, 1961
Dear Tony:
I axed for it and the axe has descended. This is my diary entry. I have
neglected it. I am writing some Puck stuff and more poetry. But the axe—give
‘em the axe. I axed for eating, praying and dancing. You can testify there is
no God but God and Samuel had three principles. Tomorrow, for instance, the
Chief Pathan’s secretary has asked us for tea. Between being Puck and
accepting food and also as they have been in California, mostly Sacramento,
this is a must and why not? I walk to the bazaar. One hour off, chai, gossip
and sometimes sweets. I get two blocks more. La même chose, but there is no
choosing chose. And so on. Sometimes I eat meals. I am sending for more
dollars or rupees because I think I should have them but with this system they
go for, very far indeed.
The infants call me “Tam bleeze.” This is supposed to make me want to
chasethem. I don’t know how it got started but this is protocol. The infants
must have called me “Tam bleeze.” Then the next groups and the groups are
growing—natchna! natchna!, which means “dance” (same root as
“Nautch”) so I natchna and natchna. Only the paths are stony and it is
fortunately where and when I can find a grassy spot, or a courtyard. I dance
with a brick on my head or I dance with castanets of I just dance. But it is
the unanimous opinion of the sires that I must take tea with them, and of the
children that I must dance for them. There are the Pathans, they are called
“submitters” and if there are any people on earth who do more insisting
than the Pathans I have yet to meet them. If they were not Pathans I might
object, but again Puck axed for it and the axe has descended.
My friend Steadman has moved from Ohio to the home of the late Dr. Baker who
was great on this Puck stuff. When she is dead, poor lady, but I would like
some psychologist to explain—my pals are Pathans all over.
And what an argument in the bazaar. I mentioned “Pukhtunistan” and
people pale “white.” It is a forbidden word. Nobody believes in it.
I said: “You are wrong. Pukhtunistan is not part of Pakistan, Pakistan is
part of Pukhtunistan. Who is your president, Ayub Khan, and what do you think
he is? Who is his chief assistant? Lt. Gen. Sheikh? And wherefrom? Who is the
top banana here? Who are the Murshids, the professors, the engineers, the
scientists? Pathans, the whole bunch. They run East Pakistan, they run West
Pakistan—can you name one honest man in office who is not a Pathan?” Boy,
what a session! And my friend, Abdul Rahman from S.F just sits and laughs and
laughs. He came from the Pathan district himself!
Of course now the combination gun-mit-boomerang which my –friend” Quetta
Guy sold to the Afghans is working time. For once the protocol that only
Russians may invade and the traffic down Khaibar Pass is one way only, has
gotten upset, or maybe water is running up-hill. Anyhow the whole thing has
gone back on the Afghans and they have sent for Ayub. Ayub has trouble of his
own. Lyndon Johnson did not exactly perform puja to Rama but he might as well
have. After all did not Prof. Von Plotz, on Iqbal day say: “I am most happy
to address you on the celebration of the birthday of the greatest of Asia’s
poets—Rabindranath Tagore!” What else can be expected?
It is Nixon all over. After he “converted” the Hindus we had to send
Earl Warren to straighten out the mess. And we are getting it in South America.
We cannot and do not conceive the value of religion. People want to be loved,
but within confines. In last “Readers Digest” it tells of a church father
who cleaned up one of the west villages in Pakistan. Wait until the
Children’s Crusade Peace Corps come to a welcoming committee of mosquitoes,
diseased eyes, raving mullahs and hungry peasants. They are going to ?teach?
them how to weave. “What is your religion? Why? Why don’t you believe in
Mohammed? Did you ever study Qur’an? How can you reject it if you haven’t
studied it?
Well Ayub is a Sufi and so was Prof. Hussain who has been in California and
has probably greatly impressed the “professors” who will continue to teach
that there are no great Sufis and the downfall of Islam is due to the reticence
of Sufis to take part in politics. Shall we discuss Basic Democracy? (which has
the same meaning as “Shall we dance?” by Groucho). Only the Sufis and
Church Fathers accomplish anything but it is anti-protocol to discuss such
things.
I have seen a lot of valuable mineral ores and I have urged my young friend
Arif Khan to make a list, giving chemical formula and richness of lodes, etc,
and bring it to America. It may do some good if the Russian don’t come in.
There are great China clay deposits and fine Silica ores. I am going to try to
“sell” them to Japan. Years ago we had a man write on the “lives of the
masters of the Far East“—humbug and fraud, but what a lot of people
believed. Today we have our Von Plotzes; they are believed, and look at the
tensions. A fact is a fact in science but in politics it is always “who dun
it?” and then there in a question anyhow.
Ii is very hot in the plains and although it has been running around 100°
the last days have cooled off.
Fine Peaches and Plums now on the market. Melons and Apricots are very cheap
but the other fruits are surprisingly high—not for an American, but way out
of line with peasant’s pockets. There are now poor grade Mangoes but the best
thing from them is their juice. I amd going to try to start a campaign that
Pakistanis offer this abroad instead of the splendid cocktails they offer to
non-Muslims and earn disrespect for themselves all over the lot.
Abdul Rahman and I have planned some tourist. Next month we go to
Muzzafarabad which is in “Azad Kashmir” which I want to see. Americans are
not popular there now but wait until I meet those guys. Puck will pull the rug
under their feet and Sam will prove they are not Muslims and they will have to
take it. It is the same comic opera—their patience is always exhausted but
the whole actual Islamic world is against them. If they resort to arms they
will disprove that Islam is peaceful. If they try a Gandhian invasion it will
be a joke; who is going to join them? They are not even united among
themselves. Ask a Kashmiri what he believes in and he will probably answer
either “Allah” or “Give me some more.” Starvation under any other term
is not a bit more comfortable.
The news I get about S.F. is uniformly bad. It ain’t anymore. Something
retains the name and politicians are in the City Hall. I am only hoping that
the Curry Bowl or the Captain’s Galley will still be there. But my first
appointment with you must be the Nugget on Post. St., if it is still left.
I must confess I miss TV with all its faults and will probably have one. But
I must keep up exercise and will probably work with the Baptists if I live in
that area. My friend Welley Miller, who became the dancing partner of Leonora
Martin, has been ill and Leonora also lost her other best gentleman friend.
Well I had two busted romances and the augurs, soothsayers, seeks and
clairvoyants say one is coming up, only when I return. Aware the Ides of
May!
The boys now have a big swing here. I said that was enough—foot-ball,
tennis balls (for handball), softball. etc., as well as, let’s call it
Quoits. And when I pass the Catholic School. Gosh I wish some diplomat come
here, or a newspaper man arrive and see what a humble, bumble, stumble lone
American can do—inshallah!.
June 25
Well, Harry, I am in a series of jams. I have more invitations than I can
handle and am behind both in my creative writing and reports. I have again seen
the Agha and there is no question we may come very close. I cannot vouchsafe
for his methods of research in color-in-flowers. But I have seen some results
of his cross-breading. He has some fine double Petunias—I don’t care for
this flower in particular but I am always interested in breading results. He
has some dark Dahlias. He sent to his son for some “blue-Dahlias” and bulbs
were shipped air-mail but did not come up. He is proud of his dahlias, which
flower seems to adopt itself to all kinds of Asian conditions. But I still have
to see anything like those of the Pacific Northwest.
His Carnation-Pelargium crosses are really most interesting and varied. One
never knows exactly what will come thereof and he still has to do some
selective-straining (straining in both senses and no pun intended). But he has
no cutting bench here and I have not asked him how he does his propagation
work—it is not bad. His few fruit trees are decidedly the best here.
But what struck me most were his reports on Tomatoes. There used to be a
selection—and it may have been a cross—leading to a spicy variety, very
select here and which offered its flower when cooked. It may still be grown in
the Peshawar region. Still more important was his report on perennial Tomatoes
which are found in the Malakand area—I have not visited it yet but one of the
reason of the present jam is the series of invitations to go into every region
and I have not been able to program.
Meanwhile I have lost prestige with some of my cronies who look upon the
“expert” referred to in the beginning as the top scientist. For my part I
should say “God help him.” I have never seen any real soil-control
experiment here and there are few complete reports—the rest on NPK and pH. As
the “expert” says he has interviewed the top Rice, Wheat, Maize and Sugar
men of the world—I can believe it and I can believe they got nowhere with
him. He has two arguments against every suggestion; and, with the lack of
organic gardening philosophy and the strained relations between the
“Ammosulph experts” and the peasants, there is certainly a road-block
here.
Fortunately this does not disturb me at all. For I have just heard from
India. A most delightful series of events has brought a number of my friends
together in New Delhi and they are planning some welcome for me. This is months
ahead of time but it will give me an opportunity to program. My first host,
Syed Mahmud, is now the head of the whole Islamic community.
Now my present thinking habits come from my studies under Cassius Keyser of
Columbia, author of The Human Worth of Rigorous Thinking and other
books. I have been working with his chief disciple, Oliver Reiser of
Pittsburgh. Reiser has been successful, independently, in establishing
relations with Indian Philosophers. But my letter concerning friends happen to
be those who are close to Reiser also socially and intellectually I may have my
eggs in one basket.
If there is one way to arouse the Pakistanis it is to tell them that you
will bring your stuff to India, and if there is on way to rouse the Hindus it
is to take the opposite course. So if any “expert” tries the personality,
phony-baloney stuff on me he is going to have to face some interesting events.
Fortunately Dr. Hamid Khan, the Forest Botanist, has begged me for more
sessions, and I shall try to clear and see him, but with many invitations and
social events—I am just one man. I am going to lay some of these things
before Asia Foundation, too. There is probably a lot more and with
interruptions I don’t know how complete these reports are.
Cordially,
June 27, 1961
My dear Jack:
This is my diary entry. The bottoms of the pages will be left blank for
notes before mailing. I do not wish to mail until I get my bank returns. At the
moment there is a possibility of revaluation not in the direction of
retrenchment but opposite. I have now been the guest of many people and even
when I have remained my rooms in Abbottabad and gone elsewhere, through the
kindness of friends my budget is small. Even now, it is early morning; I am up
because at 7.30 I go for a free trip. The manager of the Government Transport
Service has been very kind and hospitable. True, I am arranging to go in four
directions: east, west, north-west and north-east from here. These are all into
mountain areas, off the beaten paths and one does not know exactly what
accommodations one will have. But I want to go not only for sight-seeing, but
if I can break down the red-tape of some office-holding bastards, I might help
build tourism here.
There is enough Indian blood in their veins so the pride and joy of life is
to sit behind a desk. Any “good-cheese-blooded” Asian would rather get Rs.
200 rupees a month, just given a desk, free tea and some authority than get Rs.
500-1000 by working. My friends Arif Khan told me of his brother who is a
mining engineer. That guy worked and got five times as much salary as expected.
He is, of course, an outcaste, but he is having fun instead of being miserable.
To be miserable is to be normal—I am still around Pukhtunistan. And where I
go they speak Pashto, Hinkal, a little Punjabi and Gilgiti—the Peace Groups
will learn Urdu and English and go forth; like young Galahads to find—well
just wait until they do.
In addition to the above the news is very pleasant. Across the way Prof.
Durrani, a Sufi and a big professor has just come. We had our preliminary talk
last night. It was almost like falling in love. In the first place no
professors are Sufis and no Sufis are professors see you, if you want your
degree in Asian philosophy. In the next place he has a universal attitude and
next he stresses love more than knowledge. Now it is all right for any
ignoramus to stress love but for a professor who gets Rs. per mouth this is
“unthinkable” and there are more “unthinkable” people here than you can
imagine.
Then there is Agha Shah. He is in charge of the payrolls for the big dam on
the Indus. He is interested in experiments in Floriculture. We have had a
delightful time and he also lives quite close by. But we were interrupted
constantly by a man who claimed he is in charge of all the Agricultural
Experiments in the next district. The fact that all have failed means nothing.
He has said be has met the biggest men in the world and they could not help.
Actually they could not help “him.” I would not be proud of a lot of
experiments that have failed. But he has authority, and he does not know that I
have the low-down and am working in a sense, for this superiors.
So I worked out some reports for Prof. Hamid Khan, ex-University of
California and Chief Forest Botanist in Pakistan. As luck, or Allah willed, I
met the real Top Banana scientist of all the Frontier District, M.O. Ghani,
from Peshawar. When I put to him the basic problems with Sugar, Wheat and Maize
he agreed entirely. When I asked the “expert” to visit a certain garden
here where they are growing top Maize he refused to go. This is “science.”
But he does not know that the grower is a friend of President Ayub and got some
of his materials from none other than.
For postscripts:
This grower is the S.P. Superintendent of Police, Sardar Rani. Now, Jack, I
must advise you when traveling abroad the most important thing is to become
acquainted with the top police. This is one of the first themes for my
unwritten book, “Not So Innocent Abroad.” I have been threatened with
arrest but with three police stations on my side, from tops to bottoms, and
having eaten with the common copy, my erstwhile “enemy” has probably had a
hard time finding someone who would deliver a warrant. Anyhow I have waited a
long time for arrest and nothing doing.
Now as to Love. The new national anthem is “Ahmed Murad, Zindabad.” In
each district there are crowds of kinds who expect entertainment. We in the
U.S. are now spending a lot sending a vaudeville team here. But I am causing
consternation in delivering unfair blows in the cold war—soft, ball,
hand-ball, dancing, etc., but chief of all the swing I had put up in front of
my rooms. Somehow or other kids like swings better than dialectics but this
would be unfair to Khrushchev to introduce them. And as for hammocks—whoever
brings hammocks here will become king. Anyhow wherever I go, a crowd of small
fry, and a traffic jam.
Next I got a letter from India. As I have always said, some Hindus just done
like Germans, Poles, Hungarians and Englishman teaching “Indian
Philosophy.” This is complex because the philosophy is not and the pay is
real. Why can’t we pay real Hindus to teach real Hindu Philosophy for real
pay? Beloved, it jest ain’t done and this makes us popular but God knows
where. So the Hindus have already notified me to a grand welcome, surprisingly.
On top of that one of them is Surindar Suri, whom Lloyd Morain thought was his
best friend, but Lloyd & Co. could not possibly interfere with any Ph.D. no
matter what the Ph.D. said. And I don’t think Brother Gavin will relish
hearing that the Hindus who have been in S.F. are getting ready to welcome me
after my long efforts to see that some of them could teach Asiatics instead of
European emigrés.
Incidentally I found the villain in my non-delivery of mail: the U.S.
Consulate at Karachi. They sent everything back despite a double precaution on
my part. This has been very awkward.
Interlude for breakfast. Now I am not only in a jam, a jam is in me.
That’s a joke, son. Dog did not show up. I fed him already. To show you how
poor the Muslims are here, dogs are treated well and cats nix. In Egypt, where
the “pure religion” is taught, the cats are kings and the dogs scavengers.
This has been since 60,000 B.C. and in China too, but here dogs are not curs,
simply mongrels. I have to play every day with him, too; also push kids on
swings and dance.
Yesterday I met Samuel Brown. He is not eligible for the Peace Corps. He
speaks every language of Pukhtunistan and has been all over the place, even
climbed high mountains and got into inaccessible valleys. But there is one
thing he has failed in—he believes in God or Allah and not protocol. This
makes him ineligible. It makes a lot of other Americans here ineligible and
they are seeing top jobs going to enthusiastic young kids who won’t be able
to answer the crazy questions put before them. Besides the Americans here
believe baseball is more important than vaudeville shows. You see what happens
to us poor saps abroad! So I am writing John Shelley without any idea that it
will do any good. Brother-in-law has spoken.
On the other hand, my pal Sam, Sam Yorty, is now mayor of L.A. He is the
king of the gripers and maybe I will tell him the Mish-mash-mush story of my
life and he will use it when he runs for senator and he might even get in. It
is possible that enough people will like ideas better than fancies….
Breakfast is over and dog is back and I will write some foot-notes and then
leave.
K-482 Kunj St.
Abbottabad, Hazara
West Pakistan
June 30,
1961
Dr. C. Cutright and Associates
Ohio State Exp. Station,
Wooster, Ohio
In re: Horticultural Problems and the Cold War
Dear Friends:
There are a number of events in a crowded life which impel me to write to
you.
Agha Faqir Shah is an engineer who has a home nearby. His hobby is
solar experimentation in plants. I have asked him to write to your colleagues
at Columbus. There is very little good literature here. When partition took
place, all the good books were at Dehra Dun in Northern India, which I have
visited before and hope to visit again. So men here do not know about Poole and
in general even the best experimentalists do not know how to use pamphlets and
reports.
This man is using mostly two methods–soil reactions and selections through
breeding. His crosses have often resulted in very fine strains but not along
the lines expected.
Soil Problems. I have just completed Geography of Living
Things by M.S. Anderson, one of a series put out by Professor Frank
Debenham of Cambridge University. I am so enamored of this book that I am going
to purchase it and others of the series either for myself or for my friend,
Harry Nelson, in San Francisco. It deals among other things with the grand food
problems of the day.
The evening I met the Agha our conversations were constantly interrupted by
a worthy who said he was in charge of all agricultural experiments in the next
district dealing with Maize, Sugar, Wheat and Grain. He said he could get no
help from the world’s great experts. I personally believe he himself is the
great stumbling block and was able to find his superior, by accident (?) a
couple of days later. This was one Dr. Ghani, chief of all scientific research
in the Peshawar district.
The soil in all this region is predominantly alkaline, high K but there have
been few analyses. Indeed I may have to bring a soil-testing kit next time I
come. But I understand there is a German expert on Tea living near me who has
made a detailed study of this subject. My first reaction to failures in Rice is
that it is planted in soil of high pH. There is no good fertilization program
and this has taken a most complex form. The farmers are in direct revolt
against the Ammosulph approach. The Chinese farmers were successful in both
Hong Kong and Thailand. Now only complete fertilizers are used in the former
and only organics in the latter.
My own views are these–subject to correction, of course. In alkaline
soils, at high temperatures, either Ca or K unite with the SO4–releasing
Ammonia gas. When it rains there is much leaching, when it is dry much burning.
The available N is much lower than expected.
In the next place–and I have heard this all over, Ammosulph is detrimental
to soil organisms. There are not many organisms as it is in lands which divert
manures. I am a very close friend of the S.P. (Superintendent of Police) here,
who in turn is a friend of President Ayub. He has three compost heaps–night
soil, buffalo dung, and vegetable wastes. I have suggested a partial
combination of the last two and another pit for pine-needles. It snows here in
the winter and they do not know about Mulches. He has already introduced the
Persimmon and I have suggested mulches for both this and the Roses. But I shall
tell him later of the Maize-mulches for the Roses such as your colleagues use
on the campus at Columbus.
The S. P. knows nothing of the Hunza method. We have made some serious
mistakes. Vice-President Johnson, in coming here, overlooked the whole
agricultural community with its severe problems, concentrating on civic
reforms. In this manure-wasting land there is no knowledge of Hunza. Each
district or set of districts has its local language or idiom and most
communication is through English, not Urdu. Our ”Peace Corps” is not going
to be properly briefed and are headed for severe trouble. The only Americans
here who know all the dialects are the Protestant missionaries and they
are—because of our strange protocol—the last persons to be consulted about
situations here. It is ridiculous, it is terrible and it is going to lead to
worse situations.
Maize Experiments of the S. P. Last year he was most successful in
getting five or more ears per stalk and his guesses were that the average
height was about 8 feet. As the “expert” referred to above refused to meet
him I am going to get a careful measurement of his field—number of stalks,
how planted, manuring program, number of ears, size and even weight. I think a
complete report of this kind might throw some light on local, and foreign
situations. The Chinese and Japanese use night-soils plus, but here there does
not seem to be any specific program.
Another thing is the general absence of check-plots in experimental
stations.
Problems in Photosynthesis. This is my own conclusion. In UAR I was
presented the double-reaction equilibria between Monosaccharides and
Disaccharides. I had hoped for some solution here but the Sugar program is way
out of kilter. Now during the months of July and August here where there should
be a near maximum of light, one gets heavy rains. In fact I just had to shut
the door because of a dust storm and these are usually followed by
thunder-and-lightning. In any case whether there is a downpour or not, there is
a diminution in light-hours.
My present view is that Sugars are encouraged in K-soils when there is much
light. Diminution of light means less photosynthetic activity. On the other
hand there are other elements needed and without proper soil analysis and
correction, the Sugar problems will continue. The possibility of the Beet
taking over in alkaline-encrusted soils has met with opposition here (there are
some “Hindu” minds which are very stubborn and closed—I do not find this
so in any other peoples). As my “expert” has rejected all reports from
Utah, I am compelled to “do it yourself.” Unfortunately I have had no
cooperation from our Embassy at all—I had nothing else but in UAR so I have
written several letters of protest.
Strange Areas of Ignorance or Failing. The FAO is so full of red tape
that when they sent Soy Beans seeds—60 varieties, they did not consider
viability and only one strain grew. By the time they collected the seeds from
all over and were ready to ship them, the seeds were out of season. Furthermore
it is only possible to sow this crop in the pre-monsoon period (as now). There
is neither water nor heat in the winter which must be used for truck-garden
crops.
Also I found the Artichoke, which to some extent is salt-tolerant, being
grown as an Ornamental Flower! And there is a hill-side near me, absolutely
barren, with rich leaf-mold (“mined” by peasants) and no Grapes, no
Strawberries and they have never even heard of the Blackberry!
Tomatoes. I have heard from the Agha referred to above, and confirmed
by Dr. Ghani, the chief research scientists, that there are perennials in the
district of Malakand. I expect to go there within the next two months and will
obtain all information possible. There is also another Tomato, confined to the
Pushtu people, which has a sharper taste and is used in curries. I shall try to
get all the information possible, or even seeds (which, of course, would have
to go through quarantine).
Pests. (You can pun here.) There is a constant near-war situation on
the Afghan border. There is still more pressing danger of a Locust invasion.
They have been seen in large quantities in Iraq and Iran but have not taken to
flight and nobody knows which direction they will go. If anything important
comes up I shall let you know. With the intense food problems of this region,
we have the constant stress on near excitement among peoples reported I the
papers.
Saline soils. This has undoubtedly been the problem of the country.
Americans and others have come and had "conferences." These conferences are
immediately followed by the Russians sending in "experts." But I was the first
person to bring in crop lists of tolerant plants! Nobody else thought of that
and Dr. Firemen from Riverside, California, will not be here until winter, at
least. And when people grow Artichokes and ornamentals, don’t want Beets and
won’t eat Asparagus, what to do?
Freeport opening. This is the best news possible for Pakistan, but
they do not yet realize its import. Any success in this line means the opening
of vast areas.
Desert Agriculture. I have been most fortunate in finding that the Chief
Forest Botanist, one Dr. Hamid Khan, graduated from the University of
California. I gave him the first list of plants—trees and shrubs, listed by
the same university in its "Desert Agriculture" plus some few I know about from
direct experience. I climbed the nearby mountain, referred to above, and found
it largely unplanted but having Persimmons grow wild. I have suggested the
Olive for hill tops and this has been approved by the various persons referred
to herein. Butter costs as much as in the United States.
Oil sources. We are discussing Olive, Avocado, Cotton and Coconut.
The Coconut could be better grown I East Pakistan. There is a species of wild
Olive here and my friend, Dr. Rabbani Khan, has used it for grafting. I shall
be calling on him after posting this and find out what progress he has made.
I have been asked by Dr. Ghani, the chief scientists, to inquire into a
strain of Cotton which can be grown in saline soils—they have it in UAR. This
will not only benefit the people here but if they concentrate on the seed for
oil, etc. more than on the fiber as such, I think there will be universal
benefit. I have turned over my other UAR notes to the chief Entomologist in
Lahore. I gave him your name but hope to see him later.
The Avocado will be new here. I think it will take in general the same soil
and conditions as the Mango. It will also provide some protein, and of course,
fat. I suggested this formerly. But I have found that every single proposal I
have ever made was also made previously by British horticulturists—and
by-passed.
Water supplies. The Indus is being dammed. As the Agha referred to
above is one of the chief engineers in these projects I have asked him a number
of questions. Unlike the Nile, the Indus receives plenty of rainfall in July
and August, diminishing water losses through evaporation. The evaporation
problem has not been given serious studies by the enthusiasts in the UAR but
here it may not arise. The Indus thus has two seasons—the melting snow, and
the rainfall (monsoon) period.
Prunus fruits. I have seen all the varieties of Plum that I tasted I
childhood. They are fine here in quantity and quality. There are just two main
types of Apricot—those of deep color which are sweet but not firm, those much
lighter, less sweet but excellent in texture. The Peaches so far have been of
two varieties, fairly good tasting, firm but small. I understand the larger
Peaches will come out later.
As they have a shortage of Sugar, canning and drying are both hazardous, but
in the higher regions and again in Afghanistan and Turkestan I know drying is
an old industry. Unfortunately there are terrific caste distinctions here—far
worse because they try to hide them—and you cannot go into certain technical
matters which concern operations of "low-born."
There are several types of what we should call "Cherry Plums." I have not
seen sweet Cherries. But I have suggested the introduction of at least P.
lyonii and P. ilicifolia from California during the coming years.
Pomes. There have been three "Apples" out, all smaller and quite
different from those in our land and rather low in pectins as well as sugars.
There are two types of Pears, just coming. One seems to be small and in large
quantity; the other I have not yet seen but I am told it is excellent.
Gourds. There are numerous Melons and above all Vegetable Marrow. The
Watermelon are little different from those in the US excepting there are no
refrigerators. There are some smaller ones between the Watermelon and Cucumber
which I have not tasted. Cucumbers are plentiful and good. Then there are all
sorts of small sweet melons, some resembling those of the Sates, some quite
different, especially in shape. They are very cheap and plentiful
Other fruits are quite different and not always good. The price of mangoes
is held up until they are almost spoiled. Oranges and Bananas are expensive and
not very good. I would suggest a larger bottling program for Mango juice,
consuming the "seconds" which have not much edible material.
Nuts. Walnuts grow fine here but I have not purchased any. That is
because of the large stocks of Pine nuts and Almonds—the last not too good,
the former excellent. There are plenty of Peanuts (Ground nuts) but they do not
look appetizing.
Vegetables. These are nearly all familiar. Plenty of Potatoes,
Onions, Beets—Spinach is on and off, Lettuce and cabbage and Peas mostly in
the winter. There are many Legumes, some not found in the US.
Erosion. This is the main problem I am taking back with e. The extent
of eroded soils is tremendous. Of course I am going to follow up the Desert
Agricultural situation. They know nothing of Opuntias on the one hand, or Fungi
on the other. There is a grand need for tree planting, etc., etc.
I have already been extended most cordial welcomes to India and Malaya, and
my social contacts have been of the best. I am not asking for shipment of
seeds, literature, etc, until I can fix proper dates and places. I am hoping
that my efforts will be integrated into a larger movement. I am not too anxious
to carry on personal work, but I shall be pleased to place my notes and
experiences in the hands of interested person.
Sincerely,
Samuel L. Lewis
July 3, 1961
Dear Tony;
Page all psychologists, psychiatrists, psychometrists, psychics, psychos,
also telepathists, telekinesists, grape vines and what have you. It comes from
wearing a Pathan shirt and pretending to be Puck of Pukhtunistan. Well my pal,
Abdul Rahman from Mission St. were walking through the bazaars whom two men
accosted us, stopped us, blocked us, (lights out) and barred our way: Khalid
Is Coming To Abbottabad! Why pick on us and like that? Maybe you will
believe now some of the experiences I go through in this “Glossed Horizons”
land.
1. I am now the guest of Akbar Rahman whom Puck calls Obdurate Rahman who
took me to the Himalayas last week. Now we plan to go to Nathiagalli and
Murree, then to Azad Kashmir. I have already written for reservations at
Peshawar but not until July 20 and by that time Khalid should be here and then
some.
2. Major Rabbani has moved to Abbottabad. He is a fellow-disciple of the
same Sufi teacher and regards me as his elder brother. We get along capitally.
The other night I said, “Come to see me at 5 P.M. and then I shall take you
to the S.P. (Supt. of Police). We went out and while gone a note came inviting
me to the S.P. that night (see first sentence). So we went and I met the S.P.
from Lahore and we had a wonderful time.
3. Across the street has moved Prof. Durrani. This is impossible. He comes
from a celebrated family which has provided hosts of Robin Hoods, caravan
traffic cops and “kick out the other rascals” campaigners. He is a top
Physicist, top Engineer and Sufi Teacher. We are as thick as the thieves from
whom he has descended. I am meeting all kinds of Sufis and celebrities either
through him or with him. He is taking me somewhere or other tomorrow night.
Meanwhile—go back to the first sentence and think of Puck—he has invited
me to a complete tour of the Pathan country in August. So I am planning a
quickie or not so quickie toward the end of this month and a careful repeat
performance later on. This is necessary because:
4. I have been blocked in my work by a man who says he is the top scientific
researcher in the next province and he sneered at my work. I determined to get
around him and within 48 hours met his supervisor. Dr. Ghani of Peshawar and
gave him some solid technical reports which were accepted on the spot and I
have been given some very nice technical problems which are ?handled? by the
UNO, FAO, FOA, FOE, and such and so the people starve while committees meet and
confer and decide on policies and programs.
5. Meanwhile I have not only presented lists of crops but are working with
the proper forestry and tree men and everything is going well excepting I am
busy from 6.00 A.M. until… it is nearly 9 P.M. now.
I have written to the Alumni Assn. at Berkeley protesting against the
teaching on the campuses that there are not Sufis and if so, they are
unimportant men who never take part in politics. The same view is held here
about the Pathans. Well I asked who is Ayub? As he is both Sufi and
Pathan—what’s the use, the professor can’t be wrong. I am convincing
people here that instead of being riled about Pukhtunistan they are part of it
and had better wake up the fact: Who is President? Who are the Cabinet Members?
Who are the Supts. of police? Who are the top scientists? Who are the
Governors-General? Generally Sufis and Pathans—but don’t let that interfere
with the press and intellectuals and book-writers and such. I think it did hurt
some Urduists to have to admit they were being ruled by Pathans and that a
large part of Afghanistan wants to accede—this way. If they have a fair
election on both side of the border, exist Afghanistan, only the Urduists have
no sense of humor and the Pathans, well, they more than make up for it. And
they dance and the long-faces do not.
Life is both pleasant and hard. The kids all expect me to dance for them
excepting those in the neighborhood who expect me to play ball. The arsenists
(not arsonists) want to sit and damn Kennedy but they know I am not on good
terms with the U.S. government and have a hard time getting letters answered so
they don’t blame me; they just blame Kennedy and Johnson more! Then the
intellectuals and sages and the non-clerical maulvis, maulanas, mullahs,
katins, imams, ulema, kadis and others want to join in with the real Sufis and
they listen to me a good deal. The evidence is so overwhelming I way become
even compassionate when I present it. It is hopelessly ridiculous to ignore
hard faces.
But I am still against sending over young kids with missionary spirits and
no idea of God or religion to come here and in addition face hardship of which
they have no inkling. True. “Readers Digest” told of what one Father did in
part of this country. But it takes a great spiritual pioneer to do these things
and ego-emotionalism and enthusiasm is not going to get anybody elsewhere. In
fact if I were to remain here when they come the locals would probably
subsidize me to try to convert them to Islam.
In the meanwhile a very gala invitation has been extended of which Puck
refers to by Indian professors who agree that Germans, Poles, Hungarians,
English and Basques are not the best teachers of Oriental Philosophy and
besides this they would like to share the wealth. The reactions from my crusade
against this nonsense in America are terrific all over, but not news. We are
fortunate indeed that the communists are failing in production.
No wonder I am interested in Quadros. For the moment that man seems to have
a world of sense, and maybe more than sense. We have become complicated and
artificial and so ridden with clichés, slogans, banners and nice phrases that
we have lost all contact with realities. There is hardly a speech read which
has any meaning or else it has so many possible interpretations that it is
worthless.
My last dancing partner, Leonora, had a most dramatic month. She lost her
two best men friends through death and in the middle of it received three
proposals of marriage from a business associate and finally accepted. I am
relieved because in the last few years she has had a hard life. Deafness
incapacitated her for most employment despite her efficiency and made her
become a laundress manager. She has had nothing but troubles and worries. But
me with my far-away determination could not be mixed in these things anymore
and if I do marry—which is always possible, it should be to a woman who has a
far-away attitude.
I now have two extremely contrary yearnings—to settle down in one place
either to study or work with plants; to travel to certain parts of Europe:
Sweden, U.K. and Spain, and to the West Indies. Maybe I may live long enough,
but again I do not care and it is always possible I shall have some sort of
recognition. I am getting it here and it look as if I shall in India and Malaya
and East Pakistan—now he cards are all loaded for me and then some.
Morning. U Can, Twin: How to find lost handkerchiefs. My stock dwindled and
dwindled and then some. Well last night I met a Khatib and he invited me to his
mosque. So I looked for a skull cap, I have two. Here a hankie, there a hankie,
everywhere a hankie pankie—trousers, luggage, bags and pockets, boy, did they
show up—I mean, the hankies. Finally, in a wrong place, of course, my
headgear.
July 5, 1961
Your Excellent Excellency Ruth:
Never were things in Pukhtunistan in such a mess—for the first time in
history they are being a straightened out. You must know—the Epoop-protocol
point of view, that the Pathans are ignorant peasants and never take
responsibilities for anything. Durrani Sahib, about whom more below, took Puck
to the next village, Kakul, where he met the landlord—a Pathan of course,
exceedingly well educated with the sons graduates of European universities. We
discussed the Pathans, also the Pukhtuns, also the Pushtuns. By then it was
time to leave. We learned all about the peasants, the landlords, the tenures,
the agricultural systems. etc.
Durrani took Puck to task—why did not you speak about yourself? Now Puck
is a very (im)modest man who is quite willing to talk about himself when such
dull subjects as Laos, Tunisia, Kruelchef, the Cold War and the next hockey
game are being discussed—but, when it is Pukhtunistan—why Puck is amazed
that a fellow should be willing to compromise with protocol or society. Finally
Puck won his point.
Besides Durrani comes from a long line of Caravan Traffic Cops (or Robbers)
and has the same relation to Robin Hood as Puck has to Willie the Snake.
Besides Durrani has invited Puck to a person tour of Pukhtunistan late in
August or so and of course this has been.... Anyhow Durrani the Pathan is the
top scientist and the top Sufi here which is impossible and this change of
impossibilities just goes to show.
Meanwhile Puck is not always seeing Durrani. Obdurate Rahman has been over.
Puck twice gave him the Leprechaun sign—never again. Boy Puck is beginning to
suspect he is just as much a bas…—illegitimate as Puck is. He acts, looks,
and thinks like Leprechaun; even his accept is suspect. Anyhow he sent Puck off
to Murree via Nathiagalli. Nathiagalli is at least 9,000 feet high. As soon as
Puck arrived, up walks Malik Khyber—”What are you doing here? Why aren’t
you visiting me at my home?” “But you are not at home.” “That is
right.” “What are you doing here?”
Malik Khyber: This is my 14th honeymoon. I am almost 80. But what
a time I have supporting my relatives and the Pukhtunistan Mortuary Combine.
Fortunately I am wealthy enough. Now please visit my home and family but
don’t tell them where I am. I have left ample funds for them and I want to
enjoy my honeymoon, a little.” So sooner or later off to Khyber, of a course.
Even sometimes protocol and will agree.
We got to Murree. Puck thought he was incognita. He was until he entered a
book store. He wanted some information about Ahmed Bashir Minto, formerly of
S.F. We got just six wrong directions and started to turn back and whom do you
think we meet, smiling at us? Some psychiatrist or psychometrist or psychic
should look into these things. Anyhow we had a good long talk and a good long
walk.
Next morning Puck visited the U.S. Embassy and gave them a heart-to-heart
talk about Epoop (this in Murree). Then we visited the USIS Library. The
astounding thing is that it was almost empty and with all the free parking
space for bottom–up among a people who should rather sit down and do not even
want rocking chairs.
After that Puck followed the dotted line to the Indian High Commissioner.
Perhaps he was called High Commissioner because it is 7,000 feet up. He was not
in. Puck wanted a visa form. “References?” “President, Prime Minister,
Vice President, Minister of External Affairs, Minister of Internal Affairs,
Minister of Infernal Affairs, Minister of External Affairs, Pres. Bank of
India, President of Hindustani National Bank. “Is that all?” “What—I
suppose you will want my granduncle’s maiden name, too?” Just then a door
opened and out walked the High Commissioner himself: “What’s all this going
on? Don’t you know to whom you are speaking? Potentate-Plenitolentiary Puck,
International head of the Anti-Epoop Society. Give him what he wants. No,
I’ll do it myself.” (please don’t have S.F. papers copy, they would not
believe on a stack of stacks.
Now Puck is asking you indulgence so he can call on Felix Knath, also of
S.F. who has been in North Pukhtunistan called “Baltistan.“ He has been
mountain climbing. I must explain mountain arithmetic:
Newspaper man at 6,000”=Russian at 12,000”= American at 21,000”=
Austrian at 24,000’ to get in news maybe.
Puck’s English: Nuclear physics = unclear physics
Russian arithmetic =
Chinese mountains are climbed by proclamations
Arsonists will never
set the world on fire
Puck is now going to read the news. Don’t say it does not influence him.
What is eating him all the time; what is he eating all the time—Rusks.
Puck on the School Bill. Having been briefed by L. Leprechaun Puck is
solidly for aid to parochial schools—the money will be used for education and
books. And Puck is against aid to so-called public schools—for each one
million dollars
$250,000 to architects, contractors and materials men,
$250,000 to carpenters, plumbers, masons, electricians,
$250,000 to physicists for sound prove rooms, air conditioning and
maintenance engineers, leaving
$250,000 for teachers, maybe, including clerical help and window washing.
The buildings will be beautiful palaces so sprawled there will be no room
for play-grounds. This is modern education and they want more money for it.
In Pukhtunistan we say: “Your parents pay taxes for schools for your kids
or else we’ll double them” and that is that and you don’t have marble
walls excepting sometimes marble is cheaper than wood.
Mountain Sickness. The report in the first paragraph is substantially
correct. Lowell Thomas came this way and everything was perfume and roses. He
did not climb, but he took shots and used rose-colored lenses. Now the
objective reports I find and find substantiated are so different and they all
corroborate one another. We have made our berth—the authorities on Asia must
be American newsmen and European professor and never European newsmen and
American professors.
“The Roof of the world” is inhabited by very mixed people with mixed
languages and in general they seem to be followers of Agha Khan. There are many
deficiency diseases and the people are not happy. They do not starve but they
do not know how to make use of the green herbs at their doors. This is all the
more astounding because between the Greek (Junani), Hindu (Ayurvedic) and
Homeopathic schools, medicines are made from about everything that grows—then
the prices become prohibitive. The Japanese and Indonesians eat the herbs and
don’t run to the doctors.
Peshawar. By the time I get there I can just walk in. I have such a
long list of people who wish to be my hosts I know I can’t fulfill such a
program. My first visit will be strictly tourism—I hope my money comes soon,
then I shall buy. My next will be professional and then I hope to see and even
learn a little of the folk dances.
I have not been too well and seem very sensitive to atmospheric conditions.
I actually have no bad news but am wondering how long it will be before
Americans can become objective. I think the people will, on the whole, but the
press—ow! and all the protocolians. “Protocolians of the world, disunite,
when we get rid of you we shall be rid of our chains.”
July 7, 1961
My dear Horace;
This is my diary and please excuse me if I be verbose because I have a lot
to record and only hope it will be interesting. Some days ago one Abdur Rahman,
manager of the GTS, Government Transport Service, took over and in a rather
humorous fashion arranged two trips for me. One was straight north 60 miles to
a place called Sachal at the foot of the Himalayas and the other 40 miles east
to Murree, the Summer Capital. This required us to go to Nathiagalli which is
over 9,000 feet and then to Murree over 7,000—which I have visited before.
The road to Sachal was through scenery very much like the Arkansas gorge in
Colorado. But the river comes suddenly out of the ground. This is a phenomenon
I have seen in this valley, too, and around Rishikesh (where Yogis are supposed
to congregate) where the Ganges comes out. I am pretty sure that there are
general such phenomena and there is one river, the Saraswati which is supposed
to go underground and come out at different times.
The one thing evident was the marked glacial effect. Not only were there
many boulders (I once wrote on “Rock and Roll”—you roll rocks) but did I
see them! But they are of totally different composition—some huge masses of
pure Mica, some almost pure Quartz, some a Granite containing these two. One of
two distinctly Basalt, and then all kinds fragmentary sedimentary and
stratified deposits. The immediate reaction was that I feel like returning to
study rather than to lecture or teach to learn more of Geology and Petrology,
so I can enjoy the country.
I am not keen on languages and find it difficult to study them. And in these
travels the local dialects are different, some being vestiges of very old
Indo-Germanic speech, some brought in by invaders and some, like Urdu,
hodgepodges of intermarriages.
I am met one Samuel Brown, a medical missionary, who is at war with the
administration. He has visited almost every mountain and valley in north and
north-west Pakistan. He knows all about the idioms, folk customs, etc. but be
was cold-shouldered by Johnson and the “family” who have set up the
American policy for Pakistan. The result is the different waves of
popularity—and from the Pakistanis who are for almost any anti-administration
American; and one from the Americans here, snubbed and by-passed. And in these
trips everything I learned corroborated what he told me, down to fine
points.
We are going to send youngsters here who are going into remote villages
which won’t be described because their instructors have not visited them; the
languages are not taught in the U.S. excepting Urdu and that not much and in
general our “experts” are men ignored or loathed in Asia—most of them
being Canadians and Europeans, or if Americans, newspaper men.
Any intensity I have has been increased by the return of Mrs. Knauth of San
Francisco who returned from Baltistan in the North where she has been—her
husband follows soon. They are raving mad at the reports given by Lowell
Thomas. They assure me that conditions in Hunza, about which I should refer
later, are not so glossy, although also not so bad. But a few news men can make
it extremely difficult for scientists to send invalid reports and more evil is
going to come from this source.
In the valley north from here where irrigation is possible Rice is grown and
where it is not, Maize. The borderlines and sometimes property lines are
planted with Apricot trees. Apricots have the advantage of being easily dried
and there are few weevils in the cold winter. Also the kernels are used for
nuts if sweet, for oil if bitter.
The streams abound with trout—so much so that they have an 8” limit and
a catch of 6 per person, but by having a boy with one this means 12 per person.
And the locals do not eat fish. I had no time for this but if I come this way
again this may be important.
The road to Nathiagalli was very rough. There has never been any good
geological survey and so little knowledge of the potential road-bed. There have
been earthquakes and we saw a minor landslide. As we went East the pH lowered.
We passed from the P. longifolia to Deodar Country and then two Pines with
curved needles, which I would call “soft.” These continued up to Murree
where the ground was impregnated with iron.
There is an annual Marguerite blooming all over, in the upper regions and a
shrub which appears to be of the Hydrangea family, not in bloom. There were
many tall Hickories and I understand they furnish good timber. The very steep
slopes are still wooded—too hard to cut. But from Murree the hills are so
barren. And neither is there any prospecting going on. This is in part to
laziness and ineptitude. The government is offering subsidies for the discovery
of new minerals.
I was just interrupted by my young friend, Arif Khan who is planning his
reports on local minerals, etc., and we have a date for tomorrow. If this
letter is not too long and there is a valuable addendum, it will be added. We
did see one big black extrusion not far from here which looked as if it might
be graphite or coal from a distance. There are many canyons which we could
easily walk through not too far from here and water is available. So I hope we
can do some hiking.
Murree and Nathiagalli were both established by the British. The former has
two hotels, rather high-priced and luxury; and one hostel where we met some Boy
Scouts from the U.S. There is a kind of wild Rose used as a hedge in both
places. Snaps are out but not doing too well. There is one Lily which grows
high up. Alpine grasses only.
At Murree we met a good friend, also from S.F. and I called at the American
Embassy and Indian High Commission. It seems I have a high level invitation to
India, rather a surprise, too, and the Commissioner was very cooperative and
gave me papers, but I am liable to enter India by an untrodden path (so far as
Americans are concerned). Both the Commissioner and Abdul Hamid here urged me
to visit the Desert Research Station in Rajasthan. I shall probably get a more
official invitation later from my friends in Delhi.
Murree is largely landscaped, but mountain tops. But I find here as
elsewhere the slopes very steep but the crests rolling—very different from
the Alps or higher Himalayas. They grow vegetables at Murree, I think largely
for tourist consumption and the Cabbages are not doing well—the soil is acid
with little leaf or humus. Whenever the slopes are not too steep they are
terraced and grains grown. Meat in the wilder districts comes from hunting. I
am told that leopards, tigers and bears abound but not one is curious where the
slopes are over 45°.
I shall later go to Murree, I believe, to visit the Vegetable, Soil, Potato
and Pest Control stations. At the moment there is great interest in Pest
Control research at Peshawar where I am booked, presumably for the
26th. When I returned I called on Abdul Hamid, the Forest Botanist,
to discuss the Garst Plan—I think I have written, the Garsts were
Khruschev’s hosts and they are agricultural engineers and experimenters. He
has asked me to check on available literature at Delhi and Dehra Dun which I
have visited before—I think I sent Harry some things but I may duplicate next
rather than skip.
This morning I had an Indian Mango for breakfast. It has a thick green skin
whereas the Pakistani has a thin yellow one, but it sticks. The fruit is
sweeter, more tasty and much more easily removed from the stone. Nor is the
stone as large in proportion to the size of the fruit. I may repeat purchases.
I have been buying Plums. There are several very large sized ones on the market
now, very delicious. One is a purple round one, one is still larger but nearer
apricot-ish in color and flavor, and one looks almost like and Apple and has a
slightly pomish taste, too, but very good.
Besides Abdur Rahman, I am also a guest almost every day of Prof. Durrani
from Peshawar, who lives across the way. He is a great scientist, engineer and
a teacher of Sufi mysticism. This is the name of a very famous Afghan family
and he has invited me to go to many places in the Pathan country.
When I returned from abroad I created the character of “Puck of
Pukhtunistan” and as life has gone on, I have not only become identified with
this “character” but everywhere the Pathans (Pukhtuns, Pushtuns) have
greeted me with open arms. If I wanted to pun, I should say the Pathans greet
with open arms, the other with open palms.
I will not go into the Durrani discussions much here. I am preparing to
lecture on “Oriental Philosophy and Modern Science” both in this country
and India and perhaps in Malaya too. I have had general rejection in the U.S.
but the man whose works I was going to introduce, Prof. Reiser of Pittsburgh
has actually beaten me by being recognized already. Actually this will help me
very much. About the last people to recognize this will be the USIS with its
lofty, Tory-like attitude, bringing in only the most refined culture and arm.
Boy, do they have money to give lectures on Richard Neutra, but none for
baseball or basket-ball. We spend huge sums to entertain Americans and
Europeans in Asia and called this “foreign aid.”
I also visit the S.P. or Superintendent of Police who is another Pathan and
Sufi. I met his nephew last night who is an industrial chemist turning out
fertilizers. I hope to meet him again.
The Garst plan calls for “urea” bases and not Ammosulph. There is a
struggle going on between “experts” and peasants and it is getting worse.
The Hunza system is not known here at all. It has the merits (and demerits), of
organic gardening. My friend across the street who is hosting Dr. Durrani only
added superphos to the soil but he uses sewage water for his plants as does my
landlord. This is of course a sort of organic urea-base system. The S.P. is on
the slopes and has to depend upon rain.
I am writing how much this is a “Lost Horizon.” It is not only in a rift
valley-pass, but it has sporadic rains all the time, much more than any part of
West Pakistan, so far as I have been able to find out, excepting maybe a few
uplands which is not habitable. Yet the land is not fully cultivated and the
mountains unplanted. I am going to check as much as possible on the details of
the Maize growing here, using it as an example, to see how the different
systems of watering and fertilizing work. This might provide some good
objective material. Actually I expect to begin this on the 9th.
No conclusions will be reached until I visit as much of the country around
both Peshawar (which I hope to see this month and again in August) and
Lyallpur—on my September schedule. I am not the least sanguine about
acceptance by the press or diplomatic corps but I am pretty sure some
agriculturalists and others will listen. But I hope to avoid half-cocked
conclusions.
I have again been appealed to on the soil erosion problem. We have on one
hand the extremely high-level UN representatives who are responsible to no one
and on the other hand the farm boys who do things and then are forgotten or
ignored. For my part I would not give the whole scheme of newsmen for a single
farm-exchange youth and I think the Americans here in general agree. But how is
one going to put this over?
I am waiting for Ayub’s work in Washington. I accept neither the American
nor Pakistani reports. Not only do I mistrust the papers but they report the
same events so differently sometimes it is hard to recognize the events. I also
hope to go to “Azad Kashmir.” These people are rolling in mineral wealth
and spending all their time and effort in politics.
You may be able to understand how difficult diplomatic and psychological
relations are from a discussion I had last night. A group of college men asked
me, without taking leave of my host, to join them at tea. I don’t think tea
and discussions interest them so much as it gives an excuse for sitting down.
Everything is an excuse for sitting down.
I told them I was interested in working on food problems. The economics
professor said that the population problem was the main thing. I agreed. He
insisted it was so. I told him that that was his profession and I had no idea
as to what to do. He said it was an easy problem to solve and I said it was
probably so, that every problem might be easy for those in that profession and
impossible for those in quite different professions; that I knew nothing of
economics but might do something about land and food problems.
He then tackled me on general soil problems. Every time I tried to be
specific he dodged. I tried to make him face the actual agricultural problems
of actual lands, places, etc. He dodged and insisted on generalities. He denied
that the hills could be planted; I invited him to visit any hill with me and I
would show him what could be done. “But that does not settle the saline soil
problem” I answered: “You never asked me about that. But we Americans have
solved such problems.” At that he went abruptly away just after having
invited me away from the host referred to above, or even my conveniences.
I have found that the minds here are up in the air and difficult to pin.
They do not define terms during discussions and constantly bring in irrelevant
facts and factors.
These are things one really has to face. My previous visit to Dr. Abdul
Hamid that morning was of exactly the opposite tenure.
I have just received a report from Singapore of some strange experiments by
a friend of mine talking to seeds and cuttings and having them grow
successfully. I am writing to him asking him to hold copies thereof so I can
mail same to Harry later on. I have made also another tentative arrangement to
leave Singapore for California in March. This means trying to complete my
Indian trip by January, then East Pakistan and Malaya. This, of course, is
tentative. My Indian plans at the moment are way beyond me, but I shall have to
face them.
Cordially,
P.S. I shall leave this open in case I get a mineralogical report; otherwise
should mail this p.m.
July 13, 1961
Harry Nelson,
Floriculture Department,
City College, San Francisco
My dear Harry:
I am sending a copy of this letter to Giannini Hall and in many respects it
contains several important reports. I am doing this because they sent me to one
Jonathan Garst. His brother was the host to Khrushchev in Iowa. The two of them
are in a certain sense engineering-scientific-horticulturalists. Anyhow
Jonathan gave me his plan for India and asked me to present it as he was going
to Poland. I kept this plan intact but last week between the delicate political
situations vis-à-vis the United States and Pakistan, and my complete
friendship and cooperation with Prof. Abdul Hamid Khan, chief forest botanist
and a graduate of Berkeley, I decided to unload it on him. It has proven to be
very timely.
I am going to see Hamid this morning on another matter. M. Kusaka who was my
guide when I visited the Royal Cemetery, Forestry Experimental Station,
Nursery, etc. at Mount Takao in Japan, and whom I had met previously at the Ag.
Dept. station in Tokyo in 1956 in touring these parts. He is my colleague
through James Kinoshita. I have not met him but our lines are
criss-crossing.
At the moment the Summer Session of the Forestry College at Peshawar is
having its summer session immediately adjacent to my headquarters and I am
having a number of small interesting sessions with the students. This is
complicated by the vast differences between the problems and situations in West
Pakistan and East Pakistan.
Garst Plan. This is to begin fertilizer factories using Urea base.
Jonathan has worked it out showing that the cost of such factories would be
considerably less than what is spent now for the purchase of food-imports.
Off-hand I can only admire it for it is an alternative for several programs.
But it differs from them in one respect—it is a comprehensive, integrating
program and fits in perfectly with my philosophical ventures, which I may or
may not report later on.
The situation is amusingly complicated to me because the chief in the
Ammosulph production here, whom I have also met in the last week, is a nephew
of my pal, the Superintendent of Police. I have already written a good deal
against the Ammosulph approach and from what I hear the peasants are
universally against it everywhere. My own approach is quite different.
I have failed to find any clear soil reports. Experiments are made without a
clear picture of pH and such tests that occur usually confine themselves to
NKP. This becomes more complicated because of nutritional and other
deficiencies and lack of attention to Ca, and innumerable “trace elements.”
There is also a fundamental difference in “grassland” and “forestry
approaches” which have not been thought out.
But at the moment I am excited because there is going to be a new fertilizer
adventure.
“Sargodha. The Provincial Government is considering the possibility of
installing organic manure producing plants by using night soil as raw material
in all big cities of the province.
The Agricultural Department officials who were consulted on the subject are
in complete agreement with the Government’s views about using the city refuse
for the manufacture of fertilizer. A circular letter issued by the Provincial
Government states that manure and fertilizer could bring prosperity to the
community by increasing agricultural production but certain institutions
appeared to be ignorant of the importance of night soil or rubbish collected
from the towns.”
This is to be very important and pleasing because of the preliminary report
which follows. At the present time I am usually the guest of either the S.P.
referred to above, or to his Paymaster who lives across the way. They are both,
like myself, Sufis and through them I am meeting some of the top scientists and
worthies, just as I did in Lahore. But we do not study actual mysticism or
realize that these are the most practical and sometimes the only practical men
in Pakistan. It is the commentators and the literary people who are the
meta-physicians and who scorn realism (more below).
These gentlemen are very good friends of each other and they both are now
using a special hybrid seed corn, the nature of which I have not
ascertained.
Garden of the Paymaster.
I first went there to examine the maize on the 10th. The seed was
broadcast and used to fill in empty spaces. Last winter he mixed in Superphos
and so far as I know he was the only man around here who did that. Roughly
speaking he has a few more than a hundred stalks, but it is probable that the
stand on the lot just below is his, too, which could almost double the
stand.
It is perhaps the fastest growing Corn here too. He tells me he planted
about the 1st of June. There has been about 6” rain since then—a
guess based on the measurements of the nearest station seven miles away. The
stalks in the shade cover are about 7’ now. The others run from 4’-8’,
the median bout 6’. There was one stalk about 9’ and it already has four
ears coming, but mostly the ears were not yet out. Even tassel formation is not
yet complete.
He has sunflowers average 10’-12’ but he does not know the food value
for the seeds—these are eaten in many parts of India and seemed to be an
important part of vegetarian diets. The Hollyhocks were averaging 8’. In
general his plants do very good. His house is vined with Passiflora, and the
fruit, which is incidental, is the most delicious of its kind I have ever
eaten.
His pride are his Leeks. He planted them in March using Ammosulph—he did
not use this on other crops. He has made four harvests, cutting the tops down
and keeping the roots. He says he is able to supply his family and all his
friends with them. They are cooked with the Rice or added to something like the
Indonesian program which I mailed to you from UAR
He not only depends on rain, but on seepage water. This is a mixture of two
kinds. His garden is situated at the base of the adjacent mountain. There is a
characteristic here of water coming out at the plain-level as if there is
limestone or other layer just within. But in addition there is a mixture of
“seepage” from a few places on the hillside which means that much water has
fertilizer value, urea-base. This is not measured but it undoubtedly gives the
plants an amount of weak fertilizer comparable to the Ohio State program. He
also has a storage tank which combines seepage and rainwater.
I visit this garden almost daily and there will be further reports according
to progress.
Garden of the Superintendent of Police (S.P.)
He controls large properties. I assume that the estate he occupies is his
official resident. Now owns lands around Peshawar and comes from an important
Pathan family. He is also a friend of President Ayub who has given him his
grapes and who usually visits him once annually to look at be crops.
Roughly speaking his Maize covers 3-4 acres. I do not know the boundaries or
how much is under special “peasant” cultivation for the help. He has about
four plots on different levels. Those below either benefit from water-run off,
or were planted earlier. The Paymaster says he put in his seeds about
1st of June and I should hazard that the S.P. began about the same
time. At present the average height is about 4.” With some up to 7” but
that in turn is sometimes due to shading from trees and not necessarily to
vigor.
As reported before the S.P. has three composts—Leaf, Buffalo Dung and
night-soil. The last is conditioned and is never used before six months. A
mixer is made of these three and worked in, presumably with the plowing. The
humus is the richest I have examined in Pakistan.
Last year the S.P. said he had the best stand in the valley. But he depends
entirely on rainfall and water is therefore a limiting factor. We have been
running about 3” per month. Which is said to be unusual. The nearest gauge is
up the valley seven miles away.
Water here is generally that of streams which have their source in springs;
or else is sewage. Most sewage is run down in streams or flumes toward the
Rawalpindi section. This is not only temporary capital but is the center of
truck gardening. The sewage is excellent for fruits but wakes havoc with
vegetables. There are few good advisers.
These reports are of course, tentative. I have asked a good deal about the
adjacent districts and when you add rides, have seen the entire valley. Mostly
the stands are low but this may be due to later planting. However the soil
seems quite sterile and with the limited rainfall the prognosis is not good.
Peasants irrigate Rice, not Maize.
The Malnutrition Complex. I refer you to the list of Indonesian
vegetables sent from UAR I already have reported that they do not use wild
Mustard and Dandelions. My friends, the Knauths of San Francisco, have just
returned from Baltistan and report goiters and other deficiency diseases. But
they insist the people have enough to eat.
Yesterday I went to the Fruit Market I am eating assorted Mangoes and also a
kind of Plum which is “pomish.” The skin is stripped like some Apples, the
texture is firm and the taste is somewhat between the Prune-plum and pomes. I
have seen more varieties of Plums here by far than anywhere.
I was able to purchase Kohlrabi, exceedingly cheap. This was my experience
with Okra too. In general fruits (excepting Melons) are too high for poor
people, but the reverse is true with vegetables. Not only that the fruit
merchants rather let their stock spoil than reduce prices, but the vegetable
people are different. May be this is because fruits are eaten raw and
vegetables, excepting Tomato, Onion and Cucumber, are cooked.
Purslane. To my delight this is on the market as a vegetable. I think
I’ll try to gather some when I return and cook it, etc. we certainly have it
in abundance as a weed.
Ayub-Kennedy Meeting. As usual I am a “prophet” for the simplest
of reasons. The great problem here is water-logging, saline infiltration and
all the papers talk about is Kashmir, as if this country depends on it. I made
some mistakes in past reports. I have found that even if the local press is
unanimous it is wrong. They were advertising that the Russians were coming in
here to examine mineral deposits—and now it comes out that American
geologists are arriving. But worse, after there was an American-Pakistan
conference on saline soils the papers unanimously reported the arrival of
Russian experts. Then they reported that the Yugo-Slavs were coming in. I have
never heard of Yugo-Slavia having a saline infiltration or where they got their
experts.
I sent to the Alumni Association, Cal. a report from the USIS press releases
of Lahore about Abis. in UAR where the U. C. Paul Keim has supervised the
recovery 38,000 acres. When I tried to tell people here about it they felt
grossly insulted.
I predicted that when Ayub and Kennedy got together, the first thing they
would discuss is saline infiltration. This has taken place. And in talking to
the forestry boys here they are very much concerned with erosion. And that is
right. What good is it to add people and have nothing to feed them with?
The Commentators Versus the Scientists. This is the real world war,
and it is not a cold war either. The British setting up of the “humanist”
versus the “scientific” outlooks is universal. The press and “social
scientists” stick to theories and fight each other; the scientists stick to
facts and cooperate.
All those things which I have reported are of prime importance to the
officials, and I certainly mentioned enough. I have even told you of the visit
to the “White House” and Ayub asked through Secretary Shahab that I help
introduce Pakistani culture into the U.S.A. None of the top sensible officials
are going ga-ga over Kashmir or any other political or pseudo-political
problem. If the press ignores me, Senator Engle is now listening. Actually I
was bitten by the same bugs as his own daughter—our European “experts” on
this part of the world.
When Murrow broadcast that he would welcome suggestions and criticisms, I
wrote back doubting it. The worst reports on this part of the world have been
broadcast by Lowell Thomas and if I know the profession, they would rather
lambaste the President (any president) than find fault with each other.
Thomas’s reports were totally superficial, if not actually untrue, and the
worst of these was about the Hunza situation.
I have not yet the complete report from Felix Knauth who has just come back
from Baltistan, but a compendium of all Americans here is the existence of
absolute disgust. They were never heard by Johnson and Shriver, and I may have
to go and make piece with Prof. Burdick, joint author of The Ugly
American. The situations described were not true in S.E. Asia but they are
certainly true here. All of us outcaste—creoles have exactly the same
opinions, very similar experiences and we can’t get any recognition from our
Embassy or generally speaking, from the press at home. It was Johnson’s
mistakes that compelled the visit of Ayub. There are few places in the world
that have more potentially arable waste-lands than West Pakistan; there are few
places in the world more mismanaged than East Pakistan. Adjacent Burma gets
three crops a year while East Pak. gets one.
-5 July 14
The latest reports came out that the United States is offering money to a
new biological control lab, in Rawalpindi or Lahore. I did not go into details
when I met the pest control people but should be in Lahore in September. Here
there are not many pests besides Flies. There are two kinds of spray work being
done around here and they have certainly controlled Ants and Mosquitoes. I have
seen some Dragon Flies and the other night a large Mantis was outside my room.
After a while he flew away, and it was a very graceful flight. I have seen some
across the road, but have not examined them closely.
When I went to Murree there was a kind of Butterfly. It would close its
wings and drop to earth like a fallen leaf. The other thing was at this season
the actual larvae are green and the Butterflies were brown, but quite deceiving
just the same. The way to tell is that so many look alike and one does not find
the larvae resembling each other so much.
There is now a movement for proper control of both water supply and sewage.
This should bring in sewage disposal in time and this may become a partial
answer to fertilizer needs. I have also been watching the stands of Maize. Last
night I went to Nowshera which is in the northwest corner of this valley.
There, too, waters gush out from the base of the mountains in fountains,
springs and gorges, very delightful. Most of the Maize stands were in rows, but
not high. None were lush and it is obvious they depend on rainfall. It is
cloudy at this moment and it is supposed to be monsoon season. I am told that
the monsoon is very irregular and uncertain.
I am only interested in the Water-supply problem with regards to Kashmir.
The politics remains outside my field. Whatever way it is settled it is certain
that engineers have to take over. But the people here are not industrious. You
do not see the peasants and never the city-dwellers along the Indus doing
anything like the levee-workers on the Mississippi. Now they have to call the
army out. Everybody expects others to do their duty.
There will be a research branch opening at the Agricultural College in
Lyallpur on September 1st. I am scheduled to visit it and I should prefer to
make it official as my friends have planned, rather than just make a personal
call. I am at the moment in a crazy mix-up in exchanging dollars for rupees,
When that is straightened out I expect to go to Peshawar and vicinity
regardless of the weather. I am hearing more and more good things. Nowshera is
near to Peshawar and I have a friend as manager in the DDT factory which I hope
to visit.
I am told that about the first of August there will be an increased amount
of fruits on the market, particularly Grapes which are just coming in. At
Peshawar the story is that the fruits are in great quantity and very cheap.
Some come from Afghanistan but there are border disputes going on—snafu. I
want to see Khyber Pass which is historical.
Both the daily papers and American press reports—received from Lahore
while writing, deal in generalities. Verbal love does not fill stomachs. And
continued talks with Americans show a downright opposition to the “Peace
Corps” but a warm welcome for the actual experts on saline soils and
prospecting.
One of my next projects is the preparation of papers for lectures at the
colleges. I have no unfavorable reports on any subject, and look to be home in
about ten months.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
July 13, 1961
My dear Walt:
The more I think of you the more news I have to send to you. I shall try to
make some sense of it.
Some weeks ago I met a Khalandar, Faqir All Mastana of Rawalpindi. I may
have written to you about him. Anyhow I have written to several people in San
Francisco. He is planning to come to California and we have more or less a
tentative agreement to meet in Singapore and come the rest of the way together.
This is by far from final, especially in view of other items contained in
this.
Ali Mastana is a clairvoyant, much greater in degree than any I have met but
I do not know if he is greater in kind. He sees, he knows, but he does not seem
to get beyond the ego-states. There is no question that he has peered very
successfully into my past; he has described cities and even people in the U.S.
whom he has not met.
He wishes to speak on spiritually and not on religion. He claims to get all
his directions from his own Pir-o-Murshid, or teacher. As to funds, this is not
a mystery. He counts among his disciples the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
(who I have met) and some heads at the PIA, the Pakistani International
Airlines. In fact he is away collecting more money. He is not interested in
getting money in the U.S. He says he has more than he made now and he is
emphatic about wishing to spread spiritualism and spirituality.
Of this I am sure and if he has egotism or egoism it goes to faculties and
not to fame or fortune. So far as he sees the way is clear for him and I have
given him a number of hints. I may write more on this subject, but I have
written to my friend, Rudy Olson, 166 Geary St. I have written to others but
often no response.
This strange absence of responses from the U.S. has been coupled by a
continual surge toward my meeting more holy people here. Until yesterday it has
largely been a search by me; but now summonses are coming to meet holy people,
especially in this general vicinity.
To begin with I have my one spiritual brother, Major Mohammad Sadiq, who is
a healer and who both heals by his hands and also by magnetizing water and
perhaps food. Evidently at one time he was stag aged in mass-healing. I do not
know now but he still has been quite successful and on a scale that would have
made Amy Semple or Oral Roberts envious. But he is a sober type, a military
official, and quite capable of lecturing on mystical philosophy and human
brotherhood.
My two chief friends in this city are the superintendent of Police and the
Paymaster. I visit each often and we have high-powered discussions. It is
needless to add that these discussions would go over the heads of all the
Europeans and Northrups in the U.S. They would not know what we are talking
about. It is the paymaster who is now arranging my trips to holy men.
The guest in his home is Prof. Durrani, head of the Physics Department and
sometimes Engineering section, Peshwar University. It is unthinkable,
inconceivable and impossible that abgreat scientist would be a mystic and
vice-versa but as in the UAR it is so—at the tops one finds the tops. Durrani
is a Murshid or teacher to boot and is regarded as a strange sort of holy man
and authority. The Khalandar, Ali Mastana, lives about a block away and the
Paymaster in between. Besides Prof. Durrani likes daytime, preferably morning
visits and other people want evening visits.
One time Mastana said to me: “I am greater than you. I know more than you.
I have more cows. I am a greater mystic, teacher, seer. I am greater than you
in everything.” I said, “There is one exception.” “What can that be?”
“I am a grater pupil than you are!” That did it.
When E. G. Browne visited the tomb of Shah Nimatullah, Persia’s more
important mystic, he learned “That among the Gnostics there is no difference
in sects.” So Prof. Durrani is not only a Sufi, he is one of the most
complete Yogis I have ever met. I was telling him one morning. “There is a
teaching derived from Abdul Kadiri-Gilani that even the Kadiri Sufis do not
know. “That is absolutely correct.”
(This teaching is that Rama, Krishna, Siva, Buddha, Jesus and Mohammad all
lead to the same Universal Oneself.) The Khalandar come by and he never said a
word. He listened to Durrani listen to me and did not say a word. He had met
the professor before and had acknowledged his superiority and there he was
noting the prof. listen to me! Since then I have spoken to many Sufis and
disciples in that house. Then I met another Khalandar there, a sober type who
gave me his blessing. This is not verbal, it is a communication in
heart-energizing and magnetization. I may meet this man again, but do not
know.
Then last night the Paymaster took me to a Sadhu Baba, who is both a Sadhu
and Sufi. He lives a few miles out of the next town below here (Havelian). He
had heard about me and so I went. It was not hard to find him. We sat in
attunement and it “took.” I was able to renounce the ego and get into both
his breath- and heart-vibrations. I had previously gotten into Paul Brunton’s
breath-vibrations, but not heart; and into the second Khalandar’s
heart-vibrations, but not breath.
Sadhu Baba is quite an old man and very much respected. One of his disciples
gave me a thorough massaging and I see this done in some places. I know it is
wall practiced in Kashmir. I am hoping to go to Azad Kashmir soon and may look
into such matters further.
This morning the professor returned and we had a most high-level discussion.
He gave me a booklet, Whither Ye Sadhu and said he could give me more. I
want these for you, but will not ship them until I have a collection. The
contents are entirely spiritual. It is impossible to determine the boundary
between so-called Sufism and so-called Sadhuism or Yoga. And perhaps this is
just what we want.
I do not know whether I have written that a gala reception is promised me
for India. However Indians and Pakistanis differ; they are entirely for me in
my campaign that Asians should be given at last equal rights with Englishmen,
Hungarians, Germans and Poles to tell Americans about Asia. No other land in
the world is so stupid. And the thing is snowballing for a very large number of
intellectual here are preparing to support me in India.
I am now firm and strong enough that I expect to go to universities and
other places and demand objectivity. The strange speculations of these
foreigners is not only a source of offense—endless offenses—to Asians, but
is also a source of confusion. Then we like the Koestlers who come along and
say the whole thing is blah. Koestler is only doing harm in America; elsewhere
they don’t take him seriously. Lowell Thomas has also done tremendous harm by
wrongly describing the mountain areas here. This is not only not a long subject
but it is possible that we may arrange for Prof. Felix Knauth of San Francisco,
now living in Abbottabad, to show slides of that area when he returns—this is
a matter which will be taken up when his own schedule is clear.
Whither Ye Sadhu is a spiritual book and can hardly be read
intellectually. It seems even more unintelligible (?) than Swami Ramdas’
The World is God but to those who pass tests and have gone through, it
is quite clear. There is too much stress on Yoga as path, and not enough on
Yoga as experience and accomplishment. But I must add one thing that Ayub has
just said: we must beware of the intellectuals who discuss everything in detail
and arrive at no conclusions or actions. This is about as for from truth as one
can get.
Next morning. I learned that the Sadhu is none other than my friend, Prof.
Durrani above. We had a grand meeting of highly intellectual Sufis late night,
the elements of which would have been totally incomprehensible to any European
prof. whomsoever. I may not mail this immediately because other things of
interest are coming up.
Abbottabad, Hazara
July 19, 1961
My dear John:
I am writing this letter in triplicate, sending one copy to Mr. Stockwell
Everts at the Embassy in Karachi. But I have decided that the only way to get
action out of a Foreign Service is to get to Prof. Burdick in Berkeley,
apologize to him and give him a lot of stories—and they will be
stories.
The one thing that stands in the way is the complete cooperation I am
getting from Senator Engle. But this has been made possible by two off-the-beat
of factors. Someday no doubt the American Foreign Service which trust its
fellow-citizens as alert human beings. Changes of Administration have not
brought this about, and the types of psychological promotions we have do not
increase wisdom, nor is there any accumulation of knowledges gained in
practices within a country. A man or woman is promoted and whatever he has
learned is dead ended.
Under the previous administration an Englishman went around India on a
bicycle and he was summoned by the State Department and asked “What is wrong
with our Foreign Policy?” The thing that is basically wrong with our foreign
policy was and is and will continue to be: that these questions are asked of
foreigners and not of our own people.
The Reverend X. lives in Pakistan, works in Pakistan, knows more languages
of West Pakistan than any person I have ever heard of, including some top level
experts in Asian languages, knows the hearts and minds of these people, but he
is in the wrong profession. If he had been a newspaper man and toured these
same districts superficially, took pictures and wrote a book, this would close
the chapter. I have said before and I say again; “Our authorities on Asia are
American newspaper men and European professors and never must they be European
Newspaper men and American professors.” There has been a slight change in
this but not much.
The Cultural Attaché has returned to Karachi. I was refused point blank an
interview by his assistant. Nothing doing. Two weeks later I am a guest of
Secretary Shahab, top intellectual of this country and he put to me very
bluntly and rudely the same terrible question asked by Princess Poon Diskul in
Thailand, Prof, S. C. Chatterji of Calcutta University, Prof. Rahul top Indian
Mahayana Buddhist, Prof. A. A. Siddiqui in Lahore and Prof. Mohammed Hussein in
Cairo and a lot of lesser lights. We made fools of ourselves wasting
tax-payer’s money in 1957 in San Francisco with a convention under UNESCO,
“How to bring Asians and Americans Together” and the only thing decided was
to raise the salaries of the promoters. Americans and Asians were not brought
together. And all the Rev. X’s in the world can’t overcome a few obstacles
to normal, man-to-man speeches on the type of morality we have in our Jury
System.
I have protested and will protest against this “Peace Corps.” We have
our field workers here, all kinds of people from Asia Foundation and Protestant
Missionaries to farm-exchange boys. We ignore them. The USIS press releases
from Lahore report a speech given in San Francisco by one Mohammad Jamil,
former president of the West Pakistan Chamber of Commerce.
He said: “The way to help us is not to send over experts to lecture us. I
am convinced that the greatest benefit would come from sending over a working
farm family, such as I visited in Kansas and Minnesota, and have them set up a
model farming operation, the way you do it there, and show us how to make money
from it…. If we were shown how to organize, I’m sure American farming
techniques could be easily adapted in Pakistan.
The heading is the usual erroneous “Madison Ave” stuff: “Lahore
Businessman says American Technical Advance can benefit Pakistan.” Certainly
Technical Advance will help but the simple basic suggestion is overlooked and
will be overlooked and will be overlooked. Asia Foundation tried something like
that and was snowed under by criticism. You have to get “down to earth” and
I shall try to see Mr. Jamil myself before I leave, for there will be nothing
to stand in the way.
While this is going on, what are those nice chess-playing Russians
doing? Making speeches? Lecturing the natives? They are doing the most simple,
self- evident counter-measure than even a ten-year old would understand! They
are sending in “experts,” every time there is a problem they send in
“experts.” And in the entourage of these “experts” are at least one
good Muslim who slips off to a Mosque on Friday, says prayers with the
natives, particularly peasants and then tells them how wonderful the Muslim
live in Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and … Uzbekistan. It is simple, elementary and
true.
I may have written to you that my chief social confidants here are among the
police chiefs. Well I meet them and they give me the stuff off-hand of their
experiences. They cannot, of course, tell the emissaries of a foreign nation. I
had a counter-measure for this in the United States and with one exception was
pooh-poohed all over the place; and I have yet to hear a Muslim, any Nation,
who did not welcome my suggestion with open arms—and open hearts. I
understand I am very popular here in Abbottabad. This may be a minor matter,
but I do meet with and mingle with the people as no American newspaper man or
European professor is capable of doing; but not necessarily any better than any
other American who may be a professor, and certainly not so well as some
Protestant missionaries.
The newspaper are constantly telling of more Russian “experts” coming
and they will come and they will brief the peasants and our Peace Corps will
come, and lecture, despite Mr. Jamil and they will not know how to pray with
the people or talk to them in simple manner, on the human level. They will, of
course, be welcomed by the Cultural Attachés who refuse others appointments,
and by the Agricultural Attachés who don’t answer letters and the only way
out would seem to be to go to Professor Burdick, which will be a last resort,
and then all the State Department employees in this era of democracy, honesty,
fair-dealing and humbug-slogans will run to cover.
Fortunately I had “two-strikes” on Senator Engle. You see the late
Ambassador Grady accepted in toto my repots and his wife. Mrs. Eucretia Grady
has given me every sort of encouragement. And then the Senator’s own daughter
was badly handled socially by one of the European experts on Oriental
Philosophy who rides high in California, but would not even dare to visit
Pakistan.
All right the Peace Corps will come; also the Russians will come and this is
a “cold war” in which the logistics of the hot wars are dropped.
The next thing I have told Senator Engle is that if tax-paid public servants
of the American Government refuse interviews and cooperation with American
citizens abroad, this could become an element of contention in the next
election. Today I know of too many persons who would only be glad to use my
facts.
Then there is our Ambassador here, Mr. Rountree. He has been away and I
cannot put personal blame on him for negligence to mail. But talking to other
Americans here we are unanimous that we are second class citizens. I have an
introduction to the Ambassador. I am not going to use it. It is from my
lifelong friend, Phra Sumangalo. He was an American citizen. He became alarmed
about Southeast Asia; he did not get a single interview in the State Department
or press. He gave up his citizens, returned to the United States—ah, that was
different. Well, one of the persons who then permitted and interview with him
was the same Ambassador Rountree! A nice way to get an appointment, and I
won’t use it.
Well, we now have another cliché artist commentator in charge of USIS. He
writes the same pompous editorials that he welcomes criticisms and suggestions.
That is for home consumption. If I should place copy of my letter, and some of
my facts before some of his rival commentators, there would be a hue-and-cry
all over the country, for it would then get national hook-up attention. In
other words, honesty, fact-finding and the objective approach used in the
sciences, is to be by-passed whenever it interferes with protocol.
I am now being briefed by Sufis as to how to meet the communist hecklers in
India. They have told me where I should be meeting them and how. The communists
are ambivalent with regards to religion using it either way. This gives them a
tremendous weapon because we use it no way. Protestant missionaries nix and
Sufis nix. Only a Sufi happens to the head of the whole Islamic community in
India, he was the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, a spiritual brother in an
exact sense, but I was not permitted to use his name publicly in certain
institutions in the U.S. As we go around promising that someday we shall look
up the Sufis—which we shall continue to do a la Encyclopedia of Islam and
European and Canadian experts and never mind the human beings!
I am also preparing now on my lectures, "Islamic Philosophy and Modern
Science." The previews have been accepted by Prof. Durrani, head of the
Engineering College at Peshawar, also chief Physicist of the region, also a
Sufi Murshid or teacher. I am being given every facility by the local
professors. This becomes more complex and important because of my forth-coming
programs for India, East Pakistan and Malaya, all with excellent introductions
and the best boding.
The way to meet the people is to meet the people. This has been done before.
It was done most successfully in India by two American-Americans: Rev. Samuel
Higginbottam who did more to stop communism than any other man, and Gertrude
Emerson. The first is rejected by protocol because he was a Protestant
missionary, the second because she change to become a Hindu. It is only
Americans who stop there. Fortunately the Russians have no such achievement. I
shall champion all Americans who accomplish anything.
The papers here are yelling that Kashmir is the great problem. The facts are
that saline infiltration is the greatest problem of West Pakistan and the
enormous rising birthrate and lowered death-rate in East Pakistan. Nothing is
comparable to these and politics must go on.
On the simple side of the problem of malnutrition I am pleased to find that
although the people ignore Mustard and Dandelion they do eat Purslane. There
are many weeds which can help with many ills. What is needed here is a
parliament of all schools of medicine and Herbology and a cataloguing of foods
and medicines which can be obtained from common plants at low cost and added to
the diet. Japan and Indonesia have already done this. But what can a simple
American do? He can't go to his own Foreign Service, he has to go to somebody
like Prof. Burdick. And I have already sent in sufficient reports to different
departments of the University of California to substantiate anything I might
have to say—and won't he eat it up!
I am sending copy of this to the Embassy and also to a leading national
commentator. We are all cheering Ayub. When it comes to rational and effective
action I am afraid what will happen will be just what happened to Mr. Hamid's
speech. There is nothing that he has said that I have not written, recommended
and yelled for. All the information I have is that the food:population ratio is
getting worse in Russia and far worse in China. As the Russians "catch-up" in
production (I can prove this is nonsense mathematically), they are
overproducing people, and so on.
This is ironically counterbalanced by a greatly increased infant mortality
in Africa and the absence of any sane, objective, and universally rational
approach to problems. Everybody changes his yard stick indifferent areas.
Well, the "Peace Corps" is coming, the Russians are coming—and we shall
see.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
July 24, 1961
My dear Rosemary,
This is the news. (Apologies to the man who patented this Phrase and to …
will him, otherwise.)
As you know there are not Sufis and they are not scientists. Across the
street from me is Prof. Durrani who is head of the Engineering College at
Peshawar, the top Physicist of the section and a Sufi spiritual teacher. This
is impossible you know at Cal., Stanford, Pacific, UCLA etc. Besides he is a
Pathan and has a son following in his footsteps. Anyhow I had to go to Peshawar
U. to arrange some lectures for me and before I even got started I was signed
up by Mardan College, which shows what fools these people are, or something.
Then I left the Administration building and in the role of “Puck of
Pukhtunistan” started off toward the Pashto Institute. I did not get far when
I ran into Durrani’s son—how did he get there?—and he proceeded to guide
me around. The meetings with the tops of the Pashto Institute with Puck of
Pukhtunistan will make history. It is long and technical. Briefly the Russkis
are sending in experts—one scientist and a big entourage, all Muslims. The
Russians are non-religious, of course, so on Fridays the entourage distributes
itself and visits Mosques, joins in prayer, shakes hands with everybody and
then tells them how wonderful life is in Soviet countries for Muslims. They
have pictures, the naughty men. So they pray and eat with the people just like
Puck does which is anti-protocol but very effective and useless.
The Sufis have their own war against Russia but being fanatics and bigots
and superstitious we will have nothing to do with them. Besides they can’t
bore all Sufis because they don’t resemble what you read in the Encyclopedia
of Islam or listening to the profs. I ran into them in UAR and find they have a
huge counter-espionage system. While the Russians run around the Islamic world
disguised as religions or something, the Sufis run around the Russian world
disguised as Marxists. This is so anti-protocol that it is unthinkable, and I
would ask you to forget it but it means such charming correspondence. The fact
that it is entirely true has nothing to do with it.
So the Pathan Academy is starting a huge institute for the study of Central
Asian Cultures—we can’t think of that. Hitler might but we must not do
anything Hitler did because! Anyhow refugees and volunteers, who speak Cheena,
Balti, Dard, Baluchis, Brahui, East Persian, Kashmiri, Gilgiti, etc, go on.
This is very crude because while we are celebrating International Freedom Day
in the U.S. calling for the liberations of the Letts, Lithuanians, and
Estonians, to whom we added (protocol, you knew) the Hungarians, we cawn’t,
can’t and cain’t have the Armenians, Leshgians, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Turkomens,
etc., etc., etc. There is no God but protocol and he ain’t got no prophet.
The Americans have turned down this Institute cold so they will probably
appeal to the Germans and this extremely ugly American will appeal to the
Buddhists, etc. who have funds to throw around and much to learn from the study
of these languages will go in where “Christians” do not dare go. The word
“Christians” here excluded all and sundry Protestant missionaries who know
and do and that is the worst thing possible.
Maybe I’ll tell you more about this someday but Puck of Pukhtunistan is
now utterly triumphant and ever meeting deans and chancellors. We walked in the
directions of the Durrani house but never got there. You see, darklink, Asian
Foundation is doing something—that is very wrong not being “realists” and
without waiting for the Children’s Crusade Peace Corps. And what they are
doing would speak for itself, but there are no commentators and politicians
connected with it and God save the king or President. I don’t know whether
Asian Foundation tells the press or gave it up as useless.
They are very enthusiastic about the “Peace Corps.” Just as I am.
Then I met Ted Thatcher, U.S. 48. He is the chief Science Adviser at
Peshawar University. You see a large number of universities have a real
exchange program which is doing wonderful things or I am a liar. I have never
presumed that one American on the spot was any better than any other American;
but with the exception of newsmen they are ignored. I began with my beef and I
will stick to it, that the farm buys who came over here and did things have
been ignored. So many of our grand universities are doing things and big things
without fanfare, meeting realities and meeting the people (and not just any
hokum phrase about democracy and brotherhood).
We have here the I.C.A. program, the Fulbright program and the reciprocal
college exchange. I am for all of them but for the latter much more.
Unfortunately in our democracy some men are more equal than others and no
Fulbright man is equal to an I.C.A., but a tourist or bum is more equal than a
Fulbright man and everybody is more equal than a Protestant missionary. All of
us are aware that the Russians are flooding Afghanistan with “experts” and
propaganda. And as protocol has so long since established one-way traffic
through the Khyber, it must be just that and no other. So the Muslim-Soviets
will come—or rather than came. I have run into this myself but my source of
information is very official—the police inspectors. They are my best friends
all over.
Murrow has pontificated that he welcomes criticism and suggestions. He has
united the whole American colony in disgust. He did something—I don’t know
what—while I was on Shipboard which turned them all against him from the
beginning. And my being refused an interview with the cultural attaché at
Karachi was accepted without a murmur by Americans here who seem almost
unanimously of the opinion: “we could have told you that.” And the
intelligentsia say that it is useless and hopeless to give high-tension
intellectual lectures to a few people and think we are communicating. We are
wasting funds, duplicating and kidding on a large scale. Self-praise never
brought about international sanity and protocol has long since discarded
Talleyrand and Disraeli that if you want to rob others, praise them and keep on
praising them and don’t put in a good word or any word about yourself.
Ted Thatcher’s work is road-blocked by protocol so I am going to see
fellow Californian Dr. Abdul Hamid shortly so that these two fellow
Californians can get together and work together. There is a lot in this which
we shall skip. So I left Peshawar U. more than reassured.
I can’t wish to belittle our foreign service. They pulled me cut of a
strange scrape. The Bank of America made a mistake in sending me a draft. The
recipient bank here promptly stuck it in a desk drawer and it took two long
distance calls for them to disgorge. I was stuck and did not know what the
trouble was. I have written to S.F. but meanwhile I had to have cash. Here I
am, owing nobody in particular, but money in five or six piles, all too small
for operations. Anyhow I was able to cash $100 and this may keep me until funds
arrive, but I don’t know when. In turn this has interfered with plans. I did
some small buying in Peshawar and wish to do more. I purchased cards at the
Peshawar Museum for the Rudolph Schaeffer School of Design and the Chinese
Buddhists Temple.
I am waiting now for a long objective report on mineral deposits here. I am
not waiting for “experts.” I shall see Thatcher again, no doubt. And I
certainly can recommend both him and Knauth as speakers.
Well the papers here are worse and the rumors—such as Bowles being on the
way out—get around. And five times now the Russians have sent in experts here
and I have still to see one. The only place we have crossed trails is at
Mosques, and this, you know protocolly, is impossible.
Faithfully.
Samuel L. Lewis
July 25, 1961
Dear Bill,
A copy of this letter is going to Leonard Austin of San Francisco and any
resemblance to persons living or dead is strictly. For Puck has officially and
unofficially met Maulana Abdul Qadir, Director of the Pashto Academy and
Leonard will go around singing, “I told you so, I told you so.”
First the news. A prehistoric skull 1.750,000 years old found in Africa,
proving the first man. My first impression was to send it to Harriet Anderson
and sing, “That old Sweetheart of Mine.” But that mood—well what can you
expect?
Next the news. I got into a financial jam. Bankamerica sent me a check or
cheque or draft with one amount in writing and another in enumeration. Habib
bank promptly took the check or cheque or draft and filed it away. This helped
a lot but I don’t know to whom. After two long distance calls and a threat of
calling off the Foreign Aid they returned it. I did not have enough money or
time to go to Lahore, but this is Pukhtunistan and Puck got a free ride from
the Forestry College at Peshawar and all is better that ends better. Anyhow
they cashed a check and I got rupees which saved a lot of trouble. I got the
cold shoulder in the hotel (Dean’s) until I was about to leave. Then I
informed them of Puck and Ahmed Murad and they did not exactly grovel. Aren’t
we devils! One rickshaw-wallah cheated me out of 1 rupee and then it was grape
vined (by the loud speaker) that I was a Sufi. I got a free ride—just like
that. Then I overpaid another taxi-wallah because I got more money at the bank
than I expected. After which I looked for shoes and just as I entered the
bazaar I was hailed in English and the man had exactly what I wanted at a price
I was quite willing to pay.
Next more news. Saturday I went to Peshawar University and met one of the
staff who immediately insisted that I go to the Pashto Academy. Maybe he
thought, no he did recognize Puck. But before I got there I met the son of
Prof. Durrani the Pathan-Sufi, Engineer, Physicist and everything and the boy
took me around. I got in the crossfire of dinner invitations and lecture
engagements and never did finish anything.
Well I met Maulan Abdul Qadir who—pardon my falling arches—is a Sufi and
a scientist. We talked about Pashto, we talked about Central Asian languages,
we talked about Austerlitz and had a long discussion on the need for
Comparitive Iranian. You see the Hruskies are doing just that and these
fanatical Sufis don’t like red-beards—Muslims should use henna—and they
have a nickname for the soviet ears which is “swine,” based on a pun and
they don’t want any of them. And we Americans who are so anti-communist?????
that we want a united front or something, don’t recognize anybody that
doesn’t recognize protocol.
You see darlink, as soon as the Russians heard about the “Peace Corps”
they surrendered in the cold war, it is over. The very idea of those pampered
manner’s darklings I-ists was too much. So they sent in some “experts.”
“Experts” are always sent in. And those “experts” have entourages of
Uzbeks, Turkomens, Tajiks, [?] Khirghiz and others and they go to the Mosques
(communists don’t pray—protocol) and after the Friday Service they don’t
show pornography—they leave that to our cinema—they show pictures of how
wonderful Muslims are getting along in Sovietopia. This attracts a lot of
people and is so against protocol and diplomacy it is beneath out notice. And
besides praying with the people they eat with them. And they are just going to
sit by and let the “Peace Corps” come in.
Meanwhile we are shedding tears over the Lotts, Lithuanians, Hungarians and
Estonians and forgetting the Armenians, Lesghians, Azerbaijanis, Turks,
Turkmens, Kazaks, etc., etc. because we believe all me are equal provided the
provided is most important.
Maulana Abdul Qadir, the Sufi, proposed that we have refugee camps here too,
for all these people fleeing from behind the Curtains and select as many as
possible to teach us their language, then their poetry and music. Such an idea
is outrageous. If it would just be Spanish or if the Luxembourgers only had to
flee it would be accepted at once. So the Russians are doing all the research
on Afghan Persian dialects and we are compelled to use their backs. Another
victory for democracy!
I bought a Pashto book and was amazed and concluded it was a mixed language,
but what was mixed with the Old Persian I don’t know. The Maulana says that
in those mountains there is something like a Caucasus. There are three
different Aryan groups represented—Dard, Iranians and Indian; also Chinese,
Tibetan, and Turki. But in the manuscripts we might find more such as remains
of Tokhari, and also Mongolian cognates.
We discussed at length the need for Comparitive Iranians and also for work
on Buddhist manuscripts following Sven Hedin, Aurel Stein and Skrine. The U. of
Michigan is sending over a representative. But I wish you would let Austerlitz
know and the Maulana is very anxious to correspond with him or with anybody
else you might suggest. In Baltistan there is Cheena which is a mixture to
begin with, of Tibetan, Chinese and Dard.
He also says that Borushevski is not an isolated tongue and is not related
to the speech of the Caucasus. There are cognates in the borderlands between
Chinese and Russian Turkistan. All the tongues of this region show mixtures of
and from base elements and they tend to graduate one from the other. So it is
not surprising that though there are many common words between Urdu and [?] the
languages are totally unlike. Some of these common terms are borrowed from
Arabic and especially Persian.
He mentioned a lot of other tongues or which I know nothing. But he was ill
and I am going to Peshawar perhaps twice more.
Puck: How die!
Prof. Mohammed: My God and a thousand welcomes. Yes.
Puck: But I have not asked for anything.
Prof.: Petition granted. When?
So we get to Mardan on September 4 to lecture and between August 15 and 30
will be another trip in that region too, so we are on our way. Boy, what
greetings.
Then the Americans. The same thing. They were all overlooked by the
Johnson-Shriver people and are they mad. I told the representative of Asian
Foundation I could stick out my neck and fight the “Peace Corps” but he
might lose his job. He said he would fight and wouldn’t lose his job. The way
we overlook our citizen abroad who accomplish things. But let a fly-by-night
reporter or a big politician come this way and it si world news—lots of
trimmings and horse radish but no meat.
I am in the throes both of writing and creative writing. Prof. Durrani
wanted my latest poem before it was completed. And the reactions I got are
delightful. Another colleague in Lahore lined up during course of conversation
and I have not even started at Abbottabad.
Visited the Gandara works at Peshawar museum. The big boys say they are
Roman, not Greek! This is against protocol and for Bufano and boy won’t they
eat it up.
Well I leave you on your won. Please write to Austerlitz and Adbul Qadir. I
am going after the money for these projects. Carry On.
July 27, 1961
My dear Harry,
This is my diary entry and it will cover a hodge-podge. I remember the first
time I heard you speak, about “thinking” and I am going to present a
problem to you which certainly does not require any answer by mail. Indeed the
problem is a compendium of reports.
I have to start with a gripe—against the Peace Corps. The fly-by-night
politicians did not visit. Americans here did not observe what they are doing
and overlooked the two things in which people are interested here—food and
God. But food is more connected with land, land ownership, and development than
just food for its own sake. People want “the good earth.”
Fellow San Franciscan Felix Knauth and his wife have returned from
Baltistan. Baltistan is not far from the Hunza country which Lowell Thomas and
his fellow newsmen treat as a sort of Shangri-la or paradise. I think I have
hinted that mountain climbers and professors differ. (Our authorities on Asia
are American newsmen and European professors and never, never must or can they
be European newsmen and American professors—this is protocol and God save the
U.S.)
They found nothing but goiter and deficiency diseases. People do not eat
fish. There are wonderful fresh-water trout but I don’t know much about the
trace-elements found in the fresh-water fish. Anyhow fish is not particularly
liked. I ate all I could when I was in Peshawar recently.
There is a grand soil analysis program going on but it is restricted almost
entirely to NKP and without too careful attention to pH either. This means that
one does not know actually the content of the soil and more money can be wasted
because of incomplete methods. I think I have told you the Russians have a more
exact limited method of analysis.
Until I reported Purslane on the vegetable market I was downright disgusted
with the lack of knowledge of edible weeds here. The whole thing is a series of
vicious circles. Anyhow with lazy people I have concluded that there is more
than plenty thyroid and perhaps other glandular trouble. No one knows what
elements are absorbed into the food crops. And on the other extreme the
different types of herbalists and schools of medicine know, and keep very
esoteric and trade-secret the values of more plants than we realize. In fact
even now I have been promised introductions on a high level when I visit
Peshawar again later on.
Now this is the problem: Is it necessary or mustn’t we begin with more
complete analyses, determine what trace elements are lacking, relate this to
dietary needs, etc., and make an overall report and suggestions? This is a
natural for Stanford research. Therefore, I again am proposing an almost
seclusion for myself on return until I see you and get advice or whatever you
may want to say.
Farm Advice Upper Level. I have already reported to you about the
lower levels. The boys were by-passed by the State Dept. So were the men. The
top man here is Ted Thatcher, U.S. ’48. He is theoretically over all the
agricultural advisers and instructors on a huge exchange program—which I very
much favor—between Colorado State U. and Peshawar U. But he is restricted to
supervising the staff and the teachers of the live sciences at the university.
He wants to meet Hamid Khan here and I am arranging to bring them together.
All the Americans feel they have been let down by the administration and
made to look cheap. One Mr. Hamid of the C. of C. of Lahore spoke recently in
San Francisco on the need of settling farm families in this land and have them
work with the people. Incidentally I suggested exactly the same plan some time
ago. Headlines: Pakistan welcomes American technical assistance. This is the
eternal, infernal war between the publicity hounds and the intellectuals. It
was the same when there was a demand for more science and math students and the
press demanded more science, math, and language students with a corresponding
increase of 90% in the language students.
I just received a letter from my friend Paul Keim who was successful in UAR
in desalting 38,000 acres; perhaps in more when I left. He will be back on the
Berkeley campus on August 19. Department of Engineering.
I got into a strange money-mix-up and had to go to the nearest American
Consulate (BankAmerica made a mistake). I received a free ride from the
Forestry Department, Peshawar U. Anyhow I got my money. I stayed at Dean’s
Hotel and there we saw a Buddleia with a blue flower, shaped almost like a
Lilac and one can much better understand the term “Summer Lilac” from this
variety. Incidentally I have failed to report that there are Buddleias all
over, whether escaped or this is their natural habitat I do not know.
Points or grown with leaders and look like small trees. The Zinnia is the
most wide spread cut-flower at this season. They are firm but not tall. On the
other hand—if you can stand a pun—the corn is Ze Amaze! I have seen plenty
10-12 ‘ feet high. The ground is too wet at the moment for me to make a
survey. But the height can be deducted from the K content in the soil.
At the moment there are plenty of ears on the stand of my friend, the
Paymaster. Under the corn there are Tomatoes. The fruit stands low, near the
ground and the plants form a sort of umbrella over them. There is a good count
but I think the rain may have washed off some of the coming buds. He is also
experimenting with his Sunflowers. Although some are tall the corn-stalks are
on higher,
I also visited the Supt. but the ground was too moist. In Peshawar the seeds
or kernels were mostly broadcast. There are many who do not distinguish between
the handling of Z. Mays and Sugar Cane. I am learning more about the latter,
and there is a problem whether light-hours or heat or both produce the sugars.
I believe, of course, that the K content helps but I cannot know details. As
Peshawar is near Mardan; on my next trip I shall visit there for Sugar and then
Malakand, for Tomatoes, etc.
The country toward the Indus is a wilderness. I once wrote, “There ain’t
no industries on the Indus.” Even less is industriousness. Then one goes up
the Kabul Valley and as one nears Peshawar the soil is more fertile but I could
not compare it with Haripur below here. I saw many kinds of Melons. We were
served cooked one of those pomish plums and they also tasted somewhere between
our plums and apples—perhaps they have malic acid in them in quantity. They
do not taste anything like our prune plums. I understand there will be more
fruits in shortly and all kinds of grapes just beginning to appear. Also
Apples, mostly like pippins.
I met the chief prof. of Entomology and we became friends but he had to cut
his visit short. Actually he is disturbed on account of the locusts and I
don’t blame them. Just add the locusts, borers, saline infiltration,
water-logging, floods, lack of forests, malnutrition, etc. etc. and all the
press is concerned with is Kashmir, Kashmir, Kashmir! If the locusts do come
the public will not be warned as they are not warned about either the Indus or
Ganges floods--just Kashmir, Kashmir, Kashmir! They are crying because the
Indians control the head-waters and they are getting not under-supplies but
floods!
My friend, Abdul Sattar, long time Consul-General in S.F. and one of my best
friends is now here. I am meeting “everybody” all the time and have had a
nice letter from the President’s press secretary and an important communiqué
(that spelling makes it important) from the Joint Director, Radio Pakistan. I
am signed up for all kinds of lectures and conferences. And on top of that for
collaboration in lectures back home—and are they piling up. In the meanwhile
my friends in India are gathering and with another friend, Dr. Radhakrishnan,
now in first place—skip it. I don’t know how these things happen but they
do. On the other hand I am being converted to enjoying cricket; this is
awful.
These are just odds and ends for my own record and I hope you can stand
them. I am hoping to return to college and study anthropology and more
botanical sciences, as they say here, inshallah.
July 28, 1961
My dear Florie:
This is the news. Foreign policies are based on the assumption that all that
all men are fools excepting politicians and commentators. Russia is free from
that and we are stuck because, while holding to this attitude we preach
something that we call “democracy” which has nothing to do with
humanity.
I am in a strange monetary mix-up and it compelled me to go to Peshawar. I
was given a free trip by the Forestry College boys. I met a lot of American,
and my statement that the authorities in Asia “must be European professors
and American newsmen and never, never American professors and European
newsmen.” You can bet that the American professors unanimously feel they have
been let down by the so-called “Peace Corps” propaganda: It implies that
their work is ineffective.
I don’t know whether you heard Mr. Hamid of Lahore speak in S.F. He called
for the establishment of farm families among the people here and that we should
stop preaching. Nearly all the news one reads in the Press Reports from USIA
are sermons. Nothing but ineffective, sickening, sugary sermons redound with
self-praise—as if this wins friends. The Russians are not idle. They are
sending in expects. These “experts” go to mosques and pray with the people
and they eat with the people. So while the big boys are making lovey-dovey the
Russians are just going to wait for our next move and do nothing. Well they are
“in” in East Pakistan—where they were not scheduled to be; and they are
not where the newspapers say they are.
There is absolute unanimity on the “Peace Corps” here. We are going to
send over some bright young men and may be women, who can scale mountains,
survey the land, calculate the distance of the stars, teaching weaving,
mechanics and basketry to people who have little cloth or metal and the first
thing that they are going to be met with will be what they think of Allah and
maybe Mohammed and Jesus. And they will be about as ready to discuss these
matters as they are to talk in Tibetan or Satchanese. There are only two things
to discuss—religion and food-raising and that is just about what they won’t
be prepared in.
I have been hammering away on the food situation and I have run into the
delight of finding that the chief Botanist here comes from the University of
California—he is Pakistani; and the chief science adviser is also a Cal.
graduate but represents the Colorado State University and is over the teachers
of the agricultural sciences. I am trying to bring them together. But so far as
Johnson and brothers-in-law are concerned they do not exist. We are going to
have the “Peace Corps.” We are going to snub the Americans in the fields;
we are going to have the Vice-President praise Dr. Seagrave while he ignored in
“toto” the American medical missionaries here and we think we are carrying
on a war against subversion!
I sent a note to Ayub before he left—this is “unthinkable,” of course;
well I received a nice answer from us press secretary after they returned.
Abdul Sattar is here and we expect to discuss a real Pakistani-American
cultural exchange. We have sent over a pianist to play in Karachi to help raise
funds for the East Pakistani flood relief victims and nearly all his selections
are by German composers. I don’t know what this proves and other than getting
some moneys—which could be raised by other methods—we still have to
establish real cultural relationships.
I am meeting a lot of Sufis—all the time. I met more in Peshawar—at the
Pashto Academy and from the School of Engineering which is topped by one; and I
have now a flock of invitations to speak in universities. All of this is off
the record. The idea of an American circulating with the people and doing
anything actually isn’t. But I am glad to hear that Dr. Barker, ex of
Berkeley and a Muslim, is becoming famous and effective; only Russians can go
to mosques but he is doing it anyhow and he is becoming successful, alhamdu
lillah.
Meanwhile there has been a congress including American Muslims in Cairo. The
Pakistani papers—and I say God damn them without any reservations—who are
constantly yelling for a united Islamic world—give them no publicity
excepting what they get from the Americans. It is sickening. In UAR there are
some efforts to have world Islamic movements (actual) and here they are
editorials and people believe then and the Muslims are being nicely divided by
editors all yelling for their own private international Islam.
I am not writing to Dr. Hosny in Washington now. I shall wait until I see
what funds are offered here for the presentation of Islamic cultures and then
work for a united front of some kind—not a lot of hokum fund-raising for
“mosques” by people who don’t care about prayers. It is certain that one
or two important persons will be in San Francisco next year. They will probably
be presenting spiritual aspects of Islam and Mohammed. They are dedicated to
bring the world back to a recognition of a living God. I have written to Norman
McGhee in detail about this, but also to several other persons, some of whom
you probably know, others maybe not so. On the whole the people here have far
more heart than the Arabs, but less real heads, or rather they won’t work.
For the time being I see no other course than to accept the leadership of the
Egyptians in Washington.
I am convinced I should buy more books. I have a large consignment in
Lahore. When I go next, assuming my moneys are released, I shall add to the
purchase and send them on to you. The life of Omar just completed is very
satisfactory, but some of the smaller brochures not so good; in fact I may not
send them. As a rule the larger books are better in every way.
I have had a second letter from Satya Agrawal for my trip to Delhi where I
should be in August. But the other letters I receive, plus my feverish
inspirations in poetry, keep me going. I have still a lot of tourism too, so I
work from 6:00 A.M. till 9:30 P.M. excepting for a siesta and am not keeping
up.
I believe the Russians will try to focus attention on Berlin while they
penetrate elsewhere. Afghanistan and Burma are “soft,” and there are large
communist movements among the Malays. We just can’t study Islam as it is or
Buddhism as it is and consider the feelings of these peoples. It is not
done.
There are Buddhist excavations going on in the Northwest and I hope to visit
some of these places and also see Jamshyd Khan who visited S.F. a few years
ago. Felix Knauth of S.F. came back from Baltistan and the reports he and
others make of that country is in every way contradictory to what Lowell Thomas
reported, so it can’t be made public. We hope to collaborate and throw a few
bomb-shells around, and I am not fooling.
It is the Sufis who are taking the lead here, too, in counterespionage. This
is a long story; besides the Sufis are always exactly what the books and
professors say they are not.
It is now monsoon season and the Maize has been growing very rapidly, I am
doing a little study of it. The papers are yelling about Afghanistan and
Kashmir and the country faces most serious problems—floods, water-logging,
erosion, locusts, hurricanes, malnutrition, etc. Ayub is back and won much
acclaim, though I doubt whether he accomplished what the papers wanted and I
believe he accomplished some things that the country needs.
This is all I can think of for my diary—and I have much poetry to
write.
Faithfully,
Abbottabad
August 1
Mrs. Rosemary Benton, Librarian
World Affairs Council,
San Francisco, Calif.
My dear Rosemary:
I found an envelope addressed to you so I sending you my diary notes. Things
are happening so fast, and apparently so favorable, that I am unable to keep up
with my writings, consignments, etc. Abdul Sattar is in this region and I have
to keep one eye for him; and the other eye for a mineral report which I have
been promising for some time. These hills are filled with wealth and the most
natural and simple way of obtaining capital and investments here would be
through the same means which have made California, Colorado and Alaska in turn
prosperous—but which is beyond the ken of many of the folks here.
The only comprehensive book written on this region was A Glossary of the
Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province by a
British civil servant named Rose, Abott 1894. This was objective and on the
spot recording. Now we have a whole bunch of “experts,” Europeans, Zionists
and Canadians telling us about “Muslims” which tales are as subjective as
Marx’s stuff, written in the same dialectical spiritual and totally untrue.
The wiping out of the poor European Jews has not prevented well-known (and
chiefly non-American writers) from having other whipping posts and we eagerly
accept them and think we are learning something about Asia.
There is a team of American botanists working in this region. They record
the plants, catalogue and inquire into their usefulness. As person amid?
“There are no weeds in the botanist’s garden. But when it comes to
sociologists, politicos and commentators and “humanists” there are plenty
of weeds and often no garden. “All God’s chillum got wings” is simply
untrue when we pass from plant and animal cataloguing and come to human
beings.
I am now being accepted on an ever greater scale because I firmly believe
that “All God’s chillum got wings.” I am faced with the utterly
disgusting situation of having or seeing Protestant missionaries go through
hills, mountains and canyons, cataloguing people, languages, geography and what
not, and having them by-passed. Our so-called “Intelligence” and God save
the U.S. And Russians coming in and cataloguing people, languages, geography
and what not, printing books and having then the source of the best
contemporary knowledge of this region. (Lowell Thomas is, of course,
protocol stuff; Rev. Fishface won’t be accepted on a stack of bibles, and a
mass of confirmations. This is objectivety.)
Now the Sufi-Sufis are tired of being whipping posts. I have just re-read
“Lord” Cantwell Smith who seems to have demoted our European “experts”
in this part of the world. I don’t think be could pass a grade school
examination here on Islam or what Pakistanis think and especially about the
Sufis. I’ll let the other matters passed and stick to the Sufis—or shall I
say now $ufi$ because money is going to talk if truth does not.
The Sufi-Sufis, hearing that an American knows something about Sufis are
raising funds. The interesting thing is that this is the third group of them. I
have mentioned the others before, the big wigs in Lahore and the tops of the
actual Pakistani Government in Rawalpindi. And I am going soon on two tours.
The first is somewhere toward Baluchistan—I don’t know where but all
expenses paid beforehand. The second will be around the Peshawar region, the
University of Peshawar and Mardan College always booked and Kohat if I desire.
So an American will be lecturing on the relation of Islamics to modern science
and contemporary American thought—an American who could not get an
interview—a priori rejected—by the cultural attaché at Karachi—this
democracy.
Fortunately the USIA stuff in Peshawar is agog and I think I can get the
Lahore people too. This is going to make some red-faces at Karachi or shall I
tell Prof. Burdick?
The top Sufi, of course is exactly what Cantwell Smith, Rom Landau, Von
Grünebaum and the U.S. boys say he can’t be: he is principal of the
engineering college at Peshawar, the top physicists of the region, a Pathan and
knows more about Indian philosophy than almost every Indian I have met, and I
have met them, all our German, English and Hungarian ”authorities” to the
contrary.
Mostly Sufis are exactly what we say they are not. The big wigs of all
classes in Lahore who have been contemplating sending money and representatives
to the U.S. and the top most government officials who have more or less the
same idea. Incidentally I have been successful in placing a bug in Ayub’s
ear, or portfolio. He used it and used it successfully—off the record, of
course and I have received a letter of thanks.
Another Sufi is starting another counter intelligence movement through a
school of Central Asian Languages. I am more hopeful here because I have met
Prof. Austerlitz, top linguist at Columbia and know he will be interested even
if “Intelligence” is not. He is collecting Asian refugees and trying to get
them jobs teaching their languages, music and culture.
You know, Rosemary, we simply can’t re-invade Khyber Pass. It just is not
done. All the invasions through history go one way. I believe firmly that the
Russian chess-players are doffing at the Queen (Berlin) and are going around
capturing pawns. I have run into their game too often, have too much first
hand-knowledge and don’t care anymore whether I get rejected or not. If there
is not God, there is Prof. Burdick and in our days of liberty, democracy and
fair-mindedness apparently a piece of fiction carries more weight an all
facts.
I had hoped with the new administration the poor peon-creoles here would be
permitted to report or suggest. That is hog-wash. If I tell some commentators
what I know, they will go the town and this would throw everything into the
open to the Russians delight. Fortunately, too, I have a couple of pipe-lines
and both Senator Engle and several congressmen are with me. I sent Saund a long
and important letter because of the top-level invitations to India and because
Jack Shelley sent my last letter to Mrs. Grady. God bless her. I think the
members of the World Affairs Council will accept that the Grady’s who did
meet big Sufis are at least as fair minded as all the Europeans and Zionists
who tell us ??? about “Islam.”
So the money is being raised rapidly and it looks as if this Americans bum
will be on the receiving side. I have stuck to objectively whether my ego
sticks out or not and I meet the people, a few and en masse and this will no
doubt continue. Pressures are tremendous but with social and financial
acceptance my tours will be thrown into new light, or lime-light.
Actually I have asked for favors because, I do not know what I shall do or
where I shall live but everything looks very fine, very fine indeed for me.
Americans can make friends with Asians by meeting Asians and I think even Mr.
Blum will agree to that. (Incidentally I shall probably run into Asian
foundation a few more times—at least they sit down at round tables.)
Faithfully
Samuel L. Lewis
August 9, 1961
My Dear Vocha:
I have your letter of July 30 written in Pasadena and I am taking it as a
sort of challenge. I am sending a copy to Fred & Corinne and making another
copy for my diary which never gets up to date. The days are full from early
morning until 9:30 at night, complicated by a slight case of diarrhea—the
first, thank God, I have had.
Much of my time is now spent getting ready to travel with the Khalandar, I
have already written the folks about him, as he is a representative of both
spiritualism and spirituality. He has helped me to the degree that since
meeting him I have gotten rid, in a sense, of my worst enemy. She was a former
friend of mine who did her utmost to destroy me—it is a long and horrible
story. My Neptune square Moon has had the curious result that I have always
been invited to big cities by women who started as my best friends—indeed I
came to each at “her” invitation and it always ended the same—San
Francisco (my mother); Los Angeles, Washington, Detroit, Berkeley and I think
one or two other places. If I came of my own accord or at the request of a man
or a younger woman it was different. The L.A. invitor is long dead and the N.Y.
invitor more recently. I think the spell is broken. Anyhow the Khalandar both
predicted and did.
When I first met him I placed the Schloss matter before him in passing. But
there have been so many other matters, some of which will be described here.
Although my personal affairs became much better, the Habib Bank refused the
check sent from Bank America and I had to go a whole month without money
excepting I got a free ride to Peshawar and there the Americans at the
consulate helped me find a way out, which tidied me over. This was a mixture of
nuisance and blessing. I met the head of the Pashto Academy and some of the
Americans who are doing a bang-up job. No publicity of course and also ignored
by Johnson and Shriver who are so zealous for their “Peace Corps” they paid
no attention to accomplishments by veteran Americans in the field, and they are
some veterans.
I have met a long procession of holy men, saints, and Sufis, perhaps nothing
like it. Far more than Paul Brunton and perhaps more effectively so. And with
the Khalandar’s predictions my friends grew and my enemies lessened in the
U.S. For instance one of my enemies publicly insulted the daughter of Senator
Engle. I don’t know whether this grapevined to him or not but he has become
more sympathetic and cordial and accepts my reports. Congressman Jack Shelly
has sent them to my “principal,” Mrs. Lucretia Grady and they are full of
successful accomplishments by a neglected (by the press) American. I did tip
off Sam Yorty and more recently sent a good report to Judge Saund. I am in
touch with Chester Bowels’ office, etc, etc. In fact my long war against
phony Orientalists seems nearly at an end.
Last week I again visited my friend Ghulam Rabbani Khan, one of the
world’s leading authorities on religions in general and Islam in particular.
The Asoka Rock Inscriptions are on his property. They are placed wrong on the
maps so I went over them very carefully this time. I am not only going to make
some reports on them but when I get to Arjunta (I hope) send in an objective
statistical report which will be so out of variance with what has been written
and writers strongly disagree with one another, that it will compel
Orientalists to be effective.
I am reminded of the team of American Botanists working out of Peshawar.
They study and collect and it is all objective and impersonal. They can’t
drop “weeds” because they are useless. They tabulate everything. This is
true science, but in the Oriental fields in general, we do not have much of
it.
Well, the Khalandar, to prove his powers, either clairvoyanted or projected
to the U.S. and he gave so many reports immediately that were correct. I was
amazed. He described the City Hall in L.A. among other things and said he would
go there. I have myself tested him on a higher plane and it came out [?]
Schloss-Reinhold matter to him as soon as possible.
August 10
It is morning. The ribbon is nearly worn and it will be hours before I can
buy another. I awakened feeling it is right and just to enter into an area of
combat to help friends, especially the just ones of the world. I have failed
miserably in efforts to follow the Gandhian trend and I sometimes wonder
whether Nietzsche was not right who said: “A just war halloweth any
cause.”
Only two or three times I have sailed forth using what might be called
“esoteric methods.” There are sciences, so to speak, of prayers, mantrams
and concentration, and if one is attuned to the spirit of the universe, one may
be able to select, so to speak, help which may be forthcoming. Then there is
prajna, which always shows the right way.
I must now instruct Fred and Corinne in the Sufi doctrines of the ego, from
agitation to calmness to power, love and wisdom. And in the Indian psychology
of the places of persons and beings in the universe of evolution, and what
characteristics and faculties are evident. I am no longer concerned with
anybody’s reaction in the U.S. It is not only that we have few deep friends
in the Orient, it is that we are foolish not to look into the wisdoms and apply
them. So I shall try to get the Khalandar—and others—to throw light on
these situations.
By “others” I mean persons and forces the existence of which we have
totally bypassed in the Western world and have become stuck with
quasi-materialisms which hinder our progress in many directions. My standing
here with some of the Sufis and disciples of Sufism would be incomprehensible
in the West, but I am not concerned with my standing anymore; only the
practical application of whatever this means.
Jacob’s ladder was no doubt a symbol but there is an intersession in terms
and shrines—and even holy men. There are definite “telephonic lines” so
to speak, between this world and the vast unseen. There is a complete guidance
of love, beneficence, wisdom, compassion and even mercy. There are no problems
excepting those which are manmade. There is a wisdom in having these manmade
problems so that we, as individuals and societies can grow and grow.
“Therefore fight, O Arjuna” must mean something more than poetry and in a
sense each of us is Arjuna. But I am much stronger inwardly and outwardly than
most of my friends, and perhaps even than most people. Frustrated all over the
place, I have never delved into potentialities—excepting where I should
hardly be believed yet.
The challenges that have been thrown at me have been answered by the poetry
I have and am writing. I came here knowing I was Iqbal’s successor. I leave
probably with the seeds of surpassing Iqbal and joining the ranks of others. It
is too early and I have too much typing, too many responsibilities, too many
problems, too many invitations. This does not mean that most of all will not be
accomplished. But with signs of cracks in the inertia of certain parties and
forces, I feel better.
I did send Ayub a suggestion. It was put into practice and worked out
successfully, his secretary wrote. It was something so simple that only a
child—or sage—could have thought it up. No newsman could possibly believe
of accept it. They are more stuck with materialism than the Russians and more
hide-bound than the reactionaries and don’t know it, more’s the pity. But
it worked and will work again. This is all the more to be wondered because my
introduction to Ayub was from the side of profundity and complexity, not of
simplicity and practicality.
I hate to throw the challenge of patience. I have had to use it myself, but
this was from compulsion. I know its value. But there is a time to reap as well
as to sow and other than assuring you of my anxiety to throw all inner
attention to the Schloss affair, we shall go on to other subjects.
My war with the commentators goes on. First William Murrow comes on the
national hook-ups that he welcomes criticisms and suggestions. Ha! ha! Don’t
make me laugh. Talk about “The Ugly American.” There are two things “we
can’t” do: one is to entrust protestant missionaries especially in this
Islamic country so when they go out—a la botanists—and collect data on
peoples and geographies, nothin! doing, we don’t want to offend the Muslims.
Instead we are going to send over I.Q’s who can parse verbs in Urdu and teach
manual training where there is no wood and give lectures to people who have
been lectured all over the place. I prefer to spill to Burdick than to Fulton
Lewis, but with the Dull espion-age over, I am keeping quiet. Besides I trust
Fulbright.
Joseph Alsop at least acknowledged so I took on Stewart. Stewart has written
an article in Satevepost on Cuba. It is exactly like articles written by
Muslims: Hero and Noblesse Oblige and Popular and Bigfame were undoubtedly to
blame but they have done such wonderful jobs in Antarctica and Nueva Cocos and
Christmas Island that we must hesitate to blame them and then he ends: We
cannot permit the communist bloc to enjoy a monopoly of the technology of the
oblique thrust, but we must find our own ways, believing from our own past and
our own kind of society, for carrying the battle to communism.
I mention all this here not to tell about my private war with the
commentators, but about G.S. as it is practiced, full of noblesse oblige and
Bigfame can do no wrong.
The Sufi’s have not only pipelines to heaven, so to speak, but on earth.
There are 50,000,000 of us, despite the Koestlers and despite all the
encyclopedia and Cantwell Smith and Von Grünebaum and Landau and Zionist
“authorities” on Islam. I was approached in UAR by a delegation of
scientists, no less, who gave me the insight into their counter-espionage.
American reaction: nothing doing. We will have nothing to do with fanatics,
charlatans and can’t mix up with native religions. (The other side of the
protestant missionary humbug.) I’ll tell you the whole story some day and it
is some pumpkins.
Well here I have been closeted with another Sufi, who is a leading
scientist, and he outlined to me his counter-espionage program with the oblique
thrust against Bokhara and Samarkand and what he and his colleagues are doing.
It was as welcome as the pollen in May to hay-fevered “intelligence.”
Words, words, words. We talk about humanity and humanism but omit the human
beings. Wasn’t I called on the carpet during the war for saying that
Stalingrad was Verdun No. 2. Those West Point grads knew as much about the
grand campaigns of Asian generals as I knew about their languages. This is
“intelligence.” So I am coming out of the corner fighting and then
some—all over the place.
If I get an answer from Stewart other than an acknowledgement I shall know
the day has turned, but previously I wrote a letter to Satevepost
telling them how the Russian spy system works here. I got my information from
the topmost Police Officials. In India the Internal Security saved me from the
commies. To the American “intelligence” I was seeking notoriety for myself.
The Russians came in as Muslims and boy, what field days they have. We send an
American Muslim to this country on a mission! Preposterous, oblique thrust or
not. Just like Prof. Moore, who to prove he had no prejudice against the
Muslims attacked the Christians openly—and he was “officially” the top
American in religious knowledge. What fun I have! But I won’t give up the
ship.
I write to Harry periodically because I am ordering books. In addition to
normalcy I have ordered al the writings of Inayat Khan and also Shakespeare and
Donne which I wish to study as pure poetry, for the words and lines, not for
the stories, etc. I don’t keep a record of my orders but I leave it to
him.
I expect to go to the Pathan country this week. I understand there is a
movement going on to raise funds to help me and the Khalandar, with more
emphasis on me. If I secure a nest egg, I wish to buy about a thousand dollars
worth of books from Harry. I told him so. It is always possible that some of my
writings, already turned over to Pakistanis, will be published and bring
revenue and when I get to Lahore there will be a grand effort to raise funds to
present real Sufism to the U.S. on a large scale with emphasis on healing,
psychology, metaphysics, etc, etc.
My last poetry was dedicated to Prof. Durrani who has been a Sadhu, Sufi,
physicists, physician, engineer and God knows what else including being an
excellent father. (He is the second all-round man I have met, the first being
the Mahayanist Dr. Leung Tat Sat in Hong Kong.) I can easily give talks on the
relation of Modern Physics to the Oriental Philosophies and go on to other
sciences. Even Durrani with all his Physics had not realized simple parallels.
Now I stand in big with the big shots and little with the little shots.
Muslims need a good semantic overhauling. It is not only for religion, but
for the whole international understanding. I told them they were trying to
measure corn-stalks with a snake instead of a tape or ruler.
My alter ego Puck wrote that he favored federal moneys to Catholics but not
to public schools. The public school moneys would go to the architects,
materials dealers, gadgets, marble and glass and a lot of space because we have
dispensed with stairs and ramps. We make fireproof buildings and then use the
excuse not to have an upstairs in case of fire emergencies so the real estate
people get in on top deals. No money left for the teachers! This is
education.
I have a copy of head-coverings, some long shirts and pajamas and shoes on
order so I can return as “Puck of Pukhtunistan.” Incidentally Puck, out of
his inherited disrespect for his proverbial ancestor wrote:
Not Owed to
Maurice Evans
End me your
Lears.
I expect to be in Delhi early in October and India looks like more of the
same and then some. I have to go to Pathan-land, then to lecture around the
N.W. Frontier, then to Lahore by stages for lectures, conferences and what not.
At least the embassy acknowledged one letter. They are now sending over
“experts”—always ignore those here and start grand campaigns. The
Russians are also sending in experts all the time—“Pakistan Times” was
anti-American before and is now but the Forth Estate can do no wrong. I think
it would take the whole American colony to refute the stuff politicians and
newsmen give us.
Anyhow Paul Keim has returned to Berkeley. He did a job. If he were a
Russian it would be spread all over the papers from the Atlantic to the
Pacific. He is going to be a tower of strength to me on the campus but the old
frustrating boys have long since been removed by revolutions of students and
underlings. I look for a welcome there—excepting the Near East Dept. with its
Europeans and Zionists—this is democracy and fair play and we continue to
make wonderful speeches and offend the Asian-Asians
If I had more the comforting will be lost. Love to Bartlett and yourself
Samuel L Lewis
S A M
Sufi Ahmed Murad
August 15, 1961
My dear Harry:
I am trying to clear things up here in Abbottabad. This morning I arranged
for my college lecture here and then got caught in a storm, falling down,
breaking my umbrella and dirtying my clothes. The storm was great enough to
come through the roof—when it is wet you can’t repair it and when it is dry
there is no need.
I have written you under separate heading or rather have some enclosures and
will try to get the things together but…. There is so much to do and so many
details things get out of hand.
My Maize report is not too encouraging. People do not plan to get increased
crops or calories or anything, but they want something which will require a
minimum of work and attention. There is no coordination of planting date, light
hours, heat or water supply, In general the crops that depended on rainfall
either did not grow well or else, with plenty of K they get ”tall corn” but
somebody else will “have to land them their ears.”
Aslam Shah, the paymaster, who usage sewage and seepage water, has the best
results. The stalks run well over 10’ and about three ears each. The tomato
underneath did well and his sunflowers, Hollyhocks and everything doing well.
Outside of his place I only saw 2-ear averages, but this doesn’t mean that
the ears will not set, as the male flowers have not always passed their
peak.
S.P. has a lot of stalks running 8-10 feet but average only 2 ears. The
rains came late though his soil is in good condition and at my last observance
the Grapes were doing fine. His Zinnias are in excellent shape.
Elsewhere you sometimes have an average of 6; or less and not much returns.
There has been no decent advisory work here and I have not had a chance to talk
things over with the Food Inspector—but will still try. It seems to be there
is unnecessary wastage of labour, land use etc. And with a people strong on the
side of laziness and grand campaigns—”Plant More Tree” week—with
parades and hullabaloo, but “let George do it.”
The great ornamental is the Lagerstroemia. This has a very long blooming
season. For many weeks the whole trees are a mass of color, very delightful. I
have never seen anything to equal them. Phlox and Salvia are also doing well
now.
I had my final talk with Dr. Abdul Hamid, the Forest Botanist and will carry
his messages to Peshawar. He is interrupted in Salix and Populus and wants me
to look up soil research for them. There is also the problem of root behavior
in trees. This becomes all important when one considers the water-logging
areas. What kinds of useful plants can go in that area. I know when I lived in
the South Sassafras tended to horizontal rather than taproots. Deep rooted
plants are affected by the water table and presence of “salt.” The high
water level in many areas is just the opposite of what has been described to me
for Ohio, and what is no doubt true of other areas with increasing population
and water usage.
The other subject we discussed at length was the Olive. The work here has
been very haphazard and this in all directions—length of live, years to
fruit, drought tolerance, soil and other adaptabilities, treatments to increase
fruit, etc. etc. No good “case histories” of varieties, many lost and Olive
has become just an Olive.
I do not know what assistance can be obtained in California to help these
people out. The impatience often results in defeat in the long run.
You can see up to this point I do not have—and I guess a lot of
professionals do not have—enough information on the water requirements of
trees and related subjects. Then with the by-passing of pH, organic material in
the soil and the “trace elements’ there is a long road ahead. At the moment
I have no clear picture as to what to do other than carry the problems they
have given me back home. After witnessing the faux pas of Iowa experts in south
India, and they were experts according to accepted standards, I do not see easy
“solutions,” but of course, could prove wrong.
I am leaving here next week, presumably for Waziristan where men are men and
hunting seasons is all the year around. It has been very hot there and with the
promise of pot-latch dinners my stomach is not too happy. But they want to see
an unusual American. I can only tell you that in their country and among the
Pathans generally it is “divided we stand, united we fall.” I am praying
either for colder weather or an opportunity to exercise when I get there.
After that I go through the Northwest Frontier, both to colleges and farms
and should be reporting. But anything can happen and generally does. At times I
get tired yet there is a long road ahead.
Faithfully,
Abbottabad, Hazara
August 15, 1961
Prof. Alfred Cantwell Smith
Institute of Islamic Studies
McGill University
Montreal, Canada
My dear Professor McGill:
Although I own a copy of your Islam in Modern History in the States,
I thought I would purchase another copy here to determine whether my views on
this book have changed in the light of some very objective experience.
My basic training in Mathematical Philosophy cautions me to shun the usual
dualistic reactions against any comprehensive work and still less to reach
conclusions via such methods in regard to any religion as a whole. I long
opposed the whole Hitlerian movement on the ground that no group of individuals
could logically evaluate any doctrinal-institution and the term
“doctrine” is in accord with the definition given in mathematical, though
not always in metaphysical philosophy.
Indeed my own experiences with Islam have caused me to shun personally both
dualistic reactions and universalizing personal delight or disgust. I have had
plenty of both of these and they in turn make it much more delicate to
criticize philosophically Islam in Modern History or any companionate
work.
When I was in UAR I was approached by a group of scientists. “We are Sufis
and we wish the American government would take more cognizance of us. We are
100% anti-material, the Russians are 100% materialist and you are just between
us. They are totally dialectic, we are totally anti-dialectic and you stand
halfway between. The Russians do not believe in a god, we firmly believe in God
and you stand between us, so we are far more anti-communistic than you are or
can be but you will have nothing to do with us. Why?”
The scientists then went on to describe to me their method of
counter-espionage and counter-intelligence which it is almost impossible for a
non-Sufi to understand. I have met other scientists who are Sufis also engaged
in counter-intelligence and I mention this in part because you have placed in
your work a number of “cosmic philosophies” in juxtaposition or opposition
to each other.
I opposed Hitlerism in full. I did not believe a man or group could evaluate
whole cultures and civilizations by any moral or immoral standard. Neither do I
believe nor can I believe in “scapegoatism” and I am afraid that your book
has made the “Sufi”—who is not a Sufi at all but a figment of
imagination, the scapegoat. Indeed I have not found anybody who has refuted
Prof. Titus Burckhardt’s claim that European writers do not understand the
Sufis because they have not faced Sufi disciplines nor learned about Sufism
from Sufi teachers.
It is a curious thing that when it comes to many religions of the world we
go to a representative of that faith for some understanding. But with the Sufis
we run to a book. There is a book on the dervishes written in UAR by an
American who bought all the European books he could get, synthesized them and
put out what is a textbook on Sufism, accepted by some colleges. This in a city
where I alone met some six thousand (6,000) of them and there must be many,
many more.
The “Sufi” then, is the scapegoat. The early Ottoman rulers
areby-passed. The great Akbar and his family are ignored. The fact that
“Muqadimmah” was written by a Sufi, Ibn Khaldun appears to be of no importance. Writers,
both Islamic and non-Islamic are today praising Ibn Khaldun no end; he is
regarded by many as the first “scientific” social philosophy, but the fact
that he was a Sufi and that ”Muqadimmah” is filled with tasawwuf is
treated most lightly.
I met the dervishes in UAR, my dear professor, through the scientists,
through leading scientists. Not only that, I was many times a guest of the
various top men at the National Research Center and received nothing but
good-will from them in my outlines, “Islamic Philosophy and Modern
Science.” Even those who were not members of the dervish orders were entirely
in sympathy with the Sufi philosophy.
Great Britain is the home of cricket and the United States of baseball.
Their psychologies suppose that every man shall have a time at bat; there is a
sort of equal opportunity and absolute justice in these games. But when it
comes to Oriental philosophies, certain living persons are given no chance at
all.
One of your colleagues was adamant insisting that there are no important
Sufis today, and another insists they do not take part in politics. When I was
formerly in India I was the guest of the Hon. Syed Mahmud who was then Minister
of External Affairs, and in cabinet rank. He is today the leader of the whole
Islamic community in India. He happens to have been a spiritual brother of my
own first Pir-o-Murshid, Hazrat Inayat Khan, whose remains are buried in the
Dargah Nizam-ud-din Auliya in New Delhi.
I have recently received a special invitation from Sufis in the
Andhra-Deccan section, men of the highest caliber who seem to occupy all the
high offices formerly in Hyderabad State and more recently in the local or
provincial governments. This was in India.
I have visited at least three Indonesian embassies and found most of the
staffs, including two Ambassadors, were members of Sufi Orders.
No doubt there are decadent Orders. This is true whenever succession depends
upon other considerations than passing spiritual tests—states and stages. But
there are a number of Orders stemming directly or indirectly from Ghaus-i-Azam,
Abdul Kadiri Gilani, which are not decadent. And, my dear professor, Sufi-Sufis
consider this man and not Mevlana Raum nor Ibn l’Arabi or anybody else the
greatest Sufi. He systematized the teaching. If you had access to his books, or
lacking them, had any instruction from anybody that has been initiated into the
Kadiri Order you could not have reached some of the conclusions that you now
have.
I was very much surprised and of course delighted, when some of the staff of
a leading American university said to me, “So you say you are a Sufi. Well,
we want to learn all you know. Will you come and lecture here.” This is
always usual in the scientific field but is rather a new departure and a very
welcome one in “Asiatics” where personal prestige carries much weight.
We have today two distinct problems. One is how to check the expansion of
communistic polity. The other is to know objectively and factually the
philosophies, disciplines and even details of Asian religions as a whole.
My dear Leonora:
This is the news. It is August 17, evening and Feliz Knauth of S.F. and me
also of S.F. have been to [R?]axila to look over the ruins. They have been
cleaned up in spots. The Museum is in order and all objects d’art which did
not find acceptance by the curator have been removed. Grecian, Persian and
presumably Jewish things out. And the Greeks are shown to have become
Buddhists. It is a pity that the Curator of Peshawar has conflicting views, or
it is not a pity. I shall have to do some boning up before I leave Pakistan to
say which one I accept, for they involve a lot of other stuff.
I wrote you the other day and then had my picture taken. Inasmuch as I shall
have to mail you a picture, I can answer your letter—piker! This saves on
postage but not dignity. It is the picture of Puck of Pukhtunistan as he will
appear on certain Midsummer Night’s Eve.
I have just returned from a film, “A Night in Europe” or something which
shows nightclubs and dancing. I still like the Spanish best, by far. Way behind
the Russian. I don’t like the French nightclubs at all. Some days I dream of
further traveling. I have two trips in mind—one to England and Sweden;
another through the Mediterranean to UAR. But I won’t go alone any more if I
can help it. I get tired of this single traveling and attention to so many
details.
I may go into India overland from Hyderabad, Sind because few Americans have
gone that way. I also hear that few Americans go to Waziristan.
Felix and I have not too much warmth toward the “Peace Corps.” Why do we
ignore the veterans who have accomplished things? There are lots of them even
though they do not always write books like Dr. Seagraves. And our position is
hopeless. Nicol Smith of The Burma Road fame wrote a book on Tibet and
made more prophecies; Lowell Thomas, ditto. “Everybody” read Lowell Thomas
and you would get an idea from his writings that everything is safe and sound.
But Lowell is the man whom the State Department and the press and the radio
accept and he has misled the American public no end. But he is he, like “This
is the news” Murrow who writes glowing speeches that he welcomes criticisms
and suggestions. Sez you. In fact so many of my criticisms and suggestion have
been accepted that I am planning to write to President Kennedy.
I just sent in a report to secretary Shahab criticizing one of our
“experts” on the Orient and perhaps one of the men who briefed Lyndon
Johnson. I think Johnson did some right things here but I have not found
anybody who could point them out. He welcomes criticisms and suggestions and
the whole Orient is furious with the U.S. with its maudlin sermons and
self-righteousness. Well I got another letter today from a friend of another
Prime Minister. La meme chose. We sit around the table and prove our position
in Laos is logical, righteous, noble, and of universal benefit. The Chinese
just infiltrate. After Laos, Cambodia. I would like to see some top-notch
commentator or anybody who can tell what language is spoken in Cambodia, what
race the people are, etc., etc.
Your letter indicates your life is a hodge-podge and I shall be glad when it
is not a hodge-podge and you can sit back in an easy chair and say,
“Ah.”
Why should the public library keep open? We don’t need no book learning no
more. We can sit back and have the commentators tell us or just put the
question to Univac. In Russia—and why should we follow Russia—they keep the
libraries open to 10 pm all the time.
Well I don’t practice any Yoga regularly now, only irregularly. Everything
is lovely and snafu and why not?
Ruark is probably right. People stay 5-10 years or more in a foreign land
and what they accomplish is not a matter of record. Prof. Schmitzel may spend
15 years in Waziristan and Commentator Walter Blah-blah may spend three days
and who does the State Department listen to? This is diplomacy. I am for the
veterans and I am for trusting all Americans abroad, excepting professional
newsmen. They guild lilies and whitewash snow and yet have the public ear.
I am hoping to send news from Waziristan and find out what the people want.
I spoke to a big crowd at the college this week. I expect to speak to many more
people and it is very likely I have spoken to more Pakistanis than any other
American has.
I wrote to Stanford about the Sufis to a professor who is translating Sufi
manuscripts. I said it was too bad we are treated as non-existent and that we
have to go around and collect money to present Sufism to the American people
because our universities insist we are non-existent. I told him—and it is
true—that one leading “Orientalist” professor while still holding we were
non-existent, was quite willing to accept an endowment from us. Now we have to
show ourselves which is against our policy but it seems that dollars speak
louder than words.
I have new stacks of introductions and I am told some of the people are
overladen with cumshaw. Will accept. Will even try to get endowments. But none
to the Mulsims who would not let me speak for them and none to any university
which denies our existence. This is very awkward.
There are now three distinct movements among the Sufis to counteract the
Russians and I don’t mean with lips and sermons and self-righteousness. I
still have three or four months without spilling to Prof. Burdick and I have
not given up hope that some Ambassador or Under Secretary will answer one of my
letters. But I think I may write Kennedy. Bowles is too busy contradicting
Rountree to answer me and Rountree is too busy contradicting Bowles and the
Asian-Asians have given us up as hopeless but are quite willing to accept our
f$o$re$i$g$n $aid$. And they are right. After all we have plenty of money to
endow most players to perform before audiences of Greeks, French, Germans and
Swedes all over the world. If the Armenians in Baluchistan are lonely we will
send over a fan-dancer; and if the English stranded in Bhutan need
entertainment we will send over some strip-tease girls. This is foreign aid.
I am still in a quandary over my own future in dancing. So many of my old
friends have withdrawn and these many changes and introductions of made-up
dances without social or historical background have loosened my interest. I
feel very close to both Madelynne and Magana Baptiste for reasons I would be
glad to disclose in person but not in writing. The present control of F.D. by a
small group which organize all the clubs and direct everything and get the
offices etc. puts the whole thing far away from folks. On the contrary I am
more interested to visit certain lands where F.D. is continued.
I received a lot of information about the basis of the American Peace Corps.
It is very different sending people to lands which have no grand cultural
traditions and history or even religion than to impose, as I called it, the
trouser-tractor-gadget-potter-clay arrangements with a choice between the
blonde Americans and blonde Russians. Every day the problems of this land seem
greater, the solutions are quite evident, but just as sure neither we nor the
Russians are going to do any experting without a big hullabaloo about our
particular social ways and no attention at all to the local ethos. This is more
complex when it comes to minerals wealth which they do have here and how and
maybe will do something. But now my attention is to packing, moving and
visiting strange parts.
Cheerio,
August 22, 1961
My dear Harry:
This is my diary entry. I am assuming and presuming I shall be leaving
Abbottabad tomorrow. The immediate destination is a place called Bannu which is
the gateway to the tribal area known as Waziristan. The rulers or landlords
called Maliks wish to see me and I understand I am the first American who has
ever received such an invitation. Other Americans have gone for scientific,
travel or political reasons, not just as men or friends.
I am expecting something like a potlatch welcome. As the country is hot, and
I am told semi-desert or worse, I shall have to face heat as well as food. I
don’t mind day heat but I am told I shall be given comfortable quarters and
be well cared for. It is an adventure. And I am rather “flying blind.”
Some weeks ago Bank of America made a mistake in sending me money. The
Pakistan Bank acted as if I personally had written out a bum check. It took
weeks for me to get the funds and this cut down my tourism. And it was more
weeks before either the Pakistan bank, the Consulate at Lahore or even the Bank
of America cleared up the matter; meanwhile I did get my funds but only after
threats. It is very awkward because I knew all the circumferential VIP’s and
if I had done anything drastic a lot of heads would have fallen.
I have written asking that the bank release my savings and checking out and
they are taking their time.
Meanwhile the Bank of American made another mistake. I worked ten hours
trying to straighten my accounts and could not and then found the error was in
the very last entry; either the BA or my legacy-money from Wells Fargo was
reported wrong and I don’t know how much I really have in my checking
account, and long distance letters have cleared up exactly nothing. It may pay
to be ignorant.
The other day Frank Buchmann died. Well you can’t practice “absolute
honesty” and “absolute love” here. They are totally contradictory. I have
gone so far as to write Pres. Kennedy, the state Department and the embassy
that the only way to clear one’s tracks is to tell Prof. Burdick, co-author
of The Ugly American and that will bring action. I sometime hope to meet
one American here who has had satisfaction from the Foreign Service. It is
exactly the opposite in UAR. Besides I have written long ago to Ambassador
Roantree and Under Secretary Bowles good honest letters. They both equivocated
and since then have been hurling diatribes at each other. Who the heck are we
arming against?
Just now I got the Garst plan back. I paid my last visit to the Forestry
Station. They are interested in the alternative fertilization plans. But the
money goes to Ammosulph and always goes to it and the peasants don’t want it
and the soil organizations don’t want it and the monsoons get rid of it. The
Garst plan is one alternative.
The other day I called on the Supt. of Police to invite him to my farewell
dinner. His flowers are in excellent shape. Salvia, Phlox and Verbena doing
wonderfully. But he has the best Zinnia collection I have seen anywhere and I
have now seen plenty of Zinnias. The main groups are planted on both sides of
the entrance and are so tall and thick they are like hedges. The stems are very
long. You can see almost every conceivable color. But what struck me most are
the varieties. On the one end you have very simple “singles” and on the
other very complex “show” types. They remind me of the Dahlia in the early
days. The variations were multifarious. Other than being planted in good
-composted soils with plenty of leaf, no fertilizers and only rain for water.
The K soil tends to good stems and has an opposite effect say, than on Pinks
and Sweet Williams. Previously his Candytuft was in excellent shape. But we
talked over private matters.
The S.P. did not show up at my farewell dinner. But at the last moment the
Director of the Agricultural Exp. Station at Peshawar arrived. He is the uncle
of one of my best friends here and was an excellent substitute—the dinner was
all paid for anyhow. So I have a special invitation to go there. My immediate
stop is Bannu which is semi-desert. Then to Kohat about which I know nothing.
Then Mardan which is the center of the Sugar plantations. Then Melakand for
truck cross. Then Peshawar, for fruit. Some day or other you will get some good
reports.
But I was especially glad to see the Director for another reason. You have
had my reports on Rawalpindi. Well the UN boys and maybe some Pont IV boys went
to Iran and then started some new methods of preparing land. They got rid of
the traditional irrigation ditches and waterways which had been in use for
centuries and put in a modern method. The rains came. The dykes, the water
channels, the top soil went and no crops! These things are never reported and
that is why I say you cannot have “absolute love” and “absolute
honesty.” Things like that are never reported. When you over-organize and
impersonalize “expertism,” button, button who has got the
responsibility?
This plus the rioting into Ammosulph and the way they plant maize, to avoid
work shows what one is up against. Then the maize crop did much better, but
that is because of seed selection.
My friend, Aslan Shah, the paymaster, has been promoted and is going away.
He tells me that his beans have done excellently this year. Like a lot of
roving C.S. people, he has scattered holdings. His sunflowers are about the
best I have seen here, but it was new both to him and the B.P. that sunflower
seeds could be food for human consumption. Last year the B.P. fed them to the
hens and he said he never had better poultry. I don’t know too much but I am
in a land where people seem to know much less.
The next Forest experiments are and shall continue to be on hormones for
cuttings. I shall next visit the College at Peshawar and see what I can learn.
But I am overburdened with introductions. I guess I have already spoken to more
Pakistanis then almost any American, but I do it off the beaten track. There is
a new USIA director coming to school. These people know or think they know all
about the U.S. and lecture to Pakistanis. They are very restricted and don’t
know it. Only Asia Foundations gets down and sits at round tables. In fact I am
going to report to the Intelligence Section, Collector of Internal Revenue,
about large groups who collect moneys to function abroad. Period. The overhead
is. Period. Glorious rackets and no checking and it was one of the large
chemical companies—Union Carbide, I think, which just saved UAR’s cotton
crop; no Russians, no “experts,” no collection agency, but a solid American
industry which had to function in the end. My blood boiling days are over; my
jibing days are coming into fullness.
It will probably be impossible to lecture on tourism now. Only those
Pakistanis who have been educated abroad want to take on responsibility and
give our information. The rest want simply respect for their donations. When
they get enough respect, they don’t have to inform anybody about anything.
I have, already, listed what I consider the grand problems of this country.
What they need are either real dirt-farmers and farm-advisors with divers
experiences; men who can talk to and with men. Today I am very
tough-minded—after all I have written Kennedy. But the joker is that the tom
boys here won’t tell technicians direct and when I get tip-offs I am the
wrong guy. But I am not so wrong as a lot of other people who have been here
longer: the longer the wronger. This is a situation I shall fight to the death.
And enjoy it.
Cordially, Sam
Abbottabad, Hazara
August 23, 1961
Dear Ruth and everybody:
I am about to leave Abbottabad. It will be a strange adventure. I remember
one mureed who long ago welcomed into her home persons who spoke about the
masters of the Far East. Some of the speakers were friends, which did not prove
or disprove the existence of “masters.” When I returned before she closed
the doors on me. She did not want to hear about real masters; if they were
conjectural, if they were fantastic, if they were metaphysical all right—but
real ones—you draw the line somewhere.
In Rawalpindi I found one of Pir-o-Murshid’s compendium books, several
together. It is expensive but I shall buy it before the day is over and carry
it with me. Aslan Shah lives across the road. He says that he doubts if any
Western person has met so many holy men and been blessed by them. This is my
history. It will some day be accepted by the world. The mureeds follow exactly
what Pir-o-Murshid wrote on “The Spirit of Guidance” in some of this early
works—the so called disciples almost never accept the new teacher and the
more they acclaim their adherence to teachings, the more they depart
therefrom.
Aslan Shah lives across the way but he is moving soon to the frontier. Chief
among his guests were Prof. Durrani, both a Murshid and one of the great
scientists and engineers of the region. After a career of disguising his
spirituality as a wandering Sadhu he disguised it by adopting the exact
opposite way of life. The master, the saint, the superman is not bound by rules
laid down by metaphysicians and speculators and they appear as they appear. In
a few weeks I expect to be with Durrani again and through him present the
teachings of Pir-o-Murshid to local Sufis of all grades.
Less than a hundred years before Aslam Shah the Khalandar has been living;
living with female relatives while the head of the house is earning his
livelihood in distant parts. But his real home is in Rawalpindi where we sleep
tonight. Both the Khalandar and Durrani have tested me by methods which only
the most advanced know and they have placed me where Pir-o-Murshid placed me
but further along. I am not concerned nor are they concerned nor are the Sufis
here concerned with personality-reactions against or about the instructions of
Pir-o-Murshid. Inayat Khan gave out his teachings and instructions and they
belong to the order of God. People who came along and want titles or leadership
without the divine sanction may win popular acclaim but in the unseen it is not
so. In the unseen it is as it was, but it is in accord with Hierarchy. We are
going to present Sufism to America along with Hierarchy and along with
realities. It is not the day of secrecy; it is still less the day of closed
cults. We say and we insult God by praying, “the whole of humanity as one
Single Brotherhood in the fatherhood of God.” We do not realize the effects
of these insult-prayers.
I have long gone way beyond the boundaries of race, class, sect or sex. The
whole humanity regardless is one and the Sufi Message will emphasize this
one-self. But not by proclaiming any leadership in this emphasis. I am sorry
for the divided followers of Pir-o-Murshid none of whom accept what he taught
and wanted. Well Buddha gave out teachings and a certain group got hold of the
Sangha and operated it for centuries but in the end the spiritual souls
asserted themselves. Buddhism disappeared from India but it spread far and wide
over much of Asia. Now we face the world situation—a message of love,
brotherhood and glorification of God, and it will sweep the earth,
inshallah.
Our immediate task, and it will proceed before nightfall, is meeting with
wealthy and powerful people to discuss the introduction of Sufis spiritually
and spirituality into America. Many doors are opening and some will open quite
dramatically in the United States. I met wealth in Lahore and authority in
Rawalpindi. Now the question is to organize these, and coordinate [?]….
I have seen Sufi healing and heal it can and does coordinate and cooperate
with existing schools of medicine. I have seen the clairvoyant Khalander depict
many places he has not seen and times which have not come. The percentage of
accuracy say, as against the so-called Meher Baba, is tremendous. One does not
like to presume phenomena for love and wisdom but phenomena can and will
attract Americans. Add to that phenomena the ability to clearly delineate the
problems, the pressures, the inhibitions and the pains of people, and who is
going to stand in the way of such a message and such people? We want to win by
love but we may have to demonstrate many phenomena.
Behind this of course, is exactly the same hierarchy of saint, master and
Wali as is described in The Unity of Religious Ideals or originally in
what were the Religious Gathekas used in the Universal Worship. The U.W. is
based on the super-hierarchy which has made itself known and felt by separate
living persons here and now who through their enlightenment or clairvoyance
know these things to be true. As Pir-o-Murshid told Saladin Reps, “Many who
are not my followers are much closer to the Message than those who call
themselves my mureeds.” This is true, so undeniably true that it will be
written in history and coming events, inshallah.
To this date there is no sign of any Murshid nor anybody invested with the
title and authority. But equally all that Pir-o-Murshid wrote concerning
healing and brotherhood is coming. These things which he described to me and
predicted in 1923 and 1926 are coming true, and even more than that. In the
next world anybody who has taken bayat can stand against Pir-o-Murshid’s
words and in this world it will only be for a little while.
The struggling, suffering humanity has just the same sense of justice,
honesty and fair play. The removal of these things within the Sufi realm did
not result in any great growth. A perfect philosophy does not win hearts or
even minds. The perfection must be in something more than the philosophy. All
that Pir-o-Murshid wrote on Kashf in the Gathas has been discarded and the
prayers are only shadows of the reality they present and represent. But the
prayers are truths or truth and not petitions or affirmations.
The world is going to see a real love, a divine love, a divine manifestation
in according to its capacity to receive. The Message of God will spread far and
wide; no doubt outside of organization because organization places itself above
and before God and nothing can stand above and before God.
The love which is real is not verbal; it is a living communication. I can
only say here that in 1962, inshallah, Sufism will be introduced in a solid
manner in America. Whether mureeds and especially their leaders will recognize
it I do not know. A titular Murshid has a grand responsibility but if he does
not accept what God has affirmed or hierarchy has affirmed or even what
Pir-o-Murshid has affirmed … the Day of Judgment is ever present. I wish more
people realize this… I shall break off, not close. There is no compulsion in
Sufism.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
S A M
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
P.S. I have been to the cinema. There was a character made up so he looked
tremendously like Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan—hair both fore and back, beard,
clothing, speech, character. And when he played the Vina I could hardly
constrain myself. It may have been just coincidental but [?]….
Peshawar
August 29, 1961
Mrs. Rosemary Benton, Librarian
World Affairs Council
San Francisco, Calif.
My dear Rosemary:
This is my diary and the report will have all the advantages and
disadvantages of a personal record. I am, however, making a copy for Mr.
Stewart Everts of the Embassy in Karachi and will probably show it almost
immediately to somebody at the Consulate nearby. I am hoping some of the things
recorded will be taken seriously and I am adding, for the sake of the World
Affairs Council—and only indirectly for the Foreign Service, some of my
experiences of the past.
There is a newspaperman who has published a book, Asia is my Beat and
I don’t know whether to comment “beat it” or “how we were beaten.”
There is a long uphill road in this part of the world. Lowell Thomas gave us a
fantasy on Hunza and it is taking teams of American explorers and scientists to
get the record straight. This will be that college students researching into
Hunza will be informed and the public—which will continue to read Lowell
Thomas and not the adventure books will remain uninformed. This is our
“intelligence.”
Lowell Thomas gave us a book on Tibet which everybody read, Gene Stratton
Porter up to date. Nicol Smith gave us a one and despite his Burma Road,
nothing doing. That Thomas’ “facts” turned out to be fancies and
Nicol’s fancies turned out to be facts mean nothing. The commies go there and
we shall go on to read Asia is my Beat.
I am saying this because I was present when Papa Tara Singh met Nehru under
“man bites dog” condition which in Asia is never, never, never news. I
shall be in New Delhi in about a month and shall meet the men who arranged this
meeting which will substantiate my reports. At that time I wrote in my diary
that what happened would never be reported in the world and it was not and one
of those men is a consummate liar. I leave you to choose.
Or the rumor that the Thais are looking around for a friendly relation with
Russia because SEATO has not stemmed the communist invasion. When I was in S.E.
Asia I wrote my cayenne stuff that I objected to SEATO because it did not
include St. Helena and Uruguay. I doubt very much whether my newsmen would
accept my reports with the royal family and how they reacted—some of it in my
own presence; or my conversation with the leader of the opposition; or my
meetings with the Mr. Big of Thailand. These things being “impossible” they
could not be news. Besides what I was told and told very direct, is now coming
out and we need more and more and more Laos-Chaos. In the early Spring, if not
before, I shall be with my best friend who took the trouble to come to
Washington to warn about Ho Chih Minh and not a cough in a carload—he was
the trouble-maker. Then he returned to warn about Laos—he had just been
working for the King of Laos—and la meme chose excepting, thank God and
praise Allah, for Senator Fulbright.
Now I have been to the FBI many times and the usual question is “What do
you know?” And I have been to the “Intelligence” and the usual question
is “Who are you?” Some day we shall have an intelligent-intelligence which
will operate like the FBI and do some screening afterwards. If you ever write
my biography, go to Fort Mason and look at the heroes’ book, May 1945 and see
my signature and ask how it got there. Right under Carlson’s raiders. But I
was born on the wrong side of the trackless tracks.
My theme here is “Fifty Million Frenchmen can’t be wrong, but fifty
million Sufis can’t be.” Amen. We have the only “intelligence” service
in the world which rejects its own personnel to accept the “findings” of
non-American, non-Asians concerning Asia. Yesterday I was in the Pashto
Institute and pulled out the Encyclopedia Britannica on “Afghanistan”; you
should compare it with the American Encyclopedia. They spell “Afghanistan”
the same. Let’s change the subject.
Fifty million Sufis can’t be and I am having a social whirl from early in
the morning until midnight with plenty of meals—almost too many and
invitations all over the place. Someday I hope to convince some American in
foreign service that their compatriot who was one of them in a former
generation and wrote The Dervishes—J.P. Brown, should be taken
seriously. Brown, being a mere subaltern had the “audacity” to visit the
dervishes and write reports. This is not done, you know. I met more dervishes
in U.A. than Billy Graham met of peoples there and … I have written a poem
somewhere, if you want to call it a poem, “And the Burdick boys will catch
you if you don’t watch out.”
I am quite ready to do a c to Prof. Burdick. I have many common friends with
both Burdick and Lederer and in all honesty, objectivity and sincerity refused
to meet them. But with Profs. Cantwell Smith, Landau, Von Grünebaum,
“Warsawovitch,” “Gracowski,” “Minsky,” “Pinsky” and Oxbridge,
not a chance. We are the only nation in the world, “only in America” do we
see our people relying on non-Asian, non-American “experts.”
I have completed my first report to Secretary Shahab. Why should I go to
Shahab? Why can’t I go to our Ambassador, or to the State Department? No, I
have to go to the Arabs, Pakistanis, Indians, Burmese, Malayans, and
Indonesians to talk facts. Fifty million Sufis can’t be and I am being
entertained by them every minute.
Thank God both our Senators are cooperating with me—not on “realism”
but on the problems of water supply, saline soils, desert agriculture and the
great problems of a nation which is having a hard time standing up. Someday I
may meet a Pakistani of importance who approves of our Peace Corps and someday
I may meet an American editor of importance who will write on the achievements
of Americans in Asia. We start writing off all Americans connected with
religion in any way and end up by downgrading our real experts and technical
men. I have already written of the countermeasures taken by Russians and am on
excellent terms with the Security Police. Indeed it is the Chief Inspector
General and one of the Justices of the Supreme Court who are taking the lead in
financing the visit of non-existing Sufis to America. I have had to
write to a number of Universities that because they have not recognized the
existence of Sufis, moneys which would normally be sent for endowments and
scholarships are now to be used in financing the trips of us non-existing
persons.
Another reason you can understand why sanity is difficult is that President
Ayub said “Islam should march with the times.” Result—and you might have
guessed it—bigger and better parades. Islam is marching with the times. (This
is quite in line with my original discovery of “Pukhtunistan”—“We want
no more elections, we demand plebiscites.”)
Congressman Jack Hennessy has been turning my reports over to Lucretia
Grady. Mrs. G. was only the wife of an Ambassador. “Some of my best friends
are Sufis” which happens to be true of her and a couple of pictures in books
will validate this. But this would make Cantwell Smith, Von Grünebaum, Landau,
Minsky, Pinsky, and Warsawovitch wrong—so we discount even an Ambassador’s
wife. This is “intelligence.”
Yesterday morning I first went to the Pashto Academy and have learned all
about their plans for a Central Asian Institute. This group is not only
organized by Sufis, they are working out a large and very sensible
counter-espionage movement. There are three distinct counter-espionage
movements lead by Sufis and it will be one of my jobs to bring them together.
They all have the same purport and outlook but their methods are quite
different. There is no use discussing these until we first accept that some, if
not all the 50,000,000 Sufis are; and then examine the contents of Sufism—not
from books by Oxbridge and Von Heidlehausen, but either go to the Sufis
themselves or to the American J. P. Brown.
I am writing a long report on this to Columbia University and will send copy
to the Department of South Asian Studies, Berkeley and perhaps to the American
Friends of the Middle East. The latter group, at least, recognizes that there
are Sufis (between my need for Eno’s, Sulphur Tablets and Milk of Magnesia I
assure you these are Sufis and my stomach protests, but not too much).
Then I visited Prof. Duley, from Colorado State U., which dominates the
agricultural advisory work. This country is roughly divided between Colorado
State and Washington State. I may report later, or lecture on the work done by
our Universities here and they are doing things. This country is, or wishes to
be, 80% agricultural and perhaps should be. So we are going up and over the
“Peace Corps” and they are going to be bombarded with questions about
religion, negroes, God, religion, life in the U.S., God and religion and they
are going to be “briefed” like V.P. Johnson and everybody knows it.
As to the technical side of this I keep writing to my friend Harry Nelson of
City College and keep a complete record. Yesterday we discussed Soy Beans,
Olives, Avocadoes, Small Fruit, etc., etc. Of course our “social
scientists” will say UNO, FAO, UNESCO, UNICEF are taking care of these
matters. Also, why a “Peace Corps?”
Later I went to an orphanage operated by Sufis (How come? They never accept
responsibilities) and then a grand round of top professors and scientists, all
Sufis and we discussed Sufism and the impossibility of having real cultural
exchange between America and Asia because the Americans have a potter-clay
attitude, the Russians have a potter-clay attitude (which we accepted, that’s
right) but if Asians have a potter-clay attitude toward us—that is terrible,
why don’t they solve their problems? This is what everybody asks of
everybody else.
One professor had visited Europe, specially Leipzig and Heidleberg and I got
a report first on the German attitude towards Oriental philosophy and the
different reactions of East and West Germans. There is no doubt that communism
is breaking down Orthodoxy if not religion in the East Sector and this often
opens the doors to Oriental faiths. But the new generation of Germans are not
“experts” in Orientalia and they are willing to learn. (Germans in America
please don’t copy; why we may have to turn to Asia for “experts” on
Asia!)
Of course this idea of having Asians teach us makes me popular and someday
we may learn about Asian-Asia and get rid of Phant-Asia.
I have read several books down on village life in the Punjab. I have also
visited many villages. I have also siestaed in huts and what-not and eaten food
with my fingers with the natives. As I have written before all men are equal
excepting women, sweepers, washermen, and villagers. And the number of
second-class citizens in this “casteless” land, oh well, we have fun.
I may have written to you that I offered a suggestion to President Ayub
which he not only accepted but put into practice and I received a nice letter
from his press secretary. I have also had the privilege—and I foresaw it—of
meeting one of his spiritual teachers. The meeting was, of course, impossible
because there are no Sufis and dervishes have a lot of rules. Do you know what
he said to me? “Come to lunch!” And I did. Of course this is only the
outside of it.
I am therefore letting the Foreign Service see this. I have three awkward
alternatives:
a. Go to Prof. Burdick. The way the Foreign Service reacted to this book of
fiction stands n contrast to the way some civil servants react to facts. All he
would have to do is go through my diaries and then write to the persons
involved and the “Ugly America” would look like a primer. I don’t want
this but the second alternative:
b. Go to Fulton Lewis Jr. This would put me on a national hook-up. I have my
documentary materials. I would mention names and the next day William Murrow
would either be impeached or resigned. “We welcome criticisms.” That is the
biggest piece of downright nonsense and Murrow has gained the enmity of
foreigners from all over. I have still to meet one who has anything but a
fierce word for him. Criticisms and suggestions!
Well, we had an American pianist come to Pakistan and play Bach, Brahms,
Beethoven, Tchaikovsky—also Samuel Barber, but how did he get in? The excuse
was to raise funds for East Pakistan. The real thing is to entertain the
Americans and NATOS abroad at our public expense. Raise funds? Why, in one week
in the small town of Abbottabad more people saw “Europe by night” than
attended these concerts—what is the difference between an American playing
Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky and having Oxbridge, Minsky,
Heidlebrun, etc., be our “experts.” It would undoubtedly be “unfair” TO
THE Russian to have and American pianist play Grofé, Coplan and Elvis
Presley—these things are not done, though they would attract maybe even
millions of Pakistanis. I have heard more American music in one Indian film
than has been presented by some of our ANTA booksellers.
c. Go to Senator Fulbright. This would be a last alternative and I would
have to keep away from the Foreign Affairs Committee. For one peep out of me
and Barry Goldwater would subsidize me for life.
Fortunately now I think the American Friends of the Middle East and enough
persons and institutions accept objective reports. But I am standing in the
forefront of a number of fellow-Americans, rejected even more than I have been,
who can’t get factual reports and strongly supported suggestions before
anybody. Those who mingle with Asian-Asians are the last ones we need. And I
don’t think this will go on much longer. The President has asked for
“realism”; I have asked him, “Why not reality”?
Of course I may apologize. It just may be that I will be receiving an answer
from Karachi or Washington on one or more of these points. It is possible.
Well, the Indians and some top Malayans are waiting for me, but meanwhile the
Sufi-Sufis are all over the place. I have invitations and lectures and
appointments more than I can handle. And I am “do-it-yourself”
American-Pakistani cultural exchange. That’s enough now.
Samuel L. Lewis
Peshawar,
September 6, 1961
World Affairs Council of Northern California
421 Powell St.
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Friends;
This is my diary entry at this time. I continue to have an exceedingly
prolix and busy social program due almost entirely to two reasons (1) my
interest in and knowledge in soils, crops and food; my knowledge of Islamic
culture and mysticism. All despite all our European mentors against whom I am
crusading, nearly all the leaders here in every walk of life are disciples in
Sufism; it makes my introductions and my becoming a house-guest a comparatively
easy thing. The more candor and the more agreement on religious and
philosophical attitudes, the easier it is to consider the social, scientific
and other problems and interests of the country.
I am enclosing copy of letter to Senator Engle which contains some of the
things I am either going to offer or “do it yourself” when I return.
Although the President may be very sincere and earnest, I am never sure whether
one means reality by “realism,” or some private approach to life which, so
verbalized, is presumed to possess charm. Most often it is the other way
around.
We do not realize how much neutralism is caused by our inability—rather
than unwillingness—to sit down with Asians as we sit down with Europeans,
even Russians. We seldom eat with them; until Mennon Williams went abroad we
disdained to put on national clothing and we preach incessantly.
I have just been to Mardan to the excellently operated plantations of
Jamshyd and Satter Khan at Takht Bhai. They have been to California and expect
to come again; they have perhaps even visited you. If not I hope the next visit
of one or the other will be more official. I do not wish to enter into the
technical side of my visit which will be reported to Joint Minister of Food and
Agriculture, M.A. Cheema. I have not been reporting at the moment to the
University of California. It is sufficient to say that farming can be
profitable, it can be scientific with or without technology, and it can be
attuned to the needs of the people. It can be, but wherever politically minded
men overshadow the doers, there is bound to be some shortcoming. I do not wish
to go into that.
I can, of course, discuss the Sugar situation, the Maize situation, etc.,
and if it should be that you want me to address you on or off the record,
especially on the record I should like first to visit Stanford Research
Institution and take up some matters with them. For whatever one’s views,
there are bound to be some emotional and sentimental factors which may or not
be pertinent and over-all pictures are hard to obtain. In any case I have now a
fair picture of most projects which pertain to the activities of a Department
of Food & Agriculture, by whatever name it is called. And I will continue
to go into such matters.
I have spoken before the assembled Student Body at Mardan College and
tomorrow at the Urdu College, University of Peshawar. This latter lecture was
easily arranged through the cooperation of Prof. Abdul Qadir, Principal of the
Pashto Academy. I have to write a long report on the academy to the Department
of Linguistics, Columbia University, copy of which will go to the Department of
South Asian Studies, Berkeley; and details will be discussed with Mr. Watan of
the AFME when I next reach Lahore.
Prof. Abdul Qadir is another leading Sufi and although a mystic, like most
real mystics (about whom we know practically nothing) he is more reality-minded
than realists are and we have had long discussions on counter-espionage in
Central Asia, a matter I would be glad to report in detail.
I have withheld releasing my Passport for my Indian visa on account of the
border situation here. I have been to Warsak Dam which is now operated by
engineers who were students of Prof. Durrand, long time principal of the
Engineering College, U of Peshawar, a leading physicist and homeopath, and a
teacher in Sufism. He is one of the most profound mystics I have
met—more profound than some of the leading Swamis in India and V President
Radhakrishnan, having also been a Sadhu. I keep mentioning the particulars here
of Sufi mystics and will mention more and more of them until we awaken to the
uselessness of listening to Canadians, Europeans and Zionists as to the [?] of
Islam. Zionists have every right to propagate Zionism but the seizure of so
many channels of Islamic thought in the U.S. has made real cultural exchange
and social candor almost impossible.
It is possible that Durrand may take me to Khyber Pass. When one is with him
no papers are needed. But it is other Sufis who expect to come to the U.S. and
present us with some facts of life. I certainly had the Vice-Consul here jump
off his chair when I told him that it was a shame and disgrace to take our
knowledge of Sufism from Canadians, Europeans and Zionists in a country where
the President himself (Ayub) is a disciple in Sufism—and this covered quite a
few Presidents and Prime Ministers. My final report on this will come from
Malaya. And most of the Pakistanis who have been in the Bay area of late have
also been disciples in Sufism and we go on and on listening to Canadians,
Europeans and Zionists.
In fact I am going to propose seriously that no non-American professor be
permitted to lecture to us on any country but his own without either
A degree from at least one university in the geographical sector about which
he is permitted to give instructions, and degrees;
Or the official approval of one such government.
My invitations to India and Malaya have come almost entirely to protest
against this utterly fantastic policy of having Europeans, etc., “teach” us
about the Orient beginning with “Zen??” Buddhism in S.F.!
On the other hand these American scholars who have made social and other
reports on Asia may be taken seriously. It is taking about six writers on
Hunza—social scientists, natural scientists and explorers, to counterbalance
the folly of Lowell Thomas. And as for Protestant missionaries! Unless they
write books like Dr. Seagraves we are overlooking one of the grandest series of
operations anywhere, by the most dedicated, self-sacrificing people. But it is
hypocrisy to praise Dr. Seagraves and utterly ignore the work of his colleagues
on this continent. And as for the Catholics, they have the best education
system of all, but as most of them are not Americans, I am not speaking my
piece here.
The hot weather is somewhat abating slowly. This is very hard to take. The
Pathan hospitality is marvelous but I must confess I generally land at quite a
different spot than programmed. I am at the moment at Green Hotel and have been
at Dean’s and this gives me experience, etc. But I do not encourage tourism
here. For one’s money there are better places by far—there is no
coordination in anything. Before they advertised the Lahore region; now they
advertise the mountain districts. The tourist lands in Karachi, far, far away
and it is most difficult to get information as to how to reach the places
advertised. It is chiefly “bums,” adventurers and explorers who go to such
places.
I understand that there are now some American geologists around my
“home,” Abbottabad, which I may re-visit next week or later. I have
preliminary mineralogical reports, very, very fine. I must soon report to
Secretary Shahab and then prepare for a “grand finale” at Lahore.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
September 8, 1961
My dear John,
It has been my fate or fortune to have been the guest of two men who hosted
the Sulzbergers when they were in this part of the world and I have written to
the N.Y.Times. There is a copy enclosed—I am not sure how clear it is, and
there is something to add.
There is one thing that is definitely wrong with our Foreign Service. A
number of years ago I heard a lecture in Mill Valley by a Hindu who came out
boldly for neutralism and his ground was very simple: “The Russians eat with
us and you don’t.” I do not think many of the audience got the full impact
of it and certainly the Foreign Service has not.
I again gave a lecture before another college, with excellent results and
three newspaper interviews. If Billy Graham or a newspaper man or a Russian had
a quarter of the audiences I get it would be news and even world news. But a
single American is ignored—at home. I don’t know how much longer this will
be. On the surface I may seem speaking for myself but it goes much deeper.
There is one branch of our government which is going to take an earthquake
to awaken and that is the USIS which has a stranger potter-clay attitude toward
foreigners especially Asians. They are to be moulded; they are not to be
studied, they are to be shaped. I had one talk at the Consulate in which the
Vice-Consul blanched when I told him: “You probably learned about Islam from
some non-American, non-Muslim who told you there are no important Sufis in the
world and Sufis have never taken responsibilities and yet you are serving a
country whose resident (Ayub) is a disciple in Sufism and I have met one of his
spiritual teachers.” There is nothing to do but blanch; we don’t take
cognizance of these things.
One professor after another has contacted American intellectuals and found
that while they were nice they simply did not know how to learn from Pakistan.
It was all one-way. I have been for foreign aid and I still am for foreign aid
but a country that can finance an “artist” to come to Asia where they
don’t like European music and give them Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and
Tchaikovsky—what is that? We have no money to bring them American music or
dancing even f it be profitable both commercially and diplomatically.
I had a long interview with one of the leading American professors here. He
is stuck. He has been given a big job out of his field. He is not at his
profession and he is not permitted to contact and confer with Pakistanis, only
instruct them! They sent a “Peace Corps” organizer here and told me that he
and his colleagues gave the “Peace Corps” man hell. We are going to send a
number of “dedicated” young men into a part of the world where they have
thousands of years of culture behind them, impose something on them which they
have not asked for, and ignore what they have asked for.
It is universally agreed that the salinity problem is the worst and I am now
writing to the heads of the Pakistani government to finance students to
Riverside, California in both the undergraduate courses and the graduate
school. The former is connected with the University of California, the latter
with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and is for foreigners only. In diplomacy
everything is important but the facts. Washington either does not answer
letters or you get white-wash. But don’t assume that the Pakistani or UAR
governments are any better. The scientists always so, the business men usually
so, but as soon as a man becomes a government “servant” he serves protocol
and not the public.
Anyhow after mailing I have another newspaper interview today and perhaps by
that time I shall be given more publicity, in Urdu. The Urdu papers have been
very fine. Those in English, despite these interviews, may or may not say
anything. One was formerly pro-Russian and is still covertly anti-American.
My program has been upset by the disappearance of another host. This is not
awkward because I am overburdened and it may enable me to get back on my
original schedule. I have to return to Abbottabad to finish some work. Then to
Rawalpindi on two important deals. One is regarding travelling companions and
financial aid to me, either on my trip or when I return to the States. The
other is to conclude my reports to the Central Government.
I have suffered somewhat because of the long heat spell. It has just rained
and it is possible that this will cool the atmosphere. It is September now and
everybody has promised good weather for this month. Some of my dreams have been
thwarted because of the b order troubles with Afghanistan and some because of
fine hospitality elsewhere. I hope to visit the experimental farm east of here
(Peshawar) tomorrow. I have already met the manager. I am conferring with a rug
merchant today regarding imports. I can’t afford to buy much at the moment
because of uncertainties rather than lack of funds. And don’t wish to load my
bags more.
I am also endeavoring to go to the bazaars and make some purchases of shoes
and look around. Habib bank is next door to the hotel where I am
momentarily—I am always somewhere else. I got my Bankamerica accounts
straightened out. But not the Pakistani banks, although I have withdrawn my
funds from Habib.
I hope to be able to leave here Sunday, but can’t tell. There are police
regulations coupled with the complex friendly regulations I have with these
people.
The main complaint all over is the lack of mingling. I have said this above
and I say it again. We mingle even with the Russians. Unless the Peace Corps
does some mingling—and I think this is very difficult for high I.Q.’s—we
are going to lose more money on useless projects. That is why I am glad
Congress pulled the purse-strings tight. The real problems of this country have
been touched only superficially by us and self-praise does not win friends.
The comical thing is that now I am placed by the top Pakistani intellectuals
as one of the world’s great authorities on Islam, and me, expelled from a
college in California for having “false views” on the subject! I am not one
of the world’s great authorities on Islam but I know more about it than any
European I have ever met. Or Canadian—our present Mr. Big is a Canadian,
despised all over the Islamic world. His predecessor was an Englishman, etc. I
have to name the important American authorities to the diplomatic corps! They
don’t know Americans are highly regarded in Asia!
My meeting with fellow-travelers—tourists, not politicians—brings out
the same results and complaints. And on this side they are so anxious to bring
in “tourists” that a real tourist is often given short treatment. But the
business men are very hostile to the bureaucracy here. With all the reforms of
Ayub the government is still full of persons of self-importance and no ability.
They do not have chambers of commerce to any extent and no producer’s
organizations. My plan for inducing our food processors to train apprentices
from this part of the worlds has been commended both by Pakistani farmers and
the agricultural experts from Colorado State. Soon I shall be moving into
Washington State areas—if they approve my plans I shall shout them aloud when
I return despite all the diplomats (who never mingle with the people) and Peace
Corps and Lowell Thomases.
The Pashto Academy here is being highly regarded by its counter-espionage
plans—rejected by our CIA of course. If Afghanistan goes the way of Laos,
what a field day I shall have. It is time to listen to Mr. Little who has been
there and not to Mr. Big who has not. As I said before, I am speaking for a lot
of little Americans—tourists, adventurers, protestant missionaries, etc.,
etc.
While this is not directly for the Journal-Independent I hope one of their
staff may read my stuff, intelligible or not.
Peshawar, NWF, Pakistan
September 8, 1961
Hon. J. William Fulbright
Chairman, Foreign Affairs Committee
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C.
In re: Bringing Americans and Asians Together.
Dear Senator Fulbright:
This letter was long ago suggested to me by my life-long friend, Robert S.
Clifton, now known as Phra Sumangalo, the Buddhist monk who became an
ex-patriate. So long as he remained a United States citizen it was impossible
for him to be taken seriously by the State Department and so-called CIA, and I
attribute our loss of face in Laos largely due to this strange attitude of CIA
and some other agencies. My own experience has invariably been that when I went
to the FBI with information they asked me for the information and that when I
went to the State Department or CIA they asked me about myself and ignored the
information.
I was able a few years ago to give a full report to the late Ambassador
Grady in San Francisco. Yet I could not get a facet of that report over to the
officials in the foreign service and very little to our newspapers. When man
bites dog in Asian, it is not and must (?) not be news. Indeed I am writing at
this point only because of impending difficulties in Afghanistan.
I have named Phra Sumangalo and I have named the late Ambassador Grady (this
can be substantiated by his widow). The rest of the names will be mentioned in
the body of this communication; or if not named can be given. But Senator I am
faced with a terrible dilemma and it is a terrible dilemma. If I go to Prof.
Burdick of the “The Ugly American” fame or infamy he will have a field day
with my diaries and you will see a mess of fiction-based-on-fact; then the
Foreign Service will shudder. Fiction, yes; facts?? What kind of realism is
this?
Or I can go to Fulton Lewis Jr. and in 24 hours would be on a national
hook-up and some of our officials would be forced to resign or be impeached. I
refer in the first instance to Ed. R. Murrow. He pompously and piously said he
would welcome criticisms and suggestions. He evidently pulled some faux pas
while I was on the high seas which made him very unpopular with the foreign
colony here. When I did write him I got just the answer I expected—a long
white-wash from one Mr. Chatrand, who has the desk for Pakistan and
Afghanistan. He told me that if I would only talk matters over with the USIA
officials, I would have a different view.
Senator, I arrived in Karachi and was point-blank and a priori refused an
interview by the acting cultural attaché. This would not have mattered but
since landing I have probably spoken to more Pakistanis than any unofficial
American since the foundation of this country. I was given an ovation yesterday
at Peshawar U, just as I have twice been given ovations at Punjabi U. But to
get a USIA official to take me seriously, Senator, it is next to impossible.
Who are our USIA attachés? They are probably college graduates of high
standing versed in the American way of life and able to lecture on it. But
where have they learned about Pakistan and Islam? Unless they went to Harvard
or Princeton, they probably studied under a Canadian, European, or Zionist
professor, the only country in the world that has Europeans, Canadians and
Zionists teaching “us” about Asia and Islam, and I can give you a list of
top government people and high dignitaries in universities who do not like that
at all.
I told Mr. Frisbee, the just retired USIA attaché at Lahore that in the
United States outside of Harvard and Princeton, the Hartford Seminary gave
about [?]. There they propose to convert Muslims to Christianity so their
Muslims are real. But the “unbiased” Canadians, Germans, Englishman and
Zionists take anything out of their heads they wish and there is no escape.
Why, I was dismissed from a college because I differed from an expatriate
European who talked about Islam and point blank refused to permit his students
to utilize the late Dr. Duncan McDonald, one of the real great American
scholars on Islam.
I have seen now in person one Vice-President make a fool of himself in India
and another in Pakistan but no one seems to have examined the persons who
briefed them. Have the person who brief Mr. Nixon on India or Mr. Johnson on
Pakistan any standing in Asian-Asia? My dear Senator, if I were to list the
people who have objected or protested against our strange subjectivism plus an
equally strange magnification of degrees from European universal ties on
Oriental subjects, your colleagues would become red in the face. I would
probably be a hero to Hindt and Hickenlooper and Barry Goldwater would send for
me. I can furnish you with the names all right and it is a long and ever
growing list, and their conversations were not pleasant.
In 1957 federal funds were spent to organize a UNESCO gathering in San
Francisco to bring Americans and Asians together. A highly touted Canadian
there had no standing on this continent was introduced as the expert on Islam.
The Iraqi, Iranian and American (myself) Muslims were ruled off the floor and
after the conference I wrote to the Public Service section, Department of
State, warning of an impending mob attack on the USIA library in Bagdad. It
happened. No lesson.
I was in Cairo for six months and told the USIA officials I would have to
leave. Every day you tell me we have two-way cultural exchange and every night
the Egyptians deny it. You people won’t face each other, you are using me as
a foil and I can’t stand it. This was after I had warned four times of an
impending mob attack. Two hours after the USIA director assented I was probably
right the mob came.
You may ask me how I get news. Senator, I am a member of Dervish Orders.
They are found in many Islamic countries. They are a solid brotherhood whom we
don’t recognize. Prof. Cantwell Smith, Von Reichenbach, Rom Landau and a
bunch Zionists either deny their existence or belittle them. Yet one of the
best books on the subject was written by one J. P. Brown, of our own foreign
service (The Dervishes) and the late Ambassador Grady had his picture
taken many times with the late Hasan Nizami of New Delhi who alone had
10,000,000 followers. Never mind our foreign services; the non-Americans say
different and we swallow them blindly. And everybody from the Royal Family of
Thailand to the heads of the UAR government knows this. It is
incomprehensible.
There are some 50,000,000 dervishes in the world—maybe more, maybe less
because many belong to more than one Order. They include Syed Mahmud who was
once Minister of External Affairs in India and is now titular head of the whole
Islamic community—all our Canadians, Germans and Zionists to the contrary.
They include President Ayub and most of his cabinet. They include all the
members of the Foreign Service of Indonesia I have yet to date, including all
you may have met in Washington; and most of the Sudanese and Iraqi.
Through my Sufi brethren I have come upon three distinct counter-espionage
movements behind the Iron Curtain. Through one of them I have had a report of
China which almost makes the monk-nun report look like a whitewash—so
terrible. But we officially take no cognizance of them, we call them
“fanatics” though they include many of the top scientists and
industrialists of the Islamic world. Just to mention one name—the late
Maratab Ali Shah, a leading industrialist, almost the Mr. Big of Pakistan, and
an associate of the Ford family. I was twice to his house as a
brother-sufi-disciple, just before his death and expect to meet his family when
I return to Lahore. This is just one, and I can give you names and names and
names.
And I was dismissed from an American college for attempting to name some of
those people by a European displaced person who is the No. 1 “expert.”
Again through my Sufi brothers. They include many of the leading security
officials in this country. As soon as we proposed the “Peace Corps” these
chess-playing Russians got busy (reports from them). They began sending in
“experts.” The “experts” first went to the Mosque to pray—a good
Islamic custom, then they told the devotees about the wonders of Islam behind
the Iron curtain, passed out pictures and shook hands. This is something
Americans can’t do; strictly anti-protocol? Why! Even in the midst of a
cold war we are bound by a lot of nonsense.
I was in India and where do you think the comrades met? At Shrines and tombs
and ashrams. They have full control of one famous ashram from which they can
send out “holy” men all over the world. Fortunately the FBI took my report,
the CIA did not. Indeed one of my best friends in India, another Sufi, is the
Edgar Hoover of that country or was when I was there.
Incidentally, Senator, I am one American who turned a mob on the communist
hecklers and they had to flee for their lives (at Simla). Now I see that men
who were mobbed by communists have been given very respectable jobs in
Washington. But it happens that I know something of Indian history, philosophy,
religion and psychology and I did not learn these things either from Germans or
Northrups, but either the hard way or from Indians. Indeed I am invited now to
India because I have been urging that now non-American be permitted to lecture
on Asian subjects without the approval of at least one Asian government or
university. And why not? Why should Heidelberg, Leiden, Oxford, etc be given
preference over Benares or Calcutta, or for that matter Minnesota or
Princeton?
Many of the Americans here complain that they are given no opportunity to
mingle with Pakistanis and the Pakistanis complain that American officials do
not mingle with them. Or, if an American happens to be a Protestant missionary,
it is assumed and wrongly that he is “fishing” for his mission or sect and
so while we praise Dr. Seagraves, we equally ignore all his colleagues who have
as yet no time to write books. Some of the finest scientific work I know is
being done by Protestant missionaries; if the shadow of their efforts were
accomplished by newsmen, they would be integrated into our culture.
When I go to India I shall be closeted with Dr. Radhakrishnan:
I can talk to Dr. Radhakrishnan or any professor or swami [?] about Indian
religion and philosophy, and have; but not with [?] and Northrups—who have no
standing in India.
b. I was the only outsider at a dinner wherein Master Tara Singh
“surrendered” to Prime Minister Nehru. I wrote then that it was such a
“man bite dog” affair that it would be published in detail. It was not. The
truth about the incidents have been kept under cover. I intend furthermore to
bring out the man who arranged the meeting—a top Sufi. I was there.
I have been “there” many times. I have seen the Royal Cemetery in Japan,
the first non-Asian. I have been a guest of honor in the Imperial Gardens in
Tokyo and at the Emperor’s Botanical Gardens. I have seen the stupa over the
ashes of Buddha in Japan. The same course of events in Thailand. The same in
India, the same in Pakistan, the same in UAR.
I addressed as many Egyptians as did Billy Graham but was introduced, thank
God, as “The American,” a sobriquet which I enjoyed. I want to bring
Americans and Asians together. I want to see them sit down and discuss
man-to-man. Yes, I am a member of the American Friends of the Middle East. They
know all about my career.
The two things discussed here most are salinity and Islam. I saw Mrs.
Eleanor Clay of the Dept. of Agriculture in Washington who sent me to Dr.
Fireman at Riverside who gave me plenty of material which I turned over to Dr.
Zohdi, Chief Soil Conservationist at Lahore, etc. I have told Chester Bowles
that what he wrote about I would do. I am doing but his department and the
Embassy are too busy denouncing each other (in their interpretations) to bother
about an American who achieves.
I am now making my final horticultural reports to Mr. M.A. Cheema, Joint
Minister of Food and Agriculture; and to Secretary Q.U. Shahab on other aspects
of my mission here. It took Secretary Shahab five minutes to recognize
me—someday I will get a USIA representative to, without going through the
agony in Cairo.
I have been in holy places of Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism and shall
probably continue. I have a large itinerary of universities to address. I am
invited to Malaya by Phra Sumangalo who is arranging my appearance there with
the Prime Minister. I literally stole two delegations of “neutralists” from
the Russians and Czechs in Cairo—by very anti-protocol methods—beginning by
admiring women’s dresses, etc.
I don’t know how much the Peace Corps will be trained as to the
agricultural problems here. But all of us are sure and fear they will not know
about Islam or the Moghul or other cultures which impregnate Pakistan and their
potter clay policies with all the verbiage of democracy and brotherhood
may make things [?] not.)
[?] to have to come to Washington. I have omitted many names here. [?].
Asians and Americans do not sit down together. Chester Bowles [?] things by
attempting to associate with Indians. I [?] Ambassador Galbraith and as for
Reischauer, I have been [?] to Japan for a generation.
Sincerely,
Samuel L. Lewis Passport 1919228
Ahmed Murad Chisti
Peshawar, NWF
September 9, 1961
Hon. Q. U. Shahab,
Secretary to the President,
General Ayub National Park,
Rawalpindi.
My dear Mr. Secretary:
I have reached the furthermost point in my visit to this country and am
gradually returning toward Karachi. I should be in India within a month,
inshallah.
Tourism: This is positively the worst aspect of my visit here. I had
hoped to introduce something of this subject into my country, but it is
absolutely impossible. Since writing the article of which copy is enclosed I
have spoken to four more tourists, two Americans and two “British” and they
confirm my statements. There is not much concern for the “tourist” that any
tourist that does not fit in with this imaginary person is given short-shrift
as we say.
All the real tourists I have met fall into two classes and two only,
although these classes overlap: (1) adventure-hunting-fishing type; (2)
Islamic-historical-Asian culture type. Both abhor liquor, European dancing, and
the kind of entertainment that is offered at luxury hotels. Both would like to
see more Pakistani dancing, which fortunately we get at the cinema.
No letters or inquiries of any kind have ever been answered by your
officials. Fortunately one receives courtesies, assistance and information from
the GTS and railway people who are very kind and hospitable.
Cultural Exchange: I have been received most excellently wherever I
have talked on “Islamic Philosophy and Modern Science.” Several newspapers
have printed excerpts of my talks and I have another newspaper interview coming
up. I hope to go into this subject in more detail in Lahore, etc.
Agricultural Missions: I should say they have been most successful
and I shall be sending in reports to Joint Minister M.A. Cheema whom I hope to
see again before I leave. My last report can not be made before visiting
Lyallpur.
Islam in Pakistan: I have met, I am told, more holy men, saints, and
spiritual teachers than any foreign visitor to date. My last was to Golra
Shereef; very, very satisfactory.
Poetry: I am now engaged in one grand epic, “Rassoul Gita” and in
several smaller ones. A few of the latter have been accepted for translation
into Pashto.
Salt Water Conversion: I have material covering the latest projects
in the United States which I hope to turn over to the proper authorities either
directly or through your good services.
Return to Pakistan: This will be no doubt when Allah wishes.
Islam in America: I have now two offers of cooperation—one from
Faquir Zulfaqir Ali Shah Mastana of Rawalpindi; the other through Major Sadiq
of Lahore. Both hope to come to America either with me or later travel with me
in the United States with rather harmonious programs of spiritualism and
spirituality. A large number of high officials are interested in each.
As I hope to visit the East Wing after my tour in India everything here is,
in a sense, inconclusive. But the cordiality and hospitality received with the
above single exception, has been pretty universal.
When I am in Rawalpindi—probably next week—I shall telephone your office
for any appoint or request; an appointment is only necessary in so far as you
feel it is proper. Again thanking you for your hospitality and council,
I remain,
Peshawar,
September 10
Dear Friends of the World Affairs Council:
This is my diary rather than “the news.” I am enclosing a copy of a
letter written to a famous person whom “I knew when.” I have had to write
also to Senator Fulbright as a last resort. I have long been urged to this by
my friend who failed to get my interview with the press or State Department and
his warnings over Annam and then Laos have developed until he became a
ex-patriot. He has turned to Fulbright in disgust and was accepted but not by
the Dullas regime. Then, after he met Fulbright, the State Department and CIA
hounded him, but not before.
I am in the awful dilemma of having to go to Burdick or what is worse Fulton
Lewis Jr. The opening wedge is simple. Ed Murrow loves to preach and does not
want any criticism or suggestions and the animosity toward him everywhere is
great. I received a letter from one Mr. Shepherd in charge of Afghanistan and
Pakistan political relations who told me if I only seriously conferred with the
USIA officials I would have different views of their work.
No. 1 refused absolutely point blank to see me.
No. 2 the brush-off until I collared him and then only personal
talk
No. 3 the brush-off
And here I am talking to thousands and thousands of people, getting
publicity mostly in Urdu, sending in reports to members of the Cabinet, meeting
bigwigs all over the place and unable now to make proper diary or other records
– simply too much. I have spoken at Mardan College and at the Urdu
section of the University of Peshawar on subjects for which I was declared
totally uncredentialed in California led by the “expert” Rom Landau – the
others are no better. I was not even qualified to be a student. And here I
teach teachers on the same subjects!
I have visited the Americans who control the Department of Agriculture at
the Peshawar U. and the chief advisers in the same field (from Colorado State).
Have visited the fine Sugar Plantation at Mardan owned and operated by Sattar
and Jamshyd Khan, both of whom have visited California and yesterday the
Agricultural Research Station east of this city. Have visited Warsak Dam which
is now operated by former students by my quondam hosts. Have long reports to
make on the Pashto Academy (excellent) and the Peshawar U. (not excellent). And
keep on meeting Sufi after Sufi in all walks of life—and we deny their
existence. And they control the country!
I have learned considerable about the language and idiom complexes of this
part of the world. I have seen agriculture at many, many levels; have discussed
all of the problems listed in the letter to Chet Huntley, etc. I am not a
social scientist and have not had time to review carefully recent books in
these fields. But if anybody says there is no caste here—the more
“shocked” people are over our treatment of Negroes; the more likely one is
to find plenty of declassed persons in the weed pile! And I have just had an
American teacher go into detail on the white-collar complex of most college
students who want to be gentlemen.
Perhaps one of the most dangerous elements in the quasi-socialistic approach
I have seen is that only too often promotion depends more on scholastic degrees
than on work records.
I am sending a number of counter-proposals to entrain Pakistanis in
California, mostly (a) undergraduate and graduate salinity research at
Riverside (b) apprentice trainings by our food processing industries. I am
ready to do all the interviewing myself, but at the moment have no faith in our
newsmen who could accomplish this in a few editorials.
I have conferred on this with both the Afghanistan advisors and the research
agriculturalists of Pakistan. Also with the actual growers and at least one
food-processing man. This is a large complex study. The waste and shortage, the
issues of packaging and grading and the great inefficiency in the whole food
industry makes some resource imperative. However as Sugar is involved I should
go to Stanford Research. Russia made a botch in the Beet industry, etc. by its
very loose philosophy in the use of fertilizer and here I am pretty near an
“expert” if there is such a thing as an “expert.”
Unfortunately I have had almost as much short-shift from the agricultural
attachés as from the cultural people. In this nothing but cooperation. This
makes me want to see Burdick. But why can’t we accept facts; must they be
impressed only as emotional fiction. Fortunately our two senators would take me
to here and there is no question of Congressman Hennessy (who after all is
close to Mrs. Grady).
I have to complete my financial arrangements at Abbottabad then go to
Rawalpindi, the temporary capital for some short but “heavy” conferences. I
hope to track the American mining employers who are said to be stationed in
Abbottabad (you can’t always accept rumors). But I get more and more of a
most pleasant picture of a tremendous mineral wealth here about which little is
done. Between oil and propaganda there is little real examination of basic
facts and potentialities.
I avoid such matters as comparing India and Pakistan but do talk about UAR
because that is in the people’s minds, an Islamic country. I do not know how
much my reports will be considered but my manuscripts left in the U.S. have
gotten nowhere. It is not easy to break into print and I have had located an
agent.
After Rawalpindi I must go to Lahore for a still heavier program. I shall
then try to record the people whom I may be meeting socially—it is a
“400” list. Then go to Karachi and out. My “previews” for India are
excellent and they are drawing together but then it is the one bug-bear—we
teach there are no Sufis and my presumable hosts include Sufis who are friends
of the Gradys and in one case an actual associate!
I may do a small amount of research on Buddhist art. I have visited some
museums here but at present the “experts” are in conflict and an
examination in situ shows it is very difficult to come to conclusions without a
vast amount of knowledge which is hard to obtain – such as Indian stone
architecture prior to this era. There is a conflict of opinion as to the
relative Roman and Grecian contributions. I think we have been taught too
loosely that Greeks are artists and Romans engineers. For my part it is not
that simple. But it does affect that theories announced from this region. The
Tuscan and toga elements make me lean toward the Roman view which the
Pakistanis uphold, the Europeans generally support the Greek basis and there is
some strong evidence for it too.
This city being the furthest inland, petrol is scarce and expensive so no
taxis, just tongas. The buses and good are very cheap. I have visited the
bazaars and bought folk-shoes, a couple of things for the Rudolph Schaeffer
School and last night was given a prayer rug by a Sufi. I shall probably carry
this with me, not ship, but I now have excellent bazaar-connections if one is
interested. I expect to get some silverware from Abbottabad.
In the next two weeks there is also the complex of a travelling companion or
two, both for Pakistan and for my journeys therein. If successful it will
redound to my financial advantage. At Lahore I must confer with the AMFE,
etc.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
Rawalpindi
Sept. 16, 1961
Dear [?],
I am using odds and ends of paper here to make some diary entries from [?]
period. Each time I have purchased paper it has been of a different size and
texture and there is a tendency to keep small remnants of each. In trying to
cut down on my luggage—nine pieces – I am making every effort to get rid of
waste knowing that I must keep letters, souvenirs and purchases with me.
During the last few weeks I have had many adventures. Have spoken before
three colleges and had three newspaper interviews and should say, to date, that
I have certainly spoken to more Pakistanis that most Americans. One of the
chief barriers to cultural exchange is the almost protocol series of
restrictions put on our advisers. This was particularly true of my last
interview with Ted Thatcher, our Cal. Forest Entomologist and compelled to be
chief adviser in agricultural instruction at the U. of Peshawar. He is getting
a big salary for doing what he does not wish, had not yet seen a forest and the
chief bugs he meets are those that invade his home. Nor has he met his aids and
professional colleagues nor done anything he had wished to. Indeed on top of
that he is now the compulsory instructor of “Peace Corps” apprentices who
are coming here soon to be briefed and trained. The further I go into this
subject the more doubtful are my opinions.
If the Peace Corps learn any language it will probably be Urdu which is a
city language both in Pakistan and India. It was originally the language of the
army, but later replaced Persian at the courts. It never became the language of
the masses excepting through its gradual introduction into Islamic schools. The
unschooled, the non-Muslims, the “scheduled classes” and in general the
peasants do not speak Urdu—and they are the ones who need help. The rich, the
cultured, even the school kids speak it and they don’t need help. Besides
almost none of the help is coming in the lines of the problem discussed herein
and before.
I am about the make my final report so Secretary Shahab and will make a long
report to Secretary Cheema, the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
a. Salinity. This is the big problem here and the further I go the more it
is emphasized. We are still “sending experts” here. I have found nobody who
knows about the US. Dept. of Agriculture Research Lab at Riverside and few that
know about the college there either. I have presented and will continue to
argue for Pakistanis to send both undergraduates and graduates to that region
for training and then for primary work in their own country.
So far as the U.S. Government is concerned, I have written my last warning
to Senator Fulbright and given him three months to answer. Otherwise I am
coming out in the open and have a grim choice between Prof. Burdick,
Congressman Judd, and Commentator Fulton Lewis Jr. Any Foreign Service that
reacts more strongly to the fiction of “The Ugly American” than to facts
and personal presentations is schizophrenic. The CIA which bonered in Cuba had
every reason to know about Laos and I warned four times about Cairo and once
about Bagdad—no use. The whole emphasis is on superficialities.
b. Food Processing. I have discussed with the Americans at Peshawa—the
principal at the University and Dr. Thatcher, with my friend Abdul Quddus Ravi
at Rawalpindi and at Tarnab Farm and Takht Bhai (see below) and two editors
about proposing to have at least 12 Pakistanis given apprentice training by our
large corporations or farm organizations:
a. Prunus canning, b. Plums, c. Small fruits, d. Vegetables
e. Dried prunes, f. dried other fruits, g. canning and pickling; h. jam and
jellies;
i. processing as Heinza; j. grading and sizing for the market; k.
conditioning and preserving. There might be others. So far I have had nothing
but favorable reactions.
Afghan Situation: Although this is or was basically political and
intrigue, in practice it has resulted in the shutting off of fresh fruits from
the Pakistani and India markets. The most important are the grapes. They had
many good grapes, but the harvest had not reached its peak. Thompson seedless
stood out. Most melons are off the market. There are several pears some of
which I do not know and also varieties strange to us. With the exception of the
one Pear—I will write further on this when I get out my notebook, there is
little I can recommend. Many of the Apples are soft and mealy and I am inclined
to believe those are mostly from districts where there is little frost or
snow.
University of Peshawar is both one of the largest and poorly
organized institutions I have seen. Some sections are integrated and some are
run as separate institutions. The Agricultural College is in this last range.
The students there have to take Chemistry, Physics and Botany in their own
labs. This means duplication and especially between the Agricultural and
Forestry College there is duplication. This is the worse because the Chemistry
Dept. has good labs. The Mardan College has very poor labs, but those at
Peshawar are fine.
At Peshawar if you go in for Engineering or Medicine, you take your two
years of undergraduate work in the basic sciences at the university, but the
Ag. and Forestry have duplicated colleges, labs, teachers, buildings, etc., all
useless. Then these colleges have their special courses in history, literature
(humanities, etc.) are separate and duplications—waste in every way. Why they
should be so and the Engineering Colleges should be organized and integrated I
do not know. Indeed the Civil, Elec. and Mechanical Departments do not
duplicate any course of the other and they are not only highly efficient but
controlled by personal friends.
I do not know whether I wrote about my visit to Warsak Dam. The operators
are entirely engineers who were students of Prof. Durrani, one of my best
friends. The dam is on the Kabul River. I often wondered why the river should
go through a gorge canyon and not through Khyber Pass. Some stream must have
gone through this pass once and been diverted, like our San Joaquin. It was
comparatively easy to dam this river and get considerable power. There is a
huge power station which looks like a science-fiction setting for Hollywood
movies. Everything is duplicate and not only push button controlled but there
is a control over the controls. Any repair work can be done by switching over
and there are mechanical means of lifting any machines or dynamos up to one
floor level where they can easily be reached and repaired. It was 1961. Now
they are opening flumes and canals for the water. The presence of this dam and
the forthcoming ones on the Indus may attract industry here but that is a long
story, some elements of which may be recorded here.
My most interesting time was at the Pashto Academy which is thoroughly
modern and operated like it were part of Columbia rather than Peshawar. Indeed
I have to write a long report about it which I shall do from Lahore where I
shall be going shortly.
Takht Bhai. I think I may have written you previously that I expected
to visit the largest farm in Pakistan operated on modern lines. This was so.
Sattar & Jamshyd Khan are Sugar producers. Before planning they manure
their land and add superphos. They said they use a great deal of manure and I
did see both buffalo dung and leaf-mould deposits in quantities. Sugar is a 10
month crop.
Maize does not do well and Sorghum comes in between. I am not surprised
because this is high pH soil with K in abundance—good for sugar and starch
crops, but others need K and P, not to say trace elements. Some Jute is grown
also. Indeed I am interested in doing work on Malvaceae, etc. but this is only
a hope and dream.
Time out
September 18, 1961
This is a diary entry, no copy to Satya. On the contrary please share it
with the Connaughtons, Bill Hathaway, Yvonne, Norman and anybody and
everybody.
It is very definite that this pupa is coming out of its skin; whether he
is a moth or butterfly, pest or beneficial insect is to be seen. The story of
“Mr. Isaacs” by Marion Crawford is that of a Sufi, originally of Jewish
ancestry, who was protected by the Indian and Buddhist “mahatmas” and
rishis, who fell in love with an English girl who was Episcopalian, but his lot
was to work with the spiritual forces and not marry her! I have always said
this would be the story of my life and it is the story of this trip.
Pir Azlan Shah, the Police Treasurer and Paymaster, said to me before we
both left Abbottabad that I had probably met more saints and holy men than any
other foreigner. What I have gone through makes Paul Brunton and Yeats-Brown
look like amateurs. My talks at the colleges have been very well received and I
have been promoted socially in a sense, rising in turn above the mullahs and
maulvis to become an alim, rising above the “ulema” to become a dervish and
Sufi.
My plans to visit Waziristan were stalled spiritually and instead of
following the Khalandar I met one Pir Golra Shereef about 10 miles west of
Rawalpindi who gave me the exact same blessing I had seen in a dream and in the
same way. When we arrived at the shrine, there was a tremendous celebration
going on. Then everybody crowded around the “Pir” and he was having a hard
time dismissing them. Then an attendant came and told him a foreigner wanted to
see him. He got up abruptly—his back was turned to me—and came up
immediately and said in Urdu, “Come to lunch.” I don’t know much Urdu but
you can bet I know the words about eats.
He then gave me the same blessing that all the holy men have given me,
adding more about my work in America—each adds more. Then I went to Peshawar,
then to Mardan and back to Peshawar where I was given the run around which
proved to be the best thing possible. I had time on my hands and went into the
Kabul Pub Store on Sadlar Road. I bought a few things for the Rudolph Schaeffer
School in S.F. Then we got into a long confab over prayer rugs and carpets. I
told him I would not buy because I have no home and therefore would not know
the size of the rooms. He made me a most attractive offer which I accepted.
Then he invited me to dinner.
I was not hungry that night a/c heat and he wanted to invite friends and
delay the meal which suited me fine. We then got into the most complicated and
sometimes heated discussions. They asked me why I could not assent to their
terms and I told them I could not without the consent of Allah and my
Pir-o-Murshid. They asked me who my Pir-o-Murshid is. I replied “Maulana
Abdul Ghafoor of Dacca.” Absolute silence. Then one after another they came
up and embraced me. It was unbelievable. They had doubted my stories and there
was the evidence in front of them; they accepted them all and we had a most
delightful departure.
Next day I called and was given a proper rug to take back to the U.S. which
I may keep or donate to a mosque or use as a “come on” for business.
Then in three days running in three different cities I ran into one Mohammed
Saufraz, a brother Sufi. The last time was in Rawalpindi. I went out to look
for him—in the wrong direction—and there he was out looking for me—in the
wrong direction and we bumped into each other.
From those I learned that my Pir-o-Murshid is in Lahore and I am expecting
to see him tomorrow, Inshallah. Meanwhile we are planning to visit the shrine
of Mian Mir.
Besides the plans of the Khalandar to come to S.F. there are those of my
brother, Major M. Sadiq. Each wishes to bring Sufi spiritualism and
spirituality to the States with emphasis on healing. This is going to make Rom
Landau ?happy? There are no Sufis, of course, of course.
ps. Jim
Now I am getting frightened. The Khalandar had built up a fortune and in
the last two weeks an uncle got it all away from him while he was busy at
law-court fighting for a sister. It means that “Punjabi Scam” was making a
fine living getting hold of dispossessed Indian properties and selling them to
incoming Muslims. He sold them very cheap and sometimes, as in this case, to
two persons. He let them fight it out and after collecting enough “opted”
for India. So there was the Khalandar’s sister living in a house somebody
else had also bought. With four legal codes and four languages in them, what
complications. So the Khalandar went to help his sister and his uncle did that
while this was going on. Nize peepul!
The Khalandar was in tears but I went and prayed for him. I do this without
thinking. That night he rushed over to my rooms. It seems that a very wealthy
woman, who is one of his disciples, is unloading her properties and offering
him 50% not commission, but of the principal—and there he is back in the
plunks—six figures!
Then I decided not to call on the Khalandar’s disciple, Abdus Ravi, but to
go to Dawn Hotel to say good-bye to my Sufi brother, Mr. Huq, who operates it.
This proved to be right as Ravi is in Lahore (I am to meet him here later
anyhow). Huq was in danger of losing his hotel. A hospital wanted it and was
greasing the judge-advocate. Nize peepul. So at least I prayed.
The next day there was an auto accident and the judge is hospitalized and
the case transferred. These are wonderful coincidences.
Meanwhile they have been organizing a real Pakistani-American Cultural
Exchange movement. They wanted me to inaugurate it but I could not come. I said
I wanted to help and plan, the door opens, a maufti comes in and tells me that
he had really come to see me, not the Major, that he wanted me to address the
next meeting. Boy, that was it. It is to be Tuesday night and we are going to
collect chips to introduce Sufism, spirituality, and healing into the U.S. as
introductory wedges in real cultural exchange.
On top of that another dream is coming true. The Egyptian Sufis (they
don’t exist but they make lots of noise and have lots of influence and
affluence) want to align with the Pakistanis and also with the Americans. I was
asked whether I would welcome UAR guests. Welcome them! I nearly fell over. So
I have to go to the police tomorrow and then to the U.S. Consulate both to
report and get help on my Indian trip. At the moment I am dizzy from the heat,
welcomes, constant travel and ego-ego.
I forgot. Before leaving Abbottabad (Shangrila), the Khalandar introduced
another man whom he said was one of the greatest clairvoyants in Pakistan. Well
he got the picture in S.F. perfectly and was not a bit sentimental either. He
told me I must be firm, honest, strong, truthful and this will defeat my
enemies but said I had many, though not necessarily important ones. My firmness
could defeat them. As for spiritual forces behind me and in all the blessings
and predictions, this had better not be put on paper.
Finally another Khalandar slept in these rooms and insisted a great holy man
had slept there before. The Major denied. The Khalandar said he was not a
Pakistani, a foreigner who had come a long way and said the Major had better
tell the truth. It was all right to play Puck of Pukhtunistan and have Puck
play “Ah Yaint, a saint” but there is more in this than meets the eye. If I
write it is ego; if I do not write the record is incomplete.
SLL
Lahore, Pakistan
September 18, 1961
My dear Senator Engle:
I did not expect to be writing you before leaving this country. The
grapevine has it that I shall be having a reception in San Francisco and I may
sometime be meeting you either through Yvonne or Mrs. Grady, or it may be worth
your while to have a representative present should the World Affairs Council of
Northern California or the American Friends of the Middle East program me. At
the same time there is activity in Southern California and if I did not tell
you before I saw my former neighbor Norris Paulson beaten by a former pal, Sam
Yorty, in the Mayoral contest. I have lived all over California and if my past
showed no laurels, there is a very different picture now.
I have already spoken to some 15,000 people in this country which is
probably more than any unheralded person as ever addressed. My suggestion to
President Ayub was utilized by him to his advantage. And I was rather amused on
reaching Lahore that not only is a group of VIPs arranging a meeting for me,
but this is exactly on the lines suggested by President Ayub himself, to
promote real, two-way cultural and other exchange between the United States and
Pakistan and no nonsense.
This is impossible at the present time. Imagine an American citizen going to
a government servant and saying: “I bet 10 to 1 that you learned something
called “Islam” from a professor who was neither an American nor a
Muslim.” No taking. What kind of nonsense is this? I am now using my contacts
in California protesting against my being kept off the air by an English
educated man who never was in Asia, and yet has been put in charge of Buddhism
and then all religions; and by being blacklisted in the college by a
questionable ex-patriate who had a superficial education in Islamics and
happens to be a friend of the sultan of Morocco? I continue and shall continue
to campaign against our totally nonsensical reliance upon non-American,
non-Asians to “brief” us on this continent. I have seen two Vice-Presidents
make asses of themselves. I was greeted on a large scale in UAR, on a larger
one here and have top invitations to India, Malaya and Indonesia. As to
Thailand and Japan, I was a guest of honor in the palatial grounds of both
countries and without “credentials”—whatever those mean.
I continue to harp on “Fifty million Frenchmen can’t be wrong: fifty
million Sufis cannot be.” This country is in the hands of disciples of Sufism
from President Ayub down but we take a lot of humbug from non-American,
non-Asians and think we can reach the hearts and minds of these people. No, I
am not going to predict any mobbing of libraries here. I hope I never have to
again, but if I did it would not help anyhow. The greatest complaint I have had
and heard from both Americans and Pakistanis is the lack of social intercourse.
But how can Americans, who either are not interested or totally misinformed
about real Islamic sociology and philosophy, talk. The ignorant ones at least
would not make errors. The latter do and have and will make faux pas, and these
will be by-passed by the top people.
I am giving a copy of this almost in despair to the consulate to ascertain
whether either they or the USTA will send a representative to one of my
gatherings, official or social. Some day someone will—some day—and they
will see how it is possible to promote real heart-to-heart friendship and
intercourse and stop a lot of nonsensical, non-communicative self-praise.
I am not belittling foreign aid. Far from it. But without public relations,
there is often wrong emphasis. Sometimes accomplishments which impress or
benefit the public—included the mass of peasants—is not "good copy" and
when it is not "good copy" it is by-passes. The people here are not
particularly interested in the scientific accomplishments of the United States
excepting where it benefits them. They are at the same time much more spiritual
than we are and much more self-centered even to the point of paranoiac. That is
why, though I greatly appreciate president Kennedy's emphasis on "realism" I
question how far "realism" is "realityism."
Tomorrow night some progress will be made toward establishing real, honest
cultural exchange wherein Pakistanis will take measure to present to the United
States their poetries, their philosophies, their medical and healing systems,
their traditional and modern arts, etc. Jesus Christ has given us many parables
about sowers. yet neither in our politic or agriculture have we followed these
"truths." We pour our propaganda—not bad in itself—without regard to the
sensitivities and sensibilities of nationals. This country claims to be
"Islamic." We learn subjective Islamism from Canadians, Germans, Englishmen and
Zionists—each with his own brand of subjectivism and present ourselves before
peoples who have their different brands of subjectivisms, and none very
measurably by the text book theories of the religion; and the folk-ways are
totally different and often ignored.
If an American is a newspaper man he is taken over-seriously. If he is a
missionary he is not taken seriously at all. But the Pakistanis—and a lot
more Asians—have the deepest respect for a praying and prayerful man and no
respect for a non-devotee. Now although the President has placed perhaps the
best man as Ambassador for India, he has also places some newsmen who made
fools of themselves on this continent in positions of authority and
responsibility.
I have written to a large number of persons highly placed in our government,
and receiving either no reply, or the worst kind of white-wash reply. I have
written to Senator Fulbright. My complaint is simple and elemental—if I go to
fiction-writer Burdick and show my diaries, he will write more books and then
the Foreign Service will have to take notice. Fiction Yes! Fact, No! And Alsop
will write more articles explaining or explaining away. Or I could go to Fulton
Lewis Jr.—God save the mark—and there would be impeachments and
resignations and I am not fooling. I have my references. I contact all kinds of
people at all levels and the program ahead is based on just that.
Or I might write to Senator Dowd who sees communists in every corner. And it
is better to see communists in every corner than hush! hush! There is trouble
on the Asian side. If we had a few American Muslims we could go in and
counter-balance the whole situation. We can't. The Russians can and so send in
"Muslims" and it is easy and when their political and economic program does not
work, this sort of propaganda is all too easy. And no counter-propaganda. And
what does a nation, briefed by Canadians, German, Englishmen and Zionists, know
about practicing and practical Islam?
Then there is Agriculture. I have had conferences at top levels with so many
leaders in all branches of this science and industry. In UAR I was taken
seriously. The Embassy here has ignored me, not replied to my letters and has
and is compelling me to do legwork when I return to California. What are public
servants?
At my own expense I have visited villages, farms, plantations and gone
deeply into salinity, soil analysis, erosion, forestry, plant protection, crop
improvement, introduction of new crops (particularly soy bean and avocado),
etc. I have my diaries and have contacts with several important persons and
institutions in the U.S. I shall go also to Stanford Research in regard to
sugar, maize, and rice with the particular problems and inquiries presented to
me by the proper people in this land. I also have contacted editors and heard
their story.
But the main thing at the moment is what the Sufis are considering about
communism. I have had so many reports from them and within the next 48 hours I
expect to get more material which I can’t present to our so-called
Intelligence because they deny the existence of these people or take one for a
crack-pot, etc. As I wrote President Kennedy, it is a shame to have such
subjectivism when he himself has hosted quite a few disciples in Sufism and if
he wanted names I would give them. For the Sufis, though mystics, are more
open-eyed than anybody else and the reports I have had both on what is going on
behind the Iron Curtain and the counter measures which they are taking is
splendid materialタ??for a Burdick, for a Dalles never.
The idea that Berlin might be a feint while Afghanistan is being occupied is
at least an idea. And so on. I wrote William Winter years ago and I have
stopped writing him—that I could tell the next moves because I have contacts.
I have, thank God, been able to report to Chet Huntley (another old California
friend, etc.).
Efforts at book writing have not been successful but every effort will be
made. But while some editor is considering a manuscript the “enemy” will
make their moves. I shall learn more in India where I go soon and much more in
Malayan. I may have to go to Indonesia myself.
Here is a country with a grand government, all kinds of services, etc., but
a private citizen who cannot even get some report taking seriously, is invited
by a foreign nation to come and try to better intellectual exchange. It is
nonsense but it is true.
Most people here are very anti-Russia. They claim to be more anti-Russian
than we are. They would know nothing about dialectics excepting that some of
our USIA libraries have a multitude of anti-dialectic books and a dearth of
pre-American material. You may understand why I object strongly to ANTA and
indirectly to USIA who can finance a pianist to play Bach, Beethoven, Brahms,
and Tchaikovsky. Not even Grafe and Copland who wrote American-American music.
You can understand why I sympathize with Judge Saund. Real foreign help yes,
but nonsense, superficial boon-doggling no.
I follow the path of Richard Burton and Gertrude Ball in Islamic lands. Too
bad so few of our diplomats know about them. I have made enough suggestions to
pull the rug under the feet of many neutralist lands. Today I am faced with a
choice—Senator Dowd or a foreign nation. I may have to try the Senator unless
Fulbright answers. Washington and to some extent the Foreign Service here is
too full of self-adulation. Do we have to have another Laos?
Sincerely,
Samuel L. Lewis
2 Elgin Road
Lahore Camtt.
September 19, 1961
To the Indian High Commission,
3 Hans Road
Karachi
Sir:
You will find enclosed:
2. Copies form of Application for Visa
2. Copies Incidental explanations requested
10 Rs. Pakistani
U.S.A. Passport 1919228
Passport photos of myself
These forms were obtained from your representatives at Murree.
I am not exactly sure of my residential address in India as my good friend,
Satya Agrawal has moved. In the case of emergency mail would be sent at the
embassy U.S.A., New Delhi. But I am writing Agrawalji in this regard.
I think you will find my reference quite in order and I have answered
question with candor. One of my first hosts will probably be Dr. Radhakrishnan
whom I hope to see at an early date; also some of you colleagues in the
Ministry of External Affairs.
Faithfully
Samuel L. Lewis
Lahore, Pakistan
September 20, 1961
Rosemary Benton, Librarian,
World Affairs Council
San Francisco, Calif.
My dear Rosemary:
I am trying to catch up on my diary and am compelled to utilize any kind of
paper I can purchase. In each city or town it is often different and this has
led to the collection of odds and ends of which I am trying to get rid. This
morning I am going to try to meet Col. Shahar Khan who is one of the heads of
Punjab University. I was going to go there anyhow but last night I met this
gentleman and he acted as chairman. I do not know whether he is Chancellor or
what. But I am to arrange or try to arrange two kinds of lectures at this
university, roughly on Islamic Art and Islamic Philosophy.
Last night I was the guest speaker of a group which is organized to study
and spread the cultural and spiritual values of this country. Some day
inshallah, we shall have two-way cultural exchange. We have plenty of money to
subsidize pianists to play Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and Tchaikovsky but we have
no money whatever to spend for the training either in school or on the job in
situ of anybody who will study the cultures and folk-ways of foreign lands and
thus promote real two-way cultural exchange.
When the Afghan pot gets hot, we shiver. The Russians send in Muslims and
scientists who study ethnography, linguistics and stir up people in the
Mosques. What is our answer? We shiver. We can’t send out Muslims as
diplomats and I bet the Vice-Consul in Peshawar 10 to 1 that he studied
Islamics under somebody who was neither an American nor a Muslim. Blasted face.
This is diplomacy 1961 and this is the way to fight a cold war?
Now I have spoken to some 15,000 people which is not news because I did it
by stepping out of line. I am living in the home of a man who has become a
famous Sufi. Of course this can’t be—go to any college or university in
California. This can’t be. He is also close friend of President Ayub. I never
met the gentleman but I am always with friends of his and now I am embarking on
exactly the program he has requested of me. That is to introduce the historical
and spiritual cultures of Pakistan into America.
Anybody can learn these things excepting:
a. European and Canadian professors who teach? Asiatics?
b. Diplomats including the “Peace Corps.”
The Russians and Americans, bound by their rival potter-clay,
trousers-tractors cum dialectics have stirred up other peoples. But despite the
news it would seem that on the whole Russians and Americans are more
peace-loving than the inhabitants of “peace-loving” nations who gather at
Belgrade and decide to fight in Algiers, if they can only stop fighting each
other. We have no formula! Russia has one and Nehru has all the rest. If
anybody can find a formula for Algiers, Katanga and Kashmir at the same time, I
bow before Almighty God or mighty man!
In Peshawar I not only was warmly received by cultural and Sufi leaders, I
had the most astounding meeting with a Sufi, more dramatic than anything you
can read in Paul Brunton or Yeats-Brown. To the skeptics I shall show the
prayer rug I so received. It may be placed on exhibition at Gump’s’s or it
may land in the Los Angeles-Hollywood Mosque. I can’t give it to the Muslims
in S.F. because they learned from “Von Plotz” there are no Sufis and so
believe.
Paul Brunton has written about a “strange encounter.” In three different
towns in one week I ran into Mohammed Saufraz, a leading Sufi. The last time we
both went out to look for each other way out of our destination we literally
ran into each other in the streets. Some psychologist please explain. This
gentleman is leading Sufi despite Von Plotz and is a high official in the
telephone company, especially with the installation of long distance
connections. Sufis are never practical, but of course, they don’t
exist—which is putting a lot of Prime Ministers and Ambassadors in a strange
position. This is diplomacy and cultural exchange?
Anyhow last night I got along fine and when somebody challenged I found they
were not challenging me but other speakers. To really please an audience and
have them come and greet you, one and all—well diplomacy died with Lodge and
Root. Wilson was captivated by Clemenceau and now we leave Dale Carnegie at
home and try the opposite to “influence people.” We do not study them.
I have not gotten answers from any of the big-wigs in Washington or at the
Embassy and half in despair have written to Senators Engle and Fulbright. I am
seriously thinking of going to Burdick—but there is a chance that with
Galbraith in New Delhi I may get a serious reception. Yesterday I threw up the
sponge, called the acting Cultural Attaché into the closet and gave him one
suggestion. He is a Pakistani, not American, but he works for us. He hit the
ceiling. I knew he would. When you understand this hearts and minds of these
people which you can’t learn from Canadian, English, German and Zionist
professors of Islamics, it is easy.
I have sent a copy of a letter to the Chronicle asking for an interview
someday. No doubt I shall see Dr. Radhakrishnan. He is one of the directors of
the World Congress of Faiths. I hope to confer first with Bishop Pike with
regard to establishing a chapter in the S.F. Bay area where we can study the
living religion, especially as explained by their proponents and not get some
“unbiased” side-shows of non-American, non-Asians—and I am not
kidding in the least. I have not abandoned the idea of a petition of a million
names—and I mean a million names—to present to our President, Kennedy or
not, asking for two-way cultural exchange with Asians. They have much to give
us.
I am taking some technical material with me to the University and will stop
here to see what happens, if anything. I know what these people want and some
day we shall really meet Asians face to face. The big complaint I get form
Pakistani’s at Peshawar was that Americans did not associate with them
socially and the big complaint I got from Americans at Peshawar is that they
are so red-taped they do not get opportunities to associate with Pakistani’s
or see the country. I don’t know what this is because diplomacy is a strange
beast.
I am writing several reports on this country. Although I am 90% satisfied
verbally this does not appear so. The complaints are chiefly about a most
subjective form of “tourism”—in the name of the “tourist” the tourist
is ignored. The “tourist” is a free-spending, night-club roué who is seen
in pictures. And if anybody thinks this sort of person wants to come to
Pakistan he is crazy. So the “bums” and adventurers and mountain climbers,
etc, who come here are discommoded to satisfy the non-existing “tourist.” I
was unable to convince the Japanese of their error and they changed the system.
Here to suggest is to criticise and to criticise is to insult. Outside of that
no basic complaint.
My stubborn adherence to an E. Phillips. Oppenheim career continues. Last
night I was the principle speaker at a gathering of intellectuals. The subject
assigned to me—at the last minute—was “Spiritual Islam” How “only in
America.” I would never, never (or hardly ever) be permitted to speak on this
subject. But I was gradually raised to imam (not imam who knows the prayers),
Khatib, alim and now dervish which is higher than alim and an alim is supposed
to know everything. A dervish fortunately does not, but he ranks higher just
the same. Everybody stayed behind to shake hands and I mean everybody. But the
chairman happened to be Col. Shabhaz Khan and who is the colonel? Well he is
the acting Chancellor at Punjab U. which is the top intellectual institution in
the country—and which incidentally does not recognise the Von Plotzes and
Epoops whom we sit google-eyed before.
Now it happened I had to visit the university on official business today so
after going to the Art Department I was guided right into the uppity sanctum
sanctuary, gave the colonel some literature on Salt-Water Conversion to start
off and have a date for 12pm on Friday at his request.
Now Rosemary, I have always said that the authorities on Asia were European
professors and American newspaper men and never, never must they be American
professors and European newspaper men. In this I was wrong. I forgot Miss
Cloudnine. She knows all about rishis, mahatmas, holy men, saints etc. They are
all in the Himalayas. But it seems that the west end of the Himalayas is in
Pakistan, not in India or Nepal. The mountains did not opt? Neither did the
springs, caves and holy places. Many of them were and are in Punjab and most of
Punjab is in Pakistan.
Despite Miss Cloudnine’s well as the Europeans professors and American
newspaper men, I can say that the saints, holy men, seers and sadhus are on
this side. I am not going to argue, I am arranging to bring one or two.
So help me. You won’t recognize them; they don’t look a bit like those
described by Miss Cloudnine. Among those whom I am not bringing are the top
Physicist-Engineer, a Police Paymaster, and the very old, who are usually
hajis; that is, have been to Mecca and are now veterans of tourism and don’t
want to travel anymore.
Of course all these holy men are “fanatics.” This is easily explained
– if they are Muslims they are “fanatics”—otherwise they are not. But I
am Afraid that our European professors, American newspapermen and friends and
relatives of Miss Cloudnine are going to have a shock. The chief fanatic of
Pakistan is none other than General Ajub Khan. Of course he is not a fanatic.
He is a very devout man in a way we can’t understand and would not understand
unless we stop facing realism and come to facts—more easily said then done.
Anyhow I have visited shrines and holy men whom he venerates which is an awful
thing to say—and I agree with him—which is worse, because I am an
American.
For the moment I am living in the house of Major Mohammed Sadiq. Like all
seers, saints and spiritualists he does not preamble in the slightest, the
presumptions of Miss Cloudnine. He happens to be a military man and military
men are out! Positivul. God has nothing to say about holy men; that is for Miss
Cloudnine & Co—or else for Prof. Schmeercase, who does not cross into
Pakistan and finds them all over India.
Major M. Sadiq is a spiritual healer. Far from Miss Cloudnine’s followers
he works closely with doctors and hospitals, especially hopeless cases. He has
healed a large number of hopeless cases and they are on record. Most evenings
between 5 and 6 you will see a crowd gathering here for either healing-by-touch
or have his magnetized water. There are cases all the way to the Afghan border
on one side and the Indian border on the other.
The “worst” about this situation – despite the European professors,
American newsmen and Miss Cloudnine—is that President Ayub has faith in him,
is a close friend and has consulted him on many occasions.
I have written to Duke University about psychic powers and ESP cases here.
But again, you see the effect of Miss Cloudnine—authentic cases which would
upset our equilibrium are not wanted. So in addition to Major Sadiq I am
preparing to cooperate with the Khalandar who has faculties all over the place,
or as I sometimes put it, facu£tie$. For both of these men are well healed,
have all kinds of £$£$ and even if they collect on our side, they are more
than protected here. So far as Major Sadiq is concerned, he does not charge and
will only charge in America because we are so monetary minded and appreciate it
more when we do pay. And he wants to establish a solid Sufi Brotherhood despite
all the European professors and Miss Cloudnine.
The substance of this is that we need to get down to earth and away from
“realism.” I am getting a smashing welcome to India and Malaya just on this
point. The big complaint here about Pakistanis is that Americans don’t mingle
with them socially and the big complaint by Americans is that they are
hamstrung in every direction making social intermingling most difficult. This
is foreign aid.
How do you want to make some money? Just start the Biophysical Association
for the Benefit of the Orphans of South Waziristan. Put in some pictures of
wretched orphans and appeal for funds. This is a grand racket. There are hosts
of organizations collecting funds with massive mass appeal and tear-jerking
that would make the missionaries of an earlier time look like rank amateurs,
which they were. Pick up the magazines, listen to radio and television and you
would find 30- 40 organizations engaged in international charity. Come to earth
and you can point them out on one hand. There is more racketeering of which the
American public is victimized than there is any idea and this in turn greatly
impedes the functional organizations such are CARE, AFME, Asia Foundation and
the World Church Service.
As you can see from this letter the curry agrees with me. Everything does
excepting the heat and tourism. The heat is nearing its end. I did something
terrible today. I went into the Tourist Bureau and asked how to get out of the
country—I know but I just wanted to test them. (Horrible foreigner just as
the lady was finishing an exciting newspaper item and the gents were gathering
to joke with the lady—awful interference and bore, very rude and I did not
get much help either. So I changed the subject and fortunately got some help,
but even that only showed I was rude.) The Tourist Bureau is by far the worst
feature in Pakistan and everybody knows it. Fortunately the Travel Agencies,
railroads, bus and air lines are courteous and help.
Oh, there’s lots more but I have to hold back something so you will
welcome
Samuel L. Lewis
September 22
I have been so busy during the last week that I could hardly get to the
typewriter. I had to pick up what paper I could and am trying to get some notes
down.
Takht Bhai is Persian for Mountain Spring. It has ruins of old
Buddhist monasteries and cities. Most of the last nearby is owned and operated
by Sattar and Jamshyd Khan. Months ago I informed you that I hoped to visit the
best farm run on modern methods and this is it.
Sugar is their main crop. They plant only on rows and hills and never
broadcast. Both rain and irrigation water is used. But we ran into a
difficulty—their harvest was much greater than expected per average and there
are not enough mills to handle the cane.
Sugar is treated as an annual, running 9-10 months and is staggered as much
as possible to maintain an employment equilibrium. They use two composts, one
of decayed vegetable matter and the other of buffalo dung. These are spread on
the ground usually with or near the time superphosphate is added. They go in
much more heavily for organics than is usual in Pakistan and also have green
manure fields.
I had come from UAR hoping to find some solutions for some problems and here
there was no problem about Sucrose or anything excepting on the economic side
and there, there is no system. There may still be some trial-and-error in
obtaining the maximum of Sucrose but the whole thing at Takht Bhai was combined
with the handling of labor and proper utilization of soil.
They are still working in the dark as to soil analysis. It is known there is
a maximum of K but not of N or P, but there is no work on trace elements. I
should imagine Copper might be important but this is something to look up. The
tendency is to use small modern machines. Thus they have three disks and these
are kept at various places some distance from each other. These are
disconnected for other machines such as harrows, plows, etc. The operators are
happy and proud of their work but the tradition in this “casteless”
society—boy! It is bad enough to have dirty finger-nails but even the kind of
dirt is classified. No castes.
After everything has been systematized they run into the bugaboo of
countless government controls. The farmer is free. Period. From then on the
editor of Khyber Mail was particularly rambunctious. He thinks that Sugar can
be a crop like Cotton in UAR and he may be right.
Other Crops. I have mentioned Sorghum and Maize. I found myself in
one of the most beautiful orchard gardens I ever visited. If it had been more
Persian it would have been a “paradise” but there were no fountains and few
ditches. The predominant tree when I was there was a Pear, but I never found
the local name of it or the variety. Somewhere around I have some seeds. It is
the one that is very firm until it becomes overripe and is tasty during the
hard period after its color has changed to yellow. The sugars reach a maximum
and when it ripens the esters do not increase but very ripe it is still good
with milk and sugar. Some are cooked for fruit salads and ice-cream dishes.
The Dates were just coming out. There were a few Bananas but in general
Prunus and Pome fruits. Quinces or a Quince-type fruit is now on the market but
I have not examined it.
The whole fruit situation is complicated by the Afghanistan, Pukhtunistan,
on-again, off again cannotunderstand situation.
Tarnab Farm is supposed to be the largest successful experimental
station in West Pakistan. Unfortunately the day I visited it all the soil men,
chemists and fruit men were away and my putative host was the chief of the
orchardists.
The tree stand in the landscaping was the best I have seen in Pakistan and
so far as Eucs are concerned perhaps anywhere. If it were not for the host I
should probably say it is one of the finest and best kept gardens anywhere.
Unfortunately I could not get a soil program. The men are so specialized they
do fine jobs, each in their own field.
It is between seasons for vegetables and usually there are two crops a year.
Cabbage grows well but is not relished; Cauliflower is. Most green vegetables
are not wanted and anyhow we are told to keep away from uncooked ones.
There is both interest and success in Potato-growing. In this sector the
soil was not heavy and it is also over-abundant in K and I think these are
prime factors in this crop. The general soil program—from the Vegetable point
of view, was more or less the same as at Takht Bhai. But while at Takht Bhai
Ammonium-sulphate is used, here other N-products are applied. They are still
experimenting but the government pressure is on the Ammosulph side and there
are going to be misgivings.
Plant Protection. Here at least I can make a report. At Takht Bhai
they use aeroplanes in massive spraying and it is safe as the cane, of course,
is not edible and the program is such that the work can be adjusted safely
enough before the harvest period.
With regard to the Locusts. I wrote humorously or cynically that there had
been an international conference to deal with this situation. The “experts”
got together and the Locusts were not invited. When the “experts” went home
to their various countries, the Locusts started their depredations as usual to
the curse of every farmer and to the delight of the city poor who went around
collecting and eating them. I understand they are very good but the invasion
was around Karachi, and close to the sea-coast, far from where I have been.
Peaches are attacked by Siponaptera daddine (not sure of the names). There
is a spray called “Dimicron” (?) which is 100% successful. Toxaphane, the
next best is only 50% efficient and others less so. This attacks only Prunus
fruits. For the Fruit Fly which is a general pest on all orchard trees they use
Malathion, Dieldrin and Toxaphane.
There is Paralla potisilla (?), a hemobera which is controlled by aerial
spraying with Endrin, very good. And Thibolrea enticatalla controlled by both
Malathion and Endrin. These last two seem to be affective, will report
later.
Prospectus. I have been most fortunate in having as chairman to my
last talk Col. Shahab Khan who is now Chancellor of Punjab U. and with whom I
have been closeted twice. This is opening a lot of doors for me. And there is a
new Agricultural Corporation in charge of all future research whose Chairman is
a close friend of my present host, Major Sadiq.
September 26
Dear
Florie,
This is the news: You can breathe easily. My first consignment of books has
already been shipped to me-I in S.F. sent by I-me in Rawalpindi. I don’t know
why I did it but maybe the Jinns are on my side or yours. I was contemplating
the same thing for Lahore. I await my bank mail which will determine how much
more I may or may not spend.
I have been urged to purchase “The Lotus and the Robot” by Koestler
but I am also persuaded more and more to write. The document came when I
visited the Consular and USIA offices this morning. This time they had to take
me into account. The Sufis may not exist but the Russians have not found that
out and in they infiltrate. Only this time our paths crossed—where no
American should be because there are no American Sufis and where no Russians
should be because there are no Sufis anyhow and besides the Russians are
godless.
Psychically we have crossed trails. I feel very uneasy as if some strong
forces were pulling me home and I can’t come home for a while. The two
Pakistanis who are my potential traveling companions are both concerned with
spiritual and physical healing. I have seen miracles and I mean I have seen
miracles. But both the Khandalar and Major Sadiq want to come to America. You
would be a “natural” for them to meet.
At the moment in a way I have a “waiting list” for my prayers and I am
not permitted to pray for myself. I do not wish to go into esoterics or
sensitivities but some shrines seem to open the doors to heaven. I have met my
Calcutta host here in attendance on our Pir-o-Murshid (Maulana Abdul Ghafoor)
and he remembers my exact words when we visited the Dargah of Dadajan—“The
doors of heaven have been opened for me.”
The American officials now recognize that I have spoken to many thousands of
Pakistanis and certainly my interviews with the Chancellor of Punjab U. have
been excellent. This E. Phillips Oppenheim incident pushes me back one
day—which for the moment is no loss. I can’t move until I get my visa with
the passport for India, the police OK and my money reports.
Now your problems are more or less the type that the Khandalar would like to
face. And while sundry Pakistanis wish to help America spiritually and
otherwise they come and ask me to pray for them and for me this is a most
serious business. There are a few things in Islam—with all its faults—that
are so magnificent that one can easily and readily overlook or forgive many of
the faults. No matter how selfish a man is, he has great respect for prayer.
Now I come to your statement “average people are not really concerned with
matters that are not tangible.” You should come to Pakistan. Hosts of people
are only concerned with matters that are not tangible. That is why there is
“foreign aid.” They don’t like to face things. You can go around to any
tea shop or café and have a huge audience discussing religion or metaphysics
or the coming of the Mahdi, but not on the question of salinity or desert
agriculture. So I live two lives here as in the U.S. but they are exactly the
opposite—I live the scientific life and preach or write about the spiritual
and in the U.S. I live the spiritual life and discuss the scientific. Now I
shall rest until after lunch and resume.
In my last days here I may have to make some heavy decisions. The copy of
letter enclosed has some hints in it. Naturally I think it has awakened the
Consulate here more than anything else. An American may suggest or warn or
report and he is liable to get short shift. But there is o longer “Target
You,” there is definitely target the Peace Corps. These people are not like
the theoretical folks of books. I have differed from Landau yet I must admit
that the criticisms he has made of many Muslims is true. Actually one has
Punjabis, Baluchis, Sindhis, Pathans and others—and the Urdu culture is being
imposed on them and we are studying Urdu culture which represents a very small
number of people on this side and none at all of the East Wing.
I am encouraged enough not to work despite the long continued summer. This
was the subject of my last talk with Mr. Watan of the AFME and with the
consular staff body. The Consular people think I should be writing books and I
guess very well I am going to check some editors of publications into giving me
at least a chance.
I have still so many colleges to visit and what not. I cannot write on
“the Real Pakistani” but I can write or talk on real phases of reality. The
big gap is that those people do not live in time and the big weakness is the
amount of Indian blood and folk psychology in their veins—with it inertia and
lethargy which are treated as principles instead of as the absence of
principles.
It took me some time to get over our weakness in cultural interchange. This
will come out when the Peace Corps arrives. I do not see any easy time to them.
They will have to face questions because these people like to debate and argue
rather than do. This will not be opposition; it is part of the folkways and
folklore. But they may react as if it were opposition and this will increase
the opposition.
In a few days Parviz, the son of major Sadiq, will have his vacation and he
will take me to the Shalimar gardens, the tomb of Jahangir and other places. I
carefully collected postcards and mementos when I was here before and sent them
to Rudolph Schaeffer—but since the adhesion of Spiegelberg and Chaudhuri I
have never been permitted to speak on the Orient—before yes. As Spiegelberg
and Koestler differ so much one of them is going to suffer when I return—make
no doubt about it. But even if I refute Koestler—which I can—it will not
leave Spiegelberg in a good spot. As to Chaudhuri, say anything, but the Sri
Aurobindo movement is not what it is cracked up to be—the details I shall
relate to you in person rather than by mail.
Lahore,
September 28
My dear Bob and Adelaide,
This is my diary and at the same time it is an SOS. And as it is full of
favorable reports you may also think it is madness to be sending an SOS, but
again it may be the natural thing. I have not heard from Dorothy and there is
one thing wrong, that her horoscope has not worked out its promises, yet. And I
had hoped not to have my manuscripts accepted so much as to have an agent. The
denouement of all that is written below is that I have been urgently urged to
write an answer to Koestler’s “The Lotus and the Robot” and by God, I
shall. I may be able to get it published by that house in Vermont which
concentrates on Buddhist material but should much rather get an agent or
publisher in New York.
My life, after going through a complete “Mr. Isaacs???” of Marion
Crawford, has become a compilation of Paul Brunton, Talbot Mundy and E.
Phillips Oppenheim and anything that you find here that you don’t find in one
of them will mean a forfeit on my part. Like Mundy the center of transformation
has been and remains Lahore and like in the later works of Mundy there is a
complex of occultism and communist infiltration. How much that man knew I
don’t know but for years only Mundy and Brunton stood between me and absolute
madness because I was rejected all over. And here it has been exactly the
opposite accepting that the insistent American refusal to accept my reports
seriously has prompted a grand commie effort and the plot to torpedo the Peace
Corps—unheeded of course, would have gone the same way as the intrigues in
Iraq and UAR.
Our strange and stubborn refusal to recognize the existence of Sufis is not
only getting us into severe trouble, we might just as well give up the ghost.
It is not communist infiltration which is destroying us, it is American
non-infiltration. Our strange delusion that we can combine democracy and a
superiority-complex potter-clay attitude is going to ruin our country. No
amount of warning seems to penetrate the minds of editors and although I have
written to the “Times”—having been the guest of the same peoples who
hosted the Sulzbergers—and Satevepost—my present position is so
extreme that I shall almost be compelled to dedicate my diaries to the John
Birch Society!—but having nobody else to leave them to, in case of emergency
I shall leave them to you. However—though we don’t accept occultism and
mysticism seriously, it is they who are saving me. The same thing happened to
my friend Nicol Smith who got into the same Talbot Mundy-E. Phillips Oppenheim
complex in Tibet, without the Paul Brunton. But the U.S. accepted Jean
Strattford Porter Lowell Thomas, and zoom. And it is taking about six writers
to clarify the humbug Lowell Thomas did for the northern portion of this
country. The king can do no wrong but the pen is mightier and smightier than
the sword. A nation dedicated to peace, freedom. European professors of
Orientalia and newspaper commentator experts cannot remain half democratic and
half dogmatic.
I was in Abbottabad. Across the street from me lived Azlam Shah and the
Khalandar. Each represented a different kind of Sufi, which are reflected by
the Arabic words Hubbubiyat (Cosmos of Love) and Rububiyat (Cosmos of Power).
They gave me exactly the opposite predictions. The Khalandar has offered to
finance my return to America and inshallah it will be done and I think I have
told you a little. For very practical reasons I must tell you more. This looks
very Arabian Nights too and it is.
Rawalpindi Adventure. The Khalandar invited me to Bannu, Waziristan,
which was just the place for Puck of Pukhtunistan. We got off a lot of letters and the Waziris began planning rival potlatch dinners, just as Puck
had been writing. And if there is anything I fear in this long summer, which
only just now shows any signs of abating, it is those feasts. But God was
good.
Pir Azlam Shah Insisted I would not get to Bannu. I did not. Instead I had a
dream and in this dream suddenly Secretary Shahab sent for me to see Ayub and
it was an emergency. But when I got to Ayub he paid no attention to me. Instead
his Murshid (spiritual teacher) came to me and gave his blessing and embraced
which so startled me I awakened.
When we arrived at ‘pindi the Khalandar told me his own Pir-o-Murshid had
appeared and forbidden us to proceed. He and his disciple Abdul Aziz asked me
what I wanted to do and we went to Dirgah Gelra Shereef nine miles away. There
was a huge celebration on (The Prophet’s Birthday)’ and I heard the same
wonderful spiritual music as we have at Ajmir, never recorded—for which I
want a tape recorder. After we performed the necessary we approached the
attendant and asked him to go to the Pir.
There were more women than men at this celebration. Men go to mosques, women
go to shrines. When the attendant approached the Pir and told him about me he
immediately dismissed everybody, got up and said to me in Urdu, “Come to
lunch.” Now Sam Lewis does not understand Urdu but he understands food in all
languages. We went to the Pir’s room and instead of giving me lunch he gave
me the exact blessings and instructions as in the dream! He went out but I
dined with his disciples.
After returning I outlined with the disciple A.A. Arviz a long plan to send
apprentices from Pakistan for training in food processing. I have still the
article for you in mind but far better in objective form. I hope to write it
when I get to Delhi.
Peshawar Adventures. At Abbottabad one Mohammad Zehdi had begged and
begged me to address the Urdu College at Peshawar University. On my second
visit there the Urdu people came after me so I arranged a lecture. But I had to
go to Mardan which is a long series of excellent adventures in the agricultural
complex. So I came to speak on “Islamic Philosophy and Modern Science.” The
chairman was Prof. Maulana Abdul Qadir whom I met first in S.F. and then in
Peshawar both off the record and then twice on the record and I have written to
my friend Bill Hathaway and to Columbia U. about his next project—an Academy
of Central Asian Studies.
This is, of course, crazy. Nobody ever went up the Khyber Pass. It is
protocol that the Russians may infiltrate us, it is unthinkable, impossible and
against international law that we anti-infiltrate, and we must not take the
load off Berlin; what and put Clay out of a job and end NATO? We aren’t that
mad. In general, she must proceed, but only in ze deep freeze,
n’est-ce-pas?
Suddenly I was told I had to move. My host, Prof. Durrani, had disappeared.
This is quite usual in Pakistan and someday I’ll tell you more about Durrani,
although this seems more Yeats-Brown and more Yeats-Brown than Yeats-Brown. So
I went to Green Hotel because the high priced Dean’s has no method of keeping
you cool excepting the over-cooked air-conditioned dining room.
Having nothing to do I was almost pushed into the Kabul Carpet store. We
wrangled and haggled—the proper thing to do—I made a small purchase. I came
back. We made a larger contract—money, monnaie, l’argent, ze black market,
etc.
Indeed with his brains and my money we figured an honest way to pay my next
trip—just a few free ports with money exchanges, etc. and the carpets will
start rolling (pun intended and all meanings true). So he invited me to dinner.
I came, I was not hungry. He begged leave to delay to invite neighbors. The
delays keep on piling, the neighbors too so by the time dinner was ready I had
recovered from loss of appetite. Then a bunch of arguments and they threw the
$64,000 question at me and I told them I could not proceed without my
Pir-o-Murshid’s consent and when I got through I had to submit to a bunch of
embraces—they were all the disciples of the camp Sufi teacher, Mualana Abdul
Ghafoor of Bacca—how’s that for synchronization or something.
The Khalandar’s Tale (Put on your Scheherazade records and
proceed.) When the Pir-o-Murshid warned him about Bannu he began to look after
his business. It was spurlose varsankt His uncle, he got rid of everything
including his Pakistani citizenship and opted for England, Lloyd’s and God
Save the Queen. This was awkward.
It seems that when partition took place “Punjabi Pal” made his living by
selling unoccupied homes. He not only sold them, he often sold them to more
than one person. He sold a house to the Khalandar’s sister and to one other
person and then opted for India and the National Bank of Hindustan (What’s
this, a game? Yes!) So the Khalandar, like a good he-man went to bat for his
sister and while he was so occupied his “loving unkie-wunkie” took care of
the pounds, shillings, pence and rupees.
The Khalandar told me the whole story why we could not go to Bannu and asked
me to pray. So I did.
Next night he rushed over to my house. A rich lady was getting rid of
property—she had too much; and collecting rupees—she had too many, and was
giving a 50-50 divvy with the Khalandar and when he got to the last figure to
that hour by adding machine, abacus and Univac, he had long passed $100,000 and
was headed for the stratosphere. So I have to wait to hear how the books
balanced, and barring income tax Khalandar is now a [?] again. (This will be
continued.)
The Other Khalandar came and foretold my future. All the saints,
seers, Sufis, sadhus and sages are unanimous for Ahmed Murad Chisti that he is
in for a great career in U.S. with troubles, rich widows, money and fans; so
watch out, I may have to dedicate my diaries to you and also my biography.
Ye Tale of Mohammed Saufraz. He is a Sufi teacher of the Naqshibandi
School. While I was busy—trapezing Peshawar, Abbottabad, Rawalpindi, he was
doing the same. After we met the second time—out of nowhere—he said I
should call on him in ‘pindi. I dodges that but walked in the wrong
direction; he dodged too and we bumped into each other within five minutes
after we started. More synchronicity and how does one explain it?
Huq Sahib manages Dawn Hotel at Rawalpindi. I knew intuitively I
should say farewell to him so I came to his place instead of calling on my
friends. It was right because the Khalandar and the Arviza were both away and I
did not see my other friends at expected hours. He is a brother Chisti. He told
me he was in danger of losing his hotel; a hospital had put in proceedings with
baksheesh, cumshaw, rupees and silver into the hands of the “honest” Muslim
Judge who had already decided the case. I prayed for my brother. The next day the “honest” judge was caught in a motorcar accident and is now a
patient in the same hospital which cumshawed him. The case was transferred to
another court.
Shabaz Khan is a retired colonel. He was chairman of the meeting which
greeted me back to Lahore. It is wonderful all these meetings and greetings and
greetings from “non-existing” Sufis. And who is the colonel? He is now
Chancellor of Punjab University, the largest and best educational institution
in Pakistan, and next to the American U. at Beirut the highest standing on the
whole continent. Well I have called on the colonel twice—no newspapermen or
European “professors of Oriental philosophy” present.
So the doors are open wide and I have some more conferences today about my
further lecturing today here. Local papers don’t copy; must not.
The Communists: There have been two station breaks since starting
this and they partly concern this. Fifty million Frenchmen can’t be wrong;
fifty million Sufis cannot be. We have “realism.” The Russians did not
import an Englishman to teach them Zen-Buddhism or a German to teach them Yoga;
how come? This is “realism.” We don’t recognize the Sufis who are
basically anti-communist. So the Russians have their agents here—the top
banana is the same guy who was pulling stuff when I was here before. And if
there is anything more “untouchable” than a newspaper editor it is a movie
magnate. Our press will attack the Rockefellers, Fords, and even Texas
millionaires—but the “sacred professions” of communication and hogwash,
nevaire! This makes it a cinch for the Commies and I have a straight and actual
story now. Although I have written as above no “Pope” ever accepts a
criticism of another “Pope,” even if a rival, if he be in the same
profession. So the Commies are doing exactly, exactly as we say they never,
nevaire do and doing it quite well, putting on robes, a sack cloth, anything
but praying and eating with the hoi polloi—verboten for diplomats. And who is
going to win out? I can tell you some things about SEATO; after it breaks up my
editor will listen. Ha! Ha! More treaties and more sermons and more
infiltrations. The Chinese do not read English and trespass signs.
So betwixt and between. Anyhow the solution is agreed on. I shall write
against dialectician Koestler and I shall need an agent somehow, or fight for a
publisher. This seems clear. I have also a series of “I was there” which
will be in answer to this correspondent who wrote “Asia is my Past”—I
should say, deadbeat! I was there when Master Tara Singh surrendered to Nehru
they are at it. I said then—with 40 reporters present—that I bet not one of
them would really report. They did not, enabling both the big shots to get out.
If the reporters had reported—oh well, that is another story. Truth, she is
wonderful; too bad she is not used more.
Address letters to c/o S. Agrawal, Lajpat Nagar III, D-17, New Delhi 14
India.
Love and best from
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
P. Puck and the rest
Lahore,
October 4
Stockwell Everts,
Embassy, U.S.A.
Karachi
My dear Mr. Everts:
It was the cooperation and sincerity of the Lahore legation in 1956 which
turned me against “The Ugly America” and it is the cooperation and
sincerity of the whole staff here which now deters me from going to Professor
Burdick. But until our foreign services stops treating Americans abroad as
subjects, we are going to have more Laos-Chaos and I know exactly what I am
talking about. When I get to S.E. Asia I will get the low-down which will make
Senator Mundt and Rep. Judd turn red and ferocious, only there is not too much
difference between administrations. When the War started every little report I
had for intelligence was taken down and when it was over my name was recorded
on the heroes registrar at Ft Mason, Calif., immediately under Carlson’s
Raiders. But in peace times the old “Wolf! Wolf!” complex is thrown at us
Marco Polos—and I am not alone.
I must now thank the communists for making me famous. But I am indebted to
the “ugly America” Rev. Samuel Brown, and he walked right out of the book
into real life—native idioms, geography, commingling and bumping into commie
spies but he was the wrong guy. Not being a Protestant missionary I am not
quite an outcaste and I did run in to the communist, of course, exactly where
our press says they won’t be, and always are. This is old hat, only this time
the encounter was entirely accidental on my part. They were preparing to
torpedo the Peace Corps and it going to be very easy until the Sam Browns and
Sam Lewises are regarded as citizens and not as subjects.
I came to Lahore having addressed some 15,000 people in various parts of
Pakistan. I did make and have some lectures “on the record” at the
colleges, chiefly on subjects totally verboten when our colleges and
universities employ some German, Englishman, Polish Zionist or Canadian to give
the instructions in Islamics or other Orientalia. Can you name one non-America
professor on these subjects that is accredited by any school on this continent?
No wonder I had to ask your colleagues when he questioned the central
government about “neutralism”—what else do you expect when we employ
Canadians, Englishman, Europeans and Zionist to “teach Islamics and dogma to
even our own graduates! No answer.
The Sufis “don’t exist,” despite the first Ambassador each form
Pakistan and India (even Pradad had a Murshid I have found), and the Presidents
of the respective countries. And I hope to teach Brother Dibble the facts of
life. Not only do Sufis exist but they have faculties and powers which should
arouse Duke University or the psychic researches (no takers). And they have
some counter-intelligence systems which are not out of Sax Rohmar.
You will please advise your USIA officials—who would not give me a
tumble—that thanks to the commies, and besides my on-the-record talks at
colleges and universities, I have been given two big receptions and now the
whole community is getting ready to give me a monster welcome Saturday night,
one of the largest ever given to a foreigner. Even the attachés here are now
interested. News is news. I spoke to more people in UAR as Billy Graham did and
merely as “The American.” I have spoken to far, far more here. The grape
vine from other parts is working in my favor and this is at least 50%
telepathic but of course, we will have nothing to do with that! (I worked under
an intelligence officer during the War and he knew all kinds of things we
repudiate today. Why one thing in war, another in “cold war.”)
So far as the agricultural attachés are concerned, it would appear at this
writing that another brother Sufi (they don’t exist!) is going to be
appointed to the new Food & Agricultural Corporation and I am be working
full blast without their cooperation or acknowledgement. I had it in UAR.
Don’t think my Senator does not know about it and soon my other Senator and a
lot of other senators. Instead of Burdick I shall probably go write to Mr.
Marcy on my own. Or rather now there are some strong trends underneath to send
some Sufis to America to present the actual spirituality and spiritualism of
Islam to our people and carry on other missions, including this one on food.
Well I gave the officials here their first list of salt-tolerant crops and am
going back home with a bunch of problems on Sugar, Soils, etc., etc. But it
won’t be Burdick, it will Marcy and even on the communists Dowd.
I had the story of “the commies” before from security police (also Sufi
brothers). The Sufis don’t want communism and so far we have totally ignored
the Sufis. I have placed some things in confidence to you but when I get home
the whole picture will be put into retired admiral, Evenson, who is in charges
of the Americans Friends of the Middle East in S.F. and whatever he does will
be all right with me.
Well I turn back to the mob on the commies in the India—this is not news.
And I stole some “neutralist” delegation for then in UAR and I run into
them here as I did in India in a “most holy” place. I am going into India
and shall have no difficulties about meeting Dr. ~Radhakrishnan or Mr. Nehru (I
was there when Master Tara Singh swore “eternal fealty,” or the ailing
President Prasad about whose Murshid I just read…. I am praying there will be
some answers from Washington when I get there. All these letters to be
addressed to the Embassy there. So we shall see.
Faithfully,
Samuel. L. Lewis.
Lahore, Pakistan
October 11
My dear Harold,
You may be very surprised to hear from me. I hope you are alive and that
some of the weight of previous years has fallen from you. I told Dorothy that I
believed there was a future for you in Pakistan and unquestionably there is a
future for you in Pakistan. But I know that the legends about me have made the
objective acceptance of what I am and what I am doing difficult. Briefly the
Lahore Legislation is now receiving me as the Embassy did in Cairo (but not in
Karachi). I have spoken I should say, to at least 30,000 Pakistanis due in part
to my own accomplishments and due at the moment to my inadvertently running
into a communist cell. This was of course where our protocol says it would not
be. But the communists are no different here than in Hollywood or in Noel
Sullivan’s but they do not shudder at the word “Peace Corps.” They are
getting ready to torpedo it; a very simple process because we have arms but no
armor. What will happen there may be beyond my control. However by their
advertising me I have had a full program put on top of a full program, plus the
fact that the Indians have not returned my passport with visa.
During the course of this letter I shall be interrupted to go to dinner with
the Mayor of the Cantonment. Just before I left San Francisco, Mr. Russell
Smith, former Vice-President of the Bank of America, tipped Luther Nichols of
World Affairs Council off to me. This did not need much convincing, for L.N.,
in contradiction to all people who knew me earlier in life and all newspaper
men whatsoever had seen me meeting with Prime Ministers, Ambassadors, Dr.
Radhakrishnan, etc. He did not see me meet Mohammed Ali Bogra, intermittent
Prime Minister of Pakistan and the man who selected General Ayub. That worthy
made everybody in the room line up and shake my hands. In America this is
braggadocio; in Pakistan I am tired from doing what I call “the arsenal
exercise,” getting up and down from your seats. When a man finds generals and
justices of the Supreme Court rising for him, it is liable to go to his head;
or it may just be that those gentlemen know me better than you do.
I am not going to tell my story here. This is part of my diary, not my
reminiscences. I came here on two big missions, both of the larger than some
organizations or commissions take up. As to my cultural missions, it is now
recognized and I find the Foreign Service one by one admitting they do not know
the culture of Pakistan. I have just written a reply to Burdick and Lederer who
peppered the Satevepost with absolute lies. And so long as our press and CIA do
not trust its own citizens we cannot win any cold war. This is about my fourth
brush-in with the communists. Now the Americans, after Laos and Cuba, cannot
afford to pull any more faux pas of this kind. I did not know about Cuba; I did
about Laos. I warned four times in Cairo about the impending mob attack and
told the staff I could not stand being pulled apart by Arabs and Americans who
never sat down together.
The last man I saw when I left Pakistan, the first man I saw on return was
M.A. Cheema who is now Joint Minister of Food & Agriculture. I asked him
the forbidden question: “What do you want?” I have been working o the
saline soil and desert agriculture problems with side issues of tomatoes, soy
beans, fruits and avocados, with much more to come up. In UAR I was the
constant guest of top scientists. In this country I wrote Ayub a suggestion
which he put into practice in USA and got a fine letter of thanks. This would
be “unthinkable” at home. The road block thrown at me by the compilation of
Canadians, Europeans, Englishmen and Zionists who teach us Asiatics and
Islamics is smashed even if I have to investigate every university and phony
peace organization in the country. Can do and know what I am doing.
My specialty is agricultural literacy. Research workers do not know how to
use libraries and librarians do not know the sciences. Give me a problem and if
there is an answer in the USA I’ll get it and—it, I do. I brought him the
first line of saline tolerant crops, etc.
In S.F. I met one Jamshyd Khan who operated the largest successful farm in
Pakistan. I had to go to Mardan to deliver a lecture at a college on a subject
verboten to me in California with its Zionist, English and European
“experts” on Asia. The Khan farm is not far from it although in our country
it would be considered a plantation. I know something of soils and had two
courses on Organic Chem., not sufficient, perhaps, to understand thoroughly the
growing of Sugar Cane, but enough to know certain things. In UAR I found the
chief Plant Physiologist beginning a series of experiments on photo periodicity
and light quantities on the creation of sucrose, etc. in the cane. Of course
the answer is not ready. The sugar problems in the UAR are complex. The soil is
fine for Beets but not so good for Cane. The Cotton Moth thrives better on the
Beets than on Cotton. So an impasse. I thought I would find an answer here.
The Khans have a thoroughly up to date plantation. But alas, the mills
process the cane in proportion to the acreage, not in proportion to the crop!
This leaves them stuck. They have partly gotten around this by staggering their
plantings. I have sent or am sending a pretty full report on this to my friend,
Harry Nelson, Greenhouse, City College.
Now sugar is in short supply here. The Beet, which tolerates saline soils to
some extent, is shunned because the theoretical recovery is less than from the
cane. But they are running into the same problem as in UAR, the formation of
disaccharides, etc., and in the end I found the percentage of profitable
recovery about the same. Added to that, there is as yet little done to
industrialize cane wastes.
Just as Iron and Coal may be associated, so Sugar and Fruit. The Indus
Valley has the Sugar and the Kabul Valley the Fruits. Now we come to a
hodge-podge combination of comic opera and tragedy. Unlike the Khans there is
little staggering in plantings and the harvests come of a sudden. The result is
often an oversupply. In the case of the Pear, they have a hard Pear which is
somewhat like both an Apple and a Quince and can be picked for there are large
percentages of Sugars and Esters and the acid content is small; the same with
pectin although there is some pectin. This lessens as the fruit “ripens”; a
long slow process. In the harder stage it would be wonderful for canning. But
no canning factories excepting one small one.
The mango is the great fruit here. The seconds are marketed and often rot
rather than being sold at a low price. There is no grading as in our canning
industries. Actually these seconds should be turned into Mango Juice. The
latter is excellent and if a little ginger or such flavoring were added it
would make a wonderful dish. There is a mango-ginger sauce served to me by my
good friend the Mayor which is wonderful. It functions like our applesauce.
Pakistani farmers have one-track minds. If one plants a crop another plants
the same. So there is an oversupply of Mangos, Apples, Sweet Lemons (which we
do not have) and a dearth of Grapes which come most entirely from Afghanistan.
That country also supplies most Cucurbits excepting Watermelons. There is no
system, no grading, no anything.
An Agricultural Development Corporation has just been formed and I met the
Chairman. I did not get I on the ground floor; I got there before the
cornerstone had arrived. But my good friend and host, Major Sadiq, may be
drafted to work in that department at a better salary and with better
opportunities than he has as an army officer.
I have worked out a plan for the training of about a dozen Pakistani
apprentices: Canning companies, Calpack, Prunus fruits, Small fruits, other
fruits, Vegetables, Heinz, Food & Agr. Machinery Corp. at San Jose, etc.,
etc. After I had the plan worked out I found myself the guest of a man engaged
in the food processing industries living in Rawalpindi. His home was full of
magazines which gave me ideas. I now have discussed them at length at the
Consulate; notes were taken and will be passed on to Secretary Freeman who
arrives this week.
Farm mechanics and processing machinery. The general policy is to give
people 1761 and 1961 models. Nothing in between. This country is full of
engineers, empty of mechanics. So are most countries. The whole foreign aid
program, the whole cold war, in fact, overlooks this. I told somebody I
measured the standards of countries by their telephone system. We are way out
and don’t know it. I had a chance to do leg work research in UAR on a lot of
subjects. My conclusions are not the same as those of the press.
The British have a magazine devoted to this subject and I find there is a
glut on the market of outdated processors. Why should not Pakistan, and other
countries, get some earlier models? I had a long talk with the McCormick people
in India in 1956 on this—or rather conferences. We realize that anything that
does not fit into protocol and propaganda is to be rejected, business or no
business. While we are very busy giving aptitude tests for everybody from
pre-kindergarten kids to candidates for housing in coffins, the Japanese are
making careful aptitude surveys of farmers and peasants and then bring them
just those improved tools which they can use, and repair.
Even countries which seem to have little buying power (often nonsense) may
be sold with outdated machines and simpler ones. Not only is there a dearth of
skilled mechanics here but there is caste and caste and caste. This is
something. In UAR at least nobody necessarily looked down on an iron-monger or
peasant. In Lebanon the answer is simple: "How much does he earn?" Here it
still is: "Who was your grandfather?"
Actually this country is full of mineral wealth. The American geologists are
making surveys and I hope to have some ores later on in S.F. for assaying
including Uranium. At the present moment it looks as if I shall not go to the
Far East and may return this way. This means I shall have a more complete
report on minerals—and this is going to be a wow! This will bring the country
dollars or credits. With these dollars or credits—if a program is rightly
worked out—the older time models of John Deere, McCormick, Food & Agric.
machinery and the whole canning and processing and grading industries could be
sent here. They have not even simple grading devices.
I went into details today at the Consulate with the idea of sending about a
dozen apprentices to California. I have written to James Wilson at the C. of C.
and also to others. When I return I shall also go to Stanford Research which
has done excellent work on Rice and Sugar.
I don’t know how much interested you are in these matters. There is a big
world of pioneering here and a marvelous world of opportunity. There is no
problem about meeting people; indeed our Americans here fail to take the
opportunities they have to meet people.
I have met the farm Advisors in Peshawar University who come from Colorado
State although one is a U.C. graduate. In this district they are from
Washington State. I may not complete my tour of agricultural experimental
stations. When I see things done wrong or not done at all there is a tendency
to react strongly. Gross errors have been made of omission and commission. The
more illustrious the body handling affairs the more difficult it is for an
unattached person to correct or criticize. The mistakes I have seen in growing
Strawberries and the even worse mistake of growing the Artichoke as a flowering
ornamental are small compared to the errors concerning Soy beans One is left to
laugh, cry or get mad. Fortunately I do have connections in unexpected places.
But I am not writing books on these matters. I shall have enough to do if I can
write against Koestler ("The Lotus and the Robot") or the newspaperman's "Asia
is My Beat." The next generation will look at my exploits as I do those of Sir
Richard Burton (who gave us the real "The Arabian Nights"). But already the
grandchildren in age are appearing and acceptance is much easier in some
quarters.
In a few days I shall be 65 and don't look it. At the Mayor's house where I
have been to dinner they are discussing the next mass meeting for me and the
preparations to get full publicity in the Urdu papers. The main English paper
is anti-American. In fact it was definitely pro-commie when I was here before
but the gentlemen of the press pay obeisance to each other, cold war or not
cold war. Anyhow I have the USIA publicity people on my side which is a great
gain. And on Saturday in the morning I have the university for a farewell (I
hope) address. Here I just enter a campus grounds and it means an invitation to
address the students. So I have not had much tourism except what is
incidental.
My host, the Major, took me to his farm which contains a palace. He is doing
some experimenting and I suggested Cotton and Tobacco to find he was growing
Tobacco and Cotton. Also some rare oil seeds. I have suggested an herb and
medicinal garden as he works closely with so many physicians. There are four
schools of medicine here and among and between them they have concoctions from
about every herb that grows and then some. But far from having medical "trusts"
here there is no organization or coordination; just hit or miss. A great
opportunity for some enterprising people.
My invitations to India and Malay are exactly the opposite of what would be
expected of me and I should rather wait until I return. My reputation among the
actual Asians is absolutely contrary and contradictory to that among the
non-America "Orientalists" who are our mentors.
In fact one reason for my being invited to India is my campaign (a failure
so far) that 50% of the teachers in Indian philosophy should be Hindus. The
other is that many want to hear me talk on subjects where I have been road
blocked at home. However that is over. I have friends, friends in high places
and more than would be expected of me. I am not mentioning them here. I spoke
to more Egyptians than did Billy Graham and was introduced simply as "The
American."
Well, Harold, I have been to "Shangri-la." It is, as one might suppose, near
or in the Himalayas but not necessarily when Miss Cloudnine—who has never
been there—insists. The mountains did not divide at the time of partition. I
have met a lot of people we regard as mythological or unreal. They foretold my
story of the beginning of this month. If the rest of the story is correct I
shall be well received when I return and this time, despite my age, be married.
Either this seeing in the future is hokum or real, but one thing stands
out—the unanimous agreement. If this week means anything, it is a portent.
Anyhow, my mail has been sent to India so I can't find out what the home and
American reactions are. Next I have to write another speech, then reports. But
it is wonderful to have been accepted seriously by so many people, both the
big—the very big; and the small—the very small.
My own benefactors here happen to be immensely wealthy although our
friendships were based on quite independent factors and processes and at no
time I have sought the company of "big shots" with any motive.
There is nothing particularly private here and I leave it to you whether we
should confer on my return. My love to Dorothy and yourself.
Samuel L. Lewis
PS. My host, Major Sadiq, is a spiritual healer. I have seen him work
miracles but only in the presence of physicians who kept case histories! This
is exactly the opposite of what one might expect. I hope he can soon come to
California and demonstrate.
October 11, 1961
My dear Jack:
This is my diary. I am very tired and also behind in my work. The tiredness
comes from relaxation which in turn comes because it is the end of summer and
my body now feels normal after a long, long warm spell. It still hits 90° in
the daytime but there is not much energy in it.
Snafu and then some. The Indian High Commissioner has not sent my
Visa and I sent a tracer to the Embassy and found the man had been transferred.
So I am sending another tracer. This means I am off beat and off schedule. It
also means that my Pakistani rupees have gone down and my dollar reserves up.
But I have a permit to cash checks as the American Express and for the moment
am not spending much. So I pray and smuggle and hope it will be all right. If
you can’t use will redeem on return at Eastern daylight standard black market
normal quotations. (consult univac).
Then the Snafu is shamued. I have two big mass meetings coming up Saturday.
Thank God and praise the devil. The commies have done more for me—or maybe it
was fate, kismet. Three men told me previously that I would undergo a rapid
change of events at the beginning of October. It has come, and how. I have the
amalgamated union of saints, seers, sages, Sufis, sadhus and psychometrists
working for me. They say that on my birthday I will have more luck and it may
even strike my pocket book favourably.
What is fame? Anyhow now the American Foreign Service is agog. They are
finding out what they don’t know. How the devil can you learn about Pakistan
from a bunch of non-American, non-Asians who teach without ever having visited
this country? It is Tarfuristan to begin with and that is only the beginning.
There are some Americans here who know something and that invalidates them. If
there is anybody that the CIA does not want to hear it is the Americans who
have been there—notoriety seekers, of course. Laos chaos here we come.
I spoke to 20,000 people last week and when I walk around this district
people come for blessings. It is only the little kids who did not hear me that
ask for bakshish and every now and then I drop 2 annas which is about 5c
U.S.A.—aren’t we generous!
Then I have found my two hosts are very wealthy. Major Sadiq took me to his
farm near here. He has other lands. This one has a palace on it and he is going
to repair it. He is quite a good business man when it comes to farming. He
asked for suggestions and I put out Cotton and Tobacco, both of which he has. I
spoke against Sugar Cane and he may drop it because he is losing money. I have
suggested an herb and medicinal garden. He works with doctors and there is no
system here for getting these things. He evidently owns lots of land and
besides him being a big shot in the Army he is also as a Sufi and again as a
landlord and again as a healer.
My other host is Mr. Ahmid who is the Mayor of this section. He has at least
four cars but they are rather family owned. They have three generation families
here. Grandpa rules the roost. He is arranging my Saturday night meeting as he
did the last one. I had to write out my speech which may not only be put in the
papers (the last one was) but brochured also. I am writing Delhi to send me any
mail they have because it may be highly important. So far it has been highly
important. That’s a pun son. (My other pun is that I prefer bulletin boards
to bullets). I have been writing every which-way to big shots and old friends
tell them what is going on.
On top of that the business consultant at the legation accepted my plan for
training technicians in food processing. He took notes and may pass them on to
the Secretary Orville Freeman who is expected here this week. This was some
pumpkins at it; it is my prize so I have written it to some old friends but I
am going to hot-foot it when I return.
When the Consul-General sent me to American Express to exchange Dollars for
Rupees I placed my tourist plan before them. I got sick and tired being given
the gate or go-by the Pakistanis. Wow! Did he eat it. So I have another project
to present or sell and can do, when I return. This will also require some
lecturing to closed audiences of tourist bureaus.
As I look back now I think this covers everything.
a. Romance went flat. Girl met old sweetheart.
b. Folk dancing got nowhere, but then this was to be taken up when I reach
Karachi. It is possible I shall return via Karachi and New York.
My return is complicated by this Khalandar-Mayor Sadiq deal. They both want
me to collaborate and travel with them. They both have Rupees. Major has the
good-will of President Ayub. Both have disciples on the Supreme Court. The
Khalandar has two disciples, top officials in the Pakistan Airlines. I had
hoped they would get together. Anyhow I see now reason to return via Japan and
if I travel with Major Sadiq we would stop off at Egypt; but with the Khalandar
I should fly.
My long war against these European professors of Oriental philosophy is
liable to close in triumph. They mislead us regarding Asia and the Russians
take every advantage. Imagine no Sufis here! And 20,000 the other night all
connected with Sufi Orders. And this only for the Cantonment, not for Lahore.
As Secretary Qudratullah Shahab is away I may write President Ayub a final
report. Why not?
I shall next finish my book-buying and ship them to Clementina St. I have no
idea of residence. The aforesaid disorganised union of saint, sages, seers,
Sufis and sadhus foretell good fortune and marriage when I return. As they
don’t know each other and have not met and three of them got the beginning of
October, I am beginning to be satisfied. Besides America has a lot to learn
about the occult and mystical side of Sufis which you won’t get in books.
The other night the lights went out. I took my flash and said to the guests,
“Well Allah Nuri” (God is light). They went on immediately. Today they went
out at the Army camp and the Major said: “The other night the lights went out
and Sufi sahib said: ‘Allah Nuri’ and they went on.” The lights
immediately went on! This is good copy if it be not good occultism, picks your
choice. Sometimes not only Lady Luck is with you but more.
I want to visit Shalimar gardens again but gosh, to find time. I was
supposed to relax today. I did get in the walks, one to a shrine. This is some
story about shrines which I shall not relate here. I am hoping that either the
Major or the Khalandar hurries so we might do something about Gavin. Of course
“you asked for it” just as my own money-troubles here. I wanted the
experience, I got it.
I donno from nothin about the World Series. But I am now in good with the
Press section USIA so will consult tomorrow. Of course Time will be out
Friday. Newsweek has accepted my first brochure so I have given them my
whole story. I have given Satevepost hell for publishing another
Burdick-Lederer stuff, all of which is wrong so far as UAR is concerned and the
same partly here. But the big man who ain’t been there is always better than
the little man who has. I criss-crossed the commies twice in UAR, but broke
protocol—I always do, so you know what. This is the way to fight the cold
war? I have sent for the mail address to the Embassy in Delhi hoping somebody
has recognized me. But for you, unless otherwise, send mail to S. Agrawal.
Gosh, I can’t tell where I’ll be or what…. I expected to go to the
“Shalimar Gardens” today but could not. They are on the objet d’art
enclosed.
October 13
My dear Rosemary:
This ought to be the news. Anyhow it is my diary. I am stuck. Weeks ago I
applied for an Indian Visa. I had met the Asst. High Commissioner. I filled out
the questionnaire and although I did not put down my grandfather’s maiden
name but I did offer as reference almost everybody but Nehru. Now I have to
air-mail to Delhi. I have written the American consulate before—with a
prayer. My one contact in Karachi has gone to Murree and I suppose my letter to
him may be forwarded rather than read. If for any reason it was opened and read
I have a chance. Then the AFME long-distanced to Karachi. The call went through
and it was red-tape recorded, if you know what I mean. And I am tired—having
a full program to begin with—all this and heaven too and then some. I don’t
know when to begin or end but I have to diarize.
Every night I meet somebody who has been in the Sufi center captured by the
commies. Of course this did not happen because the vast array of non-American,
non-Muslims who said this cannot be are the authorities. I was solemnly told
that they never discussed me and that is all I hear excepting my closest
friends, the Majors (I guess I’m the minor) and the Mayor get in for licks.
And tomorrow I have two overwhelming meetings—which could not possibly be.
For in the morning I address the top scholars in Islamics and notices have been
sent to all the leading institutions. They don’t hire Europeans but they do
hire UC graduates which is horrible because he was never intended for the job
he got here by the Near East bunch in Berkeley and he was intended by the South
Asian bunch. Which is “realism.” Anyhow I hope to see my fellow-sufferer
Abdul Rahman Barker who was helped also to get out because he was interfering
with the non-American, non-Asian experts in Orientalia.
Of course this did not happen but I am telling this to my diary. I visited
the tomb of saint Mian Mir. I got stopped several times by people who knew me
in Abbottabad or who have heard me here. Everybody wants my blessing but the
bakshish-wallahs. I should not have gone to the tomb. It is all right for
commies to go—I was cited there and a howl of protests went up, why should
the tomb guardians permit a Feringhi to trespass on holy grounds. But between
my bakshish and my prayers and my explanations the tomb guardians have been on
my side, which shows the effectiveness of insidious, invidious American
conspiring propaganda.
Then I went to another saint’s tomb. This one has been written off the
record because the saint did not reveal himself to the commies. It is unfair
for saints to take sides in the cold war or any war—excepting, of course,
occasionally when they are “on our side.” Saints are supposed to serve
Allah and who gives the orders to Allah! Anyhow when I went to the saint known
as Data Ganj Baksh whose real name was Ali Hujwiri—drop it. No self
respecting former student of any European Prof. in Orientalia would possibly
believe—anyhow I got in the grand game of hand-shaking, embracing and
blessing which shows how easy it is for me to fool Asian-Asians.
Even the Americans here are now taken in. Two days ago I spent over one hour
with the commercial attaché on the plan I hope to submit to the S.F. C. of C.,
the Canners league and others about the training of apprentices in the food
processing industries. Not only that, he took down notes and may submit them to
Secretary Freeman who is due not later than tomorrow. Every point was approved
down to details.
Now, as I can’t get out I wanted to change dollars for rupees instead of
doughnuts. I had a letter to American Express, the manager of whom I had
already met through one of my non-existing Sufi brothers. The cashing was a
cinch. Then I placed before him my Tourism plan which has been snubbed by the
Pakistanis. Because their “normal” Americans are strictly Bevhills and
Losvegas. Anything else is a special case. But the American Express Manager,
who is an American, not a European, favoured everything down to the fine print
and little punctuation marks. So at his behest I shall call at their offices
when I return and give them the low-down and high-up on a lot of points on
tourism which others have not considered.
The next morning I called on Press Secretary Morlock. That --- fool kept me
over an hour when we wanted a ten minute interview. Alas for his inefficiency;
I did not learn who has won the World Series. What are they there for? Instead
I told him about my meetings and we discussed what that grand
“anti”-communist Pagler would never dare touch—the super millionaire
leaders of the left of the left bank. And by the way, he does live on the left
bank of the Canal! I never thought of it until now! It is my old theme song:
“Who ever saw a commissar in overalls!” The working-classes are fur, fur
away but the lies that go out about America, they are there.
But Morlock and others seriously realize the problems that the Peace Corps
are going to face and the fear is mounting that they will not be prepared.
Without Laos even we have learned nothing from the disastrous visits of two
Vice-Presidents and very little from the Japanese welcome¿? to a President’s
Press Secretary (actually the worst type of diplomat in existence). Earl Warren
was not mobbed. Let’s forget that!
The heat has abated—I mean weather—and my health is up again. But
otherwise “the heat” is on. Between the Indians on one side and the reds on
the other and the welcomes from mobs of non-existing Sufis and the reaction
against Russia and for America—from the wrong place, of course, means I am
going up in the hearts of some countrymen. And now the Indians want me; they
prefer me all around the Prof. “Von Plotz” our “expert” in such
matters!
My host may be transferred to the new Agricultural Development Corp. which
will be of great use to me. Etc. Will probably write as soon as I can, advising
whether I am inflated, deflated, reflated or flated by the forthcoming
meetings. No, this ain’t Beatric Fairfax but it is to be continued.
October 16
Dear Jack:
This is my daily diarrhea or diary and I feel in a pun-ish, punnish manner,
such as saying “Happy Birthday to Me” for that event is on the
18th. I have not followed the prognostications of the saints, seers,
sadhus, Sufis and sages who said that Saturn would be off my belly or backbone
on that date. So far he has shown no signs of it. I did get an official report
that the Indians are “working” on my visa and here I am without a passport,
etc. The one nickname I never objected to was “Sorowy Lewis.” You can see
that left me with the same initials and fitted into my pun-ish punnish ways.
But alas, this one never took. I have been called all kinds of things but the
best way to avoid an offensive, offending name is to “do it yourself.”
I did not name all the members of the cabinet in my references because two
have retired and one is dead since I was there last. But maybe it is like my
description of the UAR civil service:
First requirement—be suspicious.
Second requirement—be efficient (the two are identical).
I am writing another letter to the Bank of America to release more Indian
rupees because today is payday for us. I have also written to my friend Satya
Agrawal and to the Embassy to forward mail here.
The news:
I have now spoken to about 50,000 people. These crazy birds never heard of
Prof. Von Plotz, excepting the top bananas and they would not give “him” a
visa for anything. “Only in America” we just luv his nice voice and his
sw-eet smile and he can’t possibly be wrong. This is due to the combination
of the Grace of Allah and the commies, but most of this has to be given to the
latter who advertised me all over. Now the Urdu papers are taking me up. Not
the top “Pakistani Times” which used to be commie operated and still one
high muck-a-muck is there. But the American press—and especially the veddy,
veddy anti-commies will continue to quote “Pakistan Times.”
Maybe I have been howling my head off. And my mail went astray and
“Newsweek” sent me a very favorable letter and Satevepost sent me an
acknowledgement. They were supposed to answer to New Delhi. So I have told
“Newsweek” all. I already did for Satevepost especially after they put that
b.s. article of Burdick and Lederer. You know my friends, Leonard Austin and
Gavin Arthur, who did not otherwise see eye to eye both promised to introduce
me to those gentlemen. I am still waiting. A big name plus commies is worth all
the truth in the world. Still if these are signs aforehead it may be something.
Pray for me, pray for me, prove for me, anything.
All my other mail to various Senators (whom I hunch will answer) and to
Washington authorities (place your bets) is directed to India. This is my fifth
encounter with the red-reds who aren’t going to bomb us but prick us to death
and we have no come-back. The more we look for another Pearl Harbor, the more
they will infiltrate and we can’t do that—protocol you know.
But all men are not diplomats or editors. The Legation here has accepted my
plan for apprenticing In the Food Processing industries and I have written to
the C. of C. on Pine St. The American Ex. has accepted in toto my tourism
plans. This is very encouraging.
I am more interested to find out if Sulzberger of N.Y Times and
do-it-too-Murrow will answer. If that guy does not, there is going to be some
fur flying and it won’t be mine. I did write Chet Bentley but again the
answer, if any, is at New Delhi. So I have written to send some mail here as I
don’t know when I leave.
While I am here with no rent to pay my rupees go along way.
Now Sunday some people came here to see what it was like to meet the
American whom my former teacher, now commie, was attending. By the time the
evening was over I got another lecture to a woman’s college. The teacher who
is arranging this is very beautiful and sometimes I get in places where “I
ain’t so dumb.” I have spoken to girls’ audiences before.
When there is a mixed group they either sit behind a screen or way in the
background and don’t like to speak. But again, the commies are in and I have
been warned I am going to be challenged. As it is a School of Domestic Science
(although college graduate level) I shall speak for ye good old U.S.A. (and gas
and electricity are cheaper in California.) I guess I’ll try to electrify
them and give them plenty of gas anyhow.
I have spoken to so many colleges now and met so many people that this neck
roll of “Ah Yaint, a saint” operates like a reality. I bet I can lick old
President Harding when it comes to hand shaking. And free tea! No wonder I went
out. My friends Paul Reps and Bryn Beorse could not stand the stomach
hospitality—they looked at it as hospital-ity.
Lahore is a very beautiful city and now “the heat is off.” Next I have
to go to the man who acts as Mayor here. He is also a big shot in the
In(f)ternal Revenue. I have to make out some forms even though I never earned
anything excepting Rs.10 given to m by a Sufi teacher, but as “there are no
Sufis” I guess I won’t have to declare that. Besides it was in a mosque for
preaching.
I also have to have some pictures. Well I asked for it. I am still hoping
for acknowledgment by the press in S.F. I have written to a lot of big-shots
and maybe, just maybe, I can get an interview with a cosmopolitan daily.
Meanwhile they prefer to quote from commie-controlled newspapers than take
first hand stuff from citizens abroad. This is the way to win the cold war, for
the Russians. Well profits are profits, and it is the American movies that are
paying the commie’s here. Quite a story. I never left Hollywood. And I
don’t’ know when I shall be where, beware,
S A M
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Lahore,
October 18
My dear Vocha and Bartlett:
This is my birthday and under other circumstances I should be “The
happiest man in the world.” Actually it is a comedy of errors with comedy
beating the errors all over. The Indian officials have held up my visa so I am
sitting without a passport, with my money in two other places, with my mail
directed to two other places, with my expenses way, way down while I am here
but with no reports not knowing what kind of budget I have and compelled to
“trust” hoping. Yet something has been thrown at me—and after and at a
time I am offered nothing but the greatest of courtesy and consideration, that
I do not know what to do.
While I did not meet President Ayub, over the phone he expressed his wish
that I assist in introducing the culture of this country into the U.S. Now so
much money and assistance has been offered I do not know where to begin or end.
I am throwing the ball back to his Excellency and according to his personal, or
official decision, my future may go up and up and up, at a time when it is
going up and up and up. This makes it most difficult to get anything into a
focus. I shall come back to that.
The whole upshot of communist infiltration into Sufism has been on the one
hand a vast increase in both lecture opportunities and offers; and on the other
the extreme seriousness which is given both to my personality and ideas. This
is such a reverse to the long years of absolute and a priori rejections that it
is hard for me to remain stable.
I have written to New Delhi to forward any mail on hand up to next week.
If there is not a letter from Ed Marrow there is going to be a real flare-up
and I do not mean maybe. To be summarily rejected and ejected at the Embassy
and within one month to be in “The White House” naturally brings up the
question, “How come?” The two letters from his services in Washington were
pale white-each with a perfume which becomes a stink. I have talked and talked
now to so many attachés and they admit they do not know what passes for
“Islam” in these parts. And yet the masses are fanatical over “Islam.”
Which calls up G. S.
I have certainly gained the good-will of both Pakistanis and Americans that
it is time to face this utter nonsense of calling in Europeans to “explain”
Asia to us. Already there are rumblings of difficulties with the so-called
“Peace Corps.” The Americans have their stooges with questions that will
not be answered. If the “Peace Corps” people do not resign we shall soon
see anti-American outbreaks. The papers are filled with articles calling for a
“united Islamic front.” There will be no such thing. The Egyptians have
called for such action again and again but Pakistan sends neither delegates nor
reporters.
I spoke to 10,000 people last week. It was a falling off from the 20,000 the
week before. But the 20,000 were disciples in Sufism—which our non-American,
non-Asians tell us has no strength; and the 10,000 were Sunnis and Shias with
more enthusiasm than education. On top of that we had another Sufi Prime
Minister visiting the White House last week. How much longer this travesty of
honesty will go on I do not know.
Newsweek definitely accepted my first report and Satevepost tentatively.
This was fine because their answers were supposed to go to India and reached me
here.
This coming Saturday I discuss with the Asia Foundation my plan for training
apprentices I the food-processing industry. This was tentatively accepted at
the Legation and notes were taken for Secretary Freeman. I have sent same to C.
of C. in S.F. but by the guile of writing it to “Mr. Big” who is my friend
and letting them get the copy. I am putting all the pressures now on friends,
arming them with facts and facts.
Last week I also visited American Express Co. which will cash checks for me
until I get out. And they accepted in toto my plan for tourism—which is
pliable and can be used for any part of Asia, or even more extensively. I got
nowhere with the Pakistani authorities. I am to be present it at New York or
S.F. whichever I reach first.
I meet people in the streets all over and this always means another lecture.
I have tentatively agreed to speak at the Govt. Art College next week where my
topic will be on the meaning of architecture and the decorative arts in the
world of today. There will be a special plug for the Rudolph Schaeffer School
in San Francisco and for all the movements which extended from Sullivan of
Chicago. I shall also speak on the relation of the Keyser-Reiser philosophy to
these movements, in regard to space, movement, harmony, etc., etc.
Now I have had three offers of collaboration from Sufis here. All of them
occupy positions in society so out of line with what is taught in the U.S. it
is totally and absolutely ridiculous. I was almost ashamed when I mentioned
Sufism that one of the attaches went out and purchased a book by the English
Arberry. Oh, yes, if you want your degree you had better. He offers an
excellent approach to the ideal philosophy of a thousand years ago and tells
you absolutely nothing of today. Yet I have been to Ashraf, which is in Lahore
and world famous for its stock of books on Sufism. And the city is full of
Sufis, some right within short walking distance of the Legation.
All of the men who want to come to the U.S. are independently wealthy—and
this excludes all the big men I have met previously. The amount of money they
have expressed willing to put forth in their efforts is staggering. For the
moment I do not know where to begin but shall write President Ayub.
Universities. I have written and will write against the American
college and university method of honoring degrees in Orientalia from Canada,
Great Britain, Holland, Germany and even sundry parts of Europe over such
degrees in either Asian or American universities! I was challenged about the
availability of Pakistanis to speak English. I remember that old Sokei-an was
rejected because his English was not good enough but when I visited a leading
university I found a Hungarian refugee, Jewish on top of that, in charge of
Islamics and his English would make Sokei-an of Senzaki sound like Wilson or
Churchill! Whom do you think we are fooling?
I can name school after school and professor after professor begging for
money to further their courses in comparative religion or Orientalia who never
answer letters but beg and beg and beg. What is one supposed to do?
I spent a whole hour with one of the USTA officials on the subject of valid
interchange in the in the cultures of Pakistan and U.S. and he did not know
much about Pragmatism, G.S., Peizce, Keyser or Darcy. (What am I going to tell
Ed Murrow?) So I went down to the library. I had to spend over an hour in the
library with the Chief on the relation of modern psychoanalysis methods with
oriental and religious ones—this was more delectable because there was
communication. I found that the library, like the others I have visited, may
have actual books on Asiatica but their works on modern philosophy are tops. I
am reading one and read the article on Semantics. The writer was so objective
and so much against the ‘”General Semanticists” that I glanced to see his
name Rappoport! Knock me over with a feather and bake me for a clam.
I have told Asia Foundation and the American Friends of the Middle East that
the last thing I propose is to raise funds for any rival organisation. Now what
to do? I need Semanticists; this country needs Semanticists. Maybe I’ll write
Rappoport but I shall distinctly insist that no Californians are wanted or
admitted unless they have degrees in at least one basic science, and not
psychology! I have cried for chemists, physicists, even medical doctors. The
description of operational methods is not operational. (Incidentally all the
articles on Logics and modern movements are very, very good—and this does not
mean I shall agree with them.)
I am now strong enough to go to the Berkeley Campus and compel the Near East
section to accept facts. The Department for South Asian Studies does. I shall
continue to argue for the true integration of Zen and Mahayana. I don’t care
what the whole kit-and-crew of Englishmen and Europeans say; if instead of
looking inside their heads they examine some of the ruins here, it is so
obvious that Meditation Buddhism existed long long before Bodhi-dharma, and the
architecture reflects the philosophy. And incidentally we had quite a
discussion on the relation of architecture to both philosophy and function at
the Arts College. (I am already known now for my talks on Arabic art and I am
not expertタ??but I am far, far from a speculator or an opportunist.)
Visited Shalimar yesterday. It is lovely at this time of the year. Had the
time to observe details. The advanced engineering there proves beyond a doubt
that Europeans had very little to do with Taj. I went over the brick work, the
cornices, the fountains and engineering, with wonder and admiration.
Just now an interruption. I have to speak Friday at a woman’s college of
Domestic Arts and Sciences. The teacher under whose auspices I function is in
the art department. Actually there is an under-current of Russian vs. U.S.
which I think I can handle.
How far the arts can be used in the betterment of world understanding I do
not know. Certainly the last word has not been said by either East or West….
We visited a saint’s tomb and by intuition I picked up his character.
Although a Sufi, he used veritable Zen methods and had some of the greatest
disciples in this part of the world.
There is some discussion of the future, agitation over wars and what not. As
I have observed, it is the “peace-loving” nations that are busy killing off
each other at the moment.
If the physicists and chemists since 1894 had been like the professional
humanists, sceptics and literati, there would have been no radium, no atomic
sciences, no radionics and electronics. It was by observation and acceptance of
the “unusual” that the keys to the behaviour of the usual were found. Even
today all inorganic chemistry is taught with the same approaches as organic
chemistry. Where does life begin?
I have seen enough sages and mystics and Khalandars to know that we have not
studied the “rare-earth” types or the radio-active types among human
beings. We talk about anti-Aristotalianism but are bound by the same time and
space-psychologically. The possibility of their being spaces and spatialities
around us comes in the words but not in the consciousness. There may be many
kinds of fourth-dimensional consciousness according to our definition of
fourth-dimension. The possibility, nay the probability of unusual types coming
to America may set off some commotion. We shall, of course, try to
“normalise” them. But radioactivity is now ubiquitous and people with
strange faculties may not continue as did the one-eyed man who got into
Wells’ kingdom of the blind. We cannot have world understanding so long as we
wish to remain ourselves the measuring sticks, the callipers, the micrometers.
The Russians and we are both trying to potter-clay the rest of the world. And
all propagandists put mikes in their mouths and wax in their ears. I fear for
the Peace Corps.
“Time” had an excellent article over the comparative agronomics of the
Iron Curtain and the West; this was very objective and may put a crimp on those
parrots who emote that Russia is ahead in that and this and the other.
Objective studies, impersonal and honest, are needed and they can be our
strength.
I am not going to worry anymore about receptions. I wanted the strength of
integrity and honesty. Now I am getting, inshallah, the strength of moneys. If
they are released here they are not going into the hands of the emotionalists,
the ego-centric and the sycophants. I think each philosophy should be examined
on its own merits or demerits; and each type of exotic or aberrational
personality at its own merits or demerits. To be democratic does not mean to
reduce us to a common clay. (I sound like Stevenson at times and maybe I ought
to.)
It looks like 10 days more here and I am only hoping I can catch up with my
typing. Only I do not know what mail may be awaiting me, and après news
le deluge! (Wow, that ought to be patented.) Incidentally, news about Gavin
very shaky. Have written Hugo, hoping he is still with us. Well his prophecies
have come true.
I only hope I can return this side up.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
S A M
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Lahore,
October 22
My Dear Norman:
This is my diary. It is late at night. I have had to remain in Lahore. The
Indian foreign office, not knowing whether to grant me a 3-month or 6-month
visa has equivocated by granting neither and I am stuck while bureaucrats
bureaucrat. This has knocked my schedule sky-high but it is also showing signs
of knocking my pocket-book sky-high. For there is one thing very certain about
these non-existing Sufis. They certainly have it in the pocket-book as well as
in the heart.
Today I reap my karma about phant-Asia versus real Asia. I am, of course,
assuming that the people who are going to fête me and promise what I am going
to write about are real. Let us start with accepting their bank-accounts as
real. Charles Moore and Louis Gainsborough, of course, deny that there are
Sufis but would be quite willing to receive some of their largess.
The Khalandar. In this country a man fights for his sister, not for
his wife. When partition took place and the Indians left here (the other side
did the same) some Louis the Bimp got hold of properties, sold them right and
left, and then left and right, collected and opted for the opposite side with
plenty of plenty. This put the Khalandar’s sister in a fix because she has
been living in a house also sold to somebody else, and on the same day, so
nobody knows who has the property and Brother has been in court going to
bat.
My conclusion is that I shall probably return to Pakistan after India and
Malaya and return via Karachi and New York unless there is some break. I have
so written to the Stices.
Major Sadiq is in more or less of the same fix and in the same
general district. He is my host and brother Sufi. He owns plenty of plenty. I
have been to one of his farms and there is a palace on it. He showed me the
palace and told me its history. It is now managed by one of his brothers.
He has also introduced me to the head of the new Agricultural Development
Corporation and may be transferred therein. We are trying to get the
President’s promise and blessing to send him to America. As the Major has
been in Rawalpindi he may even have called on Ayub. If so this will be added
before being mailed.
Malik Abdul Hamid Khan has plenty of plenty, far more than the
others. He and the Major are my hosts. He told me he has no family any more but
one son who is now well heeled. We have invited the American Legation, the A.
Friends of the Middle East, Asia Foundation and the ICA to a tea Sunday to
discuss real two-way cultural exchange. I do not know how many will come. The
Malik will provide the food. The Malik will provide everything but ideas. The
Americans may offer ideas. This is not done you know but we doo’d it.
Mass Meetings. Between the Major and the Malik I have had two mass
meetings, one of 20,000 disciples in (non-existent) Sufism. The other 10,000 of
Shias and Sunnis. Meanwhile I am invited to Sufi gatherings and to colleges.
Boy, you should have been with me today. Nothing but lovelies, a whole
college of them and I the speaker and only one other man there. And did I get
an ovation. The girls were much more intelligent than the boys whom I have
addressed. And I was in wonderful form. With the abating of the heat my health
has reached perfection. Besides I have had with me the unamalgamated
association of saints, Sufis, sadhus, seers and sages some of whom did not go
to college and none of whom went to universities in Europe, England or Canada.
How come! Anyhow they psyched me for this month and it is coming out
exactly.
But when the Malik put his stuff to me the other day—my birthday too—I
nearly fell over. He has offered so much in the financial way, but gives two
years to work out the program. So Sunday we meet and discuss. Already President
Ayub has given his ideas; we now need his blessing.
Dr. Robert Blum was injured here when he was going to Ayub to get ideas.
Anyhow tomorrow I meet Mr. Metz at Asia Foundation and place before him my idea
for apprentices in certain industries. The legation backs me up. Everybody
backs me up now. No Uncle Louies, no Landaus, no Spiegelbergs, just Americans
and Pakistanis and they are with me to a man, and woman. And we ought to meet
some conclusion on Sunday.
Anyhow, so far as you are concerned I shall look in all directions Mr.
Kibbee, the USIA director here is also of African descent and is the only USIA
man I can positively recommend. Instead of filling the people up with Bach,
Beethoven, Brahms and Tennessee Williams he gives them folk songs and square
dancing. He actually mingles! He does not sit in an ivory tower and use
microphones. It is almost impossible to believe. He really wants to win the
cold war.
Next week I have been informed will be my investiture as a Sufi Murshid.
This is going hard on my erstwhile personal enemies in the S.F. Bay area. This
had a long history. I entered the Sufi center (which could not be) and found it
occupied by commies. Why not? Under our European professors who give us the
degrees these people don’t exist or are knaves and fools. What better place
for a hide-out; and for plotting against the Peace Corps. Well Lewises rush in
where fools and angels alike fear to tread. They attacked me; the non-existent
Sufis gave me a feast; they attacked me some more; the non-existing Sufis gave
me a party; the attacks continued and the non-existing Sufis gave me a
mass-meeting. And so on.
Now with the accumulation of popularity, fame and éclat, this possibility
of financial support comes up. Well the unamalgamated society of Sufis, sadhus,
saints, sages and seers have long predicted it and given me their blessings. I
cannot walk anywhere without being greeted.
Rom Landau may talk about Baraka but he has never been here and he would not
believe if he saw; he would say it is a put-up job.
Well I’ll do the praying and we shall see. But if there is an overflow $$
as well as an overflow audience, I know Barkis is willing, meaning you. Just
sit tight; this is still a prayer and not a promise, but the Ides of October
have been excellent.
And 65 or not, give me another college of lovelies. Won’t you join
me?
S A M
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Lahore
October 25
My Dear Harry:
So much has happened during the last month that I feel it imperative to go
over all my notes and reports. My journey here is the result of my reading too
much fiction concerned with the region and so much of my life is now concerned
with events either paralleling that fiction or so much more exciting or
interesting, at least to me that I want to re-write and revaluate. In short,
fame is already here and prosperity looks very close. I have spoke to over
50,000 people and there is another mass meeting for me Tuesday at which time I
shall either be given a title or official recognition. These titles and
recognitions are hardly the type one can get from a university abroad,
accredited or not; and if it were not for the accidental or divine walking into
the communist cell, some of the deeper parts of my nature would not have come
out. But the Legation here is with me and not only with me in this but in my
not so merry mix-up.
Weeks and weeks ago I applied for a visa for India. Not only whether to
grant a six-months or three-months visa. They slept over it. When finally the
American Friends of the Middle East, the Embassy and delegation got after them
they passed the buck to New Delhi. On top of that I have had no word from New
Delhi and I am half afraid they may do the same thing as the Karachi Embassy
did, send my mail back! Then the fir or fur will fly, because by this time both
our Senators know what I am doing and am up against.
By favourite accident I did receive two letters which were sent to my
Abbottabad address. One was from Newsweek accepting my report on communist
infiltration, which happened before I walked into it. But it is the most
unfortunate thing even in the cold war that a newsman’s imagination may start
a war, but if Protestant missionaries saw a whole army enter another country,
it would mean simply that Mr. Alsop, or his brother, would write another
article complaining the situation. The old adage, hit-them-where-they–ain’t
is one we cannot officially accept and those darn nice, protocol observing
communists would not do anything like that, despite Korea, Viet Minh, Laos and
Afghanistan, and pushing young parolees, what’s the next article and go and
build your bomb shelter which means more money for the account people. You
don’t see Russians building bomb shelters here because that is honestly what
they won’t do. We have mind players out-fielding and they are bunting and
they keep on bunting and bunting and we have no real short stops (indian
variety).
Peace Corps and Peshawar University. We have a fine bunch of men from
Colorado State U. and they have intelligence and experience and all tied up
tightly in red tape. Ted Thatcher, graduated from U. C. in Forest Entomology
and this is badly needed but what is he doing? Arranging scientific courses and
training Peace Corps! They have some system at the University. The Forestry and
Agriculture Colleges give all their courses each separate from the other and so
duplicate each other and the rest of the campus. The Engineering colleges
duplicate nothing, sending their students to the really well equipped physics
and chem. labs and requiring the upper division students to walk from one
building to another for such courses as sanitary engineering, dam building etc.
It is terrible to say they make these men walk—even 100 yards!
Salinity. Thank God the experts have been here. Now Germany is
sending experts. Russia has been sending them in since before I arrived and is
still sending them in. The leading paper using English, “Pakistan Times”
was pro-communist and is now just anti-American. They have blamed us, through
misprints for every error made by anybody and everybody in Katanga. I still
have visit Riverside and will go more deeply into saline tolerant plants. I
understand there is one variety of cotton. This information I may be able to
get at Berkeley, too.
Food Processing. I had a bright idea after visiting Takht Bhai for
sending a dozen Pakistanis to the S.F. Bay region to learn different types of
food processing—canning, packing, grading, etc. My idea became brighter and
brighter. Anyhow after I walked into the Communist net suddenly everybody began
to listen to me on everything and this idea took on. Notes were taken and soon
passed to Secretary Freeman who has been here.
I have since written in detail to James Wilson of the C. of C. and also
discussed it with Asia Foundation. Many of our big corporations such as
Calpack, American Can, Citrus Industries, etc. give money to Asia Foundation,
etc. to help Asian students. Now I suggest they train apprentices from this
country and get some kind of income tax alleviation. But if they invest, or if
machinery is sold here there would be the proper type of personnel. I would not
only be glad to discuss this with you, I think it may be a must before I go
down to San Jose, or even visit Stanford Research.
I have also written to my foster sister’s husband who is an old hand in
the field. I do not expect or need answers through the mails but I need
conferences before I run off unprepared to any of the industries involved.
Afghan Situation. I am not getting into the politics. Until the break
between the two countries Afghanistan grew practically all the melons, Grapes,
Cucurbits and other items. There is no diversified farming here. When the crops
are too great there is spoilage; when too small there is depression.
The University of Peshawar is one of the largest in Asia and perhaps
the most poorly organized. There is duplication so much I can pun Botany-Botany
who’s got Botany. Boy you never saw a place with so many Botany
teachers—four different departments that I know of and I did not look around.
This includes only those who use English in the class room!
I visited Warsak Dam, the whole staff of which has been trained by my
friend, Prof. Durand. He is a fiction-like character in himself. His existence
belies our whole teaching about Islam and India, mostly by big men who do not
go there, and whose knowledge, outside of books, is totally superficial. And
incidentally I have had the not too enjoyable experience of breaking down every
one of the Americans here to find they do not know much about Asiatics and are
given little chance to learn after they get here.
Pashto Academy. This has by far the best and most scientific section.
It is directed by my friend, Maulana Abdal Qadir whom I met in San Francisco
years ago. He has been most cooperative in arranging both lectures and social
contacts. My theme, “Oriental Philosophy and Modern Science” has gone over
everywhere.
Takht Bhai. I have written that I expected to visit the best farm
using modern methods. It is owned and managed by Sattar and Jamshyd Khan and my
existence there was definitely idyllic. Sugar is a 10 months crop. Takht Bhai
is Persian for mountain spring, and there used to be a big spring from which
water was drawn for the Buddhist monasteries on one of the hills within the
Khan’s land. The places have long since been in ruins, but excellent
architecture. I only hope I can visit the place again for a longer stay, for
many reasons.
The Khans plant only on rows and hills and never broadcast. They stagger the
planting to establish a rhythmic program for their workers, the most happy I
have seen in Pakistan. They use two composts, one of decayed vegetable matter
and the other buffalo dung. Those are spread on the ground and superphos is
added before planting. This family goes in much heavier for organics than is
usual in Pakistan. They also have an excellent system of green manuring.
The soil is known to be high in K but low in P and N. This shows up in poor
Maize and not much better in Sorghum.
I stop here and am going to Lyallpur to visit the Agricultural Research
College and may continue tonight or tomorrow night.
October 26. I am now in Lyallpur living up to my new nickname,
Tarfusan. My affairs have become so complex I simply can do nothing but
sit by but when I return, if I return to Lahore tomorrow, I shall have to get
the diplomatic circles running—no mail, no money, no passport, no visa, and
on the other hand another grand public mass meeting coming up. The plane
changed its schedule without notification. I came by express bus several hours
later and did find my putative host at a late hour. He was Prof. of
Agricultural Engineering but went into private business some time back. The
motto could be “Tarfusan mindabad” but I hate to translate that.
Takht Bhai, Sugar. In my original notes I wrote that I thought Copper
would help in the solving of certain two-way equilibria in Sugars and
information thereof. Since then I have had this confirmed from a book on Soils
which I left behind. I got this from the USIA library and it has so many
important notes—not lengthy, but important, I shall copy them out verbatim.
Magnesium also seems to play a role here, but to a lesser extent.
The Khan brothers have worked out an excellent system giving dignity to what
has been caste. And if there is any place you have caste it is outside India
where, not being recognized, it is not unlawful. The chief librarian at USIA
complained to me that since working for the Americans as librarian he has lost
caste and face. Because they pay him well it is even worse for then he is a
materialist and that makes him unsure of his salvation. So he gave up his
religion and that put him further outside the pale. You see, Harry, I can’t
resist a pun—to counterbalance Basic Democracy there isGold
Democracy.
But at Takht Bhai everyone is given dignity and the man who was the proudest
was operating tractors and plows. These damned fools—instead of purchasing
the latest equipment which are exceedingly technical and for which it is
difficult to get parts and mechanics, they have gone out and bought 1940 models
and operate them at less cost and with easier repairs and parts. Business is
business, no caste, no dignity, and prosperity for them is not around the
corner, it is here.
Neighbors please don’t copy. Complain and ask for foreign aid.
I had two long talks with the Editor of “Khyber Mail” in Peshawar on the
Sugar industry. We have the answers in America, but between the political
complications, “There is no god but protocallah” and the casteless
societies, what a job! Also what an opportunity!
Paradise Regained. The Khans have the most beautiful garden I have
ever been in. Eden style. I did not see anybody there, not even a snake, but
just one horse and sometimes his groom. The dominant fruit is a pear. It is
firm and hard but sweet. Easy when unripe it is not acrid, and even when ripe
there are some pectins in it but the sugars are greater. The esters increase
with ripening and it changes color very, very slowly. I saved some seeds and I
hope I don’t forget to smuggle them. The great advantages of it include
firmness for packing, long period of edibility; the variations of taste do not
decrease palatability. It is excellent with milk and sugar. But if the canning
industry ever gets it you will see a “revolution.”
The Dates were just coming out. There were a few Bananas but several Prune
and Pome types. There is now a Quince-like fruit on the market but I have not
examined it. Okra was grown in profusion but it looked like an ornamental.
Outside of Roses I do not recall any flowers in particular, the place being one
of Trees and Shrubs, not herbs and vines.
Tarnab Farm is supposed to be the largest successful experimental
station in West Pakistan. The tree stand is equal to anything I have ever seen,
and the best Roses anywhere. Unfortunately all the soil men, chemists and fruit
men were away including my putative host, so I do not know either the
supposition of program.
It was between season for vegetables. They have two crops a year. Cabbages
do fine but are not relished. Cauliflower is and the market is now full of
them. Their methods of cooking and serving are quite different from ours and
they do not seem to have as much sulfur and gas. At least I have never smelled
them nor had any stomach distress from overeating. Green vegetables are not
grown much. The Pakistanis do not care for them and the Americans do not eat
raw vegetables. (Incidentally, Tarfuzan missed the best Tomatoes growing
country. When you are a guest, try to get away. They treat you wonderfully; you
have a superb time and then have to fight your way out.
Plant Protection. At Takht Bhai they use aeroplanes in massive spray
operations. This is safe on cane but would hardly do for edibles. With regard
to Locusts you may remember I told you there was an international convention.
The bugs were not invited so they came after it was all over to clean up. The
result was feasts for the poor of cities who ate the Locusts but curses from
the Farmers. C’est la guerre.
Peaches are attacked by Ispenoptera dadkhine (not sure of the names). There
is a spray called “Dimicron” which is 100% successful. Toxaphene, the
second best, is only 50% satisfactory and other sprays less so. The Fruit Fly
is the general pest and they use Malathion, Dieldrin and Toxaphene, all of
which are satisfactory.
There is Paralla potiasilla (?) a homopter, controlled by aerial sprays with
Endrin, very good. And Thibolrea enticatell, controlled by Malathion and
Endrin. These last two seem effective on most pests.
There is both interest and success in Potato-growing and I must say this is
a fine cooked vegetable. The soils around Tarnab are lighter in texture and
have sufficient K. At Takht Bhai they have the two manures and superphos before
planting and Ammosulph later, but at Tarnab other fertilizers are used but
could not get report because soil man and chemists were absent.
The book above referred to is much concerned with the humus problem and even
in today’s paper there is attack on modern methods which destroy humus. This
is very serious.
My Host, Major Sadiq is not only a military man but a spiritual
healer. He has performed miracles—and I can call them miracles, for strange
to say they only seem to occur in the presence of a medical doctor. The
other "cures" have not impressed me but some may be real.
He took me to one of his farms and I learned he is a very wealthy man. (I
also adopted another nickname for my return: "Cashinova and his home-coming."
For instance he has a whole palace on the farm he took me to. He asked me for
advice and I told him Tobacco and Cotton. He beamed. He has a fine and small
stand of Tobacco. The Cotton plants were excellent, equal to any I have seen.
The whole ecological world agreed with me and they have three-story buildings
for housing insects of various species, but this has resulted in a tenement
problem. He has done no spraying, but all other plants were remarkably free
from pests.
Well Harry, you learned me well, for I spoke against Sugar especially
broadcasting, and Maize and Sugar does not pay and Maize tarfued. I also urged
two crops a year, but he has his winter Wheat and it is doing well. My
suggestion is for an Herb and Medicinal Plant farm of which there are none in
Pakistan. The Major is a friend of many doctors—there are four schools of
medicine and all herb gathering is incidental and accidental. I see a grand
opportunity here. I warned against competing with ordinary crops such as Rice,
Maize, common fruits, but he could use a few Olives and might try Avocadoes.
The trouble with these visits is that everybody wants me to become a farm
adviser and “I wanna come home”—but read above!
Yesterday was a holiday. World Series cricket game. Everything is not wrong
here. And we are introducing basket-ball!
I have revisited the tombs of Jahangir and Asaf Khan, and Shalimar Gardens.
These were, in a sense, a gigantic WPA program, putting a multitude to work.
The tomb region has strictly formal gardens, basically lawns, a few trees,
practically no flowers, and only a modicum of engineering. The brick work is
not so good but there is excellent marble carving and some fair painting. The
Shalimar gardens were a dream. The general outlay is the same but the lawn is
the backdrop to the trees. In both places the Ficus formed the foundations,
functioning somewhat as our Live Oaks on the East Coast and undoubtedly being
very aged as well as extending shade. But at Shalimar the spaces between are
filled with varieties of smaller trees and large shrubs. Palms are found in
both. At Shalimar you have Oleanders and of several colors.
The Coleus was not very presentable, sometimes. The Croton excellent. Phlox
were going out and Roses were just coming in. The Roses are pruned as if they
were shrubs. In Japan they are treated as vines. This means there is often a
mass of lower branches, some not too healthy. But I have seen few evidences of
the “Persian Rose” method. This is the use of leaders and trimming away
branches.
Lahore is undoubtedly one of the great garden cities of the world. I have
not been able to fill my program. Since contacting the consulate I have been
publicly attacked and publicly acclaimed. I have a third presentation coming up
next week. I hope it is the last. I have not only spoken at colleges for men
only and educational institutions but addressed between 200-300 lovelies last
week. And I brought the house down. It was just after my birthday—my passport
says I am 65, but I do not look or feel or act like it. Anyhow the lecture must
have been a success for next night I came home to find six other lovelies
waiting for me. They want me to go to their college, but “for reasons of
state” I declined.
In the meanwhile I have been the guest of Malik Abdul Hamid Khan who is the
“ill-Rogers” Mayor of the Cantonment socially and the Doheny financially.
He is very anxious to liquidate some or all of his holdings, turning the rest
to his family and coming to the U.S. He has oodles, the Major has plenty and I
am also awaiting the strange figure—Pir Khalandar Alfaqir Zulfaqir Ali Shah
Nastan—who walks right out of the Arabian Nights. He also has a large sum
which he wants to translate into ze dollaire and travel in the U.S. He has few
disciples, two tops in the Pakistan International Airlines and another as
Justice of the Supreme Court.
Anyhow we are awaiting word from his nibs, ze President and Field Marshal
Ayub Khan and in his hands my fate awaits—heads, Cashinova, tails Casinova.
(The pun remains.) But the home-coming, I am Tarfuzan.
For “light reading” I am going over Grass, the 1948 USDA book. It
is so different now. I enjoy it thoroughly and find it excellent reading.
I have a letter from John Thomas Howell. I sent him a check to contribute to
wild-flower preservation and I am to see him also after I return but you first,
my dear Alfonse. I have written my exploits to the American Friends of the
Middle East, World Affairs Council, South Asian Department of U. C. and on
special subjects to other contacts in the Bay Area. Also more recently to
Washington. Newsweek accepted my tentative report and Satevepost acknowledged
one. But with my mail astray I don’t know what. Anyhow I have given all the
dirt to Chet Huntley whom I know when.
I am now in Lyallpur and spent the morning at the Agr. Exp. College. It is
connected with Punjabi U. The soil man refused absolutely to give me any
information. A few moments later I met Prof. Larson, exchange man from
Washington State, and before I could ask him any questions he put the whole
thing in front of me, just like that! However, for details I must go to their
headquarters in Lahore, so there will be a follow-up program….. I found later
that the soil man is not a graduate of these parts and, as I suspected, a
refugee. This is not against him but his psychology was neither “Islamic”
(i.e. hospitable) nor scientific. But even the Washington State reports are not
sufficient and if this kind of thing continues there will be waste in
experimentation and appropriation (especially the last.)
My relations with Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Kausar, Plant Pathologist, were of
exactly the opposite nature. He is a graduate both of Punjabi U. and Minnesota.
He gave me Investigations of Plant Diseases which I shall either mail or
bring. Roughly speaking they go in more for Disease Control here and Pest
Control at Tarnab. Neither is there too much duplicating in all branches of
science. But here there is a university attached, the laboratories are clean
and well-equipped and the students whom I met looked dignified and much more
serious and scientific minded than any of others in Pakistan. This I think is
at least partly due to the combination of the guidance by Washington State
(Carl Larson as above) and that most of the profs have had terms abroad either
in research or exchange under some U.S. program.
I was guided by Prof. Ashraf who is both Botanist and Plant
Pathologist—this I think is excellent because sometimes today men become such
specialists that they do not always get together. We had somewhere along the
line discussions on that. The reason Australians do not evaluate them is
because there are diseases at home. Because seeds and not cuttings are shipped
and because of the rigid quarantine of other lands one finds far better Rose in
this sub-continent, America and even south Europe than in their homeland. The
same is true for other reasons of Acacias. On the other hand—verifying books
I have read, Ashraf assured me that California Pines grow much better Down
Under. No wonder landscaping in Calif. Is devoted to “septentrional” trees
and there they use our things.
Prof. Kausar understands the relation of diseases to trace elements. Sulphur
is in short supply. With the high pH there has never been any experimenting
with raw S and my visit may lead to this. There has been only limited work with
Gypsum. While our books are filled with data on cation exchange there is little
on anion exchange. Here the anions are usually dioxides (in saline soils) and
carbonates in dry soils. There is need for study and correction. (My, am I
getting technical and an expert, but on God knows what!)
This leads—and it was my deduction—to diseases of Cucurbits, Downy
Mildew in some parts, Powdery on the Plains, the latter being corrected by
Sulphur compounds. Copper compounds are used, of course, in corrections but
there is no report on either of these in the soils and the method of adding
Iron Sulphate also by sprays has been very effective. Remember this is high pH,
Potassium soils. I have copied the name of Commonwealth Scientific &
Research Industrial Research Organization, 314 Albert St., East Melbourne, C.2.
I shall try to find more at the Embassy or Legation in New Delhi. I think you
should have their Botany books. Please make a note and remind me when I
return.
But the great thing—and they call it The Eighth Wonder of the World
comes in cross-breeding Grasses of different Genomes. Harry, I got an
eye-full—pun Eye-full-tower and no nonsense. They crossed an annual Millet
which grows 20’ with a perennial Napier grass and have a 24’ (twenty four
foot) “mulatto” which gives seven or eight crops a year hay. It is sterile
but can easily be reproduced by cuttings, acting in this way as a perennial. I
never saw anything like it.
They crossed Sorghum vulgare with Sudan Grass producing a breed which the
cows enjoy, sweetening the milk. Differing from Tarnab their Sorghum is very,
very sweet and its products are used as an alternative for Sugar Cane. This
opens up vast possibilities. The whole field of crossing grasses thus presents
itself, and what may come therefrom. If I did not complete the survey of this
place it was because of the emotional effects and vast possibilities.
I don’t know whether to wait and add more or send this as is. I am waiting
for my host, former Agricultural Engineer Sheikh Mahabood Alia but I certainly
want to see more of this place. We had a long discussion on the need for
botanical and agricultural literature and a shorted one on Avocados, but I see
no good in sending seeds here with incomplete reports. So far as the literature
is concerned, if I return by New York I shall take this up at once.
Good-bye for the moment,
November 1, 1961
My dear Florie:
Please, this is Sam Lewis, not E. Phillips Oppenheim and I beg you to Ripley
although it may look like Baron Munchhausen. I am still in Lahore, My passport
she is, but where she is two Embassies, one Consulate and one High Commissioner
cannot say and I cannot leave without it. Unless I go straight home. Which is
also possible.
My money she is, but where she is is a question. No mail has been received
but the Embassy at New Delhi. My mail she might be but where she might be dunno
from nothin’. No word from Satya Agrawal, and I have had to send long
distance and special mail to Delhi to locate Agrawal, to locate my mail, to
locate my passport, whether I get a short, long or intermediary visa to
India.
Then the communists. There being no Sufis what better place for them to
hide. And they have been after me. The result was two vast mass meetings and a
lot of other meetings, but last night they were at least particularly
successful in sabotaging a third mass meeting, so that the audience was much
smaller and the ceremonial was definitely and deliberately interfered with. So
even if our Zionist and European professors of Islamics deny the existence of
the Sufis, the political attachés have had to admit they are. And then the
Sufi teacher went back to Dacca, coincidentally at the same time the Peace
Corps. As the conspiracy, if so it can be called, was against them and not
particularly against me, we shall see what we shall see and I am either mad or
made.
The last letter received came by mistake from Newsweek which accepted my
reports. I have written two senators, three Congressmen, five letters to the
State Department and four to publications and commentators—at least. No
answers excepting again by mistake, one from Senator Kuchel was sent to
Abbottabad. As I am an American and a presumable vote, I think Tom Kuchel is
more likely to listen to me than the sundry Europeans and Zionists who insist
that Sufis ain’t, no matter what non American University they graduated
from.
I have long passed the 50,000 mark in my audiences. I have spoken to so many
college students. Now many, especially girls, have been coming for advice,
which is out of my line. And some want to be my Sufi disciples, a matter which
I look upon with extreme delicacy because mysticism is mysticism and not
psychoanalysis or psycho synthesis.
Finally the wealthy Sufi has offered to come to my aid and this time I am
accepting and accepting openly and fully. Bearing the full consequences and if
Allah wishes we have a mosque or anything else it may come but not in the way
man insists, only in the way Allah wishes.
I have been to Lyallpur and saw some wonderful advances in Agronomy and
Agriculture. I have since visited the CIC staff and am satisfied with the
personal but hopelessly akilter with the methodology—red tape and protocol.
This leaves me with a free field.
I have already met the head of the new Agricultural Development Corporation
and the second in command wishes to see me and soon. This means a letter to
Admiral Evenson. I have about completed my survey but it looks now as if I
shall come back after a sortie into India and Malay. I wish it and everybody
wishes it; this means coming back by New York and, unless we fly, it means
stopping in UAR again where I shall continue earlier efforts and perhaps see
Asara, inshallah.
My physical health has been fine partly due to better weather, but
emotionally and psychically I am hard put. I else have the enigma of my mother
not knowing whether she is alive or dead and if dead, whether I have been
summoned home.
I have now spoken to over 50,000 people and am not counting any more,
assuming that many of my audiences here will include repeats. I have given some
…[?]. My own…[?]. This afternoon hope to visit one of the shrines again. I
am learning a lot about Baraka from firsthand experience. End of Diary.
November 5, 1961
My dear Uncle and Aunt:
Recently I adopted the nickname of “Tarfuzan.” Tarfu is the old
war word “Things are really fouled up.” Never in my life have things ever
been so fouled up but please don’t come to any decision, for I did not say
that things were bad. I cannot complain about my health and in some ways I
cannot even complain. As I have said, ”I asked for it.” I did not want
boredom; I haven’t got boredom.
In the month of August I met the Asst. High Commissioner of India and asked
about a visa and he said he would help me. Bye-bye-blackbird. I trusted him,
this dear trusting soul of me and I filled out one of their forms, no two and
sent six pictures and money, fortunately registered and I have the registered
receipt. That’s all I have.
Tomorrow I shall write to the former Secretary of State and the present
Asst. Secretary of State (or rather “Ministry Foreign Affairs”). Of course
home I don’t know nothin’ from nobody. And I have a friend in parliament
but he is leader of the opposition and if he ever heard, wow! So I can’t
leave Pakistan, I can’t go home—unless, which is quite probable, I get
special diplomatic immunity—and, of course, I can’t proceed to other
lands.
Mail. My host in India has disappeared. I received a wire from his
wife that he had to see his dying father. That’s all I received. He gave me
three addresses and I have written to all three to have my mail forwarded. No
soap.
Money. I had the Bank of America send me rupees both to the host and
to the Embassy. Yes! No! where, oh where has my doggy gone? Anyhow I have
written to their representative in Delhi saying that not only haven’t I not
gotten the Rupees, but I have not dollar reports either.
The Consulate he gave me an introduction to American Express. Actually I was
“in” all ready because one of my spiritual brothers had already introduced
me. So they agreed to cash checks. But when one does not know one’s balance,
one hates to go ahead. I am sure it is ample. But, and besides—if anything is
clear or later in this letter I have failed to communicate.
Meanwhile another spiritual brother, Major M. Sadiq, has been looking after
me in his home so all I have to spend money for is mail, clothing, mail, mail,
more mail and reading matter and still more mail. In the meanwhile also my
fellow-conspirator and spiritual brother, Malik Abdul Humid Khan has come to my
rescue with Rupees so I stand up and with no net expenses here and income on
the U.S. side, I must have a substantial balance, (from my father) excluding my
own money which I have not touched and for which John L. Rockwell has the bank
book in San Rafael.
To make things more Tarfu, my credit cards—Bank of America and Diners Club
should be in the mail not forwarded. With then I could go to several luxury
hotels, and just sign slips. Hold everything—that is only the beginning. You
ain’t heard nothin’ yet.
Communism. My best friend had been in an accident. So I called on
him. This is what happened: He asked the Major for his car and driver but the
Major restricts this to local trips and official business because he needs it.
So kind-heart I.N., who is the owner of a chain of cinema houses, loaned his
car and driver. A smash-up and my friend blamed the Major, he did not blame
I.N.’s driver whose carelessness caused the accident. Again I.N. came to the
rescue. He paid the hospital bills, and he paid the doctors and he kept my best
friend in his name—and brainwashed him.
You see, my loved ones, I.N. is head of the c.p. in Pakistan and is
boson-buddy of Nikita the Fat, the anti-Salin, anti-dictator Big Brother. And
I.N. began using my friend for a front and did it work, and how. Then innocent
me stepped in and the fun began.
It was obvious I was an agent of the FBI, the CIA, the Army Intelligence and
everybody else, a fake and a fraud. Only they said this in English so the local
saps would not understand. Right up in front was a man we shall call the
Murshid and he knows English, But this is the “mysterious East,” and he can
read minds brainwashed or not. Two days later the Murshid gave me a grand
public reception. The next day he and the Major gave me a grand public
reception. That made I.N. and his gang mad and they tooted me all over the
place.
Meanwhile on my previous visit I had met a lot of industrialists, generals
and big-boys and among them as Editor Maulana Shereef. So the Maulana got me a
mass meeting and I spoke before 20,000 people. That did not go over with the
commies a-tall a-tall. They kept on advertising. Soon I was being visited by
all kinds of people of whom I never heard and actually I don’t take any stock
in. We should call them fanatics and ignoramuses. Only they are all
anti-communist and they arranged me another mass meeting.
The communists then blamed the Malik who has had the misfortune of being
successful. I.N. is also successful and any resemblance of his place to what
Mount Hollywood used to be is, and it is no coincidence, exactly the same
lay-out. The rich man is all right if he is a c.p. boy. So the Malik began
adding to my social affairs and now my rupees and clothes. As he is a
manufacturer of household goods, he has promised me the stove, iron, everything
excepting a second-hand refrigerator which I can get much more cheaply if I
bring it in on my next trip which can do.
Well, beloved ones, the Karachi Embassy had returned my mail—you know
that. They had refused me interviews in two departments but now they suddenly
came to life. This was too much. The c. p. story is the same as in 1956. Ws
talked it over here in detail. I had a bunch of stuff “in my portfolio” and
the press and State Department turned everything down which the legation
had told ma. This is the way we fight the “cold war.” Actually the commies
infiltrated the press—which can do no wrong; sold the American filth
literature and show the worse movies they can get. They don’t need profits.
They get them of course, because they are subsidized by Moscow. Every
Protestant missionary has been up in arms but we don’t touch those things. We
won’t touch local religion, and we won’t touch Hollywood and Eric Johnson,
so you figure out where the communists are; it’s simple and a cinch and while
we are looking for them where we think they must be, likely as not they are in
the searching party. This is the “Cold war.”
In the meanwhile every time I go to a campus it means another lecture. I can
speak to anybody and everybody and do and did and it is not a matter of record
and Washington has never accepted any of my achievements and I am being watched
and the Major is being watched, and the Malik is being watched, so at least the
Legation here is aroused.
I had been tipped off first about the communists by a Protestant missionary
named Samuel Brown whose name I specifically want in my records because it is
time to wake up to the fact—although I think it is impossible that sometimes
Protestant missionaries are more honest than newspaper man. Everybody will
admit this and forget it so what they say or know is pushed aside while we
listen and accept as gospel truth the rumblings of big commentators and reports
who weren’t there. This is the way we fight “the cold war.”
Then the police chiefs gave me a big story. It was official from the
Pakistan’s end point, but not from the American standpoint and of course CIA
can’t listen to this stuff, so another Cuba and Laos, chaos here we come,
Actually this is such old hat to me you have no idea. Anyhow if the State
Department did not accept and the press Newsweek did and that is the
last news I have had from America. Anyhow I have written Newsweek further.
While this was going on with several trips to American Express I presented
them my ideas for Tourism which I have tried to place before the Pakistan
Tourist Bureau and Pakistan Airlines ever since I arrived. “Sold American!”
They took in six minutes what I had failed to get over in six months and they
asked me to call, at S.F. or New York wherever I go first. The more
I talked the more they liked the idea.
And being unable to get out of the country I bought a plait ticket to
Lyallpur. The airline changed the schedule without notification. Good old
Tarfusan. Anyhow I did get to Lyallpur and saw what the Americans are doing and
got the surprise of my life. This is technical but wonderful. I am not supposed
to get in on such things so always do all over the world.
My most there as one Shaikh Maheboob Alai who owns a big textile mill among
other things. Well when I left the college I got a tanga (horse drawn cart) and
asked for Shaikh Maheboob Alai and was taken to the textile Mills. I begged out
and they locked the doors and telephoned and no Shaikh Mahebood Alai was home.
I gave the tanga his address but they would not let me out. They had no less
than ten conferences and while the last one that I could take was on I walked
out and headed for the police station. There I explained and the tangawallah
followed not having his money. The police told him to take me to the home of
Shaikh Maheboob Alai. We were followed by a car and by this time I was not
comfortable. A` man got out and told me he was Shaikh Maheboob Alai.
He was a young man; the other was old. But I said his was Tarfu, not tragedy.
The elder son of the old Shaikh was his partner in a different textile mill,
one turning out wool etc., the other rayon, etc. In the end things cleared up
all right and I had a nice ride back, plus meeting a man who wants to be my
host. I said no; he pleaded, and then I found he is the cousin of the Minister
of Food and Agriculture who was any first host when I landed in.
Karachi.
Now Major Sadiq may be transferred and we are hoping to come to the U.S.
together although two other men have expressed such wishes and put up the
money. Only the money is in rupees and it depends on the State Bank here
whether they can change the rupees into dollars. This gets complicated but
please remember for the while I am Tarfusan. Anyhow through the Major I have
met the No. 1 man in the new Agricultural Development Corporation and the No. 2
man wants to a see me.
In a few minutes I am off to meet another general. You can understand why I
have written Elliott: “Vindication not revenge.” Sooner or later I get out
into print. When the editor, Maulana Shereef, collects all the stuff about the
Major and myself I go to the U.S. Govt. Press Agents here for reports and
advise. Now they are all for and with me. I have written to the City Halls in
both L.A. and S.F. and to a lot of people and I am hoping something will be
accepted, but without mail I can’t tell anything.
For Ladies Only. Next a beautiful young woman called on me and soon I
was addressing a women’s college and met the whole student body. It was also
my best talk and they gave me a rousing ovation. The next night a bevy of girls
from another college called to see me. Now although there is “purdah” or
curtain that keeps women away from men, especially foreigners, no sir, not I,
sir…. This is not as wonderful as it seems; they give me their problems.
There are few professional psychologists here.
I have been interrupted twice since starting. I have had arrangements with
the Foreign Service for some people to send mail to two places, but still I
will try c/o Embassy U.S.A., New Delhi. Only with the Karachi experience I
don’t know. There are persons inside the embassy there watching out for me.
The news is that Kennedy is coming. This will be wonderful.
It looks now as if I shall return via Karachi, UAR, New York but don’t
know when etc.
Love,
November 5, 1961
Dear Friends:
This is partly auto-biographical partly business or as the pun which just
walled in says ought-to-buy-ographical.
I never was in such a mix-up in my life but don’t need money, sympathy or
help. I am stuck in Lahore without my passport, mail or funds. A tracer shows
no mail arrived at the Embassy in New Delhi, but after the Embassy at Karachi
returned all letters to sender I am not sure. My host there has disappeared and
so all efforts to trace mail or money sent to him have resulted in exactly
nothing, Add to that I stepped into a communist cell and they have been after
me ever since.
I might have known but protocol that all protestant missionaries are
self-seekers and all newsmen skillful observers and if a dozen missionaries saw
an army, think nothing of it; and if a drunken reporter has deliriums of red,
call out the army, navy, marines and coast guard. It was simple for the
reds—we deny the existence of Sufis though I have met thousands upon
thousands. So the reds infiltrate and are waiting for the Peace Corps. I
won’t go into that.
I am protected by rich Sufis so have no hotel bill and get pin money besides
which means my dollars and Indian rupees are unspent.
Major Sadiq with whom I am staying is a spiritual healer. We are waiting for
two things: (a) occult report on our hands and horoscopes; (b) release of his
person to go to the U.S. on a healing (and other) mission. Without going into
confidences—I do at knew whether they are secret or riot, I shall want:
1. At least one a copy of the Gospel of St. Thomas. If there are several
versions a copy each of all versions.
2. If you can locate “Pistis Sophia,” the Gnostic scripture, please do
so.
3. If there are any recent recoveries printed on the same generals subject,
they also.
I do not wish any Red Sea Strolls or any material presumably prior to the
birth of Jesus. This will be on his healing and occult side.
It may be now that we shall land in New York. If so I would want such books
delivered there—this applies only to these. I may, of course, pick them up in
an occult or other book store in that sector, but somewhere along the line I
would like you to write me. This only when I am sure of my arrival in either
New York or California.
I have purchased a good may Sufi books hero and may buy, or receive Hindu
and Buddhist literature further on, but this is a different matter and I should
prefer you handle all purchases for me later on, even though I pay for them in
rupees myself, to cover shipment collation, etc. until I know where I shall be
living.
I have spoken to over 50,000 people here, exclusive of repeats of which
there have been many. Although all the seers saints, Sufis and sages portend
fine future I still am standing the middle of enigmas. Well, I asked for it; my
only prayer has been one for delivery from boredom.
Cheerio,
Samuel L. Lewis
S A M
Lahore November 6, 1961
Dear John:
This is an emergency latter which does not need any answer. You will excuse
the formalities. Within one month I shall either be a damn fool, dead or a
hero, and while I am betting on the latter, it is only “intuition” and
nothing more. I am sending a copy of this to Jack Betts on Clementina St. My
attorney, John Rockwell is being informed as best I may. I do know letters get
out and I am compelled to ask some people to write to Lahore, where I am not
supposed to be. The backdrop is that I have unwittingly stepped into a
communist cell. This is not the first time either. It is my fourth run-in with
them and so far as the Lahore consulate is concerned they have been entirely
cooperative as they did before. Before I returned to the U.S. entirely briefed
and if I ever got my foot inside a door I was lucky. The answer was “no”
anyhow.
One item. The two largest papers here were then controlled by communists and
I was asked to bring a report to the Wall St. Journal, The latter paper was
having a crusade: ”Save the world by Christian missions” and they told me
point blank they were not interested in Islamic countries. Ayub, not we,
cleared up the situation partly. It is a long and horrible story that communism
here is supported at the same time financially by American interests and the
Russian government. Why was the ABC world survey of a few years ago buried? I
have never gotten this point over even to people employed by the NBC. I am
going to skip that now but when one walks into the home of the top commie who
is also the top film distributor and a few others things, wow!
No Mail: I have looked over my letters since the beginning of
September. Answers were to go to the Embassy U.S.A., New Delhi. They swear they
have not received a word. I got three letters all by mistake addressed to
Pakistan:
a. Favorable response from Newsweek which accepted my quite objective
report on communist activities here.
b. A formal acknowledge by a slip from Satevepost.
c. A much belated letter from Scanter Kuchel on technical matters (Salt
water conversion and the Garst Plan).
I am waiting in hope that the post man comes today otherwise I shall have to
take most unusual steps to trace mail. As the Karachi Embassy, despite my
registrations, sent all mail back, I do not trust the clerks. Not only that I
have already had my experiences in UAR finding NATO nationalists employed by
certain neutralists countries and oh, boy, if we ever meet I can tell you what
this means, But the game can be played both ways.
Other mail and my money was supposed to go to my friend Satya Agrawal. To
play it safe I heaver asked the Bank of America to send me rupees to both
places. Nothing stirring.
Passport was mailed weeks ago to Karachi after I had been promised by
the Asst. High Commissioner that I would get it back in 10 days. I gave them
20. It is now 50 days. I can’t go on. On the one hand I have top invitations
to Malaya and there has been an impending death in my family but no mail from
any point and I can’t go into India to check. I am now planning to go to
Ceylon where the Indian High Commissioner as one of the best friends I have on
earth. Not only that I have a very big shot friend in Ceylon. I won’t say
anything more about him here excepting he was the last host of one M. T. Kirby
who went mad trying to tell America of Japanese plans on Pearl Harbor. And at
Penang is my friend Phra Sumangalo who tried to tell the Dulles espionage
fraternity first about Vietnam and then about Laos. He only lived and worked
there and speaks all the languages. He gave up American citizenship.
And look at me. I tried in vain to prevent anti-American attack in Cairo. I
could not got through. I tried before. It is useless. This was the third attack
on a USIA library which I knew about beforehand.
My theme song is “50 Million Frenchmen can’t be wrong, 50,000,000 Sufis
cannot be.” Of course they don’t exist despite Ayub and the Prime Minister
of Sudan and three entire Indonesian legations I have visited, but their rupee
and meals, and financial and social support I am getting are very-real.
Agricultural Mission has absolutely succeeded in all points. I have
been sending details to Harry Nelson but the last month I have not had an hour
of peace.
Fame: I have long since passed the 50,000 mark in audiences. I do not
add repeat performances. An effort is now being made to collect press items.
Even the USIA has recognized this and will cooperate. I believe I have done
more to promote real exchanges then all the commissions here. But that is
noting. We select high type man, with marked abilities and give them roller top
or flat top desks, a flock of secretaries and assistants and beautiful offices,
air-conditioned and what not and then a million forms to fill out and that’s
where they stay and what they do and they get paid for it and I met just one
happy American—one who was actually permitted to take part in agriculture
research (I must say it was tops).
Communism. Inasmuch as we deny the existence of Sufis or spit at
them, what better hide out? But they made one mistake. They accused me of being
an agent, me! Who can’t even get answers from Washington. You should see the
answers I have gotten—Republicans or Democrats the same. “I’m in love
with a wonderful guy” meaning them-selves. No action. Same for the
Ambassador.
The political attachés have my life story and they are very much concerned
now, and my autobiography is going to be published in short from soon and
perhaps in larger form latter. Actually, John, toy success is due to hard work,
meeting communists, study, meeting communists, mingling with the people,
meeting communists, knowing about Islam, meeting communists, meeting tremendous
numbers of high officials, meeting communists and meeting communists. They have
blasted me all over the place which has meant so many meetings and social calls
and what not and another general yesterday morning and I shall probably know
all the generals, etc. through their kind assistance. Oh Yes, don’t forget to
all my success and fame have come through meeting communists and meeting
communists.
Well that happened in India when I went to a grand Yoga Center. There was no
Yoga there. The pane lecture on Yoga was on Karl Marx and the lesson for the
day was a description of America by Karl Marx which was read and applied as if
the truth today and I don’t knew when Marx ever visited the U.S. Oh yes, some
very respectable professors give courses on this Yoga and you get credit for it
and I am not fooling.
Indeed if, and when I get to Penang I shall check on a “Maharshi” who
came to S.F. and collected money, gave lectures, collected money, got
disciples, collected money and collected money. His “ashram” is in the
vaults of the Bank of Penang and here again I am not kidding.
Cold War. The Russian plan is simple—infiltrate, infiltrate,
infiltrate. Well we have OIC, Fulbright, USIA, etc., etc., and hardly any of
them have met Pakistanis socially outside of work-hours and the opposite holds
true and I have even been in “The White House.” I think the Russian plan is
to carry on experiments to mislead us. They are not building bomb
shelters.
I wish to say at this point, that all this comes from too much E. Phillips
Oppenheimer early in life. Sometimes this is spiced, or spiked with Peer
Gynt.
Atomic Fallout. One reason for writing is that this is to me the real
danger. The Russians are trying experiments so we shall put money into
counter-experiments and bomb shelters (on which they don’t waste anything)
and infiltrate, often, as here, this being done with indirect American
financial aid.
I had a long conversation (for once I listened) to the top Entomologist in
UAR who gave a picture of biological world equilibrium. It was fascinating but
now it is becoming prophetic to me I am very much in fear that population
control will come via this very hazardous route. Even today there was news of a
strange malady in South Africa due to this cause.
In 1927 I was working as a clinical clerk for doctors in Portland, Oregon.
The doctor tried every known test on his brother-in-law and could not come up
with one answer other than the symptoms. I said, “That is easy.” “What is
easy?” “Your Brother-in-Law?” “What about him?” “His Profession.
“ The man was an X-ray operator and in those days there was no protection.
This started my principal, long since dead, on studying the effects of X-Ray,
radioactivity, etc. And this was long before World War II.
As I told you I have felt even the most radical statements of Protestants
are short. Now it is coming out that there is Radio Active Cobalt and Radio
Actives Molybdenum. Nonsense, then everything is radio-active and our
modalities are not, in my opinion, competent to measure all dangers. They check
on a few elements. How about radio-active Potassium, etc.? No, John, I quite
agree with you and fear with you, and I believe the danger is not atomic war
but atomic fall-out and I think there must be something in it. For it is
certain that the one item mentioned by both the USIA Information News and the
Pakistani press is just this.
True, for the moment population is going up but I think there will be halt
if there has not already been one.
The reaction here in my behalf grows; it is only when and where am I getting
mail. It is long past the hour when the postman should have come. This means
another day on edge. I must write to the Embassy in New Delhi and also to
Newsweek.
I am not asking anybody to pray for me or anything. I feel optimistic. The
Sufis have a counter-intelligence system. We don’t recognize them but they do
us. I supplied the name of one big shot today (not the Mr. Big) because he
might be on the committee “welcoming” Mrs. Kennedy. May be this is all for
my good, whatever that means.
There is nothing private here and I don’t know what to say or suggest or
anything. I am afraid about General Walker and I despise the John Birch boys,
but the life I am presuming I wish to save is my own.
Faithfully,
Over: Important.
Dear Jack:
I am in the screwiest of the screws. I don’t even know what is happening.
I have had to write to an Indian High Commissioner in Ceylon to force the
return of my passport which I am told—no evidence—is being held in Karachi.
And if I do not get it today I shall be starting some real trouble inside
India. The leader of the opposition is an old friend of mine, etc. And this is
just what I don’t want.
Money: This is just as screwy. I once sent you a check asking you to
send me a registered letter with some bills in it. I do not remember what
happened but
a. If you mailed it to Karachi, bye-bye-blackbird. They either returned or
“lost” all my mail despite every precaution. And after having trouble with
the people in the agricultural and USIA sections, I was spurned by the Embassy
officials. Then when Ed Murrow asked for criticisms and suggestions, I was
spurned and it looks also as if my original reports on communists were
spurned.
b. I have asked the Bank of America to send me rupees to Satya Agrawal who
has disappeared.
c. To assure myself—and oh boy, look, at me now—I also had them send
rupees to the American Embassy in New Delhi. I ain’t got plenty of
plenty.”
Mail. Despite letters, long distant calls, requests to call on the
Agrawals, etc, I have exactly nothing from anybody in India!
Yesterday I was able to give the legation the name of one big shot who has
become the leader against my friends and myself because he might be on the
“welcoming committee” for Lady Jacqueline. Nice baby.
In the meanwhile: More big shots, so many I can neither remember
their names or not. The press is pulling for me (i.e. the Urdu) and now the
USIA boys are joining in collecting my press notices.
In a prison cell I sit though I must enjoy the view
For the millionaires are coming to my aid,
And the awful things I write are still absolutely true,
When I want some things the bills are all marked “paid.”
Tramp, tramp, tramp the mail ain’t coming,
Cheer up comrades, let sing,
Some day we’ll resume our bumming,
Just now we do not need a thing.
Please, if you can, mail some kind of acknowledgment—airmail post cards
will be cheapest, writing to me,
Samuel L. Lewis
Samuel L. Lewis
c/o Consulate
U.S.A. c/o Embassy
U.S.A.,
Lahore, Pakistan
New Deli, India
I am writing a number of test-letters for this purpose. I don’t think the
whole country has rejected my reports and are not answering.
Lahore
November 8
Pakistani House,
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Friends:
This is my diary entry. I have just returned from a visit to a Qur’anic
school nearby. It is almost impossible to convey my position here in Lahore,
and to a considerable extent in Pakistan. For the record I must put it down as
having gone through the stages to Alim, Dervish and now Wali. My acquaintances
in San Francisco or indeed in America will not understand this.
I have been living with one Major Sadiq, and we have been hoping that it
could be arranged for him to come to America on some mission and include in
that his presentation to the American people of (a) spiritual Islam; (b) his
divine healing. He is very well known as a healer and many people swear he can
perform miracles. I myself have seen miracles and strange to say, all of them
in the presence of attending physicians who kept case-histories. This is
exactly the opposite of what skeptics would presume.
Anyhow he is very close to President Ayub.
At the moment he is in line for one of two new positions. One would be with
the new Agricultural Development Corporation and his selection thereto would be
of infinite help to me. For practical purposes I have completed my mission in
this field.
The other appointment would bring him closer to the subject discussed above,
and here was a miracle. We had to go to a house of a very important man. As
soon as he came in he introduced us to his sister; and who, pray was his
sister? Mem Sahib S. Itaat Hussein! Well soon we were talking all about San
Francisco and she was surprised to learn that the two closest friends of the
former Consul-General are now living respectively in Rawalpindi and Abbottabad.
I think I reported that I spoke to Sahib Itaat Hussein over the phone in
Karachi but I have not returned there. Anyhow this made all the rest of the
evening very smooth and each person present felt something had been
accomplished. Of course the full fruits cannot be ascertained at the moment.
Now I have run into two tremendous complications. One is that the Indian
Embassy has neither granted nor denied me a visa and has kept my passport,
while my putative host in India has disappeared with my mail and money. The
other is that I ran into a communist cell disguised as a Sufi Center. This last
caused many attacks on my person and mission and even greater response on the
part of the public. I have long since past 50,000 in my audiences and I do not
count here repeats of which I have had many. It is an enigma to be compelled to
remain here without any of those things a traveler expects to have: his papers,
his money and his mail.
The immediate result has been the complete cooperation of the Sufi leaders
here. And then the story divides between those things which belong to religion
and spirituality—this story could remain until one speaks before a group or
has a meeting.
The other is practical. There is a determination on the part of several
well-to-do Sufis to come to America and preach Islamic and Pakistani cultures
from points of view which have never been presented. Such effort would not
conflict in the least with the Canadian-American Islamic League and the Imams.
But it will certainly conflict with several mushroom movements in America
claiming to be Islamic.
The possibility of bringing in, or raising money inside of America will no
doubt raise the cupidity of some persons who are more concerned with Mosques
than with prayer or Allah. I have to mention this because when it comes down to
facts and money, there will much more likely be a diversion to Sacramento and
Los Angeles than San Francisco. Naturally everybody needs or wants both. But we
hardly expect your office to be compelled to reach any decision on these
delicate points and we feel that the city you visit during prayers and
festivals should not be subject to any pressure whatsoever.
Lahore is at this season one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
I have purchased over Rs. 300 at Ashraf alone which have been sent to San
Francisco (packages include also books from the London Book Store of Rawalpindi
and Peshawar). The next purchase will be a book recently printed in Great
Britain, a compendium of Islamic prayers.
I have visited four or five agricultural stations, spoke at at least six
colleges, and have a fair view of West Pakistan outside the whole
Beluchistan-Makran areas. I do not intend to subscribe to any magazines until I
return and have a permanent address. Neither am I planning any lectures
elsewhere, such as AFME or World Affairs because I may have one or more
Pakistanis with me when I return and any public appearances would depend upon
this and accompanying circumstances.
As-salaam aleikhum.
Samuel L. Lewis
Ahmed Murad Chisti
Lahore
November 9
My dear Harry,
I am back to certain diary entries but if you think there is anything placid
or unusual, forget it. Today a man was arrested. It may never get in the
papers; it won’t go down in history. He is one of the ringleaders of the
enemies who has been after me because I have spoiled their show. If any
American newspapers or government agents has accepted a single report of mine
(outside of Newsweek) I am still to learn and I don’t know for the moment how
I can learn excepting by spending more and more for mail—and I spend about
$50 a month now! Almost my only expense.
The Sufis whom we don’t recognize and for God’s sake don’t go to a
dictionary, you won’t find a thing—are counter-spying for me and they are
counter-spying against the communists and we won’t wake up to realities; we
are stuck with “realism” and ignore Ayub and the Prime Minister of Sudan
who are disciples in Sufism, into which I do not care to go here. To me any man
has the full right of his religion or irreligion.
Anyhow I cannot walk anywhere without being stopped and greeted and I am
considered a sort of half-saint because there was never an American like me.
But I continue to talk to Pakistanis and to some Americans and they all fear
for the Peace Corps.
I returned Grass today and got excited at two books I found, new
editions to the USIA library. One is the second edition of Fundamentals of
Ecology by Eugene P. Odum. It is full of stuff I need or at least do not
know.
The second is also a second edition, Irrigated Soils. I took this
book out to see if it had any material on the water requirement of trees, a
subject with which I have been bombarded in many places. I opened it at random
and found a chapter “The Salt Problem.” It has a wonderful chart in it.
Now I was at the library for a very different reason. I have had no mail at
all excepting the letters wrongly addressed and I had not even gotten my
library card and I want them to mail it to see if the mails are tampered with.
But I had an appointment at a place called Charing Cross where OIC, Washington
State and American Express are on one side of the street and Ferezson’s
printers, publishers and stationers are on the other.
I called at OIC and showed them the book and the answers to several of the
local problems. Then I went to Washington State and fortunately found Prov.
Svenson in (nice name, n’est-pas?). I also saw several people at OIC. There
was complete agreement that the U.S. has answers to the majority of problems of
this country, excepting, of course, the ego blockages to communication, and
also that these blockages to communication are the largest hindrance toward any
rational form of development.
I had a long talk with Svenson, showing him the chart which offers saline
tolerant crops, etc. This is also from the Saline Lab. at Riverside but
contains more practical information than the material they gave me. The
bibliography at the end of the chapter is most valuable for me and I may start
things if, as and when I can go to the New York Horticultural Society again or
another suitable place.
Then I took my new theme up with Svenson:
Amonium Sulphate-Czarnozem-Iowa methods versus Organics-Podsol-Texas
methods. This is a generality which resolves to some extent the organic versus
inorganic methods. The Iowa soils have deep faces with considerable organic
material down a long long way; sandy and dry soils are not so favored. The work
done on soils and soil faces is not always integrated to plant nutrition. I
don’t want to discuss this here but I do wish to refrain from discussing it
too much or from writing until I see you. It is possible that the Academy of
Sciences in G.G. Park or others might be interested; or again, if life permits,
I might return to the university and do some stuff.
But I ran into another bit of E. Phillips Oppenheim “Fools for Luck” the
other night. My host, Major Sadiq is up for promotion or transfer or both. He
has been semi-drafted for this new Agricultural Development Corporation about
which I have written. We were taken to the home of the man in charge of Civil
Service Personnel. Here the C.S. is about half-way between the English and
Chinese-Confucius system—you have to know a lot of things which have little
to do with your job.
Well the host brought in his sister who at the moment is managing his
household for him. She is the wife of a former Consul-General of Pakistan who
is an excellent friend of mine. The whole evening turned out to be most
cordial, harmonizing and promising.
At this writing it is the almost unanimous opinion of the Pakistanis that
something good and big is going to happen to me. At the moment I wish anything
would happen.
When my own work was completed today I took out a young man who wants to
study Journalism and I told him about Edith Nourse’s department (remember her
father had been one of my teachers). So we visited Asian Foundation and the
American Friends of the Middle East. When I got to the latter place there was a
letter for me from the Indian High Commissioner. I had earlier been to the
American Consulate and suspected my mail had been tampered with. I have only
had two letters wrongly addressed, and two letters returned—since I have been
in Lahore. I still don’t know what has happened to mail presumably addressed
to India and I don’t know from nothin’ about money and passport. I am not
in politics but am more and more nervous about the Peace Corps. If these things
happen to innocent me, what will happen to them? or am I that innocent? Anyhow
I have something to live for. I hope I know what I am doing.
Cordially,
Lahore, Pakistan
November 12, 1961
Prof. C. Cutright
Ohio State Agricultural Experimental Station
Wooster, Ohio
Dear Professor Cutright:
This letter is written in dramatic circumstances, with more and more drama
going on. A strange mélange of no money, no mail and no passport and being
under constant surveillance of communists is no fun. I have positive evidence
of inefficiency in both our Embassies at Karachi and New Delhi, and the
legation here in Lahore (though they have been most kind and cooperative). I do
not wish to go into these things here other than they compel me to remain and
there is no financial worry due to support by wealthy patrons, and even offers
of jobs, writing or scientific should I remain.
Even more to my advantage is that my host, Major M. Sadiq has been nominated
to the new Agricultural Development Cooperation and there are signs of his
receiving this appointment. I am hoping that it may be possible for him to come
to America to represent this organization. In this case we might appear
together in your presence.
You will pardon me, perhaps, for saying I am a firm believer in Providence
and that I do not believe there will be a third world war, in the usual sense.
Rather I feel the danger of fallout, biological and other equilibrium being
upset and my earlier “prophesies” have turned out to be true which is the
reason for writing this letter.
Long ago I wrote to my friend, Harry Nelson, in San Francisco, that there
were conferences to fight the Locust plagues but that the Locusts had not been
invited. Now this country is facing the worst plague of its existence at a time
it cannot afford to do so. The salinity problem is overwhelming in itself. The
Afghan border is closed, causing financial losses to that country and so great
an absence of fruit here that one pays American prices. This I can afford, but
with a country suffering from malnutrition, politics must go on.
All the newspapers have been harping on is Kashmir, Kashmir. Every time the
Pakistanis threatened to invade, the Afghans come this way creating a comic
opera impasse, but we’ll skip that.
The whole problem of Foreign Aid in Agriculture is what I wish to report on
here. I met one Prof. Ted Thatcher, Forest Entomologist, now working for the
Colorado State University as an exchange professor in Agriculture. Colorado
State has the Frontier Area and Washington State has Lyallpur and Lahore (I
hope someday to meet your colleagues on the other side if and when I can
proceed.)
Ted is an outdoor man. He has not seen a forest and hardly a bug since being
assigned to his post by the OIG. Rather he is engaged in training me to teach
classes in Horticulture. His superior is spending his time re-organizing the
Agricultural Department or College at the University of Peshawar. The very
first problem is an uncertainty as to whether it be an Agricultural
College—or a Department. As a College it is one of the most wasteful
institutions on earth. There are complete Botany Departments at the Ag.
College, the Forestry College, and the Junior Division, Science Department of
the University, enabling botanists to have good jobs and laboratories to have
poor facilities. And as I did not visit the sections on Medicine, there may be
still another Botany section there!
None of the Colorado State Men get down to earth or deal with living
problems “of which this country ain’t got nothing but.”
When I came this way, I met the Washington State Men. Now, Professor
Cutright, if you were given a job here you would have to have at least one
secretary, a staff, a telephone which nobody could use without your permission,
etc. Then you would have to fill out forms on what you were doing, how you were
doing, why you were doing and would also have to have at least weekly staff
meetings. The office staff should be efficient in their knowledge of English,
typewriters and office machines and procedure. They would not have to know
anything about Food, Agriculture or Science. Take it from there! The Colorado
men are placed in their milieu and like Shah Jehan in his last days they look
at their Taj and weep. Here the Washington State Staff go back and forth
spending time and money in station wagons, petrol, etc. There is very little
time to be “down on the farm,” and none to mingle with the nationals.
Now these are all splendid fellows. I haven’t met a single American
outside of the diplomatic circles who is not thoroughly efficient, capable,
wise, far-seeing and bound up with red-tape and protocol.
There have been innumerable conferences on the Locust problem. There are
always conferences, more conferences and re-organization. I had a wonderful
time visiting the Sugar Cane area and have recorded some rather technical
things. My intention has been sooner or later to visit Baton Rouge. In my
forced stay here I have availed myself of the facilities of the USIA library
and have reported these books both to the Washington State and OIG agricultural
attaché. These books are available and they knew nothing about them having no
time to visit the library.
Soil Fertility by Millar. His material of fixation by algae I find
very valuable to be followed up.
Fundamentals of Ecology by Odum, University of Georgia. This book is
of extreme value to me especially when the reader is a traveler. The best
materials so far has been on the increase of Sucrose in Canes and the Algae
Culture. I have been the guest of Prof. Tamiya in Tokyo whom he quotes
often.
Irrigated Soils by Thorne & Peterson of Utah State. This
continues the keys to solutions of a multitude of problems which Pakistan is
facing. I have shown it to the OIG and Washington State staff so they could
borrow it when it is return.
All these books, though somewhat technical, have tended to arouse and
stimulate under emotional conditions and bring about joy under tension.
Now the facing of the Locust problem is fundamental to all the problems here
and it being nearer to you, I shall go into it in more detail. In India I have
that although there was proper equipment, sprays, dusts, etc.; the peasants
were never trained in the temperament, wind or moisture factors. And after my
sad experience with several organizations collecting funds in the U.S. to
combat these evils one can just sit and stare.
Although this country is “Islamic” and not Indian, the fact is that
there is far more casts here than anywhere else. It is deeply engrained in the
people. When the Indus was in flood only the army could carry sacks. So with
the Locusts all over they are crying because they have not enough aeroplanes!
Every time an aeroplane is used to dust, the Sugar people are in jeopardy.
It is regarded as “inconceivable” to do any work. The idea is to get a
desk job. Karachi is the victim of the plague and Karachi is full of
unemployed. But does anybody gather the beggars, unemployed, etc. and take them
around spraying, dusting, or poisoning? This would hurt their pride and rather
than hurt their pride one of the largest cities in the continent is now facing
mass starving, or else the people are going around catching and eating locusts
(I understand they are quite palatable). And say, sir, that you were to come
here, you would spend your time organizing and lecturing—no time for using
the fly-spray or knapsack-spray in situ, no, this would be done in the lecture
hall!
Socially the most dramatic event took place two weeks ago. I brought a
mureed along. “I cannot afford ever to be stopped by these charlatans who
dominate Asian studies here. It is more than my life and career that is at
stake. I am taking the Upanishads with me and shall challenge anybody and
everybody to explain them.”
There was a special speaker, Sri Surendra Ghose, Deputy Leader of India’s
Congress party and representative also of the Aurobindo Ashram. It was even
with difficulty that I got the Consul General of India to attend. After a
wonderful address the meeting was thrown open. I arose and never even got to
ask a question: “Why, why you are the man I came to San Francisco to meet. I
travelled five thousand miles just to meet you!” There was tremendous
silence. Not a word from the audience of pretenders and metaphysical people.
This was true. When one is on the spiritual path it is as Pir-O-Murshid has
said, “He whom the world holds is smaller than the world and he who holds the
world is greater than the world.” There are now in India two gigantic
organizations which are the cosmic outlook. The one led by Sri Surendra Ghose
covers all intellectual and artistic endeavors of man. The other comes from the
Ashram of the late Ramana Maharshi.
There is a magazine called “The Mountain Path” and it has won the
good-will of all the real spiritual movements I have ever heard of: The Zen
Buddhists, the Dalai Lama, the Yogis, the Vedantists, the Sufis, and even our
“Brother” Pir Zade Vilayat Inayat Khan—all working together. It excludes
all those movements of pretense where the self-imposing leaders have not had
cosmic experience. And it happens that so far as California is concerned more
and more people of this region are going back and forth.
These are only high-lights demonstrating the truth of the Moral Laws, the
manifestation of Divine Grace and the re-utterance of the biblical admonition
which the world has always defied: “The stone that is rejected is become the
corner stone.”
Among those that have rejected are some professors of the University of
California in Berkeley. The University has a law that political parties cannot
collect or even solicit funds on the campus. After being rejected by the
Institute of International Studies, I crossed the campus to see Norman, who
lives on the other side. “Norman, something very filthy is going on. There is
a law prohibiting the soliciting of funds. They have permitted the
Goldwaterites and the regular Republicans, all the Democrats, the Socialist
Labor Party the Trotskyites and even the independent Marxists (meaning the
communists) to solicit funds and have arrested the leaders of the only group
not a political party, CORE. I don’t know what it is but I expect
trouble.”
This never gets into the papers. I have not only witnessed events, but heard
the taping by an independent radio station. The public reports on the press and
broadcasting statements are miserable concoctions. No wonder the faculty backed
the students. It is not free speech that is at stake, it is the despotical
assumption of power by an administration that has befuddled and misled the
public in so many directions. It may seem the dismissal or resignation of no
“important” persons.
Norman is now teaching school and is quite sober. This is in part due to his
belief that the causes in which he is interested are serious.
Down at UCLA I found a group of African students who have their own class
library and I have purchased two books for him for Christmas. It shows how
little we know of African culture and history. Actually, the same is true of
Jews. But the Jews have suppressed their histories in order to attain certain
ends. For instance, it is regrettable that we have had campaigns on “Justice
for the Jews” but never hear “Justice from the Jews.” Many Jewish
kingdoms have been destroyed because of this.
In working for Gen. Landsdale as above in GII work, I resurrected the
history of several Jewish countries. But even then I knew of African Negro
countries whose histories are closed books.
Naturally all the above are less than scientific ventures which go on. When
one feels one works for God, sometimes he seems to feel he is working with God
also. And that hierarchy mentioned in literature is true. What we must face
today is that the objectivity of it is actually rejected by theosophists,
metaphysicians and others and accepted by many in our foreign service who have
had to face realities when they are in strange countries.
The final struggle up to this moment has been to try to present real
Buddhism to people. We have all kinds of so-called Buddhist Movements each
extracting what it wishes. We have the prominent Americans, Richard Robinson of
Wisconsin, and Richard Gard of the USIA who have written fair books, the latter
honest but superficial, the former honest and profound. But the hardest thing
to do is to get Americans to accept Americans as having knowledge of Asia; the
only thing harder is to get people to study the actual literature on teachings
of the Asian wisdom. Only now it is coming out, but it is coming out. At the
risk of social ostracize I finally convinced a few people they ought to read,
if not accept, the actual words of Lord Buddha, as these appear in print. The
whole audience did a “repentance” act—at the risk of discarding “brand
names”—a few people are now studying Buddhist literature.
During this period there was in San Francisco one Korean Master, B. Seo. He
is now at Columbia University occupying the position once held by Prof. Daisetz
Suzuki. Unlike Suzuki he has had the spiritual realization and he is one of the
most profound and lovable persons I have ever met. If you ever stop in New
York, try to visit the University or the Japanese Center on West 9th
St. and see him. It would be worth it.
May God bless and help you in everything.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
S. A. M.
Sufi-Ahmed-Murad-Chisti
Lahore
November 15, 1961
My dear Audley:
This is my diary entry of the time and I am writing to you because perhaps
both the professional and personal elements may be of some interest. It is not
particularly a personal letter to you and may be shared with others.
I remain in a perplexing situation, that despite letters, wires and long
distance calls, the whereabouts of my passport is a mystery; most of my mail
has been held up (objective evidence) and on draft also. This may be due to
inefficiency, it may be due to mistakes on my part but all these things have
happened since I walked into a communist cell.
The story of communism here was briefed to me in 1956 by the then Legation
at Lahore whose “unbelievable” story was rejected by their superiors and my
own efforts to reach someone in the U.S. met with the worst rebuffs in my life
and I have had some rebuffs. The chief villain is still the same person. On the
other hand I have friends or allies among the police, including the security
police—in manners so contrary and contradictory with what is taught in the
United States that this alone has caused many to set my reports aside. But the
story is parallel to my Indian adventures—also pushed aside, that it is
becoming more and more grotesque.
And it is all the more weighing because friends of mine told me about
communists in Tibet, Vietnam and Laos; and I myself warned and warned the USIA
officials in UAR of a plot against them, and to put it, I was “worn” out. I
bade them good-bye because I could not stand being pulled apart—which happens
in every Asian country anyhow. Some day we shall get out of “realism” and
into reality.
The picture is all the more lopsided because I have still to have any
rejection by any scientist at any level whatsoever. The division of the
“thinking” of the West into humanism and science well illustrates the
point. As soon as I part from the scientists I pray or guess, and when I am
with the scientist, we’ll let the record speak for it.
My survey in Pakistan emotionally and intellectually stopped with my visit
to Lyallpur. There I saw such wonderful work being done with Grass-breeding
that my tense emotions, though delighted, could take no more. Since that time I
have had conferences and meetings with the representatives of Washington State
and OIC. I expect delicate tensions with the OIC but that never happened. Any
contrary or critical stories about that organization became magnified by the
remarks made to me across the desks. They know what is right and what is wrong
to the nth degree, but try to put this over with someone of the
“humanist” tradition—newspaper men, commentators, diplomats and
metaphysical people. You can’t.
The worst thing is what may be called the “semantic blockage.” And one
immediate example is the Locust plague now going on which I long ago foretold
in my letters to Harry Nelson—perhaps to you too. This blockage is so great
that is liable to overwhelm the nation. What is equally great and almost
unfathomable is to try to put this point over to those who call themselves
“semanticists.” They are almost the last persons in the world to face
reality. However, I am going to ask you a favor: do you know Mr. Pallou,
scientific teacher at San Rafael High, and is he available? As he is one
scientist who was interested in semantics, I should like to meet him and place
the whole matter before him. Because if we do not remove this semantic blockage
we are merely going to waste millions—and we are wasting millions—in
foreign aid.
I have already written to Washington that I wish to testify under oath and
only under oat on some matters.
Pakistan had an international conference with the nations to the west in
regard to forthcoming Locust plagues. They did not have one with Afghanistan
because the nations are not on speaking terms. They had one with India
terminated because of the Kashmir complex. The Locusts were not invited anyhow.
Politics must be and the way these “peace-loving” and “unaligned”
nations deal with problems makes the Russians look like olive branch bearers.
At least the newspapers are—they do not look—they are that way. The demand
for Kashmir has been so great that hosts of Locusts have been permitted to
invade and destroy.
Between the politics on one hand and the caste-nonsense on the other, a good
section of this nation is being destroyed. Add to that the goat, salinity and
soil erosion, and you can see what the government is up against.
They had a Tree Planting Week—parades and parades. In Japan the Emperor
goes out and starts planting. In China Mao Tse Tung does that. In America every
Mayor and Rotary Club would be out. Here the Rotary Club would have a speaker
on Tree Planting. This is the Garden City of the world—nothing but parks and
gardens—and I never saw one person plant one tree during the Tree Planting
Week. I do not know whether you can realize this psychology or what we are up
against. But with it, the Locusts have a free hand and the papers are yelling
against Nehru. It is just like poison-gas being blown the wrong way.
Now the Peace Corps are coming and they have no intimation either of this
psychology or what passes for religion here or of the social antipathy to labor
or the type of accommodations they will get in huts. In East Pakistan there is
practically no drainage and sanitary problems are rife in addition to poverty,
lethargy, fatalism and behind it long ages of malnutrition-monodiet of white
rice, tempered by spices, not by the greenery found all around. The
Indonesians, under similar conditions, studied all the edible weeds and
greenery—they even cook Water Hyacinths!—but not in East Pakistan.
Add to that the communists waiting for them, disguised as Muslims and I am
not very happy. I am even more unhappy because the press and State Department
overlook the farm boys and the work done by the specialists of OIC, Washington
State and Colorado State here. What I saw at Lyallpur on new breeds of grasses
was almost worth coming to Pakistan for.
Have just returned “Grass,” the USDA book of a few years back which
today—after experience and travel, I find elementary and introductive. We
have hardly touched the ABC in this field. Maize alone could consume volumes,
why go further.
This letter, of course, is for your colleagues or anybody else. My healing,
thank God, is good but I do not know when or where or how to proceed. Too much
E. Phillips Oppenheim early in life.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
P.S. This letter came to an end when a delegation of visitors arrived. I
have been asked to write “A Survey of Contemporary Agriculture in Pakistan”
to be published in both Urdu and English.
November 17, 1961
My dear Harry,
I am writing here some thoughts to myself and putting them in the diary.
I have before me Fundamentals of Ecology by Odum and am copying a
note an page 33:
3. The capacity to fix atmosphere nitrogen was thought, until recently, to
be limited to a few, but abundant, organisms, as follow:
Free-living bacteria—Azotobacter and Clostridium
Symbiotic nodule bacteria on legume plants—Rhizobium
Blue-green algae (free-living or symbiotic)—Anabaena, Nostoc and probably
others.
In 1929 it was discovered that the purple bacterium Rhodospirillum and many
other representatives of the photosynthetic bacteria are nitrogen finders (see
Kamen and Gest, 1949 and Kamen, 1953). Ability to fix nitrogen is proving to be
widespread among photosynthetic, chemosynthetic and saprobic microorganisms.
However, no higher plant is able to fix nitrogen alone; legumes and a few
species of other families of vascular plants do so only with the aid of
symbiotic bacteria.
I expect to write Odum a letter and will enclose copy.
This morning I looked at a book. Cotton growing problems by
Christides and Harrison. I found George J. Harrison, Cotton Field Station,
Shaftar, Calif. I expect to write him shortly and to ask him to answer to—not
me, because I don’t know where I shall be and when. I have been given the
problem of saline tolerant species and found:
G. barbarense; G. herbaceum; and G. neglectum.
This kind of stuff is needed all over. Unfortunately the OIC people were not
available and the Washington State staff is in Lyallpur.
Tomorrow the representatives of American investors arrive and I hope to
contact the Dow man and give him some reports. One aspect of these reports will
be deplorable. The Locust invasion has been far worse than expected. They blame
the Indians. Millions have been appropriated, there are supposed to be
multitudes of unemployed in Karachi, but have them come out with fire, flame
and poison! and dig ditches, etc? No, the money is in escrow for planes and
air-spraying and everybody is blaming the Indians for now doing the dirty work.
A new Washington State man has arrived, with the usual greetings and
frustrations, plenty of each.
I am still on edge in re passport. It was “my fault” Because I did not
know the rules and regulations which nobody told me about and I have not been
able to get the document back despite every known recourse excepting a
law-suit. Well, “I asked for it.”
November 25, 1961
My dear Leonora:
Because you want mail I am writing my diary and giving you the works. I
tipped the scales at 136 lbs, which is so below my usual and the way my veins
look I must have low blood pressure. Bedsides I am a verger. For instance I am
on the verge of a cold. I think it is psychic and psychological.
Now I have to be real serious. I am writing to you because with the
exception of my pal, John Betts, I have had no letter from the S.F. Bay area. I
made three serious mistakes in coming to Pakistan, with the Embassy:
a. The cultural attaché refused to see me.
b. The mailing department, despite every precaution, sent my letters
back.
c. The agricultural people ignored my letters.
So when I got into trouble they gave the usual “Wolf! Wolf! which they
have given to a lot of other Americans.
But when, after two months I had neither my passport back with any Visa from
India nor any world, they had to pick it up. I kept on writing but have had no
word from any Indians, and even from anybody in Pakistan lately excepting the
Consulate. And I impelled them to write because I wanted to see if the mail
came through. So the Embassy wrote me:
a. In the official packet—received; by mail to the Consulate—received,
to my home address. c. Sez you! So now they are becoming alarmed. It would have
been well if they became alarmed some time ago. But if anybody in the U.S. is
alarmed excepting my pal and god-son, I have still to learn. And it becomes
more awkward for the reds continue to infiltrate—they just grabbed another
chunk of Ladak, while we at home are solving the unemployment problem by
building air-raid shelters. The Chinese are quite willing to let us to that;
they just want Asia—for a starter.
Thanksgiving Day was spent with Americans. Mr. Kibble, the Cultural Director
for USIA is mulatto. His wife is full blooded Brahmin Tamil from South India.
She is also the secretary of the Agricultural Expert with the OIC. So I tell
each that I am two-timing them with the other. Anyhow we had a nice
thanksgiving dinner-turkey a la buffet, which was just what I wanted. Also had
Dubonnet and just about all the goodies I liked.
Timid and backward as I am I brought my castanets because I am modest of
speech and have itchy feet. I did three numbers but it was just after dinner
and that was enough. The audience was composed of experts who get about
$100,000 per annum, also each year from the government and foundations. They
are so well trained that when the subject of the history of the region came up
they turned to this ugly American and he had to brief the $100,000 audience for
which nobody back home gives a whoop or a hoop. But at least the Americans know
I knew where Pakistan is, although why it is another question.
If I had known my weight was down so low I would have had another helping.
But one reason is that people who eat rice and not bread or chapattis and
butter don’t put on so much fat. I am not so much afraid of fat in the
muscles as in the food. But most of the meat here is lean anyhow. Lahore has
good cooking. Took my two boy to the Chinese Restaurant in Gulbarg (Garden
City) last week and brought my chopsticks and we did eat, especially I me.
I seem also on the verge of a lot of other things. My friend, the Sufi
editor, was here last night and said my article on Agriculture in Pakistan has
been accepted—both Urdu and English. I then gave him a paper on Sufism which
might not be accepted in the West, because we only accept articles on Sufism by
Europeans and Canadians, occasionally by Zionists. This is democracy and
humanity and cultural exchange.
Well my statement that “East is East and West is West and never shall the
Oriental meet the Orientalist” got a whack. I received an answer from an
Orientalist, the first one in mhu le-ife. It was from Dr. Wilfred Cantwell
Smith of McGill, the “expert” for Islam in the U.S., St. Helena, the
Seychelles Islands and Antarctica. What they think of him here! So I wrote him
a letter showing him where he was objectively wrong—this is a terrible thing
to do. I sent a copy to England where somebody wrote that a saint ≠ a sage
≠ a scientist and the top saint in Peshawar is the top sage in Peshawar is
the top scientist in Peshawar and never let your right hand know what
anybody’s left hand is doing. Phant-asia marches on.
Then I am on the verge of grapevines which are all good. It is felt here
that Major Sadiq will be promoted, inshallah, and we shall be doing big things
together. This does not come from the psychics and astrologers and fortune
tellers—it comes from the Sufis who don’t know a thing about palms and
horoscopes and such things, just as we don’t know a thing about Sufis. They
are unanimous in good predictions and I am unanimous in good predicaments.
Anyhow the material I have here in books which give answers to nearly all
the problems in Pakistan is one of the reasons I write to Andley. Part of the
profession and “no profession”-al jealousy, believe.
As I have not had any answers making suggestions for my return, and only
after a very hard time got an answer from Malay and none form India or Ceylon,
I shall wait out the month here anyhow. I hope that the grapevine is right
about my going to India. It is not India that I care so much about as
clearance.
I have not seen my friend the Malik much, partly on account of both of us
being indisposed and partly because the Americans investment team has been
here. I am afraid that there is too much sentiment on both sides to bring
down-to-earth understanding. Why do people avoid facts?
Mr. & Mrs. Kibble are intensely in favor of my hopes to introduce folk
or square-dancing here. They say it will go over. They are resurrecting old
stage dances and have the Americans here interested—papers and State
Department back home, please pay no attention, the country that you gain maybe
an ally. Of course if you were a pianist and played Bach, Beethoven and Brahms
I could get you here, but if you were and accordionist and played Burl Ives not
a chance. This Is Not Sarcasm—this is one of our top follies. We do
not mingle with the Asian nationals, we patronize them.
The best things about the dinner was the integrationalism—a colored negro
with a Brahmin wife; blonde white American with a Japanese wife, etc. It is
only the anti-segregationalists that yelp in America. Here they have equal
rights for everybody excepting women, peasants, sweepers and waterman. This is
basic democracy (for bosses only).
My reading the paper here leads to the inevitable conclusion—only the mad
are sane. I want to see what the Peace Corps will accomplish. If they succeed a
million apologies from
SAM
P. S. I hope you get rain this winter. California needs it. My pal wants me
home and I guess I am hungry. But I am letting the Fates or Allah or Kismet
decide.
November 27
My dear Rudy:
On second thought I have decided to make a diary copy of this letter. It
will be accepted or rejected and a subject of controversy, no doubt. I have
been to the town of Sheikhapura to meet a Saint who has sent for me and the
manner of his greeting was so diametrically opposite to any, all and sundry
greetings of any, all, and sundry in the U.S. that this very incident impels me
to record it.
I have known since early childhood my being a “reincarnation of a
prophet” so to speak, this reincarnation being perhaps in the Tibetan and not
theosophical sense. To so proclaim would set the Islamic world against me for
they do not realize that the Greek term “prophet,” the Hebrew “Nabi”
and the Islamic “Nabi” are all different and the ignorant do not know.
Neither do I desire to go into any long detailed discussion on the writings of
the great saint of this region, Data Ganj Baksh, or as we know him, Ali
Hujwiri. I long ago purchased another copy of his work. I am in difficulty
there because the customs held up my ship and I am not sure even if I got my
letter through to them.
This world is suffering from the tyrannies of world. Even the Investment
Commission here has been caught a little in the tidal wave of oratory, which
those people act as if it solved everything, whereas it solves nothing. There
are two types of challenges on receives—those from below and those from
above. I have now been challenged too many times from below, insisting that I
occupy a much higher position in spiritual ranks than even I, at my most
grandiose moments claimed. But this has gone on at a rate that I am unable to
oppose it especially in these hours of extreme complications. So I have
assented to the position that the Saint proclaimed which is not any different
from what Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan proclaimed, nor any saint, Murshid or
Buddhist Roshi—and I don’t care what all the metaphysicians and European
“experts” on Asia say. The one thing that stands out and stands out even
more today is a sort of vitality which I myself do not understand and which
cannot be explained by anything but grace.
The acceptance of my writing on Agriculture, followed by the acceptance of
my spiritual writings means that I shall be more and more in demand, and this
has placed me in an impossible position. I must try again to get into India, a
very necessary thing, and so now I am using the new tactic of name changing on
the envelope. But this means more and more writing and I have no spare time for
relaxation and at the same hour am in the positively worst and best
position.
The Saint also declared a change in travel plans. Cut off from the Khalandar
and put in with Major Sadiq, he says we must go to Japan on an Agricultural
Mission. This will be decided in the next few days. If my vision is correct,
and it was always correct when I was in Abbottabad and Cairo, we must work
closely together on all planes. But if we go to Japan I shall have to notify my
friends in Malaya—where there is another mix-up too. The Khalandar declares I
must no longer accept any Murshid; the Sufis want me to take more mureeds, and
the position which I hold is exactly the same as that pointed out by the
Shingon (Esoteric Buddhists)—very different from what are called “Esoteric
Buddhists,” excepting the group on Hayes St., S.F. who know a little, but not
much, of what it is all about. I therefore have to hold in abeyance the next
few days my future movements, pending a return visit to the Saint, etc.
This, no doubt, is a screwy way of writing, and I shall add to it after my
return from the offices I must visit next.
Night, November 27
My dear Rudy:
This is a continuation of my diary. I have waited for the Major to bring
some news but he has not arrived. If there is anything of importance before
this is mailed into the morning it will be added.
I feel compelled again to change my itinerary but not knowing whether this
will be done at my expense or at the expense of another it is very hard to say
much. The Malik assures me he will help me out and at the moment these
spiritual events could only take place in India. So I am going to make one
final effort to get a visa or get my deposit back—for I have never had any
answers or courtesies from anybody. This could only men two things, neither
pleasant—corruption or interception of mail and all things point to the
latter.
For it is certain that nobody in the Bay Area or Washington area has
acknowledged anything at all on my most dramatic reports. I have made an
appointment with the Agricultural Adviser of the OIC and after that the
attachés at the Consulate suggested the same thing. This will be at 8
o’clock next Monday morning. As the Major’s verbal examination for the new
Agriculture Development Corporation takes place tomorrow and the next day we
should know what the picture is before the end of the week. In any event the
Adviser is very much pleased with the books I showed him from the ASIA library,
which contain answers to some of the most pressing problems of this country and
the UAR.
I shall also be compelled to write to the Agricultural Department of the
Indian Government. Also to send about three registered letters to that country
for certainly there have been no answers to other letters. You can see here
that I have gone so far as to use a fictitious name on the envelope. All this
is tiring and trying.
I do not like to ask you for specific information on shipping lines. What is
worse, at least one letter on this subject was never answered and causes me to
assume you never received it. Of course the American Express here would be glad
to help me out, but that means the commission would go into a different
direction.
In addition, if it should appear that I do return to the U.S. via San
Francisco, there are only going to be two alternatives—the purchase of a car;
or travel by routine methods. The Khalandar had proposed the first, and the
Major has not proposed. If I travel with the Major it will have to be on
“official business”—to certain definite places; and if with the Malik
just to big cities, persons, etc; with the Khalandar somewhere in between. Now
I feel must write to some Universities, not with any optimism, but because I
must write. Cassandra had to foretell and did but nobody listened. In the
course of this letter a Kadari Sufi came and made more predictions. All of
these predications have proven right so far, down to the letter, but don’t
let that disturb the Philistines.
[continuation of letter from November 25 to Leonora]
Nov. 28.
I have a new ribbon. They are not easy to get. Nothing is easy, no matter
how simple it is from our point of view. You can go to a haberdashery and get
handkerchiefs but not underwear. There are general merchants who carry drugs
and apothecaries who won't.
Yesterday a truck stopped because a piece of tile pipe fell out. Two men
were directing two men to lift it. They could not, because it was too big. They
tried tools, they tried leverage, they tried ropes, so they stopped for heavier
equipment, A big crowd gathered around.
Could all four men try to lift without two directing the others? Could any
of the crowd around help? Why speaking Pushtu is easier, you could have done
anything but convert them to Hinduism other than present the simple idea that
if six or eight men helped that pipe would have been loaded in a jiffy. Things
like that do not happen in this caste-less land.
The Major comes up for his examination soon and the ides, kalends and nones
all indicate success, inshallah. It may mean much for both of us. The sages,
seers, psychics, Sufis and saints are unanimous in promoting success. It is
just around the corner. The blocks here may be 50 yards long, or 1 mile long so
you figure out what around the corner means.
I went and bought 2 rupees of bananas, 40 cents—got six. I bought 2 rupees
oranges and could hardly carry the load. Don't ask.
I have just read the life of my favorite politician, Mayor Laguardia. Now I
am thinking of getting a hat like his; why not, we were both loud-mouthed,
irrepressible runts who did all kinds of things nobody else would do or even
think of doing?
The paper says Mr. Bowles is transferred. They make him the goat here for
everything. He mingled. That is anti-protocol. He should have given these
anti¬communist Muslims liquor and caviar, that would have been proper. He did
not. He even offered them curry!
Well I met another saint but there is no use reporting about it. I just read
an article about saints from England. Boy, what protocol, what "musts." Angels
fear to tread where fools rush in because mankind has made so many rules it is
useless to be an angel any more. But when my Sufi friend, the Malik, offered me
some Cognac, we did take. Sufis don't drink, Sufis don't this and don't that,
so they go mad and pretend to be crazy and then they do exactly as they
please.
Can't foretell anything excepting all the prognosticators are yelling for my
side, whatever it be.
Sam
Lahore
November 30, 1961
My dear Jack:
I am enclosing the register-receipt which I failed to fill out properly
before.
The Man on Horseback. I hesitate to show people that cartoon
because they would regard it as a drawing from a true picture. I
remember how hard it was once to convince the boys at a reform school that I
could not read minds so we tried mind-reading (fake, of course) but it worked
and how.
Cashinova’s Home Coming. Whatever I say about “saintship” is
not believable, of course, in America, but this is not America. Between now and
48 hours from now I feel some positive proposition is going to be put before me
but I have not the slightest idea of its nature. Meanwhile the Major was up for
examination today for a possible transfer to the new Agricultural Development
Corporation. He had to answer several questions concerning me. It may be India
all over where the Ministry of Food & Agriculture accepted me as a great
Yogi—no nonsense, either, and then gave me all kinds of introductions. These
things are “unbelievable” of course, from the usual American point of view;
and I can assure you no European professor of Orientalia is ever going to
accept such things.
I must say here I feel very indebted to you. I am not putting you in any
last will and testament, but when it comes to live things of this world. All
over Pakistan my position is getting better and better and if this government
had any say, I would be in complete charge of the Peace Corps, and I think I
could do a good job of it.
Recognition by Americans. This mail-problem has been a godsend in
disguise. I am getting more and more sympathy and cooperation. Monday next I
have a session with the Top Agriculture Man (OIC) and already he has approved
of what I have done, am doing and planning. A diplomat is one who pours oil not
only on waters but on everything. As soon as one gets away from Embassies one
meets human beings.
Future. The Satevepost has written it did not receive my articles.
This is an added element. I have written to the Post Master General, no answer.
I am trying to force an answer one way or other about India. I know, too, that
letters purporting to go to Malaya didn’t. So I am waiting for the above
decisions plus the Major’s future.
Money. Bank of America has sent me balance as of November 16 after
which there was a deposit. But the checks off are slow. One small check did not
get through either so I have to go over my accounts. The amounts are not of
importance. On November 13 I cashed $60 and still have some money. I get half
of this was spent for postage, so it is not costing me much money. If you have
time you can tell the bank (Mr. Russell) that it looks as if all is clear—it
certainly is now in that direction, but censors or subversives would be more
concerned with reports, not with finances.
Gavin. Word came through that there is no more Mrs. Gavin (or Mrs.
Esther). Where this gets him, I don’t know. I must assume that he is doing
everything with legal advice. When I return I hope to see the Morse Erskins.
Each of them has crossed my life again and again, but it was not until I knew
each of them separately many years and well, that I met them both in society
together. At one time I was in the clique of young people that followed Mrs. E.
(I was young once—or always).
Politics in California. I want to return and register, if I can. I am
not against Republicans. But if there is anybody next to No-brains, no-heart,
no-land; it is Richard the Nick-hearted. When he was threatened with fire he
said: “I have gone through sorrow all my life but never anything terrible as
this.” Imagine him trying to rescue drowning sailors, especially if
they were just ordinary seamen!
The news here is that if Rockefeller gets divorced, he is out. But the
disappearance of his son may change things. If we accept Roosevelt’s “There
is nothing to fear but fear itself,” then I am coming out strong for Jackie.
There is something in the wind more than the news, and I would rather hold back
on it until I return.
The Khalandar’s last letter, full of predications, was confirmed in 24
hours—these for my own good. I think I may have reported that Prof, Rhine of
Duke wants to meet us.
Writing. The failure of my mail to reach the U.S., though it deprives
me of “recognition” also means I shall not be recognized by enemies. It may
have been a god-send. I see more and more assignments here anyhow. The
Pakistani press has accepted my material on Agriculture and I am certain that
material on spiritual and mystical articles will also be accepted…. Just now
an acknowledgment of the letter to the Postmaster General of my complaint. But
of the other letters, sent out as feelers, I only know that one was received
and no answer. I have asked them to send an answer to my residence, just in
case, it still is “in case.”
I hear you have had rain in California. Maybe I should return and try the
occult rain-making process. Or shall I leave that to the Hopis?
I’ll try to get this off before something more happens so will not seal
until I get to the P.O.
S. A. M.
Sufi Ahmed Murad
December 1, 1961
Dear Jack:
Pay no attention to the name on the envelope. I am still in the midst of
mysteries. A copy of this letter is going to my attorneys. Rockwell &
Gerson.
Last night I started with a humorous Christmas greeting and it ended in a
story. This story is being sent to my friends, the Albaneses in San Rafael. Now
I am so proud—or stuck up I decided to send the carbon to us, so you will
have it and read it and keep it.
No mail has been received excepting from you. I was able to cash $50 at the
American Express. The last check was for $60 on November 13. Most of this is
for postage. No letters of any kind from India or from the high commissioner.
Two letters from Ceylon and an enigmatic one from Malaya. And nothing from my
travel agent, Rudy Olsen, 166 Geary St. So I have to stick around. The bank
balance will no doubt increase, but if caught I can always get a loan from Bank
of America.
The consulate has become more concerned. Even the experimental letters sent
out have not brought answers. The saints and seers all say I shall be going to
India, a matter made more delicate because I have been receiving invitations.
Pakistanis have no trouble in going to India provided they have not been mixed
in politics. The Embassies are cooperating now and I am glad because outside of
the above everything has been coming along lovely.
I met one Hashimi, a saint who lives at a town called Sheikapura which is
about 25 miles from here. He has been going around making wonderful predictions
about me. He has a strange way of working. He does not tell you about yourself,
he tells you about your friends. So I have heard through others. He has
confirmed what the other saints and seers say, which is still in the stage of
prediction.
Today I got a sort of break. Purely on a hunch—the Sufis have another word
for it—I went to the Agricultural Research Station and found my man. He has
just been promoted to be the top person in this field and was very happy! And I
brought him exactly what he wanted, mostly on Trees, some on irrigation, I told
him about the USIA library and Monday I have an appointment. I wish to write on
the use of the USIA library by nations and perhaps also on the OIC library. I
have an appointment Monday morning with the top OIC ag. man. It is quite
evident that I must either come so S.F. and then go to Baton Rouge, stopping at
Texas A. & M., perhaps in Arizona and New Mexico. An old friend of mine is
president of the Chamber of commerce in Taos and I might take that in, too. I
am waiting to see also what of mine is published here.
I also have a plan for my host, Major Sadiq, to start an herb and medicinal
garden, which they do not have here and as there are so many schools of
medicine, it should be not only an experimental station but a valuables
commercial venture.
I am also being beseeched to function as a Sufi teacher. I had so much
trouble in America that I hesitate. But I took four disciples—dogs. The
result has been that the crows and birds all join in, anybody but the
chipmunks. So far they have not come, but you never can tell. I was at the
celebrated Faletti’s hotel yesterday and the cat came and joined, right off.
I may not have sex appeal but between you and me and Tesla, we have it with the
birds. Psychologists please explain.
Even how when I go out and buy there are just two kinds of people: (a) those
who see me as a rich American; (b) those that see me as a dervish and they
overload my bags and what have you.
I have seen a good deal of the Malik. He wants to get away from it all and
cash in. Do you want a Mercedes or a Rolls? He likes cars with long fins, but
keeps a lot of them, all sizes for all purposes. He thinks that the Saint,
Hashimi, can give him good advice. I am anxious to know if, as, how and when he
will come to the U.S.A. He says it will be by the end of January. I see myself
departing by the end of March, come whatsoever.
The university wants me to speak again tomorrow. The schools want me. The
kids want me. I could be set up for life here, but “I wanna go home.” So
the next thing is about getting a home. I dream of Fairfax, but might settle
for Mill Valley. Only in the meanwhile I also think of going to college. I can
live in Marin on a part time-job but it is too far to commute to Berkeley. But
if I get enough writing and lecturing assignments, will give up the college
idea; and spend hundreds for books and music—records, TV, etc. At least that
is my dream.
It is definite now that the press, radio and publishers did not get my
reports. There will be a tracing and it may turn out to be most serious. I am
never sure anymore. Anyhow I have a lot of stories. If the Malik comes we must
stay in S.F. for a while. I think I could get some lectures for him. But if the
Major comes we may have to travel, though California is best. Fortunately these
friends of mine are excellent friends of each other.
The whole story of my removal from Fairfax is going to come out in public
some day. It is not a pleasant story but then my past is full of unpleasant
stories. Now the life counterbalances with pleasant stories. I cannot even ask
you to look for a place for me because if I have these traveling companions who
have the wherewith, they might want a good apartment in a so-called favorable
place. I should not wish a hotel, but can’t see ahead at all.
I shall have four or five important conferences in S.F. and they also may
affect my future. Most important is Harry Nelson, 261 Northgate, Daly City. His
office is Greenhouse, City College. You might drop in some day—preferably
afternoon—and see him some time. I shall have a most important report for him
Monday but this I send usually sea-mail.
I just thought of an awful Pun—Japan is the land of rice and
mats—Pakistan is the spooner reciprocal—figure that one yourself.
Have just finished the first part of a biography of Mayor LaGuardia. It has
had a bad effect. I want to buy a big hat like he wore. After all we were both
undersized and over-busybodies and then some. He was my favorite mayor. I
nearly saw him in N.Y—rushing to and from fires!
The Consulate is glad I am not intruding in politics. Congressman Walter
Judd is here and if he heard my stories he would start a few crusades. He does
not like India anyhow and would use any excuse.
We still have pleasant days though cold nights. I have plenty of Indian
rupees to spend and hope to get over there and then buy more winter clothes.
Besides I know where to go in Delhi, but Lahore is not much of a trading city
for Western things—bazaars yes. I still have some things to buy in them. Hope
you have gotten my books. It is in one sense awful, praying that things come
through. After this I’ll address to you.
Hope you’ll have, another pun, son, and that’s enough from
S. A. M.
Lahore, Pakistan
December 4, 1961
Harry Nelson,
Greenhouse, City College,
San Francisco, Calif.
My dear Harry;
This has been one of the worst and best days of my trip. On the bad side I
am faced with the menace of interference with my mail and tomorrow will take up
with the consulate the need for legal action. It is so evident that most of my
letters do not get through and I have not had a single answer from anybody
connected with India regarding my going there. Or heard from my travel agent
about going elsewhere. Or gotten any letters of importance from the United
States excepting from on reliable publisher to the end that he has not heard
from me recently. It is evident that the local post offices are not concerned,
but the outgoing ones not only to the U.S. and India, but even to places in
Pakistan. My “gang” is now working for me. Formerly they uncovered a man
who had me in surveillance. This is a long story, very dramatic and complicated
into which I do not wish to go here.
My friend and host, major Sadiq, has passed No. 1 for the new Agricultural
Development Corporation. He was the highest in the written and came up for
oral. My name was thrown into the hopper and I was challenged not being any
orthodox Muslim. This no singular. I get by which the Ministry of Food &
Agriculture in India because I know Hinduism—I mean the kind of Hinduism
Hindus teach, not what is offered by German philosophers and take Yogis. I was
tried the some way in UAR and Japan and passed—no Europeans there either. So
he was finally given the question; “What does the soil around Rawalpindi
lack?” He replied, “Iodine.” The chairman was flabbergasted and said it
was wrong. The Major appealed. A long distance call was sent to the Ministry at
Rawalpindi. The Major was right.
Now my friends, the Knights from San Francisco, have been all through the
mountainous country and report endless cases of Goiter. Not only is Iodine
lacking but most these people do into eat ever fresh water fish. The whole
tenor have is to have campaigns, oratory, conferences and the same ending as
with the Locusts about which I have reported.
Then Friday I went to the Agricultural office which was visited before. My
men were not there and I met one Dr. Abdul Aziz. He told me that he was junior
here but had just been promoted to head all Agricultural and Forestry Research
in Pakistan. Boy, right in the bull’s eye. I told him about the Cotton
Station at Shafter, the labs in Riverside, and the irrigation water
requirements in Salinas. “But even if California hasn’t the answers I’ll
get them for you.” He shot three questions in a row and I gave him the
answers pronto, mostly out of Tree Crops.
….[?]
….[?]
Yesterday the Major took me to his farm near here again with the Malik. The
Malik has offered to put up the money for a house for me. There will be two
gardens—a landscaped one near the house with the Date Palm as foundation
plant. This is because the Date is the sacred fruit in Islam, but melons are
also sacred and will be grown.
The other will be called by the well-known “The Garden of Allah” but
this is Islamic country. This garden will be devoted to fragrant, medicinal and
savory plants. It will be experimental in the sense that there are no such
ventures in this country, but it will be commercial because also we shall try
to arrange with the medical doctors what herbals, etc. they need and want. The
market is already and nothing has been done. It is also non-competitive—as
with Sugar, Maize, etc. witch glut the market and depress prices (but not just
now).
Incidentally there is another profitable industry going on
there—smuggling! For one rupee you can get so many Oranges you can’t carry
them and are lucky to get 4 Bananas. And on the Indian side it is just the
opposite. You get all the Bananas you can carry but are lucky to get four
Oranges. So what better scope for “free trade” and I am told it is most
thriving. Well you can go to New York and the Pakistani and Indian Consulates
have a common back yard fence—at least I assume there is a fence
there, and that is something.
Finally today I went to the OIC and got nothing but encouragement. All these
governmental, semi-governmental and grant people have to obey protocol and red
tape. Thus the OIC farm advisers may offend Pakistani farmers but they may not
offend FAO and UNO and Point 4 and God knows whom or who else, of the U.N. or
even of foreign governments. Noblesse oblige. They can’t go out and suggest,
even if they are the world’s greatest authorities on the subject. It just is
not done. I have yet to meet a happy technician or adviser. This leaves more
than the doors open to me. It leaves such opportunities that I want more than
ever to come back and see you before I flap my trap too much.
I feel now for all extent and purposes my survey in this field has been
completed. I have found several good books in the USIA library. Unfortunately
the library is full of books on political characters. Why in God’s name there
should be more books on Eleanor Roosevelt than on Franklin, or on Franklin than
on Toddy or Lincoln and practically none on Morse, Edison, Westinghouse, Bell,
McCormick, the great Noble price winner—not a one that I know—none on our
great physicists, chemists, geologists. Generals and movie actresses and
society grand-dames. And this country is hungry for agricultural knowledge.
And the college appropriations for science for next year reduced. They
need the money for Urdu (which few speak), Arabic, poetry, history, oratory,
the art of teaching, law, jurisprudence, political economy & political
science, etc. And journalism, of course.
So with the protocol on one hand and frustration on the other everybody
envies me. But recognition! The enemies of the U.S. have recognized me and how,
and of course I am dangerous—to them.
This may miss you but still Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Samuel L. Lewis
December 12, 1961
My dear Rosemary:
This is my diary. When I was in India, I tried to make friends with a dog
and cat and every time I went to feed them the crows suddenly appeared and
snatched the food in mid-air, or even intercepted the little pitcher or saucer
of the milk. Once when I was lonely here I decided to befriend the crows. You
can anticipate the results: I now have four fine dog friends. This is an easier
way to make friends with dogs than anything I know with the possible exception
of putting out cat food! It also gives you the secret of how to deal with
frustration of which I have nothing else but including the typewriter at this
moment.
Have just written to Conlon & Associates with carbon to C. of C. for it
is true the Investment Commission has only learned about frustration and
futility. They are very rude because they refuse to make financing a one way
street which is demanded by protocol, and they leave this country safe, sane
and utterly impossible to deal with. It is true that the dollars that they save
are their own, but what is a tourist but an American with ever-bulging pockets,
and a fool who is pledged to finance the Pan-Islamic and Pan-Asian movements to
prove to the world that Asia can get along without Americans, non-Muslims and
“Imperialists.” It is grossly immoral for are we not financing the U.N.
army which is fighting the Katangans and who wish to protect investors? Besides
this Kashmir can and must be saved by a plebiscite but anything remotely
resembling a plebiscite for Katanga is inconceivable, unthinkable, impossible
and nothing but an “imperialistic contrivance.”
Now, darling, and you won’t object to my sailing you “darling,” a
women has come into my life. That is why I write. She is absolutely against
protocol and that’s how she got there. She mingles with Asians and against
even my own protocol, she is a member of the Fourth Estate. You see, darling,
in my endless war against “protocol,” I have my own protocol, of course, of
always being against the press. And so it be that the best friends I have here
among Americans are ye press, so help me Allah and Mammon.
On top of that she is a Paul Brunton, which is to say a newswallah who wants
Yoga. She spent one and a half years in India getting Yoga and the most night
after our first meeting I gave her more Yoga than she get in India—no
European professors of Oriental philosophy being present. She did not believe
it, of course—you must not believe it, until the next night I brought around
two Sufis—my resemblance to what you read in books is not only not
coincidental, it isn’t a-tall. One is a manufacturer and the other an army
major. They proceeded to tell her where I stood and again, no European
professors being present it went over big. So she has my manuscripts in brief
and is leading them over.
Now in a far off land when you get off the between track—which is to say
be anywhere at all, you don’t meet American women, and least of all from San
Francisco and on top of that one who is very much opposed to my Private Enemy
No. 1—of when I have not spoken and she does not believe you can learn Yoga
and Zen and Sufism from you know who.
Cont. December 14
Now Lady Julie had proposed a meeting of American Islamists with Pakistanis
so the USIA got to work and this devil then did his bit. He went over the list
which was mostly duplicates and got the attaché to come downstairs into the
library. He took out three books: Encyclopedia of Islam, American Encyclopedia
and a Dictionary of Religion, picked out an Islamic subject and showed:
a. All articles were by non-American non-Muslims.
b. The subject-matter of each was absolutely and incontrovertibly
contradictory.
c. None of them fitted in with the facts of Pakistan.
This was a terrible thing to have done.
On top of that after writing I am going to get the dope on the festival
tomorrow in which I am to play a part. Of course this is by Muslims and
Pakistanis who never studied out of our “source-material.” So I have
written to Adlai Stevenson and you can be pretty sure we are going to face some
set-backs all over.
There is a humor going around that I am mad and my answer: “Of course I am
mad, but my madness is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Other people
have Sanity No. 1 on Monday, Sanity No. 2 on Tuesday, Sanity No. 3 on Wednesday
and another Sanity next week. Of course I cannot accept that kind of Sanity.”
Inasmuch as I proved to be informed my position is not easily overthrown. For
now I have still no answers which would enable me to go to India or return
home. As American Express now cashes checks for me I am in no difficulty this
way but I have Rs. 1200 India that I don’t know what to do with. The Indian
authorities have positively refused to say “yes” or “no” to me, but
they have kept my money. So I am going to start a private war, for at least it
will clarify my future.
Actually I cannot tell you what is going on with me because it does not fit
any of our preconceptions. If one took the trouble to read Lafcadio Hearn,
Fielding Hall, Francis Younghusband, Yeats-Brown, Paul Brunton and last and far
from least Nilla Cram Cook, there is nothing new in this life, but we reject
one and all of them and accept our European “experts” and befool ourselves
and step on the feelings of Asians I don’t know what can be done about it
except invite China to the UN, and make us realize that formulae solves
nothing, especially our mass of contradictory formulae, based on nothing and
nobody.
At the moment the “peace-loving” nations seem all ready to fight one
another, but I can’t tell who or which. My now formula is that the world will
be run by the KKK which is to say, Kennedy, Khrushchev and kings. Everybody has
their eyes on Berlin and the fires are everywhere else…. The grapevine here
is all for me and the Americans are getting to bet for me, and I have a hunch
that 1962 will be better.
Wishing you the same,
Samuel L. Lewis
December 18, 1961
My dear Winifred:
On this verge of a Christmas celebration—and it may not celebrated much
here—I am undergoing the strangest experiences of my whole life. So strange
that I am not putting them in my diary directly but awarding a copy of this to
my friend, Jack Betts, 772 Clementina St.
There are two lines of events which have joined forces and more here. The
political attaché at the Embassy recently asked me to call on one Julie
Medlock who is a newspaperwoman with a temporary job here. She has spent a year
and a half at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, but has also been under
the influence of the Alice Bailey books. I have never been able to warm up to
the Tibetan, whom I do not regard as a real Tibetan, and I fail to find either
love or accuracy in those books.
The other day Julie asked me if I thought she looked like HPB and I think
she looks like HPB. But there is an aura around her which gives more credence
to Alice Bailey which I do not and cannot. How far my immediate circumstances
and experiences confirm the grand Russian lady I do not know but I never had
any feeling against her, and don’t like a lot of her enemies and critics.
Indeed I am going to work soon on a philosophical problem of the unusual
becoming the norm in so many fields of endeavor and study.
The problem I put to Julie was to distinguish between the book-hierarchies
and the living human personalities. At one point we agree—and that is in the
acceptance of the Theosophical masters. But I consider the hierarchy above
those Masters, excelling in hearts, vision and human sympathy. I do not say
anything about insight and knowledge. My only direct contacts with Theosophical
Masters gave me the feeling of “cold truth” which is not exactly correct,
for pure truth is never that cold. There was honesty and firmness but not what
we call “love.”
On the other hand I reject a large number of saints, encompassed by what is
sometimes called “love” as being half-saints. They are drowned in their
love for love and lose sight of humanity.
As a result of the recent difficulties with which I was encompassed, my hear
and friend, Major Sadiq, was transferred to the nearby town of Sheikhapura.
What happened then would make Paul Brunton or Yeats-Brown turn pale with envy
or admiration. Wherever he went he found some holy person waiting for him and
sending him on. He finally came to Wali Hashimi who not only haled me, but
haled me too, and hit the central core of my on-goings; which is to say that
which is behind the various incarnations, the basic personality of my being. I
had, under compulsion, revealed this to the Major but the Wali told him
directly. Later when I met the Wali I was greeted in a manner—oh, well,
what’s the use! Didn’t I get into the palatial grounds of Japan and
Thailand? Wasn’t I admitted to the Zen and Esoteric Buddhist monasteries,
just like that! And greetings form Sufis all over the Near East. If I don’t
it is egotism; if I keep silent occultism is not confirmed.
Julie got stuck here in a very delicate situation and asked me to shoulder
her problems. Discounting my own complex affairs I am now carrying five
problems of others and some of them pretty stiff. I haven’t had a single
important letter from America in reply to my heavy reports or in response to
inquiries involving my return. Fortunately I met a Sufi who agreed to take
Julie’s problem while he gave me his. I got the answer to his problem so fast
I must belong to the Imperialistic Hierarchy of Wizards. We had agreed to
consult my friend, the Khalandar, but with mail as it is, no answers come so
this was still in the prayer stage:
Major Sadiq disappeared. He went to Sheikhapura to see the saint. He has
seen more saints. I took him to Julie and he gave her a tough and wonderful
time, psychometrizing all over the place and assuring her of success. She has
two ventures, one with the newspaper and one with world communication. When he
got through with her she accepted looking at my poetry and prose and I wrote a
Puck story, “Tiger Balm,” copy of which also went to aforesaid Jack.
The Major soon returned to Sheikhapura. When he called on the Wali that
worthy asked only about Julie and yours truly. He insisted the Major sit down
to dinner—it was not dinner hour.
“I know it but a very important person is coming so you must stay.” The
Major, unwilling, consented. No soon was the food on the table when the
Wali’s spiritual teacher entered. He also asked about Julie and your
un-humble bumble servant and wants to see us, on the 23rd or
later.
The predictions were made that Julie will succeed in both her newspaper
venture and her grand ideals of linking nations through communication. They
also predicted that 1962 was my banner year. Now for the record I must say that
these predictions agreed down into details with what the Khalandar had told me
previously and there is no connection between them. The up-end, and I wish to
put it on paper, is that I shall be a guest of President Kennedy late in 1962,
inshallah. This will be a grand occult test.
Now I am going through several revolutions and one is in reverse, almost
like O’Neill’s “Lazarus Laughs.” I seem at times to be able to outrun
all the youngsters here. At the same time I am growing in something else. I won
an ovation Saturday at a meeting presided over by Mrs. Noon whose husband had
been president some years book and she is Veddy British and when a Veddy
British Lady gets up and leads the cheers for a yam dankee, you know well that
the Millennium is here. “It can happen here”—I mean anything contrary to
protocol, and that’s all what we ain’t got nothing also but.
You can see that with Christmas approaching I am all agog and maybe a gog
whatever that is. It is quite evident that the Masters want to see me before I
go to India or anywhere. This produced a surface tension between Julie and
myself. I wrote her that while she is reading about book-hierarchy, the real
hierarchy, the real saints will be looking after her. She has problems and they
are protecting her. I wrote this before I heard what was going on in
Sheikhapura. She insists that Alice Bailey and the Tibetan told all about the
World War. I never saw anything of it and would like to. I did foretell some
things but what I foresaw and did foresaw was much greater. With our miasmas of
experts on Asia, “Prof. Von Plotz” and “Miss Cloudnine,” it is useless
to come out for truth, but I did show my secret writing to G II during the war.
There was one period when I told a friend every morning what was the newspaper
headlines and never missed. But I made no impression. Instead of people being
curious and letting me teach them they became either envious or ignored it.
I know there is tension. The I-am-ists had the Masters on Mount Shasta and
then told them to vacate. The Baileyites had them in the Himalayas and then
told them to vacate to the Gobi. I don’t think the Masters or the Supermen or
the Saints take any of the orders from book-wallahs, each of whom has his own
dogma on the subject. Although Jesus Christ said, “In the hour think least
the Son of men cometh,” this, like all actual scriptures, is by-passed or
repudiated or modified by the “prophets of the New Age.” They have Christ
and Buddha so hemmed in with rules those personalities would either go to
Nirvana or incarnate among the Negroes, certainly not among the whites with all
this insistence. Actually I am more inclined to the Aurobindo teaching that the
whole race is evolving. But then the theosophists gave this out years ago and
one can see it better in California than in “Kali-stan.” The tendency to
plagiarize and ignore goes on.
The saints and holy beings I have met have humanity in them and they will be
doing and often are doing some ordinary things. Or they “stoop to conquer”
which no ordinary metaphysician would ever do. We have to cut out this nonsense
about Christ washing feet or working in a carpenter shop. What’s the Son of
God to do with that? So the poor Son of God has to stand by humbly waiting
“orders” from some obsessed or not-obsessed individual who has been
manufacturing the keys to the universe, modern style, whether the universe
likes that or not.
I once challenged the Bahais: What is the difference between the world being
divided by 500 sects, and ending them and having it divided by 500 universal
brotherhoods all opposed to each other? That is what is doing now. Anybody that
preaches what Christ said (not to be confused with “The Gospel of Christ”
is out. “Love ye one another” was all right 1960 years ago, but we have new
and better stuff!
December 22, 1961
World Affairs Council,
421 Powell St.
San Francisco, Calif.
My dear friends: this is my diary. I have written to Rosemary because so
many things seem off color. No man in his “sanity” can reach the people
here and the whole Nation; regardless of all things else is adamant against
Spangler, Gerer and non-Euclidean outlooks. Peoples in faraway places do not
think in translatable terms. We won’t understand this although we can
understand this and our country is losing face more and more.
This week I have been collaborating with a teacher here who is going to an
international philosophical congress. She has taken down my notes and her paper
will be a collaboration. So I have gone to the Islamic Cultural Center and they
wish me to attend. I do not have “credentials” from our point of view; from
their point of view I have a superfluity of credentials.
My friend is worried and even some Pakistani officials are worried because
the Russians will be there in force. They not only know Urdu and English, they
know the Pakistanis and have a complete Marxist (!) approach doctored to meet
the prejudices of the people here. They do not include non-Russian, non-Muslims
in their delegation. The Americans who have come previously have either been
ineffective or silent. Some brand names which are shouted in our country are
exceedingly un-brand and un-shouting abroad. Our list of “experts” on Islam
includes exactly one American who is not a Zionist. It may be all right to have
Zionists teach Islamics at home but they dare not represent us abroad. As to
the non-Zionists, exactly one American excepting graduates of Christian
seminaries who are not eligible for other reasons.
I also have the report on another international philosophical congress held
in India. The Americans present either made fools of themselves or were silent.
The Russian are not. They mingled with the people, sat down to eat with
them—the Americans ate together—and made good impressions. None of the
Russians learned their Indian Philosophy (!) from European exiles. This gripe
of mine does not go far at home, yet.
Satevepost has editorialized on Khrushchev’s future program. It is very
easy and simile. Keep the eyes of the world on Berlin and penetrate,
infiltrate, comingle and go slow otherwise. We don’t do these things. Now I
am asked to go to East Pakistan although I shall not officially be representing
America. I will exactly in the position I was in coming to Lahore—ignore by
the Americans, regarded as dangerous to the anti-Americans. The reports on this
situation have not reached America—intercepted, or were ignored.
Satevepost also warns about another Pearl Harbor. But the central core of
the Pearl Harbor, cum Laos, cum Vietnam, cum Tibet, is that warnings by simple
citizens are ignored and will continue to be ignored. It is easy to raise a
million to support Waller’s contentions; t is difficult to raise a single
dollar to meet the inroads of actual communists where they are. It is no good
to know their plans; our stubborn protocol refuses to take them seriously.
I shall not report in detail here my conversations at the Cultural Center.
They are so out of line with anything that could happen in America excepting at
World Affairs meetings or on Harvard, and possibly Penn and Princeton, it is
useless to repeat them.
The alternative to my going to East Pakistan to this conference is even more
exotic, and impossible to fit in with our accepted journals. 50,000,000
Frenchmen can’t be wrong. 50,000,000 Sufis can not be. Fortunately this time
I shall have as guest an American newspaper women who has already accepted the
facts of life whether they fit prejudices and protocols or not.
Now the “peace-loving” nations are at it. But the “imperialists” and
“peace-loving” nations alike solve everything by mottos, sexism and slogans
and the impasse continues because while Nations may meet their mottos, maxims
and slogans cannot.
December 26
Dear Jack: This is the news and any resemblance is not. I got tired about
the Indian situation so I did the inconceivable, wrote to Nehru telling him who
and what I was (which is generally not believed excepting by fools like Walt
Baptiste & Co. and pronto a letter from his private secretary saying that
the High Commissioner was to give me a visa P.D.Q. and then some. Now I know
why he is called “High Commissioner” and not Minister. Simple, the high
commissions. So I was planning to go to Karachi to pick up the visa when the
Embassy wrote me a letter on the cuff:
Send my passport to them. They trust the H. C. like I do. They would take
care of it but the H.C. wants a high commission of 18 rupees for things, which
he did not do. He is trying to say now that he wired New Delhi. As if I had to
pay for official business. So might I shall, but I will go through the Embassy
anyhow because otherwise somebody would blow a fuse.
This shows you how “honest” some Krishna Menons are who can lambaste
other powers. But this guy knows the first commandment: “Thou salt not get
caught” and the second one: “Do unto others as you think they might be
doing unto you but do them first.” This is better than diplomacy.
I have a sore mouth and so did not go out and spend money for a Christmas
dinner. The other night Julie went with me to the Forman Christian College
where an American choir sang carols and the next day to church, but the
Americans who attend church are mostly teachers, the officials are “high”
Episcopal.
Anyhow last night it was a combination of the birthdays of Jesus Christ, Ali
(son-in-law of Mohammed) and Jinnah, founder of Pakistan. So there was a big
celebration in the cantonment and a guest of honour. Guess who? Boy did they
throw things over my shoulders and head. The music was all spiritual.
The saint of Sheikhapura was here and he spent some time with Julie, the
first time another American has ever bothered and she a newspaperwoman to book
(sea opening lines). They told me she was more interested in spiritualism than
religion and more in phenomenon (occultism) than spiritualism, so they gave her
the “mageek” formula. I may not see her till tomorrow so don’t know what
happened. Me? I make my own formulae now though they don’t heal my mouth and
I am not a healer although the other day I tried it on a crying baby and healed
his mouth.
Julie also went to Sheikhapura with me and was guest of honor because women
are never guest of honor and Americans have no interest in Sufism or
spiritualism. My host, Major Sadiq healed a blind man before our eyes. I
don’t know her reaction. Even Major sews as surprised as he does not make
claims.
Incidentally Cha-cha is ready. I now have 4 dogs, 4 chickens, 40 crows, 100
sparrows, 50 birds of native vintage as my disciples—and one chipmunk.
Whenever I go they sing: “Praise the Lord and pass the.” I supply
“the,” the crows howl and the other birds sing and the dogs fight each
other. The chickens chase the crows away and the crows chase the other birds
but the chickens don’t chase the sparrows away so I have not learned the
avian protocol yet. I let the crumbs fall where they may so they rightly call
me “The Big Crumb.”
No mail so I may know my P”s and Q“s but not my $ and £. Had my
overcoat try-on today. Need it whether I go to Karachi or Delhi. Next must
check for shots and also see about the trips through the American Express. The
Indians are to give me six-month visa but I want out as soon as possible. This
will depend almost entirely on when Major Sadiq gets what job. The Saint gave
me the same predictions as the Khalandars. The other trouble is from your point
of view, is that they predict marriage. Although you are not in my will (to be
distributed when I ain’t here) you are high on the priority list—without
waiting for any Uncle Charlie, only I have to get home and see the income.
I surrender dear. Interrupted by a letter from the Tourist Bureau. They
could not lick me, so they have joined me. Now what am I to do? I said, if it
were normal, it would not happen to me.
December 28
Dear Gavin:
To save time I am enclosing copy of letter to Vocha. The whole life is
changed.
It is interesting that I sometimes call the Julie Medlock referred to as
“Minerva.” She has Virgo rising, which substantiates your chart. But her
sun is on the cusp between Pisces and Aquarius. Her mind is Aquarian but I
think her body is Piscean.
I have also met “Jupiter.” He owns a stove and heated manufacturing
company. He told me his faults and I laughed at him. “You are Jupiter” and
you can no more escape being Jupiter than the earth can escape revolving. The
more he told me about himself the more I laughed. Yes, in a certain sense he is
a Centaur and maybe in more than one sense although according to my
interpretation the Centaur belongs to the Uranus-Sagittarian aspect. He has
been opulent and may be again. He has a big body and an executive mind. I could
read his sex-life like a newspaper. It was so simple and at the same time so
archetypical.
Julie has had a reading from Myra Kingsley. Her husband was a Hearst editor
and she once worked for the S.F. Chronicle.
The saints, seers and sages have so blotted out the soothsayers that their
pictures are in my mind.
I may go to Karachi and will yell bloody murder if they don’t see me,
which I think they will this time. The day of closing the door in my face is
over, anywhere, everywhere. This does not mean that my ideas be accepted, it
means they be heard.
Have been behind the scenes in more things than most people anytime, anyhow,
anywhere and don’t give tuppence whether I am receiving on return or not
because I have now homes offered me here and much more.
Of course with the scientific missions it is different. Scientists are
neither metaphysicians nor diplomats. They want to hear what you know, not what
you are. Well, I’ve carried on and should say successfully in most things.
Everybody predicts a marriage and some fame in 1962. I don’t want her
unless she is fair, fat and $50,000 although I may be lenient about the fair
and fat.
What the heck you are doing in Beebe-land is a mystery to me, but then I
like mysteries. Besides an astrologer does not have to come back to earth. What
I want most in you is your health. I keep in touch with Jack and have to pay my
income tax as of 772 Clementina, but being over 65, I get a reprise. Grow old
along with me, the best is yet to be and then some.
Happiest New Year.
Lahore
December 28
My dear Vocha:
I have your greeting of December 18 and for practical though very unsociable
purposes I am making a carbon of this for Fred & Corinne and another for
Gavin. It is impossible for me to write individual letters. This is the
eleventh this morning and it is not ten o’clock. My mail came from at least
six countries. I have no private secretary and I continue to get into more
adventures, not less. But these “more” are all on the good side, alhamdu
lillah.
I was glad to hear from Gavin and cannot blame him for not contacting me
because sometimes it seems I cannot contact me myself. I had planned to go to
East Pakistan and was given a warning sign not to by a saint—details below. I
was urged by another to go to Karachi—it will cost less and there are some
very pressing matters. The day is gone when any Zionist or European professor
can get up and prevent me from spieling on the Orient. Indeed the day has gone
when any American can, but Americans are more curious and humble than Europeans
and at long last I have gotten Julie Medlock to visit Sufis. She came into my
life because the Political Attaché both thought we had the same kind of
madness, which we have. An addition she lived years in S.F., her bêtes noires
are my own personal enemy No. 1 and “Uncle Louie” Gainsborough discoverer
of the “truth” that the trouble with Asians is that they don’t know
“Asian Philosophy.” Her ideal men—les mêmes sur tous du monde.
Visa. Fudosan Watak’shi wa. This will frighten Alan Watts. The idea
of Sam Lewis being Fudo, utter, stupid nonsense. Anyhow I wrote Nehru a
scorching letter excoriating the High Commissioner and telling him that I, the
only American his late colleague Vallabhai Patel took seriously cannot even get
information about entering India. Nehru’s secretary at once wrote the High
Commission (positive), High Commission-er (comparative) and High Commissionest
(super). The Embassy got into the act and they have my passport and should have
the Visa. But the end is not sight. Besides I have some things in my
portfolio—although 100% anti-protocol, I still have a portfolio, even us
anti-protocolllians don’t go that far—what India wants. They asked for it,
not this person. So I expect to be in India, after I visit Karachi.
East Pakistan. I just received a scorching letter from a Muslim
leader there and I have scorched him back. They want me to be the chief
missionary in America, why? Don’t you see, Mother Divine, that is the best
way for those nice, innocent, protocol-loving Marxist-Leninists to enter.
Nothing could be simpler. The big boys behind this fellow are none other than
the Inner Circle No. 1, for which nolle tocari and plenty of nolle.
Then there is the international conference of philosophers going on. I was
approached by a philosopher—she is young and she is beautiful, to collaborate
because last year the Marxists (with or without Leninism) got all over the
place. So I collaborated and then I saw the top bananas in Islamic Culture and
they wanted me at once. I had all the real credentials which are recognized
here—real study with real people and no European “credentials” which are
below the part of counterfeit money here but the boys back home won’t have it
that way.
Anyhow a saint said no. you see I would win—I always win debates—and
this would make the Russians my enemies. But what branch of the U.S.A
government or university would recognize it? I would be hounded all over India,
so I agreed. Nix.
Indian Philosophical Conferences. Julia Medlock has been to similar
conferences held in India. The Americans, having studied “Oriental
Philosophy” under Northrup and various Europeans, were smeared all over the
place by the Russians and the world was saved by Prof. Sen, grandson of one of
the founders of the Brahma Samaj and now working for the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
This converted Julie to the Aurobindo cult. But after all she is a friend of
such nonentities as Lord Bettie, Oliver Reiser and Dr. Radhakrishnan (long
since abolished by Koestler). She could not agree with any of the Americans.
What as call—well East is East and West is West and never shall the Oriental
meet the Orientalist. Who cares for facts when great personalities are
involved? But we shall continue, we shall continue and woe unto Prov. Von Plotz
when I return.
World Conference of Faiths. This group has accepted my reports and I
must see Dr. Radhakrishnan and others. The idea of teaching religions through
representatives of religions instead of through Prof. Suez Canals!
(Incidentally we have sent nine nurses to East Pakistan when the Pakistanis
prayed for one philosopher. I can’t do you any good. Protocol demands
the nurses, and in this world of humanity, humanism, humanitarianism and
democracy we give “you” what “we” think “you” need. )
Mother Divine. You brought this up. Julie met the mother at the
Aurobindo Ashram. I said, “Whatever she showed you I’ll take you one step
further.” This did not help me. It merely pushed that pseudo mother-Divine
out of the picture. But Mother Divine is an archetype, not a person. Gavin will
agree and write about it if he hasn’t already. And incidentally the library
is receiving books about Jung and books about books about Jung here.
Saints. I told Julie that she would have troubles and the real saints
would help her and she would stick to the Spaulding-Bailey-Roerich axis; and
then more troubles the real saints would help. I took Major Sadiq to her and he
said: “You will never learn about the real saints. You will go over the
world, spend a lot of money, doing all kinds of things and the answer is in the
room and you will never accept it. So I advise you just to travel and spend
your money and not ask sensible questions. The answer is here and free but you
won’t accept it. This gives you the vast difference between the esteem with
which I am held here and the opinions that used to be held in S.F. But I not
one Claude Dahlenberg in Egypt and showed him, no lecture, we just walked
through the streets and he saw what it means to be with Walt Whitman’s “The
Answerer” in the flesh (but his is a person not a chunk of poetry).
This is an introduction to the main body of your letter. The way in which
the occult work is that each asks for another, not for himself. As a Buddhist
you must now take the Nirmanakaya seriously. When the political attaché said I
was mad, I said, “Sure I am mad. But my madness is the same yesterday, today
and tomorrow and your sanity is different yesterday, today and tomorrow and
next week you will have another sanity.” This sense of ego-individual as
atomic must be revamped to become, in a sense electronic. The papules are more
than keen, they may be sure.
Major Sadiq saw clearly into the Schloss and Bates matters and I wrote as
much as I could to Corinne. Actually I am holding five such matters in
my internal life and am for bidden to pray or look for myself. I have to have
absolute trust and faith in a Beneficent Wise God under trying circumstances,
but I am limited to this number of problem-cases. However I am more than
permitted to ask my fellow-saints or fellow-Sufis to take up such matters and I
still have two important persons to ask if and when they show up. Or I may be
cleared when I visit India and go to other saint’s tombs.
Fudo Again. Major Sadiq went through a long period of trials and he
landed in the home of Hashimi, the wali or saint of Sheikhapura. The Wali
recognized me at once—Fudo-san. When he met me he so greeted me. He is
now taking the problem of Julie Medlock under consideration.
Major Sadiq passed No. 1 for the new Agricultural Development Corporation.
He was passed over because he failed on certain religious questions. The head
of the civil service saw me the other day and told me that both has own
relatives and others had also been marked down in the “orals” because they
did not satisfy the top brass, and it is top brass. So I went to OIC and
complained and they told me I might do better in Karachi. America has allotted
a lot of money for agricultural development, and to co-ordinate they put in a
sort of holding company—bigger and better pensions for retired generals and
religions leaders. So I am putting on my Fudo costumes and ready to yell all
over the place at Karachi, or Washington. Here Sam Lewis can’t get an
in when he is performing all kinds of successful missions, but there are
millions, and I mean millions of dollars—dollars to be doled out to
superannuated civil and military servants under the guise of “organizing”
agriculture and they don’t know a thing about it. As soon as he returns I buy
me my ticket.
Sufism No. 1. I am ready to start a new school which will include
psychotherapy with Sufism and have so notified Fred and Corinne. I was
challenged and made fools of the people. They do not know even the alphabet
of Islam. I not only knocked down all the big boys who ought to have sense,
I won the plaudits of the little people (Mullahs) whom I thought might
oppose.
Actually this is a serious and big project. I am going to get the
“Lord’s Prayer” in Aramaic and boy, what a difference the interpretation
is going to be. We don’t know from nothing excepting the Zen people know
Buddha.
Sufism No. 2. As I have been saying, fifty million Frenchmen can’t
be wrong, fifty million disciples in Sufism cannot be. I may return as a Sufi
Murshid or teacher. Skipping the mysticism, it is time to get reality versus
realism.
Philosophy. I am naming my philosophy: “Cosmic Integrative
Unification.” That has placed Julie. It brings Radhakrishnan and Reiser
together—they are getting together without my help. We need Semantics without
generals. I am going to boost Perice. I shall probably buy at least ten
copies of your projected work. I know where to place them and how.
I don’t know whether I told you that O.R. had give Julie my letters to him
and asked her to look me up. Synchronicity, but don’t tell the Jungians
that!
When I get to India I’ll look up Suri again. The generals will never
promote Semantics here and if this country needs anything! “Praised be the
Indefinite from whom all blessings flow”—that is the universal un-religion
of everybody. If you are definite, you ain’t darling.
I am glad Fred has become a man and leader. This was necessary but I am also
hoping we can reach the U.S. before not too long. The Major has done wonderful
work in healing and between us we have a Sufi method of psycho-synthesis which
will be most valuable. Huxley may have a grand name but one does not have to
experiment with anything outside himself.
I am torn for the moment between Northern and Southern Calif. I would like
to go to Berkeley to study Urdu and plant research. I can get the latter at
UCLA. If Brother Reps ever comes out of limbo it may give me another
opportunity. I hear from him occasionally and he wants details from me. He is a
wonderful quarterback—of the yell-leaders. Still he has been a most honest
and faithful witness if not friend.
As I myself was a friend or befriended by both Norris Paulson and Sam Yorty;
and as both Senators Engle and Kuchel have been most cooperative, I can
understand the political implications and I am almost in the same dilemma,
although in much less dramatic things. In the end I would follow the
“spiritual” by which I do not mean anything indefinite. The term
“spiritual” here includes all non-earthy phenomena. We have not studied
psychism. It is only recently we have measured the limits of sounds heard by
the ear. We have not measured the limits of vibrations to which eyes are
sensitive. I myself believed believe eyes belong to Fraunhöfer relativity and
not to Newtonian absolutes—a point on which the generals have always
disagreed with me, they being anti-Newtonians (!) The same is true with other
senses.
Even more complicated (because we have made it so) are the channels of
communication and it is these with which we are concerned. Can we draw direct
help from the superverse to help in the Schloss Matter? I think so. The very
principles for which this man stood involves and invokes and I shall take this
up more. But do not be surprised if I write to the Reinholds direct here,
because they are most concerned. And I am concerned, not with their material
success so much as peace of mind, resourcefulness of heart and inner assurance.
The material will follow. This seems to be true of me now. Anyhow I am leaving
for Karachi on a “blind” data and any success would assure all my friends
of the real guidance of real saints in a real living world.
Happy New Year,
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
S A M