Personal Diary 
of
 ANAGARIKA DHAMMAPALA

 

A glimpse into the life of one of the greatest missionaries and a remarkable  human being of modern times. These extracts amply demonstrate how at the age of 35, this pious, devout Sri Lankan Buddhist missionary took the world stage by storm.

These extracts were made from the diary pages of Anagarika Dhammapala made available through the kind generosity of Ven. Neluwe Ratanatissa Thero, President of Venerable Jinaratana Memorial Trust. I have left the notes in their original form. Please note that they have been written in European English.


JULY - 1896

I worked on courageously. Left Gaya at 12 p.m.

11th - Started for Bombay from Bankipore.   Ticket Rs. 40/30. Formed the acquaintance of Pandit Bangslii Dirar, Sub-Judge of Gorakpur, a Cashmiri Brahman who intends going to Europe and America. Extremely sympathetic and wishes to have Buddhism again in India.  At his urgent request I had to stay at Allahabad 24 hours in his brother's house.  His name is Motilal Nehru, an advocate.

12th - Bathed  in  the  Jamuna. Pleasant day.  Jawalharlal,-child of Mr. Nehru.  Started by the mail. The Sub-Judge accompanied me to the station.

13th - In the train; travelling all day. Pleasant contemplation. My old teacher A. S. P.  of  Kotte  comes before my mind.

14th -Reached Bombay. Mr. Gan­patrao Tookaraam, son of Brother Tookaram Tatiya, met me at the station.  Gandhi is gone to Poona. Brother Tookaram has expounded his scheme of education.  He wants to train monks to preach tile Dharma. He is willing to give on trust a lac of rupees. He gave me a letter to Dr. Carus.  He entrusted Rs. 50/- to be given to Mrs. Higgins. Met Brother Khan at the dispensary. We talked of the future work.  Ras Mookerjee, the beloved brother is also a great friend of Brother Tookaram.  Heavy rain.  Failed to go …..the mail for Madras.

15th - Started from Bardova with my beloved brother Tookaram. Went to the T. S. Rooms; called Brother Gostling with Brother Khan. Had a drive in the native quarter. Bro. Khan gave me a  companion who had been in Ceylon and who knew my father before I was born. He presented me with fruits.  Pleasant time I had with Tookaramji. He knows what is in store?  My life is not mine.  It is for Him that I live. If I succeed in my American trip the better it is for my Indian work. ­Spoke a few words to the Brother. ­Started by the night mail for Madras. Bro. Mehta & Ganpatrao accompanied me.

16th - In the train.   Took some fruits and a little of the sweets that were given to me.  An officer of Madras Army dead drunk enter the carriage and I had an awful trip all through.  Deadening effect it was on me.

17th – Arrived at Madras.  The Adyar carriage was waiting at the station. The gentle and kind hearted Dr. English with his daughter, the only people at the place. It once was the centre of  spiritual activity.  In the shrine room …..one  impulsive idea of hospitality to strangers. Brother Anand asked to stay till tomorrow evening.

18th – Started for Tuticorin. Brother Anand accompanied me to the station.

19th – Travelling in the train. Arrived at Tuticorin at 6 P.M. Went to Telegraph Station. Found Mr T. Kanthasami Pillai and he took me to his house.

20th – Started by SS “Varna”. Mr Kanthasami Pillai saw me off. Never in my experience since I started travelling had I experienced such awful weather. At 5 P.M. commenced the dreadful sea dashing its waves in fury. I was jammed between the bench and arm chair and had another dashing against the side of the boat. Threw out all I had in the stomach. All night had a miserable time.

21st – Arrived in Colombo 7 A.M. My father, brothers and friends came to receive me. Went to Maligakanda to see High Priest. He has not yet returned from Ratnapura. Devamitta Priest was present. Good hearted Priest. He was happy with the results.

22nd – At home. Called on the High Priest. He thinks I should accept …’s money

23rd – Sent letters to Calcutta friends. Went to Kotte with J.Moonesinha to see my old teacher A.S.Perera. It was in 1876 that I was under him when I was a boy of 11 years age. Something makes me to be grateful to him. No moral influence he had on me. Went to see Ananda College and the Sanghamitta School. Adviced Miss Roberts to show more determination. I find that Col Olcott has thrown me overboard in the M.B. affair completely. Accidentaly J.M. found Col’s resignation. Called on the Editors of the Lakminipahana, Dinamina, Daily News.

24th.- Wrote letter to N. Saddhananda about the next Wesak Mirror of 16th inst. has my second lecture. The lower room at Creek Row has been vacated.

26th - Started by 6 A.M. train for Heneratgooda.   Lectured at Domba­wala College.  Announced for the first time the scheme of ''Anagarika Brahmacharis” and the coming Wesak Festival.  Evening lecture at Ananda College. About 1,800 pre­sent.

27th - Lecture at Kotte.

28th - Went to Maligakanda to see H. Priest. Malevana Priest was brought by father to diagnose my disease. He tells me to abstain from all work.

29th - Took medicines. The Priest insists thhat I should take perfect rest. Heyyantuduwe Priest called on me. M.M. S.S. “Aan Bhic” is expected to leave on the 2nd prox.

30th – Took medicines. Better death than life of vice.

31st – Meeting of the MBS. at Maligakanda. High Priest and Subhuti H.P. attended. Col. Olcott's resignation accepted. The post of Director abolished in honour of Col. Olcott.

The following notes refer to a few days spent in England en route to United States.

SEPTEMBER 1896.

Was a sacrifice for her to have given me her room.  All blessings.

3rd - Jinarajadasa and C. W. L. arriived today: I am indeed glad to have seen my old friend who has helped the Sinhalese boys to appre­ciate their ancestral religion.  Called on the Siamese Minister.  He tells me that there are about 20 young Siamese studying in England.  The Paris and London  Legations are important.  Prince Bhanuransi is travelling now in Italy. Mrs. Besant addressed the F. T. S. on the basis of Brotherhood and I spoke a few words at the end of the lecture.

4th - Got 500 copies of the Five Precepts ttract printed for distribution.

5th - Went to 12 Lansdowne Rd. with Roy andd my brother.  Had a pleasant chat on religion with Mrs. Hunt.

6th - I returned the wool blanket to Mrs. Bas.  I felt disinclined to keep it with me and she again asked me to keep it.  I kept in remem­brance of her. At Hyde Park began addressing but an African disturbed, and a few were prepared to drive him out but he had the union jack with him  for his protection.  It was another experience. Mrs. Hunt with a lady friend came to take me to  the 200.  Mrs. Besant started off for India.

7th - Had a sitting with C. W. L. in the occcult room.  He said that my trip may do good to a few but not to a large number.

8th – Started about 8 a.m. with Raja and Roy. The former accompanied me to Southampton. My brother came to see me off at Waterloo.

9th to 12th - At sea.

13th - Lectured in 2nd saloon at 3.30 p.m. on the religions of Asia, laying emphasis on Buddhism and in the Noble I fold Path.  The passengers were greatly pleased with the performance.

14th - At sea.

15th - Arrived in New York. Dream "Wentt driving in a carriage and arrived at a Hotel where H.P. and his friends were talking: after a while I was again shown a small room, the door of which had the picture of 2 eyes. City of New York arrived early morning 7; it was at the docks. Bro. Strauss was at the jetty waiting to receive me.  It took a long time to have the things cleared.

16th – Last night or it may be early this morning I had the significant dream wherein I saw the Blessed One standing and addressing an audience.  I approached near the figure and made my salutation to the Blessed Lord addressed and said, "you are my cousin.  I expect no worship from you''. When I was about 14 years of age I saw in a dream the figure of Buddha standing and I was so far away.

17th - My birthday.  A happy day.  Holy thoughts.

19th – Started by train from Bayshore to NY. Bid goodbye to all. I was happy that the time I stayed with the Strausses I had no evil thoughts. All was pious and surrounded by the fragrance of piety. Bro. Strauss was all attentive to me since the time I arrived in NY. May he prosper and live long to work for Buddhism. King of Siam born.

20th – Travelling once more in American soil. At Syracuse a reporter rushed into the train and interviewed me. At Van Buron station Dr. Carus met me. We started an hour later for La Salle. On arrival we were met by Mr. Hegeler and taken to his house.  Again I meet the same good omen of getting good milk food.

21st - There seem to be a perffect sympathy between Dr. C. and myself. In Mr. Hegeler I find an unselfish man.  Went with Mr. Hegeler and Dr. Carus to the farm belonging to the former.  Sent a telegram   to Ceylon.  The 4 words cost $5.20. Mr. Hegeler paid the money.

22nd – Called on Mr Bain along with Dr.Carus.  In evening Mr Short called on us. He is a Weslyan Methodist clergyman infatuated with the idea that he is holy!

23rd – Reading - Hopkin's  "Religions of India” and Warren's “Buddhism. “Oh  for  the  glorious Buddha’s".  May I be the embodiment of purity, truth and wisdom, so that I may Preach the Blessed Law to the world. Magic lantern exhibition.

24th – Got up at 5.30. India is a land of religions. Blessed land of the Buddhas. Old India had her Kulagara Halls where every religious teacher could have his say. Chicago has also a could have his say. Chicago has also a Haskell Oriental Museum. This is good.  Started for Chicago. Soon after arrival a reporter from the Evening Post interviewed me. With Dr. Carus went to see Mr. Bonney. He received me very kindly. I spoke emotionally. I said that love cannot antagonize love and then Dr. Carus took me to the Tribune office. Then called on Dr  Harper  President, Chicago University. He too received me very kindly. I spoke with emotion. We parted like two old friends. Then we went to Mrs Howard at Englewood.

25th - Got up at 4.30. Then looked baack to my past and I found that I had my education under a variety of forms.  First under my mother, then under my aunt, under female teachers, under R. C., under Sinhalese teacher, under C.M.S., under S.P.C., under Government, under S.P.G., at home and with young liberals, then a psychological change-basis compas­sion, another opening through H. P. B., Join Government Service progressing higher under belief of com­ing near the Mahatmas, wish to make a sacrifice, therefore pass Government Service Examination-make the sacrifice and resign from service and in 1888 March make the renunciation, work and live still 1890 in Ceylon. In 1888 read Arnold's ‘India Revisited’, and about Buddhagaya. In 1890 start for Buddhagaya.  In 1891 take up the work of rescuing it and work hard.  In Chicago.  Returned to La Salle at 9 p.m.

27th - Attended the Congregational Church att la Salle.  Magic Lantern show.

28th - Col.  Olcott writes me  a letter.  He does not understand me. He thinks that I am  conceited.   I wrote him  a long letter in reply to him. Ah the bliss of Nirvana ! The infinite continuous Blissfu1 thought. Self is annihilated.  Individual thought individualized, evolved. Succession in infinite continuity. The Absolute thought Infinite does not arise in the mind until all Ignorance, selfishness and passion are annihilated -And this experience I do not want to realise alone and I want to save others.

29th - Began to write out the lecturee about the Message of Buddha.

30th - Writing out lecture. Received severall letters from friends in Chicago.  Addressed a parlour meeting in the drawing room of  Mr. Hegeler;  Had long discussion  with Dr. Carus  about  the  subject  of butchery.

 OCTOBER

1st - Long consultation with Dr. Carrus about the organization of the M. B. S. in Chicago.

2nd - Jeremiah xxviii 9V. Prophe­sies of thhe Prophet of Peace-596. Jeremiah xxxii 31. Jehovah preaches a  new  Doctrine.   Everything sorrow and pain for man according to Genesis, II Chapter.  Revised M. B. S. prospectus for America.

3rd - Revised M. B. S.  prospectus. Donations received in America will not be used for Indian work.

4th - At La Salle.  Sunday evening.  Preached in the Congregational Church of Mr. Bayne.

5th - Started with Dr. Carus from La Salle..  Dr. Carus had been to Mr. Bonney to show him the prospectus of the M. B. S. Suggestions made were accepted.  In the evening I had to go with Mr. Stak St… to spend the night with him. Pleased to meet Mr. Jen. Lloyd Jones. Buddha taught the way of Nirvana by changing the old into the new.

6th - Returned to Chicago. Mr. Grairo was wwaiting for me at the open court to take me to Mrs­& Mr. Gandhi and family, Mr. Roy  (Brahinachan) were present. At night there was a reception. Mr. Bennett and Judge Water…. and his wife and Mr. Eldridge were present. Mr. White wants me as his guest.

7th - Attended to correspondence. Mr. Hegeller and Annie had come to ……. Court where I saw them.  Festivities arranged.  Buddhist anthropologist at the Handel Hall, on … 3 p.m.  In the same evening same hall: Relationship  of  Buddhism to Christianity.  In the evening there was an inaugural meeting at the Chicago Esoteric Extentri…Masonic Temple.

8th - Reading  the Saddharmalankara. The Maha Brahma, the God …enters into the Bodhisatva. Gives him the impulse to become Buddha.

9th - Chicago Day. 1,303,000 people came too Chicago today. 100,000 took part in the parade.

This city indeed the centre of the new world. Reading the Saddharmalankara. The public executioner of Sravasti is converted by Sariputta…. Vissamitta, queen of Kosambi comes out of the fiery furnace unburnt by ­the power of faith  in Buddha. Buddha the Blessed One, was born at a time when the world was expecting him.  From his time a reign of Peace.  Kingsford “Perfect  Way''  speaks  of Buddhism.

11th - Addressed the congregation of the Uniiversity Church at 11 a.m. At 6 p.m. before the Anthropological Society, at 8 p.m. in the T. Society on Christianity and Buddhism.

12th - Went to the city with Mr. Grairo.  Reception at the T.S.Hall. Returned home at 11 p.m. Answered letters.

13th - Had a dream last night that from my lleft palm there came out severa1 trains which I pulled out, and there was an abscess in my palm and several relic like pieces came out of it.

14th - At Mrs. Howard’s.

15th - At Mrs. Howard’s.

16th - Visited the Englewood Techn­ical Schoool. Mr.& Mrs. Nikambe were at Mrs. Howard’s.  They have come   to preach  X'tianity to the X'tians.

17th - Heavy snow.  Rain.  Went to the city at 1.30.  Spoke to a few interested people. Mr. Summers paid a few dollars, but I declined to accept any remuneration.

18th - Lectured at Ryder Memorial Church; Haad lunch at Mrs. Hynes. Mrs. Havilan Squires is interested in the formation of the Anagarika Order.  Had a sensational experie­nce. Horse bolted.  In the evening lectured at All Soul's Church.

l9th - At Mr. Jones’.

20th - At Mrs. Trumbull's. Lady friends met to hear me talk about Buddhism.

21st - Universalist Conference at Oak Park. Mrs. Trumull and Mrs. Square accompanied me. Dr. Rex­ford  was addressing  the meeting. I was asked to speak and I  spoke about the Temple of Truth. Went in the evening to Evanston. Passed the night at Dr. Stockham's.Few Ladies met at her house to hear me.

22nd - Retnrned to Chicago with Dr. Stockham.  Called on Mr. Boring of Farewell….. Talked at length about  the  new Brotherhood. He said he would do all he can to help the movement. Lectured  at  the University. Relationship of Christianity to Buddhism. Dr. Godspeed presided. Mr. Howard Moore was present ant he asked meto dine with him.  He is the Vegetarian Society's President.  After the lec­ture Dr. Carus and I went to Mrs. Trumbull's.  Passed the night there.

23rd - Returned to Mrs. Howards.

24th - At Mrs. Jones’. Talked about Benares Congress.

25th - With Mr. Jones.  Attended Church to hear his sermon. Holy alliance:  Preached in Mrs. Jones' Church.

26th - At Mr. Jones’.  Dr. (Mrs.) Clapp called and escorted me to her house.   Chariot racing. Saw a female riding straddle wise.  Awful. Spent the night at Clappts: a parlour meeting was held and I explained about the Teinple of Truth.  Dr. Clap is a kind hearted lady.

27th - Mrs. Trumbull called to escort me to her place.  Mrs. Haveland Squire is greatly interested in the work. At 2-30 talked before the women's Club about the Art and Literaiture of India. Spent the night Mrs. Trumbull's.

28th - Called on Mrs. Howard with Mrs. Trumbbull.   Neuralgic pain. Went to the city.  At 5 p.m. Dr. Burnett came to take me to her home.

29th - At Park Avenue with Dr. Burnett.>

30th - At Park Avenue.  Dr. Burnett’s. Went with her to see Dr. Darling.  A good lady interested in the Temple of Truth. Called on Carus.  He thinks that I should undertake the work of initiating the Temple of Truth. Mr. Grairo called on me.  Mr. Moore has not yet seen the draft. It was on the 6th of Sept. that I entrusted it.  The amount £6/10. I am sorry for him that he has delayed so long in sending it.

31st - At Dr. Burnett's Park Avenue. Sent letters to friends. Returned to Mrs. Howards.  Mr. Pipe’s letterr of invitation to visit Canada.

NOVEMBER, 1896

1st - From 1 a.m. to 4 meditating. WWent with Mr. Gandhi to the city. He spoke on Truth.

3rd - Emperor of Japan born. Addressed the Vegetarian Society in the evening.  Election Day.  Mr. McKinley elected.

8th - At Streator.

9th - At Streator. Started at 9 a.m. from Station and arrived at Chicago at 12 a.m.  Started for Man istee at 11 p.m. Mr. Grairo saw me off at the station.

10th - Arrived at Grand Rapids in thee morning. Arrived at Manistee at 12 to attend the Unitarian Con­ference. Mr. Byrnes sent me to Mr. Remsdell. He is not Unitarian. His young child daughter is intelli­gent. Attended the Sunday school conference. Spoke there on education of young children. In the even­ing addressed the audience.

11th - At Manistee. Spoke in the evenning.

12th - Started from Manistee with Gandhi.

13th - At Chicago. Finished lecture on the "Ethics of Buddhism” for the Brooklyn Association.     Sent letter to Mr. Mead about money entrusted to Mr. Moore. Mr. Grairo came to see me at the Office. We came in the to Mrs. Howard. Poor lady is suffering and I am sorry for her.

14th - Mrs. Howard spoke in a plaintive way of her suffering. Started for Freeport at 3 p.m.  Reached at 7 p.m.  Mr. Little and Rev. Percy reached me at the station. Mr. Little is taking an interest in the T. S. work.

15th - At Freeport. Sunday school. In the evvening lectured to a crowded house. Announced the Doctrine of Compassion and asked all to abstain from killing on Thanksgiving  Day. Mr. Brian Nixon is a young student.

16th - Left Freeport in the morning. A Jewish lady accompanied me. Hard  work undertaken.  Issued message. Got doctor to examine my ear. Mrs. Havens to talk about TS. Mr. Stevenson is interested in the work.

17th - Message of Peace and Love to the peopple of the United States to abstain from    destroying life on the 26th instant on the Thanksgiving Day. Appears in today's Tribune. Started for Indianapolis with Mr. Jones and party. Brahmachari accompanied me. Reached Indianapolis at 2. Liberal Congress.

18th - At&nbbsp; Indianapolis.  Attended the Conference.

19th - At Indianapolis Conference. Had dinneer at Mr. Swift's, a kind hearted man.  Left Indianapolis at 11 p.m. I gave my sleeper to Mr. Jones and slept in the Toilet Room. I would have been left behind had not Dr. Carus inquired. I trusted Mr. Jones and he failed to take me with him.

    20th - Returned from Indianapolis with Mr. Jones. Went to Open Court Office. Attended to work. Congratulatory and pleasant letters about future work. At Mrs. Haven.

    21st - Came to Open Court with Mr. Stevenson.  I Received telegram from
Brother Pipe to start for Canada Tuesday next. Answered letters. 
    

    22nd - At Mrs. Haven's. Went to see the Columbian Museum. Friends met at  Mrs. Haven's.

     23rd - Came to Mrs. Howard and took lunch and then went to Open Court. Mrs. Reeds ''Primitive Buddhism" contains nothing primitive for Buddhism. It is a rehash of theological criticism on Buddhism. Received ticket from Mr. Pipe to go the future.  Slept at Mrs. Haven's. Dreamt of my mother rescued from a watery grave.

24th -Started in the evening. Mrs. Howard iss ill slightly.  Started for Canada on the Grand  Trunk Railway at 3 p.m. Mr. Sacksteder saw me off. In the train contemplating: “If the Canadian trip succeeds the future is good.”  This is the burden of my concentration.

25th - Early morning reached Guelph. My goodd Brother Pipe received me at the station very    kindly and took me to his home. Mrs. Harvey, Miss. Harvey, Mrs. Pipe, Miss Pipe and Mr. Charles T. Nelles intro­duced.

26th - At Guelph. Raining, Muddy.  Reading.

27th & 28th - At Guelph.

29th - At Guelph.  Attended Church.  Mr. Belt ,Rector.  Prayer and money worship.

30th - In Guelph.  Slight attack of neuralgia in the head.

DECEMBER

1st -In Guelph.

2nd-In Guelph.  Called on Mrs. MacClean with Mr. Pipe.

3rd-In Guelph.  In the evening lectured on the Religions in India. The Presbyterian minister Mr. Smith proposed the vote of thanks.  After the close of the lecture went with Mr. Pipe to Mr. …… where we had dinner.

4th – Started for Cincinnati. Reached Detroit at 9 p.m.  Changed train for Cincinnati. Travelled all night. Mr. Pipe paid for the sleeper and the ticket for Cincinnati. Cost $15 which Dr Buck sent beforehand.

5th - Reached  Cincinnati.  Went driving to Dr. Buck's. Dr. Buck was not telegraphed to and therefore he did not know that I had started last night.  Went with Dr. Buck to the T.S. meeting.

6th - In&nbbsp; Cincinnati.  Lecture  in the evening.

7th - In Cincinnati.  Lectured be­fore the University students and it was  received  enthusiastically by them. In the evening again lectured. Dr. Buck is an excellent devoted worker. He likes the work that I am doing.

8th - Started for Chicago en route to  Duluth, Minnesota.  Reached Chicago in the evening.  Mr. Sacksteder met me at  the station. After having taken lunch I started at 10 p.m. for Duluth. Slept in the train.

9th - Reached Eau Clair where I changed train for Duluth. At the depot strangers talked to me and they became friends. Everywhere I meet with sympathetic people.  Reached Duluth in the evening.  Mr. F. C. Southwarth met me at the station and took me to Mrs. Marshall's where I was given a cordial welcome.

10th - At Duluth.  Lectured in the tinitarian Church.  Mrs. Marshall is very intelligent.

11th - Started for St. Cloud. Mr. F.C. Southhwarth saw me off. Good thinking, quiet young pastor. His infant son Constant is beautiful. He repeated namo. May all blessings come  upon him.  Arrived in St. Cloud.  Mr. Browne received me at the station.

12th - Staying with Mr. Carleton Browne. Energetic, young and good natured. Mrs. Browne is amiable young woman. At St Cloud Lecture before the Unity Club.

13th - Lectured in the morning at the  Unitarian  Church.  Left for Minneapolis at 3 p.m.  Arrived  Minneapolis at 7. Mr. H. M. Simmons Pastor of the Church, received me kindly.  Church crowded.

14th - Started in the morning for Fargo. Mr. Simmons saw me off.  Reached Fargo at 8 p.m. Mr. William Billon received me at the station and took me to Mr. Baker.

15th - At Fargo.  Lectured in the evening in the Unity Church. Mrs. Baker is a good lady and very liberal in her ways of thinking. Mr. Baker is an excellent man.

16th - In  Fargo.  Lady's Club. Spoke a few words.  Went to lunch at Mrs. Lulu Wear's.  She is very clever. Spoke before the students of Agricultural College. In the evening lectured in Mr. Billon’s Church. Mr. Billon is Buddhist in thought.

17th - Left Fargo for Minneapolis. Reached M. Mr. Simmons and daughter were waiting for me.

T. S. Rooms. Mrs. Kate Buffington Davis extends hospitality. She is a good lady.

18th - In the morning left Minneapolis for NNew Ulm. Mrs. Davis escorted me. I explained to her the atman theory. Reached New Ulm in the evening. Mr. Hugo Fisher, Mr. Buzzell and Mr. John­son were the prime movers.  Lectured before the Turner Society. The people are all German Liberals.

19th - Started in the morning for Minneapoliis. Mr. Fischer accom­panied me  to  Spooner.  Reached Minneapolis in the evening.  Mr. Simmons  received  me.  Attended parlour meeting at a Lady Theosophist’s house. Reached Mr. Simmon's in the night.

20th - Againpreached  in  Mr. Simmon's Church in the morning. In the evening at Mrs. Macqueay's Universalist Church.  Went driving with Mrs. Simmon to her father's house.

21st - At Minneapolis. In the study Mr. Simmons. A noble, unselfish, persevering soul. Mr. Simmons is one of the best men I have ever met. He saw me off at the station at 7 p.m. Good bye Minneapolis.  Nice place, nice town.  May your people hear the Good Law. Yesterday had lunch at Mrs. Davis'. Countess Wachmeister, the noble lady Theosophist, is on a tour.  May she succeed.

22nd - Reached Chicago at 10 a.m. John was aat the station to receive me.  Good boy.  Attended to letters at the office of the Open Court. Met Dr. Paul Carus. Got letter from my brother that he has doubts about the non-existence of the soul. I replied thereto that there is no soul but that one lives in his good works.  Engaged new room at Calu­met Ave.  Mr. Sacksteder-unselfish soul, he takes all interest. Slept at Mrs. Haven’s.

23rd – Came to city. Travelled together with Mr. Stevenson, Dr. Clap and Brahmachari. Engaged new room at Calumet Ave.

JANUARY 1897

2nd - In Columbus, visited the Deaf & DDumb Inst, with Mrs. Hend­erson and Miss Byers. I was a little late and therefore prevented from speaking to the in the chapel. Then I visited tile Insane Asylum. What a sight it was.  All sorts of maniacs.  A young girl confined and she wants to go back to her home. It is said that they are confined. Visited the School for the Feeble­ minded. Another sad spectacle. Cases of absolute loss of memory are to be found in the Asylum.  Where is the Ego gone to? Talk of a soul, where is it? Visited the Penitenti­ary.  About 2000 prisoners, Colour­ed and the Whites are together. Hashed beef and bread is their food. 35 women were confined to the cells. One coloured woman, a giantess. The annexe was not visited.  I felt compassion on the men who are to be hanged.  How could I go to satisfy my curiosity?  Millions are spent in maintaining prisons etc. and nothing is done to find out the causes.  Western civilization is onlv skin deep.  It is clean outside but rotten inward.  Called on Dr. Rexford, had dinner with him.  I told him that it is the blood of the heathen that washes the sins of the Christians, whose salaries are paid by the taxes of the non-Christians.  Miss Byers is an excellent lady.  She was of great service to me.

Left Columbus by the 8.30 P.M. train for  Chicago.  Mr.Talbot …. Accompanied me to the station.

3rd - Arrived in the morning 7.30 from Coluumbus …. Sent a long letter to Brother N.Mookerjee.     He promises to pay Maha Bodhi rent monthly till I return. Received letter froth Mrs. Hyde to speak for them  in July.

4th - In Chicago.  Suffering from a cold.  Attended office. Sent letter to Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales suggesting an Ecclesiastical Council of all non-Christian religious leaders representatives - Buddhists, Brahmins and Muslims to be held in London in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of H. M. Queen of-England. May the Council be held. It would be a crowning triumph of England.

In the evening attended the ……. Branch of the T.S. Addressed  them on Buddhism and called on them to be free and fearless in the examina­tion of truth.

5th – In Chicago. Rain and snow. Wet weather. Called  at the  Van  …. to see the Countess Werchmeister.  She was not there. I wrote a letter expressing regret that I could not see her.

Went to see Mr. Marpole Willis, President of  the Branch .  Spent about 2 hours talking    to him. ………

6th - In&nbbsp; Chicago. The cold  is still bothering  me.  Office work. Wrote to Mr. Potter Palmer, Dr. Carus, Dr. Rexford and Mrs. Henderson.­

7th - Started  from  Calumet  at 10.30. I went to hear Mr. Satter of the Ethical Society who lectured at the  Steinway Hall.  He addressed the people to be free from passion and anger etc.  After the address I went to the Van Buren T  S. and waited for over 1 hour in the hope hearing  the  Countess  Werchmeister, but I felt a headache and so I had to go home.

Mr. Parker is an old member, he is a good man.

8th – Dream “Mahappa Meruna”. Received letter from the Countess Werchmeister.

Received telegram from Mr. Wadham to start for S. F.  They wanted me in S. F. and Mrs. Wadham got Mr. Wadham to get the S. F. Call to issue a pass for me, and when the Countess wrote to him that I have been helping the “Judgeities”. Mr.Wadham wrote back  that if I go to S. F. I should he entirely in the hands of Besantines !   I sent a dignified answer that I am  not come to preach a business religion and that I will die in the gutter before selling my independence.  And now comes the telegram welcoming me  Ah the selfishness I see everywhere  and yet I am glad that Truth conquers Self.

Mr. Julius Hegeler started today for Europe.  I presented my photo. Sent letter to Sir Edwin Arnold about Ecclesiastical Convention.

Started at 4 P.M. for Oak Park. Met on the way a poor young man who wanted 5 cents, to get food.  He said that be was a Compositor and was without work. I gave him 10 cents.  Mr. Johonnot met me at the platform.  Had a pleasant evening. Tea party.  Explained to them about Buddhism.

Sent a letter to my father.  Passed the night in Mr. Johonnot’s house.

9th – Mrs. Johonnot is a pleasant person. The college chums of Mr. Johonnot have a letter dispatched every year. One chum is a Negro. In Washington no Negro is allowed to enter a dining saloon intended for White men. Received letters from Countess and Mrs. Wadham.

Consciousness individualises itself now here now there under different personalities   through   selfishness based on ignorance.  The emancipa­tion from the idea of Self is the real bliss.  It is ignorance that makes one think that there is bliss in the idea  ''I am I''.

Passed the night in Mrs. Howard's house.

10th - Paid dollars five to Mrs. Howard to ppay the laundry woman for washing my clothes.  Since my arrival Mrs. Howard has been of great service to me and has been to me like a Mother.

Snowing. $ 2.25 for cleaning my yellow long coat. Received tickets and telegram from Mr. Wadham to visit S. Francisco.  He has also sent $ 20 for sleeper.

Mach's "Analysis of Sensations" is interesting as it shows the Buddhist idea of Non-Ego.

Cadillac, Michigan.  Church Metho­dist Rev. W. L. Laufman kills cats in the pulpit by giving tobacco.

Went to hear the Countess Wachi­meister's lecture on "Daily Worship & Prayer" in the Atheneum Build­ing. She said that the Buddhists pray to Buddha.  Calling themselves teachers these leaders ef Occultism disseminate ideas which they have not verified. It was 10 when I left the.Hall. Mrs. Prainard met me and told me that she has sent me a letter. That I should not get offended.

Passed the night at Mrs. Howard’s.

11th - Selfishness manifests in mmany ways and it crops up in manifold ways.  Mrs. Howard indeed kind and she shows it by good nature.  The $ 5 which I paid for the laundry woman has been returned as she does not want that. I should pay.  May all  blessings be upon her.

Received letter from the Countess and Mrs. Brainard.  To the latter sent an answer.

Started for Genesco by the Rock Island Route.  Mr. Millar met me at the station.  150 miles to Genesco from Chicago.  Mr. J. B. Bidwell called on me later on.

In the evening I lectured in the Unity Church. The draft on the Illinois Nations Bank will not be paid at its full.  It is a case of swindling.   

12th – In Genesco. Rev. and Mrs. Millar's house.

Departed for Davenport at 2 p.m. Mr. Millar escorted me to the station. Reached Davenport.  Met by Mr. Hills. The society paper of Davenport had an article about my work. Passed the night at Mrs. Hills. Restless for some hours.

Spoke to children and related the squirrel story in the Jatakas. They were pleased.  Spoke afterwards to the people and appealed to ladies not to wear birds' feathers.

In the evening lectured in Miss Gordon’s Church. She is a good lady.

16th - Started from Iowa City to Des Moines.. Arrived at 12 p.m. Mr. Leon A. Harvey met me at the station. His little son Philip is suffering from measles. Soon after, mail from India was handed to me.  I find all sad news. From Ceylon H.S.Perera writes that my dear mother was bitten by a snake and that she is all right.  Calcutta letters from N. Saddhananda Priest and C. C, Bose bring harrowing descriptions about Indian Famine. I read them to Mrs. Harvey and then to Mr. Harvey. Immediate steps were taken to bring the matter before the Legislature. He took me to the Governor Mr. Drake whose Private Secretary very kindly arranged for the interview.  He read the letter and promised to do all he can.  We then went to the Senate House and then to the Speaker. Got the letter of Brother C. C. Bose print­ed and distributed after the lecture.

Good work done. Sent letters to the Japanese Minister and Siam Mi­nister about the famine Appealed to the ladies not to wear birds' feathers in their hats.

Wrote to J. Moonasinghe about famine and about my mother.

17th – At Des Moines. Writing letters and drafted out a message to the Representatives and Senators of the U.S.A. Went to the Capitol and at 12 the Speaker introduced Mr. Leon A. Harvey who again introduced me to the Representatives. There were about 100 Representatives and members of Senate.  I appealed in the name of dumb millions to send relief to the dying thousands in India.   Distributed about 100 copies of the letter I got from Brother C. C. Bose.  One little boy after hearing the speech shed tears and said that he wished to draw his deposited money from the Savings Bank to send  to India. Harold Maysent is his name. Mr. Leon A. Harvey is an excellent man. May he succeed in his work of rais­ing funds for the famine.

Left Des Moines the good city, at 9-30 P.M. after initiating good work.

18th - Arrived in Chicago at 8-30. Coorrespondence. Sent letters about the famine to Russian Minister, Bri­tish Minister, American Chief Secretary etc

Went with Mr. Charles A. Lane to see the Editor of the Inter Ocean. He interviewed me on the famine question.  Mr. Perry, an Episcopalean Minister, was there.

Wrote also a letter to President Cleveland and concluded with the words "This awful catastrophe is due to selfishness of British administra­tion." I have spoken to the Ame­rican people and have appealed to the Buddhists of China, Japan and Siam through their Ministers stationed in Washington,

Went in the evening with Mr. Sacksteder and passed the night in his house.

19th - This morning Inter Ocean has the report of my interview about the famine.  Called on Mr. Bonney to discuss, matters - the Famine­ Question. He gave an idea of how things should be done in exporting grain to India. Mr. Gandhi is excellent organiser.  India suffers from the selfishness of her own children. Called on Bro. Gandhi. I was glad that he has done so much work in so short a time.  While I was appealing to the Chicago people I was speaking to the people in Iowa.

Sent letter to Governor Drake of Iowa.

Had myself photographed. 100 copies at 10 dollars. Started in the evening by the Sante Fe Route. Brothers Grairo and  Sacksteder.

20th - In the train.  The Santa Fe Route is the best when traveling in winter.

21st - I will go to Tibet. It was in 1885 that I, for the first time, talked about the trip to the late priest Medhankara of blessed and delightful memory.

22nd - San Francisco Call of today haas an article on Indian grievances;

Mr. Holden of Chicago left for Phoenix.

Mr. Stone of Columbus bid me good bye.

The Eating House man mistaking inc for a coloured man asked me to sit with the Negroes-I sat and had my milk and bread without meat. Paid 75 cents. The conductor of the train called the attention of the man to the mistake he had made. Humanity is all the same. They take coloured man’s money but show the distinction.

23rd – Breakfast 40 cents. Writing a manifesto in the train for the San Francisco Call.

Of the 20 dollars sent for my expenses from Chicago to S. F. I have saved dol!ars by travelling 2nd class and living on one meal a day:  This amount I will give to the famine fund.

Sent letter to Bro. Grairo.  Sent to  The Indian Mirror  a copy of yesterday’s Call.  Its article on Indian grievances is timely.  I wish to go to Tibet, through China get the Call's help, I would start in  August or September.

24th -Arrived in S.F. At the Ferry Count Wacchtmeister and Bro. Watters met me. At the Jetty Mrs. Wadham met me.  Pleasant memories. Back again in Mrs. Wadham’s house.  The little girls have grown up now-Bertha and Mabel.

In the evening there was a Theosophical meeting. I spoke on Theosophical Society's work.

25th – In San Francisco. This morning's Call has my manifesto.

26th - Had&nnbsp; breakfast.     Received telegram to start at once for Toledo. Mrs. Havens escorted me to the Illinois Central Station. On the way I slipped and fell down. Walked down to the Open Court Office.

Started for Toledo by the 10.40 p.m. from the Lake Shore Depot. Had lunch in the car. 1$ for meals. Arrived at Toledo. Mr. Lang receiv­ed me at the Station and took me to his house. Mrs. Lang cordially greet­ed me. Finishing lunch we went to the Theosophical meeting.  There were about 20 people present. It was their regular meeting. I took part in the deliberations and spoke a few words on the subject announced to be discussed and they liked it.  The Noble Unselfish Life was brought forward prominently on the study of the Bibles.

In all things one does, the doctrine of tile Noble Unselfish Life should be before the mind's eye. In studying different religions they should study them impartially.

27th.-At Toledo. Neuralgic pain in the head. The whole day I suffered. Mrs. Lang is a studious lady. Three years ago she lost her only daughter who was 17 yrs old. This had shocked her very much. Felt the pain myself.  The more one practices kindness the more one feels compassion. Every pang of suffering enters the heart of the Bodhisatva and they suffer with all the world.

In the evening several ladies called on me. Mrs. Bartlett's aunt, Mrs. Hitchcock, a very strong Chubby woman, also called on me. She had heard about me from Mrs. Bartlett.

Lecture in the evening in the Auditorium. Small audience due to extreme cold.

28th - At Toledo. Mr. & Lang are very goood people. Lang entrusted me with $ 15 for transportation all the way to Chicago. Mrs. Dell escorted me to the station and we waited about an hour for ­the train. ……………

The history of the evolution of the God-being Jehovah could be traced to the Bible. In the Tripitaka the evolution of the individual culminating in the Buddha is found.

The emancipation of the American woman is due to a band of female workers who have freed themselves from orthodoxy.

The ancient Aryan tradition is the best after all. India when freed from superstitions will again rise. Missionaries make the native converts not Christians but black Ame­ricans.  The heathen remains the same.

I lectured in the evening.  The audience is very small.  The Theo­sophical Society's Lady President introduced me.

31st - At Columbus. Attended Church wwith Mrs. Henderson. A Salvation Army Convert, a low caste Tamil, began howling about the heathen in India etc.  After long vociferation he stopped.  The heath­en even after he is converted is still called the “converted heathen". A poor compliment.  Fools those converts are.  They have no self-respect in them.

Called  on  Dr.  Rexford.  Spent about 1/2 hour with him

Spoke for a few minutes in the T. S. meeting in the evening.  Ame­rican Theosophists have taken the Bhagavat Gita as their Bible.  No critical spirit is in them.  They would swallow anything if it is India. I told them to be critical and to analyse everything before being accepted.

FEBRUARY 1897

1st - In Columbus.  Dr. Rexford called on me. Had a long conversa­tion with him.  I told him about the ascetics who live in graveyards in India. Miserable fanatics they have become useless for themselves and the world.

2nd - In Columbus,  visited the Deaf & Dumb Inst, with Mrs. Hend­erson and Miss Byers. I was a little late and therefore prevented from speaking to the in the chapel. Then I visited tile Insane Asylum. What a sight it was.  All sorts of maniacs.  A young girl confined and she wants to go back to her home. It is said that they are confined. Visited the School for the Feeble­ minded. Another sad spectacle. Cases of absolute loss of memory are to be found in the Asylum.  Where is the Ego gone to? Talk of a soul, where is it? Visited the Penitenti­ary.  About 2000 prisoners, Colour­ed and the Whites are together. Hashed beef and bread is their food. 35 women were confined to the cells. One coloured woman, a giantess. The annexe was not visited.  I felt compassion on the men who are to be hanged.  How could I go to satisfy my curiosity?  Millions are spent in maintaining prisons etc. and nothing is done to find out the causes.  Western civilization is onlv skin deep.  It is clean outside but rotten inward.  Called on Dr. Rexford, had dinner with him.  I told him that it is the blood of the heathen that washes the sins of the Christians, whose salaries are paid by the taxes of the non-Christians.  Miss Byers is an excellent lady.  She was of great service to me.

Left Columbus by the 8.30 P.M. train for  Chicago.  Mr.Talbot …. Accompanied me to the station.

3rd - Arrived in the morning 7.30 from Coluumbus …….. Sent a long letter to Brother N. Mookerjee. He promises to pay Maha Bodhi rent monthly till I return.
Received letter froth Mrs. Hyde to speak for them  in July.

4th - In Chicago.  Suffering from a cold.  Attended office. Sent letter to Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales suggesting an Ecclesiastical Council of all non-Christian religious leaders representatives - Buddhists, Brahmins and Muslims to be held in London in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of H. M. Queen of-England. May the Council be held. It would be a crowning triumph of England’s glory.

8th – Dream “Mahappa Meruna”. Received letter from the Countess Werchmeister.

Received telegram from Mr. Wadham to start for S. F.  They wanted me in S. F. and Mrs. Wadham got Mr. Wadham to get the S. F. Call to issue a pass for me, and when the Countess wrote to him that I have been helping the “Judgeities”. Mr.Wadham wrote back that if I go to S. F. I should he entirely in the hands of Besantines !   I sent a dignified answer that I am not come to preach a business religion and that I will die in the gutter before selling my independence.  And now comes the telegram welcoming me  Ah the selfishness I see everywhere  and yet I am glad that Truth conquers Self.

Mr. Julius Hegeler started today for Europe.  I presented my photo. Sent letter to Sir Edwin Arnold about Ecclesiastical Convention.

9th - Started at 4 P.M. for Oak Park. Met oon the way a poor young man who wanted 5 cents, to get food.  He said that be was a Compositor and was without work.  I gave him 10 cents.  Mr. Johonnot met me at the platform.  Had a pleasant evening. Tea party.  Explained to them about Buddhism.

Sent a letter to my father.  Passed the night in Mr. Johonnot’s house.

Consciousness individualises itself now here now there under different personalities   through   selfishness based on ignorance.  The emancipa­tion from the idea of Self is the real bliss.  It is ignorance that makes one think that there is bliss in the idea  ''I am I''. Passed the night in Mrs. Howard's house.

10th - Paid dollars five to Mrs. Howard to ppay the laundry woman for washing my clothes.  Since my arrival Mrs. Howard has been of great service to me and has been to me like a Mother.

Snowing. $ 2.25 for cleaning my yellow long coat. Received tickets and telegram from Mr. Wadham to visit S. Francisco.  He has also sent $ 20 for sleeper.

Mach's "Analysis of Sensations" is interesting as it shows the Buddhist idea of Non-Ego.

Cadillac, Michigan.  Church Methodist Rev. W. L. Laufman kills cats in the pulpit by giving tobacco.

Went to hear the Countess Wachi­meister's lecture on "Daily Worship & Prayer" in the Atheneum Build­ing. She said that the Buddhists pray to Buddha.  Calling themselves teachers these leaders ef Occultism disseminate ideas which they have not verified. It was 10 when I left the.Hall. Mrs. Prainard met me and told me that she has sent me a letter. That I should not get offended. Passed the night at Mrs. Howard’s.

11th - Selfishness manifests in mmany ways and it crops up in manifold ways.  Mrs. Howard indeed kind and she shows it by good nature.  The $ 5 which I paid for the laundry woman has been returned as she does not want that. I should pay.  May all  blessings be upon her. Received letter from the Countess and Mrs. Brainard.  To the latter sent an answer.

Started for Genesco by the Rock Island Route.  Mr. Millar met me at the station.  150 miles to Genesco from Chicago.  Mr. J. B. Bidwell called on me later on.

In the evening I lectured in the Unity Church. The draft on the Illinois Nations Bank will not be paid at its full.  It is a case of swindling.   

12th – In Genesco. Rev. and Mrs Millar's house.

Departed for Davenport at 2 p.m. Mr. Millar escorted me to the station. Reached Davenport.  Met by Mr. Hills. The society paper of Davenport had an article about my work. Passed the night at Mrs. Hills. Restless for some hours.

Spoke to children and related the squirrel story in the Jatakas. They were pleased.  Spoke afterwards to the people and appealed to ladies not to wear birds' feathers.

In the evening lectured in Miss Gordon’s Church. She is a good lady.

16th - Started from Iowa City to Des Moines.. Arrived at 12 p.m. Mr. Leon A. Harvey met me at the station. His little son Philip is suffering from measles. Soon after, mail from India was handed to me.  I find all sad news. From Ceylon H.S.Perera writes that my dear mother was bitten by a snake and that she is all right.  Calcutta letters from N. Saddhananda Priest and C. C, Bose bring harrowing descriptions about Indian Famine. I read them to Mrs. Harvey and then to Mr. Harvey. Immediate steps were taken to bring the matter before the Legislature. He took me to the Governor Mr. Drake whose Private Secretary very kindly arranged for the interview.  He read the letter and promised to do all he can.  We then went to the Senate House and then to the Speaker. Got the letter of Brother C. C. Bose print­ed and distributed after the lecture.

Good work done. Sent letters to the Japanese Minister and Siam Mi­nister about the famine Appealed to the ladies not to wear birds' feathers in their hats.

Wrote to J. Moonasinghe about famine and about my mother.

17th – At Des Moines. Writing letters and drafted out a message to the Representatives and Senators of the U.S.A. Went to the Capitol and at 12 the Speaker introduced Mr. Leon A. Harvey who again introduced me to the Representatives. There were about 100 Representatives.

Senate.  I appealed in the name of dumb millions to send relief to the dying thousands in India.   Distributed about 100 copies of the letter I got from Brother C. C. Bose.  One little boy after hearing the speech shed tears and said that he wished to draw his deposited money from the Savings Bank to send  to India. Harold Maysent is his name. Mr. Leon A. Harvey is an excellent man. May he succeed in his work of rais­ing funds for the famine.

Left Des Moines the good city, at 9-30 P.M. after initiating good work.

18th - Arrived in Chicago at 8-30. Corresponndence. Sent letters about the famine to Russian Minister, Bri­tish Minister, American Chief Secretary etc

Went with Mr. Charles A. Lane to see the Editor of the Inter Ocean. He interviewed me on the famine question.  Mr. Perry, an Episcopalean Minister, was there.

Wrote also a letter to President Cleveland and concluded with the words "This awful catastrophe is due to selfishness of British administra­tion." I have spoken to the Ame­rican people and have appealed to the Buddhists of China, Japan and Siam through their Ministers stationed in Washington,

Went in the evening with Mr. Sacksteder and passed the night in his house.

19th - This morning Inter Ocean has the repoort of my interview about the famine.  Called on Mr. Bonney to discuss, matters - the Famine­ Question. He gave an idea of how things should be done in exporting grain to India. Mr. Gandhi is excellent organiser.  India suffers from the selfishness of her own children. Called on Bro. Gandhi. I was glad that he has done so much work in so short a time.  While I was appealing to the Chicago people I was speaking to the people in Iowa.

Sent letter to Governor Drake of Iowa.

26th - Had a dream. 3 little boys, all very small, lying on their backs smiling in a carpeted room.  Belonged to the Sandilya Gotra.

Reading the Bhagavat Gita by M. M. Chatterjee and taking down notes for my lectures.

Sent 3 dollars the amount saved out of the 20 dollars after paying all expenses from Chicago to S. F. I went without food for 2 nights. I will practice the ten Paramitas.

27th - Mrs….. called me.  She is very good and is conscious Buddhist. The reporter from the Call came and had another interview.

Went to see the orphans in the Oakland Home with Mr. T. W… He is aspiring to have a mine to support the orphan boys and girls.

San Diego is the place selected by Mrs. Tingely,

Santi Yaga - "Patience sacrifice" is the meaning of the 2 words Santi Yaga. I hope the school will be use­ful in reviving the ''mysteries'' of the past ages.

“The calamitous abominations of heathenism" is placarded in San Francisco wall.

28th - Sent letters to Prince Deva­vongsa annd Dr. Carus about my proposed mission to Tibet. Sent letter to Ras Behari. The mantrams of the Brahmins are full of power and they are used only for destruction. In Buddhism all the Mantrams are prohibited. Power and destruction go hand in hand. The Gayatri is very powerful but it is destructive. Buddha's words are protective and soothing to all. In Buddhist coun­tries the mantras are only uttered by the devil's and god's priests.

MARCH 1897

1st – Taking down notes from the Bhagavat Gita. Attended the Unita­rian Conference and talked to them about Buddhism.

Received letter from India about famine.  Mr. Leon Harvey writes to say that a Committee has been organised  and  that  Major  Sherman, brother of the Secretary of State, has been appointed Chairman.

H.P.B. class. I pointed out to the few the danger of swallowing everything in  the  Bhagavat Gita. The Yoga  is contradictory  and people ignorant follow the suspension of ……sad. Humanity is made to suffer by ignorant leaders.

2nd - Meditation. Attended to cor­respondennce. Sent letters to Siamese Minister,  London,  and  Governor Budd, of Sacramento, about Indian Famine. Sent letter to my brother in London to inquire about tbe cheque sent to be cashed.  What a trouble Mr. Moore has given since I entrust­ed the £ 68/- to him in London in September last.  I hope the money will be paid in full and if so I should like to give 1/2+ of it to the Famine Fund. Sent letter to Countess Werchmeister.

I regard and love Annie Besant and she is mother to me but she is not the successor of H.P.B.  Pandering the prejudices of the superstitious would never be my lot.  My mission is to remove ignorance from the human mind. Adviced Bertha to live a religions life if she is not going to marry.

3rd -Went to Alameda with Mr. Wadham. Addressed a meeting of ladies in the house of Mrs. Buttton. ……Spoke a few words on the Broth hood of the Masters at the T.S.

4th - ­Called on Dr. Morse, the lady is doiing useful work to elevate condition of the telegraph boys. Wants me to speak to the girls who are being trained by her to do useful work. Received 25 copies of my photo and Dhamma.

6th - Started for San Jose at the invitatioon of the Theosophical Society.

7th – In San Jose.

Started for S. Francisco at 2-55 and on my way visited the Theo. Society. Recited the Metta Bhavana. …..

In the train I put my consciousness into their presence. Arrived in S.F .  Given the pure life of holiness you can get everything. I received several letters from India. Moung Shwe Oh of Moulmein, good Brother has donated over a thousand rupees for the M.B. Society.

8th - Had a dream. "I was in the compaany of several people and a ticket conductor came to me and inquired by whose authority and from where I had travelled in the train. I had at the time no proper costume.

I read in the Mirror.  Vivekananda Swami is to be given a reception in Calcutta. May he work for India's regeneration.

9th - Engaged in correspondence. At 2 p. m.. addressed the Christian Scientists at Miss Fulton’s residence. Called Mrs. Third’s as she is con­fined to bed from weakness. On my way met Dr. Allen Griffiths. He is a good man. He has done his best; he has his faults and who has not.  In the evening lectured on the Continuity of Life.

10th - Yesterday it dawned on my mind that II should write to Col. Olcott informing about my trip to Tibet. For years he took care of me. In March 1896 I received from him the first letter that he will be a father to me and he remained true to me till 1896 March. The M.B. Temple question made him to resign his office and he left me. Great indeed is the aid he has given me. H.P.B. gave me the key to open my spiritual nature and Col. Olcott taught me to work forgetting myself. I left home, Government service and everything for the sake of this blessed life. It was my actual suffering and sacrifice I entered the life. My aspirations are towards the Buddha and save humanity and this I will do. Expressing my desire I wrote a letter to Col. Olcott and when it was being written a letter came from him. Mrs. Hotaling, a loveable character, like my own mother, called on me. We went to the Century Chib where I lectured on "Practical Altruism''. I addressed them - not as a body of religionists but on broad grounds and appealed to their noble nature to come down from their high pedestals and work for Humanity. In the evening I address­ed the Golden Gate Branch on Karma. Mr. Johnston also called on me. Prof. Howison of the Berkely University called on me and we had a conversation on Buddhism.

11th - Had a dream. A Big Bodhi Tree occupying a large space and its branches spreading to cover Ceylon and India.

12th - Had lunch in Mrs. Brigg's. She does not like H.P.B. because she smoked and one woman is there­by kept back. Lectured in the Uni­tarian Hall in Oakland, Mr. Wendt's church. Returned home at 11-30 pm.

l3th - Received letter from Bro. Strauss, Prof. Howison and Prof. called.  We had a long conversation about Nirvana and Buddhism. It is so difficult to explain to people whose bent of- mind is so entirely different from Buddha's:  Buddha is supreme because he influences the greatest number of minds to come out of their environment. …………..

Preached in the United Church of Mr. Wendt in Oakland. The Church was all full.  Had lunch at Mrs. Canovara. Gave her the Buddhist gatha of “Navaguna”…….

Presented copy of Gospel of Bud­dha to Mahe…

May I grow in purity and remain pure like the Lotus flower!

18th – I Had a dream of a small performing horse doing the most wonderful things as well as of a beauti­ful boy of great precocity.

Training the memory is Buddhism. Western psychologists stop at the threshold; but the Buddhists proceed on teaching the continuity of consciousness.

At 4 p.m. Mrs. W. and I started for Berkley where on arrival Prof. Howison met me. We had dinner in his house.  Prof. Le Conte and Mr. Alger joined us. Prof. Le Conte's face reflects my father who is so kind and dear to me.  Great and bene­volent soul he looked  for the future and took care of me. I did not under-stand him when I was young, and now I do.

Lecture before the Philosophical Union.  Prof. Howison introduced me to the audience. I am glad that he gave me the opportunity to pre­sent Buddhism to his people.

Received letter from Monasinghe. He has given his son the name of Piyadasa and he promises to make him my pupil. From America, from Chicago I sent the name Piyadasa. When I was writing tire letter Asoka the great was in my mind. May the child grow up to be like Emperor Asoka and spread Buddhism all over the world.  ….

Received letter from Mrs. Davids about the Dhyana MS and also a letter from Prince of Wales’ Private Secy. about the suggestion I made to invite priests from all Buddhist countries. 

22nd – Dream. Saw the Queen of England and I shaked her hand at sat like a son would near a mother.­ Sent letter to Rhys Davids about Jhana also to Sir Edwin Arnold asking for his co-operation to build the temple in Buddhagaya and also to Prince of Wales. Asked Moonasinghe to take care of his son Piyadasa, the future apostle of Buddhism to America.

26th – Lectured before a Young Ladies Club and thence started for Oakland to speak at Mrs. Biggs. Good lady so fond of showing hospitality, like a Buddhist Upasika. Explained the Anapana concentration. Returned home 12 p.m.

27th – Finished article for the Call “On the Future of Christianity”.

APRIL 1897.

9th -- Two grey hairs  in my moustache. Getting old.  Reached Eau Clair. There I changed train for Duluth. At the depot strangers talked to me and they became friends. Everywhere I meet with sympathetic people.  Reached Duluth in the evening.  Mr. F. C. Southwarth met me at the station and took me to Mrs. Marshall’s house where I was given a cordial welcome.

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