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Personal Diary
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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.
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
- Again> preached
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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