Diary 1963 - Murshid Sam's Living Stream

Diaries 1963-5Buddhism. In the meanwhile I have had a terrific series of battles here. I was unanimouslyrejected by the press and TV and one of the things they rejected years ago was my paper on “TheReligion of Vietnam.” My meeting with the spiritual leader of the Vietnamese was one of the mosthilarious and delightful episodes, but it is impossible to get it accepted in certain circles.Well along this Spring I showed some Japanese my picture before the ashes of Lord Buddhain Japan where even they had not been permitted to go and they did a double-talk quick. After all,this bum has been a guest of the Imperial Garden in Japan, etc., where even Vice-Presidents don’t goexcepting…. Oh well.Anyhow I am now on the staff of the Encyclopedia of Buddhism which does not employ Europeans,Beatniks and ex-communists to do their work—“only in America” we have that nonsense.Last Trip South was just for Food Problems and Buddhism, “no time for sergeants” but nexttrip may include some personal visits. I have to await my friend Reps, for introductions before thenext step.My third close friend, Robert Clifton, died this Spring and his disciples came here from Malaya.This is a long, beautiful series of stories, not mentioned hereSo you will excuse me if I did not phone. Last trip was the first time I went to L.A. rather thanHollywood to be in the Japanese section, and then to West Los Angeles where I stayed with a veryold friend (in both sense), and visited UCLA. This was fortunate for I have laid the groundwork forMajor Sadiq’s visit whenever that comes.Now the Japanese are becoming interested in my book on people have met. The local editorwill back me up if the “metropolitan” press does not. But I have one editor in tow—Virgin Pinkley—that is a story in itself.Poetry. I am revising my work because I have contacted two groups interest. One here in S.F.,the other in Mendocino. I spent my “vacation” in Mendocino. I have a god-daughter there, and thisis also a beautiful story but not quite so advanced as the one in Pakistan.I have a god-son, right in this house—he got this apartment for me. There is another one who isprobably in San Mateo. All of them are in their 30’s—the right age for “my children.”This is enough. Sorry I can’t make you get younger—like me. I told you, Dorothy, I had a freemethod. Nobody in America has accepted it—Nobody in Pakistan has refused it.Love,S. A. M.