1895
That the 280,000,000 inhabitants of the continent of India should ever become one nation is so wild an improbability, and, even if possible, a matter of so many centuries, that its assumed realization cannot be made the basis of practical politics, for Hindooism and Islam show no signs of decay, and the antagonism between their followers is on the increase.
In the traditions of history, one of the most powerful elements of national sentiment, the pride of the one is the shame of the other. The Mussulman glories in Aurangzeb. The followers of Gobind Singh and Sevajee detest his memory. Intermarriage is impossible and is a sin oven among the myriad castes of Hindoos. There is no historical example of such a miracle as the amalgamation into one nation of such a multitude of diverse elements, and if it is to be effected the first steps have yet to be taken. — National Review.
Showing posts with label Hinduism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hinduism. Show all posts
Monday, August 11, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Where Women May Not Pray
1916
In some parts of the world the women are not even allowed to pray. Certain Hindoo congregations deny their women this privilege, and among the Ainus women can pray only in very rare cases as the deputies of their husbands. The natives of Madagascar, however, stretch a point and permit their women to intercede with the powers of evil, but prayer to their supreme being is strictly a masculine prerogative.
In some parts of the world the women are not even allowed to pray. Certain Hindoo congregations deny their women this privilege, and among the Ainus women can pray only in very rare cases as the deputies of their husbands. The natives of Madagascar, however, stretch a point and permit their women to intercede with the powers of evil, but prayer to their supreme being is strictly a masculine prerogative.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Unlucky Peacock Feathers
1905
Peacock's feathers are said to bring ill luck. The origin of this tradition is interesting. It is found in Palgrave's work on central and east Arabia, where the traveler says that, according to Mohammedan tradition, the peacock opened the wicket of Paradise to admit the devil, received a very ample share of the devil's own punishment.
Hindu Customs
It is in order that sons may perform the father's funeral ceremonies each year that it is ordained that the son shall inherit the father's property. It is a rule of our faith that by the son's performance of such acts the father obtains heaven. For this reason, if he has no male child, the father will adopt a boy in order that, after his own death, his funeral ceremonies may be performed by the adopted son. — Mysore Standard, Bangalore.
Visions
It was the woman who dreamed that her husband had given her the goods for a new gown who waked to a realizing sense of what the poet meant by "the baseless fabric of this vision."
Peacock's feathers are said to bring ill luck. The origin of this tradition is interesting. It is found in Palgrave's work on central and east Arabia, where the traveler says that, according to Mohammedan tradition, the peacock opened the wicket of Paradise to admit the devil, received a very ample share of the devil's own punishment.
Hindu Customs
It is in order that sons may perform the father's funeral ceremonies each year that it is ordained that the son shall inherit the father's property. It is a rule of our faith that by the son's performance of such acts the father obtains heaven. For this reason, if he has no male child, the father will adopt a boy in order that, after his own death, his funeral ceremonies may be performed by the adopted son. — Mysore Standard, Bangalore.
Visions
It was the woman who dreamed that her husband had given her the goods for a new gown who waked to a realizing sense of what the poet meant by "the baseless fabric of this vision."
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Hindoo Proverbs — Truth, Contentment, Patience, Mercy
1907
Happiness consists in the absence of anxiety.
Truth, contentment, patience and mercy belong to great minds.
Little things should not be despised. Many straws united will bind an elephant.
It can never be safe to unite with an enemy. Water, though heated, will soon extinguish fire.
He who removes another from danger and he who removes terror from the mind are the greatest of friends.
Courage is tried in war, integrity in the payment of debt and interest, the faithfulness of a wife in poverty and friendship in distress.
Every one looking downward becomes impressed with the idea of his own greatness, but looking upward feels his own littleness.
He who in your presence speaks kindly, but in your absence seeks to injure, must be rejected like a bowl of poison covered with milk.
Happiness consists in the absence of anxiety.
Truth, contentment, patience and mercy belong to great minds.
Little things should not be despised. Many straws united will bind an elephant.
It can never be safe to unite with an enemy. Water, though heated, will soon extinguish fire.
He who removes another from danger and he who removes terror from the mind are the greatest of friends.
Courage is tried in war, integrity in the payment of debt and interest, the faithfulness of a wife in poverty and friendship in distress.
Every one looking downward becomes impressed with the idea of his own greatness, but looking upward feels his own littleness.
He who in your presence speaks kindly, but in your absence seeks to injure, must be rejected like a bowl of poison covered with milk.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Bible and Morality — A Survey of Morality in Religions
1899
The Bible and Morality
From our boyhood days until the time we were able to reason from cause to effect and to become in a limited degree familiar with the laws of nature and the laws which govern and regulate the universe regardless of our likes or dislikes, we had been led to believe by the defenders, the upholders and the expounders of the Bible that it was impossible for persons to form any high conceptions of morals and morality outside the morality which is contained within the lids of the Bible, and if we reject its ideal or standard of morality there is no way whereby we can become cognizant of the fact that it is absolutely wrong to lie, steal, kill, or to commit other crimes. While we have the highest respect for those who may entertain these ideas, we must not lose sight of the fact that morals or the practice of morality is universal, while on the other hand Christianity and those believing in the teachings of the Bible are local.
As we have heretofore stated, it is not our intention to cast any reflections upon those who have implicit faith in the Bible, but the greatest and the most beneficent moral maxims and percepts have been handed down to us through other channels than the Bible, and if all the bibles which have been in existence and which are in existence today were destroyed, morality would still exist in the world independent of them all.
The morality or the moral precepts which are contained in the Rig-veda (Bible) which was composed 2,400 years before Christ surpasses in beauty of expression the sentiments in the Bible. Its teachings about sin; its revelations; its belief in the ability of the gods to forgive; its belief that its Bible came from God; its rigid code of morals; its prayers; hymns, offerings and sacrifices are all rigidly believed in and lived up to by more than two hundred million people.
The Brahmin's idea of the trinity corresponds with the ideas which are taught to the people respecting the trinity at the present time. The Yend-Avesta (Bible) which is over twelve hundred years older than Christ or the Bible, contains many beautiful moral precepts. Its adherents believe in a Supreme Spirit, in gods and demons, who interfere with the affairs of this world, and who are ever at war with each other. Zoroaster, its great prophet, promulgated many commandments which are similar to those in the Jewish Bible. He also taught that he was in direct communication with the Lord. His creed and faith is of the simplest kind. It is "to fear God, to live a life of pure thoughts, pure words, pure deeds, and to die in the hope of a world to come. It is the creed of those who live nearest to the gods and served them faithfulest in every age, and wherever they dwell who accept it and practice it they bear witness to that which makes them children of the gods and brethren of the prophets among whom Zoroaster was not the least.
We must bear in mind that the Jews were carried away as captives to Babylon some six hundred years before Christ, and during the seventy years of exile there they came in contact with the Persian religion and derived their ideas from it pertaining to the immortality of the soul, which their own religion did not teach. They also borrowed from it their belief in a multitude of angels, and in Satan as the ruler of evil spirits, for prior to that time no Jewish writer nor the Jewish people had the faintest idea of heaven or h—ll or the plurality of worlds.
Buddha the awakened, whose followers number more than any other religious faith or system, is five hundred years older than Christ or the Bible. The Bible which was constructed by him contains many lofty and elevating moral precepts. It contains nothing to shock the minds of little children, nor to blunt the finer sensibilities of men and women. Buddha taught that "nothing on earth is stable, nothing is real. Life is as transitory as a spark of fire, or the sound of a lyre. There must be some supreme intelligence where we could find rest. If I attained it I could bring light to men. If I were free myself I could deliver the world." He also said: "The succoring of mother and father, the cherishing of wife and child and the following of a lawful calling, this is the greatest blessing."
"The giving alms, aid rendered to relations, blameless acts, this is the greatest blessing." "The abstaining from sins and the avoiding them, the eschewing of intoxicating drinks, diligence in good deeds, reverence and humility, contentment and gratefulness, this is the greatest blessing."
"Those who having done these things, become invincible on all sides, attain happiness on all sides. This is the greatest blessing."
"He who lives a hundred years vicious and unrestrained, a life of one day is better if a man is virtuous and reflecting. Let no man think lightly of evil, saying in his heart, it will not come near unto me. Even by the falling of water drops a water pot is filled; the fool becomes full of evil if he gathers it little by little." "Let us live happily then, not hating those who hate us!" "Let us dwell free from hatred among men who hate! and not to commit any sin, to do good and to purify one's mind." After these most wholesome maxims there follows ten commandments of which the first five apply to all people, not to steal, not to commit adultery, not to lie, not get drunk, etc.
Buddha taught that it is the duty of all men to honor their parents and care for their children, to be kind to the sick and poor and sorrowing. We must keep in mind that Buddha lived more than five hundred years before Christ, and the rites and ceremonies which his priests performed adopted with slight modifications by the Catholic church. He also held religious councils and sent out missionaries to all parts of the east.
Confucius, the great moral teacher and philosopher of China lived 551 years before Christ was born, and he gave us the golden rule. Among other wise and moral things Confucius said: "Coarse rice for food, water to drink, the bended arm for a pillow — happiness may be enjoyed even with these. But without virtue both riches and honor seem to me like a passing cloud."
Mahomet counseled his follower, to live good lives and to strive after the mercy of God by fasting, charity and prayer. He said: "A man's true wealth hereafter is the good he has done to his fellow men. When he dies people will ask, what property has he left behind him? But the angels will ask what good deeds has he sent before him. Mahomet enjoined his followers to show mercy to the weak and orphaned and kindness to brutes, to abstain from gambling, and the use of strong drink.
Out of one billion six hundred million people who are scattered over the face of the earth more than eleven hundred million believe in the teachings of the great moralists whom we have alluded to. In passing we cannot refrain from referring to Egypt and those wonderful people who inhibit the valleys of the Nile. Those strange people can trace their history back, 5,550 years before the Christian era. The morality which they practiced and the moral laws which they placed upon their statutes cannot be equalled. For instance, if the master of a slave caused the death of a slave, the owner was also put to death.
No other country in the civilized world ever enacted such a law. In America where all the slave holders were Christians the slaves were not in the possession of any rights which their masters were bound to respect.
It is admitted by all who are familiar with Egyptian history that the ten commandments which Moses claimed were written by the finger of God upon two tables of stone on Mount Sinai came from Egypt.
So it must be apparent to all that morality is not dependent upon the Bible. Our chief objection to the Bible is that it places a premium on vice and crime while at the same time it puts its everlasting seal of condemnation upon all honest and upright men and women who do not accept it as the infallible word of an all wise and merciful God.
—The Broad Ax, Salt Lake City, Utah, Feb. 18, 1899, p. 1.
The Bible and Morality
From our boyhood days until the time we were able to reason from cause to effect and to become in a limited degree familiar with the laws of nature and the laws which govern and regulate the universe regardless of our likes or dislikes, we had been led to believe by the defenders, the upholders and the expounders of the Bible that it was impossible for persons to form any high conceptions of morals and morality outside the morality which is contained within the lids of the Bible, and if we reject its ideal or standard of morality there is no way whereby we can become cognizant of the fact that it is absolutely wrong to lie, steal, kill, or to commit other crimes. While we have the highest respect for those who may entertain these ideas, we must not lose sight of the fact that morals or the practice of morality is universal, while on the other hand Christianity and those believing in the teachings of the Bible are local.
As we have heretofore stated, it is not our intention to cast any reflections upon those who have implicit faith in the Bible, but the greatest and the most beneficent moral maxims and percepts have been handed down to us through other channels than the Bible, and if all the bibles which have been in existence and which are in existence today were destroyed, morality would still exist in the world independent of them all.
The morality or the moral precepts which are contained in the Rig-veda (Bible) which was composed 2,400 years before Christ surpasses in beauty of expression the sentiments in the Bible. Its teachings about sin; its revelations; its belief in the ability of the gods to forgive; its belief that its Bible came from God; its rigid code of morals; its prayers; hymns, offerings and sacrifices are all rigidly believed in and lived up to by more than two hundred million people.
The Brahmin's idea of the trinity corresponds with the ideas which are taught to the people respecting the trinity at the present time. The Yend-Avesta (Bible) which is over twelve hundred years older than Christ or the Bible, contains many beautiful moral precepts. Its adherents believe in a Supreme Spirit, in gods and demons, who interfere with the affairs of this world, and who are ever at war with each other. Zoroaster, its great prophet, promulgated many commandments which are similar to those in the Jewish Bible. He also taught that he was in direct communication with the Lord. His creed and faith is of the simplest kind. It is "to fear God, to live a life of pure thoughts, pure words, pure deeds, and to die in the hope of a world to come. It is the creed of those who live nearest to the gods and served them faithfulest in every age, and wherever they dwell who accept it and practice it they bear witness to that which makes them children of the gods and brethren of the prophets among whom Zoroaster was not the least.
We must bear in mind that the Jews were carried away as captives to Babylon some six hundred years before Christ, and during the seventy years of exile there they came in contact with the Persian religion and derived their ideas from it pertaining to the immortality of the soul, which their own religion did not teach. They also borrowed from it their belief in a multitude of angels, and in Satan as the ruler of evil spirits, for prior to that time no Jewish writer nor the Jewish people had the faintest idea of heaven or h—ll or the plurality of worlds.
Buddha the awakened, whose followers number more than any other religious faith or system, is five hundred years older than Christ or the Bible. The Bible which was constructed by him contains many lofty and elevating moral precepts. It contains nothing to shock the minds of little children, nor to blunt the finer sensibilities of men and women. Buddha taught that "nothing on earth is stable, nothing is real. Life is as transitory as a spark of fire, or the sound of a lyre. There must be some supreme intelligence where we could find rest. If I attained it I could bring light to men. If I were free myself I could deliver the world." He also said: "The succoring of mother and father, the cherishing of wife and child and the following of a lawful calling, this is the greatest blessing."
"The giving alms, aid rendered to relations, blameless acts, this is the greatest blessing." "The abstaining from sins and the avoiding them, the eschewing of intoxicating drinks, diligence in good deeds, reverence and humility, contentment and gratefulness, this is the greatest blessing."
"Those who having done these things, become invincible on all sides, attain happiness on all sides. This is the greatest blessing."
"He who lives a hundred years vicious and unrestrained, a life of one day is better if a man is virtuous and reflecting. Let no man think lightly of evil, saying in his heart, it will not come near unto me. Even by the falling of water drops a water pot is filled; the fool becomes full of evil if he gathers it little by little." "Let us live happily then, not hating those who hate us!" "Let us dwell free from hatred among men who hate! and not to commit any sin, to do good and to purify one's mind." After these most wholesome maxims there follows ten commandments of which the first five apply to all people, not to steal, not to commit adultery, not to lie, not get drunk, etc.
Buddha taught that it is the duty of all men to honor their parents and care for their children, to be kind to the sick and poor and sorrowing. We must keep in mind that Buddha lived more than five hundred years before Christ, and the rites and ceremonies which his priests performed adopted with slight modifications by the Catholic church. He also held religious councils and sent out missionaries to all parts of the east.
Confucius, the great moral teacher and philosopher of China lived 551 years before Christ was born, and he gave us the golden rule. Among other wise and moral things Confucius said: "Coarse rice for food, water to drink, the bended arm for a pillow — happiness may be enjoyed even with these. But without virtue both riches and honor seem to me like a passing cloud."
Mahomet counseled his follower, to live good lives and to strive after the mercy of God by fasting, charity and prayer. He said: "A man's true wealth hereafter is the good he has done to his fellow men. When he dies people will ask, what property has he left behind him? But the angels will ask what good deeds has he sent before him. Mahomet enjoined his followers to show mercy to the weak and orphaned and kindness to brutes, to abstain from gambling, and the use of strong drink.
Out of one billion six hundred million people who are scattered over the face of the earth more than eleven hundred million believe in the teachings of the great moralists whom we have alluded to. In passing we cannot refrain from referring to Egypt and those wonderful people who inhibit the valleys of the Nile. Those strange people can trace their history back, 5,550 years before the Christian era. The morality which they practiced and the moral laws which they placed upon their statutes cannot be equalled. For instance, if the master of a slave caused the death of a slave, the owner was also put to death.
No other country in the civilized world ever enacted such a law. In America where all the slave holders were Christians the slaves were not in the possession of any rights which their masters were bound to respect.
It is admitted by all who are familiar with Egyptian history that the ten commandments which Moses claimed were written by the finger of God upon two tables of stone on Mount Sinai came from Egypt.
So it must be apparent to all that morality is not dependent upon the Bible. Our chief objection to the Bible is that it places a premium on vice and crime while at the same time it puts its everlasting seal of condemnation upon all honest and upright men and women who do not accept it as the infallible word of an all wise and merciful God.
—The Broad Ax, Salt Lake City, Utah, Feb. 18, 1899, p. 1.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
In Madras With the Yogi, A Venerable Mystic
1901
Hocus Pocus and That Sort of Thing
I saw a Hindoo out in the open street take three good sized balls, larger and heavier than hens' eggs, and commence tossing them up in the air, catching them as they returned. Soon his hands were motionless, but the balls kept ascending and, so far as I know, are ascending still. They did not return. Were they dematerialized by some invisible psychic power? Such is my opinion.
During my stay in Madras there came down from a mountain a genuine psychic and seer. He was truly a venerable mystic. In a bungalow on a bright sunshiny day, 8 o'clock p.m., a dozen present, this old yogi burned incense, repeated some mantras and said in substance, "Now I can move any object in this room by my will." Reflecting a few moments, I said, "Command those peacock plumes up there to come to you." Focusing his thought, his will, upon them, they leaped at his bidding from the case and, sailing around the room, fell at his feet. Other objects were moved in a similar manner. This was genuine white magic. — Humanitarian.
—The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, January 31, 1901, page 2.
Hocus Pocus and That Sort of Thing
I saw a Hindoo out in the open street take three good sized balls, larger and heavier than hens' eggs, and commence tossing them up in the air, catching them as they returned. Soon his hands were motionless, but the balls kept ascending and, so far as I know, are ascending still. They did not return. Were they dematerialized by some invisible psychic power? Such is my opinion.
During my stay in Madras there came down from a mountain a genuine psychic and seer. He was truly a venerable mystic. In a bungalow on a bright sunshiny day, 8 o'clock p.m., a dozen present, this old yogi burned incense, repeated some mantras and said in substance, "Now I can move any object in this room by my will." Reflecting a few moments, I said, "Command those peacock plumes up there to come to you." Focusing his thought, his will, upon them, they leaped at his bidding from the case and, sailing around the room, fell at his feet. Other objects were moved in a similar manner. This was genuine white magic. — Humanitarian.
—The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, January 31, 1901, page 2.
The Wonderful Yogis
1901
Dr. Peebles tells some tall, strong stories of wonderful yogis in The Humanitarian. One of these yogis came one day to surprise Peebles. He did. The yogi said he could hypnotize an inanimate object. "Make the book lying on that stand move," said the incredulous western man. "Pointing his long, bony finger to it, he exclaimed: 'Come! Come!' The stand trembled; the book fell upon the floor and slid to his feet."
"While in Madjura," the good doctor goes on, "I spent considerable time in casting out demons — that is, in demagnetizing and dispossessing those hypnotically influenced by the ignorant, demoniac denizens of the invisible regions, known, among other names, as pitris, bhutas, manes, pissellas, demons, devas, etc. Certain eminent physicians conclude that the majority of the insane are in some way the subject of hypnotism, of obsessing demons."
The yogis are queer ducks. If you want to be one, you get into a quiet place and fix the thought on the point of the nose ten minutes, then on the bridge of the nose ten minutes. Then close the ears with the middle fingers, pronouncing audibly 12,000 times the sacred syllable "om," or put the left ankle on the right side of the chest, and vice versa, so you look like a cow's mouth, and say "om" 144,000 times. Amusing to try it sometime.
—The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, January 31, 1901, page 2.
Dr. Peebles tells some tall, strong stories of wonderful yogis in The Humanitarian. One of these yogis came one day to surprise Peebles. He did. The yogi said he could hypnotize an inanimate object. "Make the book lying on that stand move," said the incredulous western man. "Pointing his long, bony finger to it, he exclaimed: 'Come! Come!' The stand trembled; the book fell upon the floor and slid to his feet."
"While in Madjura," the good doctor goes on, "I spent considerable time in casting out demons — that is, in demagnetizing and dispossessing those hypnotically influenced by the ignorant, demoniac denizens of the invisible regions, known, among other names, as pitris, bhutas, manes, pissellas, demons, devas, etc. Certain eminent physicians conclude that the majority of the insane are in some way the subject of hypnotism, of obsessing demons."
The yogis are queer ducks. If you want to be one, you get into a quiet place and fix the thought on the point of the nose ten minutes, then on the bridge of the nose ten minutes. Then close the ears with the middle fingers, pronouncing audibly 12,000 times the sacred syllable "om," or put the left ankle on the right side of the chest, and vice versa, so you look like a cow's mouth, and say "om" 144,000 times. Amusing to try it sometime.
—The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, January 31, 1901, page 2.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Your Chance to Visit the Famous Nathoo, the Hindoo Seer
Iowa, 1914-1915
Click image for larger version
Nathoo, Hindu Seer, Now Free
Soothsayer Nathoo, the Hindu seer, perfumist, and alleged beguiler of maids, who "love not wisely but too well," as provided a bond of $500 and is free. Jerome F. Bartlett and John M. O'Brien, of Muscatine, both well-qualified to protect the state with their property, are the sureties. The bond is for $500. Nathoo left for Muscatine, after providing the bond, as Justice Ewing immediately ordered his release from the county jail.
His hearing is on July 10.
—Iowa City Daily Press, Iowa City, Iowa, July 3, 1914, page 8.
You Will Miss Your Chance to Visit The Famous Nathoo — The Hindoo Seer, Astrologist and Psychological Reader, UNLESS YOU COME SOON
Beginning under unusual difficulties he has given 300 readings and has won three hundred friends and supporters since he came here one month ago. He has advised and guided thousands of people to happiness, wealth and success, and is recognized in all the larger cities as the greatest of them all. You who are worried, in trouble and in doubt can be helped by this man. He can tell you of your past and see into your future. With his universal knowledge, and psychological power, he can advise you as to what you should do to get the most out of your life and make your desires become realities.
Readings every day and evening, except Sunday, by appointment. 210 East Washington Street. $5.00 Reading for 50c. This special price is given to build a reputation here.
MANY OF YOUR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THIS MAN.
—Iowa City Daily Press, Iowa City, Iowa, September 3, 1914, page 4, advertisement.
"Count" Nathoo in Trouble
Iowa City. — The Johnson county grand jury is busy investigating the case of "Count" Nathoo, the Hindoo, who is charged with a crime against Alice Cornish of London, England. Nathoo was bound over to the grand jury after a preliminary hearing in July.
—Marble Rock Journal, Marble Rock, Iowa, September 23, 1914.
FAKER'S VICTIM IS SAVED MORE GRIEF
DEPORTATION WAS ORDERED
Alice Cornish Spared Sorrow of Outcast in England by Iowa Humanitarians.
Special to The Gazette.
Iowa City, Iowa, Jan. 20 — Count Nathoo, fake oriental astrologer of Des Moines, who last fall lured Alice Cornish, 19-year old English girl from Burlington to Davenport, from Davenport to Iowa City and from here to the capital suffered her the humility of arrest at that place yesterday for the second time, her first detention being in company with him at Iowa City where both were acquitted. The result at Des Moines, however, was not so successful and Miss Cornish, was ordered deported by United States government officials.
Only the intervention of Secretary of Labor Wilson, Congressman Prouty and Senator Cummins averted an execution of the order.
After hearing her pitiful story and knowing that deportation to England now when every new arrival needs a reference and employment is hard to obtain, Deaconess Martha H. Wurtz of St. Monica's home in Des Moines intervened in her behalf with the result that she will remain for the time being an inmate of that institution.
Count Nathoo meanwhile is still at large.
The 19-year old girl was born in England, but two years ago came to Muscatine to live with her aunt. She found life there anything but desirable and secured employment in Burlington where Nathoo met her. He lured her to Davenport and then to Iowa City where they were arrested, but later permitted to get out of town.
The intervention of Iowa's congressmen at Washington in the girl's behalf was secured upon the protestation against her deportation by such men as Bishop Longley, Attorney-General Cosson, James A. Davis, Northwestern railroad attorney for Iowa, and Ex-Governor Garst.
At first the order from the government officials was apparently irrevocable, but Miss Wurtz, the deaconess, decided to make a desperate effort to prevent its execution. The girl was utterly crushed by the order. In the best of times, without friends and relatives, without that essential thing in England, references of past employment, her lot would have been difficult, with all Europe under martial law there would be absolutely no place for her to go but the work house or brothel. She will stay at St. Monica's home for a year or two as a result of Miss Wurtz' efforts in her behalf.
—The Evening Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, January 20, 1915, page 5.
"Count" Nelson, self advertised as the "agent of God" and "Hindu seer," was bound over the grand jury at Iowa City, charged with seducing Alice Cornish, aged 19 a little friendless English working girl
—The Nashua Reporter, Nashua, Iowa, July 30, 1914, page 7.
—The Oxford Mirror, Oxford Junction, Iowa, October 22, 1914, page 7. Exact same item.
Note the wide disparity in the dates of publication, and "Nelson." Maybe that was Nathoo's real name?
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Krisnamurti Heralds New Civilization, Says Annie Besant
Oakland, California, 1926
HINDU HERALDS NEW CIVILIZATION, SAYS MRS. BESANT
Theosophists' Head Speaking in Oakland Says Krishnamurti Is Vehicle
Predicting a new civilization to be founded on the truths to be expounded by her ward, Krishnamurti, Mrs. Annie Besant, president of the International Theosophical society, spoke on "The Coming of the World Teacher" last night at the Auditorium theater. A large portion of the audience which had expected the young Hindu to come here to attend the lecture were disappointed.
Krishnamurti, according to Mrs. Besant, is the chosen vehicle through which the spirit of Christ is to return to the world.
"Since our race, the Aryan, was cradled in Central Asia," said Mrs. Besant, "there have been five manifestations of the Christ spirit on earth.
WARNS HEARERS
"Last December at the great world convention of theosophists at Adyar, India, Krishnamurti was speaking before an audience of 5000 persons, warning his hearers of the imminent coming of the Messiah. Hardly had he said the words, when he added, 'He is here!' Krishnamurti gave a sudden start, then his lips moved, but the voice was not Krishnamurti's. It was the softest, sweetest voice imaginable. The Messiah spoke briefly and closed with these words: 'I come not to tear down but to reform; not to destroy but to build.' Immediately afterward Krishnamurti sought his couch where I found him. He seemed to be coming out of a deep sleep.
"Since that time," Mrs. Besant continued, "the spirit of Christ has returned to Krishnamurti's body, each time remaining longer than the last."
TELLS OF DISCOVERY
The theosophist head recounted her discovery of Krishnamurti in 1909, when she became his legal guardian. "At that time," she says, "I was assured that if he proved worthy in his manhood, then the Christ would use him on His next visit to the world. He grew up without formal education. He never attended public school or university, although some persons assert he was at Oxford. He never touches meat, never drinks alcohol, nor smokes."
Mrs. Besant closed her address with the prediction that another great war will wipe out civilization. "It will mean the suicide of the world. The world has come to a fork in the road. One leads upward to brotherhood and cooperation, the other downward to dissension, war and destruction. The world must take its choice. It may be that the coming of the world teacher will put an end to all wars."
—Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, September 28, 1926, page 12.
HINDU HERALDS NEW CIVILIZATION, SAYS MRS. BESANT
Theosophists' Head Speaking in Oakland Says Krishnamurti Is Vehicle
Predicting a new civilization to be founded on the truths to be expounded by her ward, Krishnamurti, Mrs. Annie Besant, president of the International Theosophical society, spoke on "The Coming of the World Teacher" last night at the Auditorium theater. A large portion of the audience which had expected the young Hindu to come here to attend the lecture were disappointed.
Krishnamurti, according to Mrs. Besant, is the chosen vehicle through which the spirit of Christ is to return to the world.
"Since our race, the Aryan, was cradled in Central Asia," said Mrs. Besant, "there have been five manifestations of the Christ spirit on earth.
WARNS HEARERS
"Last December at the great world convention of theosophists at Adyar, India, Krishnamurti was speaking before an audience of 5000 persons, warning his hearers of the imminent coming of the Messiah. Hardly had he said the words, when he added, 'He is here!' Krishnamurti gave a sudden start, then his lips moved, but the voice was not Krishnamurti's. It was the softest, sweetest voice imaginable. The Messiah spoke briefly and closed with these words: 'I come not to tear down but to reform; not to destroy but to build.' Immediately afterward Krishnamurti sought his couch where I found him. He seemed to be coming out of a deep sleep.
"Since that time," Mrs. Besant continued, "the spirit of Christ has returned to Krishnamurti's body, each time remaining longer than the last."
TELLS OF DISCOVERY
The theosophist head recounted her discovery of Krishnamurti in 1909, when she became his legal guardian. "At that time," she says, "I was assured that if he proved worthy in his manhood, then the Christ would use him on His next visit to the world. He grew up without formal education. He never attended public school or university, although some persons assert he was at Oxford. He never touches meat, never drinks alcohol, nor smokes."
Mrs. Besant closed her address with the prediction that another great war will wipe out civilization. "It will mean the suicide of the world. The world has come to a fork in the road. One leads upward to brotherhood and cooperation, the other downward to dissension, war and destruction. The world must take its choice. It may be that the coming of the world teacher will put an end to all wars."
—Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, September 28, 1926, page 12.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Ship's Boy Gets Sacred Black Cat from Hindu Temple
1912
SHIP'S BOY GETS SACRED BLACK CAT
Strays Into Hindoo Temple at Bombay and Escapes with Life and Feline.
SOMETHING HIT HIM
Daring Apprentice of Tramp Steamer Who Went in Search of Adventure at an Indian Port Had Plenty of Excitement
Philadelphia.—A daring apprentice who had the audacity to steal into a Hindoo temple and kidnap a sacred cat is the tale that a tramp steamer brings to this port.
The apprentice, Albert Berrige, passed behind the veil of one of the most sacred temples of the Hindoos in Bombay, saw with his Caucasian eyes the great idols and returned to the outer world with the sacred cat. The cat once bore, no doubt, a strange Indian name, but since joining the tramp ship the sacred feline has been dubbed Tommy. Tommy is as black as the conscience of a bigamist and is not very different from other cats. Black cats bring good luck to ships that plough the seven seas, so Tommy is held in great esteem. While Berrige's ship swung at her anchor off "The City of the Dreadful Night," as Kipling has called Bombay, the towering domes of the Hindoo temples kindled Albert's imagination, and he chafed at the bit until he had obtained shore leave.
"Be back by sundown, young man," ordered the captain as the apprentice went over the side about midday. There was so much to interest Albert that he forgot altogether the captain's injunction to be back by sundown. Darkness had enveloped the city when Albert reached one of the Hindoo temples, probably the most sacred in all Bombay.
"It was all dark and scary in that temple," said the apprentice in telling of his adventure. "There were big pillars all round with the most scary looking carvings you ever saw. I got behind one of these pillars all by myself and tried to see what was going on. Away off in the distance I saw some lights burning in front of a row of big idols that looked like huge monkeys. The Hindoos who were coming into the temple were making their way toward those idols, bowing and sort of sing-songing. They were so busy in their worship of the big gilded monkeys and things that they would not have seen me if I had been on fire.
"I was so encouraged by my success in getting to the front, near the big show, that I kept on the move through the dark. Suddenly, as I tiptoed along, I put my foot down on something soft. The next thing I knew there came a yowl and screech that made my backbone feel as though a bolt of lightning was running up and down it. The sing-song and the moaning had ceased. There was absolute silence for a moment.
"Suddenly I felt something hit me in the middle of the back. Then I felt sharp claws digging into my hide. The next instant I was traveling like a meteor toward the temple entrance and every manjack of these Hindoos in pursuit.
"When I reached the door two husky Hindoos jumped in front of me. I lowered my head and struck one of them amidships. He went down with a gulp like a man swallowing his adam's apple. I dodged the other fellow and jumped and half tumbled down the steps from the temple doorway. When I hit the street I kept up my running. The Hindoos were soon distanced. I must have run for a mile with that cat clawing at my spinal column. Then when I got up a dark street I stopped and tried to dislodge the cat. I finally had to take off my coat to get the beast to release his claws.
"When I got Mr. Cat into my arms he was as docile as you please and purred in real cat fashion. So I says to myself, 'It's a black cat and that means good luck, so I'll take him on board.' I had some explaining why I was so late, but I had the cat to prove my adventure in the temple and the old man let it go at that."
—Stevens Point Daily Journal, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, October 21, 1912, page 3.
Hindu Lecturer to be at 14th St. M.E. Church
Traverse City, Michigan, 1911
Church Brevities
Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church. The pastor will speak morning and evening. Morning subject: "Our Daily Bread." This is the sixth in a series of sermons on "The Lord's Prayer." Evening subject: "Spoiling God's Plan."
Oak Park Church. Rev. Sundberg of the Swedish church will occupy the pulpit both morning and evening. On Thursday evening June 1st, Mr. Allington will give his farewell sermon, before leaving for his new field, and he earnestly desires that the eastside people will be present for this last service together.
Fourteenth St. M. E. Church. Services tomorrow as follows: Morning at 10:30, conducted by the Rev. G. W. Plews. Subject, "The Vision That Encourages." Evening at 7:30, J. Mohammad Ali of Lahore, India, will deliver his interesting lecture on "The Transformation of Hammad." This cultured Hindoo gentleman is a very capable speaker and will certainly help those who hear him to more perfectly understand conditions of life in India.
--The Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Michigan, May 27, 1911
Church Brevities
Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church. The pastor will speak morning and evening. Morning subject: "Our Daily Bread." This is the sixth in a series of sermons on "The Lord's Prayer." Evening subject: "Spoiling God's Plan."
Oak Park Church. Rev. Sundberg of the Swedish church will occupy the pulpit both morning and evening. On Thursday evening June 1st, Mr. Allington will give his farewell sermon, before leaving for his new field, and he earnestly desires that the eastside people will be present for this last service together.
Fourteenth St. M. E. Church. Services tomorrow as follows: Morning at 10:30, conducted by the Rev. G. W. Plews. Subject, "The Vision That Encourages." Evening at 7:30, J. Mohammad Ali of Lahore, India, will deliver his interesting lecture on "The Transformation of Hammad." This cultured Hindoo gentleman is a very capable speaker and will certainly help those who hear him to more perfectly understand conditions of life in India.
--The Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Michigan, May 27, 1911
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