At Encinitas in California

“A surprise, sir! During your absence abroad we have had this Encinitas hermitage built; it is a ‘welcome-home’ gift!” Sister Gyanamata smilingly led me through a gate and up a tree-shaded walk.

“A surprise, sir! While you were abroad, we had this Encinitas hermitage built. The hermitage is a ‘welcome-home’ gift!” With a smile, Sister Gyanamata led me through a gate and up a tree-shaded path.

I saw a building jutting out like a great white ocean liner toward the blue brine. First speechlessly, then with “Oh’s!” and “Ah’s!”, finally with man’s insufficient vocabulary of joy and gratitude, I examined the ashram-sixteen unusually large rooms, each one charmingly appointed.

I saw a building jutting toward the blue sea like a great white ocean liner. I explored the ashram, at first speechless, then exclaiming “Oh’s!” and “Ah’s!” Finally, I tried to express my joy and gratitude, though human words could not do them justice. The ashram had sixteen unusually large rooms, each charmingly furnished and decorated.

The stately central hall, with immense ceiling-high windows, looks out on a united altar of grass, ocean, sky-a symphony in emerald, opal, sapphire. A mantle over the hall’s huge fireplace holds the framed likeness of Lahiri Mahasaya, smiling his blessing over this far Pacific heaven.

The grand central hall has huge windows reaching to the ceiling. It overlooks grass, ocean, and sky united as an altar, a symphony of emerald, opal, and sapphire. The mantel above the hall’s huge fireplace holds a framed portrait of Lahiri Mahasaya. His smile offers a blessing over this distant Pacific paradise.

Directly below the hall, built into the very bluff, two solitary meditation caves confront the infinities of sky and sea. Verandahs, sun-bathing nooks, acres of orchard, a eucalypti grove, flagstone paths leading through roses and lilies to quiet arbors, a long flight of stairs ending on an isolated beach and the vast waters! Was dream ever more concrete?

Directly below the hall, built into the cliff itself, two secluded meditation caves face the endless sky and sea. There are verandas, sunbathing nooks, acres of orchard, and a eucalyptus grove. Stone paths lead through roses and lilies to quiet garden shelters. A long staircase ends on a secluded beach beside the vast waters! Was any dream ever more real?

“May the good and heroic and bountiful souls of the saints come here,” reads “A Prayer for a Dwelling,” from the Zend-Avesta, fastened on one of the hermitage doors, “and may they go hand in hand with us, giving the healing virtues of their blessed gifts as widespread as the earth, as far-flung as the rivers, as high-reaching as the sun, for the furtherance of better men, for the increase of abundance and glory.

“May the good, heroic, and generous souls of the saints come here,” reads “A Prayer for a Dwelling.” The prayer, from the Zend-Avesta, is posted on one of the hermitage doors. “And may these souls walk hand in hand with us, sharing the healing power of their blessed gifts. May these gifts spread as widely as the earth, as far as the rivers, as high as the sun. May they help people become better and increase abundance and glory.

“May obedience conquer disobedience within this house; may peace triumph here over discord; free-hearted giving over avarice, truthful speech over deceit, reverence over contempt. That our minds be delighted, and our souls uplifted, let our bodies be glorified as well; and O Light Divine, may we see Thee, and may we, approaching, come round about Thee, and attain unto Thine entire companionship!”

“May obedience overcome disobedience in this house. May peace triumph here over conflict, generous giving over greed, truthful speech over deceit, and reverence over contempt. May our bodies also be glorified so that our minds may be delighted and our souls uplifted. O Light Divine, may we see you. May we draw near, gather around you, and enter into full companionship with you!”

This Self-Realization Fellowship ashram had been made possible through the generosity of a few American disciples, American businessmen of endless responsibilities who yet find time daily for their Kriya Yoga. Not a word of the hermitage construction had been allowed to reach me during my stay in India and Europe. Astonishment, delight!

This Self-Realization Fellowship ashram was made possible by the generosity of a few American disciples. These American businessmen have endless responsibilities, yet still find time every day for their Kriya Yoga. While I was in India and Europe, no one had been allowed to tell me about the hermitage’s construction. What astonishment, what delight!

During my earlier years in America I had combed the coast of California in quest of a small site for a seaside ashram; whenever I had found a suitable location, some obstacle had invariably arisen to thwart me. Gazing now over the broad acres of Encinitas, [^48] humbly I saw the effortless fulfillment of Sri Yukteswar’s long-ago prophecy: “a hermitage by the ocean.”

During my early years in America, I had searched the California coast for a small site for a seaside ashram. Whenever I found a suitable location, some obstacle always arose to stop me. Now, looking over the broad acres of Encinitas, [^48] I felt humbled. I saw Sri Yukteswar’s prophecy from long ago fulfilled without effort: “a hermitage by the ocean.”

A few months later, Easter of 1937, I conducted on the smooth lawns at Encinitas the first of many Sunrise Services. Like the magi of old, several hundred students gazed in devotional awe at the daily miracle, the early solar fire rite in the eastern sky. To the west lay the inexhaustible Pacific, booming its solemn praise; in the distance, a tiny white sailing boat, and the lonely flight of a seagull. “Christ, thou art risen!” Not alone with the vernal sun, but in the eternal dawn of Spirit!

A few months later, at Easter in 1937, I led the first of many Sunrise Services on Encinitas’s smooth lawns. Like the ancient magi, several hundred students watched the daily miracle with reverent awe. The sun’s early fire spread like a sacred ritual across the eastern sky. To the west stretched the endless Pacific, its waves booming in solemn praise. In the distance were a tiny white sailboat and a lone seagull in flight. “Christ, you have risen!” Not only with the spring sun, but in the eternal dawn of Spirit!

Many happy months sped by; in the peace of perfect beauty I was able to complete at the hermitage a long-projected work, Cosmic Chants. I set to English words and Western musical notation about forty songs, some original, others my adaptations of ancient melodies. Included were the Shankara chant, “No Birth, No Death”; two favorites of Sri Yukteswar’s: “Wake, Yet Wake, O my Saint!” and “Desire, my Great Enemy”; the hoary Sanskrit “Hymn to Brahma”; old Bengali songs, “What Lightning Flash!” and “They Have Heard Thy Name”; Tagore’s “Who is in my Temple?”; and a number of my compositions: “I Will be Thine Always,” “In the Land Beyond my Dreams,” “Come Out of the Silent Sky,” “Listen to my Soul Call,” “In the Temple of Silence,” and “Thou Art my Life.”

Many happy months flew by. In the peace of perfect beauty at the hermitage, I completed a long-planned work, Cosmic Chants. I gave about forty songs English lyrics and Western musical notation. Some were original, while others were my adaptations of ancient melodies. The collection included the Shankara chant, “No Birth, No Death”. Two favorites of Sri Yukteswar’s were also included: “Wake, Yet Wake, O my Saint!” and “Desire, my Great Enemy”. Other selections included the ancient Sanskrit “Hymn to Brahma” and old Bengali songs, “What Lightning Flash!” and “They Have Heard Thy Name”. The collection also included Tagore’s “Who is in my Temple?” and several of my own compositions. These were “I Will be Thine Always,” “In the Land Beyond my Dreams,” “Come Out of the Silent Sky,” “Listen to my Soul Call,” “In the Temple of Silence,” and “Thou Art my Life.”

For a preface to the songbook I recounted my first outstanding experience with the receptivity of Westerners to the quaintly devotional airs of the East. The occasion had been a public lecture; the time, April 18, 1926; the place, Carnegie Hall in New York.

In the songbook’s preface, I described my first remarkable experience of Westerners’ openness to the East’s charmingly unusual devotional melodies. The occasion was a public lecture on April 18, 1926, at Carnegie Hall in New York.

“Mr. Hunsicker,” I had confided to an American student, “I am planning to ask the audience to sing an ancient Hindu chant, ‘O God Beautiful!’”

“Mr. Hunsicker,” I had told an American student in confidence, “I’m planning to ask the audience to sing an ancient Hindu chant. The chant is ‘O God Beautiful!’”

“Sir,” Mr. Hunsicker had protested, “these Oriental songs are alien to American understanding. What a shame if the lecture were to be marred by a commentary of overripe tomatoes!”

“Sir,” Mr. Hunsicker had protested, “these Asian songs are unfamiliar to Americans. What a shame if the lecture were spoiled by an audience response of overripe tomatoes!”

I had laughingly disagreed. “Music is a universal language. Americans will not fail to feel the soul-aspiration in this lofty chant.” [^48]

I had disagreed with a laugh. “Music is a universal language. Americans will surely feel the soul’s longing in this inspiring chant.” [^48]

During the lecture Mr. Hunsicker had sat behind me on the platform, probably fearing for my safety. His doubts were groundless; not only had there been an absence of unwelcome vegetables, but for one hour and twenty-five minutes the strains of “O God Beautiful!” had sounded uninterruptedly from three thousand throats. Blase’ no longer, dear New Yorkers; your hearts had soared out in a simple paean of rejoicing! Divine healings had taken place that evening among the devotees chanting with love the Lord’s blessed name.

During the lecture, Mr. Hunsicker had sat behind me on the platform, probably fearing for my safety. His fears were unfounded. Not only had no unwelcome vegetables been thrown, but three thousand voices had sung “O God Beautiful!” without stopping. The singing had continued for one hour and twenty-five minutes. No longer bored and indifferent, dear New Yorkers, your hearts had soared in a simple song of joy! Divine healings had taken place that evening among the devotees lovingly chanting the Lord’s blessed name.

The secluded life of a literary minstrel was not my role for long. Soon I was dividing every fortnight between Los Angeles and Encinitas. Sunday services, classes, lectures before clubs and colleges, interviews with students, ceaseless streams of correspondence, articles for East-West, direction of activities in India and numerous small centers in American cities. Much time was given, also, to the arrangement of Kriya and other Self-Realization Fellowship teachings into a series of studies for the distant yoga seekers whose zeal recognized no limitation of space.

My quiet, solitary life as a writer did not last long. Soon I was splitting every two weeks between Los Angeles and Encinitas. I led Sunday services and classes, gave talks at clubs and colleges, and met with students. I handled a constant stream of correspondence and wrote articles for East-West. I directed activities in India and at numerous small centers in American cities. I also spent much time organizing Kriya and other Self-Realization Fellowship teachings into a series of lessons. These lessons were for yoga seekers far away, whose enthusiasm knew no limits of distance.

Joyous dedication of a Self-Realization Church of All Religions took place in 1938 at Washington, D.C. Set amidst landscaped grounds, the stately church stands in a section of the city aptly called “Friendship Heights.” The Washington leader is Swami Premananda, educated at the Ranchi school and Calcutta University. I had summoned him in 1928 to assume leadership of the Washington Self-Realization Fellowship center.

A Self-Realization Church of All Religions was joyfully dedicated in 1938 in Washington, D.C. The grand church stands among landscaped grounds in a part of the city fittingly called “Friendship Heights.” The Washington leader is Swami Premananda, who studied at the Ranchi school and Calcutta University. In 1928, I had called him to lead the Washington Self-Realization Fellowship center.

“Premananda,” I told him during a visit to his new temple, “this Eastern headquarters is a memorial in stone to your tireless devotion. Here in the nation’s capital you have held aloft the light of Lahiri Mahasaya’s ideals.”

“Premananda,” I told him during a visit to his new temple, “this Eastern headquarters honors your tireless devotion in stone. Here in the nation’s capital, you have kept the light of Lahiri Mahasaya’s ideals shining.”

Premananda accompanied me from Washington for a brief visit to the Self-Realization Fellowship center in Boston. What joy to see again the Kriya Yoga band who had remained steadfast since 1920! The Boston leader, Dr. M. W. Lewis, lodged my companion and myself in a modern, artistically decorated suite.

Premananda came with me from Washington for a brief visit to the Self-Realization Fellowship center in Boston. What a joy to see the Kriya Yoga group again! They had remained steadfast since 1920. The Boston leader, Dr. M. W. Lewis, put my companion and me up in a modern, artistically decorated suite.

“Sir,” Dr. Lewis said to me, smiling, “during your early years in America you stayed in this city in a single room, without bath. I wanted you to know that Boston possesses some luxurious apartments!”

“Sir,” Dr. Lewis said to me with a smile, “in your early years in America, you stayed here in a single room without a bathroom. I wanted you to know that Boston has some luxurious apartments!”

The shadows of approaching carnage were lengthening over the world; already the acute ear might hear the frightful drums of war. During interviews with thousands in California, and through a world-wide correspondence, I found that men and women were deeply searching their hearts; the tragic outer insecurity had emphasized need for the Eternal Anchorage.

The shadows of coming bloodshed were spreading across the world. Already, a keen listener might hear the terrifying drums of war. I spoke with thousands of people in California and exchanged letters with people around the world. Through these conversations and letters, I found that men and women were searching their hearts deeply. The tragic uncertainty in the world around them had made their need for the Eternal Anchorage clearer.

“We have indeed learned the value of meditation,” the leader of the London Self-Realization Fellowship center wrote me in 1941, “and know that nothing can disturb our inner peace. In the last few weeks during the meetings we have heard air-raid warnings and listened to the explosion of delayed-action bombs, but our students still gather and thoroughly enjoy our beautiful service.”

“We have truly learned the value of meditation,” the leader of the London Self-Realization Fellowship center wrote to me in 1941. “We know that nothing can disturb our inner peace. Over the last few weeks, we have heard air-raid warnings during our meetings and heard delayed-action bombs explode. But our students still gather and thoroughly enjoy our beautiful service.”

Another letter reached me from war-torn England just before America entered the conflict. In nobly pathetic words, Dr. L. Cranmer Byng, noted editor of The Wisdom Of The East Series, wrote:

Another letter reached me from war-torn England just before America entered the war. In dignified, deeply moving words, Dr. L. Cranmer Byng, well-known editor of The Wisdom Of The East Series, wrote:

“When I read East-West I realized how far apart we seemed to be, apparently living in two different worlds. Beauty, order, calm, and peace come to me from Los Angeles, sailing into port as a vessel laden with the blessings and comfort of the Holy Grail to a beleaguered city.

“When I read East-West, I realized how far apart we seemed, as though we lived in two different worlds. Beauty, order, calm, and peace come to me from Los Angeles. They arrive like a ship entering the harbor of a city under siege, carrying the Holy Grail’s blessings and comfort.

“I see as in a dream your palm tree grove, and the temple at Encinitas with its ocean stretches and mountain views, and above all its fellowship of spiritually minded men and women, a community comprehended in unity, absorbed in creative work, and replenished in contemplation. It is the world of my own vision, in the making of which I hoped to bear my little part, and now . . .

“I see your palm tree grove as if in a dream. I see the temple at Encinitas, with its sweeping ocean views and mountain scenery. Above all, I see its fellowship of spiritually minded men and women. They form a united community, absorbed in creative work and renewed through contemplation. This is the world I envisioned, a world I hoped to play a small part in creating, and now . . .

“Perhaps in the body I shall never reach your golden shores nor worship in your temple. But it is something and more, to have had the vision and know that in the midst of war there is still a peace that abides in your harbors and among your hills. Greetings to all the Fellowship from a common soldier, written on the watchtower waiting for the dawn.”

“Perhaps I will never reach your golden shores in person or worship in your temple. But to have had the vision and know that peace still endures means a great deal and more. Even amid war, peace remains in your harbors and among your hills. Greetings to all the Fellowship from an ordinary soldier, writing on the watchtower as I wait for dawn.”

The war years brought a spiritual awakening among men whose diversions had never before included a study of the New Testament. One sweet distillment from the bitter herbs of war! To satisfy a growing need, an inspiring little Self-Realization Church of All Religions was built and dedicated in 1942 at Hollywood. The site faces Olive Hill and the distant Los Angeles Planetarium. The church, finished in blue, white, and gold, is reflected amidst the water hyacinths in a large pool. The gardens are gay with flowers, a few startled stone deer, a stained- glass pergola, and a quaint wishing well. Thrown in with the pennies and the kaleidoscopic wishes of man has been many a pure aspiration for the sole treasure of Spirit! A universal benignity flows from small niches with statues of Lahiri Mahasaya and Sri Yukteswar, and of Krishna, Buddha, Confucius, St. Francis, and a beautiful mother-of- pearl reproduction of Christ at the Last Supper.

The war years brought a spiritual awakening among men who had never before spent their leisure studying the New Testament. One sweet drop drawn from the bitter herbs of war! To meet a growing need, a small, inspiring Self-Realization Church of All Religions was built and dedicated in Hollywood in 1942. The site faces Olive Hill and the distant Los Angeles Planetarium. The church, finished in blue, white, and gold, is reflected among the water hyacinths in a large pool. The gardens are bright with flowers, a few startled-looking stone deer, a stained-glass pergola, and a quaint wishing well. Along with pennies and people's endlessly varied wishes, many pure longings for the sole treasure of Spirit have entered the well! A spirit of kindness toward all flows from small niches holding statues of Lahiri Mahasaya and Sri Yukteswar. Other niches hold statues of Krishna, Buddha, Confucius, and St. Francis. There is also a beautiful mother-of-pearl reproduction of Christ at the Last Supper.

Another Self-Realization Church of All Religions was founded in 1943 at San Diego. A quiet hilltop temple, it stands in a sloping valley of eucalypti, overlooking sparkling San Diego Bay.

Another Self-Realization Church of All Religions was founded in San Diego in 1943. The quiet hilltop temple stands in a sloping valley of eucalyptus trees, overlooking sparkling San Diego Bay.

Sitting one evening in this tranquil haven, I was pouring out my heart in song. Under my fingers was the sweet-toned organ of the church, on my lips the yearning plaint of an ancient Bengali devotee who had searched for eternal solace:

One evening, I sat in this peaceful haven, pouring out my heart in song. I played the church’s sweet-toned organ and sang the longing lament of an ancient Bengali devotee who had sought eternal comfort:

My companion in the chapel, Dr. Lloyd Kennell, the San Diego center leader, was smiling a little at the words of the song.

Dr. Lloyd Kennell, the San Diego center leader, was with me in the chapel. He was smiling a little at the song’s words.

“Tell me truly, Paramhansaji, has it been worth it?” He gazed at me with an earnest sincerity. I understood his laconic question: “Have you been happy in America? What about the disillusionments, the heartaches, the center leaders who could not lead, the students who could not be taught?”

“Tell me honestly, Paramhansaji, has it been worth it?” He looked at me with deep sincerity. I understood his brief question: “Have you been happy in America? What about the disappointments, the heartaches, the center leaders who could not lead, the students who could not be taught?”

“Blessed is the man whom the Lord doth test, Doctor! He has remembered now and then to put a burden on me!” I thought, then, of all the faithful ones, of the love and devotion and understanding that lay in the heart of America. With slow emphasis I went on, “But my answer is: Yes, a thousand times yes! It has been worth-while; it has been a constant inspiration, more than ever I dreamed, to see West and East brought closer in the only lasting bond, the spiritual!”

“Blessed is the man whom the Lord tests, Doctor! He has remembered to give me a burden now and then!” I thought then of all the faithful people, of the love and devotion and understanding in the heart of America. Slowly, with emphasis, I continued, “But my answer is: Yes, a thousand times yes! It has been worthwhile. Seeing West and East brought closer through the only lasting bond, the spiritual bond, has been a constant inspiration. It has inspired me more than I ever dreamed!”

Silently I added a prayer: “May Babaji and Sri Yukteswarji feel that I have done my part, not disappointing the high hope in which they sent me forth.”

Silently, I added a prayer: “May Babaji and Sri Yukteswarji feel I have done my part. May I not have disappointed the high hopes they had when they sent me out.”

I turned again to the organ; this time my song was tinged with a martial valor:

I turned back to the organ. This time, my song carried a hint of a warrior’s courage:

New Year’s week of 1945 found me at work in my Encinitas study, revising the manuscript of this book.

During New Year’s week in 1945, I was working in my Encinitas study, revising the manuscript of this book.

“Paramhansaji, please come outdoors.” Dr. Lewis, on a visit from Boston, smiled at me pleadingly from outside my window. Soon we were strolling in the sunshine. My companion pointed to new towers in process of construction along the edge of the Fellowship property adjoining the coast highway.

“Paramhansaji, please come outside.” Dr. Lewis was visiting from Boston. He smiled at me pleadingly from outside my window. Soon we were walking in the sunshine. My companion pointed to new towers being built along the edge of the Fellowship property beside the coast highway.

“Sir, I see many improvements here since my last visit.” Dr. Lewis comes twice annually from Boston to Encinitas.

“Sir, I see many improvements here since my last visit.” Dr. Lewis comes from Boston to Encinitas twice a year.

“Yes, Doctor, a project I have long considered is beginning to take definite form. In these beautiful surroundings I have started a miniature world colony. Brotherhood is an ideal better understood by example than precept! A small harmonious group here may inspire other ideal communities over the earth.”

“Yes, Doctor, a project I have thought about for a long time is beginning to take shape. In these beautiful surroundings, I have started a small world community. Brotherhood is an ideal better understood through example than through instruction! A small, harmonious group here may inspire other ideal communities around the world.”

“A splendid idea, sir! The colony will surely be a success if everyone sincerely does his part!”

“A wonderful idea, sir! The colony will surely succeed if everyone sincerely does their part!”

“‘World’ is a large term, but man must enlarge his allegiance, considering himself in the light of a world citizen,” I continued. “A person who truly feels: ‘The world is my homeland; it is my America, my India, my Philippines, my England, my Africa,’ will never lack scope for a useful and happy life. His natural local pride will know limitless expansion; he will be in touch with creative universal currents.”

“‘World’ is a broad term, but people must widen their loyalties and see themselves as world citizens,” I continued. “A person who truly feels: ‘The world is my homeland. The world is my America, my India, my Philippines, my England, my Africa,’ will never lack opportunities for a useful and happy life. His natural pride in his own community will expand without limits. He will connect with the creative forces at work throughout the universe.”

Dr. Lewis and I halted above the lotus pool near the hermitage. Below us lay the illimitable Pacific.

Dr. Lewis and I stopped above the lotus pool near the hermitage. Below us stretched the endless Pacific.

“These same waters break equally on the coasts of West and East, in California and China.” My companion threw a little stone into the first of the oceanic seventy million square miles. “Encinitas is a symbolic spot for a world colony.”

“These same waters wash equally against the shores of West and East, in California and China.” My companion tossed a small stone into the nearest part of the ocean’s seventy million square miles. “Encinitas is a symbolic place for a world colony.”

“That is true, Doctor. We shall arrange here for many conferences and Congresses of Religion, inviting delegates from all lands. Flags of the nations will hang in our halls. Diminutive temples will be built over the grounds, dedicated to the world’s principal religions.

“That is true, Doctor. We will organize many conferences and religious congresses here, inviting delegates from all lands. The nations’ flags will hang in our halls. Small temples dedicated to the world’s major religions will be built throughout the grounds.

“As soon as possible,” I went on, “I plan to open a Yoga Institute here. The blessed role of Kriya Yoga in the West has hardly more than just begun. May all men come to know that there is a definite, scientific technique of self-realization for the overcoming of all human misery!”

“As soon as possible,” I continued, “I plan to open a Yoga Institute here. The blessed role of Kriya Yoga in the West has barely begun. May everyone come to know that there is a specific, scientific technique for self-realization that can overcome all human misery!”

Speakers at a 1945 Interracial Meeting in San Francisco during the convening of the Peace Conference. (Left to right) Dr. Maneck Anklesaria, John Cohee, myself, Hugh E. MacBeth, Vince M.

Speakers at a 1945 Interracial Meeting in San Francisco while the Peace Conference was in session. (Left to right) Dr. Maneck Anklesaria, John Cohee, myself, Hugh E. MacBeth, Vince M.

Far into the night my dear friend-the first Kriya Yogi in America- discussed with me the need for world colonies founded on a spiritual basis. The ills attributed to an anthropomorphic abstraction called “society” may be laid more realistically at the door of Everyman. Utopia must spring in the private bosom before it can flower in civic virtue. Man is a soul, not an institution; his inner reforms alone can lend permanence to outer ones. By stress on spiritual values, self- realization, a colony exemplifying world brotherhood is empowered to send inspiring vibrations far beyond its locale.

Late into the night, my dear friend discussed with me the need for colonies worldwide founded on spiritual principles. He was the first Kriya Yogi in America. The problems blamed on “society,” an abstract idea treated like a person, may more realistically be blamed on each individual. Utopia must begin in each person’s heart before it can blossom into goodness in public life. A human being is a soul, not an institution. Only inner reforms can make outward reforms last. By emphasizing spiritual values and self-realization, a colony that embodies world brotherhood can send inspiring vibrations far beyond its location.

August 15, 1945, close of Global War II! End of a world; dawn of an enigmatic Atomic Age! The hermitage residents gathered in the main hall for a prayer of thanksgiving. “Heavenly Father, may never it be again! Thy children go henceforth as brothers!”

August 15, 1945, the end of World War II! The end of a world. The dawn of a mysterious Atomic Age! The hermitage residents gathered in the main hall for a prayer of thanks. “Heavenly Father, may war never happen again! May your children live as brothers from now on!”

Gone was the tension of war years; our spirits purred in the sun of peace. I gazed happily at each of my American comrades.

The tension of the war years was gone. We basked contentedly in the warmth of peace. I looked happily at each of my American companions.

“Lord,” I thought gratefully, “Thou hast given this monk a large family!”

“Lord,” I thought gratefully, “you have given this monk a large family!”

48-1: A small town on Coast Highway 101, Encinitas is 100 miles south of Los Angeles, and 25 miles north of San Diego.

48-1: Encinitas is a small town on Coast Highway 101. It is 100 miles south of Los Angeles and 25 miles north of San Diego.

48-2: I translate here the words of Guru Nanak’s song:

48-2: Here is my translation of the words of Guru Nanak’s song: