Dear Rosemary,

Yes, Genealogy is an interesting subject....unfortunately, I never really
developed a serious interest in it.

I believe in the possibility of the "Cherokee Princess" great aunt.

My mother remembers, as a child, one of her aged female relatives, sitting by
the fire like a squaw, smoking her pipe and wrapped in an Indian blanket.

I guess that you wouldn't find her on any lineage chart.

Regarding Swamiji's harsh words to "Joe"....it just seems out of character,
after reading so many of his speeches and writings. He must have realized
that she would find Alasingha Perumal's appearance very strange, with the
Vaishnava markings on his forehead. Especially, since Swamiji had traveled
through USA and Europe and understood the 'Western' people very well. I just don't see
the need for harshness. Anyway, it's not important.

Here is a photo of the gentleman in question:



Of course, we may have different perceptions and ideas about 'putting people in their place'.

I was taught at a very young age, by my old Irish teachers, that people will be won
over with sweetness, tolerance and kindness; rather than with harsh admonition and
caustic commentary.

After all, Holy Mother once said: "My son, forbearance is a great virtue, there is no
other like it."

Regarding the 'honey incident', the Brahmins have very detailed, strict customs
and rules concerning caste purity. Even the King of England would not be welcome
at their table. He would be considered just another "Mleecha" (foreigner without
caste).

Holy Mother had the right idea, of course....however, she was obliged to be careful,
lest her laxity with foreign women may scandalize her orthodox community.

However, from what I have read, Sri Sarada Devi always had a liberal attitude
towards these things, generally speaking. Here is a quote from "In the Company
of the Holy Mother":

Udbodhan, 8 February, 1912: Mother was talking about her life at Dakshineswar:

"For a while I had a maid called Jadu's mother. An old woman would visit us, who had
formerly led an evil life but prayed to God in her old age. I was so much alone that
when she came I would talk with her. One day the Master saw us and said, 'Why let her
in here?' I answered, 'She speaks good words nowadays, all about God. What's the harm?
people's minds change.' But He said, 'No, No, she is a prostitute, why talk with her?
However changed she may be, avoid her.' He forbade any conversation with such people
in case they had a bad influence over me. That was how he protected me from harm."


RE: March Days on the Neuse River

You live in a truly beautiful area of North Carolina. Thanks for sharing that
lovely photo.

Have a great day,

Om Shanthi Om
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