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Vivian Thind
1466 Queens Road
Los Angeles, California 90069
My Very Dear Ones:
One year has swiftly passed since our Beloved Teacher left us and his earthly abode. I have wanted for some time to have an intimate talk with many of you, but since most of Doctor's disciples live at great distances, I shall try and express myself in this letter, long overdue.
I've decided to write now instead of waiting for the holiday season when everyone is much too busy to read lengthy, detailed letters, and also because I believe this period between Doctor's passing and his birthday (Oct. 3rd) is just the right time for us to take inventory of ourselves as disciples.
This month, we found ourselves re-living those days a year ago: Our separation had been longer than usual, for after spending nine weeks in Milwaukee (during which time the riots took place) Doctor responded to a call from Rev. Jewell to give three weeks of lectures and classes in Lansing. Then, as we were having his homeward flight ticket prepared, leaders of the Tacoma group asked that he spend three days there, before returning to Los Angeles. This too was done, as he never refused his disciples his presence, if he could possibly be there. Finally, after much patience on the part of his family, Doctor returned home in the late afternoon of September 12th. But as you know, his stay was brief, for at 4:15 PM on Friday, the 15th, he departed.
Never had we seen him look so radiant, as in those three days. He worked in his garden, enjoying every moment so intensely. The morning of the 15th he dressed to go out. He said he had to see about having the "Radiant Road to Reality" reprinted. When I left him near the printers, to drive on to an appointment in Hollywood, that was our parting. His last words to me were, "I'll be seeing you, my Darling."
A great void has taken place in our lives; we find it no less today. After the first pangs of shock subsided, we accepted the reality of his sudden departure, realizing it was God's Will. Doctor's work, as we knew it, was finished. A great sense of gratitude overwhelmed us then, as it always will, because we know how privileged we were to be a part of his life, not only as a family, but as his disciples. There is no dearer relationship in life than that of the Guru and his disciple.
We know you feel this overwhelming sense of gratitude to the All-Knowing Father, as we do, for bringing into our lives One so dedicated to Him and the Truth-- for sharing his life and Teachings so unselfishly and steadfastly with us. Doctor's love for his family was incomparable-- and his love for you, his disciples-- no less.
The life he lived set forth an exemplary pattern for all who were blest to cross his path. All were affected by his radiant personality, his goodness and nobility of character. We who are fortunate to be his disciples knew him for what he truly was - a Sat-Guru: "The Science of the
Saviours," (Sant Mat) for Divine Realization. Many times over, he exclaimed to us that he was a teacher after which we need no teacher. There is no greater gift than that of being connected to the Audible Stream of Life-- the path that leads us eventually, by contact made with the Divine Word (Sat
Năm), to our own God-Head. In the company of our Guru, while he lived-- and now in His Radiant Form-- we have, and will continue to advance. But this can only be done by initiative, devotion, and right-living. The method given us, with the help of the Paraclete (Image) implanted at the time of initiation, is our only guide now. Character-building is man's most important accomplishment, and growth its chief asset. We know what we must do to grow into the God-like statures of our womanhood and manhood. We have had a year in which to test ourselves and could ask the following questions to discover where we stand at present in terms of our spiritual growth:
Have we so lived in every way that our lives have brought us enrichment as well as fulfillment?
Instead of doing what we always want to do to fulfill our own desires, shouldn't we be doing as we ought to do?
Have we responded to the "ups and downs" of life with equanimity: "greeting, meeting and beating" our problems as matured, integrated persons, building into our character those attributes which are enduring?
We do not have our Teacher physically here to lean on any longer, nor may we be blest with a "quickening" when we feel the need of a spiritual boost. But ALL is present- in the Nam within, for our continued growth and well being. Let us do our best to be as fearless as he was. By our examples we need not only be of help to our immediate circle of family and friends, but those who come into our lives should be affected by our living, if we but choose to live as he lived. We should be worthy disciples, and be eternally grateful for the priceless gifts each of us received from our Guru.
I am most grateful to those of you who have shown concern for me and Doctor's family. Your letters have been heartwarming and have given comfort to us throughout this past year. Mother, Dad, and David are here with me, in this home we've lived in so happily for over 28 years. Dad takes care of the garden Doctor loved so well, and does many things to help maintain our property. And Mother, bless her, works right along with me each day, helping me no end; besides keeping up her music, which seems to keep her eternally young in Spirit. David has advanced himself with his company and enjoys being
an employee of the Xerox Corporation. He is a wonderful son. Rosalind has a fine position on the editorial production staff of Time-Life Books. She is a very thoughtful daughter, and keeps in constant touch with her family. John and Laurie are grandchildren to be proud of, a pride and joy to us and all their loved ones.
This has been a busy year and a full one for us, as it has been for you, I'm sure. I had the privilege of visiting Oklahoma City and Dallas this year, for which I am grateful to my very dear friend, Zelda Ettinger. I showed the slides of our trip to India, etc., and all the students and invited friends enjoyed seeing them. I also visited with the San Jose and San Francisco groups briefly this summer. It was a joy for me to take part in these meetings, which brought us all mutual blessings.
These are times filled with great pressures for most, but knowing the modus-operandi of going within for renewed strength and inner peace, had been a major part of our training. Taking care of our large home, family and correspondence, is a full time job for me, not to mention outside activities, visitors and unexpected things that come unannounced. If I do have a confronting problem, it is in the promotion and distribution of Doctor's writings.
Last October I gave the distribution of his books to De Vorss & Co., who are the largest in this field of the West Coast. However, I find they are moving slowly. Doctor, as you know, never publicized his books, nor even his Teachings outside of advertising in the local newspapers before going to a city, and by sending his programs of lectures and classes to previous students. Those who were drawn to him, by the law of attraction, came to be instructed. Those who recognized Doctor as their Guru-- became disciples. He did not have the publicity some Teachers have had, nor did he seek it or wish it. This was not his Dharma. Our teacher went about his Father's work in his Own quiet way and with his Own unique method. So now if these books are to be distributed, it is up to us who know their value, to do it. I am open to suggestions as to where and how to place them beyond my own location. I would also like to know the names and addresses of publications that specialize in advertising this type of literature. At your convenience, of course.
For students and friends, I have decided to reduce the "Radiant Road to Reality" to $3.50, and the late books, "Jesus the Christ, Vols. 1 & 2" now sell for $5 each. All of the older publications will now sell for half-price. These books will make lasting and most worthwhile gifts for those who seek knowledge of a deeper nature.
I thank you for purchasing books from me directly this past year to make gifts to your public and metaphysical libraries. There is no better way to make available Doctor's books for the general public.
I am grateful to those of you who sent donations to the Book Fund for making further publications possible. It was Doctor's wish that the 3rd edition of the "Radiant Road to Reality" be printed before the end of the last year. With your help, the book was completed, and delivered to us on December 20th. I am hoping by next Spring to start the printing of the 3rd and last volume of "Jesus the Christ, in the Light of Spiritual Science." You shall be informed of the publication date. Advance orders may help to defray the cost of completing this book.
The Khalsa College Scholarship Fund, started in Detroit early this year, is also helping to fulfill a dream of Doctor's : to assist underprivileged students to attend the college Doctor attended.
It would be remiss of me not to mention in this letter that Doctor's work continues. Many of Doctor's groups in many cities are still meeting faithfully and the leaders are an inspiration to Doctor's disciples. I must mention Mildred Taylor, especially, the leader of the New York City class who meets with her group twice monthly in Carnegie Hall. Mrs. Taylor is now compiling excerpts from Doctor's letters sent to her for the past forty years. The booklet hopefully will be printed. Bless her; she is a source of great strength, not only to me, but to all who join her most faithfully in the continuance of their study.
It would take too long to mention all the groups in this letter, but if there are any questions as to who the leaders are and where they meet, I shall be happy to give you the necessary information. Rev. Jewell who has his church in Lansing does so much to perpetuate Doctor's teachings in his area. Bless him! And last, but far from being least, is the deep and profound gratitude I have for my Beloved One's dearest friend and one who has been long associated with him in the Work, Sadhu Grewal. He recently came to the West Coast and other Western States to lecture briefly in those cities where Doctor has long held classes, and received a warm reception everywhere.
Each day I bless you in the innermost part of my being, holding you in His Light and Radiance-- just as Doctor and I have done throughout our blessed years together. Our separation from our Guru is in the outer world only. In the Shabad (The Word)-- we are One.
These are difficult times, not only for our country, but for all humanity. As Doctor used to quote so often, "It takes all the strength God can give -- simply to live, my friend, simply to live." So in closing may I say to you, "Live so that your Teacher, if he were before you, could say, 'I am proud to call you my disciple.' "
May God bless you always with Peace, Good Health, and the blessed joy of living a radiant and purposeful life.
In the service of our Guru, and with my love and blessings, I am,
Yours Sincerely,
Vivian Thind
September 30, 1968
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