Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-09-30
Buddhism in New York.

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A PREDICTION THAT IN ANOTHER YEAR THE
METROPOLIS WILL HAVE BUDDHIST TEN.
PIE.
The Buddhist faith, the New York Sun says,
is gaining ground in New York and Brooklyn
to an extent not dreamed of by the average
christian. In New York there are two organi-
cations and any number of people who are adj
mirers OF and believers in its teachings. In
Brooklyn there is as yet no regular organiza-
tion, but two or more gatherings are held regu-
iariy, which are attended by numerous stu
dents. The story goes that two years ago a
mysterious visitor came here from Central
Asia to see and instruct some OF the more Rd-
yanced pupils, and several were authorized to
teach and initiate others 1t has been about
fourteen years since the Buddhistic movement
was inaugurated in New York, and in that
time there has been steady increase in the
ranks OF investigators. None but an investiga-
tor can have any idea OF the literature that has
grown up TO answer the demand for this 81 udy,
That some OF the followers OF this famous and
ancient religion have powers of psychic ma
ture, unknown to people generally, is estab-
lished. English army officers, who have re-
turned home from the east and written books
about the wonderful powers OF the Buddhist
fakirs and strolling magicians, have all united
I'D declaring that they have only told what they
saw every day in the way of phenomena, and
have emphasized their statements that the
priests and nigh initiates could perform with
their wills or souls, or some interior force,
marveis unheard OF, and never TO be believed
in the west. Those among the BuddhistS in
this country who have been in India have had
Similar experiences. lDSy all claim tlat the
spiritual force they learn is not OF an emo
tional nature, has nothing whatever to do with
sentiment, and is superior TO all VINO teach it;
in other words, that "a man can get knoWl-
edge of himself independent OF any one, and
secure salvation without the mediation OF any
other than himself.
Ii is related that some time since there was a
Buddhist priest In the United States. His
presence was only known TO the few who re-
ceiyed word to repair TO a place named at a
time stated and there meet a guTn. Several
persons assembled from long distances, all un-
known to each other, and none OF them know
ing Just what TO 40 when they reached the
strangers at the far-away station when the
train stopped, who were undecided what course
TO pursue, until q man, who seemed 10 be ex-
pectlDg Them, directed each one separately. A
few miles away the men VINO had lett tie start
ing point on loot and in different directions
met in wooded retreat, where they were
Joined by the priest. For several days Inc holy
man remained with them, instructing them
according TO their needs. AT night the pupils
slept in "A cave adjacent to the mountain side
where they We're engaged during tine day; but
the priest remained outside, and none knew OF
his place OF rest or OF the way he obtained his
lood. AS for themselves, they were supplied
with rice and bread By the man who had di-
rected them to the place they were in. The
priest, though an East Indian, spoke English as
freely as they, and seemed aware OF the needs
and requirements OF each other When he had
concluded his work he departed mysteriously,
and the pupils returned to their several homes.
Some lime afterward Two other pupils were in
Europe, and one of them, hearing the fact of
tue pttScICc VI a priest here, tOiu IL Oh his
return. None OF the pupils themselves had pre-
viously made the tact public.
Certain signs are Said To exist by which it is
known that ID vigorous work is TO be carried on
by The Buddhsts in one direction this winter
Books and pamphlets will multiply. and before
long there will be a literature here tina. will
command the attention OF intellectual people.
Some sad experiences have resulted TO those
who, having been repelled as unprepared TO re-
celve knowledge, have persisted in their efforts
10 get il. They nave given up The task with
aiacrlty. The eXOteflc Buddhist is known 10
the world, but the Buddhist in the higher or
exoteric sense is'not reached except by another
on the same plane. Therefore il is i'm possible
Tor an outsider To get more than glimpse OF
the religion now SO suddenly transplanLsd from
the old 10 the new world.
Another year, IL is predicted, there will be a
buddhist temple in New York, where mystic
truths will be taught by Brahmins anu the
sacred books OF the east will lie expOunded tu
Initiates For many years the priest class in
India mas trained youths ior work among the
Engllsn-speaking races, because there was q
demand Tor instruction from them, and the
Theosophical society at Madras has sent sew
eral Hindus 10 Europe for the purpose OF train
Ing those who desired Instruction..