Harvey Spencer Lewis in a San Francisco Buddhist Temple -1920

from the Octavia Collection
Pictures (C) 2002  J Michael Nowicki
Text by Sar Aurelius




In a letter written by H. Spencer Lewis and dated June 22, 1928, he writes:

     "Herewith are letters from: V. L. Narasimham, Manager of the Monastery, and Sri Swami Omkar, Chief High Priest of the Monastery in Madras, India.  These letters confirm the Ordination of H. Spencer Lewis, when he was made Rev. Sobhita Bhikku on August 17th, 1920, in the city of San Francisco, Calif., by Bishop Maziniananda, and the Japanese Council Uchita, and in the presence of many Priests and R.C. members in the Buddhist Temple.  A photograph was taken of the ceremony (which photo is among our records) and a document signed by all officials is also in our records.  Note that the first letter herewith makes H. Spencer Lewis Bishop and Representative in the U.S. of the Indian Monastery.  The second letter clearly shows (where underscored in red) that the AMORC is the true name of the organization in India."

      Swami Omkar was the Founder and President of The Universal Mission of Peace (Sri Santi Ashram) located in the Totapalli Hills in East Godavari, India.  From their literature, dated 1937, we learn: "Sri Santi Ashram, founded in 1917 by Sri Swami Omkar is situated in the midst of beautiful green hills, in the heart of nature, away from all tumult ressembling the Holy retreats of the Himalayas.  It is a most universal place of worship and wisdom-culture; where a Hindu, a Mohammedan, a Jew, a Christian, a Buddhist, and one and all, finds a haven of Peace, worshipping God in his own way and custom.  Here caste, creed, color, religion and nationality, are forgotten in the spirit of Oneness and Brotherhood.  The Ashram publishes two magazines of Illumination (PEACE in English... and SANTI in Telugu...) to spread the message of Unity and Peace throughout the world.  As the Peace mission is the common property of all seekers of Truth, you are cordially invited to contribute your love-offerings for the spreading of the Message of Peace far and near.  Intending visitors are invited to write for particulars to the Manager enclosing postal stamps for reply.  A welcome awaits you for a time or forever, to partake in active service, quiet meditation and Infinite Peace at Sri Santi Ashram."

Sar Aurelius, a student on the Path




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