Part 2

Part II

SEATTLE

When in about 1945 Swami Vividishananda, Head of the Vedanta Center of Western Washington, needed cataract removal on his eyes, Swami Ashokananda invited him to stay in the Old Temple for his recuperation, and asked me to attend on the Swami. In those days one went to the hospital and stayed for a few days for this procedure. I kept the Swami company there, and when he had returned to the temple, read to him, sang songs for him, and went out with him for walks. It was a true privilege. But the only bon mot that I can recall was his use of the Indian adage, “Worship the sun with your back.” So we always walked with the sun behind us.
   Much later, probably in 1976, I made a visit to the Seattle Center, where Swami Vividishananda lay in a coma. For several years three btahmacharis tended the unconscious Swami, feeding, turning him in bed, and giving all the concomitant attentions.
   There was a controversy at the Center. Some of the devotees were sure that Swami could hear and understand them. Others felt that he could not. I decided to make my own experiment, and one day when alone with him, I leaned over the bed and spoke into his ear: “Swamiji, this is Phil Griggs, who used to attend you in San Francisco. Do you recall my singing and chanting for you?” And I repeated some Sanskrit chants. Swami’s eyes, which had been wandering under the closed lids, became fixed; his tongue, which had showed the tardive symptom, drew in. I was convinced that although he could not respond, the Swami was registering sense input.
   Swami Bhaskarananda, whom I had known in India, now in charge of the Center, was most kind and hospitable, as were the brahmacharis. I enjoyed seeing the new décor of the chapel, executed by my friend John Keegan; expert carpentry and art. I believe I may have spoken from the pulpit.

PORTLAND, OR

Swami Devatmananda visited us briefly in Trabuco, probably in 1950. He was a man of "many parts", talked of how he did his own wiring, carpentry etc. at the old house which was the first Center. We knew that few swamis could do this, so we were a bit in awe of him. One of the Portland brahmacharis, Sarada Chaitanya, now Swami Harananda, is his disciple, so we have known the latter for a long time.
Swami Aseshananda went to take charge of Portland in, probably, late 1952. Swami Prabhavananda had started the work there, and when Swami Devatmananda became quite ill he was persuaded to go to India for rest and treatment. Then Swami P. made the decision to place Swami A. in the spot.
   All that I know about the inner workings of Portland Center is that Mr. Bush came very early and never stopped being the right-hand man and major domo for the Center's affairs. Mr. Thomas came later, with all his service as attendant to Swami in his declining years. For many years Swami himself did the mowing of the lawns.
   The Retreat at Scapoose was acquired in Swami Devatmananda's time, and he had the temple there built and furnished. In Swami Aseahananda's regime it was decided to construct the Shrine Trail, with its long walks through the woods and the shrines to the central figures of different faiths. Like the other shrine trails (at Trabuco and Sacramento) it was a tax diminisher. The three trails are distinctive. This one in Portland rambles through the retreat property and was designed and constructed by the two brahmacharis, the second being Shanti Chaitanya. It is a remarkable work, with elaborate wooden shrines, actuallysmall temples—a real feat. Most unusual is the Native Amer. shrine, built in the form of an eagle.
   When I first visited (1976, I think) Swami A. was extremely kind and affectionate to me. He took me out on the usual sightseeing trips, to the Falls and the Grotto and the Community College. Asked me to speak at a Sunday service (and when I had finished added his own corrective remarks!), and presented me with a very handsome large new leather suitcase when I left.

Part II SEATTLE

Part II

SEATTLE