 |
vol. title: Vol Four of The Theosophical Society of The Arya Samaj of Arya-wart vol. period: Sept 1878 – Sept 1879 pages in vol.: 350 |
< The Arya Samaj of Bombay (continued from page 8-225) >
bay, and lastly, that he the very next week left for England.
Before we proceed further with the story, let us note by the way, that Mr. Hurrichand Chintaman was known favourably both here and in England. In Bombay he had enjoyed the reputation of being a clever photographer, and a shrewd man of business. He had, besides, made one or two trips to England, an act which always tells on the Indian public. He had once travelled to the West to place before the Parliament the grievances of that notorious Mulharrao, the ex-Guicwar of Baroda. He was also known to the public as an author. His commentary on the “Bhagvad-Ghita” was received favourably, not probably on account of its merit, but because a native Sanscrit scholar is a kind of phenomenon even in India. Such being the known antecedents of Mr. Hurrichand, people could hardly believe, that this “glass of fashion and this mould of form” should after all prove to be a needy adventurer. The following account will show the man in his true colours.
On Sunday evening last Col. Olcott, President of the Theosophical Society, addressed the Arya Samaj of this city. A large audience was gathered to listen to his account of his visit to the Swami Pundit Dya Nund Saraswati. Col. Olcott said, that the Arya Samaj and the Theosophical Society had been so long kept apart by the machinations of one, who had professed to be the friend of both, but had proved true to neither. This man was Hurrichand Chintamon, who was introduced to Madame Blavatsky and to the Colonel in New York by a letter from Mr. Moolji Thakersey. A copious correspondence was the result of the introduction. They had looked upon Hurrichand as a ripe scholar, a right good man, the beau-ideal of a high-minded Hindu gentleman. Hurrichand’s letters breathed the most ardent love to his American brethern. Bombay was accepted as a sure mark of his greatness by the simple Americans. From time to time sums of money were sent to this revered President from New York by them for the benefit of the Arya Samaj. Hurrichand duly acknowledged them, and sent the warmest thanks of the Samaj for the same. Well, the deputation of the Theosophical Society came to Bombay. Only half-a-dozen people were at the Pier to receive them. But they thought not much of it. They put up at a house of Hurrichand himself, who charged them three times for the rent of the bungalow that is usually charged for the same accommodation in Bombay. But this was not all. This might be forgiven in a Theosophical brother. But the deputation soon discovered that while crowds of people visited them, while the Parsees the Jains, the Brahmins, the Prarthana Samajists besieged them during all hours of the day, the members of the Arya Samaj were studiously absent. This was inexplicable. Hurrichand’s explanation was vague and unsatisfactory.
An enquiry was set afoot. The result was startling. It appeared that the members of the Arya Samaj were prevented from seeing the Theosophists by the President of the Arya Samaj himself! Further enquiries explained even this mystery. Hurrichand had quietly pocketed the sums sent to him from New York—the Arya Samaj never knew a word about it, and had never returned thanks to the generous senders! How did Hurrychand reply to this accusation? He wrote to the Native Opinion to say that these sums he had kept back at the express desire of the Swami. But, said Col. Olcott, the Swami had never done so; he had not heard even of the sums being sent for the Arya Samaj; and the letters sent for him to the care of Hurrichand had likewise been suppressed! It is true that this man returned the money to the deputation, but—under compulsion! He was obliged disgorge it! Is it surprising, then, that fearing a complete exposure he has thought it best to leave India under the circumstances? Further comments on this sublime piece of villainy are unnecessary.
Thus, as we said above, Col. Olcott’s address has settled a difference, and exposed a humbug. It has as well established the position both of the Arya Samaj of Bombay and the Theosophical Society of America. He has shown that the interests and the aims of both are identical, and were recognised as such by the head of all the Arya Samajes of India, the Swami. People in Bombay and elsewhere were anxious to know if the Swami and the Theosophists would agree on the main doctrinal points in the Vedas. It is satisfactory to find that they have not disagreed on a single point. They interpret the Vedas in precisely the same way. Col. Olcott gave a very animated and interesting narrative of the conversations he had with the Swami. He, then, alluded to his party being followed from place to place and town to town by police detectives. He said, that the suspicion of their coming to India as spies on the part of the government was as foolish as it was unfounded. In connection with this he quoted a remark of the Swami. The Swami bestowed the greatest praise on the British Government; he said that under any other government he should stand in danger of being torn to pieces by the ignorant masses who were not yet qualified to understand and appreciate his teachings. The Swami’s remark is profound. He knows the virtue of British protection and so do the Theosophists, and they are not likely to abuse it. Col. Olcott next read a letter from the Secretary of State of the United States to all the American Consuls, where they are asked to do him all possible service; and also a letter to the same from President Hayes, who asks them to afford him all possible facilities. These special passports are valuable and created a great sensation among the audience. Hence-<... continues on page 8-227 >