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Letter from Svetoslav Roerich to Sina Fosdick

c/o Indian Bank Ltd.,
Infantry Road, Cantonment,
Bangalore 1

25th September 1967

Mrs. Sina Fosdick
Vice-President
The Nicholas Roerich Museum
319 West 107th Street
New York New York 10025

Dearest Sina,

Thank you for your letter of September 14th enclosing a copy of your letter to Mrs. Greilling. I have read it carefully and I shall be grateful to you if you send me her answers to your questions.

I do not think that any legal proceedings in these kinds of matters ever bring good results whether one way or another, I have found. At least it has been my attitude that an abundance of good always covers certain sporadic outburst of something negative. I have certainly not given any copyright to the people in question though sometime ago they did express some wish to publish some books. Hence Mrs. Greilling's information is not correct. There is nothing more unfortunate than the various squabbles between different philosophic or religious societies. Sometimes they assume most unsatisfactory and deplorable dimensions infinitely more harmful all around that the subject matter involved, hence I always believed it is better to let thing die or at least simmer down on their own accord when they lose the impetus and initial inertia. Sometimes resistance calls forth added resistance and resentments and bitterness which in turn beget an increase of harmful pronouncements. Even if these people have on their own published some books and even if the books have not been properly translated I do not feel one should take any official action. Mrs. Greilling is obviously disillusioned and she may have very good reasons to be so.

Time is the best healer and brings to light everything that may be for a time concealed. Hence I say that on our part rest assured that we have never given any copyright to these people and that knowledge should give you the necessary strength but from numerous experiences I had with so many organizations of this type it is best to assume the attitude of giving out in abundance and not worry as to how it may be repeated or even used by other people. And active enmity can be very trying and harmful and certain forces are best when they spend themselves on their own accord. I remember in the past also many have been misusing the Teachings in so many different ways and in different countries. Mother's attitude was one of tolerance except when things were willfully distorted to suit certain selfish or negative purposes.

Your activities are indeed most interesting and I know how difficult it is without adequate help to carry on all this responsible work. As I have already written to you I am very busy with my paintings and general work. The present series includes ten more large paintings so you can well imagine the time it takes and will yet take.

I close now with every good wish and warm greetings to all the co-workers.

With much love from us both. Take good care of yourself.

Svetoslav

 

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