Theos-Talk Archives (November 1997 Message tt00243)

Dear Ramdoss and Heminway

The taking of the rosary given by Sai Baba and showing respect to it, is
just as Ramdoss explains the most natural reaction of any old fashioned
India, to a thing of possible spiritual value. There is nothing at all
of duplicity in the matter, it is a real RESPECT FOR OTHER PEOPLES
BELIEFS AND RELIGIONS. Sad but true this is on the deline, these days.

It reminds me of the controversy which arose in the media, about Arafat
kissing the Hamas leader. To kiss on both cheeks and press to the
breast is the everyday, common greeting throughout the Muslim and Arabic
world. It means no more than our shaking hands. It is a social custom,
and how many people we shake hands with for customs sake, whom we
innwardly might not like to touch at all ? Arafat having had a lengthy
discussion with the leader--the porport of which we know nothing, (they
could have come closer in understanding each other on many points, if
not all)--and in parting IT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE GREATEST OF INSULTS TO
NOT KISS HIM ON BOTH CHEEKS. We have to be humble with other peoples
practices, and give them the benefit of the doubt, not attibuting our
patterns of thought and therefore decraying and misinterpreting their
"social actions."

With fraternal greetings, Sophia Nov. 13