William Samuel

William Samuel
William Samuel

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Secret Revealed

Mystical Mountain"  - By Sandy Jones 
www.woodsongjournals.com 


Gospel of Thomas
[5]. Jesus says: "Know what is before your face, 
and what is hidden from you will be revealed to you. 
For nothing hidden will fail to be revealed!"


The Secret Revealed - June 2013    By Sandy Jones

In his second book "The Awareness of Self-Discovery," printed in 1970, William Samuel tells us this rather curious and inspiring story. 

“Some years ago I was honored to be the first American student of a renowned teacher in India. For fourteen days a group of us sat at the feet of this "Master," during which time he spoke not one word—not so much as a grunt—until the final day when he bade us farewell and assured us we had learned much. 

And to my surprise, I had. It took months before the seeds of those silent days began to sprout one by one, revealing that there are indeed many things for which the uptight, recondite babble of books and teachers is more hindrance than a help.”

_______

Over the years I have been asked many times if I knew who this "renowned teacher" was. My answer being that I did not know. William passed away, keeping this secret to himself. There was no one else I could ask about it. Apparently he never told anyone.

Many felt that it was Sri Ramana Maharshi--and I suspected this too.  However, I let the whole thing go because after some searching for the answer, I had come up with only a very good guess. William simply did not want it known and I should leave it be in respect to William’s wishes.

 That William would not tell others the name of this revered Indian teacher fits precisely into the things we know about William Samuel. He never wanted to be thought of as a leader with followers. He had no use for the idea of lineage. And he avoided, at all costs, being put on a pedestal. 

 Here are some of William’s words in reference to this: 


"To whatever extent I allow Samuel to be the object of praise and veneration (instead of God-self) to that same extent I create the tangible situation which must appear to bring Samuel down in the eyes of the venerator. That is self-flagellation I can do without. It is difficult enough already for the few of us on earth who have been given the task of waging worldwide battle against the power of belief. Most tenacious among those beliefs is the insanity that one must be either a leader or a follower. Allness leads what? Singleness follows whom? The Seminal Idea discloses Identity to be nothing less than the Ineffable's very own Self-awareness!" 

William makes many statements along these lines throughout his work.  

William preferred not to be labeled, categorized or assigned to any religion, particular study, nor tied to any spiritual teaching. He would say "We are gathering of folks from all walks of life, people of all religions and philosophical outlooks, Easter and Western. He should go on to say "We are neither a group nor an organization. We are unbeholden and unattached to leaders or an intermediary. The Seminal Idea of Truth is capable of standing on its own. We spend no time worshiping the fountain, rather, we drink the water."   

So, it was no wonder he told no one the name of the renown silent "Master" he had visited in India. William's mention of this visit with this teacher was to point out that much Light can be communicated without words.

In William’s own words:  "
We honor the Light that is Life, that every person is. We may very well appreciate a mirror that speaks to us with clarity and honesty--and we may consider that mirror unique among mirrors--but the authority lies with the awareness that looks into that mirror, and not the mirror."  

It was now 17 years after William’s passing. He had given me all copyrights to his literary material. I'd been asked by so many who that silent Master Indian teacher  was and by now, it seemed I was meant to know the answer. I was sensing a stirring in me -- I heard an inner voice say “Sandy, it’s time to reveal who this renowned Master was.” 

 So I asked the Infinite Universe, saying "If you want me to share the name of this Master teacher, you will have to lead me to someone who knows the answer. You will have to help me, show me some evidence, or speak to me from Heaven somehow.  And then I will share it with integrity, knowing I have your permission."  

Well, it was not but a few weeks from my prayerful request, when I was led to the answer. It was confirmed; William had been the first American, in April 1944, during his time at war in China, he had gone to India, to spend two weeks with Ramana Maharshi. 

  
Here is how I found this confirmation:  I was looking up link connections to William Samuel on the internet. Wanting to see how many other links there were to William Samuel. I was delighted to see there a growing number of links connected to his name. As one link led to another, I came across this very unusual and interesting website called "Wanderling" - with a mention of William Samuel.  I started to read-then, and totally unexpected, I found the answer we had all wanted to know.  Right there, as bright as a neon sign. It was magical. 

From there I scrolled down to "Four Special Cases" 

On his list of "Enlightened Individuals" Wanderling had met, right there, was the name WILLIAM SAMUEL.

Wanderling tells this story; 
 In 1944 he (Wanderling) was 10 years old and living at the Ashram of Ramana Maharshi.  Wanderling had a friend there, the same age, named Adam Osborne.  Adam was the son of Arthur Osborne (1906–1970) who was an English writer on spirituality and mysticism, and an influential disciple and biographer of Ramana Maharshi.  Adam and his mother (Arthur Osoborne's wife) were living at the Ashram, along with this boy who now calls himself "Wanderling"-- when, as he tells it, in April of 1944 William Samuel a 21 year old U.S. Infantry Captain came to visit Ramana Maharshi near the hill of Arunachula in India.  
The following is in Wanderlings words excerpted from his website:  

 Even then I did not remember nor know I had met him (William Samuel) until I was told so by a friend. The friend was a person from my early childhood named Adam Osborne, who I had lost contact with over the years but, quite by accident re-made acquaintance with years later as an adult. Osborne was basically raised at the ashram of Sri Ramana from a very young age to a teenager.  So said, he was there when I was there. After I left, years and years went by, when one day in northern California we inadvertently crossed paths.
Osborne and I kept in contact with each other on and off a little bit for a few years following that meeting until it just faded away. Interestingly enough during one of those short lived contacts, out of the blue, he brought up Giri Valam, circumambulation of the holy hill Arunachala and how it related to the two of us. Osborne's father had died in 1970 and Osborne told me that sometime prior to his father's death a man by the name of William Samuel had contacted him in the U.S. and expressed an interest in meeting his father. In their conversation Samuel told him that he and Osborne (the younger) had met at Ramana's ashram in India in 1944 and that during his stay, on the full moon of which he thought was April of that year, he, Osborne and another young boy and a few other people including Osborne's mother, circumambulated Arunachala. Osborne emphasized the younger boy aspect with me specifically because Samuel thought, Osborne guessed, that the other boy (me) was Osborne's brother --- a twin brother --- because of our age, size, body build and look-alike curly haired mop tops.
The month before, 1500 miles east across the sub-continent edging up along the Burmese border the Japanese launched a three division invasion into India. Quickly outstretching their supply lines and hoping to replenish their local needs by overtaking British, American and Indian garrisons, etc. while their lifelines caught up, didn't happen. For the most part, three months later, met by stronger than expected Allied response and caught in the monsoons, the Japanese were forced into retreat dying of malaria and starving to death --- in the end losing over 80,000 men.
In the early stages of that invasion the aforementioned William Samuel, then a 21 year old captain in the U.S. Army and a veteran of three years fighting with the Chinese Nationalist army against the Japanese in China was apparently called over to the India side of things and somehow must have finagled some much needed R & R, ending up at the Ramana ashram for a week or so in April. Before the war ended he was long back and fully entrenched in China, again fighting along side Chinese troops retaking Ishan, Liuchow and Kweilin. Interestingly enough, ten years later, after being called back into the army for the Korean War and in the height of battle, Samuel experienced nothing less than the infinite, breaking through to full Attainment.
So, even though you might say I met William Samuel, it was years before his Awakening. It wasn't until well into my adult years that I realized a meeting even occurred (via Osborne) and, although in my travels I had heard of William Samuel, I never put together the timing of the events. Sad to say, after Osborne told me about Samuel I never got around to seeking him out. " -- (The Wanderling-Enlightened Individuals I Have Met)  

Well, there was my answer I had asked the Universe to bring me.  It was certain. 

William, really was the first American visitor to sit with Sri Ramana Maharshi.  And clearly, William had walked around Arunachala, with Arthur Osborne's wife, Osborne's son, a small group of guests, and other youngsters, during the full moon in April 1944. 

So, now let's read William's words again, knowing what we know now:

“Some years ago I was honored to be the first American student of a renowned teacher in India. For fourteen days a group of us sat at the feet of this "Master," during which time he spoke not one word—not so much as a grunt—until the final day when he bade us farewell and assured us we had learned much.


And to my surprise, I had. It took months before the seeds of those silent days began to sprout one by one, revealing that there are indeed many things for which the uptight, recondite babble of books and teachers is more hindrance than a help.”

I felt that this discovery was William telling me it was time to share who this Master teacher was. 

I wrote to Wanderling, but I do not get a reply as yet.  

Searching for Adam Osborne, I found he had died in 2007.  

I want to thank “Wanderling” and Adam Osborne for being a part of this wonderful story that has unfolded for me and for us all.  Also the fact that I found Wanderlings story at all, or that he even wrote about this “out of the blue’ discussion he had about William with his friend Adam.  And that he posted it.  And that I found it.  What a gift this is to me.  

 It all confirms the perfectly wonderful ways the Sweet Mystery of Life continues to show us Its Blessings and Wonders in such kind and magical ways.

And also, I know that without this Heart felt childlike wonder that William told me to find - without this hoy Child that leads me - none of this would have unfolded so magically and perfectly as it did.  

Much love to Wanderling for his help and mystical connection to me. I thank him for sharing his stories and for his gracious words that allowed the mystery to be discovered after so very many years.  Wanderling was, really, the only one who knew the secret.  It's all a genuine miracle that his Light was there for me to find when things were ready to be revealed -- 

 And thank you to William and to Ramana for conspiring to make these connections happen.  It is my joy to know you are both somewhere romping like little children in the Meadow of Heaven's delights.  


Love to all, Sandy 

Some time later - since first writing this story, Wanderling has gotten in touch with me, but he never reveals his real name to me. He has been an angel in this whole magical scenario. I want him to know how much I love him for his beautiful heart that shared exactly what I needed, what we all wanted to know, at exactly the time this long held secret was ready to be revealed. 

Since connecting with Wanderling, he has expanded his page about William Samuel. It's a beautiful page with some photos I sent him. If you want to read more, please visit Wanderling's pages:     http://the-wanderling.com/soldiers_story.html

If you would like further guidance in understanding any of William Samuel's work based on Self discover you are welcome to contact me, Sandy Jones - samuelandfriends@gmail.com - Ojai, California -   

14 comments:

  1. This is a wonderful story... I often think of "A Soldiers Story" on Veterans day and have revisited "the Wanderling" website from time to time over the years (for particular articles on Ramana and on Buddhism that I enjoy). Finally, anyone who has not heard it should listen to this talk by William Samuel at the Urban Guru Café:

    65. William Samuel – One Heart

    http://urbangurumagazine.com/?page_id=292

    Thanks again--keep up the good work!

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  2. Dear Wayne, Thank you so much for your comments here. I really appreciate it. Yes, I love William's "A Soldiers Story" too. Over the years of sharing Bill's work, I have seen so many other who have been to war that were helped by that story and all the rest of Bill's work; and a wonderful confirmation to know that an old soldier will be blessed with the Light of Truth as much as anyone, if not more so.

    Yes, me too, I was fascinated by those "Wanderling" pages. What an amazing little miracle all that was, when I some how ended up there. I am so grateful Wanderling --but he never sent me a reply.

    All of Life holds such blessings of mystical wonders and Good everywhere, if we look for it and trust It.

    Much love to you, and again, I thank you so much for posting this here--oh yes, and for the mention of the audio of William on Urban Cafe--That's wonderful, thank you! -- Love, Sandy

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  3. Thank you Sandy for sharing such a fascinating story. William has always been such an inspiring light.

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  4. Thank you too Gary! You have always been an inspiring Light yourself! Glad you enjoyed this story. I sure did. Love, Sandy

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  5. Thank you for posting this story - I ran across it by a meandering path. I was over at David Godman's blog and chanced to hear a brief story from him about Robert Adams, and in the course of comments, David answered with parts of an email you had sent him with a link to this post on Woodsong. I am happy to find it confirmed that Ramana was the person mentioned, and yes, it was most correct of him to not basoon Ramana as some sort of authority for what Old Bill taught. Indeed, the only authority he needed was his experience, and the way he choose to express it, well if it can't stand on its own two feet, well what's the use of a thousand gurus, saints, scriptures, traditions whatever to prop it up?

    And the way of the Child is so beautiful and nuanced, balanced and on the mark!

    Just took a look at the Melody of the Woodcutter and the King, and I see right off the bat, I need to experience it again - I thought I understood it before, but I'm more humble now - still kind of stuck up though ;-)

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  6. Hi Chuck, I just wrote that email to David, I am so happy to hear he is sharing this story of Billy and Ramana! How lovely is Life! and I love your words "if it can't stand on its own two feet, well what's the use of a thousand gurus, saints, scriptures, traditions whatever to prop it up?" That is excellent and yes something Bill would agree with. Yes also, that it is about Child and when you start to get Glimmers of this, it grows apace, like the cat out of the bag--off and running. To re-read the Woodcutter, you will hear even more this time. That still happens to me when reading "The Child Within" Every time I find something seen in a new light. The Child leads me to so many wonders and joys and keeps me growing ever more Alive, Happy and in Love. So, many thanks to you for sharing this and for your Beautiful Child Heart! Love and Joy to you, Sandy

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  7. And a P.S. for you Chuck-- I recall that I saw the Child in you very obviously, those years ago when you first met Bill's work--and your blog, you words have always resounded with the Childlike Joy, unrestricted to any particular teaching, free as bird, to sing the song of your Good Hearted Soul. (Paste hearts and flowers here) Sandy

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  8. Gee, thanks Sandy, my Child is doing better these days, I can take praise now without that snotty little ego gobbling it up not even tasting it and screaming for more - don't know how this happened, well, actually I do, but I don't know how to talk about it and until I do I won't.

    Anyways I came back to check on the Wanderling story and the link you had and then I saw that lovely painting of the sacred mountain - it's really really nice, I almost like it better than all the photos I've seen - o yes, something else, here are a couple of links I ran across y'day, I think, which refer to William - thought you'd like to see them, if you haven't already!

    http://www.sageramana.org/files/BiographyofSandyJonesandWilliamSamuel1.pdf

    http://www.sageramana.org/files/William%20Samuel's%20Teaching.pdf

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  9. Glad you are starting to let Life Love you! And I am also pleased that you like my strange rendering of Raman's holy mountain. Thanks for the links to Sage Ramana, and yes I do know about that. Anil Sharma has been in touch with me for many years, he is an Indian mystic who told me he 'saw' William and Ramana together (long before I made this discovery) He has been sharing William's books in India. He says William's work is the most similar or close to Ramana Maharshi's message that he has ever read. Now that is impressive isn't it?! I guess they speak the same Truth in a very similar way? I have always cherished Anil for his recognition of the True Light that shines in William's work. Anil is very devoted and sincere in his spiritual work. I trusted Anil to do the right thing with William's work, and he certainly has. Now William's message is out and about in India. That is very beautiful and I am sure William and Ramana are very pleased by it all. God works in mysterious ways.

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  10. Well Sandy, I hardly think "strange" is the word I'd use for your picture / drawing / painting / watercolor(?) - it's now on my laptop as a background and I'd really like it in a higher resolution. I sent you by snail mail the other day with a print I made with the "glasses" picture of William from your other web-site and your "Green Mountain", I put them back to back and sealed them in plastic laminate. Should be coming soon to Ojai. I put them in a little box with an Advent thing they use in Denmark and Sweden, it's a mobile where four candles get three angels to go around and around and ring three small bells. A fourth angel is on top, with a small trumpet - sounds confusing, it will be more clear when you see the package.

    Indeed, William had a way putting things that was original, no that's not quite right. Religions and religious traditions are kind of like languages, languages of the spiritual, and William, with his "mother tongue" so to speak, says things that sound more natural to the ears of people like myself. I'd write more, but I have a grand daughter who will soon wake up and the rest of the day will be lovely, but hectic ;-)

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  11. Hey Cliff, I just found your lovely gift in my mail box! How very kind and thoughtful of you. This angel chime is wonderful. I'll light the candles and watch the magic. I am glad to know you liked my little painting of the Mountain. I'll ask my daughter how to make you a copy of that painting in a higher resolution and send it to you. And yes, I agree, that is why Bill's message worked for me, his natural, plainspoken, easy words brought it close and simple for me. Okay, have fun with the grand daughter and thank you again for the darling Advent angels, candles and bells, perfect for Christmas and the Child. And I'll try to get a better image of the Mountain to you. <3

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  12. Wow! Glad that it arrived - seems the internet robot or whatever it is that is supposed to notify in my mailbox had itself a glitch (interesting picture, that, a robot having a glitch!). Hope your daughter can figure it out! I sent you the chimes because the ones I bought last year weren't any good and then I saw these, and it said on the box that it was the traditional Swedish design, and trad. Swedish things like that stir some childhood feelings, not memories, just feelings - so I bought one, it worked fine, and it hit me that you would probably like one also.

    Another story, do you know of Emmanuel Swedenborg (1682-1772)? D. T. Suzuki called him the Buddha of the North, anyway, it was the picture of the girl on the cover of the box the angel chimes were in that made me think of this - you see, Emmanuel talked with angels, and his many books were taken from his conversations. Anyways, a young niece of Swedenborg heard about this and pestered him long enough to show her an angel, that he finally said ok, come tomorrow morning and I will show you an angel. When she came, he gave her a blindfold, led her into the room, and when he told her to take the blindfold off, she found herself standing in front of a full-length mirror with flowers and candles arranged around it.

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  13. First, let me tell you, I set the little angel chimes up all by myself and it was a fun puzzle. Then I lit the candles and away they spun and the little bells rang and yes it does delight my Child heart. It was a great little centerpiece during Thanksgiving Dinner. It is very sweet and I love it. it works very well too, fine Swedish craftsmanship <3 I read some of Swedenborg many years ago, I liked him a lot. Can't remember much of it, but I do recall he was very mystical. I have always known there are angels. I have a few of them that have been with my all my life, they come and go these days, but they would always come when I asked for their presence. they do hang around above our shoulders, much as the stories say. I love the story about Swedenborg's niece and the angel in the mirror is herself. Very nice, so true, once we find the Child, we know this Child is our very own Angel Self that leads us aright and shows us the way through this world, keeps us off the slippery places and picks us up when we fall. The little Swedish Angel Chime is on the dinning room table, is perfect for the Christmas holidays and I love it--thanks so much. And thank you for showing up here on the blog, it's been a joy! Much Love and Merry Christmas! Sandy

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