In this letter, Mansur raises the issue of asking outsiders, i.e. Joe Miller, to help. [Mansur's point of view was that we have the baraka, let's just do it.] Each time I include a letter from Mansur to Moineddin, I feel compelled to explain, because the title of this is Letters from Moineddin. And I want to intrude as little as possible. My letter here makes Moineddin's answer clearer. Mansur’s letter is dated October 17, 1977; Moineddin’s response is dated October 20, 1977.

Khankah S.A.M. East

34 Manomet Ave.

Hull, MA 02045

October 17, 1977

Dear Moineddin, Beloved One of Allah,

Greetings. This is really two or three letters. Thank you for thinking of me with the quotation about Mansur from Sarmad who was beheaded by Aurangzeb. Thank you also for the Xerox of “Proper Breathing” from the Sunday Examiner and Chronicle. As I stand holding this newspaper article in hand now, I remember that when Geneve and I went to hear our local congressman [Gerry Studds, D-Mass.] listen to the citizens last night, during which discussion I spoke about my favorite topic, OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion), the lady covering the event for the Quincy Ledger grew interested in my theories and doubly interested when she discovered my occupation, Sufi teacher.

Saying yes to outsiders. If I were not the most harmonious man that I am, I would be writing this letter to Wali Ali. I remember reacting shortly after Murshid’s death to the inclusion of Joe Miller in some proceedings, but I said nothing. This person was not consulted.

When Wali Ali came east last year and asked Saphira to arrange his workshop, I did not take this personally because she has, if not the best facility, at least a large staff capable of handling these details.

But when a mureed of mine attended Wali Ali’s seminar at the Abode, and when someone present indicated an interest “in the teachings of Murshid Sam”, but lamented because he was so far from the [west] coast, this person was not mentioned.

I would like to feel that the disciples of Murshid not only love one another but continue to practice some special kind of loyalty and estimation and consideration for each other [as in the “group functioning as one,” as mentioned earlier in this chapter].

Please do not feel that you must speak to Wali Ali on this matter. I feel that I can address him directly and clarify in a most harmonious way my commitment to our common heritage which cannot be resigned.

Love and blessings,

Mansur (signed)

Mansur

MJ/aw