In Search of the Mahatmas of Tibet (An Old and Rare Book)

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I FEEL it an honour to have been asked to write a Foreword to Mr E. G. Schary's book describing the experiences he went through in his attempt to discover the Mahatmas of Tibet. His pluck and determination in the face of overwhelming difficulties and suffering fill one with admiration, and what enhances our admiration for his courage and fortitude, is the kind- ness of heart he displays when dealing with Indian coolies and those who are so often despised on account of their low caste or calling. For when strength and kindness are combined, you have a MAN.

I had an opportunity of seeing Mr Schary when he was down and out and yet his heart was sound. I once found him on a pouring wet day lying in a small Hindu temple on a rough bed, stricken with fever. He told me that he had taken on the job of headmaster of a school run by Brahmans, and that the founder of the school (who was leader of the Brahman Orthodox party) had requested him to add to his work by giving private tuition to his sons, who were about to enter for the Punjab University Matriculation examination. But although he had given of his best at both jobs, he was unable to obtain any of the pay promised to him, and hence he had thrown up his headmastership and tutorship. It happened that the Punjab University had asked me to take over the superintendence of the native examination which was to commence that week, so I asked Mr Schary if he would care to help me as one of my assistants. The examination lasts ten days, the pay being three rupees (Rs. 3s.) a day. I hoped that by the end of ten days he would be given a permanent job by Mr Avery, an American, who had big works on hand. Mr Schary jumped at my offer, for he said that these former pupils of his had been telling him of the various dodges they were going to employ in the exam. in order to score off the superintendents of the exam. and the examiners. And therefore he would be delighted to catch these young Brahmans out when practising their arts and crafts in the examination hall. You can imagine the feelings of those smart Brahman cribbers when they had taken their seats, and looking round the hall studying their ground, saw their former tutor to whom they had confided their secrets, standing among the gods on the dais.

Later, Mr Avery, who is himself a tiger for work, speaking of Schary, said that he was a super hard worker, and did splendid work for him.

The last time I saw Mr Schary he was in gaol, and although he was confined in the ordinary Indian prison, he behaved as if he was in his own palace, speaking kindly of those in charge of him and bearing no malice; he felt the justice of his position and made the best of it.