Hazrat Inayat Khan’s first months in the West began with lectures in New York, followed by a journey across America that finally took him to San Francisco. In April of 1911 he gave music recitals in the Hindu Temple on Webster Street, but as this letter of commendation from the Swami of the Temple makes clear, he had to overcome a certain amount of doubt and suspicion to do so. Hazrat Inayat was from India, but also evidently a Muslim, and the Temple committee at first doubted that he could offer Vedantists anything of value.
TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC: –
Dear brethren, –
Let us express a few words of our heart’s appreciation to Professor Inayat Khan. As a rule we do not allow anyone to talk from our Vedanta Pulpit in the Hindu Temple, San Francisco, unless the person be specially qualified and worthy. First we thought that we would not let Professor Inayat Khan sing from our Pulpit. But when we heard hm singing just one verse in our office, we at once concluded to have him sing in our Temple from the Pulpit.
The length of time allowed him was only half an hour, on Sunday, April 9, 1911, 3.30 pm. The good and amiable Professor was habitually so humble, sure, and exact, that at the end of his half hour, he kindly asked us whether he should not stop as the half hour had just elapsed. But we enjoyed his singing, playing on the vina, and his clear impressive, practical explanation of the science of Hindu music so much that we could not but request him to kindly continue his talk and performance. The Professor forgets himself when he sings and plays or explains so absorbed he becomes. We requested him to favour us with two performances on the following Sunday, which he did and which benefited us greatly.
The English notations of the numerous Hindu songs which he kindly made, and gave as a present to the Hindu Temple for the American and English students to learn, for whom the Professor took such pains, were so simple, melodious and instructive. We earnestly hope that the whole Western world will get the benefit of his beautiful teaching in Hindu music. None should miss them.
Not only that his music has a charming influence over people, but his cheerful face, kind and loving disposition, and saintly character can never be forgotten by one who has come in contact with him once. May God bless him. In our deep gratitude toward him we have the greatest pleasure to send him today the accompanying Gold Medal on behalf of our friends of America.
Professor Inayat Khan is the first Hindu Musician who has come from India to America to teach Hindu Music. And let this Medal commemorate this historical event.
Yours in the Infinite,
Swami Trigunatita
Minister Hindu Temple, and
Teacher Vedanta Society, San Francisco, Calif. U. S. A.