Duncan Greenlees

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Duncan Greenlees (1899-1966) was a famous writer, theosophist and educationist of English origin.

Contents

[edit] Early life

Duncan Greenlees was born in East Africa to parents of English origin[1]. He had his early education in England. On completion of his studies, he moved to India where he was drawn towards the Theosophical Movement and served in one of the schools which Annie Besant founded. Duncan Greenlees had spiritual discussions with Ramana Maharshi. In one question he asked: Through poetry, music, japa, bhajan, beautiful landscapes, reading the lives of spiritual heroes, etc., one sometimes experiences a true sense of all-unity. Is that feeling of deep blissful quiet (wherein the personal self has no place) the "entering into the heart" whereof God speaks? Will practice of that lead to a deeper samadhi, and so ultimately to a full vision of the Real? Ramana answered:- There is happiness at agreeable sights, etc. It is the happiness inherent in the Self. That happiness is not alien and after. You are diving into the pure Self on occasions which you consider pleasurable. That diving reveals the Self-existent Bliss. But the association of ideas is responsible for foisting this bliss on to other things or happenings. In fact, it is within you. On these occasions you are plunging into the Self, though unconsciously. If you do so consciously then it is “Realisation”. I want you to dive consciously into the Self, i.e., into the Heart.

[edit] Indian Independence Movement

Being a close associate of Annie Besant, Greenlees like her, was drawn to the Indian independence movement. Later, he became a fervent Gandhian and participated in his non-violent struggle against British rule. When India got independence in 1947, Greenlees was appointed to draft the new nation's education policy[2]. Mahatm Gandhi and Duncan Greenlees exchanged letters on various topics. On February 1, 1933, Gandhi wrote to Greenlees: I write this in accordance to my promise. I am taking you at your word. I shall make use of your services for untouchability work,but since you have offered yourself, body, soul, and mind for that service. I have decided first to send you to the Ashram and have a little bit of the experience of the method we adopt in service and then to put you wherever you may be most wanted. Experience at the Ashram would enable you to come in touch with the variety of workers and the manner in which Harijan service is being organized. I mention nothing as to your remuneration because, if I understand you rightly, you want nothing more than what may be needed for the sustenance of the body. That may be fixed up after you have had your time at the Ashram. If, therefore, you retain the opinion you expressed to me here, please come to Poona as early as you can. Everything else can then be fixed up.

[edit] Later life

Greenlees retired from active politics after India's independence and spent his time researching religion and theosophy. He has written about 15 small Gospel books about various religions and faiths. Some of these books have become rare and are hard to find. He passed away in the year 1966 at the age of 67.

[edit] Works

Greenlees wrote the 'World Gospel Series' from 1949 to 1966 following his retirement from active politics. He was not much of a politician but a humble social worker. His talks with Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi and correspondence with Mahatma Gandhi was purely spiritual and of devotional nature.

  • The Gospel of Islam No.1
  • The Gospel of China No.2
  • The Gospel of Hermes No.3 (1949)
  • The Gospel of the Jesus No.4
  • The Gospel of Zarathushtra No.5
  • The Gospel of the Mystic Christ No.6
  • The Gospel of Narada No.7
  • The Gospel of Peace:Guru Granth Sahib No.8
  • The Gospel of the Pyramids No.9
  • The Gospel of Advaita (1953)No.10
  • The Gospel of Israel No.11
  • The Gospel of the Prophet Mani No.12
  • The Gospel of the Gnostics No.13
  • The Gospel of Sri Krishna No.14
 The Song of Divine Love (Gita-Govinda) of Sri Jayadeva

[edit] References

  1. ^ N.V.Ramana Murthy, Variety in Masters-IV
  2. ^ [Preface to The Gospel of Zarathushtra by Duncan Greenlees]


[edit] External links

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