11.i.60
[ EL. 109 ]
early letters
[el. 111]
21 October 1959
Your disease, which I have not (yet) encountered, sounds unpleasant, and alarming with its irregular pounding heartbeats. If I get it I shall now know that it is not (necessarily) fatal. You are probably right in anticipating a lot of foolishness if attempts are made to reform the Saπgha. One should, I think, in the first place keep one’s head down to avoid being hit by whatever is being thrown about, and in the second refuse to be browbeaten or stampeded into consenting to what is contrary to Dhammavinaya. Ceylon, however, like other Oriental countries (until they become Communist) is enormously inefficient, and the threatened widespread storm may turn out to be no more than a few scattered showers. Anyway, I hope so. Thank you for your description of the S⁄må bandhana—this is a function in which I have never taken part. Mr. Perera wanted to make a S⁄må here, but was discouraged. The Eddington does not interest me, thank you all the same—I have already read it, and besides there is a copy at Vajiråråma. I have never read Wittgenstein, so can give no opinion. He is, I think, approved of by Russell, which is rather a doubtful recommendation, though also by A. Huxley (in Those Barren Leaves) so he may be elegant.
part vii: 1960 (el. 110-111) [ EL. 110 ]
6 January 1960
Thank you for your letter and enclosures (just arrived). I am on my way to Colombo to be treated for what seems to be filariasis—I have been swelling up in various places. Shall perhaps call in on the Hermitage. I am not anxious to make this journey, but there seems to be no alternative. [ EL. 111 ]
11 January 1960
I am now in Durdans 1 undergoing various tests and taking various treatments. I have 1. Possibly filariasis, though first blood test negative; 2. The sound of white ants in my ears; 3. A great deal of wind in my belly. Though, on account of 1. and 3., I am swollen and am in the maternity ward, I am not expected to bring forth. I have been X-rayed and punctured (both to
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