From: Baha'i Scriptures concerning Jesus & Christianity
… when the hour of the Revelation of Jesus drew nigh, a few
of the Magi, aware that the star of Jesus had appeared in heaven, sought and
followed it, till they came unto the city which was the seat of the Kingdom of
Herod. The sway of his sovereignty in those days embraced the whole of that
land.
These Magi said: “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?
for we have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him!” When they
had searched, they found out that in Bethlehem, in the land of Judea, the Child
had been born. This was the sign that was manifested in the visible heaven. As
to the sign in the invisible heaven—the heaven of divine knowledge and
understanding—it was Yahya, son of Zachariah, who gave unto the people the
tidings of the Manifestation of Jesus. Even as He hath revealed: “God
announceth Yahya to thee, who shall bear witness unto the Word from God, and a
great one and chaste.” By the term “Word” is meant Jesus, Whose coming Yahya
foretold. Moreover, in the heavenly Scriptures it is written: “John the Baptist
was preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye: for the
Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” By John is meant Yahya.
- Baha’u’llah ('The Book of Certitude')
March 31, 2013
March 30, 2013
'Abdu'l-Baha's longing to meet the friends of God in America – from a talk given right after His arrival in New York city
From: Talks of 'Abdu'l-Baha
11 April 1912
Home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Kinney
780 West End Avenue, New York
(Notes by Hooper Harris)
How are you? Welcome! Welcome!
After arriving today, although weary with travel, I had the utmost longing and yearning to see you and could not resist this meeting. Now that I have met you, all my weariness has vanished, for your meeting is the cause of spiritual happiness.
I was in Egypt and was not feeling well, but I wished to come to you in America. My friends said, "This is a long journey; the sea is wide; you should remain here." But the more they advised and insisted, the greater became my longing to take this trip, and now I have come to America to meet the friends of God. This long voyage will prove how great is my love for you. There were many troubles and vicissitudes, but, in the thought of meeting you, all these things vanished and were forgotten.
Home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Kinney
780 West End Avenue, New York
(Notes by Hooper Harris)
How are you? Welcome! Welcome!
After arriving today, although weary with travel, I had the utmost longing and yearning to see you and could not resist this meeting. Now that I have met you, all my weariness has vanished, for your meeting is the cause of spiritual happiness.
I was in Egypt and was not feeling well, but I wished to come to you in America. My friends said, "This is a long journey; the sea is wide; you should remain here." But the more they advised and insisted, the greater became my longing to take this trip, and now I have come to America to meet the friends of God. This long voyage will prove how great is my love for you. There were many troubles and vicissitudes, but, in the thought of meeting you, all these things vanished and were forgotten.
March 29, 2013
Blessed is the Spot
From: Baha'i Songs and Poems
Revealed by Bahá’u’lláh
Music by Elizabeth Habermann
Blessed is the spot, and the house,
and the place, and the city,
and the heart, and the mountain,
and the refuge, and the cave,
and the valley, and the land,
and the sea, and the island, and the meadow
where mention of God hath been made,
and His praise glorified.
Music by Elizabeth Habermann
Blessed is the spot, and the house,
and the place, and the city,
and the heart, and the mountain,
and the refuge, and the cave,
and the valley, and the land,
and the sea, and the island, and the meadow
where mention of God hath been made,
and His praise glorified.
March 28, 2013
March 27, 2013
The Báb's early Childhood recalled by His mother
From: Baha'i Stories
The following story which was narrated by the mother of the
Báb, is recorded by Mirza Habibu’llah Afnan, a relative of the Báb, who was
born in the House of the Báb in Shiraz and reared by Khadijih Khanum, the widow
of the Báb:
“From the moment of birth, it was evident that, unlike other children, He was not rapacious in drinking milk. Normally, He was serene and made no noise. During the twenty-four-hour period, He would desire milk only four times. While nursing He would be most gentle, and no movement was discerned from His mouth. Often I would become anxious and ask myself, ‘Why is this Child not like other children? Perhaps He has some illness that prevents His desiring milk.’ Then I would console myself, saying, ‘If He really had some unknown illness, He would manifest signs of agitation and restlessness.’
Unlike other children, He did not complain or behave in an unseemly manner during the weaning period. I was most thankful that now that the Exalted Lord had granted me this Child, He was gentle and agreeable.”
Mirza Habibu’llah Afnan ('The Genesis of the Bábi-Baha’i Faiths in Shiraz and Fars', translated by Ahang Rabbani)
“From the moment of birth, it was evident that, unlike other children, He was not rapacious in drinking milk. Normally, He was serene and made no noise. During the twenty-four-hour period, He would desire milk only four times. While nursing He would be most gentle, and no movement was discerned from His mouth. Often I would become anxious and ask myself, ‘Why is this Child not like other children? Perhaps He has some illness that prevents His desiring milk.’ Then I would console myself, saying, ‘If He really had some unknown illness, He would manifest signs of agitation and restlessness.’
Unlike other children, He did not complain or behave in an unseemly manner during the weaning period. I was most thankful that now that the Exalted Lord had granted me this Child, He was gentle and agreeable.”
Mirza Habibu’llah Afnan ('The Genesis of the Bábi-Baha’i Faiths in Shiraz and Fars', translated by Ahang Rabbani)
March 26, 2013
The first twin duties prescribed by God for each human being
From: Teachings of the Baha'i Faith
The first duty prescribed by God
for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His
Revelation and the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both
the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation. Whoso achieveth
this duty hath attained unto all good; and whoso is deprived thereof hath
gone astray, though he be the author of every righteous deed. It behoveth every
one who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendent glory,
to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin
duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it
been decreed by Him Who is the Source of Divine inspiration.
- Baha'u'llah (The Kitab-i-Aqdas)
- Baha'u'llah (The Kitab-i-Aqdas)
March 25, 2013
Did anyone from the West meet the Báb?
From: Baha'i Points of Interest
The only known record of the Báb's having been seen by a
European belongs to the period of His persecution when an English physician
resident in Tabriz, Dr. Cormick, was called in by the Persian authorities to
pronounce on the Báb's mental condition. The doctor's letter,
addressed to a fellow practitioner in an American mission in Persia, is given
in Professor E. G. Browne's "Materials for the Study of the Bábí
Religion." "You ask me," writes the doctor, "for some
particulars of my interview with the founder of the sect known as Bábís.
Nothing of any importance transpired in this interview, as the Báb was aware of
my having been sent with two other Persian doctors to see whether he was of
sane mind or merely a madman, to decide the question whether he was to be put
to death or not. ... He was a very mild and delicate-looking man, rather small
in stature and very fair for a Persian, with a melodious soft voice, which
struck me much. Being a Siyyid, he was dressed in the habit of that sect, as
were also his two companions. In fact his whole look and deportment went far to
dispose one in his favour. Of his doctrine I heard nothing from his own lips, although
the idea was that there existed in his religion a certain approach to
Christianity. He was seen by some Armenian carpenters, who were sent to make
some repairs in his prison, reading the Bible, and he took no pains to conceal
it, but on the contrary told them of it. Most assuredly the Musulman fanaticism
does not exist in his religion, as applied to Christians, nor is there that
restraint of females that now exists.
- George Townshend (Introduction to the Dawn-Breakers, ‘The Dawn-Breakers')
- George Townshend (Introduction to the Dawn-Breakers, ‘The Dawn-Breakers')
March 24, 2013
The Bab's Pilgrimage to Mecca
From: Baha'i Historical Facts
During October 1844 the Bab, accompanied by Quddus, left Shiraz on pilgrimage to Mecca. He returned to Bushihr sometime in late April or early May of 1845.
During October 1844 the Bab, accompanied by Quddus, left Shiraz on pilgrimage to Mecca. He returned to Bushihr sometime in late April or early May of 1845.
March 23, 2013
In the Name of God, the Lord of overpowering majesty, the All-Compelling.
From: Insights from Baha'i Prayers
Hallowed be the Lord in Whose hand is the source of dominion. He createth whatsoever He willeth by His Word of command ‘Be’, and it is. His hath been the power of authority heretofore and it shall remain His hereafter. He maketh victorious whomsoever He pleaseth, through the potency of His behest. He is in truth the Powerful, the Almighty. Unto Him pertaineth all glory and majesty in the kingdoms of Revelation and Creation and whatever lieth between them. Verily He is the Potent, the All-Glorious. From everlasting He hath been the Source of indomitable strength and shall remain so unto everlasting. He is indeed the Lord of might and power. All the kingdoms of heaven and earth and whatever is between them are God’s, and His power is supreme over all things. All the treasures of earth and heaven and everything between them are His, and His protection extendeth over all things. He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and whatever lieth between them and He truly is a witness over all things. He is the Lord of Reckoning for all that dwell in the heavens and on earth and whatever lieth between them, and truly God is swift to reckon. He setteth the measure assigned to all who are in the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them. Verily He is the Supreme Protector. He holdeth in His grasp the keys of heaven and earth and of everything between them. At His Own pleasure doth He bestow gifts, through the power of His command. Indeed His grace encompasseth all and He is the All-Knowing.
Say: God sufficeth unto me; He is the One Who holdeth in His grasp the kingdom of all things. Through the power of His hosts of heaven and earth and whatever lieth between them, He protecteth whomsoever among His servants He willeth. God, in truth, keepeth watch over all things.
Immeasurably exalted art Thou, O Lord! Protect us from what lieth in front of us and behind us, above our heads, on our right, on our left, below our feet and every other side to which we are exposed. Verily Thy protection over all things is unfailing. (Selections from the Writings of the Báb)
Hallowed be the Lord in Whose hand is the source of dominion. He createth whatsoever He willeth by His Word of command ‘Be’, and it is. His hath been the power of authority heretofore and it shall remain His hereafter. He maketh victorious whomsoever He pleaseth, through the potency of His behest. He is in truth the Powerful, the Almighty. Unto Him pertaineth all glory and majesty in the kingdoms of Revelation and Creation and whatever lieth between them. Verily He is the Potent, the All-Glorious. From everlasting He hath been the Source of indomitable strength and shall remain so unto everlasting. He is indeed the Lord of might and power. All the kingdoms of heaven and earth and whatever is between them are God’s, and His power is supreme over all things. All the treasures of earth and heaven and everything between them are His, and His protection extendeth over all things. He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and whatever lieth between them and He truly is a witness over all things. He is the Lord of Reckoning for all that dwell in the heavens and on earth and whatever lieth between them, and truly God is swift to reckon. He setteth the measure assigned to all who are in the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them. Verily He is the Supreme Protector. He holdeth in His grasp the keys of heaven and earth and of everything between them. At His Own pleasure doth He bestow gifts, through the power of His command. Indeed His grace encompasseth all and He is the All-Knowing.
Say: God sufficeth unto me; He is the One Who holdeth in His grasp the kingdom of all things. Through the power of His hosts of heaven and earth and whatever lieth between them, He protecteth whomsoever among His servants He willeth. God, in truth, keepeth watch over all things.
Immeasurably exalted art Thou, O Lord! Protect us from what lieth in front of us and behind us, above our heads, on our right, on our left, below our feet and every other side to which we are exposed. Verily Thy protection over all things is unfailing. (Selections from the Writings of the Báb)
Some reflections and
insights …
March 22, 2013
'Abdu'l-Baha with a Baha'i family, New York, 1912
'Abdu'l-Baha with Edward and Carrie Kinney and their children in New York.
The Master gave His first talk in America at Kinny's residence, April 11, 1912
March 21, 2013
“equinox is the symbol of the divine messenger” – an explanation by ‘Abdu’l-Baha about Naw-Ruz
From: Talks of 'Abdu'l-Baha
Friday evening, March 21st,
1913, at 15 rue Greuze, Paris
I am extremely glad to see you on this Naw-Ruz occasion. This day is the anniversary of many historical events, among them the victory of the Persians over the Arabs who invaded Persia and were successfully repulsed.
This day in Persia inaugurates a feast which continues for thirteen days and in which all take part, rich and poor alike. They adorn themselves with new clothes and their houses are open to all. Money is distributed, music is played and the houses are decorated with flowers, for it is a fete; work is put aside and enjoyment invited. Travelers in Persia feel this transformation, for the country is in a state of complete renewal. A town which seemed dead yesterday comes to life today. People who looked anxious yesterday, today have faces shining with gladness. The poor man of yesterday, with sordid garments, is well dressed today and the whole national life is infused with joy. From time immemorial this day has been consecrated, for in this there is a symbol.
Friday evening, March 21st,
1913, at 15 rue Greuze, Paris
I am extremely glad to see you on this Naw-Ruz occasion. This day is the anniversary of many historical events, among them the victory of the Persians over the Arabs who invaded Persia and were successfully repulsed.
This day in Persia inaugurates a feast which continues for thirteen days and in which all take part, rich and poor alike. They adorn themselves with new clothes and their houses are open to all. Money is distributed, music is played and the houses are decorated with flowers, for it is a fete; work is put aside and enjoyment invited. Travelers in Persia feel this transformation, for the country is in a state of complete renewal. A town which seemed dead yesterday comes to life today. People who looked anxious yesterday, today have faces shining with gladness. The poor man of yesterday, with sordid garments, is well dressed today and the whole national life is infused with joy. From time immemorial this day has been consecrated, for in this there is a symbol.
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