Teaching the Cause

From: Vision and Insight – daily gems

The aim is this: The intention of the teacher must be pure, his heart independent, his spirit attracted, his thought at peace, his resolution firm, his magnanimity exalted and in the love of God a shining torch. Should he become as such, his sanctified breath will even affect the rock; otherwise there will be no result whatsoever. 
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)

We shouldn't allow anything to “intervene” between us and God

From: Daily Verses of God

Should a man wish to adorn himself with the ornaments of the earth, to wear its apparels, or partake of the benefits it can bestow, no harm can befall him, if he alloweth nothing whatever to intervene between him and God, for God hath ordained every good thing, whether created in the heavens or in the earth, for such of His servants as truly believe in Him. Eat ye, O people, of the good things which God hath allowed you, and deprive not yourselves from His wondrous bounties. Render thanks and praise unto Him, and be of them that are truly thankful.  
(Baha’u’llah,’ Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Conservation of the Earth's Resources)

Ridvan 1965: Message from the Universal House of Justice

From: Messages to the Baha’i World Community – by the Universal House of Justice

Ridvan 1965

The Bahá'ís of the world

Dearly loved friends,

The tide of victory which carried the Bahá'í World community to the celebrations of the Most Great Jubilee is still rising. A ceaseless shower of divine confirmation rains upon our efforts, its evidences apparent in the many noteworthy achievements of the few brief months since the launching of the Nine Year Plan. The most spectacular of these is the increase in the number of centres where Bahá'ís reside from fifteen thousand one hundred and sixty-eight at Ridvan 1964 to twenty-one thousand and six at the present time, an increase of nearly six thousand in one year. No less remarkable is the progress of the teaching work in India where the number of believers now exceeds a hundred and forty thousand, an increase of more than thirty thousand since Ridvan 1964. Pioneers are moving to those few remaining territories of the earth as yet un-illumined by the light of God's new Revelation; "the vast increase" in the size of the Cause, called for at the launching of the Plan, appears to be developing, while in country after country the institutions and endowments of the Faith are being steadily and firmly established.

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Fujita, Saichiro: (1886-1976)

From: Baha’i Biographical Notes

He was a young Japanese man who became a Baha’i in Oakland, California, in 1905, the second Japanese in the world to accept the Faith. He was invited by ‘Abdu'l-Baha to travel with His entourage to California from Chicago. For a time he lived with the family of Corinne True and in 1919 was invited to serve ‘Abdu’l-Baha in the Holy Land.  He served the Master and afterwards Shoghi Effendi until 1938, when he went to Japan for the duration of the second world war. In 1955 he returned to the Holy Land where he served Shoghi Effendi and then the Hands of the Cause and the Universal House of Justice.

1910: Some of the Baha'is of Mandalay, Burma

From: Worldwide Community of Baha’u’llah

1910: Some of the Baha'is of Mandalay, Burma with Charles Mason Remey (left) and Howard Struven (right)

Professor E.G. Browne’s view of the Advent of the Báb

From: Baha’i Points of Interest

"I am very anxious to get as accurate an account of all the details connected with the [faith of the Báb] as possible, for in my eyes the whole [story] seems one of the most interesting and important events that has occurred since the rise of Christianity -- and I feel it my duty, as well as my pleasure, to try as far as in me lies to bring the matter to the notice of my countrymen -- for suppose anyone could tell us more about the childhood and early life and appearance of Christ, for instance, how glad we should be to know it. Now it is impossible to find out much -- but in the case of the Báb it is possible -- So let us earn the thanks of posterity, and provide against that day now." 
(E.G. Browne of Cambridge University, quoted in The Chosen Highway)

November 26th – Day of the Covenant

From: Baha’i Historical Facts

The believers in the West, at the time of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, wanted to commemorate His birthday that took place on the same day that the Bab declared His Mission. ‘Abdu'l-Bahá, however, didn’t approve of this and told them that this day was not, under any circumstances, to be celebrated as His day of birth and that it should be exclusively associated with the Bab. But as the Bahá'ís begged for a day to be celebrated as His, He gave them November 26th, to be observed as the day of the appointment of the Centre of the Covenant. It was known as Jashn-i-A'zam (The Greatest Festival), because He was Ghusn-i-A'zam -- the Greatest Branch. In the West it is known as the Day of the Covenant. 
(Adapted from the book, The Centre of the Covenant by Hand of the Cause Balyuzi)

Early Christians – “their hearts were pure and attracted by the fires of the Divine Spirit…”

From: Christian Themes in Baha’i Literature

Jesus Christ gave His life upon the cross for the unity of mankind. Those who believed in Him likewise sacrificed life, honor, possessions, family, everything, that this human world might be released from the hell of discord, enmity and strife. His foundation was the oneness of humanity. Only a few were attracted to Him. They were not the kings and rulers of His time. They were not rich and important people. Some of them were catchers of fish. Most of them were ignorant men, not trained in the knowledge of this world. One of the greatest of them, Peter, could not remember the days of the week. All of them were men of the least consequence in the eyes of the world. But their hearts were pure and attracted by the fires of the Divine Spirit manifested in Christ. With this small army Christ conquered the world of the East and the West. Kings and nations rose against Him. Philosophers and the greatest men of learning assailed and blasphemed His Cause. All were defeated and overcome, their tongues silenced, their lamps extinguished, their hatred quenched; no trace of them now remains. They have become as nonexistent, while His Kingdom is triumphant and eternal. 
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace’)

We need material, human and spiritual education

From: Teachings of the Baha’i Faith

"The primary, the most urgent requirement is the promotion of education. It is inconceivable that any nation should achieve prosperity and success unless this paramount, this fundamental concern is carried forward. The principal reason for the decline and fall of peoples is ignorance."
(Abdu'l-Baha, ‘The Secret of Divine Civilization’) 

"… education is of three kinds: material, human and spiritual. Material education is concerned with the progress and development of the body, through gaining its sustenance, its material comfort and ease. This education is common to animals and man. Human education signifies civilization and progress -- that is to say, government, administration, charitable works, trades, arts and handicrafts, sciences, great inventions and discoveries and elaborate institutions, which are the activities essential to man as distinguished from the animal. Divine education is that of the Kingdom of God: it consists in acquiring divine perfections, and this is true education; for in this state man becomes the focus of divine blessings, the manifestation of the words, 'Let Us make man in Our image, and after Our likeness.'[Genesis. 1:26] This is the goal of the world of humanity." 
(‘Abdu'l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)

New York, 1912: Being alone with ‘Abdu’l-Baha -- by Howard Colby Ives

From: Vignettes about ‘Abdu’l-Baha

Before nine o'clock in the morning I was there, which meant; since I lived some distance from New York, an early start indeed. Already the large reception room was well filled. Evidently others also were conscious of a similar urge. I wondered if they too felt, as I, a burning in the breast. 

I remember as if it were yesterday the scene and my impressions. I did not want to talk to anyone. In fact I would not. I withdrew to the window overlooking Broadway and turned my back upon them all. Below me stretched the great city but I saw it not. What was it all about? Why was I here? What did I expect from the coming interview: indeed how did I know there was to be any interview at all? I had no appointment. Plainly all those other folk had come expecting to see and talk with Him. Why should I expect any attention from such an eminent personage? 

So I was somewhat withdrawn from the others when my attention was attracted by a rustling throughout the room. A door was opening far across from me and a group was emerging and 'Abdu'l-Baha appeared saying farewell. None had any eyes save for Him. Again I had the impression of a unique dignity and courtesy and love. The morning sunlight flooded the room to center on His robe. His fez was slightly tilted and as I gazed, His hand, with a gesture, evidently characteristic, raised and, touching, restored it to its proper place. His eyes met mine as my fascinated glance was on Him. He smiled and, with a gesture which no word but "lordly" can describe, He beckoned me. Startled gives no hint of my sensations. Something incredible had happened. Why to me, a stranger unknown, unheard of, should He raise that friendly hand? I glanced around. Surely it was to someone else that gesture was addressed, those eyes were smiling! But there was no one near and again I looked and again He beckoned and such understanding love enveloped me that even at that distance and with a heart still cold a thrill ran through me as if a breeze from a divine morning hadtouched my brow! 

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Mustafa Baghdadi -- father of Zia Baghdadi

From: We are Baha’is

Mustafa Baghdadi lived for many years In Beirut, Syria. He was one of the earliest followers of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. He provided countless services for the Faith. Throughout his life he was firm and full of zeal. His house was at the disposal of all pilgrims and his services to them were invaluable. Many of the American friends, passing through Beirut to visit ‘Abdul-Bahá in Akka and Haifa, bear testimony to the nobility of his spirit and the strength of his character. All loved and revered him and looked up to him as one of the spiritual souls of the earlier days. His winsome manner and gentleness of heart attracted all those who came in contact with him and carried away the sweet fragrance of his life. He had three sons, Hussein Ighbal, Ali Ehsan and Zia Baghdadi, who studied sciences and were active servants in the Cause. Zia Baghadi was loved and respected by all the American friends for his earnestness and enthusiasm. He studied medicine in the US and assisted with the Persian section of the Star of the West magazine. 
(Adapted from the Stat of the West, vol. 1, no. 17, Jan. 19, 1911)

O ye Spiritual Friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha!

From: Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Star of the West

O ye Spiritual Friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha!

He is God!

How long are ye silent and speechless! Although ye are speaking, yet in this age the speech of the believers of God must be the soul entrancing melody of the Kingdom of ABHA and the harmony of the Supreme Concourse! Therefore 'Abdu'l-Baha is not satisfied with a meek voice and depressing lamentation! He seeks the passionate tumult and joyous clamor and he roars and cries at the top of his voice so that the realities of things may stir into movement and action and the Beloved of Bounty unveil her Countenance in the world of creation! Those friends must, like unto the stars in heaven, shine and gleam in the horizon of Truth with the Light of Guidance so that the realities of the existent beings and the spirit of humankind may find joy and happiness! 

Upon ye be greeting and praise!  

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas 

(Star of the West, vol. 1. No. 5, June5, 1910)

Vastness of next world compared to this world

From: Human Soul and Its Eternal Journey

The world beyond is as different from this world as this world is different from that of the child while still in the womb of its mother. 
(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah)

'Abdu'l-Baha walking near the Holy Tomb

From: ‘Abdu’l-Baha in the Holy Land

‘Abdu’l-Baha walking near the Holy Tomb, midsummer 1919

How to become a “divine physician”

From: Counsels and Explanations by ‘Abdu’l-Baha – Daily Readings

If in this day a soul shall act according to the precepts and the counsels of God, he will serve as a divine physician to mankind, and like the trump of Israfil,[1] he will call the dead of this contingent world to life; for the confirmations of the Abha Realm are never interrupted, and such a virtuous soul hath, to befriend him, the unfailing help of the Company on high. Thus shall a sorry gnat become an eagle in the fulness of his strength, and a feeble sparrow change to a royal falcon in the heights of ancient glory. 
(‘Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha)

[1] Believed to be the angel appointed to sound the trumpet on the Day of Resurrection to raise the dead at the bidding of the Lord.

October 1933: Keith Ransom-Kehler dies in Isfahan, Iran

From: Baha’i Calendar – this month in history

Keith Ransom-Kehler died on 23^rd October 1933. (Baha’i News, November 1933) Born in 1876, Keith became aBaha’i in 1921, and after the death of her second husband in 1923 became increasingly active as a Baha’i speaker and teacher. In 1929 she travelled to the Caribbean, and in 1930 began an extensive world tourto promote the Faith. Shoghi invited her to Haifa in 1932, and gave her a special mission to go to Iran on behalf of the American National Spiritual Assembly to petition the shah to ease or lift the restrictions onthe Baha'is. She stayed in Iran for over a year, but her efforts were unavailing. Exhausted and in poor health she eventually succumbed to smallpox, and was buried in Isfahan, Iran, near to the graves of theKing and Beloved martyrs. Shoghi Effendi named her posthumously as a Hand of the Cause, and as thefirst American to have the spiritual station of a martyr. 
(Adapted from A Concise Encyclopedia of the Baha’i Faith) 

(Please visit Baha’i Heroes and Heroines for a brief description of her life)

Quiz 9

From: Baha’i Knowledge Hunt

• What name did Baha’u’llah assume when He retired to the mountainous region of Sulaymaniyyih near Baghdad?    Answer

• While in the Black Pit dungeon Baha’u’llah gave something of His own to a Babi believer who was going to be executed. What was it?    Answer 

• Which part of Persia (Iran) did Baha’u’llah’s family come from – North, South, East, West?    Answer 

• This spiritual autobiography book called Portals to Freedom was written by this believer who met ‘Abdu’l-Baha in New York in 1912.    Answer 

• While still a child, what was the event at His older brother’s wedding that had a profound effect on Baha’u’llah?    Answer 

• Can you mention the name of the most learned Jewish divine who pronounced death sentence against Jesus?    Answer 

• How old was Shoghi Effendi when he became the Guardian of the Baha’i Faith?    Answer

Teaching the Cause

From: Vision and Insight – daily gems

... become ye sanctified above and purified from this world and the inhabitants thereof; suffer your intention to become for the good of all; cut your attachment to the earth and like unto the essence of the spirit become ye light and delicate. Then with a firm resolution, a pure heart, a rejoiced spirit, and an eloquent tongue, engage your time in the promulgation of the divine principles... 
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá,  ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)

The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice - a talk by Ali Nakhjavani

From: Baha’i Talks, Messages and Articles

(Transcript of a talk as part of six talks given during a week-long course in February of 2004 on the “World Order of Baha'u'llah”. The event was sponsored by the NSA of Italy. The notes also include questions raised by the participants and Mr. Nakhjavani’s answers. This text, excluding the quotations section, was published in 2005 under the title "Towards World Order". A chapter on “The Covenant” was added in the 2007 edition.)

On October 18th 1927, referring to the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly, Shoghi Effendi wrote the following addressing that National Assembly: "You can but faintly imagine how comforting a stimulant and how helpful a guide its publication and circulation will be to those patient and toiling workers in Eastern lands... You can hardly realise how substantially it would contribute to pave the way for the elaboration of the beginnings of the constitution of the worldwide Bahá'í Community that will form the permanent basis upon which the blest and sanctified edifice of the first International House of Justice will securely rest and flourish."- (BA p.143). In a letter referring to the same subject, addressed to the Bahá'ís in Iran, Shoghi Effendi referred to the need for the Persian National Assembly to have its own constitution, and pointed out that the constitution of National Assemblies is the Greater Law of God's Holy Faith, while the constitution of the Universal House of Justice is its Most Great Law. In 1934, when he wrote his "Dispensation", Shoghi Effendi once again referred to the future constitution of the Supreme Body of the Faith.

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