Baha\'i World Faith
\' >> \'Abdu\'l Baha >> Baha\'i World Faithby 'Abdu'l-Baha
Edition 1, (September 2006)
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CONTENTS
Baha'i Terms of Use
Baha'i World Faith
CHAPTER SIX: THE FAITH OF BAHA'U'LLAH
MANKIND IS IN DANGER
I HAVE COME WITH THIS MISSION
THE BLESSED PERFECTION, BAHA'U'LLAH
RELIGION IS PROGRESSIVE
THIS RADIANT CENTURY
THE MOST GREAT PEACE
MAN AND NATURE
SCIENCE AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
TEACHINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH
THE EDUCATORS OF MANKIND
THE DIVINE STANDARD OF KNOWLEDGE
THE SUN OF REALITY
THE SOURCE OF UNITY
THE QUICKENING SPIRIT
SPIRITUAL EXISTENCE IS IMMORTALITY
RACE UNITY, ASSURANCE OF WORLD PEACE
RELIGION AND CIVILIZATION
INDUSTRIAL JUSTICE
UNIVERSAL PEACE
CHAPTER SEVEN: SOUL, MIND AND SPIRIT
THE ORIGIN OF MAN
MODIFICATION OF SPECIES
THE KINGDOM OF MAN
MAN AND EVOLUTION
SPIRITUAL NATURE OF MAN
MAN'S INNATE POWERS
THE SPIRIT IN THE BODY
MAN'S RELATION TO GOD
SOUL, MIND AND SPIRIT
FIVE PHYSICAL AND FIVE SPIRITUAL POWERS
INNATE, INHERITED AND ACQUIRED CHARACTER
MAN'S KNOWLEDGE OF GOD
THE IMMORTALITY OF THE SPIRIT
PERFECTION IS ENDLESS
THE EVOLUTION OF MAN IN THE OTHER WORLD
PROGRESS AFTER DEATH
TABLET ON PURITY
GOD AND THE UNIVERSE
CHAPTER EIGHT: THE LOOM OF REALITY
HIS DEATHLESS SPLENDOR
THE NEW HEAVEN, THE NEW EARTH
SPIRITUAL SPRING
SERVE THE KINGDOM
FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY
HERALDS OF HIS NAME
THE WORLD IS INFIRM
THE COVENANT
RACE UNITY
THE FIRE OF THE LOVE OF GOD
YE ARE THE ANGELS
REALITY OF THANKSGIVING
THE STRAIGHT PATH
CUT THYSELF FROM THE WORLD
ARISE WITH GREAT POWER
DIVINE ASSISTANCE
PROOF OF NOBILITY
THE SOURCE OF LOVE
OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTIVE FAITH
SPIRITUAL CAPACITY
THE BELOVED OF GOD
IF ONE POSSESSES THE LOVE OF GOD
THE MAGNET OF THE KINGDOM
THE ENCOMPASSING SPIRIT
SOULS ARE LIKE MIRRORS
THE WORLD OF VISION
PRAYER IS INDISPENSABLE
TURN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
THE INTERMEDIARY
THE SPIRIT OF FAITH
TRIALS A GIFT FROM GOD
THE MYSTERY OF SUFFERING
BAHA'I MARRIAGE
KINDNESS TO ANIMALS
ECONOMY A GREAT TREASURE
MEANS OF LIVELIHOOD
SOCIALISM
TWO METHODS OF HEALING
IF THOU DESIREST HEALTH
DUTY TO ATTAIN SCIENCE
WORK IS WORSHIP
SCIENCE AS WORSHIP
MUSIC
SEVERANCE FROM THIS WORLD
CONSOLATION OF OUR HEARTS
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE KINGDOM
THE UNKNOWABLE ESSENCE
FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE
KNOWLEDGE AND DEEDS
TRAINING OF CHILDREN
SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE ENLIGHTENED SOUL
ETERNAL SOVEREIGNTY
CONFIRMATION AND ASSISTANCE
THIS WORLD A MIRAGE
PROTECTION OF THE BAHA'IS
THE RETURN OF CHRIST
ETERNAL LIFE
SPREADERS OF CALUMNY
THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST
SALVATION
THE SPIRITUAL CHURCH
THE SUPPER OF THE LORD
UNDERSTANDING THE MYSTERIES
REINCARNATION
THIS GLAD-TIDINGS
CONSIDER THE PAST
THIS BRANCH WILL ASCEND
AFTER THIS STORM
THE CENTER
MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL EDUCATION
CHAPTER NINE: THE DIVINE PLAN
THE CAUSE OF BAHA'U'LLAH
THE COMMUNITY OF THE GREATEST NAME
GOD LOVETH THOSE WHO WORK IN GROUPS
THE DIVINE SHEPHERD
THE FUNDAMENTAL AIM
THIS MEETING IS BLESSED
THE SPIRITUAL ELECTION
THE HOUSE OF JUSTICE
OBEDIENCE TO THE ASSEMBLY
'ABDU'L-BAHA IS PRESENT
THE CENTER OF DECISION
THE BASIS OF UNION
THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
MERCY AND JUSTICE
INTER-ASSEMBLY UNION
THE MASHRIQU'L-ADHKAR
THE COLLECTIVE CENTER OF THE KINGDOM
BAHA'U'LLAH THE LORD OF HOSTS
THE MASTER'S LAST TABLET TO AMERICA
EXCERPTS FROM THE WILL AND TESTAMENT OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA
BAHA'I WORLD FAITH
Selected Writings of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha ('Abdu'l-Baha's Section
Only)
CHAPTER SIX: THE FAITH OF BAHA'U'LLAH
MANKIND IS IN DANGER
O people of the world!
The dawn of the Sun of Reality is assuredly for the illumination of the
world and for the manifestation of mercy. In the assemblage of the family
of Adam results and fruits are praiseworthy, and the holy bestowals of
every bounty are abundant. It is an absolute mercy and a complete bounty,
the illumination of the world, fellowship and harmony, love and union;
nay, rather, mercifulness and oneness, the elimination of discord and the
unity of whosoever are on the earth in the utmost of freedom and dignity.
The Blessed Beauty said: "All are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of
one branch." He likened the world of existence to one tree and all the
souls to leaves, blossoms and fruits. Therefore all the branches, leaves,
blossoms and fruits must be in the utmost of freshness, and the bringing
about of this delicacy and sweetness depends upon union and fellowship.
Therefore they must assist each other with all their power and seek
everlasting life. Thus the friends of God must manifest the mercy of the
Compassionate Lord in the world of existence and must show forth the
bounty of the visible and invisible King. They must purify their sight,
and look upon mankind as the leaves, blossoms and fruits of the tree of
creation, and must always be thinking of doing good to someone, of love,
consideration, affection and assistance to somebody. They must see no
enemy and count no one as an ill wisher. They must consider every one on
the earth as a friend; regard the stranger as an intimate, and the alien
as a companion. They must not be bound by any tie, nay, rather, they
should be free from every bond. In this day the one who is favored in the
threshold of grandeur is the one who offers the cup of faithfulness and
bestows the pearl of gift to the enemies, even to the fallen oppressor,
lends a helping hand, and considers every bitter foe as an affectionate
friend.
These are the commands of the Blessed Beauty, these are the counsels of
the Greatest Name. O ye dear friends! The world is engaged in war and
struggle, and mankind is in the utmost conflict and danger. The darkness
of unfaithfulness has enshrouded the earth and the illumination of
faithfulness has become concealed. All nations and tribes of the world
have sharpened their claws and are warring and fighting with each other.
The edifice of man is shattered. Thousands of families are wandering
disconsolate. Thousands of souls are besmeared with dust and blood in the
arena of battle and struggle every year, and the tent of happiness and
life is overthrown. The prominent men become commanders and boast of
bloodshed, and glory in destruction. One says: "I have severed with my
sword the necks of a nation," and one: "I have levelled a kingdom to the
dust"; and another: "I have overthrown the foundation of a government."
This is the pivot around which the pride and glory of mankind are
revolving. In all regions friendship and uprightness are denounced and
reconciliation and regard for truth are despised. The herald of peace,
reformation, love and reconciliation is the Religion of the Blessed Beauty
which has pitched its tent on the apex of the world and proclaimed its
summons to the people.
Then, O ye friends of God! Appreciate the value of this precious
Revelation, move and act in accordance with it and walk in the straight
path and the right way. Show it to the people. Raise the melody of the
Kingdom and spread abroad the teachings and ordinances of the loving Lord
so that the world may become another world, the darkened earth may become
illumined and the dead body of the people may obtain new life. Every soul
may seek everlasting life through the breath of the Merciful. Life in this
mortal world will quickly come to an end, and this earthly glory, wealth,
comfort and happiness will soon vanish and be no more. Summon ye the
people to God and call the souls to the manners and conduct of the Supreme
Concourse. To the orphans be ye kind fathers, and to the unfortunate a
refuge and shelter. To the poor be a treasure of wealth, and to the sick a
remedy and healing. Be a helper of every oppressed one, the protector of
every destitute one, be ye ever mindful to serve any soul of mankind.
Attach no importance to self-seeking, rejection, arrogance, oppression and
enmity. Heed them not. Deal in the contrary way. Be kind in truth, not
only in appearance and outwardly. Every soul of the friends of God must
concentrate his mind on this, that he may manifest the mercy of God and
the bounty of the Forgiving One. He must do good to every soul whom he
encounters, and render benefit to him, becoming the cause of improving the
morals and correcting the thoughts so that the light of guidance may shine
forth and the bounty of His Holiness the Merciful One may encompass. Love
is light in whatsoever house it may shine and enmity is darkness in
whatsoever abode it dwell.
O friends of God! Strive ye so that this darkness may be utterly dispelled
and the Hidden Mystery may be revealed and the realities of things made
evident and manifest.
I HAVE COME WITH THIS MISSION
I have come from distant lands to visit the meetings and assemblies of
this country. In every meeting I find people gathered loving each other;
therefore I am greatly pleased. The bond of union is evidenced in this
assembly today where the power of God has brought together in faith,
agreement and concord those who are engaged in furthering the development
of the human world. It is my hope that all mankind may become similarly
united in the bond and agreement of love. Unity is the expression of the
loving power of God and reflects the reality of divinity. It is
resplendent in this day through the bestowals of light upon humanity.
Throughout the universe the divine power is effulgent in endless images
and pictures. The world of creation, the world of humanity may be likened
to the earth itself and the divine power to the sun. This Sun has shone
upon all mankind. In the endless variety of its reflections the divine
will is manifested. Consider how all are recipients of the bounty of the
same Sun. At most the difference between them is that of degree, for the
effulgence is one effulgence, the one light emanating from the Sun. This
will express the oneness of the world of humanity. The body-politic or the
social unity of the human world may be likened to an ocean and each
member, each individual a wave upon that same ocean.
The light of the sun becomes apparent in each object according to the
capacity of that object. The difference is simply one of degree and
receptivity. The stone would be a recipient only to a limited extent;
another created thing might be as a mirror wherein the sun is fully
reflected; but the same light shines upon both.
The most important thing is to polish the mirrors of hearts in order that
they may become illumined and receptive of the divine light. One heart may
possess the capacity of the polished mirror; another be covered and
obscured by the dust and dross of this world. Although the same Sun is
shining upon both, in the mirror which is polished, pure and sanctified
you may behold the Sun in all its fullness, glory and power revealing its
majesty and effulgence, but in the mirror which is rusted and obscured
there is no capacity for reflection although so far as the Sun itself is
concerned it is shining thereon and is neither lessened nor deprived.
Therefore our duty lies in seeking to polish the mirrors of our hearts in
order that we shall become reflectors of that light and recipients of the
divine bounties which may be fully revealed through them.
This means the oneness of the world of humanity. That is to say, when this
human body-politic reaches a state of absolute unity, the effulgence of
the eternal Sun will make its fullest light and heat manifest. Therefore
we must not make distinctions between individual members of the human
family. We must not consider any soul as barren or deprived. Our duty lies
in educating souls so that the Sun of the bestowals of God shall become
resplendent in them, and this is possible through the power of the oneness
of humanity. The more love is expressed among mankind and the stronger the
power of unity, the greater will be this reflection and revelation, for
the greatest bestowal of God is love. Love is the source of all the
bestowals of God. Until love takes possession of the heart no other divine
bounty can be revealed in it.
All the prophets have striven to make love manifest in the hearts of men.
His Holiness Jesus Christ sought to create this love in the hearts. He
suffered all difficulties and ordeals that perchance the human heart might
become the fountain-source of love. Therefore we must strive with all our
heart and soul that this love may take possession of us so that all
humanity whether it be in the east or in the west may be connected through
the bond of this divine affection; for we are all the waves of one sea; we
have come into being through the same bestowal and are recipients from the
same center. The lights of earth are all acceptable, but the center of
effulgence is the sun and we must direct our gaze to the sun. God is the
supreme center. The more we turn toward this center of light, the greater
will be our capacity.
In the Orient there were great differences among races and peoples. They
hated each other and there was no association among them. Various and
divergent sects were hostile, irreconcilable. The different races were in
constant war and conflict. About sixty years ago Baha'u'llah appeared upon
the eastern horizon. He caused love and unity to become manifest among
these antagonistic peoples. He united them with the bond of love; their
former hatred and animosity passed away; love and unity reigned instead.
It was a dark world; it became radiant. A new springtime appeared through
him, for the Sun of Truth had risen again. In the fields and meadows of
human hearts variegated flowers of inner significance were blooming and
the good fruits of the kingdom of God became manifest.
I have come here with this mission; that through your endeavors, through
your heavenly morals, through your devoted efforts a perfect bond of unity
and love may be established between the east and the west, so that the
bestowals of God may descend upon all and that all may be seen to be the
parts of the same tree,--the great tree of the human family. For mankind
may be likened to the branches, leaves, blossoms and fruit of that tree.
The favors of God are unending, limitless. Infinite bounties have
encompassed the world. We must emulate the bounties of God, and just as
each one of them--the bounty of life for instance--surrounds and encompasses
all, so likewise must we be connected and blended together until each part
shall become the expression of the whole.
Consider; we plant a seed. A complete and perfect tree appears from it,
and from each seed of this tree another tree can be produced. Therefore
the part is expressive of the whole, for this seed was a part of the tree,
but therein potentially was the whole tree. So each one of us may become
expressive or representative of all the bounties of life to mankind. This
is the unity of the world of humanity. This is the bestowal of God. This
is the felicity of the human world and this is the manifestation of the
divine favor.
THE BLESSED PERFECTION, BAHA'U'LLAH
The Blessed Perfection Baha'u'llah belonged to the royal family of Iran.
From earliest childhood He was distinguished among His relatives and
friends. They said: "This child has extraordinary power." In wisdom,
intelligence and as a source of new knowledge He was advanced beyond His
age and superior to His surroundings. All who knew Him were astonished at
his precocity. It was usual for them to say: "Such a child will not live,"
for it is commonly believed that precocious children do not reach
maturity. During the period of youth the Blessed Perfection did not enter
school. He was not willing to be taught. This fact is well established
among the Iranians of Tihran. Nevertheless He was capable of solving the
difficult problems of all who came to Him. In whatever meeting, scientific
assembly or theological discussion He was found, He became the authority
of explanation upon intricate and abstruse questions presented.
Until His father passed away Baha'u'llah did not seek position or
political station notwithstanding His connection with the government. This
occasioned surprise and comment. It was frequently said: "How is it that a
young man of such keen intelligence and subtle perception does not seek
lucrative appointments? As a matter of fact every position is open to
him." This is a historical statement fully attested by the people of Iran.
He was most generous, giving abundantly to the poor. None who came to Him
were turned away. The doors of His house were open to all. He always had
many guests. This unbounded generosity was conducive to greater
astonishment from the fact that He sought neither position nor prominence.
In commenting upon this His friends said He would become impoverished, for
His expenses were many and His wealth becoming more and more limited. "Why
is he not thinking of his own affairs?", they inquired of each other; but
some who were wise declared: "This personage is connected with another
world; he has something sublime within him that is not evident now; the
day is coming when it will be manifested." In truth the Blessed Perfection
was a refuge for every weak one, a shelter for every fearing one, kind to
every indigent one, lenient and loving to all creatures.
He became well known in regard to these qualities before His Holiness the
Bab appeared. Then Baha'u'llah declared the Bab's mission to be true and
promulgated His teachings. The Bab announced that the greater
manifestation would take place after Him and called the promised one: "Him
whom God would manifest," saying that nine years later the reality of His
own mission would become apparent. In His writings He stated that in the
ninth year this expected one would be known; in the ninth year they would
attain to all glory and felicity; in the ninth year they would advance
rapidly. Between Baha'u'llah and the Bab there was communication
privately. The Bab wrote a letter containing three hundred and sixty
derivatives of the root "Baha." The Bab was martyred in Tabriz, and
Baha'u'llah exiled into Iraq-Arabie in 1852, announced Himself in
Ba_gh_dad. For the Iranian Government had decided that as long as He
remained in Iran the peace of the country would be disturbed; therefore He
was exiled in the expectation that Iran would become quiet. His
banishment, however, produced the opposite effect. New tumult arose and
the mention of His greatness and influence spread everywhere throughout
the country. The proclamation of His manifestation and mission was made in
Ba_gh_dad. He called his friends together there and spoke to them of God.
Afterward He left the city and went alone into the mountains of Kurdistan
where He made his abode in caves and grottoes. A part of this time He
lived in the city of Sulimaniyye. Two years passed during which neither
His friends nor family knew just where He was.
Although solitary, secluded and unknown in His retirement, the report
spread throughout Kurdistan that this was a most remarkable and learned
personage gifted with a wonderful power of attraction. In a short time
Kurdistan was magnetized with His love. During this period Baha'u'llah
lived in poverty. His garments were those of the poor and needy. His food
was that of the indigent and lowly. An atmosphere of majesty haloed Him as
the sun at midday. Everywhere He was greatly revered and beloved.
After two years He returned to Ba_gh_dad. Friends He had known in
Sulimaniyye came to visit Him. They found Him in his accustomed
environment of ease and affluence and were astonished at the appointments
of one who had lived in seclusion under such frugal conditions in
Kurdistan.
The Iranian government believed the banishment of the Blessed Perfection
from Iran would be the extermination of His Cause in that country. These
rulers now realized that it spread more rapidly. His prestige increased,
His teachings became more widely circulated. The chiefs of Iran then used
their influence to have Baha'u'llah exiled from Ba_gh_dad. He was summoned
to Constantinople by the Turkish authorities. While in Constantinople He
ignored every restriction, especially the hostility of ministers of state
and clergy. The official representatives of Iran again brought their
influence to bear upon the Turkish authorities and succeeded in having
Baha'u'llah banished from Constantinople to Adrianople, the object being
to keep Him as far away as possible from Iran and render His communication
with that country more difficult. Nevertheless the Cause still spread and
strengthened.
Finally they consulted together and said: "We have banished Baha'u'llah
from place to place but each time he is exiled his cause is more widely
extended, his proclamation increases in power and day by day his lamp is
becoming brighter. This is due to the fact that we have exiled him to
large cities and populous centers. Therefore we will send him to a penal
colony as a prisoner so that all may know he is the associate of
murderers, robbers and criminals; in a short time he and his followers
will perish." The sultan of Turkey then banished Him to the prison of Akka
in Syria.
When Baha'u'llah arrived at Akka, through the power of God He was able to
hoist His banner. His light at first had been a star; now it became a
mighty sun and the illumination of His Cause expanded from the east to the
west. Inside prison walls He wrote epistles to all the kings and rulers of
nations summoning them to arbitration and Universal Peace. Some of the
kings received His words with disdain and contempt. One of these was the
sultan of the Ottoman kingdom. Napoleon III of France did not reply. A
second epistle was addressed to him. It stated: "I have written you an
epistle before this, summoning you to the cause of God but you are of the
heedless. You have proclaimed that you were the defender of the oppressed;
now it hath become evident that you are not. Nor are you kind to your own
suffering and oppressed people. Your actions are contrary to your own
interests and your kingly pride must fall. Because of your arrogance God
shortly will destroy your sovereignty. France will flee away from you and
you will be overwhelmed by a great conquest. There will be lamentation and
mourning, women bemoaning the loss of their sons." This arraignment of
Napoleon III was published and spread.
Read it and consider: One prisoner, single and solitary, without assistant
or defender, a foreigner and stranger imprisoned in the fortress of Akka
writing such letters to the emperor of France and sultan of Turkey.
Reflect upon this how Baha'u'llah upraised the standard of His Cause in
prison. Refer to history. It is without parallel. No such thing has
happened before that time nor since; a prisoner and an exile advancing His
Cause and spreading His teachings broadcast so that eventually He became
powerful enough to conquer the very king who banished Him.
His Cause spread more and more. The Blessed Perfection was a prisoner
twenty-five years. During all this time He was subjected to the
indignities and revilement of the people. He was persecuted, mocked and
put in chains. In Iran His properties were pillaged and His possessions
confiscated. First, banishment from Iran to Ba_gh_dad; then to
Constantinople; then Adrianople; finally from Roumelia to the prison
fortress of Akka.
During His lifetime He was intensely active. His energy was unlimited.
Scarcely one night was passed in restful sleep. He bore these ordeals,
suffered these calamities and difficulties in order that a manifestation
of selflessness and service might become apparent in the world of
humanity; that the Most Great Peace should become a reality; that human
souls might appear as the angels of heaven; that heavenly miracles would
be wrought among men; that human faith should be strengthened and
perfected; that the precious, priceless bestowal of God, the human mind,
might be developed to its fullest capacity in the temple of the body; and
man become the reflection and likeness of God, even as it hath been
revealed in the Bible: "We shall create man in Our own image."