Tablets of the Divine Plan
\' >> \'Abdu\'l Baha >> Tablets of the Divine Planby 'Abdu'l-Baha
Edition 1, (/September 2006)
BAHA'I TERMS OF USE
You have permission to freely make and use copies of the text and any
other information ("Content") available on this Site including printing,
emailing, posting, distributing, copying, downloading, uploading,
transmitting, displaying the Content in whole or in part subject to the
following:
1. Our copyright notice and the source reference must be attached to the
Content;
2. The Content may not be modified or altered in any way except to change
the font or appearance;
3. The Content must be used solely for a non-commercial purpose.
Although this blanket permission to reproduce the Content is given freely
such that no special permission is required, the Baha'i International
Community retains full copyright protection for all Content included at
this Site under all applicable national and international laws.
For permission to publish, transmit, display or otherwise use the Content
for any commercial purpose, please contact us
(http://reference.bahai.org/en/contact.html).
CONTENTS
Baha'i Terms of Use
1: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE NORTHEASTERN STATES
2: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE SOUTHERN STATES
3: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE CENTRAL STATES
4: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE WESTERN STATES
5: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF CANADA AND GREENLAND
6: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
7: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
8: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
9: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE NORTHEASTERN STATES
10: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE SOUTHERN STATES
11: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE CENTRAL STATES
12: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE WESTERN STATES
13: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF CANADA AND GREENLAND
14: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
1: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE NORTHEASTERN STATES
_Revealed on March 26, 1916, in 'Abdu'l-Baha's room at the house in Bahji,
addressed to the Baha'is of nine Northeastern States of the United States:
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. _
1 O ye heavenly heralds:
2 These are the days of Naw-Ruz. I am always thinking of those kind
friends! I beg for each and all of you confirmations and assistance from
the threshold of oneness, so that those gatherings may become ignited like
unto candles, in the republics of America, enkindling the light of the
love of God in the hearts; thus the rays of the heavenly teachings may
begem and brighten the states of America like the infinitude of immensity
with the stars of the Most Great Guidance.
3 The Northeastern States on the shores of the Atlantic--Maine, New
Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York--in some of these states believers
are found, but in some of the cities of these states up to this date
people are not yet illumined with the lights of the Kingdom and are not
aware of the heavenly teachings; therefore, whenever it is possible for
each one of you, hasten ye to those cities and shine forth like unto the
stars with the light of the Most Great Guidance. God says in the glorious
Qur'an: "The soil was black and dried. Then we caused the rain to descend
upon it and immediately it became green, verdant, and every kind of plant
sprouted up luxuriantly."(1) In other words, He says the earth is black,
but when the spring showers descend upon it that black soil is quickened,
and variegated flowers are pushed forth. This means the souls of humanity
belonging to the world of nature are black like unto the soil. But when
the heavenly outpourings descend and the radiant effulgences appear, the
hearts are resuscitated, are liberated from the darkness of nature and the
flowers of divine mysteries grow and become luxuriant. Consequently man
must become the cause of the illumination of the world of humanity and
propagate the holy teachings revealed in the sacred books through the
divine inspiration. It is stated in the blessed Gospel: Travel ye toward
the East and toward the West and enlighten the people with the light of
the Most Great Guidance, so that they may take a portion and share of
eternal life.(2) Praise be to God, that the Northeastern States are in the
utmost capacity. Because the ground is rich, the rain of the divine
outpouring is descending. Now you must become heavenly farmers and scatter
pure seeds in the prepared soil. The harvest of every other seed is
limited, but the bounty and the blessing of the seed of the divine
teachings is unlimited. Throughout the coming centuries and cycles many
harvests will be gathered. Consider the work of former generations. During
the lifetime of Jesus Christ the believing, firm souls were few and
numbered, but the heavenly blessings descended so plentifully that in a
number of years countless souls entered beneath the shadow of the Gospel.
God has said in the Qur'an: "One grain will bring forth seven sheaves, and
every sheaf shall contain one hundred grains."(3) In other words, one
grain will become seven hundred; and if God so wills He will double these
also. It has often happened that one blessed soul has become the cause of
the guidance of a nation. Now we must not consider our ability and
capacity, nay, rather, we must fix our gaze upon the favors and bounties
of God, in these days, Who has made of the drop a sea, and of the atom a
sun.
4 Upon you be greeting and praise!
2: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE SOUTHERN STATES
_Revealed on March 27, 1916, in the garden adjacent to the Shrine of
Baha'u'llah, addressed to the Baha'is of sixteen Southern States of the
United States: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi,
Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. _
1 O ye heralds of the Kingdom of God:
2 A few days ago an epistle was written to those divine believers, but
because these days are the days of Naw-Ruz, you have come to my mind and I
am sending you this greeting for this glorious feast. All the days are
blessed, but this feast is the national fete of Persia. The Persians have
been holding it for several thousand years past. In reality every day
which man passes in the mention of God, the diffusion of the fragrances of
God and calling the people to the Kingdom of God, that day is his feast.
Praise be to God that you are occupied in the service of the Kingdom of
God and are engaged in the promulgation of the religion of God by day and
by night. Therefore all your days are feast days. There is no doubt that
the assistance and the bestowal of God shall descend upon you.
3 In the Southern States of the United States, the friends are few, that
is, in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Consequently you must either go
yourselves or send a number of blessed souls to those states, so that they
may guide the people to the Kingdom of Heaven. One of the holy
Manifestations, addressing a believing soul, has said that, if a person
become the cause of the illumination of one soul, it is better than a
boundless treasury. "O 'Ali! If God guide, through thee, one soul, it is
better for thee than all the riches!" Again He says, "Direct us to the
straight path!"(4) that is, Show us the right road. It is also mentioned
in the Gospel: Travel ye to all parts of the world and give ye the glad
tidings of the appearance of the Kingdom of God.(5)
4 In brief, I hope you will display in this respect the greatest effort
and magnanimity. It is assured that you will become assisted and
confirmed. A person declaring the glad tidings of the appearance of the
realities and significances of the Kingdom is like unto a farmer who
scatters pure seeds in the rich soil. The spring cloud will pour upon them
the rain of bounty, and unquestionably the station of the farmer will be
raised in the estimation of the lord of the village, and many harvests
will be gathered.
5 Therefore, ye friends of God! Appreciate ye the value of this time and
be ye engaged in the sowing of the seeds, so that you may find the
heavenly blessing and the lordly bestowal. Upon you be Baha'u'l-Abha!
3: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE CENTRAL STATES
_Revealed on March 29, 1916, outside the house in Bahji, and addressed to
the Baha'is of twelve Central States of the United States: Michigan,
Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North
Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. _
1 O ye heavenly souls, O ye spiritual assemblies, O ye lordly meetings:
2 For some time past correspondence has been delayed, and this has been on
account of the difficulty of mailing and receiving letters. But because at
present a number of facilities are obtainable, therefore, I am engaged in
writing you this brief epistle so that my heart and soul may obtain joy
and fragrance through the remembrance of the friends. Continually this
wanderer supplicates and entreats at the threshold of His Holiness the One
and begs assistance, bounty and heavenly confirmations in behalf of the
believers. You are always in my thoughts. You are not nor shall you ever
be forgotten. I hope by the favor of His Holiness the Almighty that day by
day you may add to your faith, assurance, firmness and steadfastness, and
become instruments for the promotion of the holy fragrances.
3 Although in the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan and
Minnesota--praise be to God--believers are found who are associating with
each other in the utmost firmness and steadfastness--day and night they
have no other intention save the diffusion of the fragrances of God, they
have no other hope except the promotion of the heavenly teachings, like
the candles they are burning with the light of the love of God, and like
thankful birds are singing songs, spirit-imparting, joy-creating, in the
rose garden of the knowledge of God--yet in the states of Indiana, Iowa,
Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas few of the
believers exist. So far the summons of the Kingdom of God and the
proclamation of the oneness of the world of humanity has not been made in
these states systematically and enthusiastically. Blessed souls and
detached teachers have not traveled through these parts repeatedly;
therefore these states are still in a state of heedlessness. Through the
efforts of the friends of God souls must be likewise enkindled in these
states, with the fire of the love of God and attracted to the Kingdom of
God, so that section may also become illumined and the soul imparting
breeze of the rose garden of the Kingdom may perfume the nostrils of the
inhabitants. Therefore, if it is possible, send to those parts teachers
who are severed from all else save God, sanctified and pure. If these
teachers be in the utmost state of attraction, in a short time great
results will be forthcoming. The sons and daughters of the kingdom are
like unto the real farmers. Through whichever state or country they pass
they display self-sacrifice and sow divine seeds. From that seed harvests
are produced. On this subject it is revealed in the glorious Gospel: When
the pure seeds are scattered in the good ground heavenly blessing and
benediction is obtained.(6) I hope that you may become assisted and
confirmed, and never lose courage in the promotion of the divine
teachings. Day by day may you add to your effort, exertion, and
magnanimity.
4 Upon you be greeting and praise!
4: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE WESTERN STATES
_Revealed on April 1, 1916, in 'Abdu'l-Baha's room at the house in Bahji,
addressed to the Baha'is of eleven Western States of the United States:
New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, California, Wyoming, Utah, Montana,
Idaho, Oregon and Washington. _
1
_He is God!_
O ye sons and daughters of the Kingdom:
2 Day and night I have no other occupation than the remembrance of the
friends, praying from the depth of my heart in their behalf, begging for
them confirmation from the Kingdom of God and supplicating the direct
effect of the breaths of the Holy Spirit. I am hopeful from the favors of
His Highness the Lord of Bestowals, that the friends of God during such a
time may become the secret cause of the illumination of the hearts of
humanity, breathing the breath of life upon the spirits--whose praiseworthy
results may become conducive to the glory and exaltation of humankind
throughout all eternity. Although in some of the Western States, like
California, Oregon, Washington and Colorado, the fragrances of holiness
are diffused, numerous souls have taken a share and a portion from the
fountain of everlasting life, they have obtained heavenly benediction,
have drunk an overflowing cup from the wine of the love of God and have
hearkened to the melody of the Supreme Concourse--yet in the states of New
Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Arizona and Nevada, the lamp of the
love of God is not ignited in a befitting and behooving manner, and the
call of the Kingdom of God has not been raised. Now, if it is possible,
show ye an effort in this direction. Either travel yourselves, personally,
throughout those states or choose others and send them, so that they may
teach the souls. For the present those states are like unto dead bodies:
they must breathe into them the breath of life and bestow upon them a
heavenly spirit. Like unto the stars they must shine in that horizon and
thus the rays of the Sun of Reality may also illumine those states.
3 God says in the great Qur'an: "Verily God is the helper of those who
have believed. He will lead them from darkness into light."(7) This means:
God loves the believers, consequently He will deliver them from darkness
and bring them into the world of light.
4 It is also recorded in the blessed Gospel: Travel ye throughout the
world and call ye the people to the Kingdom of God.(8) Now this is the
time that you may arise and perform this most great service and become the
cause of the guidance of innumerable souls. Thus through this superhuman
service the rays of peace and conciliation may illumine and enlighten all
the regions and the world of humanity may find peace and composure.
5 During my stay in America I cried out in every meeting and summoned the
people to the propagation of the ideals of universal peace. I said plainly
that the continent of Europe had become like unto an arsenal and its
conflagration was dependent upon one spark, and that in the coming years,
or within two years, all that which is recorded in the Revelation of John
and the Book of Daniel would become fulfilled and come to pass. This
matter, in all probability, was published in the San Francisco Bulletin,
October 12, 1912. You may refer to it, so that the truth may become clear
and manifest; thus ye may fully realize that this is the time for the
diffusion of the fragrances.
6 The magnanimity of man must be heavenly or, in other words, it must be
assisted by the divine confirmation, so that he may become the cause of
the illumination of the world of humanity.
7 Upon you be greeting and praise!
5: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF CANADA AND GREENLAND
_Revealed on April 5, 1916, in the garden adjacent to the Shrine of
Baha'u'llah, and addressed to the Baha'is of Canada--Newfoundland, Prince
Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Manitoba,
Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Mackenzie, Keewatin, Ungava,
Franklin Islands--and Greenland. _
1
_He is God!_
O ye daughters and sons of the Kingdom:
2 Although in most of the states and cities of the United States, praise
be to God, His fragrances are diffused, and souls unnumbered are turning
their faces and advancing toward the Kingdom of God, yet in some of the
states the Standard of Unity is not yet upraised as it should be, nor are
the mysteries of the Holy Books, such as the Bible, the Gospel, and the
Qur'an, unraveled. Through the concerted efforts of all the friends the
Standard of Unity must needs be unfurled in those states, and the divine
teachings promoted, so that these states may also receive their portion of
the heavenly bestowals and a share of the Most Great Guidance. Likewise in
the provinces of Canada, such as Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova
Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta,
British Columbia, Ungava, Keewatin, Mackenzie, Yukon, and the Franklin
Islands in the Arctic Circle--the believers of God must become
self-sacrificing and like unto the candles of guidance become ignited in
the provinces of Canada. Should they show forth such a magnanimity, it is
assured that they will obtain universal divine confirmations, the heavenly
cohorts will reinforce them uninterruptedly, and a most great victory will
be obtained. God willing, the call of the Kingdom may reach the ears of
the Eskimos, the inhabitants of the Islands of Franklin in the north of
Canada, as well as Greenland. Should the fire of the love of God be
kindled in Greenland, all the ice of that country will be melted, and its
cold weather become temperate--that is, if the hearts be touched with the
heat of the love of God, that territory will become a divine rose garden
and a heavenly paradise, and the souls, even as fruitful trees, will
acquire the utmost freshness and beauty. Effort, the utmost effort, is
required. Should you display an effort, so that the fragrances of God may
be diffused among the Eskimos, its effect will be very great and
far-reaching. God says in the great Qur'an: A day will come wherein the
lights of unity will enlighten all the world. "The earth will be
irradiated with the light of its Lord."(9) In other words, the earth will
become illumined with the light of God. That light is the light of unity.
"There is no God but God." The continent and the islands of Eskimos are
also parts of this earth. They must similarly receive a portion of the
bestowals of the Most Great Guidance.
3 Upon you be greeting and praise!
6: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
_Revealed on April 8, 1916, in the garden outside the Shrine of
Baha'u'llah, and addressed to the Baha'is of the United States and Canada.
_
1
_He is God!_
O ye blessed souls:
2 I desire for you eternal success and prosperity and beg perfect
confirmation for each one in the divine world. My hope for you is that
each one may shine forth like unto the morning star from the horizon of
the world and in this Garden of God become a blessed tree, producing
everlasting fruits and results.
3 Therefore I direct you to that which is conducive to your heavenly
confirmation and illumination in the Kingdom of God!
4 It is this: Alaska is a vast country; although one of the maidservants
of the Merciful has hastened to those parts, serving as a librarian in the
public library, and according to her ability is not failing in teaching
the Cause, yet the call of the Kingdom of God is not yet raised through
that spacious territory.
5 His Holiness Christ says: Travel ye to the East and to the West of the
world and summon the people to the Kingdom of God.(10) Hence the mercy of
God must encompass all humanity. Therefore do ye not think it permissible
to leave that region deprived of the breezes of the Morn of Guidance.
Consequently, strive as far as ye are able to send to those parts fluent
speakers, who are detached from aught else save God, attracted with the
fragrances of God, and sanctified and purified from all desires and
temptations. Their sustenance and food must consist of the teachings of
God. First they must themselves live in accordance with those principles,
then guide the people. Perchance, God willing, the lights of the Most
Great Guidance will illuminate that country, and the breezes of the rose
garden of the love of God will perfume the nostrils of the inhabitants of
Alaska. Should you be aided to render such a service, rest ye assured that
your heads shall be crowned with the diadem of everlasting sovereignty,
and at the threshold of oneness you will become the favored and accepted
servants.
6 Likewise the republic of Mexico is very important. The majority of the
inhabitants of that country are devoted Catholics. They are totally
unaware of the reality of the Bible, the Gospel and the new divine
teachings. They do not know that the basis of the religions of God is one
and that the holy Manifestations are like unto the Sun of Truth, rising
from the different dawning-places. Those souls are submerged in the sea of
dogmas. If one breath of life be blown over them, great results will issue
therefrom. But it is better for those who intend to go to Mexico to teach,
to be familiar with the Spanish language.
7 Similarly, the six Central American republics, situated south of
Mexico--Guatemala, Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and
the seventh country Belize or British Honduras. The teachers going to
those parts must also be familiar with the Spanish language.
8 Attach great importance to the indigenous population of America. For
these souls may be likened unto the ancient inhabitants of the Arabian
Peninsula, who, prior to the Mission of Muhammad, were like unto savages.
When the light of Muhammad shone forth in their midst, however, they
became so radiant as to illumine the world. Likewise, these Indians,
should they be educated and guided, there can be no doubt that they will
become so illumined as to enlighten the whole world.
9 All the above countries have importance, but especially the Republic of
Panama, wherein the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans come together through the
Panama Canal. It is a center for travel and passage from America to other
continents of the world, and in the future it will gain most great
importance.
10 Likewise the islands of the West Indies, such as Cuba, Haiti, Puerto
Rico, Jamaica, the islands of the Lesser Antilles, Bahama Islands, even
the small Watling Island, have great importance; especially the two black
republics, Haiti and Santo Domingo, situated in the cluster of the Greater
Antilles. Likewise the cluster of the islands of Bermuda in the Atlantic
Ocean have importance.
11 In a similar way, the republics of the continent of South
America--Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, British Guiana, Dutch Guiana,
French Guiana, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela;
also the islands to the north, east and west of South America, such as
Falkland Islands, the Galapagos, Juan Fernandez, Tobago and Trinidad.
Likewise the city of Bahia, situated on the eastern shore of Brazil.
Because it is some time that it has become known by this name, its
efficacy will be most potent.
12 In short, O ye believers of God! Exalt your effort and magnify your
aims. His Holiness Christ says: Blessed are the poor, for theirs shall be
the Kingdom of Heaven.(11) In other words: Blessed are the nameless and
traceless poor, for they are the leaders of mankind. Likewise it is said
in the Qur'an: "And We desire to show favor to those who were brought low
in the land, and to make them spiritual leaders among men, and to make of
them Our heirs."(12) Or, we wish to grant a favor to the impotent souls
and suffer them to become the inheritors of the Messengers and Prophets.
13 Now is the time for you to divest yourselves of the garment of
attachment to this world that perisheth, to be wholly severed from the
physical world, become heavenly angels, and travel to these countries. I
swear by Him, besides Whom there is none other God, that each one of you
will become an Israfil of Life, and will blow the Breath of Life into the
souls of others.
14 Upon you be greeting and praise!
Supplication
O THOU Incomparable God! O Thou Lord of the Kingdom! These souls are Thy
heavenly army. Assist them and, with the cohorts of the Supreme Concourse,
make them victorious, so that each one of them may become like unto a
regiment and conquer these countries through the love of God and the
illumination of divine teachings.
O God! Be Thou their supporter and their helper, and in the wilderness,
the mountain, the valley, the forests, the prairies and the seas, be Thou
their confidant--so that they may cry out through the power of the Kingdom
and the breath of the Holy Spirit.
Verily, Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty and the Omnipotent, and Thou art
the Wise, the Hearing and the Seeing.
7: TABLET TO THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
_Revealed on April 11, 1916, in 'Abdu'l-Baha's room at the house in Bahji,
and addressed to the Baha'is of the United States and Canada. _
1
_He is God!_
O ye real Baha'is of America:
2 Praise be to His Highness the Desired One that ye have become confirmed
in the promotion of divine teachings in that vast Continent, raised the
call of the Kingdom of God in that region and announced the glad tidings
of the manifestation of the Lord of Hosts and His Highness the Promised
One. Thanks be unto the Lord that ye have become assisted and confirmed in
this aim. This is purely through the confirmations of the Lord of Hosts
and the breaths of the Holy Spirit. The full measure of your success is as
yet unrevealed, its significance still unapprehended. Erelong ye will,
with your own eyes, witness how brilliantly every one of you, even as a
shining star, will radiate in the firmament of your country the light of
divine Guidance, and will bestow upon its people the glory of an
everlasting life.