‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Divine Plan/Text

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'ABDU'L-BAHA AND THE DIVINE PLAN.

A Study and Discussion Course
By Horace Holley


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INTRODUCTION


The Mission conferred by Baha'u'llah upon 'Abdu'l-Baha was a spiritual miracle and a historical achievement without parallel in the world's religious annals. When Baha'u'llah ascended in 1892, His Revelation had been established, The Divine Spirit reflected into the world, and the law declared. The purpose of His Dispensation—the unification of peoples, races and nations in one Order and one Faith—had been announced, but Baha'u'llah outwardly left no great body of believers able to realize this transcendent purpose nor any means and instruments capable of transforming the life of mankind.

Baha'u'llah, however, left 'Abdu'l-Baha as the Center of His Covenant and the Interpreter of His Book. 'Abdu'l-Baha in His Station possessed the unique capacity to bring into the realm of outer and visible fulfillment the inner and Divine potency of the Baha'i Dispensation. 'Abdu'l-Baha exemplified the Victory in His completeness of humility and sacrifice in service to Baha'u'llah.

The era of 'Abdu'l-Baha offers to Baha'is an opportunity of attaining deeper understanding of Baha'u'llah's Revelation and more intimate nearness to the Creative Word. That era is the most illuminating and inspiring historical phenomenon to which the human spirit can turn in these days of dire trouble and world upheaval for sure signs of the Kingdom of God. In His life, in His deeds, in His written and spoken words, 'Abdu'l-Baha vindicated the Promise that one Order and one Faith would unify mankind, and ignorance, poverty and violence be banished from the earth.

The present study course on 'Abdu'l-Baha and the Divine Plan is based on material developed for a class at Green Acre in 1942, a study class of the Wilmette Baha'i comunity later in 1942, and for the program of Louhelen School in 1943. It has been reproduced informally for a few Baha'i friends. In its present form the outline is intended only to assist in turning the attention of students to the mighty theme, to point to a few helpful references, and suggest certain subjects discussion of which will trace some of the steps taken by the Master in His mysterious Journey from the Manifestation to the soul of man. In Him we find the oneness of humanity; in Him the banner of the Most Great Peace.

What is shared here is not a path but a guide post pointing direction which each believer interested in this general approach will have to follow in his own manner. Every attentive study group will use the outline differently, will add its own insight and knowledge, and shape the power of consultation toward new truths. Not uniformity of opinion, but depth of experience, is the goal for us to seek in our effort to learn how chaos becomes a universe, and how the tribes and peoples become mankind.

Horace Holley
April, 1943

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'ABDU'L-BAHA AND THE DIVINE PLAN
A Study and Discussion Course

I
THE MISSION OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA
A. The condition of the Cause in 1892 at the Ascension of Baha'u'llah.
B. Baha'u'llah created Institutions but the Baha'i community had not become capable of establishing them.
C. 'Abdu'l-Baha, Leader and Guide of an evolving community as well as Expounder of the Holy Book.
D. The means for fulfillment of His Mission.
  1. Tablets revealed to individuals and to groups.
  2. Discourse and instruction to pilgrims from East and West.
  3. Dispatch of teachers; encouragement of teaching.
  4. Travel to Egypt, Europe and America.
E. Readings: - (See Note)
  1. The world's great Light, BWF, 349. (Star, XIV, 12).
  2. Verily, the new Heaven, BWF, 350. (Star, XIV, 12).
  3. Do ye know in what cycle, BWF, 351. (Tablets, 641).
  4. This period of time, BWF, 352. (Tablets, 318).
  5. When the darkness of ignorance, BWF, 352. (Tablets, 502).
  6. Perfume thou the East! Illumine thou the West! (Tablets, 566).
  7. A fire from the Kingdom, BWF, 354. (Tablets, 405).
  8. O phoenix of that immortal flame, BWF, 354. (Star, XIV, 12).
  9. The world hath become sick, feeble and infirm, BWF, 350. (Tablets, 36).
  10. Give the glad tidings to the Assemblies, (Tablets, 458).
  11. His Holiness Abraham made a Covenant, BWF, 358.
  12. Iscariot must not be forgotten, BWF, 357.
  13. Steadfastness in the Covenant, BWF, 357. (Tablets, 442).
  14. Strengthen all mankind, Tablets, Vol. I, Introduction.
  15. Know that the Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets, 267.
F. Supplementary readings:
  1. Tablet of the Branch, BWF, 204.
  2. Kitab-i-Ah'd, BWF, 207.
  3. Baha'u'llah and the New Era, Chapter IV.

Note : The source identified as BWF is the volume entitled Baha'i World Faith, the compilation made to replace Baha'i Scriptures. Throughout this study course two separate references are given whenever possible to the same Tablet or passage, as for example, BWF, 351. (Tablets, 641). Where references is made to BWF alone, the Tablet is one of the unpublished Tablets held in the National Baha'i Archives.

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II
'ABDU'L-BAHA, INTERPRETER OF THE HOLY BOOK
1. His Writings Prior to the Ascension of Baha'u'llah
A. Mysterious Forces of Civilization
  1. Authenticity; date of writing.
  2. Occasion and purpose.
  3. Principal subjects.
  4. Place in Baha'i literature.
B. Readings: -
  1. World Order of Baha'u'llah, 37-38.
  2. Mysterious Forces of Civilization, selected passages.
C. Traveller's Narrative.
  1. Statement by Prof. Edward G. Browne, Introduction.
  2. Occasion, purpose.
  3. Principal subjects.
  4. Authorship established by Shoghi Effendi.
D. Readings: -
  1. A Traveller's Narrative, Introduction by Prof. Browne, selected passages.
  2. A Traveller's Narrative, selected passages.
E. Supplementary readings: -
  1. Introduction and Epilogue, by Shoghi Effendi, of The Dawn-Breakers.
  2. The Baha'i Proofs, by Abul-Fadl, 105-113.
III
'ABDU'L-BAHA, INTERPRETER OF THE HOLY BOOK
2. Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha
A. Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha, Vols. I, II, III.
B. Tablets published in Star of the West.
C. Unpublished Tablets in National Baha'i Archives.
D. Tablets in the possession of individuals.
E. Tablets addressed to public bodies.
  1. Universal Races Congress, London, Star, II, 9.
  2. Central Organization for a Durable Peace, the Hague.
F. Tablet to Dr. August Forel, Switzerland, Baha'i Peace Program, 31.
G. Readings: -
  1. Tablet to Central Organization for a Durable Peace, selected passages, BWF, 284. (Baha'i Peace Program, ll).

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IV
'ABDU'L-BAHA, INTERPRETER OF THE HOLY BOOK
3. Writings and Discourses
A. Some Answered Questions
  1. Origin, occasion.
  2. Principal subjects.
B. Readings: -
  1. Some Answered Questions, Editor's Introduction.
  2. Some Answered Questions, BWF, 297, 307, 310, 317, (SAQ, 209, 222,

227, 245).

C. Promulgation of Universal Peace
  1. 'Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i Teacher.
  2. Public audiences.
  3. Baha'i gatherings.
  4. Expositian of the Principles.
D. Readings: -

l. Promulgation of Universal Peace, BWF, 220, 22k, 228, 251, 255, 245, 248, 257. (PUP, 22, 138, 135, 119, 171, 449, 81, 185) - selected passages.

E. Supplementary readings: -
  1. Promulgation of Universal Peace, BWF, 270. (PUP, 355).
  2. Baha'u'llah and the New Era, Chapter, IX.
V
THE BELOVED MASTER
A. Exemplar of the spiritual life.
B. The path to God.
c. Inspiration to service.
D. Sacred bond of union.
E. The mystery of confirmation.
F. Shield of the Covenant.
G. Readings: -
  1. Fire of the love of God, BWF, 359.
  2. From this brilliant and blessed spot, BWF, 560. (Tablets, 145).
  3. Thanksgiving for the bounty, BWF, 360. (Tablets, 243).
  4. Intoxicated with the cup, BWF, 362. (Tablets, 511).
  5. Thank God for guiding thee, BWF, 361. (Tablets, 73).
  6. Arise to assist the Covenant, BWF, 362. (Tablets, 162 and 433).
  7. Who warmest thyself by the fire, BWF, 365. (Tablets, 260).
  8. The advent of the prophets, BWF, 364. (Tablets, 505).
  9. The spiritual love of God, BWF, 365. (Tablets, 22).

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V. THE BELOVED MASTER, continued
10. The wisdom of prayer, BWF, 368. (Tablets, 683).
11. Unless the Holy Spirit become intermediary, BWF, 370. (Tablets, 591).
12. Concerning the tests, BWF, 371. (Tablets, 722).
13. The means of livelihood, BWF, 375.
14. The scientific attainment, BWF, 376. (Tablets, nus).
15. Art is identical with worship, BWF, 377. (Tablets, 459).
16. Spiritual and material partner, BWF, 372. (Tablets, 325).
17. The death of that beloved youth, BWF, 379.
18. Seven qualifications of the enlightened soul, BWF, 384. (Tablets, 459).
19. The sleep of negligence, BWF, 384.
20. The unseen divine assistance, BWF, 385. (Tablets, 390).
H. Supplementary readings: -
  1. Verily, I approach Thee, O my God, in the darkest hour, Tablets, 366.
  2. It is some time since any heart-thrilling melody hath reached the ear of Life, Tablets, 375.
  3. Thou hast opened the door of the Kingdom, Star, V, l4.
VI
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CAUSE IN AMERICA
A. Readings: -
  1. Promulgation of Universal Peace, BWF, 217. (PUP, 11).
B. 'Abdu'l—Baha’s three aims.
C. Pilgrimages from America to Akka and Haifa.
D. Teachers sent by 'Abdu'l-Baha to America.
E. Tablets revealed to individuals.
F. Tablets revealed to Assemblies.
G. The Master‘s Journey through North America.
  1. Publication of Tablet to the Branch.
  2. Blessing of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar.
  3. Recognition of the administrative order.
  4. Expulsion of Covenant-breakers.
  5. Preparation of America for the Lesser Peace: Religion transformed from creed to social program.
H. Readings: -
  1. World Order of Baha'u'llah, 73, 74, 76, 77, 80, 81, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 91, 92, 94, 89, 90.
  2. Promulgation of Universal Peace (addresses at Baha'i gatherings), PUP, 1, 5, 5-7, 41, 62-64, 67-68, 68-70, 208-210, 211-212, 213, 314-318, 375-377, 379-380, 413-416, 432, 448-449, 453-454, 464-467.

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VII
ARCHITECT OF THE BAHA'I SOCIAL ORDER
A. Creation of nucleus and organism of a new society.
B. An evolving pattern of unity.
  1. The local community.
  2. Inter-Assembly unity.
  3. International correspondence.
  4. The world center in 'Abdu'l-Baha.
C. The Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, inception of the Kingdom.
D. Baha'i Temple Unity.
    1. Annual Convention.
    2. Publishing Society.
    3. Star of the West.
    4. Green Acre.
    5. Tarbiyyat Schools.
E. Readings: -
    1. The Cause of Baha'u'llah, BWF, 400. (Tablets, 535).
    2. Community of the Greatest Name, BWF, 400. (Tablets, 4l).
    3. God loveth those who work in groups, BWF, 401. (Star, XIV; 5).
    4. The Divine Shepherd, BWF, 402. (Tablets, 185).
    5. The fundamental aim, BWF, 402.
    6. This meeting is blessed, BWF, 403, (Tablets, 690).
    7. The spiritual election, BWF, 403, (Tablets, 23).
    8. The House of Justice, BWF, 404. (Tablets, 1, 6).
    9. Obedience to the Assembly, BWF, 406. ('Abdu'l-Baha in New York, 56).
    10. 'Abdu'l-Baha is present, BWF, 407.
    11. The center of decision, BWF, 408.
    12. The basis of union, BWF, 409.;(Tablets, 553).
    13. The Spiritual Assembly, BWF, 409. (Tablets, 508, 10).
    14. Inter-Assembly union, BWF, 413. (Tablets, 21, 124, 25).
    15. The Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, BWF, 414. (Tablets, 435, 437, 17, 96, 626, l00, Archives, Tablets, 635, Temple pamphlet, p. 20, Star, V, 9).
F. Supplementary readings:
    1. The Master's last Tablet to America, BWF, 429. (Star, XIII, 1).
    2. The House of the Covenant, Star, V, 16. (PUP, 157, 62, 67).
VIII
THE DIVINE PLAN
A. Spiritual primacy conferred upon America.
B. The Collective Center of the Kingdom.
  1. Patriotism, nationalism, identity of interests, political alliance, union of ideals.
  2. Prosperity dependent on the collective centers.
  3. Revolutions and upheavals.
  4. The Divine Collective Center.
(continued)

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VIII. THE DIVINE PLAN, continued
C. Baha'u'llah, lord of Hosts.
  1. Station of the believer.
  2. Firmness in the Covenant.
  3. Fellowship and love.
  4. Teachers must travel throughout the world.
D. America's world mission.
E. Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha.
F. Readings:
  1. America's Spiritual Mission, 17, BWF, 419.
  2. America's Spiritual Mission, 22, BWF. 425.
  3. will and Testament, excerpts, BWF, 438.
G. Supplementary readings:
  1. Baha'u'llah's Tablet to the Republics of the Americas, The Baha'i World, Vol. VI, 381.
  2. Baha'i Administration, 43, 44, 45, 52, 53, 54.
  3. World Order of Baha'u'llah, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, 19, 21, 22, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 156, 157.
  4. The Advent of Divine Justice, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, ll, 12, 13, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30.
H. Tablet of Visitation, Baha'i Prayers, 66. (Star, XIII, H).
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An interesting and helpful exhibit can be made in connection with this course with illustrations selected from the volumes of The Baha'i World. For example, photographs of 'Abdu'l-Baha, pictures of places and relics associated with Him, list of cities He visited in Europe and America, and illustrations of scenes of special historical importance like the dedication of the grounds of the House of Worship in Wilmette.

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