A New Race of Men/Text

DEEPENING PORTFOLIO # 2

[Page 1]DEEPENING PORTFOLIO #2

Prepared by National Teaching Committee Office of Youth and Student Activities

Reprinted 1973

BAHA’| PUBLISHING TRUST Wilmette, Illinois

NOW Wace

[Page 2]To deepen in the Cause means to read the Writings of Baha'u'llah and the Master so thoroughly as to be able to give it to others in its pure form. There are many who have some superficial idea of what the Cause stands for. They, therefore, present it together with all sorts of ideas that are their own. As the Cause is still in its early days we must be most careful lest we fall into this error and injure the Movement we so much adore.

Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Baha'i News, no. 193 (March 1947), p. 8

Dearly-loved friends, this is the theme we must pursue in

our efforts to deepen in the Cause. What is Baha'u'llah's

purpose for the human race? For what ends did He submit to

the appalling cruelties and indignities heaped upon Him?

What does He mean by "a new race of men"? What are the pro-

found changes which He will bring about? The answers are to

be found in the Sacred Writings of our Faith and in their interpretation by 'Abdu'l-Baha and our beloved Guardian.

Let the friends immerse themselves in this ocean, let them

organize regular study classes for its constant consideration. ...

The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan, 1967,

Wellspring of Guidance,

p. 114

[Page 3]“While es nore folto Bere a complete in 1 themselves, these less: LS

° full Bienes acne” of | "a new race of men," : ons and stories which deal with the above su

Ne , eS

eae be | go on to 4. d be frank and free and should take up far more

t may be completed in one sitting or divided ae a classes. [Page 4]A_NEW RACE OF MEN:

. . . THE SUPREME AND DISTINGUISHING FUNCTION OF HIS [Bahd'u'llah's] REVELATION . . . IS NONE OTHER THAN THE CALLING INTO BEING OF A NEW RACE OF MEN... .

Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 14

A race of men, incomparable in character, shall be raised up which, with the feet of detachment, will tread under all who are in heaven and on earth, and will cast the sleeve of holiness over all that hath been created from water and clay.

Baha'u'llah,

quoted in Shoghi Effendi,

The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 26

Is not the object of every Revelation to effect a transformation in the whole character of mankind, a transformation that shall manifest itself, both outwardly and inwardly, that shall affect both its inner life and external conditions? For if the character of mankind be not changed, the futility of God's universal Manifestation would be apparent.

Baha'u'llah,

quoted in Shoghi Effendi,

The World Order of Baha'u'llah, Deo

[Page 5]There lay concealed within the Holy Veil, and prepared for the service of God,

a company of His chosen ones

who shall be manifested unto men,

who shall aid His Cause,

who shall be afraid of no one,

though the entire human race rise up and war against them.

These are the ones who, before the gaze of the dwellers on earth and the denizens of heaven, shall arise and, shouting aloud, acclaim the name of the Almighty, and summon the children of men to the path of God, the All-Glorious, the All-Praised. Bah&'u'1lah,

Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, pp. 280-81

meee

[Page 6]Ooo |S SaRRTETCEs

Ponder and reflect.

sh to die upon thy bed,

- life-blood on the dust,

path,

and so become the manifestation of My command ~

and the revealer of My light in the highest paradise?

Judge thou aright, 0 servant!

Bahé'u'll&h, ue Hidden Words of Baha'u'1ll&h, . 14

lover is a sacrifice to the loved one. ... He forget himself. . . . He must seek the good pleasure ioe the True One; desire the face of the True One; and walk in the Path of the True One... . This is the first station of sacrifice.

The second st be ome like 1

ition of sacrifice is as follows: Man must he iron thrown within the furnace of =0t een such as Pee ae coldness

Steen anal eae. watek ee to the reac Hecames: apperent and visible. | Therefore iron hath oe its

nbhae Si aene |

'Abdu'1-Baha, in The Divine Art of Living, Demene [Page 7]|

ir bas

| + + + look at Me, follow Me, be as I am; take no thought for |

|

yourselves or your lives, whether ye eat or whether ye sleep,

whether ye are comfortable, whether ye are well or ill,

nz whether ye are with friends or foes, whether ye receive praise or blame; for all of these things ye must care not

at all. Look at Me and be as I am; ye must die to yourselves and to the world, so shall ye be born again and enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Behold a candle how it gives its light.

It weeps its life away drop by drop in order to give forth its flame of light. ae

'Abdu'1-Baha, eee in May ees

[Page 8]A messenger brought news to Baha'u'llah while He was in Baghdad that a certain Mirza Muhit- i-Kirmani wished to meet Him. Mirza Muhit had rejected the Claim of the Bab in Medina. "He requested that his proposed interview be regarded as strictly confidential. "Tell him,' was Baha'u'llah's reply, 'that in the days of My retirement in the mountains of Sulaymaniyyih, I, in a certain ode which I composed, set forth the essential requirements from every wayfarer who treads the path of search in his quest of Truth. Share with him this verse from that ode:

"If thine aim be to cherish thy life, approach not our court;

but if sacrifice be thy heart's desire, come and let others come with thee.

For such is the way of Faith, if in thy heart thou seekest reunion with Baha;

shouldst thou refuse to tread this path, why trouble us?

Begone! mete

Nabil, The Dawn-Breakers, pp. 137-38 [Page 9]in August 1852_ a reign of terror directed against che Babis

ihran, the capital of Persia. "On that day, a spectacle ed in the streets and bazaars of Tihran, which the ue : 3 € . . . The people saw marching, between executio: ren “and women mre deep holes cut into their flesh in which lighted wicks were inserted. The victims were dragged with ropes and goaded on with whips. Children and women went forth singing this ve: e: "In truth, we come on God and ones Him do we return. !

fad left ‘fr any aoa rae Sata ae to dance aie to any out with even ‘greater enthusiasm: 'In truth, we come from God and unto Him do we return!'

children expired on the way. The executioners would b es under the feet of their fathers and sisters, wh proudly walked over them without giving it a second thought. When the cortége reached the place of execution near the New Gate, the victims were given the choice between life and abjuration of their faith... ;

"One of the executioners conceived of the idea of saying to a father Bia) ea isee ie yielded, he would cut the throats of his two sons on

‘ ye t. The sons were quite young, the oldest about Ghvexcd with blood, their flesh scorched, they were listening Seateaiy to the threats. The father replied, while laying himself down, that he was ready and the older of the boys, claiming a prior right, re- quested to be the first to die."

Comte de Gobineau, Les Religions et les Philosophies dans l'Asie Central, pp. 248-50, — quoted in Translation of French Foot-Notes of The Dawn-Breakers, pp. 74-75

[Page 10]

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When Manichihr Khan, the governor of Isfahan, revealed to the Bab his plan to convert the Shah of Persia, as well as other rulers and kings of the earth, to His Cause, the Bab replied,

"'Not by the means which you fondly

imagine will an almighty Providence

accomplish the triumph of His Faith.

Through the poor and lowly of this

land, by the blood which these shall have shed in His path, will the

omnipotent Sovereign ensure the preser-

vation and consolidate the foundation

of His Cause.'"

The Bab,

quoted in Nabil, The Dawn-Breakers, pb. 213 [Page 11]

What is sacrifice? Is it more than one thing? Is it the same or different for each individual? How?

Besides giving are Baha'is called upon to make? For example, what kind of sacrifice is needed for good

consultation?

to the Fund, what other sacrifices

Can you explain what the first and second stations of sacrifice are? Can you give more than one example of each? Why does 'Abdu'l-Bahd talk about the second station only in analogies?

Is sacrifice a self-destructive thing? Is this healthy?

What does 'Abdu'l-Baha mean when He Coe "ye must die to yourselves and to the world"?

What did Baha'u'llah ask of Mirzd Muhit? Why?

What ieeeeres does the Bab suggest concerning the role of sacrifice in the final story?

af

[Page 12]12

COURTESY:

Beware! Beware! Lest ye offend any heart!

Beware: Beware: Lest ye hurt any soul!

Beware! Beware! Lest ye deal unkindly toward any person!

Beware! Beware! Lest ye be the cause of hopelessness to any creature:

Should one become the cause of grief to any one heart, or

of despondency to any one soul, it were better to hide oneself |

in the lowest depths of the earth than to walk upon the earth. 'Abdu'1-Baha, quoted in J. E. Esslemont,

Bah@'u'll&h and the New Era, ‘Da 62

0 people of God!

I exhort you to courtesy. Courtesy is, in the primary station, the lord of all virtues. Blessed is he who is

illumined with the light of courtesy, and is adorned with the mantle of uprightness! He who is endowed with courtesy is endowed with a great station. It is hoped that this

oppressed One, and all, will attain to it, adhere to it, hold unto it, and observe it. This is the irrefutable command which hath flowed and is revealed from the Pen of the Greatest Name.

Baha'u'llah, in Baha'i World Faith, p. 175

We, verily, have chosen courtesy, and made it the true mark of such as are nigh unto Him. Courtesy, is, in truth,

a raiment which fitteth all men, whether young or old.

Well is it with him that adorneth his temple therewith, and

woe unto him who is deprived of this great bounty.

Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, Daeo0

[Page 13]While 'Abdu'l-Baha was in London, He stayed at the home of Lady Blomfield.

"One day a woman asked to be permitted to see the Master.

"'Have you an appointment?’

"TAlas! No.'

"'T am sorry,' answered the over-zealous friend who met her in the hall, "but He is occupied now with most important people, and cannot be disturbed.’

"The woman turned away, feeling too humble to persist in her appeal, but, oh! so bitterly disappointed. Before she had reached the foot of the stairway, she was overtaken by a breathless messen- ger from 'Abdu'l-Baha. _

"'He wishes to see you, come back! He has told me to bring you to Him.'

"We had heard His voice from the door of His audience room speaking with authority:

"'A heart has been hurt. Hasten, hasten, bring her to me:'"

Lady Blomfield, The Chosen Highway,

13 [Page 14]14

While 'Abdu'l-Bahd was in England, He continually received visits from the Baha’ifs there. Lady Blomfield, His hostess, relates the following story:

"Two ladies had written from Scotland asking if it were possible that 'Abdu'l-Baha would spare them one evening.

"They accepted my invitation to dinner. Having come straight from the train, and being about to return the same night, every moment was precious.

"The Master received them with His warm, simple welcome. ...

"Everybody was feeling elated at the prospect of a wonderful evening, unmarred by the presence of any but the most intimate and the most comprehending of the friends.

"Not more than half an hour had passed, when, to our consternation, a persistent person pushed past the servitors, and strode into our midst. Seating himself, and lighting a cigarette without invitation, he proceeded to say that he intended writing an article for some paper about 'Abdu'l-Baha. . . . He talked without pause in a far from polite manner.

"We were speechless and aghast at the intrusion of this insuffer- able and altogether unpleasant bore, spoiling our golden hour!

"Presently 'Abdu'l-Bahd rose and, making a sign to the man to follow Him, went to His own private room.

"We looked at one another. The bore had gone, yes, but alas! so had the Master!

"Can nothing be done?' Being the hostess, I was perturbed and perplexed. Then I went to the door of the audience room, and said to the secretary: ‘Will you kindly say to 'Abdu'l-Baha that the ladies with whom the appointment has been made are awaiting His pleasure.'

"I returned to the guests and we awaited the result.

"Almost immediately we heard steps approaching along the corridor. They came across the hall to the door. The sound of kind farewell words reached us. Then the closing of the door, and the Beloved came backs

"Oh, Master!' we said.

"Pausing near the door, He looked at us each in turn, with a look of deep, grave meaning.

"'you were making that poor man uncomfortable, so strongly desiring his absence; I took him away to make him feel happy. '

"Truly 'Abdu'l-Bah4's thoughts and ways were far removed from ours!"

Lady Blomfield, The Chosen Highway, pp. 162-63

[Page 15]

Can you give a good definition of courtesy without con-

sulting a dictionary? Does a dictionary help? Is this what Baha'u'llah means by courtesy?

Is this always ‘the same ‘under AL eienaesnece?

How can one offend a heart or hurt a soul? Why is the first quotation in this section so strongly worded?

How is it possible to be courteous and not let yourself be used by others?

Why does Bahd'u'lldh describe courtesy as a "great bounty"?

What station is given to courtesy in the precedit tions? hy do. you atipoae tee ae oe is so highly honored? Why do you think

‘u'llah Ae it "the lord of all virtues"?

7

a [Page 16]16

OBEDIENCE:

O SON OF MAN! Wert thou to speed through the immensity of space and traverse the expanse of heaven,

yet thou wouldst find no rest

save in submission to Our command

and humbleness before Our Face.

Baha'u'llah, The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah, Din 3

Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws. Nay , rather, We have unsealed the choice Wine

with the fingers of might and power.

To this beareth witness that which the Pen of Revelation hath revealed.

Meditate upon this, O men of insight! ...

Whenever My laws appear like the sun in the heaven of Mine utterance,

they must be faithfully obeyed by all,

though My decree be such as to cause the heaven of every religion to be cleft asunder.

He doth what He pleaseth. He chooseth; ; and none may question His choice.

Whatever He, the Well-Beloved, ordaineth,

the same is, verily, beloved.

To this ee . He Who is the Lord of all creation beareth Me witness.

Bah&'u'll&h, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, Dp. 332-33)

[Page 17]Is not faith but another word for implicit obedience, whole-hearted allegiance, uncompromising adherence eb that which we believe is the revealed and gretene with of God, however perplexing it might first appear, however at variance with the shadowy views, the impotent doctrines, the crude theories, the idle imaginings, the fashionable

conceptions of a transient and troublous age?

If we are to falter or hesitate, if our love for Him should fail to direct us and keep us within His path, if we desert Divine and

emphatic principles, what hope can we any more cherish for healing

the ills and sicknesses of this world?

Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Administration,

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[Page 18]18

"As soon as Mulla Husayn had determined to pursue the way that led to Mazindaran, he, immediately after he had offered his

morning prayer, bade his companions discard

all their possessions.

"'Leave behind all your belongings,’ he urg hem, ‘and content yourselves only with your. steeds and swords, that all may witness your renunciation of all earthly things, and may realise that this little band of God's chosen companions has no desire to safeguard its own property, much less to covet the property of others.'

"Instantly they all obeyed and, unburdening their steeds, arose and joyously followed him. The father of Badi' was the first to throw aside his satchel, which contained a considerable amount of turquoise which he had brought with him from the mine that belonged to his father. One word from Mulla Husayn proved sufficient to induce him to fling by the roadside what was undoubtedly his most treasured possession, and to cling to the desire of his leader."

Nabil, The Dawn-Breakers, p. 329 [Page 19]

While Hujjat was virtually a prisoner in Tihran, the believers of Zanjan, his native town, sent a delegation to him to ask for fresh instructions concerning the laws and principles of the Babi

"He enum rated a series of observances, some of which consti- definite departure er the established traditions of Islam. -i-Zanjani,' he assured them, 'has been intimately

connected acne ay ; Master [the Bab] in Shiraz and in Isfahan. He...

[has] positively declared that He Himself is the first to practise the observances He has enjoined upon the faithful. It phereroce behoves us who are His supporters to follow His noble example.' "These explicit instructions were no sooner read to ie compan- ions than they became inflamed with an irresistible desire to carry out his wishes. They enthusiastically set to work to enforce the laws of the new Dispensation, and, giving up their former customs and practices, un tatingly eee: themselves with its claims.

Even the little ee were encouraged to follow scrupulously the

admonitions of the Bab.

"'Qur beloved Master,' they were taught to say, ‘Himself is the first to practise them. Why should we who are His privileged dis- ciples hesitate to make them the ae principles of our lives?'"

19 [Page 20]20

. . . Mrs. [Lua] Getsinger was in 'Akkad having made the pilgrimage to the prison city to see the Master. She was with Him one day when

he said to her, that He was too busy today to call upon a friend

of His who was very ill and poor and He wished her to go in His place. Take him food and care for him as I have been doing, He concluded. He told her where this man was to be found and she went gladly, proud that 'Abdu'l-Baha should trust her with this mission. She returned quickly. "Master," she exclaimed, "surely you cannot realize to what a terrible place you sent me. I almost fainted from the awful stench, the filthy rooms, the degrading condition of that man and his house. I fled lest I contract some terrible disease."

Sadly and sternly 'Abdu'l-Baha regarded her. ‘Dost thou desire to serve God," He said, "serve thy fellow man for in him dost thou see the image and likeness of God."

He told her to go back to the man's house. If it is filthy she should clean it; if this brother of yours is dirty, bathe hin; if he is hungry, feed him. Do not return until this is done.

Many times had He done this for him and cannot she serve him once?

Howard Colby Ives, Portals to Freedom, p. 85 [Page 21]

What does Baha'u'llah say He has given to us rather than "a mere code of laws"? What does this mean? What is "the choice Wine"?

What is the difference between obedience and blind faith? Should Baha'is obey without question?

To whom do Baha'is owe obedience? Why?

How does this virtue involve the Covenant? What is the relationship between faith and obedience?

Why were the Babis of Zanj4n so eager to discard their ancient customs? What does this have to do with us? [Page 22]22

CLEANLINESS:

Be the essence of cleanliness among mankind . . . under all circumstances conform yourselves to refined manners ... let no trace of uncleanliness appear on your clothes. . . . Immerse your-

selves in pure water. . p pee tly We have desired to see in you

diffused from you that whereat the hearts of the favored ones

shall rejoice. Baha'u'llah, quoted in Baha'u'll&h and the New Era, (Dee LOe:

Cleanliness and sanctity in all conditions are characteristics

of pure beings and necessities of free souls. The first perfec- tion consists in cleanliness and sanctity and in purity from every defect. When man in all conditions is pure and immaculate, he will become the center of the reflection of the manifest Light.

In all his actions and conduct there must first be purity, then beauty and independence. The channel must be cleansed before it is filled with sweet water. ...

The mea ig is, ain all conditions, cleanliness and sanctity, purity icacy exalt humanity and make the contingent beings progress. Even when ay plied to physical things, delicacy causeth the attain- ment of spirituality, as it is established in the Holy Scriptures.

External cleanliness, although it is but a physical thing, hath a great influence upon spirituality. "Abdu '1-Baha ,

in Baha'i World Faith, Pp. 333-34 [Page 23]

troubles. He took an interest in every- Bs thing which concerned us. . . .

"He was always punctual, and loved ee eee eee o

a eee Ne ge deat Sen wee a "He was very particular and refined

in his personal arrangements, and liked terete 63 rybody well groomed, and as

neatly dressed as possible. Above all

peg teloaniiacan was desteanie £0

Him.

"Why not put on your prettiest

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[Page 24]24

In February 1849 the Babi defenders of Fort Tabarsi had been besieged for four months. Nabil leaves us this account

of the behavior of Mulla Husayn on the day before his martyrdom:

"The scarcity of water had, in the mean-

time, compelled those who were besieged

to dig a well within the enclosure of the fort. . . . Mulla Husayn, who was watching

his companions perform this task, remarked:

"To-day we shall have all the water we

require for our bath. Cleansed of all

earthly defilements, we shall seek the

court of the Almighty, and shall hasten

to our eternal abode. Whoso is willing

to partake of the cup of martyrdom,

let him prepare himself and wait for

the hour when he can seal with his

life-blood his faith in his Cause.'"

Nabil, The Dawn-Breakers) p. 379

[Page 25]

What is cleanliness? Is this a relative or an absolute thing? How clean should we try to be?

What is delicacy? What is sanctity? How can cleanliness have an influence upon spirituality?

How important is cleanliness? Is not dirt natural? Why must it be avoided?

Is cleanliness only a physical thing or is it also a mental attitude? Explain.

[Page 26]26

REVERENCE :

O SON OF MAN!

Humble thyself ieee Me, that I may graciously visit thee.

ae owls yet on eartir thou mayest obtain the victory.

Baha'u'llah, ase The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah, Dees

They who are the beloved of God, in whatever place they gather and whomsoever they meet, must evince, in their attitude towards God, and in the manner of their celebration of His praise and glory, such humility and submissiveness that every atom of the dust beneath their feet may attest the depth of their devotion. The conversation carried by these holy souls should be informed with such power that these same atoms of dust will be thrilled by its influence. Baha'u'llah,

Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 7

O thou who hast fixed thy gaze upon My countenance:

Admonish men to fear God. By God! This fear is the chief commander of the army of Thy Lord. Its hosts are a praise-

worthy character and goodly deeds. Through it have the cities

earts been opened throughout the ages and centuries,

and the standards of ascendancy and triumph raised above all

other standards.

Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 136

[Page 27]

Howard Colby Ives attended 'Abdu'l-Baha's final talk in America, aboard the steamship which was about to carry Him back to the Holy Land. He describes the scene as follows:

"At least one hundred, possibly more of the friends were there. The Persians who had accompanied Him to this country surrounded Him--more correctly speaking, were grouped behind Him. Indic- ative of the Oriental attitude toward the Master was the notice- able fact that never, under any circumstances, would one of them dream of standing in front of Him, or even beside Him, unless summoned or delivering a message. When walking always were they in the rear. Even when accompanied by only one, and conversing with Him, that one always walked an appreciable few inches behind Him. When speaking with Him they rarely raised their eyes to His face. In His presence they stood as before a king."

Howard Colby Ives, Portals to Freedom,

pp. 212-13

[Page 28]28

Miss Keith Ransom-Kehler, first American ‘Baha'f mar

r, wrote in her diary some sketches of her experiences on pilgrimage. She described a quiet evening near the Shrine of the Bab:

", , . as from the portal of paradise a nyseleat beautiful chant arises. It is the voice of a woman, broken with sobs, tragic with longing, rich in praise; and as I listen to her heart-breaking,

exalting song, it seems to me that it is rising from the lips of every woman in the world. . = . Lt is Latla. ithe cook, who in her humility has not even

entered the Shrine, but is kneeling

on the garden path outside. Surely in

her reverence, her obedience, her lowliness,

her longing, she carries up to God, in that beatific wail, something of the desire of our tortured hearts to reach

Him."

Keith Ransom-Kehler, | "Haifa, 'AKka and Bahji,"

The Baha' i World, ees 0. [Page 29]

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Can you give a good definition of reverence without a dictionary?

Does a dictionary help?

Is reverence primarily an attitude or primarily behavior? or is it neither? or both? When and towards what should Baha

a'is show (or feel) reverence? How is this done?

How does reverence differ from courtesy, love, or respect?

Can reverence be reflected by any of the following things? How?

Clothing

Hair Speech Ornaments Hands Bearing Gestures Conduct

29

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A New Race of Men/Text