Bahá’í News/Issue 66/Text

Bahá’í News
Issue 66

BAHA’I NEWS

Published by
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, New Jersey

No. 66

SEPTEMBER, 1932

THE GUARDIAN’S TRIBUTE TO BAHIYYIH KHANUM[edit]

A tribute, poignant in feeling and exquisitely beautiful in character, has been paid by Shoghi Effendi to the life and spiritual nature of the Greatest Holy Leaf. Received by the National Spiritual Assembly in the form of a communication, entirely hand-written, addressed to the believers, this tribute is being reproduced photographically in an edition sufficient to place one in the hands of every recognized Bahá’í in the United States and Canada. It consists of four correspondence sheets of four pages each, with an envelope inscribed by the Guardian.

Local Secretaries will receive the same quantity of this tribute as of the monthly BAHÁ’Í NEWS, and are requested to see that each believer is given a copy. In entering into the profound spirit of the Guardian’s words, we shall be making effort to respond to the plea recently cabled by Shoghi Effendi, and reproduced in this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS as the final paragraph of the article entitled “The Crucial Matter.”

Undoubtedly every believer will cherish the possession of this precious Bahá’í document, the more because it is a true facsimile of the original. It would be well to have the tribute read at the next Nineteen-Day Feast.

SERVICE OF COMMEMORATION IN THE BAHA’I HOUSE OF WORSHIP

The Guardian’s cablegram informing us of the ascension of the Greatest Holy Leaf concluded with these words: “Advise holding additional Commemoration Service of strictly devotional character (in the) Auditorium (of the) Mashriqul-Adhkár.”

In accordance with this beautiful suggestion, the National Spiritual Assembly has requested the Temple Program Committee to hold the Service of Commemoration in the central Hall of Worship at eight P. M.. Saturday, October 8.

This Service is a National Bahá’í observance. It will be held under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly in the name of the Bahá’í community of the United States and Canada.

The passing of this last remnant of Bahá’u’lláh on earth is a momentous event in the history of His Faith. Those of the friends who cannot be present in person will direct their hearts yearningly to so impressive a gathering representative of the devotion of Bahá’ís throughout the world.

THE CRUCIAL MATTER[edit]

The Guardian’s Words to America on the Completion of the Temple

In lieu of a letter from the National Assembly this month, it seems more essential to place before the Local Assemblies, Bahá’í groups and isolated believers throughout the United States and Canada the several statements which the Guardian has made on the most important matter, the completion of the external decoration of the Temple dome unit by June, 1933.

This is the focal point of our collective capacity, the test of our faithfulness.

“The New Plan of Unified Action conceived, adopted and published by your Assembly is an admirable one. It is at once concise, appealing in tone, dignified in presentation and practical in its conception. It fully and truly deserves the unreserved support of every American believer. I shall be glad to associate myself with this further collective and heroic effort exerted by the friends by contributing to your National Fund every month for a period of three years, the sum of ninety-five dollars. Your Assembly, faithful to its trust and conscious of its high calling, has sounded the call for a further and final effort on the part of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in that land. It is for them, now if ever, to arise for the speedy consummation of a divinely appointed task.” August 25, 1931.

“I deeply appreciate the continued and self-sacrificing endeavors of the American believers in the face of the grave financial and economic depression into which their country and the whole world is now plunged. That the Temple edifice should arise under such circumstances, that its elaborate and exquisite ornamentation should be carried out, through the efforts of a mere handful of Bahá’í followers despite the gloom, the uncertainty and the dangers which surrounded them is but another evidence of the mysterious, all-compelling power of Bahá’u’lláh whose blessings will be bountifully vouchsafed to all who arise to carry out His purpose. The Cause is entering upon a period of unprecedented achievements. The full measure of its glory and power will be gradually manifested, if we, on our part, execute in their entirety the instructions and bequests bequeathed to us by our beloved Master. The American believers have made a splendid beginning. Let them bring to a speedy and successful termination a task which they have so nobly initiated and which they alone are destined to accomplish.” December 20, 1931.

“I wish to add a few words in person in order to reaffirm the paramount, the urgent necessity of devising ways and means that will ensure the success of the Plan of Unified Action, and compensate for the disadvantage it has, unavoidably and owing to unforeseen circumstances, suffered. I would appeal to every conscientious follower of the Faith in that land not to rest until the means have been made available to ensure the completion of the decoration of the Dome of this imposing and marvelous Edifice before the end of the spring of next year. The Cause will suffer, its prestige will no doubt be affected if the Plan, so admirably conceived, should again fall into abeyance. This we must at all[Page 2] cost prevent.” February 2, 1932.

“I grieve, beyond words, to learn of the scanty response of the friends to the Plan of Unified Action to which the sacred interests of the Faith are at present so vitally and closely related. I am acutely conscious of the unprecedented character of the depression under which you labor. I am fully aware of the sacrifices you have already made, and realize the urgent need of allaying the burden which weighs so heavily on some of the poor and distressed believers. But I realize also the uniqueness of the opportunity which it is our privilege to seize and utilize. The world is watching the progress of our Faith and the steady expansion of our institutions. The eyes of countless men and women, both high and low, whether in the East or in the West, friendly or critical, are fixed upon the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, eager and expectant to know whether the growing vicissitudes and the successive crises that afflict your country are such as to paralyze their efforts in the prosecution of their sacred task. Ours is the duty to vindicate the vitality and invincible power of our Faith.” March 14, 1932.

“In the blood of the unnumbered martyrs of Persia lay the seed of the Divinely–appointed Administration which, though transplanted from its native soil, is now budding out, under your loving care, into a new order, destined to overshadow all mankind. For great as have been the attainments and unforgettable the services of the pioneers of the heroic age of the Cause in Persia, the contribution which their spiritual descendants, the American believers, the champion builders of the organic structure of the Cause, are now making towards the fulfilment of the Plan which must usher in the golden age of the Cause is no less meritorious in this strenuous period of its history. . . . Would to God that by the end of the spring of the year 1933 the multitudes who, from the remote corners of the globe, will throng the grounds of the Great Fair to be held in the neighborhood of that hallowed shrine may, as the result of your sustained spirit of self-sacrifice, be privileged to gaze on the arrayed splendor of its dome—a dome that shall stand as a flaming beacon and a symbol of hope amidst the gloom of a despairing world.” March 21, 1932.

“May completion dome Mashriqu’l-Adhkár crown united labors newly elected National Assembly.” (Cablegram) May 3, 1932.

“I am eager to learn of the status of the national finances of the Cause, and of the prospects of an early resumption of the construction of the Temple. I have already appealed to the American believers in this connection and wish to reiterate my plea and reaffirm my conviction that the completion of the dome before the end of the spring of 1933 is vital to the highest interests of the Cause in that land, and is the supreme obligation of every conscientious and loyal believer in the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Great damage will be inflicted on the prestige of the Cause if this glorious plan fails to materialize, while, on the other hand, its fulfilment will confer untold blessings on all branches of the activities of our beloved Faith.” June 8, 1932.

“Assembly’s momentous decision* fraught with incalculable consequences, world-wide benefits. Greatest Holy Leaf filled with delight. Both devoutly praying (for) unrelaxing determination (to) consummate heroic enterprise. Abiding gratitude.” (Cablegram) June 10, 1932.

“Entreat sorrow-stricken American believers never allow consciousness their agonizing loss paralyze determination (to) prosecute an enterprise on which (the) adored Object (of) our mourning centered her highest hopes.” (Cablegram) July 21, 1932.

“Pray assure American believers (on) behalf (of the) Holy Family (and) myself abiding gratitude (for the) numerous evidences (of) their valued sympathy. Our sorrow laden hearts much relieved (and) filled with gratitude. Out of (the) pang of anguish (which) bereaved America experienced in her sudden separation from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, (the) administration (of) God’s invincible Faith was born. Might not this present grief at loss (of) Bahá’u’lláh's precious daughter release such forces as will ensure speedy completion (of) Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. (the) administration's mighty bulwark, (the) symbol of its strength and harbinger (of) its promised glory.” (Cablegram) August 8, 1932.

A NEW SPIRIT IN BAHA’I TEACHING[edit]

Suggestions from The National Spiritual Assembly

Reports from the National Teaching Committee, and correspondence from Local Assemblies and individual teachers, indicate that a great forward movement is taking place in the —

The decision to begin work immediately

on the external decoration.—Editor promulgation of the Bahá’í Faith. The suffering and restlessness of the public on the one hand, and the partial completion of the Temple on the other, create an altogether new and favorable social environment for the teacher, and release in the hearts of all faithful believers a mighty impetus which gives to each delivery at the true Message a mysterious confirming power.

The members of the National Spiritual Assembly feel assured that in America the Cause has already entered the first stages of an era of unprecedented expansion. The spirit of progress and achievement can be discerned in all parts of the body of the Cause.

Such a profound movement, surely destined to multiply the numbers of the believers in every community, must necessarily bring to us a few evidences of misunderstanding and temporary confusion. Between impetuous enthusiasm and the conservative instinct there is a wide chasm which here and there must be bridged with unshakeable sympathy and full knowledge of the simple but essential principles that assure success in the teaching field.

It has therefore seemed necessary for the National Spiritual Assembly to assist in alleviating the sources of misunderstanding that may exist by reminding the friends of those principles on which successful teaching effort must depend.

In the first place, the Assembly would emphasize the right of every individual believer to undertake some kind of teaching activity. A Bahá’í life is identical with effort to serve and promote the Cause. There should be no obstacle placed in the way of any believer desiring sincerely to contribute to the promotion of the Cause. On the contrary, Local Assemblies and their committees should recognize this desire as the very life-blood of our blessed Faith, and spare no effort to encourage and assist each and every active believer who arises to teach the divine Faith. The ideal of the Bahá’í Cause is not a few active teachers in an inactive Bahá’í community, but a community in which every single member, to the degree of his capacity, is ever active. A healthy body is equally alive in every organ and limb.

Of paramount importance, if we as the American Bahá’í community are to meet our vast opportunities, is the whole-hearted effort and encouraging attitude of Local Assemblies and committees on behalf of the individual believers who long to render active service. Let us consider membership on[Page 3] an Assembly or committee as a sacred obligation to serve our fellow-Bahá’ís —to enlarge their sphere of usefulness, to find for them specific things to do, to encourage them to fulfil their utmost capacity in the Cause. The divine Power itself protects all souls who desire to serve by teaching—any unjustifiable obstacle placed in the path of the teacher will eventually be removed.

On the other hand, the Power which confirms the teacher has also revealed principles of unity which control individual action and initiative. The ideal teacher is he who most clearly recognizes the wisdom of these principles and most conscientiously obeys them. It does not profit the Cause if, through unwise zeal, a teacher expounds the Faith to a group of seekers under conditions which enhance the teacher’s personal influence at the expense of the prestige and due authority of a Local Assembly. It cannot be called Bahá’í teaching unless the end of one’s effort is to bring people fully into the general community of believers. Without discipline no really useful teaching work can be accomplished.

Purity of motive is the great essential on the part of all Bahá’ís who stand before the public in the distinction of a Bahá’í teacher. As the Báb declared to His apostles, the Cause of God is served only through self-sacrifice. If, even though unconsciously, we seek either honor and influence or material gain, we are not ourselves confirmed and we cannot therefore quicken any other soul into spiritual life.

The National Spiritual Assembly devoutly prays that no believer, under any circumstances, will fall into the error of considering that the intention of teaching is in itself sufficient. With the intention should go willingness to consult with the Local Assembly, that the Cause may be protected against the calamity of disagreement and division and that only pure teachings may, without admixture of personal belief or imagination, be given to the public. The authority of a Local Assembly is unquestionable when it asserts itself against improper teaching methods— this authority, however, should not be exercised against any teacher, no matter how humble and inexperienced, on grounds of mere prejudice or personality.

Teachers who are able to visit other cities can render the utmost service, especially at this time when the National Spiritual Assembly is endeavoring to concentrate upon the Temple Construction Fund. Just as their activities

TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION PHOTOGRAPH

(New Series) No. 1

Mr. McDaniel and Mr. Earley inspecting construction of framework, reproducing exactly the dimensions and curve of the Temple dome, to which the external decoration will be fitted before the strips and ribs are applied to the edifice at Wilmette. Mr. Earley represents the John J. Earley Company, Washington, D. C., contractors selected by the Temple Trustees.

in their home community are under the supervision of the Local Assembly, so in traveling from city to city the teachers should recognize the same authority in the Local Spiritual Assembly wherever they serve. Let the invitation to visit a city come from the Assembly in that city—let plans be made and thoroughly understood in advance—if misunderstanding and grief are to be avoided. A sincere, well-informed teacher is always welcome, and Local Assemblies will be happy to learn of the traveling plans of such a believer prepared to serve without interference with the Assembly's budget, which this year is necessarily devoted first of all to the National Fund. The Báb’s words to His disciples reveal the conditions under which teaching becomes truly fruitful in the Cause of God.

Cities without Local Assemblies, whether they have Bahá’í groups or no believers at all, have been placed by the National Spiritual Assembly under the supervision of the National Teaching Committee. It is to this Committee that teachers should turn for cooperation and guidance in places where no elected Assembly yet exists. The Teaching Committee has also been requested to assist, encourage and cooperate with all Local Assemblies, but this relationship in no way detracts from the authority of a Local Assembly in its own community,

By heeding the law of consultation —by recognizing the fact that even the most experienced teacher can continually learn and improve—by Local Assemblies becoming alive to their opportunities and sacred obligations—much of the confusion inevitably attendant upon periods of expansion can be overcome. When, however, an issue arises that brings grief and discouragement to any of the believers, the National Spiritual Assembly would remind them of these tremendous words of steadfast assurance from Shoghi Effendi: “We should welcome, therefore, not only the open attacks which its avowed enemies persistently launch against it, but should also view as a blessing in disguise every storm of mischief with which they who apostatize their faith or claim to be its faithful exponents assail it from time to time. Instead of undermining the Faith, such assaults, both from within and from without, reinforce its foundations, and excite the intensity of its flame.”

COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]

The Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York City, informs the friends that two new publications are now available: Hidden Words (the latest, revised translation by Shoghi Effendi) in paper covers, $0.25 per copy; and Pilgrimage to the Land of Desire, by Marie Watson, $0.50 per copy. The proceeds from the sale of this book go to the Temple Construction Fund.

The Reviewing Committee requests believers who submit manuscripts to supply two copies of each manuscript, typewritten double spaced, that one copy may be retained in the files of the National Assembly in the exact form in which it is approved. Where manuscripts are submitted in long hand, and only one copy, the Committee does not wish to be held responsible for loss or destruction by fire or other accident. Authors are urged always to retain one copy, for safety. Manuscripts are submitted to the Reviewing Committee through the channel of the National Assembly and not direct.

An Inter–Assembly Teaching Conference under the auspices of the National Teaching Committee was held[Page 4] at Green Acre on Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20. Subjects for discussion: The Reconstructed Teaching Program; How Can the Local Assemblies Function More Vitally According to Bahá’í Administration and the Reconstructed Teaching Plan; Nabil’s Narrative, the Basis for the Success of the Reconstructed Teaching Plan and the Completion of the Temple.

An Inter-Assembly Teaching Conference similar to that announced above was held at Louhelen Ranch on Sunday, July 31.

TEACHING AND TRAINING OF BAHA’I CHILDREN[edit]

To the Bahá’ís of United States and Canada:

We are happy to report that the National Spiritual Assembly has appointed a special committee this year to give special attention to compiling material and stimulating the organization of classes for the teaching and training of Bahá’í children. The task is an enormous one and progress this first year may be slow. The cooperation of the Local Spiritual Assemblies in trying out the various types of study outlines which may be submitted is essential and at first the work must necessarily be largely consultative and experimental. The exchange of ideas, suggestions and the results of experiments with the various types of courses will be of infinite assistance in laying the foundation and selecting reference material for the future.

With the multitudinous educational systems already in existence, the only justification we have for offering another is that the Bahá’í Faith has something vital, something fundamental which is quite unique. Not only that but this divine educational plan has been given by the Messenger of God for this particular age. Its purpose is two-fold: To give to individua souls the impetus necessary to their eternal unfoldment, and to enable them to function in all human relationships in such a way as to bring into objectivity those divine laws which are the basis of the true civilization.

Such a supreme objective is the aspiration of these inadequate instruments. The courage to face such a responsibility is engendered only by the assurance that we will be divinely assisted when we arise to serve the Cause of God, and that we may rely upon the active cooperation of the entire body of the friends.

To that end we are asking two things: (1) That every one will definitely and continuously pray for the guidance of this committee, and (2) that each believer will send in to the secretary (Miss Charlotte M. Linfoot, Oakland, California) all suggestions and materials that may assist in making this effort representative of the collective wisdom of the friends. May we have any Tablets on this subject that may not be generally available—notes of conversations with either ‘Abdu’l-Bahá or Shoghi Effendi, or letters from Shoghi Effendi? We shall appreciate suggestions from our friends in the educational field both as to our objective and the sound pedagogical methods for attaining that goal, and particularly shall we welcome their analysis of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s methods. Also, will each community send us definite information as to their classes: the ages of the children, length of class periods and class season, their material, their methods including charts, diagrams, stories, etc., their suggestions, their difficulties and their needs?

Will each one of the friends respond to this general request just as if it were a personal letter, giving us speedily and according to their guidance all possible assistance? This whole-hearted cooperation can alone make possible a service to our beloved Faith of such far-reaching consequences as we can scarcely imagine. Surely we owe at least this much to that body of our youth who will be the ones to face great difficulties and to achieve great victories!

MAYE HARVEY GIFT, Chairman.

CHARLOTTE M. LINFOOT, Secretary.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS[edit]

The following members have been added to the Committee on Training and Teaching Children: Miss Dorothy Baker, Miss Alice Parker, Miss Doris Lohse and Prof. Stanwood Cobb. Additional members from the Western States will be added later on.

The Committee on Bahá’í Economics has been reappointed, the members being: Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, Chairman; Mr. Dale S. Cole, Secretary; Mr. George O. Latimer, Mr. Harlan F. Ober. Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher, Miss Elsa Russell, Mr. Willard McKay, Mr. Robert Moffett, Mr. Wright.

Please note change of address for Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Secretary, Western Division, National Teaching Committee, and Secretary. Committee on Training and Teaching Children. New address: 376 60th Street, Oakland, Calif.

To the Committee on Editing the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Mrs. Corinne True, Chairman, have been added the following members: Mrs. Slater, Mrs. Nourse, Dr. Zia Bagdadi.

Mrs. Ella G. Cooper has been appointed third executive member of the National Teaching Committee, Western Division.

Miss Martha Woodsum has been appointed member of the Publishing Committee to represent the activities of the Library Committee whose function has been assumed by the Publishing Committee.

SPIRITUAL ATTITUDE OF BELIEVERS TOWARD POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Believers who have given special thought to the Guardian’s recent references to the importance of non-participation in political matters are requested to note the following excerpt from a Tablet revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the Spiritual Assembly of Mashad, Persia, during the year 1910.

“In these days the banner of political dissension and revolution is raised throughout Persia. Every part is afflicted with disturbance and each district is in the grasp of turmoil. All the people are in the utmost confusion. But, praise be to God, the friends of God did not mix with any of the political affairs, neither did they interfere with the plans of either party. They were the friends of all parties and kind to every one, inviting all to unity and concord, which is the fundamental basis of progress and civilization. They did not utter a word, neither did they offend any one; they made no complaint against any one; but they praised and glorified the unity and concord of the world of humanity. Therefore they were protected and preserved. Whosoever acted otherwise became afflicted with great calamity.”

A CORRECTION[edit]

Last month it was stated that among the Assemblies which had not yet reported the results of the election held on April 21 was the Assembly of Racine, Wisc. This was an error. The Racine Assembly reported promptly soon after May 1, but their reply was somehow mislaid or lost in the mails.

THE BAHA’I WEEKLY[edit]

Believers desiring to enter subscriptions for the admirable Bahá’í Weekly of India, are advised of the following rate: United States, $2.00; England and British Colonies, 8s.