Bahá’í News Bulletin/Issue 15/Text

Bahá’í News Bulletin/Issue 15

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BAHÁ’Í NEWS

Haziratu’l-Quds, Sydney.

BULLETIN

Published by NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. 2 LANG ROAD, CENTENNIAL PARK, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA.

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NO. 15.

JUNE, 1949

YEAR 106

BAHÁ’Í ERA

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The Word of God in the Seventh Leaf of the Exalted Paradise: O ye wise men among nations! Turn your eyes away from foreignness and gaze unto Oneness, and hold fast unto the means which conduce to the tranquillity and security of the people of the whole world. This span-wide world is but one native land and one locality. Abandon that glory which is the cause of discord, and turn into that which promotes harmony. To the people of ‎Baha' Bahá‎ glory is in knowledge, good deeds, good morals and wisdom - not in native land, or station. O people of the earth; appreciate the worth of this heavenly Word, for it is like unto a ship for the sea of Knowledge, and is as the sun to the universe of Perception.

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

"The prime requisites for them that take counsel together are purity of motive, radiance of spirit, detachment from all else save God, attraction to His Divine Fragrances, humility and lowliness amongst His loved ones, patience and long-suffering in difficulties and servitude to His exalted Threshold. Should they be graciously aided to acquire these attributes, victory from the unseen Kingdom of ‎Baha Bahá‎ shall be vouchsafed to them. In this day, assemblies of consultation are of the greatest importance and a vital necessity. Obedience unto them is essential and obligatory. The members thereof must take counsel together in such wise that no occasion for ill-feeling or discord may arise. This can be attained when every member expresseth with absolute freedom his own opinion and setteth forth his argument. Should any one oppose, he must on no account feel hurt for not until matters are fully discussed can the right way be revealed. The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions. If after discussion, a decision be carried unanimously, well and good; but if, the Lord forbid, differences of opinion should arise, a majority of voices must prevail."

‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ

[Page 1]

THE BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY

A brief manual compiled and published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States entitled "The Bahá’í Community" has been received by the N.S.A. of Australian and New Zealand. Due to the shortage of dollars, a very restricted supply of this excellent publication is available and consequently the N.S.A. has decided that, in order that the friends derive the maximum benefit from this most recent exposition of the fundamental Bahá’í institutions, two copies of this book will be sent to each local Spiritual Assembly and the larger groups; one for the office of Chairman, and the other for the office of Secretary, before the remaining few are placed on public sale.

The N.S.A. would call the attention of the believers in a clear and unambiguous manner to the reference to this book in Bahá’í News, No.201, November, 1947:—

"This reference book replaces the compilations on Bahá’í procedure issued on two occasions during the past ten years. The present work, entitled THE BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY, has been approved by the Guardian in its form and scope. Its distinctive character consists in its concentration on presentation of the nature of the permanent institutions of the Faith and its omission of secondary matters subject to more or less frequent change. The intention has been to give the new believers throughout North America, South America and Europe an outline of the Guardian's exposition of the administrative order, and to fortify the Assemblies and Committees with selected passages clarifying their nature, function and operation. The hope is that the manual will serve to minimize loss of time and energy spent in questions concerning details of procedure, so that every institution may concentrate its precious resources on constructive work. The time is past when the National Assembly can devote much of its monthly meetings to the solution of merely local questions which so frequently arise because attitudes become fixed before basic principles of action are considered."

The Spirit of the Bahá’í Faith can neither be separated from, nor divorced from that Administrative Order which owes its very life to the spiritual potencies it contains and which is now being raised the world over. The Administrative Order, no matter how complete, would be like a body without a soul if the hosts of the Abhá Kingdom and the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh were not its motivating impulse.

In the words of the Guardian:—

"Few will fail to recognise that the Spirit breathed by Bahá’u’lláh upon the world, and which is manifesting itself with varying degrees of intensity through the efforts consciously displayed by His avowed supporters and indirectly through certain humanitarian organizations, can never permeate and exercise an abiding influence upon mankind unless [Page 2] and until it incarnates itself in a visible Order, which would bear His name, wholly identify itself with His principles, and function in conformity with His laws."

And again:=

"Let no one, while this System is still in its infancy, misconceive its character, belittle its significance or misrepresent its purpose. The bedrock on which this Administrative Order is founded is God's immutable Purpose for mankind in this day. The Source from which it derives its inspiration is no one less than Bahá’u’lláh Himself. Its shield and defender are the embattled hosts of the Abhá Kingdom. Its seed is the blood of no less than twenty thousand martyrs who have offered up their lives that it may be born and flourish. The axis round which its institutions revolve are the authentic provisions of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Its guiding principles are the truths which He Who is the unerring Interpreter of the teachings of our Faith has so clearly enunciated in His public addresses throughout the West. The laws that govern its operation and limit its functions are those which have been expressly ordained in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. The seat round which its spiritual, its humanitarian and administrative activities will cluster are the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár and its Dependencies. The pillars that sustain its authority and buttress its structure are the twin institutions of the Guardianship and of the Universal House of Justice. The central, the underlying aim which animates it is the establishment of the New World Order as adumbrated by Bahá’u’lláh. The methods it employs, the standard it inculcates, incline it to neither East nor West, neither Jew nor Gentile, neither rich nor poor, neither white nor colored. Its watchword is the unification of the human race; its standard the "Most Great Peace"; its consummation the advent of that golden millennium - the Day when the kingdoms of this world shall have become the Kingdom of God Himself, the Kingdom of Bahá’u’lláh."

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

The National Spiritual Assembly extends a welcome to the newly enrolled Believers:-

Struthers, Mrs. Mary, Wanganui, N.Z.

TRANSFER

Wilson, Mrs. Ada, Hobart, Tasmania.

Miss Kitty Carpenter from Perth, W.A. to Brisbane, Qld.

Mr and Mrs H. Coleman from Hill Top N.S.W. to Leura, N.S.W. [Page 3]

"... YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE ..."

The following Plans were drawn up as a guide for the Bahá’í Year 106 in the hope of bringing the fulfilment of the Six Year Teaching Plan nearer its goal. At the close of this year the half-way mark will have been reached and the next three years will pass all too quickly. We are reminded of the Guardian’s words:—

"No sacrifice is too great for the promotion of such an urgent and vital task. A supreme effort, on the part of all, young and old alike, individuals, assemblies and committees, is absolutely essential in the course of the present year, and as a prelude to the initiation of future plans aiming at a still greater development and further enrichment of the life of both communities all secondary matters should be subordinated to the primary ‎requirments requirements‎ of the present day."

". . . I feel confident that its stalwart members will not allow the hopes that animate me, to be frustrated."

Let us all, young and old alike, arise and speed-up the Teaching Plan so that the believers of Australia and New Zealand may bring joy to the heart of our beloved Guardian.

These plans, drawn up by the National Teaching Committee and submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly were approved for the coming year.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA:

Perth: That the Perth believers be asked to concentrate on doubling their numbers during the coming year.

That it be arranged for Mrs B. Dobbins to visit Perth during August-September.

QUEENSLAND:

Brisbane: That the Brisbane believers be asked to concentrate on doubling their numbers during the coming year.

That Mr and Mrs E. Thomas plan to visit Brisbane during the year.

That Dr. J. W. Bean (who is now in Brisbane) will stay six months.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA:

Port Adelaide: That the South Australian Regional Teaching Committee be requested to make a special drive to form a group at Port Adelaide (one of the goal towns for an Assembly).

[Page 4] Woodville: That the Woodville believers be asked to concentrate on doubling their membership during the coming year

Adelaide: That the Adelaide Assembly be asked to arrange a circuit of teachers to visit five or six municipalities near to Adelaide with the view to forming Assemblies in these municipalities; and that the Adelaide believers be asked to double their membership.

Quorn: That Mr J. Chittleborough plans to visit this centre where there is one believer.

Goal Towns: That the Regional Teaching Committee for South Australia be asked to call for volunteers to make regular monthly visits to the goal towns in South Australia and concentrate on the establishment of groups.

VICTORIA

Melbourne: That the Melbourne believers be asked to concentrate on doubling their membership during the coming year.

‎Euchuca Echuca‎ and Bendigo: That Mrs ‎Easy Easey‎ has been asked to spend a month between these two centres and then make regular monthly or six-weekly visits to follow up contacts made.

Geelong: That Mr and Mrs Easey have offered to visit at weekends this centre.

Ballarat: That this centre be visited so that contacts can be followed up.

TASMANIA

Launceston: That the Regional Teaching Committee for Tasmania be asked to concentrate on the formation of a group at Launceston with the object of attaining Assembly status for Launceston before the expiration of the Plan; and that Miss K. Harcus be asked to spend a month in Launceston.

NEW ZEALAND

That a teacher spend six months in New Zealand.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Sydney: That the Sydney Assembly be asked to arrange a teaching circuit and concentrate on the formation of groups to be brought to assembly status as soon as possible.

Caringbah: That the Spiritual Assembly be asked to concentrate on doubling the membership of the community. [Page 5] Yerrinbool: That the Yerrinbool Assembly be asked to concentrate on the formation of Assemblies within their present rural area of jurisdiction.

Parramatta: That Miss M. Rowling has offered to teach in this city.

Orange: That Miss M. Degotardi has offered to teach in this town.

Grafton: That it is hoped to arrange for someone to teach in this town.

Yass: That regular visits be arranged for teachers to follow up the work done in this town.

Lismore: That regular visits be arranged to this town.

Wollongong: That the R.T.C. for N.S.W. be asked to arrange regular visits by members of the Sydney Community to Wollongong.

Glen Innes: That it be arranged to supply this centre with visitors if possible.

Leeton, Wagga, Junee: That someone be asked to volunteer to visit every six weeks these three towns, spending a day in each.

Newcastle: That someone be asked to settle in Newcastle.

Mittagong: That visits to this centre be arranged.

"HERALD OF THE SOUTH": That it be arranged to place the "Herald of the South" in as many libraries as possible.

REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE CONFERENCES: That if possible, Regional Teaching Conferences be arranged in all States.

NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE.

BAHÁ’Í CONSULTATION

(This article is concerned with the general principles of consultation. Although the article refers primarily to consultation between ‎mambers members‎ of an Assembly at an Assembly meeting, the principles are quite general and apply equally to discussions with Bahá’ís and others.)

Unity is important for any discussion, but for a Bahá’í Assembly it is vital. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says: "The first condition is absolute love and harmony amongst the members of the Assembly. They must be wholly free from estrangement and must [Page 6] manifest in themselves the Unity of God, for they are the waves of one sea, the drops of one river, the stars of one heaven, the rays of one sun, the trees of one orchard, the flowers of one garden. Should harmony of thought and absolute unity be non-existent, that gathering shall be dispersed and that Assembly be brought to nought."

He also gives very explicit guidance on how unity in consultation is to be achieved. In one of His talks in America he contrasted ‘consultation’ with ‘the mere voicing of personal views’. It is a difference which every Bahá’í should have at heart. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has explained quite clearly what is meant: "They must in every matter search out truth and not insist upon their own opinion, for stubbornness and persistence in one’s view will lead ultimately to discord and wrangling and the truth will remain hidden." And again: "He who expresses an opinion should not voice it as correct and right but set it forth as a contribution to the ‎concensus consensus‎ of opinion." "Man should weigh his opinions with the utmost serenity, calmness and composure. Before expressing his own views he should carefully consider the views already advanced by others. If he finds that a previously expressed opinion is more true and worthy, he should accept it immediately and not wilfully hold on to an opinion of his own."

It is sometimes thought that the best way of maintaining unity in an Assembly is to keep quiet when one disagrees, but ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says the reverse: "The members thereof must take counsel together in such wise that no occasion for ill feeling or discord may arise. This can be attained when every member expresses with absolute freedom his own opinion and setteth forth his argument. Should anyone oppose, he must on no account feel hurt, for not until matters are fully discussed can the right way be revealed. The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions."

For this to be possible it is necessary that the discussion should be courteously conducted. "They must then proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and moderation to express their views." "It is in no wise permissible for one to belittle the thought of another." "True consultation is spiritual conference in the attitude and atmosphere of love... Love and fellowship are the foundation." Without this condition unity in consultation cannot be achieved.

These three simple rules are the basis of true consultation; being prepared to modify one’s opinion, to state one’s views, and to discuss courteously the views of others. On this basis positive consultation can be built. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá holds as a model the consultation of the disciples of Jesus after the Crucifixion. The story may be found on page 69 of "The Promulgation of Universal Peace". There is no destructive criticism; each remark added further truth to whatsoever was good in the preceding remark. The result was a decision far greater than any of them could have reached alone. It is at this ideal that Bahá’í consultation should aim. [Page 7]

The Promulgation of Universal Peace

The most memorable instance of spiritual consultation was the meeting of the disciples of Jesus Christ upon the mount after his ascension. They said, "His Holiness Jesus Christ has been crucified and we have no longer association and intercourse with him in his physical body; therefore we must be loyal and faithful to him, we must be grateful and appreciate him, for he has raised us from the dead, he made us wise, he has given us eternal life. What shall we do to be faithful to him?" And so they held council. One of them said: "We must detach ourselves from the chains and fetters of the world; otherwise we cannot be faithful." The others replied, "That is so". Another said, "Either we must be married and faithful to our wives and children or serve our Lord free from these ties. We cannot be occupied with the care and provision for families and at the same time herald the kingdom in the wilderness. Therefore let those who are unmarried remain so, and those who are married provide means of sustenance and comfort for their families and then go forth to spread the message of glad tidings." There were no dissenting voices; all agreed, saying, "That is right".

A third disciple said, "To perform worthy deeds in the kingdom we must be further self-sacrificing. From now on we should forgo ease and bodily comfort, accept every difficulty, forget self and teach the Cause of God." This found acceptance and approval by all the others. Finally a forth disciple said: "There is still another aspect of our faith and unity. For Jesus' sake we shall be beaten, imprisoned and exiled. They may kill us. Let us receive this lesson now. Let us realise and resolve that though we are beaten, banished, cursed, spat upon and led forth to be killed we shall accept all this joyfully, loving those who hate and wound us." All the disciples replied, "Surely we will, it is agreed; this is right." Then they descended from the summit of the mountain and each went forth in a different direction upon his divine mission. This was true consultation. This was spiritual consultation and not the mere voicing of personal views in parliamentary opposition and debate.

The friends will be happy to know that Mother Dunn is enjoying the best of health and is as busy as ever teaching the Faith. [Page 8]

HOBART CELEBRATES ASSEMBLY STATUS

Tasmania, "the speck", proudly takes its place in the Australian and New Zealand community. The first Local Spiritual Assembly in Tasmania was formed in Hobart on April 21st, and on May 9th the community of Hobart and their friends celebrated the formation of this new Assembly in the Lord Mayor's Court-room, Town Hall, Hobart.

"Over fifty people were present when the Hobart Bahá’í community and its friends gathered together to publicly celebrate the occasion of the attainment to Assembly status of the Hobart Bahá’í Group."

A few brief addresses, musical items and games contributed to the success of an evening which marks another step forward in the development of the Faith in Australia and New Zealand.

PERTH ASSEMBLY RE-FORMED

Before the war Perth was a young community with its local Assembly. However, with the pressure of the war years the. community drifted apart. Now, again, Perth has re-formed its Assembly. Due to the teaching efforts of Mr J. Perdu, Miss K. Carpenter, Mr and Mrs J. Dobbins and others, the Perth community has increased in numbers so that on April 21st their Assembly was re-formed. Mr Stanley Bolton Jr. who spent a week teaching there was able to be present on this occasion of great import to the Perth community and to Western Australia in general. The Perth community is the most isolated community in Australia and New Zealand, 2,000 miles separating it from the nearest Bahá’í community, and 3,000 miles from its Hazírat’ul-Quds. The vast Australian continent has been bridged.

BRISBANE FORMS ASSEMBLY

The teaching efforts of the many friends who visited. Brisbane and the efforts of the two young settlers there, Mr and Mrs J. Heggie resulted in the formation of a Local Spiritual Assembly in Brisbane on April 21st.

With the formation of Spiritual Assemblies in the goal cities of Perth, Hobart and Brisbane, Spiritual Assemblies now exist in all the capital cities in the Commonwealth of Australia.

CORRECTION

Bahá’í News Bulletin No. 14, page 9. Mr Manuchihr Ala'i Birth of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá from Teheran, Iran, to Auckland, N.Z. May 23rd 1844. [Page 9]

He Is the Almighty

My hair is My Ambassador. Proclaiming at every moment upon the Branch of Fire in the Rose Garden of Holiness and Light, perchance the people of the world become severed from the dust soaring toward the Seat of Nearness, the Station. wherein the Light emanated from the Beauty of God, the Mighty, the Unconstrained. O Thou, ye servants of Fire! Sing and praise, then become rejoiced and hasten ye toward the Adored One while crying; There is no God but God, the Knowing, the Wise, the Loving.

He Is the Wise

My Hair is My Fire. Therefore it is enthroned upon the seat of My cheek and is pasturing upon the Rose Garden of My Face. This is the station wherein the Son of Imron stripped from himself the garment of all save Him, and attained to the Lights of Holiness from the Fire of God, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Forgiving.

He Is the Mighty, the Beloved

My Lock is My Chain - whosoever clings to It shall never err from everlasting, to everlasting, for therein is hidden the Guidance which leads to the Light of Beauty.

He Is God

My Hair is My Atributes - in which My Beauty is Concealed! Perchance the Eyes of the strangers from among My servants may fall (rest) on it, thus have We hidden from the Infidels the Beauty which is Shining and Exalted.

He Is the Eternal

My Hair bears witness to My Beauty that I am God and there is no God beside. Verily I have been Single, the Unique, the Omnipotent, the Loving, the Unending, the Self-Subsistent God before the beginning of Creation. O ye people of Immortality, Listen ye to what emanates from those disheveled, waving, flying locks (tresses) upon the Sinai of Fire in the Tabernacle of Light on this throne of Manifestation.

Verily, there is no God beside Me. Verily I have been the King, the Sovereign, the Peerless, the Everlasting, the Exhaustless, the Ancient, the Holy.

In the Beginning before there was no Beginning. O ye Inhabitants of the heavens and the earth, should ye purify your ears ye would hear from My Tresses, that verily there is no God but He. He is unique in His Essence, and barred from any reference; notwithstanding this how did they oppose this Beauty when His Bounty encircled all those who are in the seas of command and creation. Wherefore be ye just in yourselves in [Page 10] judging this Faith which is firmly founded in love for this Youth who is riding upon the snow white camel between the heaven and earth, and be firm and steadfast in Truth.

This Tablet was read by Mrs. Clara Dunn before the precious lock of Bahá’u’lláh’s Hair was unveiled at the Convention.

ENGLAND

"Teaching in the Final Phase" was the theme of the recent Teaching Conference held in Leeds on 8th and 9th January, 1949. This Conference, called to stimulate activity in the final stages of the English Six Year Plan, was to result in similar Conferences held in the larger communities, London and Manchester.

CANADA

The N.S.A. of Canada has launched a comprehensive teaching programme as a "befitting start" to their teaching Plan. This programme reaches from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from Newfoundland to Greenland.

This youngest National Assembly is proudly rearing its head among the nations of the world to shoulder its responsibility in the unfoldment of the world-embracing Plan of Bahá’u’lláh.

PERSIA

The passing of Dr. Younis Khan Afrukhteh, reported in the Persian "Bahá’í News and Reviews, is indeed a great loss to the entire Bahá’í world. "May the spiritual stimulus wielded by his example and memory prompt us to follow in his steps and to fashion our individual lives according to the shining pattern he so manifestly embodied." (from Bahá’í News & Reviews)

PICTURE EVENING

The N.T.C. held a very successful motion picture evening on Wednesday, 25th May, 1949, at Hazíratu’l-Quds.

Captain Moody showed a screening of his coloured films of the Great Barrier Reef which all the friends and visitors enjoyed. A group of over 50 people were present for this informal get-together. [Page 11]

YERRINBOOL BAHÁ’Í WINTER SCHOOL

If you are planning to attend the Winter School, please drop a line to: YERRINBOOL SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 2 LANG ROAD, PADDINGTON, NSW. and make reservations for the Winter session.

The dates are, Tuesday, 30th August, to Thursday, 8th September, 1949.

Studies will be based on "RENEWAL OF CIVILIZATION" and "SOME CHRISTIAN SUBJECTS."

The friends may take up residence on Monday, 29th August, and leave Friday, 9th September, 1949.

This is a grand opportunity to take that long over-due holiday. Bring some of your friends along.

YERRINBOOL SCHOOL COMMITTEE

TELEGRAPHIC AND CABLE ADDRESS

The friends are reminded that in contacting the National Office by telegram or cable, the address "2 Lang Road, Paddington, N.S.W., is unnecessary. Just NATBAHAI SYDNEY is all that is needed for a cable or telegram to reach Haziratu’l-Quds.

Remember NATBAHAI SYDNEY.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

N.S.A. MEETING

The N.S.A. will be meeting in Sydney at Haziratu’l-Quds JUNE 17th, 18th, 19th, 1949

NOTICE

Orders for "THE BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY" will be accepted by the National Library Committee. Send your order NOW.