BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND HIS TEACHINGS
REPRINTED FROM “THE JAPAN TIMES & MAIL,” SEPTEMBER 1, 1929
ON the 22nd of May there were presented to His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, seven specially bound volumes of Bahá’í books which had been sent in the name of Bahá’í ladies of America, and were intended as a gift in commemoration of the Coronation. Accompanying the books were the following words from Shoghi Effendi: “May the perusal of Bahá’í literature enable Your Imperial Majesty to appreciate the sublimity and penetrative power of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and inspire you on this auspicious occasion to arise for its worldwide recognition and triumph.”
“In the ‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ are these words: ‘Japan hath made wonderful progress in material civilization, but she will become perfect when she also becometh spiritually developed and the power of the Kingdom becometh manifest in her.’
“Bahá’u’lláh and his teachings, which originated in Persia over a century ago, are now fast gaining an universal recognition all over the World. His Imperial Majesty the Emperor graciously accepted a gift of 7 volumes on the new religion presented by the Bahá’í Society, founded for the purpose of promoting the religion, through Dr. Rokuichiro Masujima, eminent lawyer and member of the Middle Temple, London. It may not be inappropriate to refer to the new religion in some details on this honored occasion.
“The leading factor in human progress in the history of ‘ascent of man’ is the advent, from time to time, of men who pass beyond the accepted ideas of their day and become discoverers and revealers of truths hitherto unknown among mankind. The inventor, the pioneer, the prophet—whoever the case may be—these are the men upon whom the transformation of the world primarily depends.
“This unshakable truth is clearly demonstrated in every walk of life but none so clearly as in religion. Alone against the world, without a single human being capable of understanding him or of sharing his great responsibility which he alone realizes, he arises, like a torch in darkness, to proclaim his gospel of righteousness and truth.
“There was born in Persia between dawn and sunrise on 12th of November, 1817, a son to Mirzá ‘Abbás of Núr, a Minister of State. He was named Mirzá Husayn ‘Ali who afterwards assumed the title of Bahá’u’lláh having realized his mission in life. Bahá’u’lláh declared that he was the long-expected educator and teacher of all peoples, the channel of a wondrous Grace that would transcend all previous outpourings, in which all previous forms of religion would become merged. He laid a foundation which affords a firm basis for unity throughout the world and the inauguration of that glorious age of peace on earth, goodwill among men. Search after truth, the oneness of mankind, unity of religions, of races, of nations, of West and East, the reconciliation of religion and science, the eradication of prejudices and superstitions, the equality of men and women, the establishment of justice and righteousness, the setting up of a supreme international tribunal, the unification of languages, the compulsory diffusion of knowledge and many other teachings were revealed by the pen of Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet. Much of his teachings were specially addressed to the Rulers and Kings of the world.
“It is evident to all with enlightened minds that a new era is about to begin. The old principles of materialism and egoism, the old sectarian and patriotic prejudices and animosities are perishing amidst the ruins they have wrought. Signs of a new spirit of faith, of brotherhood, of internationalism are evident everywhere. Revolutionary
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Bahá’ís of Tokyo, Japan.
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changes of unprecedented
magnitude have been occurring in every
department of human life. The old era
is not quite dead yet. Evils there are
in plenty but they are being
fought with a spirit of love of righteous.
Clouds there are in plenty but the
light is breaking through and is beginning
to illuminate the path of progress and to
reveal the pitfalls of the onward way. The
onward way! Bahá’u’lláh believed himself
the champion of the progress and ‘one
shepherd for one fold.’
“The writings of Bahá’u’lláh are most comprehensive in their range, dealing with every phase of human life, individual or social, material or spiritual. Bahá’u’lláh insists that his followers must be distinguished by brotherly love and courtesy. Above all he insists that elementary education should be general. The fundamental importance and limitless possibilities of education are proclaimed in the clearest terms by the prophet. The teacher is the most potent factor in civilization and his work is the highest to which men can aspire. Education begins in the mother's womb and is as unending as the life of the individual. It is a perennial necessity of right living and the foundation of both individual and social welfare. When education in the right sense of the word becomes general, humanity will be transformed and the world will become a paradise. The thing of paramount importance in education is character training and Bahá’u’lláh teaches the utmost importance of lives and characters of the child’s parents, teachers and habitual associates. ‘Knowledge is like unto wings for the being and is like a ladder for ascending. To acquire knowledge is incumbent upon all, but of those sciences which may profit the people of the earth, and not those sciences which begin and end in mere words. The real treasury of man is his knowledge which is the means of honor, prosperity, joy and exultation.’
“In all ages the prophets of God have foretold the coming of an era of ‘peace on earth, goodwill among men’ and the followers of Bahá’u’lláh believe their Master’s teachings confirm the prophecies and declare that their fulfillment is at hand.
“ ‘You are all fruits of one tree, the leaves of one branch, the flowers of one garden;’ ‘Glory is not his who loves his own country, but glory is his who loves his kind.’ They are two of the most characteristic sayings of Bahá’u’lláh. Unity—unity of mankind and of all created beings in God—is the main theme of his teaching. ‘We must exercise the utmost love toward one another. We must not consider any people the people of Satan, but know and recognize all as servants of one God. Some do not know, they must be guided and trained. Some are ignorant, they must be informed. Some are as children, they must be helped to reach maturity. Some are ailing, their moral condition is bad, they must be treated until their morals are purified. The sick man is not to he hated because he is sick. The child must not be shunned because he is a child. The ignorant is not to be despised because he lacks knowledge. They must be treated, educated, trained and assisted in love.’ Everything must be done in order that all humanity may live under the shadow of God in the utmost security, in happiness of the highest type.
“All the signs of the times indicate that we are at the dawn of a new era in the history of mankind. Hitherto the young eagle of humanity has clung to the eyrie in the solid rock of selfishness and materialism. Now the era of confinement is at an end and it can launch on the wings of faith and reason into the higher realms of spiritual love and truth. It will no longer be earth-bound as it was before its wings had grown, but will soar at will to the regions of wide outlook and glorious freedom. One thing is necessary. Its flight must be sure and steady. Its wings must not only be strong but they must act in perfect harmony and co—ordination. Who knows Bahá’u’lláh’s prophecies and ideals may not come true with the help of his outspoken teaching? Who could deny a paradise on earth of Bahá’u’lláh’s inspiration is impossible under his glorious banner of love of unity?
“The above short note is to commemorate the great honor the Emperor has graciously seen fit to confer on the Bahá’í Society by accepting seven volumes of teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet and educator of mankind.”
