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| VOLUME 13 | February, 1923 | No. 11 |
| CONTENTS | Page | |
The Call to Universal Peace | 291 | |
Our Trip to Haifa in the Summer of 1922 | By Stanwood Cobb | 294 |
Knighting of Abdul Baha | 298 | |
A Letter From Shoghi Effendi | 299 | |
An Epistle of Bahá 'Ullah | 300 | |
Seven Cities in the Spiritual Journey to God | By Jenabe Fazel | 301 |
The Spirit of the Century | 304 | |
Inter-Racial Amity | By Louis G. Gregory | 304 |
World Peace Through the Discovery of One God | 306 | |
The Origin of Race-Color | A Tablet of Abdul Baha | 307 |
Signs of the Times | 307 | |
The Sacred Valley of Promise | By Victoria Bedikian | 309 |
The Growth of the Bahai Cause in the East | By Jenabe Fazel | 310 |
Bahai News and Notes | 313 | |
Persian Section | 317 | |
The official Bahai Magazine, published monthly by the Bahai Temple Unity Room 450, 508 South Dearborn St., Chicago
Albert Vail, Editor, Edna M. True, Business Manager, Persian Editors, Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, Mirza Ahmad Sohrab. Subscriptions: $3.00 per year; 25 cents a copy. Two copies to same name and address $5.00 per year. Please send change of address by the middle of the month and be sure to send old as well as new address. Kindly send all communications and make postoffice orders and checks payable to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Illlinois, U. S. A. Entered as second class matter April 9, 1911 at the postoffice at Chicago, Ill. under the Act of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, September 1, 1922.
--PHOTO--
The Knighting of Abdul Baha, Haifa, Palestine, April 27, 1920.
--PATTERN--
THE following prophetic words on the oneness of mankind, the oneness of religion, the most great peace, are taken from the records of two addresses by Abdul Bahá in Montreal, Canada, as published September 2 and 6, 1912, in The Montreal Gazette and The Montreal Daily Star. The opening words were given at the Church of the Messiah (Unitarian) at the Sunday morning service, the second address at a large Thursday evening gathering of some twelve hundred people in St. James Methodist Church. To these selections we have added a glorious call to universal peace from the words of Abdul Bahá in Mirza Ahmad Sohrab's Diary.
I
"God the Almighty has created all humanity from earth, from the same element. All men are descended from the same race and live upon the same globe. As members of humanity He created them alike in all their susceptibilities. He left no differences whatever. He provides for all, He trains all, He protects all, He is kind to all.
"All the prophets of God have been inspired with the message of love and unity to the sons of men. All the books of God have been revealed for the sake of fellowship and union. All the prophets of God have been the servants of reality. Reality is one; it does not accept multiplicity. Therefore we conclude that the foundations of the religions of God are one. Yet, alas, a thousand differences have been creeping in which have nothing to do with these foundations. As these differences vary, therefore we have strife among the children of men; contention and warfare are rampant and bloodshed and strife reign everywhere. All the bloodshed and strife of the past have been induced either through religious or racial prejudices or political or patriotic bias. These prejudices are greater in the Orient than in the Occident.
"The religions and nations of the Orient were in constant warfare with one another when Bahá 'Ullah appeared and proclaimed that all prophets are the servants of God, all religions but the shadow of the Almighty. All lands are under the same Shepherd. If one lamb is separated from the flock all must strive to bring it back. Baha 'Ullah proclaimed that religion must be the means of love and fellowship. If religion is the cause of hatred it has no meaning; it is not religion, but is irreligion for it produces opposite results from those purposed by true religion. If religion becomes the cause of strife then irreligion is better. A remedy must bring health. If this remedy causes sickness then it is better to have no remedy whatever.
"Baha 'Ullah has taught that religion must be in accord with reason and science. If religion does not agree with science and reason it is superstition. God has granted us reason so that we may comprehend the realities of things and adore them. If religion is contrary to reason and science then confidence (in religion) is impossible. Where religion does not create faith and confidence we cannot call it religion; it is superstition. All religious systems must agree with reason and science so that the heart may obtain faith and assurance. The religion of God is one, and for all. His Holiness Abraham summoned the people to reality. His Holiness Mohammed proclaimed reality. His Holiness Christ founded reality. Likewise, all the prophets were servants of reality.
"Before God there is no Germany, no England, no France, no Turkey. All these people, before God, are equal. God did not make these divisions. There is no racial prejudice among animals. There is no difference between an eastern and a western sheep, or dove. Europe is one continent; it is not divided. Bur we have created imaginary lines."—From the Montreal Gazette.
"Man has set up imaginary lines, only to have these become causes of strife. A river is made a boundary, one side called France and the other Germany. The river was in reality created for both. What a superstition! An imaginary line to become a cause of bloodshed!
"All this enmity and discord are the fruit of ignorance and a lack of mutual understanding. Become ye instructed, so that all this may be banished, so that all mankind may become united."
"I have come to America to speak a message of peace and good-will to you. You are a noble nation with a just government. I beg of God that this just and fair land may assist in working for the peace of the world. Let the people of this young and noble nation assist in the great movement for the peace and unity of the world. Let the people light a lamp that will illumine the whole universe. Let us put love in the hearts of all the children of men. Let all mankind labor for this, that the favor of God may descend upon the Orient and Occident."—From The Montreal Daily Star.
II
SOME PRINCIPLES FOR UNIVERSAL PEACE
From the Address given by Abdul Baha at St. James Methodist Church, September 5, 1912.
"I feel a deep sense of joy in being present at such a revered assembly. Praise be to God, that I see before me the earnest countenances of searchers for reality, an evidence that the people long to become acquainted with the eternal verities. God created man and endowed him with reason with which to reach valid conclusions; therefore, man must in all pursuits investigate reality.
"I am greatly pleased with the people of America, because they seek to know the reality of everything. Their reasoning power is ever actively engaged and I find them independent investigators."
Abdul Bahá outlined under six headings the main points of the teachings of Baha 'Ullah:
1. "It is incumbent upon all humanity to make an independent investigation of truth; lack of investigation is the cause of the creeping in of error and subsequent dissensions.
2. "The oneness of all humanity. All mankind forms one great family and all are immersed in the ocean of God's eternal mercy. So long as God is kind to all should we be unkind, why should we not love all? Can we formulate a policy superior to the divine policy? No, we must emulate God, and if a soul is sick give him a remedy. If one is ignorant educate him, and if one has imperfections strive to make these disappear.
3. "Religion must be the mainspring of love in every community. No true religion can cause strife. If enmity arises out of religion surely that religion's nonexistence is better than its existence.
4. "Religion must agree with science and reason; if it does not it is merely superstition. Reasoning ever leads us to the verities of things.
5. "It is necessary that all prejudices disappear. Religious, racial, sectarian,
patriotic and political prejudices are all destroyers of the foundations of God and a denial of divine truth; for God's prophets were sent for the sole purpose of creating unity and love upon earth. All mankind has descended from Adam; all humanity is essentially one family and before God there is no distinction of race. The earth has by man been divided up with imaginary (lines) and such divisions have been the cause of incessant strife and the shedding of innocent blood. The time has now arrived when all such differences should be laid aside.
6. "The world of humanity is ever in need of the emanations of the Holy Spirit. If man did not receive them he would be only an animal."
"The time has come for us all to work for international peace. No catastrophe can be greater than war, and in preparation for it man is taxed beyond the limit of endurance. Europe is today nothing but a storehouse of explosives, it is ever on the edge of war, and a spark only is needed to ignite a blaze that will wreck that continent.
"The time has come for the establishment of a fair arbitral court of justice for the settlement of all international disputes, and the nations must make use of such a court, and obey its just decrees." —From The Montreal Daily Star.
III
THE PEACE WORKERS OF THE WORLD
"AMERICA is the home of the ideals of peace," said Abdul Baha ápropos of a peace meeting held in the early days of the great war. "Its people are peace loving and its democratic leaders are the sowers of the seeds of peace. I hope that a chain of similar meetings will be organized throughout the States wherein eloquent speakers will expose the iniquities of war tell of the beauty of peace so that the world may resound with their call to peace. This is indeed most important.
"On the other hand, the legislators, farsighted peace advocates, the practical statesmen of America must from now on frame a code of laws and regulations to be used as the foundation for the future Universal Parliament of Man. The initial step is most difficult and arduous and only a free, disinterested, large-minded, humanity-loving nation like the Americans can perform such signal services. The American people have had sound judicial training and the fundamental principles of their political institutions are based on equality of opportunity for all mankind. Their national and state system of government has been, always, a good and beneficial example for the framers of the constitution of the international court of arbitration. In short, America must be the principle factor in establishing lasting peace among the nations of the world. The spreading of peace ideals must be carried on unceasingly—thus the ground may be made ready and the hearts prepared. The promotion of the principles of peace and the exposition of the evils of war will ultimately lead to an astonishing awakening on the part of the people. Let us hope that there will be a speedy ending of all this barbarity, this brutal destruction and new vandalism and that love may take the place of enmity."
One day, when he was in Ramleh, Egypt, after viewing a procession of fourteen French warships Abdul Bahá said, "as though talking to all the peace workers and peace lovers of the world": "The law of peace has come to stay. We are living in the radiant age of peace. We are daily advancing in the path of peace. The army of peace is being recruited from among all nations and people. Let the peace makers know that the unconquerable power of God is behind them. No government and no nation can withstand them. With this power alone they will be able to conquer all opposition and remove all stumbling blocks. From now on less and less will be the magic spell of war, greater and greater will be the influence of peace.
"The day is coming when the dove of peace will reign over all the continents, the laws of peace will rule all nations and the resources of war will be expended upon that which will be conducive to the spiritualizing of mankind. Let all the peace workers gather together their scattered forces and combine
their material and moral resources. They must look forward and not backward, up and not down. They are the real benefactors of humanity, the burning torches of bright hope. Just as the heaven is above the earth so their ideals must soar above the ideals of this age. Unfalteringly they must inspire the hearts with peace and harmony. With perfect faith and assurance they must toil and labor and know of a certainty that the goal is ahead. They will reach it if they work steadily and firmly. The Lord of Hosts is reinforcing them. The Sun of Peace is up in the horizon and its rays are penetrating through the clouds of prejudice and ignorance. These warships will be changed into merchant steamers binding the nations and countries more closely together. The cry of peace is being heard from every throat and the sweet, resonant melody of peace will drown all the screeching noises of war.
"Blessed are those who are enlisted in the ranks of peace!"
--PATTERN--
AS many friends have considered it
hazardous to undertake a trip to
Palestine and the Near East in the summer,
it may be of interest to give our experiences.
Of course we should have
preferred the winter for such a journey,
but like many others we were free only
in the summer months and we determined
to take advantage of our opportunity
in spite of climatic disadvantages.
First a word as to route. We found it impossible to get any definite information in this country concerning routes, sailings, and prices, through to Haifa; and even in London information was difficult to get and inaccurate. Therefore we will here share our information, acquired through experience.
There are lines that sail directly from New York to the Near East; but they are Greek lines, with small boats and infrequent sailings, and this route is not to my mind advisable.
The quickest way to reach Haifa (also the most agreeable and as inexpensive as any) is as follows:—by boat to England or the Continent; by rail across the Continent to Trieste; by boat to Alexandria; by rail from Alexandria to Haifa. The time consumed is as follows: New York to the Continent, from six to eleven days, according to the boat; across the Continent to Trieste, one to two days; Trieste to Alexandria (by express boats of the Lloyd Tristine which has weekly sailings, or by express boats of the Servitzime Italiano which has bi-weekly sailings), three to four days; by rail from Alexandria to Haifa, one and a half days. Minimum time from New York to Haifa, twelve days. Minimum expense, about six hundred dollars round trip. Boat fares are rapidly coming down and next summer the same trip probably would cost less than five hundred dollars.
As to summer climate in the Near East, I will say that we were agreeably surprised to find how comfortable travel was under such conditions. We were not in the least made uncomfortable by the heat nor did we suffer any unhealthful effects from it, except in Haifa itself which has a bad summer climate. One should never move hurriedly in the Near East, not expose oneself to the sun any more than is absolutely necessary. One should avoid native water and some uncooked foods such as salads. One should conserve one's energy. By following these rules one may travel in safety and comfort in Egypt and Palestine in mid-summer. In
--PHOTO--
A Street in Haifa—The House Bahá 'Ullah Occupied for a Time
fact, our train ride from Egypt to Haifa and return was most cool and comfortable, much more so than many a train in America in the summer season.
A trip to the Near East, apart from the glorious privilege of visiting Haifa, is most fascinating. Life is so different in the Orient, and the Orientals have many truths to teach us. Their simplicity of life, their calm and placid demeanor under almost all circumstances, their nearness to God, are qualities which the Western world must also acquire if it is to maintain its sanity and health.
These qualities are of course to be found in the highest degree in the Oriental Bahais, who radiate peace and joy and love. It is always an inspiration to meet the Oriental friends; and they seem to feel an equal joy in meeting us. This joy that comes from the mingling and sympathetic union of the East and of the West is one of the great blessings that God has reserved for this marvelous century. It has never been attained before. It is like two destined lovers who have grown up in utter ignorance of each other, yet all the time acquiring those complementary qualities which are to make their coming union rich and happy.
On the other hand, the time has come when the unfriendly relation which from time immemorial has existed between the East and the West must cease. Ever since the conquests of Alexander the Great the Western world has sought to dominate the East by force, cruelly exploiting it and waxing fat and luxurious from the industry and labor of the Asiatics. This is the century of justice between all men and all races; and a spirit is rising in the East which will eventually change this Western dominance. We were aware of this spirit in Egypt and Palestine and Syria. Persia is alive with it. From friends who have visited India we get the same story. And events in Asia Minor are but precursors of the embarrassment of Europe if it persists in trying to dominate Asia.
This spirit, which disquiets most Occidentals and which has given rise to much alarmist literature, serves only as an inspiration to Bahais who see in it the signs of the dawning of a new day.
Likewise events in Europe show a condition desperate to the ordinary observation. So great are the hatreds now existing between the different races of Europe that it would seem as if nothing but
another great war could be the outcome. One person said to Mrs. Cobb, "We hate the whole world!" She asked, "Do you hate Americans?" "Yes!" was his answer, more honest than tactful.
A Roumanian lady, for some years a resident of this country, whom we met in the compartment of the train from Vienna to Paris, then on her way back to America after a rather unsatisfactory visit to her native town, told us most graphically of the hatreds between the neighboring little countries of the Balkan peninsula. So much do the Hungarians dislike the Roumanians, and vice-versa, that either race when traveling in the other country finds it wise to disguise its nationality. If this be so, how great must be the hatred between Greeks and Bulgarians, and especially, between Greeks and Turks!
The despair in the conquered countries is terrible. A well dressed lady, widow of an Austrian officer, spoke to us bitterly of the desolate life now confronting her. Not only were living conditions almost unendurable, but in the present chaotic economic state of central Europe for which no relief is in sight, what future could she look forward to for her boy of fourteen? For what profession should she train him? The outlook was equally dismal for all the customary professions.
To me this seems the greatest tragedy of all, that no hope for improvement and amelioration lies in the rising generation. For their children, parents see nothing but the darkest outlook.
I would not thus dwell upon the gloom in Europe, were it not to Bahai vision a sign of the fulfillment of the prelude to the coming of the Kingdom; and a most clear demonstration that nothing but the power of the love of God can save the world. For as Buddha said, "Verily, not by hatred does hatred cease, but only by love does hatred cease." And Abdul Baha has told us so many times that only the power of the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of men can bring about peace and restore prosperity to the world.
As for our nine days in Haifa, they were days naturally full of spiritual inspiration. I was especially privileged in visiting on several occasions the Holy Family, a favor not hitherto granted to male pilgrims to Haifa. They told us intimate details of the life and passing of Abdul Baha;—how he refused every comfort which his family tried to secure for his last days, how upon his death he had hardly one change of clothing. Anything above this amount of clothing he had always given away. Thus his life stands out as a beacon light, pointing to others the way of service.
We made many visits and prayers at the tombs of Abdul Bahá and of the Bab. From the beautiful garden surrounding the tombs we looked down the mountain side to the sea, already perceiving in our imagination the glorious parkway which shall one day rise from the Mediterranean to the Holy Tombs. Even now the authorities of Haifa are planning to construct such a boulevard, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Abdul Baha.
The information conveyed to us by a Jewish girl, a Zionist from Jerusalem whom we met on the train and talked with at some length, gave us an inspiring vision of what Haifa will attain to in the not far distant future, if the Jewish plans for the development of Palestine are carried out. Haifa they intend to make the chief port of the eastern Mediterranean surpassing Beirut and rivaling Alexandria and Constantinople. Haifa is situated much more advantageously for trade with the vast hinterland of Mesopotamia than is Beirut or any other city of Syria or Palestine. It has splendid possibilities as a harbor. The plan is to make a vast sea-wall and construct great docks at which the largest of ships can unload.
Not only will Haifa flourish but all Palestine, under the impetus given by Jewish energy and capital. An irrigation project is already under way which will embrace practically all of Palestine and make it blossom like the rose. Under the protection of Great Britain Jewish capital will more and more flow to Palestine, and within this generation it will undoubtedly become one of the garden spots of the world. Thus is prophecy fulfilled.
--PHOTO--
The Plain of Acca. The Bahje, a group of buildings which includes the last home and the shrine of Bahá 'Ullah, is seen in the distance.
I will mention two experiences while at Haifa, experiences of the inner spiritual life which I shall never forget. One of these experiences came from the extraordinary privilege I had, while visiting the Bahje or tomb of Bahá 'Ullah, of sitting in the armchair in the chamber of Bahá 'Ullah, where Abdul Bahá so often sat looking out over the plains of Acca to the sea. For just a minute I sat in this chair, and for just that minute I was abstracted from all worldly sensation and lifted to the plane of the Kingdom. Such a heavenly peace flowed about me as I had never experienced before, not even when in Abdul Baha's presence. It was a feeling not only of peace but of exaltation, as being above the distractions and anxieties and dangers of this world. Clearly I was on another plane of being, though physically upon this earth. It was such a wonderful experience that I silently beckoned my wife, who was sitting on the couch, to exchange places with me. While in the armchair, she felt this same uplift and supreme happiness. On the couch we both had, on the other hand, merely the feeling of spiritual peace such as belongs to this earth plane at its best. Truly we had for that supreme moment rested with heavenly souls upon the fields of God. No wonder that martyrs sing as they approach the moment of their release from the cage of life!
The other experience that I referred to was that of beholding for the first time the photograph of Bahá 'Ullah. As I gazed upon his countenance, so massive and so full of majesty and power, I felt that adoration and devotion which led men to become his humble followers while he was a prisoner in a penal colony, and which inspired these ardent followers to spread his gospel throughout the world,—"with a thousand longings sacrificing themselves to the Eternal Beloved."
It was not a feeling of personal devotion which swept over me. It was rather an awe and worship of the majesty of the law which Bahá 'Ullah personified. As I looked into that Face I perceived the import and power of that Message which he brought for the healing of the nations. I realized that his laws were divine laws,
as were those of Moses, only far greater and destined to be the foundation of a divine civilization. Before the awful majesty of such a law, as incarnated in Baha 'Ullah, one could but prostrate oneself, body and soul; and feel that the greatest privilege this life afforded was to work to help bring this civilization to pass.
Such was the power of Bahá 'Ullah, conveyed even through a photograph. And when his sacred shoes were put into my hands I heard as it were the footsteps of them echoing around the world, the footsteps of One from the mountain-top bearing good news. I had prayed at the tomb of Abdul Bahá to have a clearer realization of the station of Bahá 'Ullah. My prayer had been graciously answered.
The day will come when every jot and tittle of this Law will be worshipped by mankind, not only because of its divine origin, but because it will have been the means of bringing to this world the happiest and most perfect civilization it has ever known.
--PHOTO--
The Tomb or Shrine of Baha'Ullah.
THE following beautiful description of this event was written by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi who was at that time in Haifa:
"Among the kings and governments of the world who have become convinced that Abdul Bahá was the well-wisher and the lover of mankind are King George and his government. The King sent a medal to Abdul Bahá with the title, "Sir", thus making him a member of his household. On the 27th of April, 1920, the Governor and high officials of Haifa, Palestine presented in a beautiful garden a most wonderful celebration for the knighting of Abdul Baha. Bahai pilgrims from Persia, America and all parts of the world were present. Mohammedan, Christian, Jewish leaders, clergymen, notables and local officials from Haifa, Acca and other towns attended. A tent was pitched in the center of the garden. English troops stood on both sides, from the gate of the garden to the center where Abdul Bahá was seated. The military music added wonderful melody to the rustling leaves of the beautiful trees. The breezes of the spring on that sunny afternoon imparted a remarkable vigor to the physical body just as the presence of Abdul Baha strengthened the souls. The Governor stood behind Abdul Bahá and, after a short speech, interpreted by Mr. Wadie Bistani, presented the medal. Then Abdul Baha, rising from his seat, gave a brief talk and a prayer for the British government."
"THE PASSING OF ABDUL BAHA"
ABDUL Bahá brought to our age a truth so manifest and a love so universal that people of all religions and races gave to them spontaneous recognition and welcome. It is like the welcome we give to the sunlight in the morning so clearly is that sunlight the light of the world.
This is beautifully described in the booklet The Passing of Abdul Baha. This
booklet was prepared by Lady Bloomfield and Shoghi Effendi, the beloved Guardian of the Bahai Cause, and has just been reprinted by the friends in England and Stuttgart. It tells of the last days of Abdul Bahá on earth, how, little by little, he warned his loved ones of his approaching departure, how he left the world suddenly, on November 28, 1921, in perfect peace. The little volume contains press accounts of Abdul Baha's departure, extracts from addresses given at his funeral and the thrilling appreciation of his wonderful life and influence.
The little volume contains extracts from Abdul Baha's last Will and Testament and ends with wonderful prophecies of the divine civilization of the future and the most great peace which is, in this century, to appear upon earth.
The Passing of Abdul Baha, Bahai Publishing Society, Chicago.
A LETTER TO THE AMERICAN FRIENDS FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI
TO the loved ones of Abdu'l-Baha throughout the continent of America,
Dear fellow-workers in the Holy Vineyard of Baha!
Now that my long hours of rest and meditation are happily at an end I turn my face with renewed hope and vigour to that vast continent the soil of which is pregnant with those seeds that our beloved Master has so tenderly and so profusely scattered in the past. Prolonged though this period has been, yet I have strongly felt ever since the New Day has dawned upon me that such a needed retirement, despite the temporary dislocations it might entail, would far outweigh in its results any immediate service I could have humbly tendered at the Threshold of Bahá 'Ullah.
I am now confident that the energies of my beloved brethren and sisters across the seas, far from being damped by my sudden disappearance from the field of service, will henceforth be fully maintained, nay redoubled in their intensity, that we may all together carry triumphantly to the uttermost corners of the world the glorious Standard of Baha.
Bereft of all news whatsoever during my hours of restful seclusion, I now feel the more the thrill of the various tidings, few but indeed promising, that have been awaiting my return to the Holy Land. The work of the noble Edifice that the mighty hands of the All-Wise Master has reared in this world can suffer no delay, not can its foundations be made to totter, whatever the apparent obstacles its enemies in their impotent wrath and despair may throw in its way. We need not wait too long, for already from various quarters there comes the news that the awful promises of Abdu'l-Baha regarding the Covenant-breakers have been strikingly fulfilled.
But it behooves us not to dwell for a moment on these doomed and darkened efforts for the shining light of the Master's unfailing guidance is beckoning us to more constructive service, to nobler and worthier achievements.
We have, not a long time ago, with tearful eyes commemorated the world over the passing hour of our beloved Master. Would to God it has marked in our lives which we all have consecrated to his service a fresh, solemn and unswerving resolution of devotion and fidelity to his Cause.
Your brother and co-worker,
(Signed) Shoghi.
Haifa, Palestine,
December 16th, 1922.
--PATTERN--
O thou Mohammad! Rejoice in thy soul because of that which hath descended upon thee—a book, holy and priceless within which is that which severeth thee from the kingdom of heaven and earth and leadeth thee to the threshold of manifest glory.
Say: Glory be unto Thee! O God! My God! Thou seest my weakness, my helplessness, my distress and my poverty. Therefore send Thou to me from the fragrances of Thy holiness that which, though it be no larger than an ant, will, if it breathes upon (those that are) first and last, transform them into kings of Thy luminous beauty and honor them with the light of Thy manifest countenance.
O my God! I am he who hath held firmly to Thy strong support in Thy flawless and wonderful Word and hath grasped the hem of Thy bounty in Thy Name, the Supreme, the Exalted, the Omniscient. Therefore, O my God! as Thou hast honored me with Thy meeting and hast acquainted me with the Manifestation of Thy Self deprive me not of the river of paradise which Thou hast caused to flow by the right side of Thy exalted Throne and withold me not, O my God! from attaining to Thy inaccessible grace and Thy ancient favor which descendeth from the clouds of Thy exalted mercy.
Say: O people! In the name of God the True One! The First Point (the Bab) hath appeared in this Word, were ye of those who know. The fire of oneness hath become apparent in this high tree which overshadoweth all living beings.
Say: Verily, the Holy Spirit hath appeared in a new garment.
Say: Verily, the rod (of Moses) in this white and luminous hand is uttering praises.
Say: Verily, the beauty of God hath been sent forth from the veil of light Exalted is God, the King of Kings! Say: Verily, the veil of mystery hath been torn asunder and the Youth hath appeared from the dawning point of His Name, the Merciful, the Compassionate. This is He who hath not been comprehended by the knowledge of anyone nor by the wisdom of those who have attained. He speaketh now from the vault of heaven summoning all in the heavens and earth; announcing to all the glad tidings of the rose garden of God and calling them to a holy and praiseworthy station.
Say: Whosoever doth not purify his heart from the veils of imitations will never be in the presence of this shining and exalted countenance.
O Mohammed! Soar thou in this atmosphere with the wings of severance and fear no one. Trust in God, thy Lord, the Bountiful, the Mighty, the Omnipotent. Turn not to anyone, even if harm should befall thee from all living beings. Summon the people to God and to that which hath been revealed in the Book of Bayan and be thou not of those who fear.
Say: O people! Fear God! Obey the laws of God with body and soul and be not of the headless lest negligence take you away from the point of nearness.
Say: Glory be unto Thee, O God! My God! I ask Thee by Thy Name by which Thou dost wipe out disobedience with forgiveness and changest punishment into mercy and dost usher the guilty into the tent of Thy glorious pardon: permit me not to be alone, for less than an instant, even. Sever not the rope of Thy favor. Debar me not from His meeting in the day wherein the eyes are dazzled, the minds of the wise are perplexed and the feet of the well informed slip.
O my God! Thou art He who hath ever been the King and the Creator of the universe, the Ruler and the Maker of living beings. Thou art He whose mercy surpasseth all things whose favor is greater than all that is in heaven and earth. Verily, Thou art the Omnipotent, the Mighty, the Supreme, the Beloved, the Wise. Therefore, O my God! I am sheltered by Thy dominion and power and protected by Thy grace and favor. Deprive me not of Thy mercy and favor and keep me not from the rose garden of Thy love and mentioning. Verily, Thou art the Omnipotent, the Beloved, and to Thy servants Thou art the Clement!
(Signed) 152 (Baha) Seal (Hussein Ali)
Translated by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi.
Note: A photograph of the original of this Tablet appears in the Persian section, on page 317 of this issue. It is signed by numbers which represent the name "Baha", code form used in the days of persecution, and by the seal of Baha'Ullah (Hussein Ali).
--PATTERN--
BAHA'ULLAH wrote two books each of which he called The Seven Valleys. They were revealed at the request of an Islamic philosopher, one of the Sufis. This man was attracted to the Cause when Baha'Ullah was living at Somereh. He asked Baha'Ullah many questions and many epistles were revealed in reply to these questions. The Persian Seven Valleys has been translated into English. It is the untranslated Arabic one which I will explain to you.
The title of this book is The Seven Cities. It describes the spiritual journey of those who wish to approach God. It begins in this way:
"O thou traveler in the path of justice! O ye who are gazing toward the beauty of God! Your letter has been received. I carefully read your questions and heard the melodies which emanated from the tabernacle of your heart. The clouds of the will of God are rising that the rain of wisdom may shower upon you and wash away that which you have received from others." That is to say, you will be purified from previous ideas and inclinations and prejudices; your attitude will be changed and you will be led to the oneness of the mind of God and guided to the holy law of God in order that you may drink from this eternal river and your soul may become tranquil, your thirst may be quenched, your heart be made ready and you may become one of those who are lighted by the illumination of God.
I. INVESTIGATION
If the traveler wishes to accomplish this journey and attain to the mysteries of God and pass through all these stages of God he must first of all enter into the City of Investigation. When he enters this city of Search or Investigation he must sever himself from everything but God. He must become selfless and lose his will in the will of God, must pass over everything which is in earth and heaven. There must be in his heart no hatred of anyone neither especial attachment to anyone. That is to say, he must love all humanity impartially, not having special love for special people since this love or hatred might prevent him from attaining to reality.
Another thing which is incumbent upon the traveler is that he should purify
himself from pride, selfishness and ambition. He must never show any sign of selfishness; he must not be proud of his education, his property or position. When he has characterized himself with these attributes he will then arrive at the City of the Investigation of God. All that he asks God will there make manifest and will show to him His many paths. God will make His illumined path clear to him for He says: "Those who are endeavoring to find us and are searching after Us according to the aforementioned conditions, it will be Our intention to make Ourself known to them."
The traveler who starts out upon this journey will see many changes along the way. The wonders of God and the mysteries of creation will become manifest to him and he will be informed concerning the path of God and the path of guidance. This is the first city, the City of Search and Investigation, and the requirement for this city is perfect severance—severance from all save God.
II. LOVE
If we become purified from love and hatred then we can enter into the City of Love.
In this place the divine zephyrs of God will waft upon the traveler; his heart will become filled with the love of God to such an extent that he will completely forget his personal self and will know nothing save God. He will entirely forget himself and his own personality. Sometimes he is grieving because of separation and is burning and blazing with the fire of supplication. Sometimes he is joyous and happy. Sometimes he is grieving; sometimes discouraged and restless; sometimes perplexed and agitated. He is anxiously awaiting his especial command from God—waiting with all his heart and soul—that he may sacrifice his soul and body in the path of God. If we greatly persecute him he will take it with utmost joy and happiness. He will live in such a state that he will kiss the hands of his executioners, and is ever ready to sacrifice his life and property in the path of God. If he be thrown headlong into the fire he will be cold; if drowned in the ocean he will be dry. This is the station of the love of God. These are the attributes of the one who has attained to the City of Search and has entered into the City of Love.
Question: "Will not the traveler have a definite object, in the Manifestation of God as the object of his love?"
Answer: Some persons pass rapidly through these seven valleys. He who searches for Truth, who longs to know right from wrong, seeks to find God's Manifestation for he realizes his inability to understand God's Essence. He knows there can be no salvation without the Manifestation of God. He wishes to find the mystery of Manifestation, to grasp the Center of Lights. Then he becomes a lover of Truth.
III. UNITY
The third city is the City of Divine Oneness. When man's heart becomes filled with love then he sees oneness; he does not see differences. He sees that all things and all objects are looking toward one center. He sees unity among mankind. He sees unity among the Manifestations of God. He sees unity and amity among the friends of God and he sees one underlying principle of unity in the teachings of God. He sees nothing but union in union; he does not see differences. He gazes upon everything in existence with respect and homage because he considers all as existing in God, as signs of Divinity. He sees the rays of the Manifestation of God enveloping all the world of existence. He is never haughty toward anyone. He never magnifies himself. At every instant he feels himself living by the power of the Almighty God. He does not wish for himself what he does not wish for others. He does not say to others what he does not wish said to himself. This is the station of oneness. Such persons are sailing in the ark of guidance. The rays of the beauty of God are manifest in their faces and we can inhale the fragrances of God from their words. These are the characteristics of those who have attained to this city.
IV. AMAZEMENT
After the third valley, the valley of Oneness, there comes the valley of Amazement and Surprise. When man reaches this stage he is filled with wonder at the world of God. He is submerged in the world of God, is unconscious of himself. This is the state of amazement.
There were in Acca a large number of people who were amazed because of the beauty of the Beloved (which Baha'Ullah revealed to them.) They would get up three hours before dawn and would walk around the house of Baha'Ullah many times. Then, when the time for the meeting arrived, Baha'Ullah would call them in and talk with them. They were like lovers who were lost in the beauty of God the Beloved. They were amazed. There are people now who have attained to this station.
V. SELFLESSNESS
After this stage there comes the City of Selflessness. In this city man dies in the will of God. That is, his selfish personality dies away. He forgets himself, forgets his body and soul and swims in the ocean of selflessness. He becomes unconscious of himself, of his personal existence. His Holiness Baha'Ullah states that the mysteries of this city of selflessness are myriad for this is the city of the evanescence of the lover in the Beloved. When we reach the city of selflessness then the beauty of the Beloved becomes manifest to us. Unless we are selfless we cannot see that reality. If self is forgotten then reality will take the place of self.
VI. IMMORTALITY
After this city or valley comes the City of Immortality, where the traveler forgets his will. He wishes only what God wishes. The attributes of God will clearly appear within him. His life will become a divine life.
VII. THE UNSEEN
After the station of Immortality comes the station of the Unseen, or of Invisibility. His Holiness Baha'Ullah says that this invisible city is an unfathomable and limitless ocean. This is the world of the Divine Attributes. The Sun of the Unseen dawns from this Dawning-Place of Invisibility. Baha'Ullah says that this is a vast city and very few have entered this city; and no one knows anything about this city of the Unseen save the Manifestations of God and God Himself.
SUMMARY
Everyone enters into the valley of Search and Investigation, because if we do not arise for the investigation of God we will never reach God, will know nothing of His attributes. If we do not arise for the search of Divinity we will know nothing about Divinity; unless we are thirsty we will not appreciate water. The more we desire to know Truth the sooner we will arrive at reality. Those who are thirstiest will most appreciate water.
One can easily tell the denizens of each city. One can easily tell that such a man is in the first city; another man has entered the city of love; another is passing into the city of oneness, and one can easily see that some people are confounded and amazed.
Some even travel through the city of Amazement and enter the city of Selflessness. Those people have annihilated their will in the will of the Glory of God. They are martyrs; they are living, and walking about, but they are really martyrs. This is what is called the City of Selflessness, and this can easily be recognized and discerned. Some have traversed this station and have reached the station of immortality.
Baha'Ullah says that the traveler will have a test in each city. If he does not pass that test he must go back to the first stage. It is difficult to overcome these tests which are in our way, yet, in order to progress we must conquer our selfishness and pride. All these cities are very difficult; but the first is the most difficult—to become characterized with the first conditions. The condition for the first city is severance, that is, severance from everything except the love of God.
--PATTERN--
INTER-RACIAL AMITY
Spirit of the New Age Enters the South. Constructive Efforts and Marked Progress.
By Louis G. Gregory
A BRIGHT volume of human progress is being written by white and black people of the South, who are working side by side, on a dignified plane, for amity and accord between the races. The facts concerning these activities are not generally known in other sections, but should be. For it is indeed heartening to know that in Dixie Land, elements that love God and humanity have evolved a plan of inter-racial action which works without friction. It is significant that men and women of both races are applying, as far as possible, the ideals of the Sermon on the Mount to the problems of race adjustment.
Easy it is in this day of turmoil to let dark news absorb the point of view. The world is distressed by notes of discord, which register moral decay, neglected education, ignorance flourishing like a green bay tree, sordid wealth fattening on helplessness, shocking scenes of mob violence, the intensity of race and class hatred.
But there is also a bright, sunny side to life in every section. This is the real side of life and will always bear watching. The fact that there has always been an element in the South friendly to the colored race is very clear. The words and deeds of such eminent men as George Washington, Robert E. Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Bishop Haygood, Henry W. Grady, Bishop Quintard and Col. Dargan form a record of helpfulness and good will inspiring to any people. Perhaps the spirit of the old, chivalrous Southerner is well typified by Wade Hampton, Confederate General, Governor, and Senator from South Carolina. He proved his loyalty to his many friends, black and white, as long as he remained in power. At the moment of his passing to the great beyond these noble words were on his lips:
"God bless my people all, white and black!"
There is now a new element of leadership in the South, spiritually the heirs at law and successors of the old, with a large program and an influence far-reaching. The recent movement toward cooperation, understanding and good will found its initiative in the brain and heart of Dr. James H. Dillard, former president of Tulaine University at New Orleans and for many years superintendent of the Jeans educational fund. It was he who called a conference of state universities of the South with the view to harmonious relations between the races. Because of public sentiment at the time, caution dictated a secret session. These educators met, frankly and fully considered their duties and responsibilities to their black brothers and outlined definite plans of action. The movement, with such a small beginning, has become bold, and has spread to all parts of the South. Not only have the various states their inter-racial committees, but the work has been established in many counties as well. Eight hundred of these counties, according to the last report, have been organized. Through these arms of service the two races meet and act for the protection and progress of their communities. A university commission has also been organized at an annual outlay of twenty-five thousand dollars. Sociological study classes have been formed in the various universities, with a special view to considering the race problems sympathetically and constructively. Young white men are taught to avoid the reaction and danger of race hatred and told of their plain duty to help their fellow-beings even though of another color.
Sometimes conferences are arranged between the students of white and colored institutions, situated in the same community. The writer, during a brief stay in Columbia, South Carolina, heard pleasant echoes of such a gathering. It was directed and presided over by Prof. Morse of the University of South Carolina and assembled the students of that historic landmark and those of Benedict College and Allen University, two colored schools. Signs of progress and good will were apparent and discussion related to the removal of friction. An incident related was the speech of a colored student which one of the whites thought too radical. The latter exhorted the former to patience.
"It is certain," he said "that conditions are improving. We feel friendlier toward your race than our fathers felt and no doubt our children will feel friendlier than we."
The colored organizer of the inter-racial work for South Carolina is J. T. Hodges, a man of keen intelligence and pious life. He organized all the counties of that state save one.
The task of bringing the best elements of the two races of the South into working agreement covers a wide range of construction. Among the aims are the following:
Justice in the administration of law.
Prevention of lynching under all circumstances.
Improvement in sanitary living.
Better schools, lights, pavements, and sewerage.
Economic justice.
Discouragement of vice.
Improvement in traveling facilities on street cars and railroads.
Better recreational facilities, such as parks and play grounds.
Advancement of moral standards.
The elevation of practical religion.
Among the agencies cooperating are nearly all the educational forces, including the University Commission, the Southern Sociological Society, the Young Men's Christian Association, Ministers' unions, Governors' Councils, and women's clubs.
The great soldiers enlisted in these ranks know that everything that is desirable cannot be done at once. They not only encourage action but also counsel patience and moderation in dealing with difficult problems. What they are able to do thus far is not only great gain but the augury of a bright future. The effort to educate college students away from prejudices and hatred will be extended to the high schools as soon as warranted by means.
In all these essays of strength and purpose insight reveals the Hand of Divine Bounty, the emanation which more and more links the living elements of humanity into a world-wide fellowship. The Bahai Spirit has revealed its Light to many hearts still unaware of its Name. These servants of humanity are good points of contact for traveling teachers entering that vast section.
The following dignified statement was recently made by eighteen white women of the South, who are lending their powerful assistance to inter-racial cooperation:
"We are conscious of a world condition of restlessness in which race friction plays a conspicuous part. We cannot ignore the fact that this presents a problem in which the South is so acutely involved that we are conscious that the eyes of the world are upon us, questioning our course. We cannot shirk the responsibility of taking up the challenge, grasping the opportunity presented, seeking a solution to this problem and demonstrating it on our southern soil.
"We believe that unrest existing between two different races dwelling side by side under the same economic system and the same government can be lessened, and eventually dispelled by a course of justice and fair play. When one race exceeds the other in numbers, in possessions and in opportunity, there is but one solution. As a Christian people we hold the elements of that solution. It lies in the cultivation of an attitude of fairness, of good will and a conscious determination to establish an understanding sympathy.
"We believe that every human being should be treated not as a means to another's ends, but as a person whose aspirations toward self-realization must be recognized; that we must cherish racial integrity and racial self-respect, as well as such mutual respect as will lead each to higher moral levels, to mutual trust and
mutual helpfulness. We believe that in this process certain values must be developed and maintained.
"No family and no race rises higher than its womanhood. Hence, the intelligence of women must be cultivated and the purity and dignity of womanhood must be protected by the maintenance of a single standard of morals for both races.
"The right of childhood to health and safety, to the training of body and mind in right habits and the soul in right purposes, is unchallenged. The childhood of every race must be safeguarded, for 'races move forward on the feet of little children.'
"As a foundation for social security for all races the family ideal must be made possible by economic justice, by religious sanction, by legal safeguards and a single standard of morals.
"We believe that violence has no place where people lend their support in every possible way to the agencies constituted by the people for the apprehension, trial and punishment of offenders against society. We resent the assertion that criminality can be controlled by lawless outbreaks, and woman's honor protected by savage acts of revenge.
"We believe it our highest duty to pursue these methods toward harmonious racial adjustment.
"We believe that bitterness, resentment and strife will yield to mutual trust only as we steadfastly cultivate in both races these attitudes and this faith in our common humanity.
"To these ends we pledge ourselves."
WORLD PEACE THROUGH THE DISCOVERY OF ONE GOD
From an address by President Fayette A. McKenzie of Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee. Published in the Fisk University News.
EVERY day brings a new voice to declare that the only hope for the world lies in a return to religion. But there can be no saving return so long as religion means a rebinding to the old national and racial gods. . . .
The true God refuses to be a national God, a racial God, or a continental God. He is the God of the universe, or no God at all.
He who holds that his group, his race, or his nation is essentially different from others, and that he must hold to different ideals and practice different methods from others who worship the same God; he who takes such a position worships a local or a race God and does not believe in the One God. He is essentially a polytheist, not a monotheist. So long as this is true the Fatherhood of God and the unity of mankind are a beautiful dream, not a working reality.
God the Father of all mankind is not the God of the Caucasian, nor the God of the Hindu, nor the God of the African. He is not the God of the East nor the God of the West; not the God of the North nor the God of the South.
From the beginning until now God has been denied his sovereign throne by the tribes and the races and the nations that have refused to have a world God.
There is only one God in all the universe to know. God is the one supreme goodness, the same everywhere yesterday, today, and forever. And just as God is always the same, so men are everywhere potentially alike. There is only one virtue among men, one integrity, one standard of measurement for thought and act and life. On a single tree, no two leaves are exactly alike, but the thousands of leaves are still essentially alike. Their common origin and their common life is evidenced in their common and unmistakable pattern.
All of this may be summed up in a single sentence. The Fatherhood of God, the Unity of Mankind, and the Universality of Truth are all three true or no one of the three is true. Unless the standards of truth and conduct are everywhere the same, there is no final and substantial unity among men. God and truth are one. Until men accept one God and one Truth, mankind can never be a unity, or be for any length of time at peace. He who denies the unity of men or the universal character and obligation of truth denies the existence of One God. . .
But remember, races essentially different cannot worship the same God. Races that worship the same God cannot remain essentially different. . . .
No man may see God without obedience to His commands. None may long see without imitating His virtues. None may live in His presence without growing into His likeness. Let no man suggest for you any standard less than the best, any brotherhood which excludes any race, any perfection less than the perfection of the God of the Universe. . . . . . .
The sons of God must be like the Father, if they are to be like each other and to create that Brotherhood of Man which is to usher in the reign of the Kingdom of Peace throughout this broad earth of ours. A universal God and a universal truth will bring the unity of all mankind.
The solution of the problem of world unity and of world peace is the discovery of the One God by all the world.
THE ORIGIN OF RACE-COLOR
A Tablet from Abdul Baha
TO Mr. Thomas Maxwell, Chicago, Ill. Upon him be greetings and praise.
O thou who art striving for the welfare of the world of humanity! The contents of thy letter were in accordance with the facts. Indeed, the world of humanity is like one kindred and one family. Because of the climatic differences of the zones, through the passing of ages, colors have become different. In the torrid zone, on account of the intensity of the effect of the sun throughout the ages the black race appeared. In the frigid zone, on account of the severity of the cold and the ineffectiveness of the heat of the sun throughout the ages the white race appeared. In the temperate zone, the yellow, brown and red races came into existence. But in reality mankind is one race. Because it is of one race unquestionably there must be unity and harmony and no separation or discord.
God be praised! The animal, notwithstanding that it is a captive of nature and nature completely dominates it, does not attach importance to color. For instance, thou dost behold that the black, white, yellow, blue and other colored pigeons are in utmost harmony with one another. They never give importance to color. Likewise sheep and the beasts are in utmost love and unity. But man is peculiar in that he has made color the means of strife. Between the white and the black there is the utmost estrangement and discord. When we enter a rose garden we behold how beautiful is the display of variegated flowers. The difference of color is the adornment of the rose garden. Were it of one color it would not have such splendor. The adornment of the rose garden is this, that it contains roses of variegated color.
Thus it becomes evident that difference of color is the adornment of the world of humanity. Therefore it must not be the cause of discord.
I hope that you with your soul may strive and become a cause of establishing harmony and love between the black and the white.
Upon thee be greetings and praise!
(Signed) Abdul Bahá Abbas.
Translated by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, August 14, 1922, Chicago, Ill.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
"IT is not difficult to discern even now the broad lines on which the new era in Europe is in process of formation. The unity of the civilized human peoples, which was formerly known as the unity of Christianity, is now replaced by internationalism in science, in political economy, and in law. This is to be the basis of the future edifice put together by those who cooperate in peace rather than kill in war. There is no longer any possibility on the European Continent of the conquest or assimilation of one people by another. The interdependence of European countries is so complete that any break in it would bring on general disaster. So the question of 'victors' and of 'vanquished' is secondary and really has nothing to do with the new situation. It is All Europe which is
ruined, and it is All Europe which, if to be restored, must be restored all of a piece. The chief element of the day after to-morrow in the political calendar will be All Europe as One. There can be no doubt on this point. Unhappily, however, no European nation seems yet to have realized the fact. Imperialism and nationalism seem stronger than ever. There is no use in expecting any decisive remedy from the League of Nations and other similar trusteeships. As long as the minds of men refuse to be adapted to the new order of things, no reform from without can make any changes in the essential conditions of European affairs."—By a contributor to the Revue de Geneve, quoted in the Literary Digest.
Fridtjof Nansen has received the Nobel Peace prize this year. In his speech of acceptance at Christiania he said among other things, "What humanity needs now is self-sacrificing active altruism which is able not only to give, but also to give up. . . . And when I look around me for the means to bring about this end I confess that I see no hope of saving the situation anywhere except in the League of Nations. It alone gives us reason to hope. Should it fail in its great task, then I should feel that the last hope was extinguished indeed. But I do not believe it will fail. I believe that it can be reinforced by the united strength of all, that we can more and more strengthen the real spirit of international solidarity in it, that we can make it more and more what it is intended to be: the parliament and organ of the united states of humanity."
This statement is very significant because of its stress upon "the united strength of all," "the united states of humanity." To succeed in establishing universal peace the Society of Nations must be universal, including all nations with just representation to all. The politics of men are partial, limited; the policies of God are universal.
There is an insertion in the Naval Appropriation Bill of a paragraph requiring President Harding to enter into negotiations with Great Britain, France, Italy and Japan for the purpose of the further limitation of naval armaments and particularly of submarines and the House approved it by a large majority.
Winifred Mason Huck, the only woman elected to Congress in the November elections, publicly advocates an amendment to the Constitution making a declaration of war impossible without a direct vote of the people.
"If a capitalist is forced to give up a portion of his income and possessions there will be no love in his heart, no permanent benefit in his action. But if it be given in the spirit of God, everything will be accomplished. . . . . If the capitalist should voluntarily add to the scale of wages love is evident and the greatest good results."
These words of Abdul Baha's are well illustrated in the career of George Cadbury, famous chocolate manufacturer, who recently died in Birmingham. The Survey says of him, "His example, studied at first hand by hundreds of American as well as English managers of industry, was the most convincing proof that the highest efficiency was to be obtained by sympathetic cooperation with a loyal and contented factory personnel."
Mrs. Cadbury gave a large part of the inheritance she received at her husband's death to the workers in the factory, expressing the idea that, as the money had been gained through the workers it did not belong to her but to them.
In "The New Age and the New Writers," Archibald MacLeish (Yale Review, January) develops the idea that this is an age of increase of knowledge rather than of comprehension. "Philosophies have been taken up with the problem of how to know more rather than with the problem of existing knowledge. No man, no church, no academy, has suggested a possible explanation of these besieging and ever renewed marvels and wonders of discovery. . . . We have only knowledge and no understanding whatever." The
poetry of such an age must be unsatisfactory. "What is there to represent in poetry in a world of which there is no comprehension, no understanding, only a dizzy confusion of facts and forms? How shall you express an age, the meaning of which is hidden and sealed, of which the face is cloudy, blown and various?" These expressions remind one of the description of this age given by Baha'Ullah, ". . . the learned were bewildered and the wise men were confounded." But the recognition that the light of comprehension is dim is encouraging. Mr. MacLeish believes, and we find this note struck again and again in contemporary criticism, that the dimness is the dimness of dawn. . . . "We know that in the dusk gigantic shadows move and misty stars swing over and a wind goes by. And there are those who say that when the day is full again it will be seen the high gods moved among us unawares."
Mabel H. Paine.
INTO the sacred valley of promise the vassals of fulfillment have entered in glorious array. The Heralds of God's mysteries have descended to earth with the fragrant vials of infinite ideals. With the hand of faith thou canst grasp them, O brother in service!
The rivers of Exquisite Nearness are flowing over the heart of man and the fire of God's judgment is singeing the wings of unbelief and imagination.
The spreading tree of Unity is planted within the pavilion of man by the hand of all-powerful God. Ere long its Branch wlll overshadow the earth as the petals of roses in their wafting-perfume penetrate the springtime air.
Through the power of God's Word faded souls lift up the head toward white beams of bounty and lifeless bodies, cast into the tomb of heedlessness, quaff anew the crystal fountain's brimming cup of cheer.
The doors of favor are now ajar, the hearts of the chosen ones are palpitating with the vibrating melody of the spirit of severance and the meeting with the Beloved One.
Meditate, O friend, upon the beauty of the Beloved, perchance we fly together through the realms of infinite service into the abode of the darling of our hearts.
Truth is the tree of knowledge, planted within the heart of man through the Word of God, and the fruits thereof are eternal life and heavenly ideals.
The white table of oneness has descended from the supreme Kingdom, O yearning one. The tables of love are served by the vassals of pity, the angels of sacrifice usher in the maidens of deeds who are servants of unity at the banquet of oneness.
Behold the portals of divine favor opened before thy face and the doors of generosity lifted high into the heavens. The horizon of meeting is advancing with might and power and the dawning place of wisdom is shedding knowledge everywhere.
Reflect, O friend, upon the mysteries of things! And listen to the summoning of the True One! The sweeping wings of light are borne upon the breath of love and the springtime of the heart is hidden in His power.
The key of fulfillment has opened wide the doors of secrecy and every human action stands revealed in this most searching hour of judgment.
--PATTERN--
OF late we have received good news of the spread of the Cause in Eskabad, Russia. This brought us great rejoicing and happiness. In large gatherings, of from two to three thousand people, Bahai teachers have been invited to deliver the message and explain the principles. The listeners have been deeply attracted and have acknowledged the greatness and potency of this peerless Cause. Many peoples and religions have been drawn by the power of love acknowledging that in this age true religion and the Cause of God must be in accord with reason and science—and the only movement which today answers this need is the Bahai Cause.
A large number of Russians, Tartars and other tribes have become so enkindled with the fire of faith in this Cause that they have declared their belief before large gatherings and through their action many other souls have been guided to the shore of the sea of Oneness. Already they have arisen to lay the foundation of a new Mashreq'Ul Azkar, building a new school, organizing new lecture halls, a Bahai museum, a Bahai theater, etc. They are more and more eager to learn the truth and every day large groups enter the Mashreq'Ul Azkar and converse with the friends. A number of wonderful teachers have been sent to all parts of Russia. The Bahai newspaper, The Sun of the Orient is scattering the rays of guidance in the midst of heaven illumining the horizon of the minds of the Russian people, enlightening their hearts and leading them to the fountainhead of knowledge. These new Bahais are so filled with joy and happiness that they are like flowers of the garden and stars rising in the heaven of truth. Their station is very high in the estimation of the Beloved. Every day new souls are being drawn to the Cause.
The activities of the Cause in Caucasia, especially Baku are progressing with utmost regularity and beauty. In their meetings all kinds of religious beliefs, tribes, nationalities and tongues appear. Bahai teachers are ever ready to explain to them the ideals and aims of this Cause. The Russian people have become informed of the high station and greatness of the Bahai Cause and the number of inquirers is so numerous that day and night Bahai gatherings are held, the friends of God teaching and guiding souls.
Undoubtedly you are reading in the newspapers the political news of Turkey and Constantinople. However, from a spiritual point of view the Cause is being heralded in most marvelous manner. The Turkish newspapers have written articles on this Cause. The Bahai Movement has become the focal center of a heated discussion among the editors. This stormy controversy started when a celebrated Turkish newspaperman started in his magazine a series of articles on the Cause which were illustrated with photographs of Abdul Bahá and the Bahais of America. At the same time in another magazine similar articles were written, yet neither of the editors is Bahai, nay, rather, they do not have a high opinion of any of the religions of the past. Nevertheless in their articles they praise this Cause and call the religion of His Holiness Baha'Ullah "The Religion of the Nations" and the only means for the unity and affiliation of the children of men.
In Persia the believers of God in every province are in utmost firmness, steadfastness and self-sacrifice. The fire of persecution has been ignited again as in former days, but the friends of God suffer everything with patience and forbearance. Probably you have heard some of
the sad and grievous news which has recently come from Sangsar.
Sangsar is a village ten miles from Simnan, situated on the way to Khorasan, in the east of Persia. The inhabitants of this village are farmers, peasants and shepherds. Like many villages in Persia they are remote from the centers of civilization and enlightenment, are prisoners of ignorance, submerged in the ocean of illiteracy and captive to primitive habits. In order to illustrate the primitiveness of these people let me relate to you a story about them:
During his reign, Nadir Shah, who is looked upon as the Napoleon of the East, wished to become informed regarding the many languages and dialects of Persia. To gain statistics concerning this important matter he dispatched a linguist who was to go to different parts of Persia, stay for some time in each province, study carefully the dialect of the people and bring back a comprehensive report.
After some years of travel and study the man returned and gave his report regarding the dialects of each region. But when he came to the province of Sangsar he filled an empty gourd with pebbles and shook it very hard. A confused jumble of noises arose jarring the ears. The king asked the reason for this strange behavior and was told that this was the language of the people of Sangsar and that no one could learn it. This is simply to show you how far down these people are in the scale of civilization. One must go and see them with his own eyes to become convinced of their density and ignorance.
At such a place as this a large number accepted the Bahai Cause, embracing with purity of heart the blessed teachings. Shortly after their acceptance of this truth there appeared in their behavior and in their inner life a mighty change. Their faces became illumined, their manners were transformed, their ideas and opinions enlightened. They were filled with exalted ambition and spiritual endeavor. Like brilliant lamps and shining stars they gleamed in the dark and gloomy night. Like a fountain of life they gushed forth from out the desert of ignorance. They were as a company of nightingales surrounded by ravens or a flock of sheep encircled by wolves or gazelles in the midst of leopards and hyenas with sharp claws.
These blessed Bahais living as they were among those ignorant people began establishing institutions such as a Mashreq'Ul Azkar, a lecture hall, schools for the education of boys and girls, etc. These institutions were organized in utmost order and perfection and a number of teachers were brought from outside to conduct the classes; all of which was the cause of wonder and astonishment to the enlightened people of the surrounding country. It is related that a young, educated Persian of the new regime who regretted exceedingly the decadence and backwardness of Persia, in passing by the town of Sangsar and witnessing the wonderful school was astonished at the penetrative word and creative effect of the teaching of His Holiness Baha'Ullah and cried out, "Verily, this is the truth!"
This person was the writer of a Persian Almanac and he . . . . saw the fine school in such a poor and wretched community, which to him seemed very extraordinary. He inquired as to who was the founder of the school and was told that it belonged to the Bahais who had founded it in accordance with the instructions of His Highness Baha'Ullah who taught his disciples that education is the greatest religious duty of this age. This man was so rejoiced that he immediately acknowledged the influence of this true religion and its penetrative effect upon civilization.
The Bahai community in Sangsar is quite large and is looked upon throughout Persia as an important center. Of late, because the school building was not large enough to accommodate all the students the Bahais secured donations among themselves and with greatest sacrifice raised a fund to build a new school. This second edifice was of utmost beauty and included much modern equipment. The Bahais were so enthusiastic that many of them worked as masons and laborers in
its construction giving up their hours of rest. Imagine how these peasants worked in the fields, tended flocks, or engaged in other branches of agriculture in order to raise the money to advance the cause of education! This is indeed worthy of highest praise! Now, instead of their example becoming contagious and others taking advantage of this sacrifice for general progress and enlightenment the fire of envy and hatred was enkindled and the banner of oppression was unfurled against the Bahais, creating tumult and commotion. One cablegram after another was sent to the Governor asking the authorities to exterminate the Bahais. The enemies of the Cause at the Capital cooperated with those at home and compelled the government to issue an order that the school building of the Bahais be razed to the ground and their community scattered.
When this order was received the rabble gathered and, assisted by the gendarmes, surrounded the Bahais and engaged in their destruction. Although the Bahais were fully capable of defending themselves yet, inasmuch as a fundamental principle of this blessed Cause is peace, love and non-resistance, Baha' Ullah commanding his followers that, "It is better to be killed than to kill", and inasmuch as obedience to the law of the government is one of the greatest duties of Bahais, those believers stood firm, tried to advise and exhort the people of rebellion, beseeching them not to harm the women and children, quoting to them verses from the sacred books—but to no avail. These exhortations had no effect. In short, that school building which was the embodiment of the exalted hopes of the Bahais was sprinkled with gasoline and burned, the flames and smoke rising to the clouds and causing great sorrow to the hearts of men, women and children. The enemies gathered the believers in one place, did not give them any bread or water, and pillaged all their property. Finally they were obliged to go into the country and plains, homeless wanderers with no place to lay their heads. A number of the friends took refuge in the government telegraph house, but the populace surrounded the building and forced the authorities to expel the oppressed friends and as they left the building they were beaten with stones and rocks to such an extent that their bodies were covered with wounds.
They were forced to escape from the town into caves in the surrounding country, the people of oppression in Sangsar uniting with those of other villages and with the help of corrupt authorities committing this terrible crime, heaping the fire of persecution upon the Bahais whose work had changed that town into a paradise. They stood in the first rank among people of progress and their memory will be preserved for all future ages. Posterity will not forget their non-resistance, spirituality and high-mindedness nor will it forget the oppression, tyranny and injustice of the people of darkness.
During the last eight years the activities of the Bahais in Persia have been based upon this same foundation of truth and sincerity, yet they have become familiar with these trials and ordeals, acquainted with prison, exile and persecution. Like waves these sufferings have descended upon them uninterruptedly.
Were there some influential men or humanitarian institutions who could find a way by which in the future these heartrending events might not occur and these cruel acts be forbidden undoubtedly this would be looked upon as a great service to the world and an incentive to freedom of conscience and to human progress.
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BUILDING THE BAHAI TEMPLE THE UNIVERSAL WAY
The Bahai Temple near Chicago will be universal in its services, open to all sects, religions and nations; universal in its architecture, blending as it does all the classic forms of the past, and universal in its principles. It is also universal in the world-wide horizon represented by its contributions. These contributions are coming in from Persia, India, Egypt, Japan, Australia and South America, from cities of Europe and America, from members of all the world's great religions. Just recently very generous contributions have come from many lovers of universal religion in Haifa and Acca, Palestine, and in Beirut, Mersin, Damascus, Syria. The following letter from Beirut, Syria, dated December 10, 1922, was received by Mr. William H. Randall, 35 Congress Street, Boston, Mass., Treasurer of the Bahai Temple Unity:
"It is with the feeling of a great privilege and an extreme joy that I send you the contribution of the friends in Beirut, Damascus and Mersin. Although we earnestly wish to have been able to contribute more to the construction of such a sublime temple of love and human brotherhood, yet we are forced by circumstances to suffice with this small sum (150 Syrian pounds.) The contributor has in every case given his share with the utmost willingness and satisfaction, deeming it an honor to partake in the raising up of such an edifice, with his share no matter how insignificant it may be. I am sending you enclosed the sum together with the names of the contributors and the cities in which they live.
"Hoping that, in spite of the many international troubles that seem to make the idea of human brotherhood almost impossible, this great temple will soon be built, gathering under its roof peoples of all kinds and races as fellow brothers and being a real proof of the practicability of the teachings of Baha'Ullah, I remain your brother in His love."
(Signed) Hussein Ikbal.
A letter from a friend in England contains this beautiful story:
"The other evening Dr. Lotfullah told us a story at the meeting about a Persian at Haifa who promised first two pounds, then sent for the Bahai who had charge of the subscriptions for the Mashreq'Ul Azkar and said he felt he ought to give more; so would make it five pounds. The next day he sent for him again and said something told him he must give more; so he would give nine pounds. This man was employed by the railroad and was in danger of losing his job as they were discharging men every day, in spite of which he obeyed the inner voice telling him to give nine pounds. The next day his chief sent for him. The Bahai went expecting to hear he was discharged, instead of which, to his great surprise he was told his salary had been raised two pounds a week."
A LETTER FROM TEHERAN
To the Friends in America.
TO the revered members of the holy Central Spiritual Assembly. Upon them be the Glory of the Most Glorious!
After a long time of waiting and longing finally all the friends of Teheran found endless happiness and joy in meeting the faithful maidservant of God, Dr. Coy. Upon her be the Glory of God! And they gave praise a thousand times at the most holy Threshold that continually sends Its bounties and favors, from generosity to His creatures, for the communication between the East and the West and
the harmony among the nations. He grants to the spirituality of the Orient a great splendor in the Occident and spreads the civilization of the West over the East in order that the Orient and Occident may embrace one another and the world of humanity may obtain profit from all the divine bounties and favors and great prosperity may be established and the Divine Glad Tidings may be spread.
We thank most cordially our revered American friends who prepared everything for the journey of this radiant and revered lady to the East for the education of the girls, and we hope that the confirmations of His Holiness Abdul Baha, from his most glorious Kingdom will induce the friends of the East to service and sacrifice for the friends of the West in order that his Holy Spirit may be content and happy through this cooperation and assistance, his blessed will may be revealed and determine quickly the salvation of the people of the world. All the members, teachers and pupils of the Tarbiat school send their unceasing thanks and great joy to the dear American friends for the arrival of this radiant and revered lady who has come to take the place of Miss Kappes who ascended to the Abha Kingdom, upon her be the Glory of God!
Her holiness the Greatest Holy Leaf, may our souls be sacrificed for her! in a holy tablet has especially introduced and recommended this revered lady to such a degree that all the friends are desirous and longing to serve her. We hope that the important services and steps which Miss Kappes took in the way of the promulgation of knowledge and the moral education of the Bahai girls of Teheran may be matured and completed in the time of this honored lady, and the girls' Tarbiat School may, according to the desire of the friends, reach the high point of honor and improvement so that well educated, learned and spiritual girls who will serve brilliantly the movement for freedom and the progress of the Bahai women of the East may be graduated therefrom.
In conclusion we beg most cordially and heartily the powerful confirmation of His Holiness Abdul Baha, may our souls be sacrificed for his holy Shrine! for all the dear American friends.
The Spiritual Assembly's Secretary,
Ali Akbar Rouhani.
Translated by Foad Rouhani, Oct. 1922.
FROM BAHAEYEH KHANUM
Haifa, Palestine,
July 11, 1922.
To the revered members of the holy Spiritual Assembly in Teheran. May God ever confirm and strengthen them, and upon them be the Glory of God!
His Holiness Abdul Baha, may our souls be sacrifices for his holy and radiant Tomb! after the ascension of Miss Kappes to the Abha Kingdom, gave instructions that one of the maidservants of God in America be selected and sent to Teheran to take her place. Therefore they have selected and sent this faithful, radiant and attracted maidservant of God, Miss Coy. For nearly one month she was in Haifa, associated with these longing and sorrowful maidservants of God, and she attained to visiting the holy Tombs and Thresholds. Now she is about to depart, under the protection and care of God and, please God, she will reach Teheran safely. Certainly, all the friends of God should be delighted and joyful and will act according to their duty in regard to Tarbiat School. Of course every kind of recommendation and affection may be ordered by the Spiritual Assembly for the reception of this generous and kind teacher who, severed from all save God and striving to attain to His will has left all her relatives and kindred and has traveled from the West to the East. Of course every sort of care and attention will be shown her in order that she may be engaged with a gladdened and joyous soul and spirit in the education and training of the girls in the Tarbiat School, so that the means of ease and comfort may be prepared on every side, and this grieved heart may become glad and upon you be the Glory of God and His praise. (Signed) Bahaeyeh.
Translated by Foad Rouhani, Teheran,
Persia, Oct. 6, 1922.
SHOGHI EFFENDI IN THE HOLY LAND
Just before his ascension Abdul Baha said to a friend in Haifa that his work was finished but that there was one in Europe—referring to Shoghi Effendi who was then at Oxford University in England—who would astonish the world.
Shoghi Effendi, after a six months' absence, returned to Haifa on Friday afternoon, December 15th, in radiant health and happiness and resumed "the reins of the office" of Guardian of the Bahai Cause, committed to him in the Will and Testament of Abdul Baha.
In all countries the hearts of the friends of Abdul Bahá are filled with rejoicing over this good news of the return to Palestine of the primal branch of the tree of unity for it means a new day, a new era in the Bahai Cause.
A TABLET OF ABDUL BAHA
One of the early Tablets sent to America
O maidservant of God! Verily, that Infant is born and exists and there will appear from His Cause a wonder which thou wilt hear in future. Thou shalt see him with the most perfect form, most great gift, most complete perfection, most great power and strongest might. His face glisteneth a glistening whereby the horizons are illumined. Therefore, forget not this account as long as thou art living, forasmuch as there are signs for it in the passing centuries and ages. Upon you be greeting and praise. (Signed) Abdul Bahá Abbas.—The Tablets of Abdul Baha, Volume 11, page 484.
THE COMING OF JENABE FAZEL
Jenabe Fazel Mazandarani of Persia is now on his way to America. A cablegram recently received from Shoghi Effendi gives us this good news.
On his tour of America two years ago, schools, churches, labor groups, chambers of commerce and all kinds of progressive clubs and societies opened their doors to this brilliant, spiritual philosopher, this "ideal sage" of the East, as Abdul Baha called him.
He comes to the United States this time with his wife and child for a visit and speaking tour of a number of years. We welcome him with greatest joy and we know that he will bring the light of the Glad Tidings of unity and universal peace to larger audiences even than on his last journey.
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INTO a world of war, strife and materialism the teachings of Baha'Ullah and Abdul Bahá are shining, bringing the light of unity, joy, peace and spiritual freedom. The Star of the West, our Bahai Magazine presents month by month these teachings which are the very spirit of the age. Our friends are using the Star of the West as a means of spreading in the world these great truths of unity and spiritual rebirth which will set all men free.
Each one will wish to give away current copies as a herald of the Glad Tidings and also to keep them as a priceless library. Therefore we have made a
special plan by which each one can take one or more subscriptions, one or more to give away and one to come as a bound volume at the end of the year as arranged in our new subscription offers. The current volume, bound in three fourths leather, will be ready March 10th. To renew subscriptions promptly is also a wonderful way to help our very busy business manager and her assistant, Mrs. Elizabeth Herlitz, who are giving all their time, freely, to our Star of the West that it may circulate more widely and may fulfil the bright destiny which Abdul Bahá and Shoghi Effendi have ordained for this happy-starred messenger of world-unity.
We have also planned a new method of securing, on time payments, the library of heavenly teachings, the bound volumes of the Star of the West. This new plan for securing this wonderful library is described on the back cover of this issue.
Five months' subscription to a new subscriber, $1.00. Two subscriptions to one address, $5.00. Ten subscriptions to one address, $22.00 (in America). Two subscriptions, one to come each month, one to be sent in a bound volume at the end of the year, $5.50 {or the two subscriptions, bound volume in cloth; $5.75 for the two subscriptions, bound volume in leather; postage for bound volume additional. Single copies 25 cents each, or ten copies to one address, $2.00.
| The Life of Baha'Ullah | Vol. 8, No. 11 | |
| The Ascension of Abdul Bahá | Vol. 12, No. 17 | |
| The Spirit of Abdul Bahá | Vol. 13, No. 6 and 7 | |
| The Real Meaning of Christ's Return | Vol. 13, No. 6 | |
| Abdul Baha's Wonderful Proof of God's Existence—Tablet to Prof. Forel | Vol. 13, No. 8 | |
| A Series of Compilations of Abdul Baha's Words on: | Prayer—Its Spiritual Laws | Vol. 8, No. 4 |
| Faith, Severance, Sacrifice | Vol. 8, No. 6 | |
| Tests and Spiritual Discipline | Vol. 8, No. 19 | |
| Physical and Spiritual Healing | Vol. 8, No. 18 | |
| The Meaning of the Covenant | Vol. 8, No. 16 and 17 | |
| What is New in the Bahai Teachings | Vol. 8, No. 5 | |
| The Secret of Happiness | Vol. 13, No. 5 | |
| Evolution in Religion | Vol. 13, No. 5 | |
| The Solution of the Economic Problem | Vol. 8, No. 15 and Vol. 13, No. 8 |
"The world is waiting, as some one puts it," writes Glenn Frank, Editor of The Century Magazine, "for the religious leader who can talk economics so that men feel in the presence of God." That leader is Abdul Baha.
Single copies, 25 cents—Bahai News Service, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Illinois.
صفحه 317
هو العزیز : ان یا محمّد بشرفی نفسک بما نزّل علیک کتاب قدس کریم و فیه ما ینقطعک عن منک السموات و الارضین و یبلغک الس ساحة عزّ مبین قل سبحانک اللهمّ الهی تری ضعفی و عجزی و صبری و افتقاری فارسل علی من نفحات قدسک التّی لوهب منها علی قسلاسواد نملة علی الاوّلین و الآخرین یتعلبهم الی سلطان ممالک المنیر و بشرّ فهم بانوار وجهک المبین فیا الهی انا الذ ّی تمسّک بعبروت الوثقی فی الکلمة الاتم العظیم و تشبّث بذیل عنایتک فی اسمک العلی المتعالی العلیم اذا یا الهی لمّا شرّفتنی بلقائک و عرفتنی بمظهر نفسک لاتحرس عن هذ الکوثر الذی اجرته عن یمین عرش کریم و لاتمنعنی یا الهی من فضلک المنیع و اقصائک القدیم التّی نزلت سبحات ربّک المنیع قل یا قو من الله الحقّ ان نقطّ الاوّلیّه و هذا فصلت فی هذه الکلمه انتم من العارفین و ظهرت نار الاحدیّه فی هذا الشجرة المرتفعه التّی اطاعت کلّ العالمین ان انتم من العارفین و ظهرت نار الاحدیّة فی هذا الشجرة المرتفعة التّی احاطت کلّ العالمین قل انّ روح القدس قد ظهر فی قمیس جدید قلق ل ان الحصاه یتسج هذالکیف البیضاء المنیر قل انّ جمال الله قد اخرج عن حجب النّور فتبارک الله السلاطین قل انشقت سبحان الستر و طلع الغلام عن مشرق اسمه الرحمن الرحیم و هذا هوالذ ّی اسبقه ادراک سبحان اعدولاعرفان نفس ولا حکمة البالغین و ینطق حینئذ جوّ هذا الهواء و ینادی کلّ من فی السّموات و الارض و یبشّر الکلّ برضوان الله و یدعوهم الی مقام قدس حمید قل من لن یطتهر قلبه هی حجبات التقلید لن یقدر ان یقبل الی هذا الوجه الدرّی الرفیع ان یا محمّد طرفی هذا الهواء مستحبا مین الانقطاع ولا تتخف من ااحد فتوکلّ علی الله ربّک المنّان المقتدر القدیر ولا تلتفت الی احد ولویرد علیک اذی الخلایق اجمعین ثم ادعواالناس بالله و بمان زل فی البیان و لاتکن من الخائفین قل یا قوم اتقوالله ثمر انبعواستن الله بانفسکم و ابدائکم و لاتکونن من الغافلین لئلا ها خذکم الغفلة عن کل شطر قریب و قل سبحانک اللهم یا الهی اسئلک باسمی الذی به تمحر العصیان بالغفران و تبدل النقمة بالرحمة و تدخل المذنبین فی سرادق عفوک الجمیل بان لاتدعی بنفسی فی اوّل من آمن ولاتقطع عنی حبل عنایتک ولاتمنعنی عن عرفان جمالک فی قیامته الاخری ولاتبعدنی عن لقائه فی یوم الذّی فیه تشخیص الابصار و تذبل عقول العقلاء و تزل اقدام العارفین فیا الهی انت الذیکنت و سلطان الممکنات و موجدهم ملیک الموجودات و جاء علیهم انّک انت الذ ّیسبقت رحمتک کلّ شئ و عنایتک کلّ من فی السموات و الارض و انّک انت القادر المقتدر السلطان العزیزالحکیم اذا قد لدت یا الهی بسلطنتک و اقتدارک وحدت بفضلک و افضالک لامته حر منّی عن رحمتک و الراسک ولا تبعدنی عن رضوان حبّک فی ذکرک و انّک انت المقتدر العزیز و علی عبادک غفور رحیم
صفحه 1 - 318
این امر الهی مقدّس از اشخاص و خدمات آنهاست جمیع نفوس محتاج باین امر مبارکند نه امر مبارک محتاج بآنها قسم بجمال مبارک اگر دست بدست یکدیگر دهید و همّت نمائید و در تحصیل علوم و فنون جانفشانی کنید نسوانی از بیانتان قیام نمایند که غبطۀ زنان اروپ و امریک گردند و مانند سیّاره های مهمّه از افق عالم انسانی طلوع نمایند مصدر خدمات عمومی گردند و بقوّۀ نطق و بیان تسخیر مدائن ارواح کنند . والله قرن خواموشی گذشت عصر سخنان آتش بار آمد ! دورۀ اسارت و جهل سپری شد زمان آزادی ضمیر وعلم در رسیده چراغ موشیهای کسالت و بطالت خواموش گردید الکتریک کار و عمل روشنی بخشیده . باغبان الهی درختان بی ثمر را از ریشه بیرون آورد و در آتش افکند و نهالهای دانش و بینش غرس نمود . ای خواهران روحانی چرا شماها خود را از تناول این میوه های لذیذ محروم نمائید و از آشامیدن این ماء عذب طهور مهجور سازید سفرۀ عنایات الهی در جلوی رویتان گسترده است قسمتی گیرید و ساقی مکرمت جام لبریز فضائل و کمالات بدور آورده از آن بنوشید و در شاهراه حریّت حقیقی قدم نهاده فریاد برآرید :
زین همرهان سست عناصر دلم گرفت . شیر خدا و رستم دستانم آرزوست
جانم ملول گشت زفرعون و ظلم او . آن نور روی موسی عمرانم آرزوست
اوّل کنفرانس بهائی در ایالات غرب امریک
اوّل کنفرانس بهائیان ایالات غرب امریکا در ماه نومبر در شهر سانفرانسیسکو منعقد گردید و سه روزو سه شب در جلسه های مختلفه مسائلی که منوط به نشر نفحات الله بود مطرح مشاورت گشته اساس متینی برای مستقبل گذارده شد . حضرت عبدالبهاء خطۀ کالیفورنیا را تشبیه به ارض مقدّس فرموده لهذا انعقاد چنین کنفرانسی در این اقلیم مثل آن بود که در فلسطین تأسیس شده از شهرهای مختلفۀ ایالات غرب مثل پرتلند ، سیاتل ، اسپوکان ، دنور ، سانتاباربارا ، سانتاپال، سان دیگو ، لاس انجلیز ، پاسادنا ، گلندیل و غیره مندوبین در نهایت اشتعال و انجذاب حاضر بودند هر صبح و عصر یاران الهی و نمایندگان در جلسه های روحانی در مطالب امری مشورت میکردند و هر مسئلۀ پس از مذاکرات دقیقه بر حسب وحدت و یا اکثریّت آراء رتق و فتق میشد . شب ها مجالس عمومی در تالار بزرگی منعقد و ناطقین بهائی طلیق اللسان در حضور جمّ غفیر از یار و اغیار از تاریخ و تعالیم جهانگیر امر صحبت نمودند و هزاران نفوس در آن مجالس آمده منجذب بامر مبارک گشتند جرائد یومیّه مقالات مفصّله درج و نشر نمودند و آوازۀ امرالله را بگوش دور و نزدیک رسانیدند افق افکار در مسئلۀ اتّحاد ادیان وسیع تر نشست و صورت نحس تعصّبات در تاریکی مخفی ماند آتش محبّت الله در قلوب روشن گردید محبوب وحدت افکار پرده از چهره برافکند آثار ملکوت الهی در وجود ظاهر و هویدا گشت . یکی از آثار این کنگره آنکه محبّت و میهمان نوازی عجیبی نمایان شد و آن اینکه جمیع نمایندگان و احبّاء که از شهرهای مختلفه آمده احبّای سانفرانسیسکو آنها را در خانه های خود میهمان نوازی نمودند و نگذاردند یکنفر در هتل بماند و لهذا آن وحدت حقیقی که مقصود مظاهر مقدّسۀ الهیّه است نمودار شد . و همچنین یکی از بزرگترین نتائج آن کنفرانس
صفحه 2 - 318
تا آنکه پس از مشاورات زیاد چنین قرار شد که در سال آینده یک مجمع عمومی باسم « کنگرۀ اتّحاد عالم » در شهر سانفرانسیسکو منعقد گردد و بزرگان و عقلاء جمیع ملل و ادیان و نحل و فرق در آنجا حاضر شوند و جلسه های عمومی آن کنگره یک هفته طول خواهد کشید نمایندگان ملل و ادیان نطق ادا خواهند نمود ابواب آن کنگره بر جمیع عالمیان مفتوح خواهد بود و هر حزبی از ادبیّات و تاریخ و عقائد و علوم و فنون و آراء دینیّه قدیم و جدید سخن خواهد راند موسیقی و نغمه های ملل مختلفه را خواهند سرائید سفرۀ اتّحاد و اتّفاق عمومی چیده خواهد شد و گرسنگان از مائده های آسمانی قسمت خواهند گرفت و باین وسیله نبوّات کتب مقدّسه و آرزوهای حضرت عبدالبهاء تحققّ خواهد یافت مؤسّسین این کنگره چنین امیدوارند که از بهائیان مشرق ناطقین روحانی و فلاسفۀ آسمانی در آن مجمع حاضر گردند زیرا شکّی نیست که چنین کنگرۀ اتّحاد عالم اشعۀ شمس حقیقت است که بر قلوب یاران الهی تابیده شد و الهامی بوده از جهان پنهان جلوه نمود و جمیع احساس نمودند که انعقاد چنین مجمع عمومی بزرگترین خدمت به هیئت جامعه بشری است . شب آخر میهمانی مفصّلی در تالار بزرگی منعقد گردید و نماینده های بیست و یک ملل و ادیان بر سر میزهای مزیّن به گلها و انوار نشسته با همدیگر مؤانست و مؤالفت نمودند و از غذاهای جسمانی و روحانی متلّذذ گشتند خیلی مجلس عظیمی بود فی الحقیقه هوای آن تالار پر از روح بود نطق های تهیّج آمیزی داده شد و سرور و فرح غریبی نمایان گردید عکس احبّای الهی برداشته شد و آن عکس با عکس مشرق الاذکار شیکاغو در شمارۀ قبل نجم باختر در قسمت انگلیسی چاپ شده البّته از نظر یاران خواهد گذشت . همچنین امّة الله مسس بوش که در ایّام صعود حضرت عبدالبهاء در حیفا بودند نطقی آتشین از شرح آن واقعۀ جان گداز اداء نمودند و چنان تفاصیل محزن آمیز آن روزهای اخیر حیات مرکز پیمان را مجسمّ نمودند که گوئیا حاضرین بچشم خود میدیدند آن نطق سبب رقتّ و روحانیّت قلوب گردید و کلّ با خود عهد نمودند که بعد از آن ساعت اوقات خود را وقف انتشار تعالیم قدسی نمایند و در سر و دل هیچ فکری جز یگانگی و وحدت و دوستی و مودّت نداشته باشند مسئلۀ دیگر که در این کنفرانس معیّن گردید چاپ و انتشار« یومیّه» میرزا احمد سهراب بود . مشار الیه در مدّت هشت سال که در رکاب حضرت مولی الوری بخدمات مختلفه مشغول بود «یومیّه»به لسان انگلیسی روز بروز از شرح احوال و بیانات شیم مرضیّه و حکایات و روایات مبارک مینوشت و آن یومیّه در آفاق غرب در میان یار و اغیار نشر می یافت و حال آنکه جمال الهی صعود بعوالم اخری نمود جمعی قیام نمودند و از نویسنده خواهش کردند که تا حیات در بدن است آن اوراق را جمع آوری نموده جلد اوّل آن را بزودی چاپ نمایند و این کتب بعکسهای مختلفه مصوّر خواهد شد و اگر بعضی از یاران شرق طالب بدست آوردن جلد اوّل هستند نویسنده را بواسطۀ نجم باختر خبر دهند برای آنها فرستاده خواهد شد قیمت جلد اوّل دو دلار و نیم خووراللاهد بود . باری اوّل کنفرانس بهائیان غرب امریک روحانی بود و آسمانی پر انجذاب و شعف بود و دورۀ جدیدی در عالم امر مفتوح نمود که آثارش ابدی و سرمدی خواهد گشت .
صفحه 1 - 319
نسوان بهائی در طلب حقوق خداده باید ثابت قدم باشند
این عصر عصر عمل است . شخصی را عاقل گویند که چون اصول مفیده و قوانین مثمره بدست آورد مادام العمر آنها را در حیات خود مجری دارد و هریک از آن اصول را سسب رشد و نموّ قوای معنوی و جسمانی خود و دیگران نماید و الا اگر به کلمات فارغه قناعت کند و به اظهار مواعید عالیّه چون طفلان خوشنود گردد و در مقام عمل نکوشد عقلا او را از دیوانگان دیوانه تر دانند زیرا دیوانه نمی داند و نمی فهمد لهذا مسئولیّتی بر او وارد نمی آید امّا این شخص میداند ولی جهد نمیکند تا اوامر رؤسای ملیّ و مذهبی خود را از حیّز قول بمنصّۀ شهود رساند حضرت مسیح این مطلب مهمّ را در قالب مثل درآورده میفرمایند : «بنابر این هرکس این سخنان مرا استماع نماید و آنها را بعمل آرد او را به مرد دانائی تشبیه نمایم که خانۀ خود را بر روی سنگ اساس گذارد و وقتی که باران ببارد سیلابها روان شود بادها بوزد و از هر جهت بر آن خانه حمله نمایند چون اساس را بر سنگ بنا نهاده متزعزع نشود و خراب نگردد و هرکس این کلمات مرا گوش داده و مطابق آنها عمل نکند بمرد جاهلی بود که خانۀ خود را بر ریگ بنا نهد پس باران ببارد سیلابها روان گردند بادها بوزد و برآن خانه حمله نمایند و منهدم و خراب سازند و انهدام آن عظیم خواهد بود . »
حال بیشتر از شصت سال است که امر مبرم کتاب اقدس در خصوص تربیت و آزادی بنات و تعلیم آنها در علم وخط و دونهما از سماء مشیّت الهی نازل گشته و در میان آشنا و بیگانه و در آفاق اروپ و امریک منتشر شده با وجود این گویا هنوز یک جنبش عمومی و یک سیاست معیّنی در خصوص اجرای این امر مقدّس ظاهر نشده . نه اینکه در این مدّت تغییرات کلیّه حاصل نگشته و ترقیّات مهمّی بدست نیامده ولی اگر همّت و جرئت و طلب نسوان بیشتر بود نتایج عمومی تر و آرزو ها بهتر در قالب عمل ظاهر میگشت . عدم اعتنا باین مطلب از دو صورت خارج نه یا اینکه نسوان بگویند این امر را نشنیده ایم در آن صورت مسئولیّتی بر آنها وارد نیست ولی اگر شنیده اند آنهم از دو صورت خارج نه یا اینکه آنقدر تنبلی و بی قیدی بر آنها غلبه نموده که در فکر حائز شدن بکلمات عالم انسانی نیستند و یا آنکه در طلب این حقوق خداداده الی الآن از مردان می ترسند که بیکی از آنها از روی عجب و تکبّر بگویند : « ضعیفۀ نفهم این امور بتو چه ترا که بر آن داشته که خود را نخود هر آشی کنی برو عقب کار رخت شوری و طبّاخی و جاروب کشی و بچّه داری خودت ترا به علم و معرفت چه کی ترا بر آن داشته که این فضولیها را بکنی هروقت ارادۀ همایونی ما بر آن قرار گیرد لطفا و مرحمتا جوابی بتو خواهیم داد تا بفهمی که جاهلان را بر عاقلان بحثی نیست » . چه قدر دور است از نسوان بهائی این قرن طلائی که بعد از نزول امر کتاب اقدس و بعد از اداء آنهمه نطقها و الواح حضرت عبدالبهاء در اینخصوص باین جوابهای هجو بی معنی ساکت شوند و خواموش گردند ای خواهران عزیز روحانی ! خداوند باریتعالی بشماها عقل داده تا فکر کنید زبان داده تا نطق نمائید دست داده تا بنویسید قوای مدرکه داده تا کلّ خیر را بسوی خود جذب کنید و هر شرّی را دفع کنید خودتان بنفسه باید بفکر تحصیل علوم و فنون این عصر بیفتید بعضی مردان کمک که نمی کنند بهیچ قلوه سنگهائی در صورت عقائد مندرسۀ پوسیده در جلوی قدومتان میگذارند و شما را از مشی در منهج بیضاء باز میدارند . هزاران سال است که شماها زنان شرق این قوای رحمانی را بکار نینداخته اید در گوشۀ خانه ها ساکت نشسته اید
صفحه 2 - 319
صدایتان را بلند ننمودید زیرا شنیده بودید که شعرایتان گفته اند « درخری بر سرائی به بند . که بانگ زن از وی برآید بلند » و هر روز از دست این مردان نمرود صفت و شمر طینت کأس زهر هلاهل را چون ماء حیات نوشیدند و چه خرمنی برچیدند کدام یک اثر بدی از خود در عالم فنون و معارف گذاردند . اگر بندرت زنی عاقلۀ فاضله در شرق هویدا شد آن آن از روی قانون خصوصی نه عمومی بود باز تعصّبات مذهبی غلبه داشت و ظهور یک عدد گل را نمیتوان علامت بهار شمرد باری هرقدر صبر و حوصله نمودید و محبّت و رأفت فطری را اظهار کردید مردان جور و اعتساف خود را زیادتر نمودند . حال بیائید یک چندی هم از زاویۀ خمول و نسیان بیرون آئید از یخچالهای قوم غفلت خارج گردید قوای عقلیّه را بکار بندید در میادین حیات داخل شوید در جوّ افکار این قرن پرواز کنید جنگ کنید و فتوحات نمایان را بدست آرید لسان را بگشائید در مجالس نطقهای مهیّج اداء کنید در فکر اکثر مطالب عایّه باشید و در ترقیّ نفوس خود و خواهران شرقی جهد بلیغ نمائید . اگر کتب غربیان که در وضع حیات زنان شرق و جهل و نادانی آنها نوشته اند میخواندید خون میگریستید و سعی مینمودید تا این لکۀ سیاه از صفحات تاریخ غرب پاک شود و به علم و دانائی مشهور آفاق گردید . همّت را بلند کنید و پرده های نادانی را بسوزانید این عصر عصر نسوان است . حقّ شاهد است که اگر شماها یک قیام نمائید تأییدات ملکوت ابهی پی در پی در رسد و زبانهایتان را گویا نماید انهار حقائق و معانی چون سیلای منهدر از لسانتان جاری گردد جمال قدم حامی شماست و حضرت عبدالبهاء یار و یاور الهامات غیبی رهبر است و ریزش باران رحمت مستمرّ بیائید تا بیک استقامت کبری سری در این عوالم داخل نمائید اگر دیدید از اینکار ضرری بردید آسان است زود برگردید بآن حالت اوّل خمودت . خانه نشینی . سکوت . عبودیّت مردان و قس علیهذا . جمال قدم جلّ اسمه الاعظم بنهایت صراحت امر میفرمایند که امروز روز سکوت نیست انسان باید ناطق باشد نه صامت قائم باشد نه قاعد . از جمله میفرمایند « لیس الیوم یوم الوقوف کن طائرا فی هولاء ولانقطاع » و همچنین میفرمایند « اخرج عن خلف حجاب الصّمت باسم ربّک الرّحمن بالحکمة و البیان»و همچنین « فم باذن ربّک ثمّ سخر القلوب بهذا الاسم الذ ّی جعله الله مهیمنا علی الاسماء » وهمچنین « هل الیوم یوم السّکون لا وربّ العالمین هل الیوم یوم بالصّمت لا و نفسی الحقّ و انتم من العارفین قد اهتز کلشی من نفحات الوحی ما انتم تسکنون فی مقاعدکم و انتم من المخلصین » و همچنین میفرماید : « فومو من الاحداث الی متی ترقدون » و همچنین « و لیس الیوم یوم الاصطبار انّه محبوب الانی ذکری العزیز البدیع » و همچنین : « دع الموتی بانفسهم ان ادخل ملکوت بالحیات باسم ربّک العزیز الفرید » . و در مقام اخری هر یک از ماها را خطاب نموده میفرمایند : « اتکون صامتا و قد جاء یوم النداء قم بامری علی ذکری و ثنائی من عبادی و لاتکن من الراقدین »
حال در بیانات فوق درست تعمقّ نمائید که بچه صراحتی شماها را امر به قیام و نطق و بیان میفرمایند خواهران شرقی باید شب و روز در اجرای این اوامر قاطعه بکوشند هیچ حادثۀ آنها را از نداء باز ندارد و اگر یکی از میان رفت فی الفور جمیع قیام نمایند تا جای او پر گردد و چرخ تربیت و تبلیغ و ترقیّات نوعی دائما در گردش و دوران باشد
نجم باختر
جلد 13 . شماره 11
صفحه 1 - 320
سر سال صعود مبارک حضرت عبدالبهاء اثر خامۀ حضرت آقای آقا میرزا سیّد هادی افنان سدرۀ مبارکه مورّخۀ 7 شهر دیسمبر سنه 1922 از حیفا
در این ایّام بمناسبت سرسال صعود مبارک حضرت عبدالبهاء 28 نومبر واقع و احتفال بسیار مؤثرّ جانگدازی و بزم ماتم و عزا داری مفصّلی فراهم و برپا اکثری از احبّای مصر و اریاف و سوریّه و فلسطین و هم از عشق آباد رجالا و نیاء با احباب عکّا و حیفا از طائفین حاضر و در آن شب صعود در مقام اعلی حتّی الصباح بمناجات و تلاوت آیات با تبّتل و تضرّع و ابتهال بسر بردیم بیاد شما بودیم و بالنیابه از دوستان غائبین امریکا و غیره طائف و زائر شدیم همه حالت خوش حضور قلبی و روح حیاتی داشتیم زفرات قلوب متصاعد عبرات از دیدۀ حسرت و فرقت جاری و نازل که بیان صبر و شکیبائی چاک و ناله و فغان یاران تا بافلاک رسیده در حظیرة القدس نوراء قیامت عظمی برپا و محشر کبری دیده میشد « آسمان میگفت آندم با زمین ، گر قیامت را ندیدستی ببین »
باری هنوز از فرقت پرحرقت غصن ممتاز کعبۀ اهل راز ولیّ امرالله حضرت شوقی افندی روحی لهجرته الفداء معتکف بلب الحزینیم غرق بحر اندوه و غمیم ولی امیدوار باسم اعظمیم بدر آمال بدرخشد و شمس جمال انورشان بزودی افق این مدینه را منوّر سازد و قلوب یعقوبان مشتاق را بهجت و مسرّت بخشد .
تضرّع نامۀ حرم مبارک
الهی الهی لاتبعدعنی لانّ الشدائد بکلهّا احاطتنی الهی الهی لاتدعنی بنفسی لأن المکاره یأسرها اخذتنی ای محبوب بی همتا ای حضرت عبدالبهاء ای آقای نازنین باوفا امروز یک سنۀ تمام است که از دیده ها غائب گشتی و به ملکوت ابهی پرواز فرمودی و در جنّت ابهی و مقام اعلی در کمال آسایش و راحت منزل و مأوی گزیدی و این عائلۀ مسکین محزون را که پنجاه سنه از ثدی عنایت شیر دادی و در هر صباح و مساء از کأس مرحمت و لطف و عنایت نوشانیدی و در هر صبح میفرمودی جمیع باید حاضر باشید و در حضور حتّی اطفال صغیر را میفرمودی از خواب بیدار کنید و بعد از صرف چائی به تلاوت آیات و مناجات مشغول باشید حال ای مولای حنون مهربان از عالم بالا و سدرۀ منتهی نظری فرما و حال این اوراق تشنۀ هر شهر و دیار را نظاره کن هریک بیک دیار و مبتلای به ناخوشیهای صعب دشوار اگر شرح وقایع این سنۀ ظلمانی و صاعقۀ نیمۀ شب ناگهانی بتمامه داده شود مثنوی هفتاد من کاغذ شود و دریای خون از دیده ها جاری گردد
« ای بها ای واقف اسرار ما ، شاهدی بر احتراق جان ما . عندلیبانی که پروردی به ناز ،
صفحه 2 - 320
چون نمی پرسی ز حال ای بی نیاز . منزلی ویران و سامونها خراب ، در هوای غم بچنگال عقاب . دعوتی فرما بدیگر کشوری ، شاخ و برگی ایشان دیگری . این جهان و این فضای بی درنگ ، بی تو ای جا شما ها تنگ تنگ . شام ما را صبح گردان ای کریم ،
پر عطا کن تا بسویت برپریم . بهر این حیفا نما خلقی جدید ، گو بچشم آن سرو آن قامت ندید » .
الهی الهی تو بینا و آگاهی که دیگر صبر و قراری بر این دلهای مخزون باقی نمانده و ریشۀ صبر و اصطبار از شصت گذشته و طاقت و قرار بکلیّ از دست رفته فراق و مسافرت غصن ممتاز و قلب بیچیزی اخبار بکلیّ قوای حضرت ورقۀ مبارکۀ علیا و ورقۀ مقدّسۀ روحا را تحلیل برده دیگر نه تاب و توان و نه صبر و قراری حالت این فانیه محزونه که از شرح و بیان خارج ورقات مقدّسه هریک بشهر و دیاری پر بلا و ناتوان و منزل و مأوای کل خالی و نمایان « یک پسر یعقوب گم کرد از فراقش کور شد ، من چه بنمایم که یک عالم پدر گم کرده ام » دیگر معلوم است که بر این فانیۀ علیل ناتوان چه میگذرد شرح ندارد از درگاه احدیّت سائل و راجیم که ید قدرت از آستین عظمت بدر آید و بدر منیر حضرت غصن ممتازاز افق حیفا طلوع نماید و ورقات مقدّسه با صحّت تمام به بقعۀ نوراء و مقام اعلی مراجعت نمایند و وعده های حضرت عبدالبهاء بظهور رسد و چشمهای همه دوستان روشن گردد و قلوب هۀ بهائیان گلشن شود لیس هذا علی الله بعزیز حال این امّۀ فانیّه از احبّای مخلص جمال قدم و مقرّبان درگاه اسم اعظم رجا مینمایم که در این چند یوم مصیبت در مقام اعلی و بقعۀ نوراء با کمال توجّه و رجا لوح مبارک احمد تلاوت کنند که انشاء الله این طوفان احزان قدری آرام گیرد و این سفینۀ متلاطم بساحل رسد و نیّر صبح امید بدمد زیرا بیقین مبین میدانم که آن روح پاک قدسی لطیفۀ ربّانی راضی بحزن نفسی نبودند و به همّ و غم احدی میل مبارک نبود و میفرمودند من صورت محزون را نمیتوانم ببینم غمگسار نوع بشر بودند و مهربان به جمیع اهل عالم در اکثر اوقات با مزاح و تبسمّ تکلمّ میفرمودند و اطفال را میطلبیدند و نشاط و انبساط عموم را طالب بودند و میفرمودند اطفال اهل ملکوتند و همیشه مسرور و مشعوفند . باری بیش از این قلوب مخلصین را نخراشم و بر زخمهای دلهای غمگین نمک نپاشم ربّنا لا تحمل علینا مالا طاقة وارحمنا بفضلک و جودک انّک انت الغفور الرّحیم الکریم .
باری بعد از این شرح پرملال از فروضات و واجبات تقدیم تشکرات صمیمانه است خدمت جمیع هیئت بهائیان از هر بلد و دیار و هر مکان که فی الحقیقه اگر قیام و استقامت و وفاداری و همّت بلند احبّای الهی و اماء رحمانی در هرپست نمیرسید بکلیّ شیرازۀ وجود این فانیان پاشیده بود چیزی که سبب التیام و تسلیّ فلب مجروح حضرت ورقۀ مبارکۀ علیا و این فانیان است گشودن پست اطراف و اخبارات و ارتفاع امرالله است و شکی نیست که سرور قلب مبارک در ملکوت ابهی بهمین است لذا مجدّدا بتمام قلب و روان تشکرّ و امتنان از کلّ می نمایم امّۀ آستان مقدّس منیره
