The American Bahá’í/Volume 23/Issue 17/Text

The American Bahá’í
Volume 23, Issue 17

Bahá’ís are helping to create 'Vision of a New Los Angeles'[edit]

"Vision of a New Los Angeles" is a program designed to create a model of unity among the diverse cultural, ethnic and human rights groups in that racially troubled California city.

The program, sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles, the mayor's office and the Human Relations Commission, is meant to create a unified vision of service among the many social organizations working in the area.

It began with a series of consultations among a broad range of human rights and civic leaders, who contributed to the formulation of an over-all program for increasing community involvement and improving community services. The consultations, to which representatives from more than 130 recognized organizations were invited, were held at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center, which is in the heart of the area most affected by last spring's riots.

The sponsors of the program are now working on a statement of vision to encompass the results of the consultations. The published statement will serve as the charter for future activities and will be distributed to government leaders and agencies, the press and the public.

Another significant ongoing program is the Children's Educational Enrichment Task Force, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles and composed of a group of Bahá’í mental health professionals and educators.

The task force evolved from a series of children's workshops instituted by the Assembly shortly after the May riots. The workshops were set up to help area youngsters cope with emotional wounds caused by the civil disturbance.

When the workshop series was concluded the Bahá’ís consulted together to find other avenues of service to the community. The task force began an after-school program for children in the neighborhood of the Bahá’í Center that includes homework tutoring and classes in cross-culturalism, music appreciation, story-telling and drama. Classes are taught by task force members and volunteers from a variety of ages and backgrounds.

A unique aspect of this social development program is the emphasis placed on the character development of the children. It draws upon the guidance of the Universal House of Justice to the effect that "teachers and administrators need to be trained to awaken children to their inherent nobility and self-worth, and to value their own talents and capacities."

The non-denominational enrichment program strives to create an encouraging environment in which children can "acquire the confidence to hold high aims and the determination to achieve them."

(This article was adapted from the Los Angeles Bahá’í Journal, October 1992)

RACE UNITY: Activities in Florida, Oklahoma underscore continuing pace[edit]

With the Holy Year now more than half over, the pace of race unity activities is continuing, with events of nearly every description taking place across the country. Bahá’ís in communities large and small are, in increasingly innovative ways, endeavoring to convey the teachings of the Divine Physician to a nation greatly in need of healing.

In Brevard County, Florida, for example, Marilyn Myers, a member of the local Assembly and an elementary school teacher, presented quotations from "The Vision of Race Unity" to her principal, who agreed to her suggestion for a school-wide commemoration September 15 of the United Nations International Day of Peace.

About 600 people, comprising students, faculty and staff, were given multi-colored ribbons symbolizing unity through diversity. Teachers were provided with Bahá’í quotations to help them prepare lessons on cultural diversity and race unity, which they agreed were important issues for the children to learn about.

Throughout the school, posters, banners and artwork, all created by the students, were displayed. Many of them bore passages from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh or ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. One banner, bearing the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, "As in music, many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord," was pictured along with a brief article in a local newspaper.

This observance of the International Day of Peace was a successful means of impressing upon young and old the importance of the oneness of humanity.

In Oklahoma, the Bahá’í communities of Seminole, Shawnee, Pottawatomie and Pontotoc Counties have been collaborating on monthly picnics for race unity. The first picnic, held in Seminole County, drew about 100 people, half of whom were not Bahá’ís. The speakers for the event, five people representing different races, addressed the theme of race unity and the oneness of mankind. As a result, two American Indians declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

The second picnic, held September 19 in Shawnee, was attended by 53 people, most of whom were American Indians. Special guests included Scott Baird, well-known in Shawnee as a champion of race relations; Jack Thorpe, son of the legendary athlete Jim Thorpe and a nationally known leader of the American Indian community; and Rick Sanders, representing the local chapter of the NAACP. All three received copies of the publication "Models of Unity."

Several days before the picnic, mayor Pierre Taron proclaimed September 19 "Race Unity Day" in Shawnee. One of the friends, a long-time resident of Shawnee, called the event the single largest fireside ever given for the American Indians there.

The Bahá’ís in the area plan to hold a race unity picnic each month until the end of the Holy Year.

Steve and Louise King of Dennison, Texas, share a moment with Mrs. Mary Watson (left) of Ada, Oklahoma, during the Race Unity picnic September 19 in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Sacramento: 'Heart-to-heart' teaching leads to influx of Southeast Asian Bahá’ís[edit]

...of transforming power of Bahá’u’lláh

U. of Maryland plans formal dedication of first Bahá’í Chair for World Peace[edit]

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly will be in College Park, Maryland, in January for the formal dedication of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland.

The Universal House of Justice, in its Ridván 1990 message to the Bahá’ís of the world, named the Bahá’í Peace Chair as one of several achievements which had helped to extend the "relations, influence and appeal" of the Faith in the eyes of the world. The Peace Chair itself, the House of Justice stated, "will give rise to a great increase in academic efforts to examine the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh."

The Bahá’í Chair, which was established through donations from the Bahá’í community, is one of only three endowed chairs in the University of Maryland's Center for International Development and Conflict Management.

The general aims of the Chair are to conduct and publish research, design courses and conduct seminars that will lead to an understanding of the factors that promote ethnic and religious conflicts within and among nations, and will help in the search for peaceful solutions to resolve them.

These studies in world peace and conflict resolution will draw primarily upon Bahá’í principles within an interdisciplinary context, while incorporating other valuable models of conflict management currently in operation.

Soheil Badi Bushrui, a fellow and visiting scholar at the Center for International Development and Conflict Management, has been named as the first scholar to occupy the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace. His appointment became effective last July 1.

Dr. Bushrui, an internationally recognized scholar of Anglo-Irish, English and Arabic literatures, is perhaps best known... [Page 2]

Prerequisites of success in teaching: A study guide (part 3)[edit]

INTRODUCTION[edit]

This is the third in a series of articles, the intention of which is to delve into a statement, made by the Guardian in The Advent of Divine Justice, which outlines prerequisites of success in teaching the Faith.

Shoghi Effendi drew attention to the importance of deepening our knowledge of the Faith as a preparation for delivering Bahá’u’lláh’s Message. In this passage, the Guardian comments on various facets of deepening. The focus of this article is to discuss "delving" into the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

TEXT[edit]

"Those who participate in such a [teaching] campaign, whether in an organizing capacity, or as workers to whose care the execution of the task itself has been committed, must, as an essential preliminary to the discharge of their duties, thoroughly familiarize themselves with the various aspects of the history and teachings of their Faith. In their efforts to achieve this purpose they must study for themselves, conscientiously and painstakingly, the literature of their Faith, delve into its teachings, assimilate its laws and principles, ponder its admonitions, tenets and purposes, commit to memory certain of its exhortations and prayers, master the essentials of its administration, and keep abreast of its current affairs and latest developments." (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 49)

ACTION[edit]

"... delve into its teachings..."

"Delving" is a process of exploring the depths of knowledge. To probe into the teachings of the Faith with deep immersion requires spirit and dedication. The Writings are vast, yet our efforts to study His Word reap great rewards.

Every Bahá’í has the capacity to study the Faith. Even if reading is difficult, the teachings can be examined and discussed. Adib Taherzadeh, a member of the Universal House of Justice, has commented that "the study of the Faith is so simple that any person with common sense, even if he lacks education, can fully understand its truth, provided his heart is pure. If we look at the talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Western world, we notice how in simple language He explained profound subjects" (The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume III, p. 325).

Just as all Bahá’ís have the ability to study the Faith, all can aspire to the attributes of a scholar of the Faith. "Bahá’í scholarship" is often thought of in the light of worldly scholarship. Yet, unlike worldly scholarship, Bahá’í scholarship is a spiritual issue. It is based on the individual's study of the Revelation, not the study of worldly letters and disciplines. The Universal House of Justice has both stated attributes of the true scholar and put forth the view that scholarship itself will be elevated by this Revelation:

The distinction desired by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for all Bahá’ís is certainly for attainment by Bahá’í scholars, who by following the exhortations of Bahá’u’lláh to moderation, kindliness, tact and wisdom, may restore scholarship to that high station of dignity and admiration which it formerly held and which is confirmed by the utterances of Bahá’u’lláh. (Bahá’í News, June 1979, p. 3)

Deepening prepares us to teach the Faith. When we delve into the teachings, we learn better what the Message truly is and are better able to deliver it in its pure form. But delving into the Writings also assists in "daily deeds of constructive living" because we become more attuned to God's prescription for living. Part of "living the life" of a Bahá’í is teaching His Cause to others.

SUPPLEMENTARY REFERENCES[edit]

"Peruse ye every day the verses revealed by God. Blessed is the man who reciteth them and reflecteth upon them. He truly is of them with whom it shall be well." (Bahá’u’lláh, The Importance of Deepening, p. 2, #5)

"Let not thine ignorance in human learning and thy inability to read or write grieve thine heart. The doors of His manifold grace are within the mighty grasp of the power of the one true God. He hath opened, and will continue to open, them in the face of all them that serve Him." (Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 312)

"The Bahá’í Faith... enjoins upon its followers the primary duty of an unfettered search after truth...." (Shoghi Effendi, preface to The Promised Day is Come, p. vi)

"The understanding of His words and the comprehension of the utterances of the Birds of Heaven are in no wise dependent upon human learning. They depend solely upon purity of heart, chastity of soul, and freedom of spirit. This is evidenced by those who, today, though without a single letter of the accepted standards of learning, are occupying the loftiest seats of knowledge; and the garden of their hearts is adorned, through the showers of divine grace, with the roses of wisdom and the tulips of understanding. Well is it with the sincere in heart for their share of the light of a mighty Day!" (Bahá’u’lláh, The Kitáb-i-Íqán, p. 211)

"Read ye the Hidden Words, ponder the inner meanings thereof, act in accord therewith. Read, with close attention, the ‘Tablets of Tarázát’ (Ornaments), ‘Kalimát’ (Words of Paradise), ‘Tajalliyyát’ (Effulgences), ‘Ishráqát’ (Splendors), and ‘Bishárát’ (Glad Tidings), and rise up as ye are bidden in the heavenly teachings. Thus may each one of you be even as a candle casting its light, the centre of attraction wherever people come together; and from you, as from a bed of flowers, may sweet scents be shed." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 35-36)

"The principles of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh should be carefully studied, one by one, until they are realized and understood by mind and heart—so will you become strong followers of the light, truly spiritual, heavenly soldiers of God, acquiring and spreading the true civilization in Persia, in Europe, and in the whole world. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 8)

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

"There is no limit to the study of the Cause. The more we read the writings the more truths we can find in them and the more we will see that our previous notions were erroneous." (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in The Importance of Deepening, pp. 28-29, #93)

"A Bahá’í scholar... will not make the mistake of regarding the sayings and beliefs of certain Bahá’ís at any one time as being the Bahá’í Faith. The Bahá’í Faith is the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: His Own Words as interpreted by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian. It is a revelation of such staggering magnitude that no Bahá’í at this early stage in Bahá’í history can rightly claim to have more than a partial and imperfect understanding of it." (The Universal House of Justice, in Bahá’í News, June 1979, p. 2)

QUESTIONS[edit]

How can I increase both the time and quality of my study of the Faith?

What do I need to do to develop my study habits?

Is my heart engaged in the study of the Faith?

Peace Day Choir[edit]

An exciting aspect of the recent observance of International Day of Peace in Olean, New York, was a performance by the 20-member Peace Day Choir directed by Jan Khody, a Bahá’í who is a music teacher. The choir, composed of Bahá’ís and members of other faiths from Jewish to Catholic and Protestant, entertained an audience of more than 100, about 15 of whom were Bahá’ís.

Louhelen School hosts Project ’92[edit]

Project ’92, the second annual Conference of Bahá’í Youth Workshops, was held in August at the Louhelen Bahá’í school near Davison, Michigan.

The conference was held to emphasize the growing importance of youth workshops in proclaiming the Cause of God to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Members of workshops from around the country met to discuss ways of combining teaching, deepening and prayer with dramatic and musical presentations to best present the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the public.

The conference culminated with a teaching event at a local park where hundreds of people watched performances by the Bahá’ís. Afterward, many of them asked questions about the Faith and were invited to a subsequent performance.

One of the chief goals of the conference was to develop a national network of Bahá’í workshops, so that youth will be able to coordinate collaborative activities, share experiences, and encourage the development of new groups.

Oscar DeGruy, a Bahá’í from Los Angeles and founder of the country's first Bahá’í youth workshop, offered his services to any of the friends who would like to form a workshop in their area. Mr. DeGruy can be reached at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016.

In addition, all coordinators of youth workshops are encouraged to contact the Bahá’í National Center to be included in the network now being formed. The friends may write to Kathleen Colucci, National Teaching Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone her at 708-869-9039.

Stories Wanted: Race Unity Activities[edit]

The National Teaching Office wants information on various efforts in which Bahá’ís are engaged to promote race unity. We would like to be able to share more news and information in upcoming issues of The American Bahá’í and create a network that will enable the friends throughout the country to replicate successful initiatives. Please send a summary of your efforts with photographs, when available, to: National Teaching Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 708-869-9039; Fax 708-869-0247. [Page 3]

STATION OF THE BÁB[edit]

To understand its significance, turn to writings of the Guardian

BY ROB STOCKMAN

The Holy Year calls us to develop an ever-greater understanding of the station of Bahá’u’lláh as the Lord of the Age. An effort to comprehend the station of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh’s forerunner, is essential for deepening and strengthening our appreciation of Bahá’u’lláh’s station.

Perhaps the best way to study the Báb’s station is to turn to Shoghi Effendi’s 1934 essay, "The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh," published in a collection of the Guardian’s essays entitled The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

"The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh" contains a series of sections that describe the stations, respectively, of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and explain the significance of the Administrative Order.

The section on the Báb in turn contains several subsections. It begins with a brief one-page description, in the Guardian’s own words, of the station of the Báb. It is then followed by a series of compilations of words by Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, respectively, about the station of the Báb.

Each of the sections of "Dispensation" follows the same pattern of interpretive overview by the Guardian followed by a series of compilations, which are always in the order dictated by the spiritual stations of the Authors.

It is interesting to note that in 1932, two years before writing "Dispensation," Shoghi Effendi described the station of the Báb in his essay "The Golden Age of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh" (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 61-63); that description may be viewed as a summary of the later statement, which constitutes an expansion and elaboration on the themes of the earlier work.

Shoghi Effendi characterizes the station of the Báb as "twofold": that of "divinely appointed Forerunner" of Bahá’u’lláh and of "self-sufficient Manifestation" of God (p. 123). He notes that this claim "constitutes the most distinctive feature of the Bahá’í Dispensation" (p. 123), probably because other dispensations were characterized by only one Manifestation and thus had no Forerunner.

Shoghi Effendi says little about the Báb’s status as Forerunner, perhaps because the Bahá’ís at that time emphasized it strongly; for example, he does not mention the Báb as being historically similar to John the Baptist (though the analogy is made in a letter written on behalf of the Guardian in Unfolding Destiny, p. 427). Rather, he constantly turns to the Báb’s second station as an independent Manifestation of God.

Shoghi Effendi notes that the Báb "wielded, to a degree unrivaled by the Messengers gone before Him, the scepter of independent Prophethood" (p. 123). He quotes Bahá’u’lláh, who says that the Báb’s rank "excelleth that of all the Prophets" (p. 125). No wonder that Shoghi Effendi warns the Bahá’ís against regarding Him "merely as an inspired Precursor of the Bahá’í Revelation" (p. 123)!

To underline the Báb’s greatness Shoghi Effendi quotes a prophecy discussed by Bahá’u’lláh (Kitáb-i-lqán, p. 243) that "knowledge is twenty and seven letters. All that the Prophets have revealed are two letters thereof.... But when the Qá’im [the Báb] shall arise, He will cause the remaining twenty and five letters to be made manifest" (p. 125). The importance of this prophecy in highlighting the Báb’s significance is indicated by the fact that Shoghi Effendi refers to it five times in The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh (pp. 24, 25, 62, 100, 125).

The Báb Himself proclaimed His greatness in these words: "I am the Primal Point from which have been generated all things....I am the Countenance of God Whose splendor can never be obscured, the light of God whose radiance can never fade....All the keys to heaven God hath chosen to place on My right hand, and all the keys to hell on My left" (p. 126).

Shoghi Effendi quotes many other words of the Báb about His station, which one must read personally to appreciate and fathom. Shoghi Effendi also recommends reading The Dawn-breakers; he states that his "chief motive" for "translating and editing Nabil’s immortal narrative" was "to enable every follower of the Faith in the West to better understand and more readily grasp the tremendous implications of His exalted station and to more ardently admire and love Him" (p. 123).

Shoghi Effendi also notes that one must not judge the divine origin and potency of the Báb’s message by the shortness of the duration of the Báb’s dispensation. He quotes Bahá’u’lláh as saying that the shortness was "foreordained" and that it represents a "secret that no man can unravel and a mystery such as no mind can fathom" (p. 124).

Shoghi Effendi emphasizes that in spite of the shortness of the Báb’s dispensation, it inspired incredible feats of heroism and was characterized by "miraculous" events such as His martyrdom, and these "should in themselves be regarded as sufficient evidence of the validity of His claim to so exalted a station among the Prophets" (p. 124).

Until the Guardian delineated the station of the Báb in "The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh," the Bahá’ís had no clear idea what His unique importance was. Repeated reading of this essay will strengthen our presentation of the Faith to an increasingly interested public as well as deepen our own personal knowledge of the verities of Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous Revelation.

LETTERS[edit]

"The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The American Bahá’í welcomes letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the "letters" column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another’s views or to attack anyone personally. Opinions expressed in these columns are those of the writers, and are not necessarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the editors. Letters should be as brief as possible (a 250-word maximum is suggested) and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address all letters to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Race relations[edit]

To the Editor:

"In the Bayán the Báb says that every religion of the past was fit to become universal. The only reason why they failed to attain that mark was the incompetence of their followers. He then proceeds to give a definite promise that this would not be the fate of the revelation of ‘Him Whom God would make manifest,’ that it will become universal and include all the people of the world. This shows that we will ultimately succeed. But could we not through our shortcomings, failures to sacrifice and reluctance to concentrate our efforts in spreading the Cause, retard the realization of that ideal. And what would that mean? It shall mean that we will be held responsible before God, that the race will remain longer in its state of waywardness, that wars would not be so soon averted, that human suffering will last longer." (Shoghi Effendi, quoted in "Living the Life," p. 11)

The issue I see today that is preventing the American believers and America itself from realizing their destiny is that of race, specifically the complete integration and assimilation of the races.

At a Bahá’í workshop a few years ago in Green Lake, Wisconsin, the facilitator, a Persian Bahá’í, told participants that, according to the history of past civilizations, America’s decline or rise would be based on its ability to assimilate fully the various races residing in this country.

He went on to say that if the races are unable to blend and mix freely among one another, the progress of this country will eventually be retarded.

Today, one can easily see that integration of the races, particularly that of blacks and whites, has not taken place. Within the Bahá’í community itself there still exists opposition among its various components, black, white, Persian and other, to interracial dating and marriage.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá addressed this issue in one of His talks in America, encouraging the mixing of the races, specifically black and white: "Strive jointly to make extraordinary progress and mix together completely....You must try to create love between yourselves; and this love does not come about unless you are grateful to..." [Page 4]

Job Fairs offer opportunities for overseas employment[edit]

UPCOMING JOB FAIRS FOR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS[edit]

The following organizations sponsor job fairs for educators interested in finding employment in international schools around the world. Contact each organization for more information about dates, registration deadlines fees, placement services, what schools will attend, what qualifications are required, and additional services.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY: Job Fair, February 5-7, 1993. Contact B.J. Bryant, Director Educational Career Services, 110 Arps Hall, 1945 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43210-1172 for more information. Telephone: 614-292-2741.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA: Job fair scheduled from February 12-14, 1993. Contact Don Wood, Overseas Placement Center, 152 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Telephone: 319-273-2083.

ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN SCHOOLS IN SOUTH AMERICA (AASSA): Job fair scheduled from November 27-29, 1993, at the Langsford Hotel, Orlando, Florida. Schools from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Curacao, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela represented. Applicants who are certified or eligible for certification contact: Kimberly Kourtis, AASSA, 6952 NW 50th St., Miami, FL 33166. Telephone: 305-594-3936.

TORC: A division of the National Teachers Placement Bureau, holds numerous job fairs. Contact Don Cermak, Director, TORC, P.O. Box 09027, Cleveland, OH 44109 for information. Telephone: 216-741-3771.

SEARCH ASSOCIATES: P.O. Box 100, Mountaintop, PA 18707, Tel: 717-474-0370, Fax: 717-474-0380. Job fairs: Cambridge, MA, January 31-February 3, 1993, contact John F. Magagna, P.O. Box 100, Mountaintop, PA 18707; June 19-21, 1993, contact Dexter S. Lewis, P.O. Box 477, Hendersonville, NC 28739; Miami, FL, February 4-7, 1993, contact Dr. Marie D. Bogat, P.O. Box 601305, N. Miami Beach, FL 33160.

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATORS COOPERATIVE (IEC): East Falmouth, MA 02536, Tel/ Fax: 508-540-8173. Job fair: Carmel, CA, February 12-14, 1992.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS SERVICES (ISS): P.O. Box 5910, Princeton, NJ 08543, Tel: 609-452-0990.

UPCOMING JOB FAIRS FOR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS[edit]

If you are hoping to land your first job in an international school, now is the time to start. You should have made your initial contact no later than the end of December. This gives the school head ample time to review your application and contact you to arrange an interview during February when most top administrators from international schools are traveling throughout the United States interviewing and hiring staff for the next school year. You may want to contact some of the agencies that recruit educators for positions in international schools as well.

SHORT-TERM PIONEER GOALS[edit]

EUROPE Goals (months) | Months Completed Portugal: 24 | 4

'Issue forth from cities' during Holy Year[edit]

Q: Is there still a need for international traveling teachers? A: There are still urgent unmet goals of the Six Year Plan for traveling teachers to Germany (Eastern), Hungary and Yugoslavia. Another 59 countries listed in the adjacent box have written asking for U.S. traveling teachers during the Holy Year. Undoubtedly, the American Bahá’í community will be called upon for more traveling teachers in the upcoming Three Year Plan. You are urgently needed.

Q: Am I good enough to be a traveling teacher? A: "...the glory of our Faith is not that people with unique abilities do the work of the Cause, but that it is done by the sacrifice of loving and devoted souls who arise selflessly to undertake work they feel themselves incompetent, sometimes, to achieve. God works through them and endows them with gifts they did not dream they could ever possess." (From a letter dated December, 1943, written by Shoghi Effendi)

Q: When is the best time for me to go traveling teaching? A: "Now is the time that you may divest yourselves from the garment of attachment to this phenomenal realm, be wholly severed from the physical world, become angels of heaven and travel and teach through all these regions." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 11) There are five months left in the Holy Year. There is still time to plan trips for the holiday season and early spring.

Q: Who should I contact about my plans? A: The Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (telephone 708-869-9039). We will help you get in touch with the appropriate National Spiritual Assembly. It is vital that you do this even if you have been invited or made arrangements with the friends from another country at the World Congress, and even if you will be leaving very soon or are traveling on business.

Q: How should I prepare to go? A: Prepare spiritually. Pray. "How can I succeed unless Thou assist me with the breath of the Holy Spirit, help me to triumph by the hosts of Thy glorious kingdom, and shower upon me Thy confirmations, which alone can change a gnat into an eagle, a drop of water into rivers and seas, and an atom into lights and suns?" (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Prayers, p. 186). Meditate on the Writings, especially the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and compilations such as "The Individual and Teaching" and "A Special Measure of Love." Prepare materially. Make traveling teaching part of your financial plans. Go to your local library to learn about the area where you will travel.

Q: Is there anything I can do if I simply cannot go right now? A: "Center your energies on the propagation of the Faith of God....Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation..." (Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, pp 196-197)

With our visions broadened by the World Congress, let the American Bahá’í community, young and old, arise as never before to blazon the name of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the globe!

HOLY YEAR BAHA'I YOUTH SERVICE CORPS TRAININGS: FROM WORLD CONGRESS THROUGH SUMMER 1993[edit]

The schedule of upcoming BYSC training institutes is as follows:

JANUARY 5-10 at Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, CA. All youth who live on the west coast and in the western states, please note: THIS IS THE ONLY TRAINING THAT WILL BE HELD IN YOUR REGION THIS HOLY YEAR AND UNTIL JANUARY 1994. MARCH at Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, ME. MAY at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL. JUNE at Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, MI. AUGUST 31-LABOR DAY WEEKEND at Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, SC. Watch The American Bahá’í for exact dates. Remember, you must take part in a training institute before you leave for your post! Make your plans to attend. Write to the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 or phone 708-869-9039.

UPCOMING PIONEERING INSTITUTES[edit]

January 7-10, 1993—Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. March 1993—Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine. May 1993—Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, Illinois. June 1993—Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. Labor Day weekend 1993—Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina.

If you are interested in pioneering, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247 for more information.

ONGOING TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES[edit]

AUSTRALIA; ALBANIA; BAHAMAS; BANGLADESH; BELIZE; BULGARIA; BURKINA FASO; CAMBODIA; CHINA; CISKEI; COLOMBIA; COOK ISLANDS; COSTA RICA; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; EAST GERMANY; EQUATORIAL GUINEA; FIJI; FRENCH POLYNESIA; GAMBIA; GERMANY; GUATEMALA; GUADELOUPE; GUINEA BISSAU; GUYANA; HAITI; HONG KONG; HUNGARY; ICELAND; INDIA; IRELAND; ITALY; MALAYSIA; MALTA; MOZAMBIQUE; NEPAL; NEW CALEDONIA; PAKISTAN; PANAMA; PHILLIPINES; PORTUGAL; PUERTO RICO; ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES; SAMOA; SIBERIA; SIERRA LEONE; SWEDEN; TAIWAN; THAILAND; TONGA; TRANSKEI; TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO; TU-VALU; UGANDA; UNITED KINGDOM; VANUATU; WEST LEEWARD ISLANDS; YUGOSLAVIA; ZAMBIA. [Page 5]

Presenting the Person of Bahá’u’lláh to Chinese seekers[edit]

An essay published in Guang Ming, No.10, Sept.-Oct. 1992

"The Great Being saith: The man of consummate learning and the sage endowed with penetrating wisdom are the two eyes to the body of mankind. God willing, the earth shall never be deprived of these two greatest gifts."

In this Holy Year it is useful to reflect on how we present the Person of Bahá’u’lláh to the Chinese, neither dwelling on metaphysical conceptions more appropriate to the Christian West, nor limiting our vocabulary by simply calling Him a Teacher.

In the Tablet of Maqsúd (quoted above), Bahá’u’lláh refers to Himself as "the Great Being." Other titles by which posterity will proclaim Him, according to Shoghi Effendi, include "the Judge," "the Law-giver," "the Organizer of the entire planet," "the Inaugurator of the long-awaited millennium," "the Establisher of the Most Great Peace," "the Creator of a new World Order and the Inspirer and Founder of a world civilization." (God Passes By, pp. 91-92)

Unike the metaphysical titles preferred in the West, these titles are social and functional, and were the titles preferred by many Chinese friends at the Green Acre Conference held in June of this year.

Another title, used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Some Answered Questions, is that of "the Perfect Man," a designation similar to the term "saint" used by Confucius.

Karl Jaspers, in Socrates, Buddha, Confucius, Jesus—The Paradigmatic Individuals (Harcourt, Brace & World, New York, 1962), states that "Confucius distinguishes four types or levels of man. The highest embraces the saints, those who possess knowledge from birth....The second level comprises those who must acquire knowledge by learning; they can become 'superior men.' The men of the third level find it hard to learn, but they do not let this discourage them. Those of the fourth level find it hard and make no effort.

"The two middle types are on the way; they progress though they may fail. 'Only the highest wise men and lowest fools are unchangeable.'"

For Confucius, "the superior man" combined the manners of a gentleman and the wisdom of a sage. But even the superior man, the sage, is not a saint.

According to Jaspers, "The saint is born; he is what he is," while "the superior man becomes what he is through self-discipline." In the words of Confucius, "To have the truth is the path of heaven, to seek the truth is the path of men. He who has the truth finds the right action without pains, achieves success without reflection." "The superior man's path is like a long journey; you must begin from right here." Confucius said of the superior man, "Of myself, I can only say that I have striven insatiably to become so...."

"Confucius," says Jaspers, "never saw a saint but he has no doubt they existed in antiquity." For him, "true history begins with the founders of society and government, manners and customs. At the beginning stand the ideal figures, Yao, Shun, Yu [the half-mythical first Emperors]: they beheld the eternal archetypes in heaven. For these Confucius has the highest praise: 'Only heaven is great; only Yao was equal to it.'"

Publishing Trust of Japan announces new edition of Japan Will Turn Ablaze![edit]

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Japan is pleased to announce the publication of a revised edition of Japan Will Turn Ablaze!, which has been out of print for many years.

The book has some additions to the Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, letters from the Guardian, includes some communications from the Universal House of Justice, and 12 photographs. The price is $7 (hardcover) and $6 (softcover).

Also published recently is The Macau Bahá’í Community in the Early Years by long-time U.S. pioneer to Japan Barbara R. Sims. Includes more than 70 photographs. The price is $6.

Both books may be ordered from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Japan, 7-2-13, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160, Japan (fax 011 81 332040773).

The Bahá’í Funds[edit]

"Our contributions to the Faith are the surest way of lifting once and for all time the burden of hunger and misery from mankind...."

AUTOMATIC CONTRIBUTION ENROLLMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS

Yes, I/we would like to enroll in the Automic Contribution System (ACS). I have enclosed a voided check from my bank account.

I, _______________, authorize the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States to charge my checking account the amount of $_______________ each Gregorian month (12 times yearly) to be distributed as follows:

Bahá’í National Fund $_______________ Bahá’í International Fund $_______________ Continental Bahá’í Fund $_______________ Other (please describe) $_______________ Total $_______________

NOTE: If this is a family contribution, please include the names and Bahá’í I.D. numbers of all participants. Thank you.

Bahá’í I.D. # _______________ Signed _______________ Phone (H) _______________ (W) _______________

I/we give discretion over those portions of contribution(s) given to Funds other than the National Fund to the National Spiritual Assembly; such gifts will become part of the budget of the National Assembly.

No, I/we have decided not to enroll in the ACS at this time.

Name _______________ Bahá’í I.D. # _______________

Thank you for your time and consideration.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES OFFICE OF THE TREASURER

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States Progress Update September Year to Date

Contributions: National Bahá’í Fund: Sep-90 $3,418,887 | Sep-91 $3,799,615 | Sep-92 $4,322,523 Bahá’í International Fund: $221,024 | $337,452 | $314,892 Arc Projects Fund: $490,556 | $116,141 | $77,956 Continental Bahá’í Fund: $182,845 | $94,380 | $386,838 Estate Bequests: $1,726,512 | $426,000 | $1,719,960 Total: $5,869,402 | $5,131,579 | $6,634,600

Percent Change: 90/92: 26% | 14% | -17% | -63% | -82% | -7% 91/92: -19% | 21% | 345% | 304% | 13% | 29%

Local Assembly Contribution Goals Manual and Automatic Contributions as of October 7, 1992 Aggregate Total Commitments: $8,961,682 less a line stallized Aggregate Total Contributions: $1,317,164 Number of LSAs Contributing: 1,009 Portion of Year Elapsed: 44% Average Percent of Goal Met: 15%

'International Nights' series held in Greenwood[edit]

A Bahá’í teaching institute in Greenwood, South Carolina, comprised of three Bahá’í women has sponsored a series of "International Nights" for students at Lander University since last January.

Efforts were coordinated with Lander through its soccer coach, who works with athletes from other countries on a regular basis, and a Spanish instructor who is a member of the Lander International Education Committee.

During the spring semester social gatherings titled "International Time" were held once a month for four months with an average attendance of 15-20 including overseas students, Lander professors and townspeople.

Countries represented included Australia, China, England, Japan, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, and the U.S.

The Institute intends to continue sponsoring these social events with the intention of attracting some of the students and faculty to the Faith.

HUQÚQU’LLÁH[edit]

Payments for Huqúqu’lláh should be made to "The Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust" and sent to one of the Trustees:

Dr. Elsie Austin, Silver Spring MD 20901 (Tel. 301-589-8481). Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (Tel. 213-394-5449). Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (Tel. 216-333-1506).

Inquiries regarding Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116.

Video tapes of talks by the Hand of the Cause of God and Trustee of Huqúqu’lláh Dr. Ali-Muhammad Varqá, and by Ali Nakhjavání, a member of the Universal House of Justice, are available from the Office of the Secretariat for $6 each (postage included).

Copies of the compilation "Huqúqu’lláh, Extracts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice" can be obtained from the Bahá’í Distribution Service at 85 cents per copy. [Page 6]

KITAB-I-AQDAS[edit]

The Universal House of Justice has informed us that the Kitab-i-Aqdas is currently in production. We expect to receive our shipment by February 1993. We are unable to take backorders at this time, but we will keep you informed as additional information becomes available.

An Introduction to Bahá’u’lláh[edit]

by Douglas Martin VT $14.95

Originally prepared for TV broadcast in Canada, Mr. Douglas Martin, Director of the Office of Public Information at the Bahá’í World Centre, talks about Bahá’u’lláh. His engaging comments are based on the recent publication written by the Office of Public Information at the request of the Universal House of Justice. This program is not only an excellent program for Bahá’ís who are studying the statement on Bahá’u’lláh, but also provides a fine introduction to Bahá’u’lláh for those encountering the Faith for the first time. Ideal for use at firesides, Bahá’í-club meetings, and classes on comparative religion.

27 minutes Vision TV / Visual Services Office

Dr. Muhájir[edit]

by Irán Furútan Muhájir HC $40.00 SC $29.95

A long-awaited biography about hand of the Cause of God and Knight of Bahá’u’lláh, Dr. Muhájir. This is a story of a man who created an atmosphere of love, trust, and humble fellowship wherever he went. The special qualities which endeared him to his friends—his compassion, generosity, sincerity, and humor—are vividly recalled. His genuine empathy with the common folk in each country, which enabled him to bring thousands upon thousands of indigenous peoples to the Faith, is brilliantly revealed.

A rich variety of sources have been brought together for the first time in this book in order to celebrate the life of the ‘champion of mass teaching,’ including: extracts from Dr. Muhájir’s diary, personal recollections of ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ transformed by his guidance and example, more than 200 photographs illustrating Dr. Muhájir’s journeys around the globe, letters and reports of Spiritual Assemblies and the Universal House of Justice, special chapters devoted to his travels and teaching in Indonesia, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific, Europe, North America, and South and Central America, and Dr. Muhájir’s own proposals for proclamation, enrollment, and consolidation in different parts of the world.

This splendid new book will touch the hearts of all those who remember Dr. Muhájir. It also presents new generations with the example of a life dedicated to emblazoning the Name of Bahá’u’lláh around the globe. It will inspire all who read it to commit themselves to a campaign of personal teaching befitting the Holy Year.

5-3/8” x 8-3/4”, 686pp., contents, about the author, acknowledgments, introduction, foreword, preamble, appendix, notes and references, index Bahá’í Publishing Trust - UK

Naw-Rúz: New Day[edit]

A Compilation HC $14.95

Read this exciting new compilation on Naw-Rúz, long-celebrated in Iran as the ancient New Year--now a world holiday of the Bahá’í Faith. Contains prayers and sacred writings for the occasion, historic Bábí and Bahá’í celebrations, significance of the Bahá’í calendar, and some Persian customs associated with Naw-Rúz, including recipes for delicious Persian food!

5-1/4” x 7-1/4”, 92pp., table of contents, preface, sources, Kalimát Press

The Bahá’í Faith[edit]

by Patrick Vickers HC $11.50

This book looks at the Bahá’í Faith, the youngest of the world religions, from the viewpoint of two Bahá’í children. The clear, easy-to-read text covers family and community life, holy days, basic beliefs, and Bahá’í history. Combined with original full-color photographs and illustrations, it conveys in a straight-forward way what it means to be a young Bahá’í. This book will be particularly welcomed by teachers working in a multi-faith context because of its stress on shared spiritual values and respect for all the world’s great religious traditions.

6-1/2" x 9-1/8", 64pp., contents, index Oneworld Publications

The Eternal Voice[edit]

by Cordelia Norder SC $4.95

An easy-to-read, informative, introduction to the world’s great religions designed to stress the fundamental unity of each religion and its position in contemporary society. Now in its sixth printing, the Bahá’í Distribution Service is pleased to offer this edition for distribution. The author briefly describes the major ‎tenants tenets‎ of Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, the Great Spirit of the American Indian, and the Bahá’í Faith. By comparing these religions and focusing on their common message, the author succeeds in illustrating the unifying principle of Bahá’u’lláh. In Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’u’lláh says that the prophets of each of the world’s religions “are all but one person, one soul, one spirit, one being, one revelation.” This book is an excellent teaching tool and great gift.

4-1/4" x 6-3/4", 95pp., preface, contents, bibliography Legacy Press

Clearance Sale![edit]

Item	Reg	Sale
Bahá’í Faith in America	~~9.95~~	5.00
Bahá’í Faith World Religious Stat.	~~9.95~~	5.00
Bahá’í Peace Program - Pack of 5	~~4.50~~	3.00
Bahá’í Studies 15: Abiding Silence	~~5.00~~	3.00
Blessings Beyond Measure	~~14.50~~	7.25
Centers of Bahá’í Learning	~~2.00~~	1.00
Compilation of Compilations	~~39.95~~	25.00
Consultation Compilation	~~2.00~~	1.00
Creating Patterns of Unity, Guide	~~6.95~~	3.50
Dawning Place, SC	~~2.50~~	1.00
Drawings, Verse and Belief	~~19.95~~	10.00
From Strength to Strength	~~2.00~~	1.00
Iran’s Secret Pogrom	~~3.50~~	1.75
Journal Bahá’í Studies Vol. 2, No. 3	~~5.00~~	2.50
Journal Bahá’í Studies Vol. 1, No. 4	~~5.00~~	2.50
Journal Bahá’í Studies Vol. 2, No. 1	~~6.00~~	3.00
Peace: More than an End to War, SC	~~10.95~~	5.50
Perspective Series, Education	~~12.95~~	6.50
Pictorial History/S. Africa	~~6.95~~	3.50
Power of Unity	~~6.50~~	3.25
Sense of History, SC	~~11.95~~	6.00
The Six Year Plan	~~7.00~~	3.50
Special Measure of Love	~~2.00~~	1.00
Spiritual Foundations	~~2.00~~	1.00
Stirring of the Spirit	~~2.00~~	1.00
Teaching Prominent People	~~1.50~~	.75
Traces that Remain	~~19.95~~	10.00
Valley of Search	~~11.95~~	6.00
Way to Inner Freedom	~~7.50~~	3.75
Kid’s Books
BJ and the Language of the Woodland	~~5.95~~	3.95
Birth Announcement Cards	~~4.50~~	3.00
Children’s Feast Packet #3	~~32.50~~	20.00
Fly Away Home	~~6.95~~	3.95
My Baby Book	~~8.00~~	5.25
Youth in Vanguard	~~6.00~~	3.00
Special Materials
‘Abdu’l-Bahá Color Litho 11" x 14"	~~8.50~~	5.00
Bahá’í Coloring Book, Set/4	~~8.00~~	5.00
Do It Yourself Sticker Kit	~~1.00~~	.50
Gift of Life, 10/pk.	~~6.95~~	4.25
Native American Cards, 8/pk.	~~9.95~~	5.00
Tapestry Notecards, 10/pk.	~~14.00~~	7.00

Order now through the Bahá’í Distribution Service • 1-800-999-9019

QAWL B.E. 149 / NOVEMBER 23, 1992 [Page 7]

Multifaith Calendar[edit]

1993 CA $8.50

A beautifully produced calendar which details the holidays and holy days of the world's great religions. Brief explanations are included for the holy days of the following religions: Aboriginal Peoples, Bahá’í Faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism, Unitarianism, and Zoroastrianism. A table containing a summary of the world's religious festivals is printed at the back. Each month features an attractive full-color reproduction of original artwork, printed on high-quality glossy stock. This calendar will be a favorite for Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís as well!

MULTIFAITH 10-1/2" x 13-7/16" Canadian Ecumenical Action 101

TEACHING MATERIALS[edit]

Becoming a Bahá’í[edit]

And the Rase Pa

Becoming a Bahá’í[edit]

SC $4.95

Becoming a Bahá’í is an excellent new teaching tool that presents some important facts about the Bahá’í Faith and explains what it means to become a Bahá’í. The booklet is divided into nine chapters: What is the Bahá’í Faith?, What is a Bahá’í?, What You Should Know, Discovering Our True Nature, A New Creation, The Promise of Bahá’u’lláh, The History of the Bahá’í Faith, A Pattern for Future Society, and The Spirit of the Bahá’í Community. The last page contains information about how to become a Bahá’í as well as the address and telephone listings for the Bahá’í National Centers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States. Becoming a Bahá’í is tastefully designed and includes 16 photographs, charts, and an index.

4-1/4" x 6-7/16", 72pp., index Bahá’í Publishing Trust - UK

FOREVER IN BLOOM[edit]

Forever in Bloom[edit]

by Raghu Rai and Roger White HC $75.00

An art photography book, commissioned by The Universal House of Justice, capturing the breath-taking beauty of the India temple in all four seasons. The text is written by well-known Bahá’í author Roger White, and provides interesting insights into the history of the construction period of the India temple and bears eloquent testimony to the spirit and teachings of the Faith in India and throughout the world. A letter written on behalf of The Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, states: As this beautiful edifice has achieved wide international fame, the publication of a tasteful and artistic rendering of it by a master photographer was very timely, indeed. This book, entitled "Forever in Bloom", will be a beautiful edition to any Bahá’í library, and a highly suitable gift for dignitaries and non-Bahá’í contacts on special occasions.

9" x 13", 127 pages, 102 photographs Time Books International

NEW PERSIAN TITLES[edit]

PER: Dawn-Breakers[edit]

by Nabil HC $65.00

We are pleased to announce that Dawn-Breakers (A history of the early days of the Bahá’í Faith) is once again available in Persian. Included in this edition are 231 photographs, a detailed index, and references to the verses in the Qur'an.

5-3/4" x 8-3/4" Mir'át Publications

Love of Bahá[edit]

CS $9.00

A cassette of Persian chants and Bahá’í songs prepared for the enjoyment of the Friends during the Holy Year. Features the voice of Mrs. Goli Ataii, accompanied by piano, santour, tombak and violin.

Cro, tape, 60 minutes Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Garden Grove, CA

FORTHCOMING[edit]

Call to Remembrance[edit]

compiled by Geoffry W. Marks

We are pleased to announce the forthcoming publication of a special edition being prepared for the Bahá’í World Congress. Call to Remembrance is a devotional book containing accounts, prayers, and meditations from Bahá’u’lláh’s own writings about the major events of His Life and Ministry, presented in chronological order. The purpose of the book is to imbue the reader with a deeper love for Bahá’u’lláh and His writings and to enable the individual believer to acquire a deeper understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s Station, of the divine character of His life, of the nature and reason for His sufferings, and of how He responded to tests and tribulations. This item will be available from the Distribution Service immediately after the Bahá’í World Congress. No backorders can be taken at this time; we do not have final prices.

6" x 9", 308pp., contents, preface, glossary, chronology Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

Teacher Training Manual[edit]

by the Ruhi Institute SC $11.95 CS $5.00

Teacher Training Manual For Children's Clas Age

The courses of the Ruhi Institute are designed around paths of service. This book contains six courses designed to prepare youth or adults to teach children's classes. It is an English language version of the teacher training classes for children used in South America, India, and other countries throughout the world. The manual contains six courses in a workbook format. Three courses focus on the spiritual preparation of the teacher: prayer, understanding the Bahá’í writings, and life after death. The other three courses center on the education of children, addressing concepts of Bahá’í education, a set of dr fifteen lessons, and practical skills for children's teachers. A cassette containing 15 children's songs for use with the lessons is also available separately.

8-1/2" x 11", 212pp., prologue, references Palabra Publications Ruhi Institute

Exploring a Framework for Moral Education[edit]

by Lori McLaughlin Nogouchi, Holly Hanson, and Paul Lample SC $3.00

A well-written and thoughtful essay outlining a model for moral education. By exploring the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the authors define moral purpose as an evolving organizing principle. They brilliantly define this principle without adopting a moralizing tone. The essay is divided into 5 main sections. the first section "briefly analyzes the changes now being experienced by societies throughout the world, which form the context within which new codes of morality and new processes of moral education will be developed. Subsequent sections investigate the task of moral education in relation to different aspects of individual development and explore some of the characteristics that one must possess in order to contribute to social progress and effect personal transformation."

6" x 9", 27pp., contents, foreword, preface, notes Palabra publications

ORDER FORM[edit]

Bahá’í Distribution Service / 1-800-999-9019 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37343

Ordered by: (Please print or type) Name Address_ City. FAX 1-615-843-0836 AQA Date State Zip. VISA Check Money Order Account Number: on Account Circle one: AMEX MasterCard Expiration Date: Daytime Phone:

QTY TITLE COST AMOUNT

(Export orders add 15% for shipping) TOTAL [Page 8]

IN HIS PRESENCE[edit]

Early believers recount transforming power of Bahá’u’lláh

BY KEN BOWERS

One of the most distinguished of those who accepted the Cause of the Báb during His lifetime was a certain Shaykh Hasan-i-Zunúzi. This noble and pure-hearted soul, from the moment of his recognition of the Primal Point, devoted his life to spreading abroad the glad tidings of His appearance with all who would listen. In return, the Báb showered Shaykh Hasan with His love and bounties, thereby endowing him with great spiritual knowledge and insight.

Shaykh Hasan had the honor of attaining the presence of the Báb a great many times. On one occasion the Báb promised him that he would have the privilege of meeting the Promised Husayn (the One Whose Herald the Báb was) face to face.

The Báb then commanded Shaykh Hasan to take up residence in his home city of Karbilá and remain there until this promise was fulfilled. Shaykh Hasan immediately arose to comply with the Báb’s wishes. Soon afterward he arrived in Karbilá, and there waited patiently for whatever might develop.

The Báb’s prophecy, as it turned out, was not realized, until some time after His martyrdom. In The Dawn-Breakers the historian Nabil recounts the marvelous story of how the promise of the Báb was fulfilled, as related to him by Shaykh Hasan:

“Sixteen lunar months, less twenty and two days, had elapsed since the day of the martyrdom of the Báb, when, on the day of ‘Arafih, in the year 1267 A.H. (October 5, 1851), while I was passing by the inner gate of the courtyard of the shrine of the Imam Husayn, my eyes, for the first time, fell upon Bahá’u’lláh.

“What shall I recount regarding the countenance which I beheld! The beauty of that face, those exquisite features which no pen or brush dare describe, His penetrating glance, His kindly face, the majesty of His bearing, the sweetness of His smile, the luxuriance of His jet-black flowing locks, left an indelible impression upon my soul.

“I was then an old man, bowed with age. How lovingly He advanced toward me! He took me by the hand and, in a tone which at once betrayed power and beauty, addressed me in these words: ‘This very day I have purposed to make you known as a Bábí throughout Karbilá.’ Still holding my hand in His, He continued to converse with me. He walked with me all along the market street, and in the end He said: ‘Praise be to God that you have remained in Karbilá, and have beheld with your own eyes the Promised Husayn.’

“I recalled instantly the promise which had been given me by the Báb. His words, which I had regarded as referring to a remote future, I had not shared with anyone. These words of Bahá’u’lláh moved me to the depths of my being. I felt impelled to proclaim to a heedless people, at that very moment and with all my soul and power, the advent of the Promised Husayn.

“He bade me, however, repress my feelings and conceal my emotions. ‘Not yet,’ He breathed into my ears; ‘the appointed Hour is approaching. It has not yet struck. Rest assured and be patient.’ From that moment all my sorrows vanished. My soul was flooded with joy.”

Thus did Shaykh Hasan come to recognize his Lord. The story of Shaykh Hasan is not unique, for there were many who, from the first instant, saw in Bahá’u’lláh everything their hearts desired. Bahá’u’lláh was the supreme incarnation of God’s attributes. Love, might and power emanated from the person of the Blessed Beauty as light emanates from the sun, illuminating the whole world. Bahá’u’lláh revealed that He was in Himself the single greatest testimony of God’s transcendent power and beauty:

“He Who is everlastingly hidden from the eyes of men can never be known except through His Manifestation, and His Manifestation can adduce no greater proof of the truth of His Mission than the proof of His own Person.”

Little wonder, then, that many of those who came into contact with the Divine Luminary were so powerfully affected as to become completely transformed. In the light of His presence these souls flourished and bloomed. Let us again turn to Nabil, who in this well-known passage, quoted by Shoghi Effendi in God Passes By, recounts Bahá’u’lláh’s effect on the Bábí community of Baghdad in the years prior to His Declaration:

“So intoxicated were those who had quaffed from the cup of Bahá’u’lláh’s presence...that in their eyes the palaces of kings appeared more ephemeral than a spider’s web....The celebrations and festivities that were theirs were such as the kings of the earth had never dreamt of.”

“I myself with two others,” he relates, “lived in a room which was devoid of furniture. Bahá’u’lláh entered it one day, and, looking about Him, remarked: ‘Its emptiness pleases Me. In My estimation it is preferable to many a spacious palace, inasmuch as the beloved of God are occupied in it with the remembrance of the Incomparable Friend, with hearts that are wholly emptied of the dross of this world.’”

An interior view of the House of ‘Abbúd, one of Bahá’u’lláh’s residences while He was a prisoner in ‘Akká.

“Many a night,” continues Nabil, depicting the lives of those self-oblivious companions, “no less than ten persons subsisted on no more than a pennyworth of dates. No one knew to whom actually belonged the shoes, the cloaks, or the robes, that were to be found in their houses. Whoever went to the bazaar could claim that the shoes upon his feet were his own, and each one who entered the presence of Bahá’u’lláh could affirm that the cloak and robe he then wore belonged to him. Their own names they had forgotten, their hearts were emptied of all else save adoration for their Beloved. ...O, for the joy of those days, and the gladness and wonder of those hours!”

Hájí Mírzá Haydar-’Ali, one of the Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh, recalled in his memoirs (Stories from the Delight of Hearts) an occasion on which he attempted to describe to a clergyman what it was like to be in the presence of the Blessed Beauty:

“What happened in my heart and soul while I was with Him was an inner and mysterious experience beyond the scope of my words to describe. One of the mullás of Isfahan once asked me, ‘What did you see when you were in His presence?’

“I said, ‘I had expected to see all sorts of miracles. I also had several questions that I wanted to ask. But when I attained His presence all else became unimportant. I had found the pure water which quenches thirst and gives true life.’

The spiritual transformation experienced by those who have attained the presence of Bahá’u’lláh is so far above limited human experience that it cannot be described. It is that paradise which is said never to have been seen by mortal eyes, nor experienced by earthly senses.

“The mullá asked, ‘What did you see?’

“‘I saw the form of a human being,’ I replied. ‘But His every step and movement was like a miracle to me. I saw Him and my eyes could take in nothing else, for He is different from all others in His bearing and in His manner. He is unique by Himself. No one in the world could ever be compared to Him. He is the One Whom the Qur’án has declared to have neither father nor son.’

“‘But Bahá’u’lláh was well known!’ the man replied. ‘And His son, ‘Abbás Effendi, is renowned for His perfections!’

“‘I saw neither father nor son,’ was my response. ‘Bahá’u’lláh alone is the Source of God’s Revelation. He is the One Who “begetteth not, nor is He begotten.” If you stand before a mirror and speak your name, your image will do likewise, but it is an illusion.’ The clergyman was pleased with my answer and asked me more about the Faith.”

Then there was Ustád Muhammad-’Alíy-i-Salmání, who served Bahá’u’lláh as His barber and bath attendant. This precious soul, though simple and poorly educated, became so transformed through association with his Lord that he was enabled to compose many eloquent poems that bespoke his devotion to the Beloved of the World. The following poem from My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh, translated by Marzieh Gail, tells of a love that is far beyond normal human experience:

Perplexed am I to gaze on Thee Thy beauty to behold. O what art Thou to me: My well-beloved or my very soul? Where’er I look I see These souls burnt up by Thee: Moths to Thy candle flame, beyond control. One life is all my capital and store, And still away from Thee I cannot turn. And freely would I pay it all To Thee for whom I burn, If absence does not finish me before. And though both wise and mad counsel me in turn, What is the use? I’m lost in longing For Thy tangled hair. Hast Thou seen how a man will hunt after the water of life, His object to stay young and fair? I am even as he—and a hundred times more. What harm if Thou my robe of life dost tear? Of all such borrowed clothes I am stripped bare. Lettered, unlettered, they all For a place at Thy table compete. But I, heart and soul, would be but the dust at Thy feet.

The above are but a few of the innumerable stories of those who knew Bahá’u’lláh and recognized Him for Who He was.

It was not only the believers who were impressed with the greatness and majesty of Bahá’u’lláh, however. Countless others who attained His presence, of many nationalities and from every class and profession, went away acknowledging His glory, His knowledge and His wisdom.

There are many stories in the history of the Faith which bear witness to this. There are even recollections from the individuals themselves, perhaps the best known of which is Professor E.G. Browne’s narrative of his interview [Page 9]with the Blessed Beauty, which includes these telling lines:

"The face of Him on Whom I gazed I can never forget, though I cannot describe it. Those piercing eyes seemed to read one’s very soul; power and authority sat on that ample brow....No need to ask in whose presence I stood, as I bowed myself before one Who is the object of a devotion and love that kings might envy and emperors sigh for in vain."

Considering the obvious impact Bahá’u’lláh had on everyone who met Him, one may wonder why it was that some people failed to recognize Him as the Lord of the Age. The answer seems to reside with the people themselves, and is tied to the degree of their spiritual perception. Hájí Mírzá Haydar-’Alí offered this significant observation:

"The spiritual transformation experienced by those who have attained the presence of Bahá’u’lláh is so far above limited human experience that it cannot be described. It is that paradise which is said never to have been seen by mortal eyes, nor experienced by earthly senses.

"The experience is like a tempestuous ocean, each wave of which brings forth pearls of beauty. Yet the waters of this ocean are so blissful that one does not even want to swim, but only wishes to be drowned in its ecstasy. This unbelievable joy often comes and passes like lightning. It is only granted to a few through the special bounty of the Lord, and then it will be manifested only as strongly as their spiritual capacity will allow."

This would explain why individuals differed in their response to the Blessed Beauty. Using the analogy of the sun once again, only those beings capable of responding to the light will derive any benefit from it. A plant, for example, will grow and thrive in the sun’s rays, whereas a rock will remain unaffected.

The appearance of a Manifestation of God always has the result of separating the living from the lifeless. It is a spiritual law as binding as any which operates in the physical universe. As Christ said, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Bahá’u’lláh Himself referred time and again to the spiritual qualities a person must have in order to recognize Him. Bahá’u’lláh, and all the other Manifestations, reveal Their true selves only to those whose spiritual vision is keen enough to appreciate Their divine attributes. Others, deprived of such vision, will see only Their human qualities, which make Them appear on the surface to be the same as anyone else.

Bahá’u’lláh explains that these human qualities are among the "clouds" referred to in the Holy Scriptures of past Dispensations, which prevent all but the most sincere from accepting a new Revelation. In the Kitáb-i-Iqán Bahá’u’lláh explains that these "clouds" come in many forms. Among these is the abrogation of the laws and traditions of the past. Another is that the Prophets appear to be entirely subject to human conditions:

"In another sense, they mean the appearance of that immortal Beauty in the image of mortal man, with such human limitations as eating and drinking, poverty and riches, glory and abasement, sleeping and waking, and such other things as cast doubt in the minds of men, and cause them to turn away....Even as the clouds prevent the eyes of men from beholding the sun, so do these things hinder the souls of men from recognizing the light of the divine Luminary. To this beareth witness that which hath proceeded out of the mouth of the unbelievers as revealed in the sacred Book: 'And they have said: "What manner of apostle is this? He eateth food, and walketh the streets. Unless an angel be sent down and take part in His warnings, we will not believe.'

"Other prophets, similarly, have been subject to poverty and afflictions, to hunger, and to the ills and chances of this world. As these holy Persons were subject to such needs and wants, the people were, consequently, lost in the wilds of misgivings and doubts, and were afflicted with bewilderment and perplexity."

In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, revealed 19 years before His Ascension, He addressed these words of tender consolation to His companions and to the generations yet unborn that would long to be near and to serve Him:

The Garden of Na’mayn (Ridván) in the vicinity of ‘Akká, one of Bahá’u’lláh’s favorite retreats during His later years.

"How, they wondered, could such a Person be sent down from God, assert His ascendancy over all the peoples and kindreds of the earth, and claim Himself to be the goal of all creation....and yet be subject to such trivial things?... Were these men, therefore, to discover that a Man, Who hath been living in their midst, Who, with respect to every human limitation, hath been their equal, had risen to abolish every established principle imposed by their Faith—principles by which for centuries they have been disciplined, and every opposer and denier of which they have come to regard as infidel, profligate and wicked—they would of a certainty be veiled and hindered from acknowledging His truth."

History shows that at the inception of every Dispensation the vast majority of people have been deprived of the bounties of God for the very reasons outlined by Bahá’u’lláh, His own Dispensation being no exception. Those blessed ones who did recognize Him, however, must have been transported into a spiritual world far beyond anything even we who follow Him today can imagine. The Blessed Beauty confirmed this in the following passage:

An exterior view of the House of ‘Abbúd at ‘Akká.

"Invested though each day may be with its pre-ordained share of God’s wondrous grace, the days immediately associated with the Manifestation of God possess a unique distinction and occupy a station which no mind can ever comprehend. Such is the virtue infused into them that if the hearts of all that dwell in the heavens and the earth were, in those days of everlasting delight, to be brought face to face with that Day Star of unfading glory and attuned to His Will, each would find itself exalted above all earthly things, radiant with His light, and sanctified through His grace."

It stands to reason that there can never be any substitute for the presence of a Manifestation of God in the world, nor any greater inducement to spiritual progress. What then are we to do, who love Bahá’u’lláh and yearn to attain His presence?

Of course, the Blessed Beauty knew full well how heartbreaking it would be for His followers to be separated from Him. Yet separation, ordained by God, was inevitable. In passage after passage, in language of loving compassion, He assured His loved here ones that He would continue to watch over them from His eternal realm.

"Let not your hearts be perturbed, O people, when the glory of My Presence is withdrawn, and the ocean of My utterance is stilled. In My presence amongst you there is a wisdom, and in My absence there is yet another, inscrutable to all but God, the Incomparable, the All-Knowing. Verily, We behold you from Our realm of glory, and shall aid whosoever will arise for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Concourse on high and a company of our favored angels."

The Blessed Beauty also left us with His revealed Words, which rank, according to His own testimony, as second only to Himself and His Revelation as "proof of His reality and truth." Our appreciation of His Words, however, depends on the degree of our spiritual perception, in the same way that those who met Bahá’u’lláh could only recognize Him if their hearts were pure.

His Writings assure us that those who devote themselves heart and soul to attaining His presence will not be disappointed that they will, in the world of the spirit, partake of His love and be united with Him.

"Hear Me, ye mortal birds!" is His wondrous and soul-stirring summons: "In the Rose Garden of changeless splendor a Flower hath begun to bloom, compared to which every other flower is but a thorn, and before the brightness of Whose glory the very essence of beauty must pale and wither.

"Arise, therefore, and, with the whole enthusiasm of your hearts, with all the eagerness of your souls, the full fervor of your will, and the concentrated efforts of your entire being, strive to attain the paradise of His presence, and endeavor to inhale the fragrance of the incorruptible Flower, to breathe the sweet savors of holiness, and to obtain a portion of this perfume of celestial glory. Whoso followeth this counsel will break his chains asunder, will taste the abandonment of enraptured love, will attain unto his heart’s desire, and will surrender his soul into the hands of his Beloved. Bursting through his cage, he will, even as the bird of the spirit, wing his flight to his holy and everlasting nest. ...

"The everlasting candle shineth in its naked glory. Behold how it hath consumed every mortal veil. O ye moth-like lovers of His light! Brave every danger, and consecrate yourselves to its consuming flame. O ye that thirst after Him! Strip yourselves of every earthly affection, and hasten to embrace your Beloved. With a zest that none can equal make haste to attain unto Him.

"The Flower, thus far hidden from the light of men, is unveiled to your eyes. In the open radiance of His glory He standeth before you. His voice summoneth all the holy and sanctified beings to come and be united with Him. Happy is he that hath turned thereunto; well is it with him that hath attained, and gazed on the light of so wondrous a countenance." [Page 10]

CLASSIFIEDS[edit]

Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment and care in responding to them.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES[edit]

THE BOSCH Bahá’í School is seeking a recreational leader for its 1993 summer program. This person will work up to 40 hours per week during the summer session—10/11 weeks during the summer program—and will be housed on campus. Pay consists of room and board and 20 hours per week at minimum wage. Qualifications include knowledge of basic recreational activities such as volleyball, swimming, ping pong, baseball/softball. In addition, the person hired will be expected to conduct exercise/aerobics classes and morning jogs/walks, and will be responsible for checking out and maintaining in an orderly fashion all athletic/recreational equipment. This individual should also be able to serve as a swimming pool lifeguard, and musical talent would be helpful for sing-alongs and participation as needed during evening programs. Those who are interested should send a letter of intent to the Bosch School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or phone 408-423-3387 (fax 408-423-7564). Bosch will send an application form to those who ask for it by letter, phone or fax. Those who apply should understand that transportation at Bosch is limited, and the school is a good distance from metro areas, shopping centers or public transport. Service in this position would begin in early June 1993.

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School has a regular and continuing need for short-term and long-term volunteers in a variety of areas. Applications to serve are especially invited from individuals and/or couples interested in one-year or longer periods of service. The school is seeking help from professionally skilled Bahá’ís able to serve the school for a few days or weeks at regular intervals throughout the year. Especially needed are mechanics; building maintenance and heating/air conditioning specialists; gardeners and agriculturalists; and carpenters to provide scheduled service at mutually convenient times during the year and to help with preventive maintenance programs, seasonally-urgent projects, and special property-enhancement projects. Also needed is a talented gardener or small-scale agriculturalist who can offer long-term full-time service to the school. Room and board and full participation in Louhelen's active Bahá’í conference schedule and community life are available for the person or couple invited to serve in this extremely important role. Those who are interested in any of these positions are asked to write to Dr. Rick Johnson, director, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033; fax 313-653-7181).

ASSISTANT cook: a full-time position during the summer program (10-12) weeks and part-time the rest of the year (20-30 hours per week depending on the session) at the Bosch Bahá’í School. Should have experience in food preparation for large groups—up to 150—breakfast, lunch and dinner. Knowledge of meal planning, menu preparation, nutrition and use of restaurant-type kitchen equipment would be helpful. Housing at Bosch may be available. Please send a letter of intent to the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Phone 408-423-3387 or fax materials to 408-423-7564. Bosch will send application forms on receipt of letters of intent or phone/fax calls. A car is necessary, as the school is some distance from major shopping and population centers.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)[edit]

HOMEFRONT pioneering opportunity for a self-starter committed to advancing the race unity teaching work in rural towns and among three Ojibwe Reservations surrounding Bemidji, Minnesota. Live-in situation available with a Bahá’í family. Contact the Bahá’ís of Clearwater County, c/o Jeff and Karen Jentz, Shevlin, MN 56676, or phone 218-785-2699.

SANTA MARIA, California—center of the very best—about 170 miles north of Los Angeles, 270 miles south of San Francisco and 10 miles from the Pacific coastline, with mild, smog-free year-round climate and brisk marine air. During this Holy Year we appeal to you to consider pioneering to Santa Maria—a perfect retirement area—or Guadalupe, 10 miles north. The Spiritual Assembly of Santa Maria invites you to consider either of these communities as a teaching and consolidation post. For more information, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, CA 93456.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Linn County, Oregon, invites you to consider relocating to this area to help strengthen the community of 11 adults and help in the teaching work. We need energetic Bahá’ís—especially committed couples or families—who can open their home to firesides and teaching teams, and who are willing to drive 30 miles or more to attend functions, as we are a widely scattered community. Hispanic or Asian believers would help us to better exemplify the lovely diversity of humankind. Linn County, with its seat in Albany, is within commuting distance of Oregon State University, the University of Oregon, several community colleges, hospitals, and the state capital, Salem. We offer clean air, natural beauty, plenty of living space, a moderate cost of living, mild climate—and not as much rain as you might think! Act now! Write to Vonnie or Dan Lincoln, Lyons, OR 97358, or phone 503-859-2390 (evenings).

MOVE where you can make a difference! The Bahá’ís of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, need you to help save their active, 11-year-old Assembly. Broken Arrow (pop. 50,000-plus) is clean, progressive and enjoys a healthy economy and reasonable housing. The area offers excellent educational opportunities including vocational-technical schools, junior colleges and universities. Broken Arrow is 20 minutes by car from Tulsa and 60 miles from four of the state's largest lakes. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Broken Arrow, P.O. Box 1119, Broken Arrow, OK 74013, or phone Sharon Klemke, 918-455-0105.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)[edit]

URGENT NEED at the School of Nations in Brasilia, Brazil, for an executive director, a kindergarten teacher, and two elementary school teachers. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247 Attn: Office of Pioneering).

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas: AFRICA-Cameroon: director, junior high social studies; math, science teachers, librarian. Lesotho: retired couple to serve as caretakers at National Center. Niger: teaching couple. Zambia: primary and middle school teachers; investment and self-employment opportunities. AMERICAS-Aruba: elementary school teachers. Brazil: elementary school teachers, kindergarten teacher. Chile: head of mathematics. Curacao: elementary and secondary school openings. Guatemala: caretaker couple, secondary school math teacher. Venezuela: high school principal. ASIA-Nepal: elementary school music teacher, learning disabilities teacher. Sakhalin: teacher. Thailand: kindergarten and elementary school teachers. EUROPE Budapest, Hungary: high school counselor, elementary and high school teachers. Malta: elementary and secondary school openings. Romania: teachers. For more information about any of these positions, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247 Attn: Office of Pioneering).

ARCHIVES[edit]

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Maud M. Mickle (died Eliot, ME, 1952), George D. Miller, Julia Keith Ransom Miller, Lelia W. Miller, Margaret Mills, Mountfort Mills (died New York City, 1949), Olga K. Mills, Clifford C. Mitchell, Margaret B. Mitchell and Eugenia Montell. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking photographs of the following persons to add to its photograph collection: Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhiyyih Khánum, Ali-Akbar Furútan, Ali-Muhammad Varqá, John Robarts, Sarah M. Pereira, Wilma Ellis, Magdalene M. Carney, Fred Schechter, Velma Sherrill, Florence Mayberry, David Hofman, David Ruhe, Hugh Chance, Peter Khan and Glenford E. Mitchell. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Please identify the photograph(s) if possible.

WANTED[edit]

AN OPPORTUNITY to be of service to the National Spiritual Assembly: NSA Properties Inc. is looking to purchase a 7-9 passenger van with automatic transmission (new or nearly new). The van will be used to transport members of the National Assembly and visitors to the Bahá’í National Center. For more information, Please contact Heather Marshman, NSA Properties Inc. Phone 708-256-6552.

Bahá’í billboard sought for placement on interstate highway. Text must be suitable for a conservative farming area bordering two Ojibwe Indian Reservations; global or ecological themes welcomed. Please send description and cost to the Bahá’ís of Clearwater County, c/o Jeff and Karen Jentz, Shevlin, MN 56676, or phone 218-785-2699.

WANTED: a copy of the book From Copper to Gold by Dorothy Freeman. If anyone has an extra copy, I would be extremely grateful and more than happy to pay for the book and for postage and shipping. I'm quite anxious to obtain the book to study it and gain knowledge for firesides and other teaching events. Please write to Barbara Anton, Marblehead, MA 01945, or phone 617-631-8175.

THE INTERNATIONAL Bahá’í Audio-Visual Center (IBAVC), a field agency of the Universal House of Justice, is looking for writers of radio scripts. We are especially interested in obtaining script series on topical issues such as the environment, racism, and world peace. IBAVC offers scripts to Bahá’í communities around the world—a wonderful way to multiply the effects of your teaching efforts. For more information, or to submit scripts, write to IBAVC, Maracaibo, Venezuela, or fax (59) (61) 618572 or (59) (61) 912958.

WANTED: your personal “Bahá’í” stories (audio taped, handwritten or typed) for a collection to be shared at Bahá’í schools and in book form (the working title is “Stories of Everyday Miracles”). The four categories in which I am most interested are (1) your personal teaching stories/triumphs; (2) how/when/ where you became a Bahá’í (your own story of seeking); (3) stories that confirm “there are no accidents or coincidences”; and (4) your most meaningful “Bahá’í” dream (what it was and how it has affected your life choices since). Don't worry about spelling or grammar. Please take the time to help me record the life stories and Bahá’í history that we “children of the half-light” are helping to create. Please send stories to Anne R. Jennison, Lee, NH 03824 (phone 603-659-3868).

FORUM, a new international Bahá’í magazine, is being published under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand. The quarterly magazine, whose purpose is to bring Bahá’ís closer together by promoting an exchange of information and ideas, invites contributions from writers. If you have something to offer, or would like more information about the magazine, please write to Forum, c/o The Marshall Family, Dunedin, New Zealand (phone/fax (64 3) 473-7279).

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, is known as the City of Festivals, and the Spiritual Assembly of Milwaukee would like to make Race Unity Day/Weekend one of the best festivals of them all. This year's event, the only one in the city promoting its cultural diversity, drew more than 1,000 people. To make it an even greater success, the friends are looking for entertainers from diverse backgrounds. If you are interested in taking part, please send a letter outlining talent and fee considerations to: Race Unity Day Task Force, Milwaukee Bahá’í Center, 2526 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI 53205.

I AM SEEKING biographical information, photographs and personal anecdotes about Mary Tucker Hatcher to augment some notebooks and audio taped interviews that have been placed in my keeping. The information gathered will be organized into book form, with emphasis on Mary's career as a Bahá’í teacher and homefront pioneer in New Hampshire. Please send any photos, letters or your handwritten, typewritten or taped reminiscences (don't worry about spelling, grammar, etc.) to Anne R. Jennison, Lee, NH 03824 (phone 603-659-3868).

WANTED: correspondence from isolated believers. Knowing how lonely it can be, especially on Feasts and Holy Days, I would like to start a correspondence club to bring isolated believers together to discuss successes, problems, teaching efforts, and to deepen on matters of the Faith. Please write to M.J.A. Isaacs, Alpine, TX 79830. All correspondence will be answered.

MISCELLANEOUS[edit]

THE INTERNATIONAL Bahá’í Audio-Visual Center (IBAVC) will be publishing a catalog of materials related to the Holy Year (including videos, audio cassettes, radio programs, slide sets). The catalog will list information on what is available and who is distributing it. If you would like your materials to be included, please write to IBAVC, Maracaibo, Venezuela, or fax the relevant information to (59) (61) 618572 or (59) (61) 912958.

A RESOURCE LIST of Bahá’í environmental professionals is being compiled, the immediate purpose of which is to include Bahá’ís in overseas environmental projects with international agencies. Opportunities may be short-term or long-term with a special focus on projects in Eastern Europe. The list is being compiled in consultation with the Bahá’í International Community Office of the Environment and the International Teaching Center. If interested, please forward your résumé to Alexander Tavangar, Geo-Environmental Consultants Inc., 55 Valley Stream Parkway, Suite 140, Malvern, PA 19355. Fax 215-251-2366; telephone 215-251-0900.

FRENCH POLYNESIA! French-speaking traveling teachers are needed to raise the call in French Polynesia. Help contribute to the goal of forming a National Spiritual Assembly there by Ridván 1993. Contact the Office of Pioneering as soon as possible. [Page 11]

World News[edit]

One thousand, four hundred people embraced the Cause during the "Gift to Bahá’u’lláh" teaching campaign held during May and June in Kenya. The campaign, organized to usher in the Holy Year, also led to the reactivation of nine existing local Assemblies, the formation of six new Assemblies, and the opening of four new localities.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Romania reported this summer on a number of "new victories won by the community of the Most Great Name in Romania." Teaching campaigns were begun following the National Convention in May, with their number growing to four by the end of July. The first campaign, which ended the last week of July at the Bahá’í Summer School, resulted in more than 800 new Bahá’ís. Consolidation efforts were directed toward their immediate deepening; they were encouraged to join teaching activities, and many of them did so—some even undertaking traveling teaching trips only a few days after their enrollment. Two institutes to train teachers have already been held with the help of Ed Diliberto, a Baha’i from the U.S., thus enlarging the human resources of Romania's national community.

More than 500 Bahá’ís from 30 localities attended a National Gathering held in August in the village of Unyetu, Zimbabwe. A teaching campaign held in the area immediately after the Gathering led to the enrollment of about 300 new believers including some village head men and their families. Sixty-four new localities were opened to the Faith and four new local Spiritual Assemblies formed.

Teaching activities during July and August in Hungary resulted in 30 people embracing the Faith including the first Hungarian gypsy ever to enroll. New towns were opened to the Faith in various parts of the country, and existing communities were strengthened.

Three people in the virgin territory of Tasiilaq/Ammassalik, Greenland, embraced the Cause in August. They were taught by a traveling Bahá’í who was on an airplane that was forced to land there due to bad weather. The new National Teaching Committee of Greenland has been assigned the task of deepening these friends, and of working to form a local Spiritual Assembly in the area.

The drainage system for the gardens of the Terraces is being put in place at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel. The dramatic slope of Mount Carmel, and the Mediterranean weather patterns, have offered unique design parameters for the Terrace gardens.

Dilib Barde, a young Bahá’í from Panchgani, India, recently traveled for three months in Maharashtra. "His efforts," said a report from the National Spiritual Assembly, "have resulted in the formation of three new local Spiritual Assemblies—in Velune, Adhepuri and Asre—and in 56 new believers being won over." His other pastime has been to work with pre-youth and youth in Kadegaon, helping them to express their feelings about caste differences and untouchability through skits and plays.

During July, traveling teachers to Bishkek, Kirghyzstan, in Central Asia enrolled more than 230 people in the Faith. Also in July, five Bahá’í youth traveled to Likoma Island, Malawi, to teach the Faith, returning with the news that 32 new believers had embraced the Cause of God.

Thirteen people including nine from the gypsy community embraced the Faith during the Bahá’í Summer School held in August at the Bahá’í Center in Nicosia, Cyprus. The school was well-publicized, and street teaching by young Bahá’ís drew a number of young people to the Bahá’í activities.

A Teacher Training Conference, called by the European Bahá’í Youth Council and held August 7-14 in Brno, Czechoslovakia, has launched 14 teams of youth who plan to travel across Europe "to bring the light of Bahá’u’lláh’s redeeming Message to the hearts of the people of Europe."

During a conference on Bahá’u’lláh held May 29 in Tarragona, Spain, the eminent Catalan writer and poetess Olga Xirinacs praised the writings and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, quoting from The Hidden Words and the Kitáb-i-Iqan and saying, "This is a Faith of progress and comprehension, and contains the necessary elements for making happy those men and women who listen to and practice the words of a Messenger of God Who was called Bahá’u’lláh."

Following strong rains that flooded the Cautin River in the IXth Region of Chile recently, three youth from Radio Bahá’í set out to see if the Mapuche friends were well. They had to swim, swallowing mud and water, to reach the area. The young Bahá’ís then helped the Mapuche believers and conveyed messages for them.

In Togo, students at the Rainbow International School in Lomé learn the traditional ceremonies used to welcome new-born babies in 15 countries. The children then act out scenes of welcome from various cultures.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Belize has focused teaching work this year on raising up 19 Bahá’í communities with functioning local Assemblies with active teaching plans of their own. More than 50 men, women, youth and children have taken an active part in "Project 19," aided by a dance group, The Eternal Flame, composed of Bahá’ís from Arizona. Among the initial successes: seven enrollments in Sand Hill, and four in Valle de Paz.

On April 10, the Faith was recognized by the Republic of Slovenia in an official document signed in Ljubljana.

In Austria, Channel 1 Television broadcast four five-minute programs about the Faith during May. The first, aired May 2, was filmed during a Ridvan celebration in Perchtoldsdorf; the second and third programs consisted of a two-part interview with Margit Plank who spoke about Bahá’u’lláh; the fourth, called "Homeland, Strange Homeland," was filmed during the commemoration at the Palais Ferstel in Vienna of the centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh.

In Khulna, Bangladesh, two meetings were held at the Bahá’í Center to commemorate the centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh. At the second, a public meeting, the audience totaled more than 200. After parts of the Bahá’í speaker’s talk were broadcast June 5 on Radio Khulna, four inquirers went to the Bahá’í Center where they all declared themselves Bahá’ís and were enrolled in the Faith.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Congo Republic has joyfully announced that the large Bahá’í National Center complex in Brazzaville, which had been occupied for the past 14 years by a government ministry, has been officially transferred back to the Bahá’í community.

May Eshraghi, a 12-year-old Bahá’í from Victoria, Australia, was one of 20 young people who represented their countries at the Global Children's Hearing, held during the United Nations Earth Summit last June in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She was the youngest of all the world's representatives at the event.

A one-day medical camp organized by the State Bahá’í Council of Jammu and Kashmir, India, in July brought free medical, skin and eye care to 236 patients. The success of the well-equipped camp was due to the selfless devotion and professional efficiency of the three Bahá’í doctors who performed the service voluntarily.

A Bahá’í children’s class has begun in St. Petersburg, Russia. Each Saturday at the studio of a Bahá’í artist, about 30 people gather to study prayers, listen to stories of the world's religions, draw and sing.

In August, 75 people attended the first national Bahá’í Summer School to be held in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. Christopher Sprung, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany, was an honored guest. [Page 12]بود، که قیام بر امر فرمودند..... نزد کسی اکتساب علوم نکردند... با وجود این به منتهای فضل بغته در میان خلق ظاهر شدند و با آنکه تاجر بودند جميع علمای ایران را عاجز فرمودند به نفس فرید بر امری قیام فرمودند که تصور نتوان..... این ذات محترم به قوتی قیام نمود که زلزله بر ارکان شرایع و آداب و احوال و اخلاق و رسوم ایران انداخت و تمهید شریعت و دین و آئین نمود با وجود اینکه ارکان دولت و ملت و رؤساء دین کل بر محویت و اعدام او قيام نمود منفرداً قیام فرمود و ایران را به حرکت آورد چه بسیار از علماء و رؤساء و اهالی که در کمال مسرت و شادمانی جان در راهش دادند و به میدان شهادت شتافتند حکومت و ملت و علمای دین و روسای عظیم خواستند که سراجش را خاموش نمایند نتوانستند عاقبت قمرش طالع شد و نجمش بازغ گشت.....

و جم غفیری را به تربیت الهیه پرورش داد و در افکار و اخلاق و اطوار و احوال ایرانیان تأثیر عجیب نمود و جميع تابعین را به ظهور شمس بهاء بشارت داد و آنان را مستعد ایمان و ایقان کرد.

VISION OF A NEW LOS ANGELES[edit]

چشم انداز لوس آنجلس جدید نام برنامه ای است که برای ایجاد نمونه ای از اتحاد در میان گروههای گوناگون نژادی و فرهنگی و طرفداران حقوق بشر در لوس آنجلس طرح شده است.

این برنامه که با همکاری بهائیان لوس آنجلس و دفتر شهردار و کمیسیون روابط نژادی ایجاد شده هدفش ایجاد وحدت نظر در بین سازمانهای گوناگون اجتماعی فعال در آن منطقه در زمینه ادامه خدمات است.

برنامه مذکور به دنبال یک سلسله جلسات مشورتی در میان رهبران حقوق بشر به وجود آمد. نمایندگانی از بیش از ۱۳۰ سازمان رسمی در این جلسات مشورتی که در مرکز بهائی لوس آنجلس تشکیل میشد شرکت داشتند این مرکز چنانکه یاران عزیز آگاهی دارند در قلب ناحیه ای قرار دارد که در بهار امسال شاهد اعتصابات و شورشهای شهر لوس آنجلس بود.

در حال حاضر برگزارکنندگان این برنامه دست اندر کار تهیه بیانیه ای درباره حاصل مشاورات خود هستند. متن نهانی این بیانیه منشوری برای فعالیتهای آینده خواهد بود و در میان دوائر و رؤسای دولتی و مطبوعات و عموم مردم توزیع خواهد شد.

پروژه دیگری که هم اکنون در دست اجراست برنامه ای مربوط به تربیت کودکان است که با پشتیبانی محفل روحانی بهائیان لوس آنجلس تهیه شده است. هیئت اجرائی این برنامه مرکب از گروهی از متخصصان تربیتی و کارشناسان بهداشت روانی است.

این هیئت به دنبال ایجاد یک سلسله کارگاههای ویژه کودکان پس از شورشهای بهار امسال تشکیل شد. هدف از ایجاد کارگاههای مذکور کمک به کودکان برای رفع دشواریهای حاصل از نابسامانیهای شهر بود. این برنامهها بر رشد روانی و روحانی کودکان تاکید می ورزد و ملهم از هدایت معهد اعلی است که فرموده بودند که مربیان و مدیران میباید کودکان را از شرافت ذاتی و ارزش درونی و استعدادهای ویژه خود آگاه سازند.

ANNOUNCEMENT BY LANDEGG ARTS ASSOCIATION[edit]

تمدید دو مسابقه انجمن ادب و هنر انجمن ادب و هنر آکادمی لندگ در سوئیس به تقاضای عده ای از یاران دو مسابقه داستان نویسی و معرفی یکی از آثار جمال اقدس ابهی را که قبلاً شرایط آن اعلام شده بود تا اول رضوان آینده (۱۵۰ بدیع) تمدید کرده است.

شرایط شرکت در مسابقه معرفی یکی از آثار حضرت بهاء‌الله در مجله پیام بهائی شماره ۱۴۶ صفحة ۲۸ درج شده است.

از علاقه مندان دعوت شده است که جوابهای خود را از اول رضوان آینده به هیئت اجرائی انجمن ادب و هنر به نشانی آکادمی لندگ ارسال فرمایند.

Landegg Academy CH-9405 Wienacht, Switzerland

BAHÁ’Í CHAIR FOR WORLD PEACE[edit]

در ژانویه سال ۱۹۹۳ اعضای محفل روحانی ملی در مراسم رسمی تأسیس کرسی بهانی صلح جهانی در دانشگاه مریلند در کالج پارک در ایالت مریلند شرکت خواهند کرد.

کرسی بهائی یکی از سه کرسی صاحب موقوفه مرکز توسعه بین المللی و حل مشکلات دانشگاه مریلند است و با تبرعات مالی جامعه بهائی ایجاد شده است. اهداف کلی ایجاد این کرسی عبارت است از پژوهش و انتشار حاصل پژوهشها و ایجاد برنامه های درسی و ترتیب سمینارهایی که به درک بهتر عوامل نزاعهای بومی و نژادی و دینی و برطرف ساختن آن کمک کند.

این مطالعات و پژوهشهای مربوط به صلح جهانی و رفع اختلافات در وهله اول بر اساس تعالیم بهائی استوار خواهد بود و در ضمن نمونههای موجود رفع اختلافات را نیز در بر خواهد گرفت.

جناب سهیل بشروئی که یکی از استادان سیار مرکز توسعه جهانی دانشگاه مریلند است بعنوان نخستین استاد این کرسی بهائی معین شده است. ایشان یکی از استادان بنام ادبیات انگلیسی و ادبیات تطبیقی (انگلیسی و عربی) است و شهرتش بیشتر برای پژوهش درباره آثار پیتس Yeats ... شاعر انگلیسی و ترجمه اشعار او به زبان عربی است.

همچنین جناب بشروئی در آثار خلیل جبران تخصص دارد. ایشان چندین تألیف درباره اهمیت ادبی و فرهنگی و اجتماعی جبران در دو زبان انگلیسی و عربی دارد. علاوه بر این جناب بشروئی پژوهشهائی درباره ادبیات تطبیقی فرهنگ و دین و سیاست انجام داده است.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD[edit]

به دنبال یک برنامه تبلیغی با عنوان هدیه ای به حضرت بهاء‌الله که در ماه می و جون سال جاری در کنیا اجرا شد، ۱۴۰۰ نفر به امر بهائی اقبال کردند. این برنامه که به استقبال سال مقدس طرح شده بود، به تحکیم ۹ محفل روحانی موجود و تشکیل ۶ محفل جدید و افتتاح ۴ نقطه جدید منجر شد.

در تابستان امسال محفل روحانی ملی رومانی برنامه هائی برای گسترش امر مبارک در آن کشور تهیه دیده بود. این برنامه ها که پس از پایان کانونشن ملی در ماه می به اجرا درآمد منجر به موفقیت های چشمگیری گردید. در اولین برنامه تبلیغی که در آخرین هفته ماه جولای در مدرسه تابستانه بهائی خاتمه یافت بیش از ۸۰۰ نفر تصدیق امر مبارک کردند. به دنبال این برنامه ها جلسات تزیید معلومات منعقد شد و تازه تصدیقان تشویق شدند که به فعالیتهای تبلیغی بپردازند.

بیش از ۵۰۰ نفر از احباء از ۳۰ نقطه در یک جلسه ملی که در زیمبابوه (رود زیای سابق) تشکیل شده بود شرکت کردند بر اثر برنامههای تبلیغی که بعد از جلسة مذکور صورت گرفت ۳۰۰ نفر بهائی شدند به دنبال این فعالیتها ۶۴ نقطة جديد فتح شد و ۴ محفل روحانی محلی تأسیس گردید.

فعالیت های تبلیغی در مجارستان به تسجیل ۳۰ نفر تازه تصدیق انجامید یکی از این ۳۰ نفر اولین بهائی از کولیان آن کشور است بر اثر این فعالیتها نقاط جدیدی فتح شد و دیگر نقاط امری تحکیم یافت.

در جولای سال جاری مبلغان سیاری که به قرقیزستان در آسیای مرکزی سفر کرده بودند توانستند بیش از ۲۳۰ نفر را در جرگه پیروان جمال ابهی وارد سازند.

در ماه آگست امسال در مدرسه تابستانه بهائی قبرس ۱۳ نفر بهائی شدند که ۹ نفر آنها از کولیان بودند. خبر تشکیل این مدرسه تابستانه به خوبی آگهی شده بود و جوانان بهائی در خیابانها به تبلیغ پرداختند و گروهی از دیگر جوانان را به خدمات بهائی جلب کردند.

NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í ARCHIVES[edit]

یکی از وظائف دار الآثار ملی تهیه و جمع آوری مجموعه عکسهای امری است هیئت مذکور برای تکمیل مجموعه های خود به عکسهای افرادی که نامشان در زیر درج میشود نیازمند است: امة البهاء روحیه خانم جناب علی اكبر فروتن جناب علیمحمد ورقاء، جناب جان روبارتس John Robarts خانم سارا پریرا Sarah Pereira خانم ویلما الیس Wilma Ellis خانم مگدالین کارنی Magdalene M. Camey جناب فرد شکتر Fred Schachter خانم ولما شريل Welma Sherrill خانم فلورانس می بری Florence Mayberry جناب دیوید هافمن David Hofman ، جناب دیوید روح David Ruhe جناب هیو چنس Hugh Chance جناب پیتر کان Peter Khan جناب گلنفورد میچل Glenford Mitchell

از دوستانی که عکس یا عکسهائی از این افراد داشته و مایل باشند آن را به دار الآثار ملی تقدیم نمایند تقاضا میشود آن را به نشانی زیر ارسال دارند. از دوستان عزیز تقاضا میشود در صورت امکان عکس افراد را شناسائی فرمایند.

National Bahá’í Archives Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

TRAVELING TEACHERS[edit]

برای تأسیس محفل روحانی ملی پولینزی فرانسه به مبلغان سیاری که با زبان فرانسه آشنا باشند نیاز است. قرار است که محفل روحانی ملی در رضوان سال ۱۹۹۳ تأسیس شود از علاقه مندان تقاضا میشود برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با دائره مهاجرت در دفتر محفل روحانی ملی تماس حاصل نمایند :تلفن: ۸۶۹۹۰۳۹ (۷۰۸). [Page 13]

حضرت باب و حضرت بهاءالله[edit]

THE BAB AND BAHA’U’LLAH

تجلیل نام حضرت بهاءالله یکی از اهداف جامعه بهائی در سال مقدس بوده است. در شماره‌های پیشین این نشریه درباره تاریخ زندگی و مقام و برخی از آثار حضرت بهاءالله مطالبی به آگاهی یاران عزیز رسید. در این شماره مطالبی درباره حضرت اعلی و ارتباط مقام آن حضرت با مقام جمال اقدس ابهی درج می‌شود.

مطالعه امر بهائی بدون مطالعه امر بابی، بررسی عقیمی خواهد بود. به همین ترتیب سخن راندن از حضرت بهاءالله بدون سخن گفتن از حضرت باب به صورت گفتاری بی‌مقدمه و ناتمام و ناپسندیده به جای خواهد ماند. حضرت باب مقامی همانند مقام حضرت بهاءالله دارد و شاید بتوان گفت که یگانگی ذاتی این دو مظهر الهی که همزمان یکدیگر بودند، نشان دیگری از وحدتی است که امر بهائی در صدد ایجاد و گسترش آن است.

حضرت عبدالبهاء در کتاب "مفاوضات" اهل بهاء را تعلیم فرموده‌اند که "مظاهر مقدسه را هر چند مقامات کمالات غیرمتناهیه است، ولی کلیهٔ مراتب ایشان سه رتبه است: رتبهٔ اولی جسمانی است، رتبهٔ ثانیه انسانی است... رتبهٔ ثالثه ظهور الهی و جلوهٔ رحمانی است."

بی‌شک هنگامی که سخن از یگانگی حضرت باب و حضرت بهاءالله می‌رود، منظور رتبهٔ جسمانی و رتبهٔ انسانی آنان نیست، بلکه بحث وحدت این دو وجود به رتبهٔ سوم که ظهور الهی است، محدود می‌شود. اما در این رتبه همهٔ مظاهر امر با هم وحدت ذاتی دارند، زیرا به فرموده حضرت بهاءالله "جمیع حکم یک ذات و یک نفس و یک روح و یک جسد و یک امر دارند." بنا بر این می‌توان پرسید ویژگی وحدت جمال ابهی و ربّ اعلی از کجاست و دلائل آن کدام است؟

پیش از پاسخ دادن به این پرسش لازم است که مقام یکتای حضرت اعلی را چنانکه در آثار مبارکه نازل شده است بررسی کنیم. اهمیت مقام حضرت باب و امر مبارکش از این بیان حضرت بهاءالله که در کتاب ایقان نازل شده است، معلوم می‌شود: "و این عبد در کمال رضا، جان بر کف، حاضرم که شاید از عنایت الهی و فضل سبحانی این حرف مذکور مشهود [حضرت بهاءالله] در سبیل نقطه و کلمهٔ علیا [حضرت باب] فدا شود و جان در بازد...".

حضرت اعلی در توقیعی که از ماکو خطاب به محمد شاه نازل فرموده‌اند، مقام خود را چنین بیان کرده‌اند: "انا النقطة التی ذوت بها من ذوت... و اننی انا وجه الله الذی لایموت و نوره الذی لایفوت... خلقنی الله من طینة لم یشارک فیها احد...". مضمون بیان مبارک به فارسی چنین است: منم نقطه‌ای که هر چه هست، از آن هستی یافته است... و منم آن سیمای ایزدی که هرگز نمی‌میرد و آن نور الهی که هرگز خاموشی نمی‌گیرد... خدا مرا از گوهری سرشته است که هیچ کس از آن بهره‌ای ندارد.

حضرت عبدالبهاء در یکی از الواح خود می‌فرمایند: "... حضرت رب اعلی مظهر وحدانیت و فردانیت الهیه و مبشر جمال قدم...".

حضرت ولی امرالله در رسالهٔ "دور بهائی" در تبیین دو مقامی که حضرت عبدالبهاء بدان اشاره فرموده‌اند (مظهریت و مبشریت) می‌فرمایند: "فی الحقیقه محرک اصلی که این عبد را وادار به ترجمه و نشر تاریخ جاودانی نبیل نمود، این بود که احبای غرب به سهولت پی برند که مقام منیع حضرت اعلی متضمن چه مفهوم خطیری است... شکی نیست ادعای حضرت اعلی مشعر بر اینکه دارای دو مقام بوده‌اند، خود اعظم وجه امتیاز دور بهائی است... در حقیقت عظمت حضرت باب نه فقط از آن لحاظ است که من عندالله به تبشیر چنین ظهور ‎منبیعی منبعی‎ مبعوث گشته، بلکه بیشتر از آن جهت است که با قدرت و اختیارات انبیای اولوالعزم ظاهر شده...".

قبل از بررسی موارد اتحاد فریدی که در میان حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت باب وجود دارد و به صورت جملهٔ معترضه باید گفت که از لحاظ زندگی و "رتبهٔ انسانی" و آنچه که مربوط به ویژگی‌های شخصیتی مظاهر امر می‌شود، حضرت باب و حضرت بهاءالله تفاوت‌هائی با هم دارند که مطالعهٔ آن خارج از موضوع فعلی است. با این حال تنها در رابطه با ظاهر آثار این دو مظهر مقدس می‌توان تفاوت‌هائی را تشخیص داد که برخی از آن بعنوان مثال فهرست‌وار ذکر می‌شود:

حضرت باب توجه بیشتری به تفسیر آیات قرآنی نشان داده‌اند. بعنوان مثال اولین اثر بزرگ حضرت باب تفسیری بر سورهٔ یوسف است.
درصد آثار عرفانی حضرت بهاءالله نسبت به آثار حضرت اعلی بیشتر است. (هفت وادی، چهار وادی، جواهرالاسرار...)
از لحاظ ادبی و شیوهٔ نگارش در آثار حضرت بهاءالله سبک‌های متنوع‌تری می‌توان تشخیص داد. بعنوان مثال آثاری را که به فارسی سره نازل فرموده‌اند، و همچنین سبک عرفانی و اشعار و غیره را می‌توان برشمرد. از لحاظ آثار حضرت اعلی بیشتر همسان است. (یکی از دلائل این همسانی می‌تواند کوتاهی عهد اعلی بالنسبه به عهد ابهی باشد.)
در آثار حضرت بهاءالله در مقایسه با آثار حضرت اعلی از صنایع لفظی و بدیعی استفاده بیشتری شده است. (سجع، وزن، جناس‌های گوناگون، همخوانی کلمات)

پس از این جملهٔ معترضه می‌پردازیم به جنبه‌های وحدت حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت باب.

نخستین جنبهٔ وحدت این دو مظهر مبارک در همان وحدت ذاتی است که همهٔ مظاهر امر الهی از آن برخوردارند. از این لحاظ وحدت حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت باب همسان با وحدتی است که با دیگر مظاهر مقدسه دارند. به فرمودهٔ جمال مبارک در کتاب "ایقان": "جمیع انبیاء هیاکل امرالله هستند... و اگر به نظر لطیف ملاحظه فرمائی همه را در یک رضوان ساکن بینی و در یک هوا طائر و بر یک بساط جالس و بر یک کلام ناطق و بر یک امر آمر."

جمال ابهی در چندین مورد از ظهور حضرت باب بعنوان "ظهور اول" و یا "ظهور قبلم" یاد کرده‌اند. در لوح سلمان می‌فرمایند: "اگر... عوالم الهی منحصر به این عالم بود، هرگز ظهور قبلم خود را به دست اعداء نمی‌گذاشت و جان فدا نمی‌نمود." و در لوح نصیر می‌فرمایند: "در ظهور اولم به کلمهٔ ثانی از اسمم بر کل ممکنات تجلی فرمودم... تا آنکه بالاخره جسد منیر مرا در هوا آویختند و به رصاص غل و بغضاء مجروح ساختند تا آنکه روحم به رفیق اعلی راجع شد و در قمیص ابهی ناظر." ذکر "ظهور اول" می‌تواند حاکی از این باشد که حضرت بهاءالله ظهور خود را متمم ظهور واحدی می‌دانند که آغازش حضرت اعلی و پایانش ظهور جمال ابهی است.

یکی از موارد وحدت یگانه‌ای که در میان حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت باب وجود دارد در میلاد آن دو مظهر کلی الهی است. زادروز حضرت بهاءالله دوم محرم سال ۱۲۳۳ هجری قمری و میلاد حضرت باب اول محرم سال ۱۲۳۵ هجری قمری است. با اینکه بین میلاد جمال ابهی و حضرت اعلی دو سال فاصله است، حضرت بهاءالله در "رسالهٔ سؤال و جواب" فرموده‌اند: "این دو یوم یک یوم محسوب شده عندالله." و حضرت عبدالبهاء فرموده‌اند: "... عیدین مبارکین به صریح کتاب توام است...".

دیگر از موارد وحدت ویژه‌ای که در میان حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت باب وجود دارد، زیارت‌نامهٔ مبارک است. در شب صعود حضرت بهاءالله و روز شهادت حضرت اعلی زیارت‌نامه واحدی تلاوت می‌شود. در یکی از توقیعات حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله چنین آمده است: "راجع به تلاوت زیارت‌نامه فرمودند: منحصر به حضرت اعلی و جمال مبارک است...".

نشان دیگر از نشان‌های وحدت خاص حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت اعلی تفسیری است که حضرت عبدالبهاء درباره نگین اسم اعظم فرموده‌اند. به فرمودهٔ مبارک: "... در افق عزت قدیمه دو کوکب نورانی ساطع و لامع گردید: کوکبی از یمین و کوکبی از یسار؛ و این رمز عظیم دو شکلی است که در یسار و یمین اسم اعظم در فصّ نگین محترم ترسیم گردیده و رمز از ظهور جمال ابهی و حضرت اعلی است، و هر چند دو شکل یمین و یسار به صورت ستاره است ولی اشاره به هیکل انسانی است که عبارت از سر و دو دست و دو پا است."

نشان دیگر وحدت حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت اعلی مبداء تاریخ دیانت بهائی است. حضرت ولی امرالله در توقیع رضوان سال ۱۰۵ بدیع مفاهیم و اصطلاحات جدیدی چون کور و دور و عصر و عهد را تبیین فرمودند و به صراحت مبداء تاریخ بدیع را اظهار امر حضرت باب معین نمودند. به فرمودهٔ مبارک: "اول و اشرف و اعظم این ادوار، دور أعزّ ابهى الانوار جمال اقدس ابهی... است.... بدایتش سنهٔ ستّین که به فرمودهٔ نفس مظهر ظهور مبداء تاریخ بدیع است." و همچنین: "عصر اول دورهٔ اولای کور مقدس الهی که به عصر رسولی موسوم... بدایتش بعثت نقطهٔ اولی در سنهٔ ستّین در مدینه شیراز است."

مورد دیگر حج دو بیت مبارک است. حضرت بهاءالله در کتاب اقدس فرموده‌اند: "قد حکم الله لمن استطاع منکم حج البیت...". مضمون بیان مبارک به فارسی چنین است: خدا بر کسانی که استطاعت داشته باشند، حکم بر حج بیت کرده است.... هیکل مبارک در "رسالهٔ سؤال و جواب" در توضیح این آیه می‌فرمایند: "حج بیت که بر رجال است، بیت اعظم در بغداد و بیت نقطه در شیراز مقصود است. هر یک را که حج نمایند کافی است. هر کدام که نزدیک‌تر به هر بلد است، اهل آن بلد آن را حج نمایند." چنانکه ملاحظه می‌شود در این مورد نیز حج محل اظهار امر حضرت بهاءالله با حج محل اظهار امر حضرت اعلی یکسان شمرده شده است.

مواردی که در بالا بدان اشاره شد می‌تواند بر وحدت خاص بین دو ظهور حضرت اعلی و حضرت بهاءالله دلالت داشته باشد. در پایان بخشهائی از بیانات حضرت عبدالبهاء که در کتاب "مفاوضات" آمده است برای حسن ختام درج می‌شود:

"اما حضرت اعلی، روحی له الفداء، در سن جوانی، یعنی بیست و پنج سال از عمر مبارک گذشته [Page 14]

SACRAMENTO[edit]

'Heart-to-heart' teaching leads Have to influx of Southeast Asians

The Bahá’í community of Sacramento, California, was greatly blessed this past summer when 42 people of Southeast Asian background declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

These friends were drawn to the Faith through heart-to-heart interaction with American Bahá’ís who visited them in their homes and invited them to firesides and other Bahá’í gatherings.

In October, 80 Hmong Bahá’ís from Sacramento (30 adults and 50 children) took part in the District Convention.

The Hmong Bahá’ís greatly enriched the diversity of the event while playing some key roles. Mrs. Bao Thao served as one of the tellers, and Mrs. Sia Thao read an opening prayer. Sia and her family joined the Faith less than two weeks before the Convention.

Some of these newly declared Southeast Asian Bahá’ís are children. To help them learn about Bahá’u’lláh and His teachings, the community has been holding children's classes every Sunday.

A member of the Bahá’í Hmong Teaching Institute for the Sacramento area reports that the classes are attended regularly by 25 children, all of Hmong background except for two Vietnamese and one American. The children range in age from 5 to 14 years.

YOU heard about

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH?

The Bahá’í Hmong Teaching Institute of the Sacramento, California, area held a festive picnic in August, attended by many Hmong Bahá’ís and their families. A large banner proclaimed the name of Bahá’u’lláh.

Letters[edit]

from page 3

the whites, and the whites are loving toward you, and endeavor to promote your advancement and enhance your honor.

"This will be the cause of love. Differences between black and white will be completely obliterated; indeed, ethnic and national differences will all disappear." (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 45-46)

Over the years I have seen in several Bahá’í communities the lack of encouragement or support for the union of Bahá’í youth of various racial backgrounds. Because of the history of race relations in America, I can understand the concerns and attitudes of Bahá’ís and parents, but I would hope that the Bahá’í community has matured to the point where the children of Bahá’í families can date and even marry Bahá’ís or non-Bahá’ís of different racial backgrounds even though their parents may not wish to do likewise.

If we can remember the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian and translate them into action, perhaps we may soon see the fulfillment of our prophesied destiny.

Bill Irving Waco, Texas

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL GRAND CANYON BAHÁ’Í CONFERENCE[edit]

EMBLAZON HIS NAME BAHÁ’U’LLÁH THE KING OF GLORY DECEMBER 25-28 1992 HYATT REGENCY HOTEL PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Confirmed Speakers: Dr. Suheil Bushrui Counselor Dr. William Roberts Dr. Jennah Khodadad Dr. Lameh Fananapazir

Featuring: Hooshmand Aghili K.C. Porter John Cook Eternal Flame Grand Canyon Bahá’í Choir and many more

Extensive Youth Workshops

Conference opens Friday Dec. 25th at 09:00 AM

To receive registration forms and more information call GCBC hotline at: (602) 375-9951

If you have any articles which can be donated for the silent auction to raise funds for The ARC Project Please Contact Mr. Sal Hedayati at: (602) 991-9326

Unsung heroes of the Cause[edit]

To the Editor:

They say you know you're getting older when your eyes gravitate to the obituary page of a newspaper. I don't know if this is true, but I do find myself reading the "In Memoriam" section of The American Bahá’í and seeing there the names of too many wonderful Bahá’ís whose paths I've had the good fortune to cross over the years.

With each name (and especially those I remember with such fondness), I wonder what marvelous stories each has taken into the next life that weren't recorded for future generations here on earth about their struggles to spread the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the waiting masses.

Recently the name "Genelle Grimsley" appeared, and I choked back a lump in my throat as I recalled the days of "mass teaching" in South Carolina in the late '60s and early '70s, how I came to play a small part in it, and in so doing had the bounty of meeting and knowing Genelle.

I felt an immediate urge to write my own brief testimonial to this physically small but spiritually gigantic woman from a small town in South Carolina.

In 1971 I was in my seventh year as a Bahá’í with a few years of pioneering overseas behind me when the opportunity arose to take a civil service position in South Carolina. Since I had heard of the tremendous teaching victories there, I accepted the offer without hesitation.

For those who don't know, much of the success of the mass teaching effort in those early days in South Carolina was due to the material, physical and spiritual sacrifices of four "chiropractor" families. Genelle and her husband, Lee, were one of those families.

I won't name the others here, but the privilege of having known these remarkable Bahá’ís who had the courage to stand up for change in a state where, not too many years before, the races could not and did not mix, and the memories of standing in open fields in huge "circles of unity" with blacks and whites holding hands and singing the inspiring music that emerged from the mass teaching efforts, lift me up when I am down and will assuredly inspire future generations of Bahá’ís who read of their heroic exploits.

It is too late for me to say goodbye to Genelle; but to those of you who are still physically among us, it is not too late to thank you and your families for the sacrifices you made in helping to carry out the greatest teaching effort in the history of the U.S. Bahá’í community.

Richard Hatch Bloomington, Indiana

TRAVELING TEACHING CALENDAR[edit]

UGANDA: Bahá’í International Youth Conference, December 25- 27.

NEW ZEALAND: Hui (gathering) of Indigenous Women of the World, February 3-8 1993, Christchurch. Forum on "The Equality of Men and Women," followed by two days of activities around the topic, February 13-15, Wellington. Hui celebrating the inauguration of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, February 24-28, Turanqawaewae Marae (central North Island).

Call or write for complete information: Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869- 0247, Attn: Office of Pioneering).

Please share experiences[edit]

Please continue to share your experiences as homefront pioneers. They serve to encourage your fellow pioneers as well as inspire others to arise. If you can become a homefront pioneer, please phone the National Teaching Committee's homefront pioneering desk, 708-869-9039.

National Assembly seeks information[edit]

Anyone who knows the current whereabouts of Mr. Francis O'Campo or Karen Bailey (also known as Karen G. Bailey, Karen Heather Bailey, Karen Wheatfield, or Doreen Bailey) is asked to contact the National Spiritual Assembly's Office of Community Administration, 708- 869-9039. [Page 15]William Cleveland, vice-mayor of Alexandria, Virginia (center), accepts a copy of ‘The Vision of Race Unity’ from a delegation of Bahá’ís that includes (left to right) Betty Nugent, Paul Glist and Harvey Wiener. Also present was Mr. Cleveland’s wife, who is standing to his left. The presentation was made on September 15.

Dr. Marian Davis-Lawyer, a Bahá’í pioneer to Vientiane, Laos, wears a traditional Lao hill tribe (Akha) costume.

Dr. Marian Lawyer, pioneer to Southeast Asia, visits U.S. Bahá’í communities[edit]

Dr. Marian Davis-Lawyer, a Bahá’í pioneer to Southeast Asia for more than 30 years, visited a number of Bahá’í communities in the U.S. prior to the World Congress.

Dr. Lawyer, a professional educator, spent many years in Thailand and is now pioneering in Laos. During her many years in Southeast Asia she has learned much about the languages and cultures of the people among whom she has served.

Her purpose during her visit to communities in the U.S. was to greet Bahá’ís of Hmong background in those communities and to help Bahá’ís in America develop a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the Southeast Asian people and their cultures. This can lead to better friendship and cooperation between Southeast Asian and American Bahá’ís, thus enriching Bahá’í community life.

In July, Dr. Lawyer was a featured speaker at the Southeast Asian Helpers Conference held at the Louhelen Bahá’í School, the theme of which was “Connecting the Hearts of the Southeast Asians to Bahá’u’lláh.” She spoke about the Bahá’ís as one family and shared stories, arts and crafts from Laos.

Among the communities she has visited since then are Long Beach, Sacramento, Modesto and Fresno, California; and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Peace Chair[edit]

for his seminal studies in English of the works of W.B. Yeats and for his translations of Yeats’ poetry into Arabic.

Dr. Bushrui is active in many international organizations dedicated to the promulgation of peace and conflict resolution. He is a founding member of the First International Dialogue on the Transition to a Global Society, organized in collaboration with the Landegg Academy (Switzerland), the Club of Rome, the Vienna Academy and the Council of Europe and UNESCO.

News in brief[edit]

Glendale Bahá’ís reach out on radio to troubled Los Angeles[edit]

In the aftermath of the riots in Los Angeles, California, the healing message and Name of Bahá’u’lláh reach out to thousands of radio listeners each week through a late-night talk show sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Glendale.

The program, entitled “The Bahá’í Faith in Southern California,” is broadcast each Saturday from 11:30 p.m to midnight on KIEV, 870 AM.

Using as their theme “Walking the Spiritual Path with Practical Feet,” Bahá’í guest speakers discuss the mission and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and how they have affected their lives, then respond to telephone questions from listeners.

Since its inception last April, the program has examined a variety of issues including Bahá’í answers to racism, bringing together diverse cultures, and the independent investigation of truth.

The program will continue through the Holy Year.

On November 12, “The Kingfisher’s Wing,” a one-man dramatic work based on the story of Aqa Buzurg (Badí’), his heroic mission to deliver Bahá’u’lláh’s sacred missive to Nasiri’d-Din Shah, and his martyrdom at the hands of the Shah’s executioner, Kazim Khan, began a three-month tour of communities in the U.S. and Canada.

The production, created and performed by William George of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, under the guidance of a committee of the Spiritual Assembly of Bethlehem and in consultation with non-Bahá’í theatre professionals, uses shadow play, acting, puppetry, mask/movement and a powerful text.

It is directed by Augustine Ripa, chairman of the Speech and Theatre Department at Lehigh University, with original music composed by Jerry T. Bidlack.

The tour, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Dover, Delaware, includes performances in California, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, the Maxwell Bahá’í School in Canada and the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona.

For more specific information about the tour or the play, write to Bill George, Bethlehem, PA 18015, or phone 215-867-3169.

“O Friends! Abandon not the everlasting beauty for a beauty that must die, and set not your affections on this mortal world of dust.” —Bahá’u’lláh

Donald Carter, well-known community leader, dies at 89[edit]

Donald Carter, a Bahá’í who was a well-known community leader in Adrian, Michigan, died August 23. He was 89 years old.

Mr. Carter, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights College while in his 70s and later received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the school, served two terms on the Adrian City Commission and helped start the foster grandparents program at the Adrian Friendly Center. In 1988 he was nominated for the Living Legacy Award which honors black leaders across the U.S.

Robert James Schoppert, Tlingit artist, dead at age 45[edit]

Robert James Schoppert, a Tlingit Indian artist and poet who was a former member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska and a former Auxiliary Board member in the U.S., died September 2 in Ojai, California. He was 45 years old.

Mr. Schoppert’s work has been exhibited widely and is included in the Alaska Contemporary Art Bank and in museum collections in Alaska and elsewhere.

As a member of the Alaska State Council on the Arts, he was a leading force behind initiating the Athabaskan Fiddlers Festival.

IN MEMORIAM[edit]

Jalil Afshani Buena Park, CA January 1, 1992

Nora Balderas San Luis, CO February 8, 1990

Annie J. Brown Joshua Tree, CA September 1992

Donald Carter Adrian, MI August 23, 1992

Ellis Coker Columbia, SC Date Unknown

Suzy M. Day Bisbee, AZ September 4, 1991

B. Corinne Drake Brantwood, WA August 9, 1992

Sarah H. Harris Bisbee, AZ February 8, 1992

Ruth Hawthorn W. Lafayette, IN September 19, 1992

Raymond Helmick Phoenix, AZ Date Unknown

Myrtle Hopper Hemet, CA March 2, 1992

Mildred K. Hyde Haverhill, MA September 1, 1992

Moses Jackson Dawson, GA Date Unknown

R.J. Jenkins Dawson, GA Date Unknown

Joe Johnson Lilly, GA Date Unknown

Irene Kapelac Green Bay, WI August 15, 1992

Kuros Meshki New York, NY May 1990

Vernon Miles Jr. Norfolk, VA September 9, 1992

Rogene King Wichita, KS August 28, 1992

Mary L. Smith Oxnard, CA August 27, 1992

Daisy Bell Little Perry, GA September 7, 1992

Lessie L. Love The Village, OK June 6, 1992

Beatrice Lujan La Jara, CO July 12, 1992

Jeanette McCabe Chagrin Falls, OH August 2, 1992

Robert J. Schoppert Ojai, CA September 3, 1992

Mohammad Shamsian Los Angeles, CA Date Unknown

Enayatullah Monjazeb Stillwater, OK August 24, 1992

Irma Bell Shorter Byronville, GA Date Unknown

Shirley Morris W. Lafayette, IN September 19, 1992

Ezzatullah Nazari Santa Monica, CA September 29, 1992

Navaab M. Pike Beaverton, OR Date Unknown

Lawrence Preston Independence, KS 1989

Doris C. Ray Altadena, CA April 10, 1992

Nancy Ritter Salt Lake City, UT August 7, 1992

Lucy L. Ross Perry, GA April 1992

William Sampson Cordova, MD Date Unknown

Irvin Somerhalder Rockford, IL June 26, 1992

Howard A. Thomas Roy, UT June 10, 1992

Jenny Weisz Los Angeles, CA August 27, 1992

Lillian Wilson Claypool, AZ 1990

Roosevelt Wilson Claypool, AZ 1991

Ruth Wood Tucson, AZ September 21, 1992

Lucille Wright Flushing, MI 1992

Willy Yanez Harlingen, TX May 17, 1992 [Page 16]

Baha'i Faith[edit]

At this year's Asian Celebration, one of the most enjoyable events held in Eugene, Oregon, local Bahá’ís staffed an information table on the Faith and also manned the other half of the table to provide information about the work of the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, which offers help to Amerasian children in five countries. Pictured at the Bahá’í table are (left to right) Jesse McManus, T.J. McManus, Theo Gustafson, Thanya Jackson (a student recently arrived from Thailand), Alia Gustafson and Tore Gustafson. Robyn Morris, a festival-goer who visited the Bahá’í table, declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh four weeks later. (Photo by Jack Liu)

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.[edit]

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of The American Bahá’í, send your new address and your mailing label to MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know what your new address will be.

A. NAME(S): 1. I.D. Title 2. I.D. Title 3. I.D. Title 4. I.D. Title

This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: Street address Apartment (If applicable) City State Zip code

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box or Other mailing address Apartment (If applicable) City State Zip code

D. NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í Community Moving date

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area code Phone number Name

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): Area code Phone number Name Area code Phone number Name

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and ID. number(s) listed above.

the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their ID numbers, and the correct address so that we will receive only one copy.

H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY: Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, I.D. number and address above.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091

CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]

DECEMBER[edit]

4-5: African-American Teaching Institute, organized by the Michigan Black Men's Gathering, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

4-6: National Women's Conference, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (not Bahá’í-sponsored). For information about registration, phone 305-946-9363.

5: "Seven Valleys, Four Valleys: Faith Development" (Paula Drewek), Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

11-13: "Rendezvous of the Soul," a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

12: "Personal Implications," Accepting the Challenge of Leadership: Center for Interracial Unity Series, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

23-27: Winter I (General Session, all ages), Bosch Bahá’í School. David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, "A Provocative Study of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá"; Ron Gilpatrick, "The World Congress: Reflections and Opportunities"; Marsha Gilpatrick and Sheila Banani, "A Fundamentally Different Order." For children: "A Covenant Is a Promise." International folk dancing, winter holiday activities. To register, send $80 deposit for each person to Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; MasterCard/VISA, phone 408-423-3387.

25-28: Eighth annual Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona. The conference begins at 9 a.m. on December 25. Rooms from only $40. Youth workshops, entertainment, top speakers (Dr. William Roberts, Dr Suheil Bushrui, others). For more information please phone the GCBC hotline (24 hours a day), 602-375-9951.

27-31: Mid-Winter Youth Conference, Cleveland, Ohio, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Warrensville Heights. Ages 13 through early 20s. Cost is $95. To register, send $30 by December 4 to Bahá’í Youth Board of Greater Cleveland, c/o Nevin Jenkins, registrar, Cleveland, OH 44122, or phone 216-283-8526 or 216-247-2135.

27-January 2: Winter School session, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

30-January 3: Winter II (General Session, all ages), Bosch Bahá’í School. For program details, see Winter I Session (December 23-27). To register, send $80 deposit for each person to Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; MasterCard/VISA, phone 408-423-3387.

31-January 2: South Carolina Bahá’í Winter School, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

JANUARY[edit]

1-3: Louisiana Bahá’í Winter School, Fontainebleau State Park near Covington. Nat West, registrar: Avondale, LA 70094 (phone 504-436-4958).

7-10: Pioneer Training Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

9: "Sacrifice" (Dr. Curt Russell), Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

9-18: King Week '93, Atlanta, Georgia. Theme: "Where do we go from here? Nonviolence: Learning it, living it, teaching it." For more information on King Week events and how you can take part, contact Paula Trail, 404-426-7713.

15-17: "Rendezvous of the Soul," a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

FEBRUARY[edit]

6: Commemoration of the 130th anniversary of the introduction of the Faith in China, Taipei Grand Hotel, Taiwan. Sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of Taiwan. It is hoped that Bahá’ís who once pioneered to Taiwan will be able to return to see the wonderful results of their efforts throughout Taiwan.

6: "Prayer and Meditation" (Melanie Smith), Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

19-21: "Teaching: Commitment in Action," Eagle Institute Youth Series, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

20: "Historical and Cultural Perspectives," Accepting the Challenge of Leadership: Center for Interracial Unity Series, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

26-28: "Rendezvous of the Soul," a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

26-28: Bahá’í Health and Human Services Conference, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

27: "Bahá’u’lláh's Writings: Tablet to the World" (Rene Steiner), Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

MARCH[edit]

Pioneer Training Institute, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine, and Bahá’í National Center, Evanston, Illinois. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

12-14: "The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Bahá’u’lláh's Most Holy Book," Eagle Institute Youth Series, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

20: "Bahá’u’lláh's Writings: The Kitáb-i-Aqdas" (Dr. Juan Cole), Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

APRIL[edit]

24: "Love and Law" (speaker to be announced), Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

MAY[edit]

Pioneer Training Institute, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

15: "Making a New World Order in Our Backyard," Accepting the Challenge of Leadership: Center for Interracial Unity Series, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

JUNE[edit]

Pioneer Training Institute, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

SEPTEMBER[edit]

Pioneer Training Institute, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.