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[Page 1]

Appointment of 81 Continental Counselors announced

To the Bahá’ís of the world Dear Bahá’í Friends

The Day of the Covenant, November 26, 1995, marks the commencement of a new five-year term of service for members of the Continental Boards of Counselors for the protection and propagation of the Faith. We have decided to increase the number of these high-ranking officers of the Cause from 72 to 81 and are happy to announce the names of those now appointed.

AFRICA (19 Counselors): George Allen, Beatrice Asare, Niaz Bushrui, Parvine Djoneydi, Mehraz Ehsani (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Shidan Fat’-he-Aazam, Kobina Flynn, Ibrahim Galadima, Hizzaya Hissani, Firaydoun Javaheri, Zekrullah Kazemi, Eddy Lutchmaya, Abaineh Merhatsion, Muhammad Otmani, Daniel Ramoroesi, Edith Senoga, Lally Warren, Wingi Mabuku, Tiati a Zock.

THE AMERICAS (19 Counselors): Eloy Anello, Stephen Birkland, Gustavo Correa, Rolf von Czekus, Jacqueline LHB Delahunt, Wilma Ellis, Tod Ewing,

See COUNSELORS page 11

THE AMERICAN Bahá’í

Volume 26, Number 10 — Sharaf B.E. 152 / December 31, 1995

Hand of the Cause greets Princess at Dialogue

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum (right) greets Her Royal Highness Princess Rahma bint El Hassan (back to camera), one of the speakers at the youth session of the International Dialogue on the Transition to a Global Society, held in October at the University of Maryland in College Park. The Hand of the Cause, one of the featured plenary speakers at the Dialogue, was accompanied by Violette Nakhjavání. (Photo by Farah Ramchandani)

$1.3 million gift received

A bequest of $1.3 million, one of the largest such gifts ever donated to the Faith, was received from the estate of a Wisconsin believer in November.

“This gift has opened a lot of options to the National Spiritual Assembly, and it also serves as a useful reminder that we can all plan ways to support the work of the Faith we love so much even after we leave this life,” said one member of the National Center staff.

The attorney for the estate told the National Assembly that her client came to her some time ago and said, “I’m tired of all this money. Help me find a way to get rid of it, to use it!”

After discussing the donor’s goals and wishes, as well as the effect tax laws could have on her financial picture, the donor decided to create a living trust. The terms specified that a certain amount of income would be paid to the donor for her lifetime, and the rest would be distributed to various persons and institutions on her death.

The Funds of the Faith figured as the highest priority in the donor’s plan. In addition to the large unrestricted gift to the Bahá’í National Fund, another large gift was made to the local Fund of a nearby Assembly.

Other large bequests in the past have made important steps possible that otherwise could not have happened. In the early ’80s, for example, the National Spiritual Assembly purchased its present headquarters for roughly $2 million; this represented an act of faith on the Assembly’s part, but a new headquarters facility was vitally needed because at the time the various offices were scattered at five or six sites throughout Wilmette and Evanston.

Within months, and unexpected bequest for almost exactly the amount needed was received; the national headquarters remains unmortgaged today thanks to that believer’s generosity.

The National Spiritual Assembly expects to use the proceeds of the recent gift to fortify the long-term financial strength of the national administration.

Related charts, page 9.

Faith in action: From Arc to teaching

By TOM MENNILLO

How did a small, not-so-wealthy Bahá’í community commit nearly $245,000 toward construction of the Arc on God’s Holy Mountain?

To the Bahá’ís of metropolitan Chattanooga the answer was spiritual, not financial. Through the initiative of a few and the participation of all, they came to recognize the significance of the Arc Project and their true capacity to meet its needs.

In the year since their November 1994 fund-raiser, Chattanooga-area Bahá’ís have proceeded to act on that faith. They have sent more than $145,000 for the Arc and expect, with everyone’s prayers, to redeem their pledges in full by Ridván.

Now the friends in Chattanooga are coming to grips with their spiritual responsibility to teach. After months of deepening and preparation, they know the vital importance—for the individual and the community—of delivering the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh. Just as important, they are confident of their true capacity to teach and are ready to act on it.

A campaign is conceived

Not that the road to this point was smooth. Flash back to June 26, 1995, to a meeting in which the Spiritual Assembly of Chattanooga and the local Teaching Committee are reviewing efforts to stimulate and support teaching in the region.

As consultation progresses, a feeling nags at the friends. Sure, there is teaching activity; witness the one to two declarations a month in the area. And there is a rich, loving quality to Bahá’í community life. But where is the passion for teaching?

The question is especially troubling in light of a recent challenge from Counselor Wilma Ellis to Auxiliary Board

See CHATTANOOGA page 14

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
>	Guidelines on teaching prominent persons	2
>	Increased giving, tight management lead to $600,000 Fund surplus	9
>	Mildred Mottahedeh designs special plate to benefit Arc Projects Fund	16
>	Peter Khan speaks at House of Worship	17

[Page 2]

Teaching prominent people-prelude to entry by troops

One of the goals of the Three Year Plan is to expand vastly the human resources of the Faith. The following article, which is the first in a series, addresses this essential goal.

"Thus far, we have achieved a marvelous diversity in the large numbers of ethnic groups represented in the Faith, ...however, there is another category of diversity which must be built up and without which the Cause will not be able to adequately to meet the challenges being thrust upon it. Its membership, regardless of ethnic variety, needs now to embrace increasing numbers of people of capacity, including persons of accomplishment and prominence in the various fields of human endeavor.

"Enrolling significant numbers of such persons is an indispensible aspect of teaching the masses, an aspect which cannot any longer be neglected and which must be consciously and deliberately incorporated into our teaching work, so as to broaden its base and accelerate the process of entry by troops.

"So important and timely is the need for action on this matter that we are impeled to call upon Continental Couselors and National Spiritual Assemblies to devote serious attention to it in their consultations and plans." (The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 1990 message)

Why is it important to teach prominent people?

If we are to build a new world order we must change the very foundation on which the old order stands. We must strip money and power of their importance and put serving humanity in their place. To do this we must reach those who at the moment hold the keys to the old world order: doctors, lawyers, bankers, intellectuals, media representatives, entertainers and business people.

It is through their spiritual transformation that we will slowly be able to change the face of our current political, social and economic landscape. When the wealthy realize that money is good only if can pull people out poverty, when doctors realize that medicine is good only when it can help all those who are in pain, when politicians and the media realize that power is good only when it can alleviate the suffering of the masses, then will the old world order truly topple and a new World Order take its place.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us, "O ye concourse of the Kingdom of Abha! Two calls to success and prosperity are being raised from the heights of the happiness of mankind, awakening the slumbering, granting sight to the blind, ...The one is the call of civilization, of the progress of the material world. The other is the soul-stirring call of God, ...However, until material achievements, physical accomplishments and human virtues are reinforced by spiritual perfections, luminous qualities and characteristics of mercy, no fruit or result shall issue there from, nor will the happiness of the world of humanity, which is the ultimate aim, be attained."

By teaching the Cause we teach people to view the world in a new light. The new World Order is based on the proposition not only that all men are created equal but that the lot of humanity can change only when we become concerned for the welfare of all our brothers and sisters.

"Know ye, verily, that the happiness of mankind lieth in the unity and the harmony of the human race, and that the spiritual and material developments are conditioned upon love and amity among all men." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 286-287)

Our mission, our goal, is to help society—and ourselves—transform. We have been asked to help guide humankind to a new world civilization.

"Wherefore thou shouldst seek to impart the Message to influential persons and become the cause of guidance to the learned and distinguished, that perchance there may be raised up...wise sagacious souls who shall be solicitous for both the good of the state and the welfare of the populace, who shall labor day and night...that its...people may shine out amongst mankind with an extraordinary brilliance and attain to lasting happiness and contentment." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Teaching Prominent People, p. 1)

What is important is the welfare and happiness of mankind. For us to achieve this we must have help. That help will come from everyone. "...he feels that the great point is to confirm people of true capacity and ability—from whatever social stratum they may be—because the Cause needs now, and will ever-increasingly need, souls of great ability who can bring it before the public at large, administer its ever-growing affairs, and contribute to its advancement in every field." (Letter of October 30, 1941, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)

It is our privilege to help the world; to be the ones to share our glorious Faith with the world. It is our privilege to set in motion the tide that will sweep the nations clean. It is our privilege to teach the Cause of God.

Nicholas Brothers at Kennedy Center, guests of Clintons after star on Hollywood's 'walk of fame' is unveiled

Filmdom's incomparable tap-dancing duo, the Nicholas Brothers—Bahá’í Fayard and his younger sibling, Harold—were in Washington, D.C., in December to attend the annual Kennedy Center Honors program and to visit the White House where they were guests of President and Mrs. Clinton.

The Nicholas Brothers, who were among the Kennedy Center honorees in 1991, have a standing invitation to attend the event every year.

In February 1994 the brothers, who performed their acrobatic dance routines in more than 40 films and a number of plays on Broadway, received their star on Hollywood's "walk of fame" for a lifetime of unforgettable contributions to films and the art of dancing.

Fayard Nicholas, looking as spry as ever, celebrates his 81st birthday in Marina del Rey, California. More than 200 celebrities and guests attended. (Photo by Farah Ramchandani)

Among the films in which they appeared were "Down Argentine Way" (with Betty Grable and Don Ameche), "Sun Valley Serenade" and "Orchestra Wives" (both with the Glenn Miller Orchestra), "Stormy Weather" (with Lena Horne) and "The Pirate" (with Gene Kelly and Judy Garland).

Broadway shows included "The Ziegfeld Follies of 1936," "Babes in Arms" (1937) and "St. Louis Woman" (1946).

Among their many awards and honors: an Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (1965-66), the National Film Society's Ellie Award (1984), the Josephine Baker Award (1986), the Ebony Magazine Life Achievement Award (1987), Broadway's Tony Award for choreography to Fayard (1989) for the revue "Black and Blue," and lifetime achievement awards from the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame (1989) and the Professional Dancers Society (1994, with Ginger Rogers).

Harold (left) and Fayard Nicholas, better known to filmgoers as the tap-dancing Nicholas Brothers, pose proudly with plaques designating their star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. The star was unveiled in February 1994.

The Nicholas Brothers gave a command performance at the London Palladium in 1948 for the King of England and have performed for three presidents—Roosevelt, Eisenhower and Reagan.

A documentary film about their lives and careers, "We Sing, We Dance...," first broadcast on the Arts & Entertainment network in 1992, won the 1994 "Cable Ace" Award for excellence.

Fayard Nicholas and his wife, Barbara, a former model, have been Bahá’ís since 1967. [Page 3]

THREE YEAR PLAN

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS

November ..................... 137

Year to date .................... 1,290

THE FUND

(As of November 30, 1995)

	YTD Goal	YTD (est.)
National Bahá’í Fund	$7,723,980	$6,848,254
All International Funds	$17,800,000	$17,238,574

	YTD 94	YTD 95 (est.)
National Bahá’í Fund	$5,444,056	$6,848,254
International Bahá’í Fund	$281,794	$1,103,282
Arc Projects Fund	$2,783,788	$15,650,608
Continental Bahá’í Fund	$121,487	$145,667
Other Earmarked	$211,361	$339,017
Subtotal/Int’l Funds	$3,398,430	$17,238,574
Total/All Funds	$8,842,486	$24,086,828

National Bahá’í Fund: Goal & Actual

• Where we are: $6,848,254
• Where we need to be: $7,723,980

All International Funds: Goal & Actual

• Where we are: $17,238,574
• Where we need to be: $17,800,000

Arc Projects Fund

• Where we are: $15,650,608
• Where we were last year: $2,783,788

International Bahá’í Fund

• Where we are: $1,103,282
• Where we were last year: $281,794

Continental Bahá’í Fund

• Where we are: $145,667
• Where we were last year: $121,487

Army of Light teaching plan worksheet

Consultation is no easy skill to learn, requiring as it does the subjugation of all egotism and unruly passions, the cultivation of frankness and freedom of thought as well as courtesy, openness of mind, and wholehearted acquiescence in a majority decision. [The Universal House of Justice, from a letter to Bahá’í youth in every land, June 10, 1966, Wellsprings of Guidance, p. 97]

The purpose of this worksheet is to help you prioritize your efforts. We have so few resources that we need to be as organized as possible. We can’t afford to waste energy or money.

Here is how this works: First: Each person in the group should prepare a list of your current teaching activities.

Second: Add the activities you would like to start.

Third: Using a scale of “High, Medium, Low,” rank the potential of each activity to be taken to its next step. Each rank (H,M,L) should contain one-third of the total number of activities. [For example, if you list nine activities, three should be H, three M and three L. If you have too many in one category, reassess your ranking.]

When everyone has finished ranking the items, all scores should be recorded on a blackboard or large sheet of paper. Determine which category has the greatest number of responses: i.e. 4 Hs, 6 Ms, 3 Ls. Record the dominant response next to the item on the chart. Taking this data into account, use consultation to assess which goal areas appear to be of the highest value to focus upon.

GROUND RULES: 1. People are free to offer suggestions which are broad based and which if carried out would lead to improvement. 2. Criticism of another’s suggestion is not permitted. 3. Questions which clarify or define are encouraged. 4. No process toward prioritization or decision making will be made until all of the ideas offered are understood.

Action inspired by confidence in the ultimate triumph of the Faith is, indeed, essential to the gradual and complete materialization of your hopes for the extension and consolidation of the Movement in your country. May the Almighty inspire each and every one of you with the zeal, determination and faith to carry out His will, and to proclaim His Message to those living in your land and beyond its confines. [11 May 1934, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer]

Define a project which would take this initiative to a new level:

• Focus of project
• Dates of project
• Nature of project (proclamation, mass teaching, fireside, service)
• Other

How will we identify that we have moved to a new level?

• Increase in intensity of effort?
• Increase in number of seekers?
• Increase in declarations?
• Increase in regularity of actions?
• Are we more confident in our actions?
• Other

The more important consequences of your activities are the spirit that is diffused into the life of the community, and the extent to which the teachings we proclaim become part of the consciousness and belief of the people that hear them. For it is only when the spirit has thoroughly permeated the world that the people will begin to enter the Faith in large numbers. [18 February 1932, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer]

List resources available for moving to new level:

• Number of local believers available to project.
• Specific talents/skills offered by these individuals.
• What financial resources are available?
• Who will coordinate the project?
• What will the dates of the project be?
• What literature do we have available?
• Other

List resources/actions needed for movement to a new level:

• What talents/skills do we need?
• How much manpower do we need?
• How can we prepare ourselves?
• Where will we house additional teachers?
• How will additional teachers be prepared?
• What standard of behavior is necessary?

The ambition of every young Bahá’í should be, indeed, to become a well-informed and competent teacher. [Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Centers of Bahá’í Learning, p. 15]

How can the Army of Light contribute to this effort?

• Offer more teachers?
• Facilitate a training for teachers?
• Facilitate a training for adults to empower youth?
• Mobilize a Bahá’í Youth Workshop?

...with God’s help, he trusts, you will succeed. He will surely reinforce your efforts and assist you in the completion of that task that lies before you. God will, however, assist us if we do our share and sacrifice in the path of the progress of His Faith. We have to feel the responsibility laid upon our shoulders, arise to carry it out, and then expect divine grace to be showered upon us. [20 December 1932, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a National Spiritual Assembly] [Page 4]

PIONEERING

Part 3 in a series of articles Local Assembly's role in international pioneer work of the Cause

Pioneering Institutes

Essential to preparing for international service, whether as an adult pioneer or as a volunteer in the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps, is attending a Pioneering Institute.

A Pioneering Institute, as developed by the Office of Pioneering, is an intensive three-day program (minimum) that includes deepening in the Writings on the Covenant and on the purpose, significance, challenges and rewards of international pioneering; exploring the joy of teaching, the spirit of pioneering, the battles of a spiritual warrior and the lives of early pioneers.

Cross-cultural simulation activities, as well as first-hand guidance from veteran pioneers, address the day-to-day realities of living and serving in a new environment. Time is also set aside for each prospective pioneer, couple or family to consult with a representative of the Office of Pioneering on their personal plans.

In the past, Pioneering Institutes were planned with the one-foot-on-the-plane pioneer in mind, and participation was by invitation only to those friends with whom the Pioneering Office (then the International Goals Committee) was already engaged.

As it has evolved, the Institute has broadened to embrace a range of needs for friends in all stages of planning for international service. In a letter elaborating on the pioneer call of June 27, 1993, the Universal House of Justice advised, "As the friends respond to the pioneer call, the National Spiritual Assemblies and their appropriate agencies will, of course, exert their utmost effort to offer the administrative support to facilitate their move. However, the approach adopted for the Three Year Plan should free the institutions from the pressure of filling specific goals and allow them to focus their energies on the spiritual preparation of the friends for this vital field of service."

In keeping with this guidance from the Supreme Body, the emphasis of the Institute has been increasingly toward the spiritual preparation of prospective pioneers.

In short, the Pioneering Institute is a program of spiritual preparation for international service. Why is this preparation so important? Does a prospective pioneer really need to attend an Institute?

Throughout the last 25 years, statistics have indicated that those individuals who attend a Pioneering Institute before setting out for their post are more likely to stay, better able to overcome the challenges of adjustment to be happy, effective pioneers. This is especially true for youth taking part in the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps.

For the pioneer, the challenges of being a Bahá’í in a fast deteriorating world are expanded and complicated by the additional factor of living in a new culture and physical environment. A firm grounding in the Covenant and in the Writings along with a vision of the pioneer's spiritual mission are essential factors in rising to these challenges.

Of course, this is an ongoing pursuit. But a Pioneering Institute offers an outline of those spiritual prerequisites that serve as the foundation for any successful endeavor in the pioneering field.

Role of the local Assembly

Once the prospective pioneer has turned to the local Assembly to consult and receive guidance on his/her plans for international service and has received the appropriate administrative forms to be submitted to the Office of Pioneering, an important aspect of the next phase of preparation would be to attend a Pioneering Institute. Key to this is encouraging participation in the Pioneering Institute, and, if needed, financially assisting the prospective pioneer, couple or family to attend such a program.

The local Spiritual Assembly can play a supportive role for prospective pioneers by offering continuing guidance and opportunities for consultation throughout the preparation process.

Another option is for an Assembly to consider hosting a regional Pioneering Institute, initially, working hand in hand with the staff of the Office of Pioneering to prepare the program. This may provide a far greater opportunity and more cost-effective means for prospective pioneers to attend an Institute. Also, the content of a Pioneering Institute represents a valuable deepening for the whole community. A number of locally-sponsored Pioneering Institutes have been successfully carried out.

Local Assemblies have also sponsored the planning and facilitation of Sensitive International Teaching Areas (SITA) programs, which are Pioneering Institutes for areas of the world where special considerations are required. A network of resource people is in place to assist communities with these SITA programs, and we are developing a network of veteran Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers who could provide resources to train youth.

The Bahá’ís of the U.S. have been given the privilege of being among three or four national communities challenged to carry the major responsibility for the growth of the Faith around the world. Pioneering continues to be the primary way we can accomplish this precious service, and we must accept the responsiblity to be adequately prepared for this challenge.

As we continue to grow in our understanding of America's spiritual destiny and to fulfill our global responsiblilities, beginning at the local level, we will bring to this community the full measure of its promised bounties and blessings.

Pictured in the lobby of the lovely Sarah Farmer Inn at the Green Acre Bahá’í School are participants in a Pioneering/Bahá’í Youth Service Corps/SITA Institute held in October. Prospective pioneers are destined for posts in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and an Indian Reservation on the homefront.

Please report domestic, overseas trips of any kind when teaching is done

Every year thousands of Bahá’ís in the U.S. travel internationally and on the homefront for a wide variety of purposes.

Responding to the following exhortation of Shoghi Effendi, the lovers of Bahá’u’lláh cannot cease mentioning His name and are scattering the fragrances of His Revelation at every moment, in every place they find themselves.

"Upon every participator in this concerted effort, unprecedented in the annals of the American Bahá’í community, rests the spiritual obligation to make the mandate of teaching, so vitally binding upon all, the all-pervading concern of his life. In his daily activities and contacts, in all his journeys, whether for business or otherwise, on his holidays and outings, and on any mission he may be called upon to undertake, every bearer of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh should consider it not only an obligation but a privilege to scatter far and wide the seeds of His Faith, and to rest content in the abiding knowledge that whatever be the immediate response to that Message, and however inadequate the vehicle that conveyed it, the power of its Author will, as He sees fit, enable those seeds to germinate, and in circumstances which no one can foresee enrich the harvest which the labor of His followers will gather." (Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 53)

To record the history of the development of the Cause and monitor the contributions made by the U.S. believers, we are asked to report on all trips undertaken by the friends. If traveling internationally please report trips of any nature.

Please let the Office of Pioneering know about any travels undertaken during the Three Year Plan (since May 1, 1993). Remember that any effort you may make to share the news of Bahá’u’lláh’s coming, even the mention of His name or the saying of prayers, can potentially bring the spirit of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh to the people.

Bahá’u’lláh revealed to us that "The movement itself from place to place, when undertaken for the sake of God, hath always exerted, and can now exert, its influence in the World." (quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 70)

To make this easier for you, simply fill out and send to us the short report form below, or tell us by fax, phone or e-mail 24 hours a day. Please report travel on the homefront to the National Teaching Office, 708-733-3494 (fax 708-733-3502, e-mail

Report international travel to the Office of Pioneering, 708-733-3511 (fax 708-733-3509, e-mail

If you have traveled internationally, please return this form to: Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. If you have traveled to teach within the United States, please return this form to: National Teaching Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Name: ID #: Street: City/State/Zip: Date: from to Where did you go? Comments: [Page 5]

So Great An Honor

Becoming a Bahá’í

RECOMMENDED BY THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE

prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

SC $6.95 (SGH)

Designed primarily as a welcoming guidebook for new believers, So Great an Honor familiarizes readers with essential truths of the Bahá’í Faith and with its Central Figures. It also gives a glimpse of Bahá’í history, discusses the Covenants of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and outlines the Bahá’í Administrative Order. This book is intended to help readers enrich their spiritual journey and find the true happiness that comes from responding to God’s call and arising to play their own part in advancing His cause. An excellent resource for deepening and consolidation programs.

6"x9", 81 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE BACK IN STOCK

(PUP) $13.00

Scholarship

compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

SC $3.95 (SCOMP)

Designed to stimulate and guide the further development of Bahá’í scholarship, this compilation clarifies the unique features of this vital aspect of Bahá’í activity. The Universal House of Justice calls upon all the members of the community of the Greatest Name, young and old, men and women alike, “to strive to develop and offer to humanity a new model of scholarly activity”.

5-3/8" x 8-1/4", 64 pp. Bahá’í Publications Australia

Bahá’í Burial and the Bahá’í Funeral Service

compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

SC $2.95 (BBFS)

A compilation which answers all of the questions related to Bahá’í burial and the funeral service. Recently updated to include extracts from the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

5-3/8"x8-1/2", 16 pp. Bahá’í Publications Australia

Reunion

by Bridges

CS $10.95 (RCAS)

Bridges’ second recording, Reunion, recreates the feel and flavor of the group’s teaching trip to the Ukraine. Original songs and detailed liner notes provide a chronicle of sharing the message of Bahá’u’lláh with the Ukrainian people. You’ll meet Sergei — the cynic who opened his heart, Hayden — a Bahá’í child whose wish and sacrifice inspired the teachers, and a little gray dove whose appearance turned thoughts to peace. From the joyous lines of “Twin Birds” celebrating the coming of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb, to the hopes for peace for all children in “Charcoal”, the music on this album reminds the listener of the urgency of arising to teach the people of the former Soviet Republics.

39 minutes CCA Records

The Life and Poetry of Varqá: The Martyr

CS $10.95 (VC)

Shokouh Rezai lends her voice to classical modes (dastgah) of Persian music, joined by the sweet strains of the violin of Manoochehr Vahman and the ‎rythm rhythm‎ of the tombak performed by Roozbeh Rahimpour. Performed and chanted in the traditional Persian style, this album preserves for future generations this classic sound and art form.

Live Unity Productions

Face the East

Chris and Lynn Rosser

CD $15.95 (FECD), CS $10.95 (FECS)

This professionally produced recording blends exceptional vocal harmonies with elements of folk, pop, and world music to create an inspiring new sound. Face the East includes original award-winning songs, and incorporates Bahá’í themes and writings into a contemporary acoustic setting. Their heartfelt music was described by the national music magazine, Dirty Linen, as “refreshingly original”, and “lovely homages to the experience of being alive and human”. With its strong arrangements and diverse styles, this album should have wide appeal to Bahá’ís and seekers of all ages.

Hollow Reed Arts [Page 6]

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

1-800-999-9019

Arising to Serve

by the Ruhi Institute SC $5.00 (AS) The long-anticipated follow-up to the basic Ruhi courses, published for the first time in English! This book is an essential component of any large-scale-growth teaching campaign. The courses prepare teachers of the Faith for more effectively participating in expansion and consolidation activities and ‎addresses address‎ the ingredient most often overlooked in teaching projects: how to follow up with new believers. Second in the Ruhi series, this volume includes the courses “The Joy of Teaching,” “Deepening Themes,” and “Introducing Bahá’í Beliefs.”

8-1/2"x11", 80 pp. Palabra Publications

COMING SOON . . .

by Shoghi Effendi:

Messages to the Bahá’í World

Bahá’í Administration

The Promised Day Is Come

These long-awaited titles will be available soon.

Citadel of Faith (CFS) $5.95

NOW IN STOCK

Happiness

Jewels from the Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ‘Abdu’l-Bahá SC $5.95 (H) This booklet, the third in the Jewels series, attractively presents extracts from writings and utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the theme of happiness. The wisdom and compassion embodied in the Master’s words reveal the spiritual reality of true happiness, which is attained through the life of the spirit, self sacrifice, and service to humanity.

6"x6", 46 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust - United Kingdom

Contentment

Jewels from the Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ‘Abdu’l-Bahá SC $5.95 (C) This, the fourth booklet in the Jewels series, attractively presents extracts from writings and utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the theme of contentment. Filled with wisdom and compassion, it offers words of comfort and consolation and reveals the spiritual reality of true contentment.

6"x6", 46 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust - United Kingdom

TEACHING TOOLS

• • The Bahá’ís Magazine •
• • The Bahá’í Faith Earth Pamphlet •
• • The Bahá’í Faith Teaching Booklet •

These valuable teaching tools are back in stock and available today!

Hello World!

Red Grammer CS $10.00 (HWCS), CD $15.00 (HWCD) An upbeat, inspired collection of twelve songs full of hope and delight that will charm and move the hearts of adults and children alike. For those awaiting a follow-up to Teaching Peace, this is it! Includes ten new songs as well as a heart-stopping rendition of “Over the Rainbow” and a lovely adaptation of the rhyme “Starlight, Star Bright.” A recording that kids, parents, and teachers will love.

35 minutes Red Note Records

PLEASE TAKE NOTE! CHANGE IN PRICING POLICY!

Effective January 2, 1996, a 10% shipping charge will be added to all orders shipped within the continental United States. The minimum charge will be $2.00 per order and the maximum charge will be no more than $10.00 per order.

The cost of printing and shipping books has increased dramatically over the past two years. Until now, the National Fund has borne the financial burden of shipping and handling orders. This is no longer possible. The shipping charge has been added to avoid raising book prices. The National Spiritual Assembly appreciates your kind understanding and cooperation with this change in policy.

Symbol and Secret

Qur’an Commentary in Bahá’u’lláh’s Kitáb-i-Íqán Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í Religions, Volume Seven Christopher Buck SC $32.50 (SSS), HC $42.50 (SSH) The first full volume in English to be devoted to a study of the Kitáb-i-Íqán, a book designated by Shoghi Effendi as “foremost among the priceless treasures cast forth from the billowing ocean of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.” The author, a Bahá’í and scholar of Islamic Studies, examines Bahá’u’lláh’s explanations of the symbolic verses in the Qur’án and the Gospels. Through the Kitáb-i-Íqán Bahá’u’lláh has created new meanings for these verses and laid the foundation of a new religion. The author offers his research into the revelation of the Kitáb-i-Íqán and the early history of its publication, answers attacks non-Bahá’í critics have directed against it, analyzes Bahá’u’lláh’s rhetorical techniques, and illumines how the Kitáb-i-Íqán forms a bridge to a new Revelation. A masterful piece of scholarship and a “must read” for serious students of Bahá’í scripture.

6"x9", 326 pp., table of contents, ‎blbliography bibliography‎ Kalimát Press [Page 7]

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Created Rich How Spiritual Attitudes and Material Means Work Together to ‎Achleve Achieve‎ Prosperity Patrick Barker SC $9.95 (CR)

Created Rich teaches both the spiritual and practical principles of wealth acquisition. Although the book is written primarily for Bahá’ís and frequently quotes the Bahá’í writings, it is suitable for anyone wishing to become financially independent. According to the author, almost anyone can achieve financial freedom in a reasonable amount of time by following its guidance, as everyone has the capacity to prosper. Those who have acquired no more than a bare subsistence have either failed to learn the principles governing the acquisition of wealth or failed to observe them. This book explains these principles and tells how to implement them.

5-1/2"x8-1/2", 207 pp. Naturegraph Publishers

Huqúqu’lláh The Right of God Ramin Khadem and Fred Badayan VT $30.00 (EHN)

An excellent video introduction to the subject of Huqúqu’lláh. Contains rare historical pictures and includes segments filmed in the Holy Land with the participation of Hands of the Cause of God Dr. ‘Alí-‎Muammad Muhammad‎ Varqá and Mr. ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan.

51 minutes Ramin Khadem and Fred Badayan

Ethel Jenner Rosenberg The Life and Times of England’s Outstanding Pioneer Worker by Robert Weinberg SC $24.95 (EJR)

A Victorian spinster, a painter of miniatures and portraits, Ethel Rosenberg was the first Englishwoman in her native country to accept Bahá’u’lláh as the Manifestation of God for this day. Using Ethel Rosenberg’s own diaries and letters, minutes and notes from meetings of the first Bahá’í institutions in Britain, and other original documents, Robert Weinberg explores the life of this fascinating woman, whom Shoghi Effendi describes as England’s outstanding Bahá’í pioneer worker. Includes the Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Ethel Rosenberg.

5"x8-3/4", 336 pp., Index George Ronald Publishers

The Violence-Free Family Building Block of a Peaceful Civilization H. B. Danesh, M.D. SC $12.95 (VFF)

Wherever people face racism and prejudice, children are the most innocent, tragic victims. This book addresses the need for a new type of family and a new approach to the all-important task of rearing our children. It is an expression of an unshakable belief in the nobility of the human spirit, in the fundamental unity of the human race, and in the ultimate victory of the forces of love and justice over those of hate and tyranny.

Bahá’í Studies Publications

Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd Susan J. Allen SC $6.95 (TCTC)

Bullies, racist plots, kidnapping, detective work—are these two stories really about four teenage Bahá’ís from a small, insignificant American town? The answer is a resounding YES to the exciting adventures of Jeremy, Anna, Rachel, and Antonio as they win out over material and spiritual obstacles to find that not two, not three, but four’s company!

5" x 8", 111 pp. Oneworld

Multifaith Weekly Planner CA $9.95 (MWP)

The aim of the Multifaith Weekly Planner is to increase awareness and promote understanding of the major festivals of various world religions. It can be useful to anyone, but will be particularly valuable to administrators, educators, and caregivers who plan events and meetings and need to understand religious diversity. Religious observances for eleven world religions are noted, and an explanation of the religious significance of each holy day, festival, fasting period, or celebration is given.

4-3/4"x8" Unity Arts

Developing Genius Getting the Most Out of Group Decision-Making by John Kolstoe SC $14.95 (DG)

When two or more people have a serious discussion in harmony and with good will, the unique product of that group is a special creative energy. It’s more than the combination of ideas. It’s a new and different creation which is greater than the sum of the parts and can enable a group of ordinary people to come up with genius-size ideas. Developing Genius shares principles of consultation being used effectively today. The ideas come from the Bahá’í writings and the author’s own experience.

4-3/4"x7", 260pp., Index, line drawings George Ronald Publishers

Turning Point For All Nations Bahá’í International Community United Nations Office SC $2.25 (TPFAN)

A statement issued by the Bahá’í International Community on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations. The statement reflects on how humanity may collectively face its future, defines a role for the U.N. within the emerging international order, examines the critical challenge of releasing the power of the individual in the emerging world order, and issues a call to world leaders.

8 1/4" x 11 1/4", 31 pp. Bahá’í International Community United Nations Office, New York

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Connection

by Dane Anderson, age 8, adapted from an activity by Kim Menillo

from the pages of Brilliant Star.

“Every part of the universe is connected with every other part by ties that are very powerful.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 157

When kids learn Bahá’í quotations it makes them feel happy. They feel connected to others and make new friends.

Read and memorize the words of Bahá’u’lláh. Give these to your friends so that they can feel connected, too.

Start a chain reaction of CONNECTION with your friends.

Reprinted from Brilliant Star, World Embracing Vision, September-October 1995

Links in the Chain

1. Fold a chenille wire (pipe cleaner) back and forth accordion style until there are 9 hills with 2 long ends.
2. The space between each fold will be about 1/2 inch. Adjust it if you need to. Be sure there are 18 sides.
3. Bring the ends of your link together. Overlap 2 sides and twist both ends to connect. Now you have a nine-pointed star!

The Chain

1. Teach your friends how to help you make nine-pointed star links.
2. Before twisting the ends together, connect the star to the last star made.
3. On a narrow ribbon of paper, write a short quotation from the Sacred Writings. Leave about an inch blank at the beginning of the ribbon.
4. Fold the blank end over a link of the chain. Tape or staple. Make enough for all your friends.

The Reaction

1. Use the chain to decorate your Feast, Holy Day, fireside, etc.
2. Take turns reading verses aloud. Have your guests choose a favorite verse. Hunt for verses that answer certain questions.
3. When your guests leave, give each a star link with quotation. Invite them to create a star chain with other friends.

“The chains of existence contain countless links, each connected with the other.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 533

Illustrated by Nina Scott

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[Page 9]

World Center letters: perspective on Arc progress

In a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to our National Spiritual Assembly, we read:

“The House of Justice has asked us to...provide you with a copy of a letter of August 13, 1995, which was sent on its behalf to a National Spiritual Assembly, the purpose of which was to correct the unfortunate misconception that the needs of the Arc Fund do not remain the highest priority.

“Such a misunderstanding appears to have arisen from a failure to study carefully the June 20, 1995, message of the House of Justice sent out at the conclusion of Mr. Nakhjavání’s visit to Europe and North America. ...The House of Justice is deeply grateful for your dedicated endeavors to help in meeting the pressing needs of the Arc Projects, and it stands ready to assist you in any way possible.”

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of — Dear Bahá’í Friends,

A copy of your Nineteen Day Feast letter for the Feast of Kalimát, July 12-13, 1995, has been received at the Bahá’í World Center, and we have been asked to convey the following.

The Universal House of Justice very much appreciates your action to share with the dearly loved friends in — the full text of its message of June 20, 1995, reporting the results of the mission on which it sent one of its members in connection with the critical financial requirements of the Mount Carmel Projects. However, it is concerned that your Feast letter reflects a serious misunderstanding of that message.

In your letter you indicate that “some of the urgent pressure has been lifted,” stating that “the Universal House of Justice itself, in the last paragraph of its message, has indicated that the relief from this urgency will enable it to direct its attention to the vital needs of teaching, consolidation and proclamation work of the Faith,” and expressing the feeling that your National Spiritual Assembly “must follow in the footsteps of the House of Justice in this matter.”

With this in mind, you further said, “now that the needs of the Arc Fund are not of the highest priority and the need is for massive expansion through teaching, consolidation and proclamation, we would like to ask the friends to reconsider their priorities.”

It is clear, then, that you did not take sufficiently into account the conditional mood of the last paragraph of the House of Justice message to which you referred. That paragraph reads:

““If all the pledges are duly honored, as anticipated, and more friends in the above-named areas, as well as the rest of the world, will continue to offer their loving contributions toward this historic undertaking during this last year of the Three Year Plan, the estimated amount of U.S. $10 million in annual contributions mentioned above will correspondingly be reduced, enabling the World Center to direct its attention with less anxiety to the vital needs of the expansion, consolidation and proclamation work of the Faith throughout all continents.”

““Even though the House of Justice remains confident that the friends will live up to their obligations, sufficient time has not yet passed to enable it to affirm that these conditions have been met. Until such a time, the priority of financially supporting the Mount Carmel Projects will remain.”

““The House of Justice leaves it to your discretion to determine how you will keep this vital matter uppermost in the minds of the friends while at the same time encouraging them to intensify their teaching and consolidation work, for the success in this latter, indispensable aim will undoubtedly assist in meeting the urgent material requirements of the building projects on God’s Holy Mountain.””

The Mount Carmel Projects Office, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, recently prepared this short update on the progress on the Arc: November 12, 1995

At the approach of the close of the Three Year Plan, the projects of the Arc and Terraces on the Mountain of God stand at an exciting threshold. With the structural framework of the Center for the Study of the Texts almost complete, finishing works have commenced inside the building.

A number of contracts have been signed for interior stone, drywall partitions, ceilings, skylights, wooden doors and frames, etc. At the site of the International Teaching Center, work has begun on the second level of the building at the same time as the retaining wall is being extended and strengthened with additional rock anchors.

The physical environment of Mount Carmel is gradually being transformed with the emerging beauty of the Terraces below the Shrine of the Báb. It was an exciting moment ‎hen when‎ the ninth terrace, in the shadow of the Shrine, adorned with all its stone ornaments, landscaped lawns and flower beds, was briefly opened to Bahá’í visitors during the celebration of the Declaration of the Báb according to the lunar calendar on October 1, 1995.

On the upper Terraces, with commencement of bulk excavations at the site of Terrace 11 adjacent to Hatzionut Avenue above the Shrine, all seven phases of construction of the Mount Carmel Projects have been initiated in accomplishment of one of the major goals of the Three Year Plan.

Giving, tight management build financial strength

The combination of increased giving by the friends and tight expense management is having its effect on the strength of the national administration.

As reported elsewhere, contributions have risen this year across the board. Matching this effort by the believers has been the careful management of the offerings received, so that by the end of October the Controller could report to the National Spiritual Assembly that expenses were $911,000 under budget.

Revenues (contributions plus earned income from book sales, schools and investments) were also down, however, so the net budget surplus stood at $660,000. This compares with a $1 million net deficit in October 1994.

Other achievements made possible by the friends this year are:

• funding of continuing major improvements and repairs at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár;
• continued support for the teaching and pioneering goals;
• establishment of a $750,000 reserve for debt reduction;
• a 3 percent cost of living increase for National Center staff, most of whom have received no raises for years except in cases of economic emergency; and
• no new borrowing from the National Assembly’s banks.

The remaining challenge for the year will be balancing the $12.5 million annual operating budget. The recent $1.3 million bequest, mentioned in another article, does not affect the operating budget as the National Assembly, by long-standing policy, applies such contributions to long-term capital needs.

Additional financial news, page 11.

Monthly goal met twice in 7 months....

National Bahá’í Fund - 1995 Goal and Actual

National Bahá’í Fund with Estate Bequests [Page 10]

NATIONAL CONVENTION

87th Bahá’í National Convention

Convention Seating Registration

April 25-28, 1995 Rosemont, Illinois

Last Name	First Name	Middle Initial	Bahá’í I.D. #
Mailing Address
Street
City	State	Zip
Will you be staying at the Holiday Inn O’Hare?    Yes    No

Hotel Reservations must be made directly with the Holiday Inn O’Hare, 708/671-6350, 5440 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL. Make sure you ask for the Bahá’í National Convention rate.

Room Rates are $79 per room, double occupancy. Rollaways are $10 a day. Cribs are free. We ask that you make your hotel reservations at the Holiday Inn O’Hare. Staying at the Holiday Inn helps reduce the National Center’s over-all administrative costs for the Convention.

Free Shuttles to and from O’Hare Airport are offered by the Holiday Inn O’Hare.

Children: We strongly encourage you not to bring children to the Convention unless they are old enough to listen attentively in the visitor sessions with their parents. There will be no provisions for children’s classes or child care. The sessions are long—three full 13-hour days and two half-days—and it is difficult to provide meaningful programs for children for such a long period of time. We regret that the National Center does not have the financial or human resources to sponsor a quality program for children. Also keep in mind that while some security will be present, a large urban hotel is not the safest environment for children. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Sharing Rooms: Individuals seeking roommates must make their own arrangements. Neither the National Center nor the hotel can offer such help.

Mail Form to: National Convention Seating Registration Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Visitors welcome at 87th Convention

In anticipation of the celebration of victories from the Three Year Plan and the introduction of a new Plan by the Universal House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly has provided for a larger number of Bahá’í visitors to attend the upcoming 87th National Convention.

An additional 1,800 believers will be able to take part in this extremely important event, which will be held near Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, convenient to air travelers and those arriving by car.

All Bahá’ís in good standing are warmly invited to join the National Spiritual Assembly and delegates next April 25-28 at the Holiday Inn-O’Hare, 5440 N. River Road in Rosemont (see form for registration and hotel information).

What do visitors do?

Non-delegate visitors will have a chance to observe, although they do not take part in consultation between the delegates and the National Spiritual Assembly. They will learn about the current state of the American Bahá’í community and see the consultation developing from the release of the next global Plan from the Universal House of Justice. Several agencies of the Bahá’í National Center will be on hand to greet everyone and to answer questions. The nearby Bahá’í House of Worship will be open daily to visitors.

What goes on at the National Convention?

The Convention opens (Thursday evening) with the seating of delegates and election of the Convention officers. The National Spiritual Assembly then presents its annual report to the community. Most of the sessions before and after the election of the National Spiritual Assembly (on Saturday morning) are devoted to consultation between the delegates and National Spiritual Assembly. Convention attendees will also see the formal unveiling of the upcoming Plan from the Universal House of Justice. The Convention closes at noon on Sunday.

What do the delegates do?

The 171 delegates were elected at District Conventions last October. Their responsibilities are to elect the new National Assembly and to consult with it on matters of importance to the Faith.

What happens in the election?

The Guardian instructed that the election of the National Spiritual Assembly is to be held at a point midway through the Convention to give the incoming National Assembly an opportunity to consult with delegates and to present to them the broad outlines of its plans for the coming year. The National Spiritual Assembly is elected by plurality vote; the nine people who receive the highest number of votes cast by the delegates are elected.

Who can consult?

Besides the delegates, members of the National Spiritual Assembly are free to take part in Convention deliberations and may offer suggestions or recommendations; however, only National Assembly members who are delegates may vote on issues or be elected to serve as Convention officers. All non-delegate attendees may observe the consultation, but only delegates can take part in discussions taking place on the Convention floor.

What happens to decisions?

The deliberations and decisions of the Convention are advisory. The Guardian explained that the National Convention is a temporary gathering whose status “is limited in time to the convention sessions, the functions of consultation at all other times being vested in the entire body of believers through the local Spiritual Assemblies.” When the delegates return home, they are asked to report to their fellow-believers in their District on the accomplishments, decisions and aspirations of the Convention.

The National Spiritual Assembly’s U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office recently received an award from the Illinois Refugee Social Service Consortium for more than 15 years of ‘distinguished service’ to the refugee community. Puran Stevens, coordinator of the Bahá’í Refugee Office, accepted the award from the Consortium’s Illinois Refugee Program coordinator, Dr. Ed Silverman, at a ceremony on October 24. The Bahá’í Refugee Office coordinates all Bahá’í activities related to Bahá’í refugees, especially Southeast Asian and Iranian newcomers to the U.S.

Mrs. Guchani-Rosenberg, Dr. Jahangir Cyrus named Auxiliary Board members in Southeastern states

Farah Guchani-Rosenberg of Boca Raton, Florida, and Jahangir Cyrus of Louisville, Kentucky, have been appointed members of the Auxiliary Board for protection, replacing Jack Guillebeaux and Sam McClellan, respectively.

Mrs. Guchani-Rosenberg, who will serve Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi, was born in Iran and comes from a family who pioneered to Turkey.

She came to the U.S. in 1976 to pursue her education as an architect, and since moving to Florida has served as an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Cap Cornwell and as secretary of the Magdalene Carney Bahá’í Institute.

Dr. Cyrus, whose territory includes Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and Arkansas, was also born in Iran where he served for three years as secretary of the Bahá’í Youth Committee of Tehran.

In the U.S. he has served on local Assemblies, the Kentucky District Teaching Committee and the National Development Committee.

He is a member of the steering committee for Louisville’s city-wide initiative, “Many People One Community,” and is on the board of directors of the National Conference (formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews).

While at the University of Louisville, Dr. Cyrus was director of the training units for the divisions of endocrinology and diabetes and hypertension, and was a two-time recipient of the university’s Outstanding Teacher award. [Page 11]

Half-year contributions reveal shift in pattern of U.S. believers’ giving

The community’s efforts to build the Arc and meet local and national needs have changed the way Bahá’ís support the Funds of the Faith.

A review of giving statistics from local Spiritual Assemblies and individuals in Assembly areas for the period from May 1-October 31 shows individual believers are providing a greater share than local Assemblies of the material resources received in the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of the Treasurer, even as over-all giving by both local Assemblies and individuals has risen dramatically.

Offerings by local Spiritual Assemblies to the international and national Funds of the Faith increased 73 percent, to more than $5.5 million.

This total was 40 percent of the total contributions of $13.9 million received from Assemblies and individuals in the first half of the year; the other 60 percent, some $8.4 million, came from individual believers, whose total offerings increased more than 200 percent over last year’s level.

Last October, total contributions from these two donor groups were $5.7 million, of which 56 percent came from Assemblies and 44 percent from individuals.

“There are several possible meanings in this information, which may have implications for the way the institutions address the Faith’s material needs,” said a staff member in the Office of the Treasurer.

“Local Assemblies may be facing a growing need locally and are unable to increase their support as quickly as individual believers can. It’s also possible that individuals felt a greater need to give directly to the senior institutions and especially for the Arc, where the biggest increases naturally have occurred.

“One piece of the puzzle we don’t have at the National Center is what has happened in the local Funds: have they also gone up, or have they gone down as more dollars flow to the national and international Funds? This review also didn’t look at groups and isolated believers; what’s happening there?”

One of the more provocative developments has been the year’s across-the-board increases in all the Funds. Conventional wisdom might say that one must go down while another goes up, at least if it is assumed that the available support is limited.

This year, however, while individuals and Assemblies increased their offerings for the Arc by 523 percent and 253 percent, respectively, they also increased their contributions to the Bahá’í National Fund, by 24 percent and 11 percent.

“For years,” the staff member said, “letters and calls to the Office of the Treasurer have said ‘There’s only so much money in the community,’ but might not these statistics indicate a whole different level of capacity than we generally think is the case?”

Counselors

Continued from page 1

Linda Gershuny, Abdu’l-Missagh Ghadirian, Peter McLaren (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Alejandra Miller, Ruth Pringle, Carmen Elisa de Sadeghian, Isabel de Sanchez, Errol Sealy, Arturo Serrano, Farhad Shayani, David Smith, Rodrigo Tomas.

ASIA (18 Counselors): Borhanoddin Afshin, Fadel Ardekani, Jabbar Eidelkhani, Bijan Farid, Elena Gruzkova, David Huang (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Nobuko Iwakura, Abbas Katirai, Kim Myung Jung, Lee Lee Ludher, Payman Mohajer, Perin Olyai, Zenaida Ramirez, Cyrus Rohani, Vicente Samaniego, Zena Sorabjee, George Soraya, Rosalie Tran.

AUSTRALASIA (11 Counselors): Ben Ayala, Beatrice Benson, Afemata Moli Chang, David Chittleborough (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Violette Haake, Betra Majmeto, Sirus Naraqi, Bruce Saunders, Heather Simpson, Erama Ugaia, Robin White.

EUROPE (14 Counselors): Hooshidar Balazadeh, Uta von Both, Patricia Coles, Louis Henuzet, Patrick O’Mara (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Nabil Perdu, Maija Pihlainen, Polin Rafat, Shapour Rassekh, Ilhan Sezgin, Nosrat Tirandaz, Larissa Tsutskova, Tiberiu Vajda, Sohrab Youssefian.

The following 15 devoted believers are being released from the duties of membership on the Boards of Counselors: Sabir Afaqi, Hushang Ahdieh, Gila Michael Bahta, Friday Ekpe, Kamran Eshraghian, Kassimi Fofana, John Fozdar, Tinai Hancock, Foad Kazemzadeh, Gayle Morrison, Rose Ong, William Roberts, Paul Semenoff, Alan Smith, Shantha Sundram. These distinguished servants of Bahá’u’lláh have earned our abiding gratitude for their impressive and self-sacrificing contributions to the progress of the Cause. Our fervent prayers surround them as they take up the next phase in their service to the Faith.

In the next stage of the Divine Plan, which will begin at Ridván, the essential role of the Counselors and their Auxiliary Boards in the operation of the Bahá’í Administrative Order will become more evident. During the crucial period ahead they will be required to direct their attention and energies in still greater measure to fostering the evolution of local and national Bahá’í institutions and to helping the rank and file of the believers to increase their devotion to Bahá’u’lláh, their ardor in teaching, and their ability to draw on the tremendous power latent in the unified action of Bahá’í communities.

The Counselors in all continents are being called to a conference at the World Center of the Faith from December 26-31, 1995, to deliberate on the tasks and opportunities of the years immediately ahead.

It is our heartfelt prayer that the exertions of the newly appointed Boards of Counselors may lend a tremendous impetus to the manifold activities of the friends throughout the world.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice

October 29, 1995

Stories of giving — from all over, all ages

Texas

“Please accept this contribution in memory of my wife, Marjorie J. Heath, to be applied to the Arc. She passed away 9/21/95. ...The Arc was very dear to her and as an example of her dedication she started teaching piano again after her retirement in order to give more to the Arc. This was in addition to our regular monthly contribution...”

Massachusetts

“Greetings for Bahá’u’lláh’s Birthday! I wish this was $9,000,000 but the commitment is the same. We have three kids in college and try to help support their college clubs and teaching needs. We also try to stay within unity in our marriage. ...Thank you for the constant prayers at the National Center for our young people. They bear the brunt of today’s stresses and those of the future. They need to have the full realization that if they help, Bahá’u’lláh will do the 90 percent of what is ahead to do. ...Our prayers are with each of you and your families.”

Clovis, California

The children of Clovis held a birthday party for Bahá’u’lláh and, using the Brilliant Star page created for that purpose, sent in pictures, poems and contributions, all wrapped up in a birthday box and sent to the National Spiritual Assembly. There are no words to express the joy the arrival of that gift brought to all those who saw it!

Pakistan (yes, the country!)

A young man living in Pakistan, a new believer and the only Bahá’í so far in his Muslim family, was talking about the coming winter there, and said he didn’t have a warm coat for the often very cold weather. “That’s all right, though, I can make it; I can be cold. This money is going to the Arc!” He was so proud to have a new job, and he gave his first paycheck to the Arc rather than spend it on clothing.

California (again!)

“Enclosed is a check for $150 for the Arc Fund. ...Since we are so in debt, and we are obliged to pay our debts before giving to the Fund, I was racking my brain to find a way to contribute to the Arc Project. ...I finally thought of something. I decided to sell a gold bracelet that my grandmother gave me. It was one I would have liked to pass on to my daughters. ...Instead of selling it to some jewelry store, I asked my daughter if she would like to buy the bracelet. She liked the idea of buying her inheritance so the money could go to the Fund. So here it is with all of our love. We are so happy to be able to contribute to the Arc Project.”

Images International has deepening tapes

“Windows to the Past,” a series of audio tapes for deepening, has been produced by and is available from Images International.

The first group of 23 inspirational tapes, designed especially to deepen those who are traveling and may not have time to read, covers 19 topics related to the Faith and is narrated by Dr. Darius and Mrs. Grace Shahrokh.

For information about the tapes, please contact Images International, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343 (phone 800-470-4525 or 423-870-4525; fax 423-870-4774).

Institute for Bahá’í Studies seeks papers for Irfan Colloquium, History Conference

Papers are sought for two upcoming conferences planned by the Institute for Bahá’í Studies—the Irfan Colloquium (March 29-31) and the Biennial History Conference (June 7-9).

If you would like to make a presentation at either conference, please send a 500-word abstract describing your proposal to Lynnea Yancy, Research Office, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 708-733-3548; fax 708-733-3563; e-mail

The Irfan Colloquium, sponsored by the Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund, will examine criticisms of the Faith and ways in which to respond to them; the History Conference will address all aspects of Bahá’í history with emphasis on its history in North America.

The Institute is sponsoring a third conference, The New World Order in Bahá’í Perspective, on January 26-28, also at the Bahá’í National Center.

All conferences will start at 7 p.m. Friday evening and end Sunday at noon.

A special hotel rate of $65/night (single or double occupancy) is available at the North Shore Hilton Hotel (phone 708-679-7000) for those who register at least two weeks in advance.

Registration fees ($60 for the New World Order conference) include the cost of all food for the weekend.

Telephone number for the Bahá’í National Center Bulletin Board Service (BNCBBS): 708-869-0389

[Page 12]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

THE NATIVE American Bahá’í Institute (NABI) is seeking a program coordinator. The successful candidate will lead program initiatives through planning, coordination and implementation. Should have excellent administrative and communication skills and the ability to work and consult with those of diverse ages and ethnic backgrounds. Knowledge of Native American cultures or desire to integrate is a plus. Please send a resumé and application to NABI, P.O. Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86506 (e-mail

THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School has an opening for a full-time administrative assistant. Responsibilities include registration, reception, telephone, sorting mail, updating mailing lists and sending out mailings, receiving time sheets, benefits information, filing, bookkeeping, processing insurance claims, backing up bookstore clerk. Profile: organized, works well with the public and in teams; word processing skills in general, filing and bookkeeping skills, service-oriented self-starter with minimum 2-3 years experience in an office environment. Able to work overtime if necessary; training in quality management desirable. For information, contact the Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201, or phone 708-733-3429.

EXCITING opportunities overseas. Teaching positions are available in Haikou, Hainan; Jiangxi; Jinzhou, Jilin; Jiangmen, Guangdong; ‎Shangdong Shandong‎; and Shanghai, China. For more information, please phone Ms. Gwili Posey, 708-733-3512, fax 708-733-3509, or email:

THE NATIONAL Treasurer’s Office has openings for an accountant and accounts receivable cashier. Both are full-time salaried positions. Candidates for accountant should have a bachelor’s degree in the field or 3-5 years relevant experience. Audit work is preferable; CPA is a plus. Must have advanced knowledge of Excel or other spreadsheet software programs and have good skills in communication and organization. The accounts receivable cashier should be a high school graduate or equivalent including courses in bookkeeping plus 3-5 years experience in cashiering or accounts receivable. Should have good number sequencing skills and the ability to work well with calculators and PCs. For information or an application, write to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3429).

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas. AFRICA: Gabon—computer hardware/software volunteer consultant needed to help in office of an individual Counselor. Tanzania—urgent need for English teachers. CARE needs camp manager, health program manager, environmental program manager for refugee services. Zambia—technical coordinator needed for a rural water supply initiative. AMERICAS: Barbados—lecturer in economics at U. of the West Indies. Guatemala—elementary school teachers, high school principal, English, math and science teachers. Puerto Rico—caretaker for the Amoz Gibson/Gordon Laite Bahá’í Institute. ASIA: India—program officer to develop, monitor and evaluate the Ford Foundation’s rights and social justice program in India. Kazakhstan—laboratory educator to provide help in upgrading clinical bacteriology laboratories. Korea—English teachers. Macau—teachers. Sakhalin—teachers. Siberia, Russia—trainers for project that teaches social/psychological intervention skills to reduce chemical dependency. Taiwan—general manager for Bahá’í Office of the Environment. AUSTRALASIA: Australia—generalists and specialists needed for 2-24 month assignments. Marshall Islands—the College of the Marshall Islands needs qualified pediatric nurse and obstetric nurse as instructors. Samoa—need caretaker couple for the House of Worship. Solomon Islands—counselor for abused women, beautician. Vanuatu—volunteer primary school teachers. EUROPE: Armenia—financial controller needed by Save the Children. Czech Republic—English instructors, translator needed for Czech/English translations for Czech non-governmental organization on energy issues. Portugal—specialists in environmental water resources, computational mechanics, impact assessment, hydrogeology. Russia—University of Maryland College teaching opportunities, finance & grants manager needed by Save the Children for the Russian Civic Initiatives program in Moscow. Switzerland—volunteer needed for a P.C. network/secretarial support position for the Bahá’í International Community United Nations Office in Geneva. MULTI-REGIONAL: university faculty needed for teaching positions on U.S. military bases overseas. Consultants needed by international consulting firm for short- and long-term assignments, primarily in Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States, to support the U.S. Agency for International Development. Panama has an urgent need for two Spanish-speaking couples to serve in the Kuna region of the San Blas Islands. Urgent need for pioneers to settle in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509; e-mail

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE

The institutions and agencies of the Bahá’í World Centre require a broad range of skills and levels of experience to meet the needs of our growing international community. These skills include those required for

• Archives
• Bahá’í Administration
• Cleaning Maintenance
• Finance / Accounting
• Guard Duties
• Horticulture
• Information Systems
• Library Science
• Management
• Museum Science
• Personnel Services
• Purchasing
• Research
• Records Management
• Secretarial Services
• Skilled Building Trades
• Social & Economic Development

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Terms of service are for 12, 18 or 30 months, or of an indefinite duration, depending upon the requirements of the specific position. Please contact:

Bahá’í World Centre Office of Personnel P. O. Box 155 31 001 Haifa, Israel FAX: 972-4-835-8325

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

WHY NOT leave the larger cities, as the Guardian directed? Forego your high-priced lifestyle (it’s called sacrifice) and move to a small, lovely, friendly town to teach the Faith (it’s called homefront pioneering). Alpine, Texas, desperately needs dedicated Bahá’ís who love the Faith and long to share it with others. For more information, write to Antoinette Isaac, Alpine, TX 79830, or phone 915-837-5916.

HELP IS NEEDED to reach Assembly status in Galesburg, Illinois, a town of 30,000-plus within commuting distance of Peoria and the Quad Cities area of Illinois/Iowa. The population is racially and ethnically diverse, with many students from overseas at Knox College. Major employers include Knox, Carl Sandburg Junior College, various factories (including Maytag), restaurants, two hospitals, and many retail outlets. Residents are quite supportive of cultural activities. Much Bahá’í teaching has been done through the years, with some enrollments and many scattered seeds; there are now two active Bahá’ís and a weekly fireside. The Heartland Bahá’í School will be held here again this year, with associated proclamation opportunities. The town is ripe; we simply need more harvesters, especially those who have served on Assemblies and/or have experience teaching Christians. Contact Helen Katz, Galesburg, IL 61401 (phone 309-341-1847).

WACO, a city of 106,000 near the center of Texas, home to Baylor University, McLennan County Junior College and Texas State Technical College, needs homefront pioneers. There are two large hospitals, a large and beautiful lake, Cameron Park, a zoo, kiddie land, and the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world. If that’s not enough, the Bahá’í Center was recently opened to welcome the warmest hearts in Texas! Check us out. For information, please write to Brenda Khozein, Waco, TX 76710 (phone 817-772-3638) or, on the Internet, e-mail

YOU ARE NEEDED to help the Bahá’í community of San Marcos, California, preserve its local Spiritual Assembly as we joyously say farewell to a pioneer to Siberia. San Marcos, 30 minutes north of San Diego and 20 minutes east of the Pacific Ocean, is a growing community that is home to California State University and Palomar College. Be a part of San Diego County’s entry by ‎toops troops‎ teaching process in San Marcos. Write to the Bahá’ís of San Marcos, P.O. Box 1892, San Marcos, CA 92079 or e-mail

MULTI-RACIAL family of eight seeking child-development centered community to live/pioneer in or near. Varied teaching and consolidation skills to offer. Please contact Richard and Vesta Pellegrino, 803-386-3386.

JOIN A FAMILY of homefront pioneers and help teach in the culturally diverse town of Kerman, California (pop. 6,000), 75 percent Hispanic, 10 percent Punjabi. Other cultures include Portuguese and Russian. Kerman is in California’s central valley, an hour and a half from the Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. Fresno, only 30 minutes away, offers employment and educational opportunities. We are especially looking for youth or those who are interested in a youth workshop. For more information, please write to Meredith King, Kerman, CA 93630, or phone 209-846-4468.

HELP RAISE a Spiritual Assembly in Oldsmar, Florida—a community of four Bahá’í adults and five children that is close to Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Write to Sandy Caputo, Oldsmar, FL 34677, or phone 813-854-1466.

THE BAHÁ’Í community of Lisle, Illinois, 25 miles west of the Bahá’í House of Worship and a half hour from Chicago, will establish a Spiritual Assembly by Ridván 1996 with your help. Only three adult Bahá’ís are needed to round out our active group. Lisle is a multicultural community of more than 19,000 offering a variety of housing in all price ranges. Five colleges and the headquarters of many Fortune 500 companies are within a five- to 15-minute drive. Surrounding Bahá’í communities in DuPage County provide nurturing love with a firmly established Bahá’í Sunday school, monthly meetings of area community representatives, and a Bahá’í-sponsored event almost every evening. Phone Bill or Stacey Hall, 708-968-2958, or e-mail s-

ARCHIVES

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 follow- [Page 13]

ADS

ing individuals: Charles Adams, Claribelle Adams, Howard Adams, Wilmer Alice Adams, Margaret J. Adueat, Minnie Aftermaur, Alice Akridge (died Chicago, IL, 1971), Rebina R. Alai, Alma E.E. Albertson (died Greenville, MI, 1941) and Claudia Coles Aldridge. Anyone who knows family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to write to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611, or to phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking copies of local community bulletins or newsletters, especially from larger communities. They can be from any time period. We would appreciate being put on the mailing list of local community newsletters. Anyone who has bulletins or newsletters they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

WANTED

THE RESEARCH Office at the Bahá’í National Center is compiling a list of Bahá’ís (1) with expertise relevant to Bahá’í scholarship and research; (2) able to serve as mentors for Bahá’í college students; and/or (3) able to serve as faculty and mentors for the Wilmette Institute and its four-year program, “Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization.” Bahá’ís who teach full- or part-time at colleges or universities are particularly invited to apply. Please send your name, address and field/subject to Robert Stockman, Research Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3425; fax 708-733-3563; e-mail

PROFESSOR of sociology at ‎North-east Northeast‎ Louisiana University wishes to contact other Bahá’ís who teach introduction to sociology, social psychology, and/or gerontology classes. Also serves as executive director of gerontology for a master of arts program in gerontology at the university in case any students might be interested in this area. Please write to Dr. Christopher J. Johnson, Department of Sociology, ‎N.E. Northeast‎ Louisiana University, Monroe, LA 71209-0330, or phone 318-342-1465.

INFORMATION is needed to complete a brief report on the lives of seven men, including three Bahá’ís, who were known writers, and all of whom served as customs collectors. Needed is the year and place of birth and the year of death for Joseph H. Hannen, an active Bahá’í during and after World War I in Washington, D.C. Please write to Paul Pearsall, Jersey City, NJ 07306.

I AM COMPILING stories for a book about how God works mysteriously in our lives through prayer, dreams, visions, miracles, healing, etc.—the kind of stories that raise goosebumps or send a tingle along the spine. Please submit your stories to Kim Mennillo, Red Bank, TN 37415; e-mail

Youth Activities

THE NATIONAL Teaching Committee is seeking Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers, ages 18-23, to fill a variety of posts in the U.S. including service opportunities at the permanent schools and institutes and opportunities in such places as Phoenix and Holbrook, AZ; Conway and Orangeburg, SC; Buncombe County, NC; Holland, MI; Los Angeles, CA; St. Paul, MN; and Kansas City, MO. There are also opportunities for young people who want to enroll in a college or university in a local locality to serve as a homefront pioneer. If you would like to serve at any of these posts, or if you are interested in establishing a post in another locality, please contact Ada James in the National Teaching Committee office, 708-733-3493.

THE WORK/STUDY program at the Native American Bahá’í Institute (NABI) presents a unique youth service opportunity. Young people who are interested in pursuing Bahá’í service work with college or vocational studies are encouraged to apply to the Institute. Youth at NABI will be guided through a program that includes course work, the arts, travel, and community and Institute service. Join us at NABI and prepare for a lifetime of service to humanity. Write to NABI, P.O. Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86506, or e-mail

INTERNATIONAL Bahá’í Youth Service Corps Opportunities: The enthusiastic services of Bahá’í youth are needed all over the U.S. and the world. The wide range of needs and opportunities include such arenas as reaching the masses with the message of Bahá’u’lláh, deepening new believers, conducting children’s classes for children and youth and carrying out other educational activities, assisting the administrative work of Bahá’í institutions, hands-on work with a variety of social and economic development projects, proclaiming the Faith through the arts, mobilizing the youth of a region or even a country, teaching fellow students and teachers, and more. In the most recent pioneer call from the Universal House of Justice, 97 countries listed specific needs and opportunities for youth pioneers, including many university study options. In addition, many National Spiritual Assemblies have written to our national community to advise of the following opportunities. AFRICA—The Gambia (English): Two arenas of service: help with the brand new urban pre-school opening in September or with a rural education center at the Bwiam Regional Bahá’í Center. Senegal (French): “Olinga Teaching Project” near Dakar needs French-speaking youth to help with teaching, children’s classes, activities for women and for youth. Abilities in drama welcome. AMÉRICAS—Alaska (English and indigenous languages): North youth service project, working with Eskimos, and Norton Sound Project. Honduras (Spanish): volunteers with experience in printing needed to help develop a social and economic development project focused on the production of Bahá’í literature in La Ceiba. At Project Bayan youth are needed who have studied Spanish for at least two years and can stay for 6-12 months, or medical students who have completed their first two years of medical school for 4-month periods (one at a time). Jamaica (English): Youth in Kingston area have begun to rise up and become active. They would very much benefit from working with youth from other countries. Venezuela (Spanish): Three “entry by troops projects” and an ongoing year of service program supported by local youth, incorporating proclamation, teaching, consolidation, theater, music and other aspects are in need of 6-10 youth at a time for at least six months service. Knowledge of Spanish a must. Low living costs. ASIA—urgent needs. Contact the Office of Pioneering as soon as possible. India (English): New Era Development Institute, “an exciting place to work [which] offers a unique opportunity to learn about social and economic development in a Bahá’í context,” is looking for one or two deepened Bahá’ís who enjoy working closely with other youth to come for anywhere from four months to a year, preferably arriving in June. Thailand (Thai and English): The Santitham School, a social and economic development project of the National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand and “a landmark of the Bahá’í Faith in the North-East of Thailand,” whose contributions to society have been appreciated by the provincial government, needs dedicated volunteers for periods of at least six months. AUSTRALASIA—Australia (English): Seven arenas of service: children’s classes, firesides and hospitality, House of Worship guiding, gardening and janitorial and National Bahá’í Office work, for several youth from anywhere in the world. Accommodations on House of Worship property provided. EUROPE—Albania (Albanian): “...one or more devoted and capable youths...[to be] accompanied by an Albanian youth...who could be in charge of driving a van and directing the Mobile Institute. ...” Driving experience important. France (French): The Office of Public Information of the Bahá’í International Community in Paris needs a bilingual (French/English) assistant for duties such as office administration and secretarial work, follow-up on publications, and participation in public relations projects. If you can arise to meet one of these needs, please contact your local Spiritual Assembly for initial consultation and information and to receive a copy of the Pioneer/Bahá’í Youth Service Corps Volunteer Form. As you work toward your goal, The Office of Pioneering will help you to do as the Universal House of Justice advises: “Through prayer and consultation, and after considering his own experience, inclinations and possibilities, he can choose his goal area and, confidently relying on the confirming power of Bahá’u’lláh, set out to serve the Cause of his Lord. ...”

For Sale

ENJOY relaxing music while supporting the Arc Fund. The Spiritual Assembly of Lakewood, California, has available compact discs by flautist Travis Williams with all proceeds to go to the Arc. Each CD includes three improvised pieces based on Bahá’í prayers and performed on a bamboo flute. The prayers are reprinted inside the cover, so they make great gifts for non-Bahá’í friends. Please send $10 (or more) plus $2 for shipping and handling for each CD to the Lakewood Bahá’í Fund, P.O. Box 241, Lakewood, CA 90714.

DON’T MISS the opportunity to own or give as a gift “The Laughter of Angels,” a professionally produced cassette of Bahá’í-inspired music written and sung by Red Grammer, Mary Davis, Art Hatley, Chris and Janet Ruhe, Laurie Early and many others, offered as a fund-raising effort by a committee of the Solomon Hilton Bahá’í Summer School of New York state. Cassettes are $10 each, and all proceeds go to the school’s scholarship fund. Please make checks payable to Jean Jaczko and send (with your address) to Christopher Ruhe, Beacon, NY 12508.

Volunteer Services

THE MAXWELL Bahá’í School in British Columbia urgently needs volunteers, ages 20 through retirement, in the following areas: two people in the janitorial department; one computer “trouble-shooter” for PC software and hardware; an administrative assistant with good clerical/communication skills. Would prefer a commitment of six months to a year. Volunteers are given room and board, a modest allowance, and help with health-care coverage. Applications for a year of service are also being accepted for the 1996-97 academic year. If you think you can help now or would like to apply for service in the future, please phone Barbara Taylor, 604-743-7144 (fax 604-743-3522; e-mail or write to the Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0, Canada.

The Clark County (Nevada) Bar Association recently presented its 1995 Liberty Bell Award to Aleda Nelson, a Bahá’í from Las Vegas who is president of Eric Nelson Auctioneering. The award, sponsored nationally by the American Bar Association, recognizes individuals for their public service in strengthening freedom, justice and respect for the law. Ms. Nelson is pictured with Tom Sheets, president of the Clark County Bar Association. In presenting the award, Judge Lloyd D. George said, ‘Ms. Nelson has been involved in the fight against bias, bigotry and racism in America for many years. She has promoted annual Interfaith Forums and the Anytown Human Relations Program, and presently serves as a national trustee of the National Conference (formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews).’

Wilmette Institute begins four-year study program on ‘Spiritual Foundations’

The Wilmette Institute has begun its four-year program of study of the Faith entitled “Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization.”

The program has two parts, a home-study component (October to June) and a one-month residential summer session next July at National-Louis University in Wilmette, Illinois.

Participation in the summer session is an integral part of the program. The first year’s homework and classes focus on the study of Bahá’í theological principles, unity of religion and its developmental process, general knowledge of world religions, emergence of the Faith and the Bayán period, and an introduction to philosophy.

The first group of students has begun the home-study segment. The second group will be admitted into the program in January.

Those who are interested in enrolling may contact the Wilmette Institute’s registrar at 708-733-3492 (fax 708-733-3502; e-mail The Institute is also starting to develop correspondence courses on the Faith for release at a later date.

The Wilmette Institute also plans to organize a one-month, multi-level intensive study of the Persian language to aid in the study of the Writings in Persian. It will be offered at National-Louis University next July once a sufficient number of applicants have indicated their interest.

Those who are interested may contact the Persian/American Affairs Office at the Bahá’í National Center (phone 708-733-3526; fax 708-869-0247; e-mail [Page 14]

Chattanooga

Continued from page 1

member Mary K. Radpour’s assistants: double the number of believers and number of Spiritual Assemblies in the area by Riḍván 153.

There are also the initial reports from greater Houston, where the friends have made teaching the agenda and scrutinized each community activity in light of how well it contributes to growth.

Have we been aiming too low, participants in that June meeting wonder? If we put our collective mind and heart into increasing the ranks, the maturation, and the influence of the Faith in our region, can we achieve the same level of success we did with the Arc?

Of course we can, the friends decide, and the Teaching Committee is commissioned to draw up a proposal.

It’s a plan!

The plan, as approved by the Chattanooga and Hamilton County Assemblies, took up Counselor Ellis’ challenge as the short-term goal.

For the long term, the goals would be to deliver the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh to everyone in the area and to spiritualize public discourse on vital issues with the Bahá’í teachings.

It was recognized that all of the institutions—local Spiritual Assemblies, Groups, and Mrs. Radpour and her assistants—would have to play a role from the start in shaping the teaching campaign.

The friends also acknowledged that individual initiative and universal participation—no matter one’s age or perceived limitations—must be the campaign’s hallmarks.

And they assured the community that all types and manner of teaching would be appropriate and necessary for success.

To support the teaching effort, the Teaching Committee decided to establish four action teams: human resources, community events, publicity and materials, and finance. Later, through consultation, the first two teams were combined and then redivided under the names initial contact and follow-up.

Under the plan, any time a teaching initiative was conceived an action proposal would go out to the teams for consultation on what resources—human or material—it could muster for the initiative.

The Teaching Committee’s role would be to monitor the progress of initiatives, stimulate efforts in areas that seemed to be lacking, and act as liaison with and between institutions.

‘Soaring on Eagles’ Wings’

The months of infrastructure-building and weekly communications with the friends culminated November 19, the anniversary of the Arc fund-raiser, in a day-long program called Soaring on Eagles’ Wings to launch the process.

After opening prayers and readings, the 60 to 70 friends in attendance were greeted with a reminder that no one who arises to teach is alone.

Calling for a new believer to stand, the local Teaching Committee chairman noted first the assistance of God, the Supreme Concourse, and the Writings. Then he cited the example of believers all over the world, the guidance of the international, national, and local institutions, and finally the help of the body of believers.

By the time he finished, everyone was on their feet.

But under what banner would this effort be waged? Through secret ballot, the friends overwhelmingly ushered in the Edie Osborn Teaching Campaign in memory of a stalwart Bahá’í teacher and mother of Mrs. Radpour.

Activities designed to help the friends realize the magnificence of their previous teaching filled the balance of the morning. One by one they approached maps of the city, region, states and world and placed dots where they live and where they have pioneered or travel-taught.

As the maps filled with incredible evidence of their triumphs, believers of all ages told stories confirming the blessings conferred through teaching.

Over lunch, the friends toured displays of teaching initiatives under way in the community. The pre-youth also circulated to gather information for newsletter profiles they would write about individuals in the community.

Several rousing teaching songs brought the crowd back together to hear the day’s special speaker, Jack McCants, whom the National Spiritual Assembly had graciously released early from his monthly meeting to attend.

The Arc and teaching

Mr. McCants briefly brought the friends back to their triumphant Arc fund-raiser of a year ago, describing the Chattanooga community as a “shining light” that has been seen all the way to Haifa.

He averred that the American Bahá’í community as a whole, by rising to meet the challenge of raising $40 million during the Three Year Plan to keep the Mount Carmel projects on schedule, has passed “its greatest test so far” in demonstrating that it is not bound by the “excessive and enervating materialism” described by Shoghi Effendi in The Advent of Divine Justice (p. 24).

Mr. McCants also shared his personal views about the importance of the Arc Projects.

He reminded the friends of the “uniqueness of this time,” noting that Bahá’u’lláh is not merely another in a line of Prophets but the “Promised One of All Ages”; that Bahá’u’lláh’s coming is an unparalleled historical event that will never be repeated; that He is the “Organizer of the Planet”; that development of His World Order is a Divine Plan; and that the Arc on Mount Carmel is the heart and nerve center of spiritual forces in the world “enshrining the Spirit of God.”

Turning to the teaching work, Mr. McCants reiterated the potency of divine assistance.

We have access to Bahá’u’lláh’s soul itself, he said. In fact, we are taught that the souls of all the departed are closer than our life vein. We also have access to a perfect prayer for every need, he said, in urging the Bahá’ís to teach new believers how to pray.

Mr. McCants had several thoughts on the process of sharing the message:

• It’s easier to teach with others, because it takes the burden off each individual to “know all the answers.”
• There is certitude in knowing where in the Writings a principle or teaching can be found.
• Don’t discount the power of love. We are telling someone about our Lord, our best friend.
• Instead of seeing limits in our qualities or circumstances, see instead how lucky we are to possess what we do and use it to our advantage.
• Listen to a seeker the way ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did.

Finally, Mr. McCants said, take heart in that you are more precious to God than you’ll ever know. If you realize that God loves you, you can do anything.

Finding receptive souls

Because Mr. McCants enthralled the friends for two and a half hours, the goal-setting workshop was held over until the following Sunday, appropriately the Day of the Covenant. It was well worth the wait.

Workshop facilitators Carla and Raymond Jeffords and Mrs. Radpour took attendees afresh through the elements of guiding individual souls that the National Teaching Committee had introduced in Atlanta in January 1994:

• finding and teaching receptive souls;
• declaration and enrollment;
• strengthening bonds of fellowship;
• systematic deepening; and
• continued learning and service.

The Chattanooga-area community, in their opinion, is earning excellent marks on the latter four elements. Because the first area—finding and teaching receptive souls—needs to be strengthened, that was to be the workshop focus.

Who is likely to respond to the message of Bahá’u’lláh? Everyone, eventually. But who is likely to respond most quickly? According to the facilitators, they are people who are uncomfortable with the current condition of the world and people who are hopeful that there are answers to those ills.

We lack the numbers at present to reach these receptive souls en masse, the speakers acknowledged. What we have, though, are qualities and circumstances that allow us as individuals and as a community to teach.

That was quickly confirmed by a simple exercise.

Attendees were asked to write on index cards the names of people they know who might be receptive. Who in their neighborhood? In their work life? Recreational life? Family? Circle of friends? Acquaintances?

Next the friends were asked to look over the names and ask what they knew about these people that might open a door to teaching them the Faith.

Taking action

Finally, how could those people be introduced to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh? Some suggestions were to ask directly if they are interested, invite them to firesides, introduce them to another Bahá’í, invite them to a gathering, invite them to a Holy Day observance or to worship services, invite them to a home or meal, converse with them about ideas, befriend them, or be of service to them in some way.

Another exercise generated a tally of teaching and community activities in which the friends are engaged at present.

That impressive and lengthy listing led to the final ‎exercice exercise‎, in which attendees were asked to make personal commitments to individual teaching, fireside support, teaching institutes, extension teaching, involvement in current teaching initiatives, and helping to develop initiatives where there are “holes” in current efforts.

Mrs. Radpour wrapped up the workshop with a challenge of her own. Noting that there is power in our movement together, she proposed to the local Spiritual Assemblies that they choose a target population for intensified teaching over a set period of time.

As many activities as possible would focus on that population, she said, and the results would be analyzed to gauge how to proceed.

After the workshop ended, there was little left to say—but much to do. Pray for their strength to make it happen. [Page 15]NEWS FROM OVERSEAS

More than 7,000 enrolled in Haiti teaching campaign

More than 7,000 people were enrolled in the Faith ‎in within within‎ a recent two-week span during Haiti’s ongoing Artibonite Teaching Campaign. “After two weeks of teaching,” according to a report from the National Spiritual Assembly, “the present tally is 7,189 new believers, 57 localities opened, and three villages entirely converted to the Bahá’í Faith.”

Meanwhile, in Myanmar’s Mandalay Division, a weekend teaching campaign held last July 28-30 led to the enrollment of 122 new believers, the opening of a dozen new localities and the re-formation of one lapsed Assembly. About 30 Bahá’ís including members of the National Spiritual Assembly and Auxiliary Board took part in the campaign, which was organized by the National Teaching Committee.

The Russian Federation’s national Bahá’í summer school was held August 25-30 in Chita. About 90 friends from eight countries took part including Counselor John Fozdar, two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, and several Auxiliary Board members. A Bahá’í from Taiwan attended the school, then remained for a few extra days to teach. During his visit 10 Chinese people and four other residents embraced the Cause. Other friends from Alaska, Canada, Norway and the U.S. traveled to Chita to help teach during the summer. As a result of their efforts, 122 people were enrolled in the Faith, three localities were opened, one new local Spiritual Assembly was elected, and the friends in two other communities were deepened. At the same time, 14 Bahá’ís from China traveled to various villages, concentrating on deepening those who had enrolled during previous visits but also enrolling seven new believers.

In Korea, a teaching campaign dedicated to the Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir and launched at the end of summer school last July succeeded in its first two weeks in enrolling nine new believers and forming one new local Spiritual Assembly. The campaign was supported by an average of 15 teachers per day including Bahá’ís from Guam, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand.

A “spirit of joy and radiance” animated the 26 young Bahá’ís who gathered in Barbados last July 18-29 for an orientation to launch the “Sparks of Peace” 1995 Caribbean teaching campaign. Two members of the Continental Board of Counselors took part in the sessions, Errol Sealy at the beginning and Stephen Birkland on the final day. The young participants were from Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad/Tobago. They formed five teams, one of which remained in Barbados while the others traveled to teach in Antigua, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tobago. Everyone returned to Barbados for an evaluation weekend August 11-13.

The group of young Bahá’í musicians from Italy, “Light in the Darkness,” spent last August traveling and teaching the Faith. The friends first gathered in Povoletto where they were joined by five young people from Italy, Poland, Switzerland and Zaire who supported their work during the tour. From August 1-6 the group traveled in Slovenia, visiting Ljubljana, Skofja, Loka and Kranj where they performed in nine concerts, held four radio interviews and took part in one public meeting. As a result of these activities, at least two people were enrolled in the Faith. The group next went to Hungary, visiting Budapest and Zanka Kovenskal, meeting local Bahá’ís, attending a summer school and singing in a club for an audience of about 100. Finally, the friends toured Lithuania, spending time in Kaunas, Klaipeda and Vilnius during their 15-day stay. While there they took part in a public meeting at the university, four firesides and one unity Feast attended by about 40 non-Bahá’ís. While they were in Klaipeda a local resident embraced the Faith, becoming the first believer in that city.

An estimated 50,000 people heard or read about the Faith during a visit last June and July to Ontario and British Columbia, Canada, by Anil Kumar Sarwal, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of India. In all, Mr. Sarwal spoke at some 25 firesides in Toronto and Vancouver with attendance varying from 15 to 30 Bahá’ís and their guests. During these firesides six people declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh. Mr. Sarwal gave public talks at the Toronto Bahá’í Center, Brampton City Center, Guelph University, Heritage Hall in Vancouver and the Surrey Bahá’í Center; spoke at three Sikh temples in Toronto and two in Vancouver; distributed pamphlets and spoke with interested people at Indian bazaars in both cities; and met with a number of prominent people throughout the country. News of his visit was published in several newspapers, two half-hour programs were recorded for broadcast on cable television, and five radio interviews were held including one in Hindi and two in Punjabi.

The Bahá’í International Community was invited to send representatives to a workshop last June 29-30 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, conducted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to discuss the situation of displaced people in that country. Asress Araia and Asfaw Tessema were the Bahá’í delegates. About 200 other people took part including Ministry workers, university professors, representatives of a number of non-governmental organizations, and prominent members of society. The Bahá’í ‎is s‎ reported that their contributions to the discussions included the necessity of education for girls and women, the universal protection of human rights, and consultation at all levels.

Justice R.S. Pathak (center), former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, presents a copy of the Bahá’í International Community’s statement, ‘Turning Point for All Nations,’ to Hans-C von Sponeck, resident coordinator, UN Systems in India, during a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of India. The gala event, held October 13 in New Delhi, drew an audience of about 250, many of them prominent members of Indian society in various walks of life. Justice Pathak was Chief Guest at the ceremony and delivered its keynote address, ‘The United Nations and the New World Order.’ The Bahá’í viewpoint on the UN was offered by Counselor Zena Sorabjee.

Award ceremonies for the second annual International Children’s Art Competition were held last July 8 at Taiwan’s Taipei Zoo. The event is sponsored by the Bahá’í Office of the Environment in cooperation with the Council of Agriculture, the Ministry of Education, Yangmingshan National Park, and the Homemakers’ Union. More than 2,000 children from 46 countries entered drawings in the competition, whose theme was “Animals and Me.” A panel of judges chose first-, second- and third-place winners in each of three age groups. Countries in which the winners reside are Bolivia, Hungary, India, Macau and Russia. Entries from Taiwan were judged in separate categories.

On August 3, a Bahá’í delegation was received at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, Malawi, by the new president of the Republic, Bakili Muluzi. Those paying the courtesy call were eight members of the National Spiritual Assembly, an Auxiliary Board member and two members of the Public Relations Committee. After a prayer for unity and an overview of the principles of the Faith, the president was given a copy of The Promise of World Peace.

The Bahá’í International Peace Relay team, a group of 50 people from around the world, ran from Hiroshima to Nagasaki, Japan, between August 6-9 to mark the 50th anniversary of the dropping of atomic bombs on the two cities during World War II. The relay teams started running in Hiroshima at 8:15 a.m. on August 6, at the exact time and date the first bomb was dropped in 1945. The goal, Nagasaki, was reached at 9:30 a.m. on August 9. Along the way, leaflets with information about the Faith were handed to people on the roads of western Japan. At the official commemoration of the bombing of Nagasaki, a Bahá’í youth group from New Zealand, “Youth for One World,” presented its “Friendship and Peace Performance” at Epicenter Park. Both runners and performers attracted considerable media interest including appearances on radio and television and articles in newspapers.

More than 400 meet in St. Louis to say ‘no’ to hate, ‘yes’ to unity

More than 400 people came together November 5 at the Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri, to say “no to hate” and “yes to unity.”

The gathering was organized by St. Louis county and city governments, the Interfaith Partnership and the Bahá’í Public Information Office of St. Louis.

The audience was welcomed by Mayor Freeman Bosley of St. Louis and county executive Buzz Westfall. The keynote speaker was former U.S. Sen. Thomas F. Eagleton.

Hamid Azimiaraghi of the St. Louis Bahá’í Public Information Office recited a prayer for unity, and religious leaders were given “Racism—Just Undo It” buttons courtesy of that office.

Meanwhile, Bahá’ís circulated copies of the Bahá’í statement on race unity to members of the audience and officials. [Page 16]

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS . . .

Robin Chandler, a Bahá’í who is an assistant professor of African-American studies at Northeastern University in Boston, was recently awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and chosen to take part in the U.S. State Department’s Art Embassies program. The Fulbright award offers faculty, teachers, professionals and students a chance to conduct research, teach or study abroad. As a Fulbright Scholar, Ms. Chandler will teach sociology and the history of art at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, while working with community-based groups to establish art programs.

Ian Berry, a Bahá’í from Clackamas County N.W. (near Portland), Oregon, has been awarded a four-year Presidential Scholarship to Portland State University. Mr. Berry, who maintained a 3.8 grade point average in high school where he earned letters in drama and as newspaper editor, is working with a number of Bahá’í youth to develop scripts for radio shows. He plans to study dramatic arts in college, majoring in film.

Israil U. Steen, a young Bahá’í from Kalamazoo, Michigan, was graduated magna cum laude in 1995 as valedictorian of her high school class. She was also the school’s homecoming queen, co-captained the girls’ varsity basketball team for two years, and was awarded a four-year honors scholarship to Michigan State University where she plans to pursue a career in law or education.

Mike Gordon, a Bahá’í from Brookings, Oregon, who teaches at Azalea Middle School, has been named Technology Teacher of the Year for 1995-96 by the Technology Educators of Oregon.

Bradford Miller, a Bahá’í from Northfield, Massachusetts, recently had published by Lindisfarne Press his book, Returning to Seneca Falls: The First Women’s Rights Convention and Its Meaning for Men and Women Today. The book challenges modern Americans, especially men, to consider an appropriate response to their spiritual heritage which was forged through the partnership of a feminist, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and a black man, Frederick Douglass.

Susan Berkman, a Bahá’í from Palm Desert, California, received a 1995 Scholarship Award from the Foundation of the State Bar of California for her work with people who are visually and physically challenged.

Paula Johanna Posas, a 19-year-old student at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and president of the Duke Bahá’í Club, submitted an international research proposal in a grant-writing competition for rising sophomores and was one of seven students awarded funding by the university. She spent last June and July at Hospital Bayán in Palacios, Honduras, researching through personal interviews the medical practices of Garífuna natural healers, and plans to return to Honduras during her junior year.

Ralph F. Lesh, a Bahá’í, is the author of an article entitled “The Inspiration of Joseph Smith and the Advent of Bahá’u’lláh” which was published recently in Restoration Studies IV, a privately published volume of essays about the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints based in Independence, Missouri. Mr. Lesh’s article summarizes Bahá’í history, notes the many parallels between Bahá’í and Mormon teachings, and describes the Bahá’í view that Joseph Smith may be a “seer” inspired in some ways by the Bahá’í Revelation.

Michael Costello, a Bahá’í from Sarasota (Manatee County), Florida, who is an award-winning stage actor/director, is in his second year as a regular member of the cast of the NBC-television series SeaQuest 2032, playing the role of “Secretary General McGrath” of the U.E.O. (United Nations).

Karen Brook, a Bahá’í from Harvard, Illinois, who is a freshman in the Campus Honors Program at the University of Illinois, where she is majoring in environmental sciences, has been awarded a National Merit Scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic performance in high school.

Esfandiar Jason Sabet-Peyman, a Bahá’í from San Jose, California, was honored for academic excellence by the superintendent of the San Jose United School District on graduating this year from Bret Harte Middle School. He also received the President’s Education Award, the Physical Fitness Award, and State Cup Soccer Championship Award.

Carter Smith, a young Bahá’í from Maine who is serving for 18 months as a gardener at the World Center before entering Old Dominion University, earned National Honor Society recognition in high school where he captained the swim team and was a member of the tennis team, the New England champion high school jazz and marching bands, the All-State jazz band, and the Southern Maine jazz and concert bands.

Mildred Mottahedeh designs special ‘Nightingale’ plate to help Arc Fund

It’s used in Haifa. Presidents Reagan and Bush gave it to their Cabinet members and special friends. It’s in homes all around the world, whether they are castles or ranch-houses. It has made possible a distinguished record of Bahá’í service spanning more than half a century. And for a small number of believers, it will grace their own homes in the next few months.

We are talking about Mottahedeh china, and especially about a limited-edition “Nightingale” plate, all the sales proceeds from which have been generously offered to the National Spiritual Assembly for the Arc Projects by the plate’s maker, Mildred Mottahedeh. And therein lies a story. As Mrs. Mottahedeh tells it:

“In October 1994 I had an automobile accident in which my right knee was badly injured. I am 87 years old and not feeling too strong. ...The night of the accident I ‎when went‎ home and before going to sleep said to God, ‘Please take me into the next world. ...’

“The next morning I woke up smiling, and before my eyes was a vision of a blue and gold plate with gold nightingales seated on golden wings and around them the first few lines of the Tablet of Ahmad. In the center was the Greatest Name in a 19-pointed star. I immediately got the idea to produce the plate for the Arc. ...”

Working with local Bahá’í artist Martha Valenzuela, Mrs. Mottahedeh developed a design using 22-karat gold and other special materials, which has been warmly praised by the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly.

Production should be completed in the next four to six months and, after subtracting $50 from the purchase cost to cover production, materials and shipping costs, all income will go to the Arc Projects.

This latest service comes from one for whom service to the Cause has been a way of life for half a century.

Mrs. Mottahedeh and her husband, Rafi, met the beloved Guardian in 1937. In succeeding years, Shoghi Effendi would often send her as his ambassador to Bahá’ís and others all over the world. Suggesting to the couple that their business become a means of teaching the Faith, the Guardian set their feet on a path which would make them friends of presidents, kings and leaders in all walks of life.

These contacts have opened many doors and, sometimes, meant the difference between life and death for persecuted Bahá’ís. Mrs. Mottahedeh opened the first Bahá’í Office at the United Nations and served on the elected International Bahá’í Council, forerunner of the Universal House of Justice.

A plate designed by Mrs. Mottahedeh was given by the National Spiritual Assembly to President Reagan on the occasion of his declaration of support for the Bahá’ís in Iran.

The “Nightingale” plate will be available in a limited edition, at a cost of $500 each; $450 of this amount may be tax-deductible to the purchasers. Advance orders are being taken by the Office of the Treasurer at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette.

Pioneering Office revises overseas Service Forms

The Office of Pioneering has revised its International Service Forms. These new forms will soon be mailed to all local Assemblies and should be filled out by anyone who is planning to pioneer, travel teach or enlist in the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps. This packet will also contain valuable information and a listing of those countries which are in need of the above-mentioned services. [Page 17]

Peter Khan speaks on nature, challenge of tests

The following is a transcript of an address given at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, on Saturday, September 23, by Dr. Peter Khan, a member of the Universal House of Justice.

Dear Friends,

I speak for both Janet and myself in expressing our boundless happiness to be back here in the bosom of the American Bahá’í community. We lived here for 12 years in the state of Michigan. They were 12 very formative, very happy years where we learned so much about the Faith and about the nature of the Bahá’í community.

And in returning to the United States on this occasion, our hearts are filled with the memory of those years and of the energy, the dedication and the wonder of the American Bahá’ís we had the pleasure of knowing at that time.

I speak to you, of course, tonight as an individual. I do not speak for the Universal House of Justice. I speak simply as an individual Bahá’í who happens at this time to be a member of that body. So the remarks I offer you this evening are mine alone.

I begin by directing my attention and yours to a theme given emphasis by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, from the earliest years of his ministry as Guardian of the Cause. In fact, in the very first message sent by the Guardian to the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, on January 21, 1922, the Guardian drew attention to this point, and reiterated it in subsequent messages. And what was the point?

Shoghi Effendi, 73 years ago, told the believers in America that at some time in the future they would be tested. He said that they would receive tests—intellectual rather than physical. He said they would be sent to purify the American Bahá’ís and to make them brighter than ever.

A few years later Shoghi Effendi returned to that theme. He said, "...and yet how often we seem to forget the clear and repeated warnings of our beloved Master, Who, in particular during the concluding years of His mission on earth, laid stress on the severe mental tests which would inevitably sweep over his loved ones of the west. Tests that would purge, purify and prepare them for their noble mission in life."

Inevitable mental tests

This theme, that the American Bahá’ís were being prepared for what Shoghi Effendi describes as the inevitable coming of mental tests, appears again and again in his writings and was further emphasized by the Universal House of Justice in its lengthy letter of May 19, 1994, in which the House of Justice offered the hope and the prayer "may they, the American Bahá’ís, be granted the celestial strength to pass over and over again the mental tests which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá promised He would send to them to purify them."

There are many other passages in the writings of the Guardian which refer to these mental tests. For example, in the last of the published messages from Shoghi Effendi to the American Bahá’ís, he foreshadowed what the future would hold. He indicated at that time that there would be intellectual rather than physical tests from outside the Bahá’í community. He referred to the fact that the Faith would be subject to the onslaught of ecclesiastical leaders, the traditional defenders of religious orthodoxy, and that these would be powerful detractors aiming at the extinction of the Faith from without.

But in addition, in that last message of September 1957, Shoghi Effendi clearly and unambiguously referred to the fact that there would be mental tests to the American Bahá’ís from within their community. He listed a number of forces at work in American society and said the administrative strongholds of the Faith were bound to be subjected to a severe spiritual challenge from within due to the impact of those forces, and he urged the friends to strengthen the Bahá’í community in preparation for the combat with the "nefarious elements seeking to undermine it from within."

These statements are part of the heritage of the American Bahá’í community. They are statements which foreshadow periods of challenge, periods of difficulty, periods of testing and also foreshadow great victories.

As one of the statements I have read points out, Shoghi Effendi describes these tests as having the purpose of making the friends "shine ever brighter," of being "ever more luminous," of "enabling the American Bahá’í community to fulfill the glorious destiny laid down for it in the Writings of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá."

The point I make tonight is that I have, over a period of time, come to the conclusion that we live now in that time of mental tests. That the time of mental tests is not off in the distant future but it is now.

The nature of mental tests

Why do I say this? I say this because of the nature of mental tests. We are well experienced and well knowledgeable about physical tests. Our dear friends from the Cradle of the Faith, many of whom are in the audience tonight, are well versed in physical tests. For 150 years this infant Faith in various countries of the world has had to contend with physical tests with torture, imprisonment, martyrdom, the disruption of homes and families. We are not experienced in mental tests.

The Universal House of Justice, in a message of January 1986, referred to the fact that the Cause of God was emerging from obscurity. In other words, it was leaving the first of the seven stages of its evolution laid down by the Guardian and entering the second stage—and that second stage is that of persecution or repression. We are now entering and have entered the stage where we, as a worldwide Bahá’í community, will learn more and more about mental tests.

And my perception, my view, is that tonight as we gather here, my belief is that we are now experiencing these mental tests. What do I mean by mental tests? Tests which lead to an erosion of faith and belief and which can give rise to disorder in the Bahá’í community. One of the features of mental tests is that we may be blinded by the standards and values of a non-Bahá’í society and by being blinded thereby may fail these tests.

We may run the risk of underestimating the danger of such tests, of being complacent, of not becoming aware of these tests until it is too late. We may be like the warrior in his armor plate waiting for battle, waiting too late while the battle rages and is decided in front of him while he stands there waiting.

I believe that there are three elements to the mental tests which we, as part of the American Bahá’í community—and I think Janet and I still think of ourselves as being American Bahá’ís in many ways—and I hope no tape of this reaches Australia—there are three elements of the mental tests which I feel are pertinent to us tonight. And I'd like to mention these three and then discuss them in detail.

The first is this. I believe we are tested now by the need to develop spirituality in a materialistic environment. This is our test. Second, we are tested in our level of commitment to the betterment of humanity in an environment which is increasingly characterized by apathy and lethargy. And third, we are tested by the need to acquire an entirely new attitude toward social organizations and institutions.

I believe that it is in these three areas that we, who live in this glorious country, who are part of this vibrant community, we are tested. Will we pass or will we fail. The community will pass. The American Bahá’í community is destined to go through great and wonderful things. But we, as individuals, are subject to tests.

Developing a sense of spirituality

Let me take up the first of these. The first mental test that I think is upon us today is the challenge to develop a sense of spirituality in an environment which is increasingly preoccupied and, indeed, obsessed with the materialistic dimensions of life. The writings of the Guardian, the statements of the House of Justice in recent years, repeatedly call upon the friends to spiritualize their lives, to develop a world view which accommodates the all-important, the vital spiritual dimension of existence together with and, indeed, with priority over its material dimension.

We are urged to do this. We are told in our Teachings that our duty as believers in Bahá’u’lláh is to commit ourselves to the spiritualization of our lives. We are promised that if we do this, we will augment our powers and capacities and that we will, only in this way, find happiness and fulfillment.

When this does not occur—and who is to say that we will pass this test—when this does not occur, religion degenerates to a mere creed; a set of rituals and empty practices. When this does not occur, we will find ourselves drawn inevitably into the materialistic perception of world events and the course of world history. We will be obsessed with the fears, the anxieties, the preoccupations, the apprehensions and suspicions of those around us and our world view of the spiritual progress of humanity will be lost. Our community life will degenerate into ritualistic practice if this process of spiritualization is not embarked on and energetically pursued.

Why do we find it so difficult? I think it is because we—no matter how many Bahá’ís there are in any location, we are relatively few. We spend most of our lives interacting with people who are not Bahá’ís, some of whom are wonderful people of fine and exalted values and others are not. We are subject to forces and influences and inclinations and advice and ideas which are essentially materialistic. And this unconsciously molds our world view.

For decades, and indeed centuries, it was commonly held that in order to spiritualize our lives, we should forsake the material world. We should discard material possessions. We should embrace asceticism in the pursuit of the spiritual development of ourselves. This erroneous conception has been put to rest by the Revelation by Bahá’u’lláh of the Law of Huqúqu’lláh.

In giving us the mercy and the benefit of the Law of Huqúqu’lláh, Bahá’u’lláh has, in essence, told us this part of your surplus, of your accumulated assets, this part belongs to God. The rest of it, the other 81 percent, is yours.

You may wish to offer it sacrificially for the welfare of mankind. You may wish not to do so, that is your business. Part of it belongs to God. We are called upon as a matter of conscience to pay our Huquq. We don't speak of contributing to Huqúqu’lláh. One contributes to the national, local and international Funds but one pays Huqúqu’lláh.

The wisdom of Huququ'lláh

The concept of spiritualization as involving necessarily the total abandonment of material comforts, pursuits and benefits, that concept has been overthrown by the insight and wisdom provided by the Law of Huqúqu’lláh. [Page 18]Law of Huqúqu’lláh. I want to share with you my perception of spirituality, of how it is that we may attain spirituality. Because this is our challenge. This is a challenge to every one of us—how to attain a spiritualized development of ourselves.

I believe that the process of spiritual development rests upon three principles. The first is this: that certain actions which we carry out in this world prescribed by the Manifestation of God attract a mysterious but vital spiritual power to them.

That there are certain prescriptions given in the Teachings of our religion which we accept with faith on the understanding that if we follow these prescriptions, we will attract in a mysterious, incomprehensible manner a great spiritual power. This is a complex and difficult point for us to understand. Fortunately, during the course of the Dispensation preceding the coming of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, scientists began the systematic study of magnetism. And as a result, human society learned something about magnets and about the magnetic principle and magnetism as a phenomenon. We know now that magnetism is a phenomenon whereby atoms are arranged in little systems of organization called dipoles which are all pointing in the same direction, and associated with it is something we call magnetic force—a force which acts at a distance which is invisible but which is very strong.

As a result, one finds that this first of the three principles that I see underlying the process of spiritual development, that this principle is illustrated in the Bahá’í Writings repeatedly by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian by use of the analogy of the magnet. The analogy of the magnet has enabled the Central Figures of our Faith to vividly convey to us the vital principle that certain actions carried out, according to the prescription of God, attract a powerful invisible force.

Let me read some examples. One place, "Faith is the magnet which draws the confirmation of the Merciful One." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá saying, "the commemoration of God attracts confirmation and assistance like unto a magnet." Again, "unity and harmony is the magnet which draws the confirmations of God," and so on. "Directing mankind in the right path is the magnet which attracts the help of God."

The magnet which attracts

Shoghi Effendi says, "Today, as never before, the magnet which attracts blessings from on high is teaching the Faith of God." In another place, the Guardian says, "consecration to the glorious task of spreading the Faith and living the Bahá’í life creates the magnet for the Holy Spirit." And so it goes on.

So the first of the three principles which I see as underlying spiritual development is the principle of magnetism—the principle of certain actions carried out in a spirit of devotion and consecration attracting a great spiritual force just as in the mundane world certain arrangements of atoms attract the force of magnetism. This principle of magnetism carries right through the Bahá’í Writings. You find, for example, that Bahá’u’lláh speaks of His Revelation and describes it as a "magnet" or "lodestone."

He says His Revelation will act as a "lodestone for all the nations and kindreds of the earth." In another place, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá refers to Bahá’u’lláh as the Manifestation of God in these terms: "The Lord has manifested the Magnet of the souls and hearts in the Pole of the existing world."

So this first principle underlying the spiritualization process, I believe, is that of the attraction of powerful spiritual forces through prescribed actions. A so-called magnetic principle.

The second principle, I see, in the process of spiritual development is that of constructive interaction. The first one is that if we pray, if we fast, if we teach the Faith, if we practice unity, if we hold spiritual meetings, we attract spiritual forces and powers. The second principle of constructive interaction is illustrated by a simple example.

We know in our Writings that prayer attracts spiritual forces. Let us say I pray a little bit that I will attract a certain amount of the spiritual forces. This will reinforce my endeavors. This will make me stronger. I will pray more. It is a very simple model, but it is enough for our purpose. I will pray more. This will attract a greater measure of spiritual powers. I will pray even more. This will attract even further spiritual powers. I will pray even more and so it will build up.

So I speak of this second principle as one of what I call constructive interaction. You start off with a little bit. It attracts some forces, makes you stronger. You do more which attracts even more forces and so it builds up. And, in that sense, we are called upon to practice these spiritual virtues, to carry out these devotional practices—the practice of teaching and contributing to the Fund, of participating in the work of the Faith—confident that they will attract spiritual forces which will reinforce our endeavors and make us do even more and more.

‘The Temple is already built’

It is in this light—this principle of constructive interaction—this is the only way in which I can comprehend a strange and mysterious statement which appears in our Writings and which is attributed to the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, here on this very spot in the year 1912. On that occasion, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had laid the cornerstone of this magnificent edifice in which we are sheltered tonight, He made a very strange remark. Having laid the cornerstone, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is reported to have said to the friends gathered on that occasion, "The Temple is already built."

"The Temple is already built." In 1912 there was a stone that they put in the ground, none of this structure was here. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, "The Temple is already built." How can we understand a statement such as that? I believe it was simply an expression of this principle of constructive interaction. That what He was saying as He explained at that time, "You have only to begin. Everything will be all right."

Telling the dear friends gathered in 1912, "Make a start, make a beginning. You will attract spiritual powers. This will reinforce your endeavors. You will do even more, attract even greater spiritual powers, and a time will come when the Temple will come into physical existence. It is already built by virtue of the efforts you have embarked upon in 1912." It is in that sense that I see this principle of constructive interaction as vital to the process of spiritualization.

As I mentioned, I think there are three elements of the spiritualization process. The principle of magnetism, by which we carry out certain actions and attract spiritual forces, and the principle of constructive interaction by which we make an effort that attracts even more powers and so it builds up from there.

If only there were these two principles—how much simpler life would be. It is a source of great regret to me that I have to tell you that there are not two principles but three. Because the third principle is that of testing.

The testing is inevitable. The testing is a source of drama, the source of success and failure in our personal and collective lives. But when we make efforts, when we attract spiritual forces, when we build up in strength, and so on, we are tested.

We are subject to tests again and again. We are told that the testing process is intrinsic to that of spiritual development. There are not two principles, there are three, and the third is that of testing.

We are tested to see if we really have the fortitude, the strength, the determination to persist in the face of adversity, in the face of distraction, in the face of ridicule, in the face of the desire to relax, to avoid the hardship and the effort that is involved.

The Guardian tells us that this process of testing is necessary, as he describes it, so that inner spiritual forces become stimulated, and that tests are gifts of God to enable one to grow and develop. But let us also be aware that tests are not automatically passed. The very fact that we, as believers, are subject to testing implies no guarantee that we will successfully traverse that test. The history of our Faith repeatedly demonstrates that there are some who pass and there are some who fail, and the Cause of God proceeds toward its glorious destiny.

I have tonight chosen as my theme, mental tests. And the first of the mental tests that I have drawn attention to is that of spiritualizing our lives in a materialistic environment. To do this, we need to identify the dangers which confront us.

We need to commit ourselves with determination to the pursuit of acts of devotion, to the implementation of the great moral and ethical laws of our Faith. And we need to realize clearly and definitely that the principles to which we subscribe as Bahá’ís are in many ways radically different from what have become the standards and the generally accepted norms of American society around us.

We are not here for the purpose of condemnation. We are here for the purposes of finding our paths to God, of finding our way forward during a time of great turmoil and testing and hardship and suffering for all elements of humanity. We will only do so by a full realization that we have chosen the path of Bahá’u’lláh—and the path of Bahá’u’lláh is in many ways quite distinctly different from that of the society around us.

To take but one example: our concept of chastity as an indispensable element of the moral life of a Bahá’í is that sexual relations are permissible only between two people of the opposite sex who are married to each other. This is our standard. It is not the standard of our society. It is a standard which is decried as puritanical. It is described in some areas as homophobic. It is described in many other ways. But this is our standard. This is what our religion tells us, and we are committing ourselves to a spiritual path in the pursuit of the law of Bahá’u’lláh irrespective of whether or not it conforms to the society around us.

We differ from the people around us very much in certain concepts. For example, we differ in the concept of duty. The concept of duty has in many ways become unpopular. But we are people of duty. We are people who do things we don't particularly want to do out of a sense of duty. We are people who do things we find difficult, which we find uncomfortable, which we find disconcerting. Why? Not out of a desire for martyrdom, but out of a sense of duty.

We Bahá’ís are a people of duty. We are a people of discipline. We are a people of responsibility. We are a people who revere and honor such concepts as honesty and trustworthiness. We need to pass the test of spiritualization in a materialistic environment. We need, above all, courage; the courage and the willingness to be different, to persevere, to persist in the work of the spiritualization of our lives irrespective of all other considerations and the forces and influences of the people around us.

The second of the three tests that I feel are upon us in the United States today is that we are tested to develop ourselves as committed human beings concerned about the future of humanity and the changing world. The Cause of God today requires more and more such committed human beings.

The future of America

Shoghi Effendi, in a passage written not long before his passing, referred to the future of the American nation. And one of the things he mentioned as being within the future of the American nation has arrested my attention in recent years. He said, at that time, that the Bahá’ís of America faced a future challenge. And what was that challenge? In the message published in the book, Citadel of Faith, Shoghi Effendi refers to a number of challenges before the American friends, one of which was that "apathy" [Page 19]and lethargy [would] paralyze their spiritual faculties in the future."

We, today, face that test—the test of overcoming apathy and lethargy. The test that those around us increasingly lack zeal and idealism and a passion for changing the world. Society around us has lost its vision. It lacks heroes and heroines. They have become discredited. Exposés have been written about them. They have been found to have feet of clay. There are no heroes. There are no heroines. There is no vision.

It is a matter of making it through day by day, being concerned only for one's self because no one else is interested in us. You survive or not. It is a hard, cruel world out there.

The creation of a new society

That is not the Bahá’í way. We are people committed to the creation of a new society. We are summoned to heroism. We are summoned to sacrifice. We are summoned to idealism and to altruism. We are people creating a new society, a new civilization. We are people who love and are concerned about generations yet unborn and we are prepared to dedicate our lives that those generations to come, in decades and centuries into the future, may have a better life; may have a life of peace and unity and harmony and the possibility for the full development of their potential.

This is the idealism to which we are summoned as Bahá’ís. We need to overcome the apathy and lethargy of our society and stand apart as people dedicated to the creation of a new world.

What does this mean? How do we achieve this? How will it come about? I believe that we, as believers, need a far deeper understanding of the role of the Faith in the redemption of mankind.

We are not simply spreading one religion to clutter up a world full of religions. We are not simply seeking to elbow our way into the community of the faiths of mankind. We are not simply content to make the Encyclopedia Britannica Year Book and become known as a religion that has spread around the world. We are not simply content to assemble an array of national and local Assemblies and prestigious events and gatherings. Our religion is that of the Promised One of All Ages. Our religion is that of the World Redeemer Who has come after thousands upon thousands of years of toil and turmoil and suffering during the whole of recorded history.

We stand at a break point in the history of human civilization and we, as Bahá’ís, are the vehicle for the implantation of spirit into the body of mankind which is now being molded through great difficulty and suffering into a unified entity.

In my present functioning as a member of the Universal House of Justice, I find myself at times meditating on a statement which appears in the writings of the Guardian and it appears without conditionality—I find no conditionality attached to it. It is rather a definite statement without any maybes or possiblies or perhapses.

And in that statement, the Guardian refers to the institution of which I am a member, the Universal House of Justice. And he says that "this House is one which posterity will regard as the last refuge of a tottering civilization."

When I read that passage, I say to myself, "What does it mean about the future condition of mankind?" I sometimes sit in the council chamber in the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, I look at my eight colleagues seated around the table, I realize that we nine are not the House of Justice. It is a great, magnificent spiritual entity of which we are simply the weak and feeble outward expression.

The great changes to come

But I say to myself, "This institution, this Universal House of Justice with which I have to some extent become familiar over these years, it, the Guardian tells us definitely, categorically, without conditionality, will be such that posterity will look upon it as the 'last refuge of a tottering civilization.'"

I offer this passage to you simply as an indication of the great changes that are coming to humanity. When they will come—in which decade, in which century—we know not. But we do know that they will come—that the Cause of which we are all members is destined to play a major transforming, revolutionizing role in the history of humanity on this planet.

And I think if we can revive in our minds the vision of the magnitude of the aims and objectives of the Cause aims which are far beyond human comprehension, which are feasible only because of the power of God which we believe animates Bahá’u’lláh and His Revelation—if we do this, then we will revive that vision and we will become once more committed human beings dedicated to the welfare of humanity in this generation and countless generations yet unborn into the future.

Finally, I come to the third of the three mental tests to which I have wanted to draw attention tonight. And it is a challenge and a test which the Bahá’í friends in many parts of the world are experiencing. I address my remarks to you as American Bahá’ís but I have made similar remarks in other countries that I have visited recently.

My concern—and what I see to be a very dangerous and pressing mental test to the Bahá’ís in the world—is that the believers in these countries live in western countries as well as other parts of the world in a society which has developed certain attitudes about social organizations and institutions.

These attitudes are firstly that people are suspicious and distrustful of their government and its bureaucracy. They have found through bitter experience that their governmental leaders have become corrupt, that the bureaucracy of their social organization suffocates them, restricts their freedom and, in many ways, is a source of their suffering.

People today do not have a sense of community. They have learned, at bitter cost, not to trust each other, not to trust those who appear honest and upright and of good character because, so often, they have been found to be opposite. They have, therefore, developed a sense of extreme individualism, of worship of unfettered personal freedom.

The attitudes of society

People in our society increasingly feel a sense of powerlessness in relation to their authorities. They find themselves insignificant, unable to change the system, doomed to suffer its adverse and oppressive circumstances and consequences. Therefore, they often resort to radical actions outside the system. They become terrorists. They become anarchists. They seek the overthrow of the system. They seek its destruction. They say, often with a certain justification, anything is better than what we've got.

These are increasingly the attitudes of the society around us. They were foreshadowed by Bahá’u’lláh in His Tablets to the kings and religious leaders. Shoghi Effendi described in detail the evolution of society during what he called this "age of critical transition." It is now upon us. People in our society have developed those attitudes and, if we were to question those people, they would offer us ample justification for the attitudes which they display.

The great mental test we face as believers is the test that we may, unconsciously and inadvertently, transfer those attitudes from the larger society which is manifestly in decline into the Bahá’í administrative system.

That is our test. Because if we bring those attitudes in with us, without even realizing it, we will disrupt and damage the administrative system ordained by Bahá’u’lláh.

Shoghi Effendi wrote on this theme some years ago. He said, "Our present generation, mainly due to the corruptions that have been identified with organizations, seems to stand against any institution. Religion as an institution is denounced. Government as an institution is denounced. Even marriage as an institution is denounced.

"We Bahá’ís should not be blinded by such prevalent notions. If such were the case, all the Divine Manifestations would not have invariably appointed someone to succeed Them. Undoubtedly, corruptions did enter those institutions but these corruptions were not due to the nature of the institutions, but to the lack of proper directions as to their powers and the nature of their perpetuation."

"What"—this is still the Guardian's words—"What Bahá’u’lláh has done is not to eliminate all institutions in the Cause, but to provide the necessary safeguards that would eliminate corruptions that caused the fall of previous institutions." What those safeguards are is most interesting to study and find out and most essential to know.

The challenge of detachment

In other words, we are challenged to detach ourselves, to emancipate ourselves from the prevailing and, indeed, not just prevailing but rapidly increasing sense of suspicion, of distrust and disfavor which characterizes attitudes of people in our society toward their institutions and avoid such attitudes coming into the relationship of the believers to the Bahá’í institutions.

They are not the same. They are radically different. This is a system ordained by Bahá’u’lláh, by the Manifestation of God. It has characteristics. It has a system to it which enables it to purify itself of any adverse attitude and behavior. It stands quite different from the way of the world. If we bring the way of the world into the Bahá’í Administrative Order, all we will do is temporarily disrupt it. All we will do is irreparably damage our own personal spiritual development.

We need to develop new attitudes. We need to develop a far deeper understanding of the Covenants of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. It is not enough to sign the card to say, "I believe there is a Covenant. There are these people around with a variety of titles. Whatever they are I accept them. Fine, that's it." This is not enough, friends.

We will be swept away because there are dangerous forces in our society. There are insidious influences. We have to protect ourselves now, and our protection is deepening in the Covenant.

Let me read to you a very, very difficult and challenging paragraph from the Guardian. In this paragraph the Guardian makes statements which I would never dare to say. I read them because it is the Guardian. I am safe. You can't attack me for reading them.

The Guardian is writing. I would never have the courage to stand before you and make the kind of statements I am going to read to you now.

Shoghi Effendi says that "the believers need to be deepened in their knowledge and appreciation of the Covenants of both Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This is the stronghold of the faith of every Bahá’í, and that which enables him to withstand every test and the attacks of the enemies outside the Faith...."

So far it's not too bad. I would have said that. Now comes the difficult part.

"This is the stronghold of the Faith of every Bahá’í, and that which enables him to withstand every test and the attacks of the enemies outside the Faith and the far more dangerous, insidious, lukewarm people inside the Faith who have no real attachment to the Covenant, and consequently uphold the intellectual aspect of the teachings while at the same time undermining the spiritual foundation upon which the whole Cause of God rests."

The Covenant: our protection

Now do you understand why I said I would not have had the courage to make these remarks? It is simply the words of the Guardian telling us that only through deepening in the Covenant will we withstand not only the attacks of people outside the Faith but what he describes as the "far more dangerous" [Page 20]attacks, the "insidious" attacks of those he describes as "lukewarm people inside the Faith who have no real attachment" to the Cause, who uphold the intellectual aspect of the teachings while undermining its spiritual foundation.

Friends, we do not have the right to judge. As individuals we cannot judge. I cannot say this person is one of those lukewarm people who upholds the intellectual, undermines the spiritual. I have no right to make such a statement. You cannot make that statement about me or about anybody else in this room or in this country.

We are not here to categorize or to judge. But Shoghi Effendi tells us that the Bahá’í community includes those elements. We are not here to engage in adversarial actions against those we categorize in that way. We are here to make ourselves spiritually healthy and strong so that whoever they are, wherever they are, we are not to judge, but we will be immune to their dangerous, insidious influence.

So our task is not to engage in witch hunts. Not to go searching and to put labels on this one, that one or the other. Our task is to do exactly as Shoghi Effendi said to deepen ourselves in the Covenant so we will be spiritually strong and healthy and withstand these adverse attitudes toward the institutions of the Faith.

We need also in dealing with this test, the test of acquiring a new attitude toward our social organizations and institutions, we need to rethink what is criticism. There is criticism and there is criticism. There are passages in the Writings which refer to criticism as being an appropriate measure, an appropriate element of Bahá’í consultative and community practice, and nobody is disagreeing with that. But what we also have in our Writings are references to the extremely dangerous character of what the Guardian refers to as "vicious and negative" criticism.

"Criticism and discussions of a negative character, which may result in undermining the authority of the Assembly as a body, should be strictly avoided." And I think most people are smart enough to know what is the difference. They are also smart enough to find ways of worming around whatever rule you lay down. Because it is a question of attitude rather than a question of mere words of speech.

Freedom from negative criticism

We look toward a constructive, developmental Bahá’í community which doesn't pretend it is immune from any means of further development and refinement of its practices and conduct but which is free from what the Guardian refers to as criticism of a negative nature which has the effect of undermining the authority of the Assembly.

One of the favorite and most wasteful and destructive practices in Bahá’í community life in certain quarters is that of speculation about the calamity. I am sure you've all had experiences at certain times of spectacular remarks about the evaporation of skyscrapers and submarines off the coast and so on. There is a passage—there are many passages in the Bahá’í Writings—where Shoghi Effendi says we don't know in what form the calamity will occur. Calamity is occurring now and so on and so forth. There is one passage and I am going to read it to you where the Guardian says this is calamity. Finally, we found it.

The letter, written on behalf of the Guardian, December 18, 1949, was published in the Bahá’í News in July 1950—and what does he say? He defines a calamity. He says:

"Vicious criticism is indeed a calamity. But its root is lack of faith in the system of Bahá’u’lláh (i.e. the administrative order) and lack of obedience to Him—for He has forbidden it. If the Bahá’ís would follow the Bahá’í laws in voting, in electing, in serving, and in abiding by assembly decisions, all this waste of strength through criticizing others could be diverted into cooperation..."

So one of the elements of acquiring the new attitude toward social organizations is deepening in the Covenant, a second one is that of rethinking the nature of criticism because it is a constructive element of Bahá’í consultation, and the third and final element that I mention is quite revolutionary. It is a statement where Shoghi Effendi was asked to define what were the parameters for the Cause in bringing in large numbers of people. And he set out four parameters; three of them are obvious and the fourth one is very unusual. He said these were the requirements without which the Cause can never really bring in large numbers of people. He said:

"Without the spirit of real love for Bahá’u’lláh, for His Faith and its institutions, and the believers for each other." Three of those are obvious, the fourth one isn't.

We would expect the believers to have real love for Bahá’u’lláh. We would expect them to love His Faith. We would expect them, in fact, hope that the believers would love each other.

But Shoghi Effendi defines as one of the four requirements for bringing in large numbers of people that we develop a sense of love, a sense of real love for the institutions of the Faith. This is radically new in the Bahá’í Dispensation.

Where do you find individuals who, since we are in the state of Illinois, who will come to you and say, "I love the Illinois state legislature." Where do you find somebody who says, "I love the House of Representatives," or "I love the Senate." Maybe you'll find a few who say, "I am in love with the Supreme Court," particularly if it has gone their way. Where do you find people who say, "I love the executive branch of government; I love the city council; I love our district administration." This is foreign to western thought. This is inimical. This is radical.

The prevailing thought is that less government is better. The more government, we should get these rascals out of our hair, and so on. We go off in an entirely different direction.

We are not just 60 degrees away. We are not 90 degrees or 150 degrees away. We are 180 degrees away. We are in entirely the opposite direction, because our religion tells us that without the spirit of real love for the institutions of the Cause, we cannot bring in large numbers of people.

I have almost reached the end of my remarks but not quite because it is easy to love institutions which one perceives as functioning marvelously well. It is easy to love institutions that function marvelously. If you are in a community and your local Spiritual Assembly is doing magnificent, wonderful things, sure you can love it. I love them also.

But can you love an institution which is functioning in an incomplete developmental way, which is making mistakes, which is having trouble with its unity, with its activity, with its executive action, which forgets to advise you of important events and the like? This is our challenge. How can we do it without hypocrisy?

We can do it the same way a parent loves a child. When the child is stumbling, is behaving badly, is filled with some illness, or is grappling with some social grace, the parent loves the child because the parent sees in that child the potential for development. Through love and nurturance, the child will develop and fulfill its potential. Through criticism and a lack of love the child's growth will be stunted; its development will never be realized.

So it is we are called upon to love our institutions, not in a sense of artificiality, not in a sense of hypocrisy, but in a sense of perfect faith that these are institutions ordained by Bahá’u’lláh with a glorious, magnificent future ahead of them. Through our love, our nurturance, our support, our compassion, our understanding, they will develop. They will evolve.

There is no doubt in my mind that all the promises in the Writings about the future glory and destiny of the American Bahá’í community will be fully and completely realized. Everything that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says about it will come true. It will occur. It is inevitable. There is no doubt about it.

It is this kind of love we seek—radically different from the attitude of criticism, suspicion, disorder, corruption which informs the attitude of people in the society around us toward institutions which are in decline and dissolution.

The Plan's triple theme

As you know, the Three Year Plan, now hastening to its conclusion, revolves around a triple theme—enhancing the vitality of the faith of individual believers, greatly developing the human resources of the Cause, and fostering the proper functioning of local and national Bahá’í institutions. It is in striving to overcome the three mental tests that I have called attention to tonight that I believe we can best fulfill the responsibilities laid upon us in pursuit of the Three Year Plan in our role as Bahá’ís.

I bring my remarks to conclusion. It is well known that the American Bahá’í community is a community which is endowed with great potential. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá blessed these shores with His footsteps. He lavished love and care on this country.

Shoghi Effendi wrote his major messages to the American Bahá’ís. He called upon the American believers as the chief executors of the Tablets of the Divine Plan. And I can assure you that the Universal House of Justice loves the American Bahá’í community and its institutions in no less a way than the love that was showered upon the friends in this country by the Master and by the Guardian.

We turn to the American Bahá’í community with a great deal of trust and confidence and, if you will allow it, with pride at the potential and the greatness of what this community can achieve.

There is no doubt in my mind that all the promises in the Writings about the future glory and destiny of the American Bahá’í community will be fully and completely realized. Everything that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says about it will come true. It will occur. It is inevitable. There is no doubt about it.

But what there is doubt about is, where will you and I be? Will we be part of this great development? Will we be part of these victories? Will we survive these dangerous and challenging mental tests to which I see we are subjected now? Will it be our lot to ride on the crest of this wave of victories or will we be swept aside? Will we, in fact, join those in Bahá’í history who failed the tests when the tests came upon them? The choice is ours. The choice is ours, friends. The choice is ours.

National Assembly seeks financial support for The American Bahá’í

As first announced last February, financial constraints have forced the National Spiritual Assembly to reduce the number of issues of The American Bahá’í from 19 a year (every Bahá’í month) to 10.

As a result, the National Assembly is inviting the community to help defray the cost of producing this vital publication through voluntary earmarked contributions.

The suggested yearly contribution is $20 per household, although any amount above or below that figure would be welcome.

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to emphasize that any donation to help underwrite the cost of producing The American Bahá’í is entirely voluntary, but expresses the hope that every believer will choose to support the paper to the extent that he or she is able.

The American Bahá’í will continue to be mailed free of charge, as has always been the case, to all Bahá’í households regardless of whether or not a donation has been received. But in the present economic circumstances it represents an expense that can no longer be fully covered by the National Fund's general revenues. [Page 21]MAKIN' MOVES-yourlink to the Bahá’í community, says- 'Start the New Year right-JOIN THE ARMY OF LIGHT!'

A CALL TO ARMY OF LIGHT TEACHING TEAMS

Issued by the National Teaching Committee

Act now to elevate the quality and intensity of your efforts by "inviting people of every sort and every gift to the banquet table of the Lord of Hosts." If you have not yet organized under an "Army of Light" banner, we challenge to do so as soon as possible. Your collective endeavors should encourage the contribution of youth of all ages, backgrounds and experiences and be aimed at vastly expanding the human resources of the Cause.

This challenge reflects the vision and confidence invested in youth by the Guardian and reaffirmed by The Universal House of Justice:

The future has always belonged to youth, and now more than ever before, in order to ensure the fulfillment of Bahá’u’lláh’s plans for this planet....

Now is the time, therefore, to consecrate yourselves and prepare yourselves for the work that lies ahead of you....You must study both the teachings and the Administration, in order to be ready and qualified-qualified with both knowledge and shining personal characters... (Shoghi Effendi: Light of Divine Guidance, Vol.2, p. 106)

YOU ARE THE FUTURE, and it is up to you to make that future bright.

The Army of Light places American youth in the vanguard of teaching armed with the might of knowledge, attitudes and skills. It focuses the power of youth to serve as invincible, audacious spiritual warriors in championing the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. It is a transformation of potential into heroism for this unique and urgent time.

Do you have good teaching ideas or projects? Do you feel that no one will listen to them because you are a youth? We have a solution for you. Please see Page 3 of this issue for our Army of Light worksheet. It will help you prepare a solid plan for your teaching efforts that you can take to your Spiritual Assembly. Show them what you are all made of!!

If you need help planning, please call your regional AOL coordinator.

Hello out there-let us hear your ideas, thoughts, suggestions We want to hear from you. Please send us your ideas, thoughts and suggestions. Do you have good teaching stories to tell? Are you interested in reviewing Bahá’í music for Makin' Moves? Do you have some photos of youth activities we can print? We want this to be your page-a place were you can get to know what's happening around the country. Let us know how you're Makin' Moves!!

Makin' Moves, Teaching Office, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 or

ARMY OF LIGHT TEAMS RAISING BANNERS FOR BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

BANNER (name) OF TEAM _________________________________________________ AREA SERVED BY TEAM _________________________________________________ CONTACT FOR TEAM (name) _______________________________________________ (address) _____________________________________________________________ (phone) _______________________________________________________________

In case you have not organized your Army of Light team so this information can be shared now, you may contact the National Teaching Committee later with this information by calling: 1-800-396-2757 or by e-mail at

Pictured are children in the Bahá’í community of South Cobb County, Georgia, who have undertaken a number of special projects to help the community not only reach but double its goal of $9,000 for the Arc.

A story of commitment

Here at the Treasurer's Office, we received an e-mail from a youth who is setting a remarkable example of LOVE and COMMITMENT to the Faith. This letter speaks for itself.

"Subject: commitment to Bahá’í Funds Author: S Date: 11/9/95 4:03 PM To: Treasurer's Office Allah’u’Abhá

I'm not attending the National Youth Conference in Dallas this December because I want to use the travel and registration money I'd need towards my pledge for the Arc Fund. I cherish Bahá’í fellowship; I had a phenomenal time last year in Phoenix (for me personally, the Phoenix Conference had the same impact as the World Congress) -- but this year, I must apply the money instead towards my commitment to the Arc.

[I've told very few people the actual numbers of my contribution, but it might be inspirational for other youth, so I'll tell you. Feel free to include the numbers in the quote; just please don't use my name. Anyway, the numbers are inspirational to me: I'm 19 years old, and after I heard Mr. Nakhjavání speak, I pledged to contribute a $9000 unit (myself). Nine-teen years old, nine thousand dollars... I thought it was kinda cool. (Not to be egotistical.)]

So, hey, thanks for the info! This Arc pledge is an important step in my spiritual growth."

Congratulations to the author of this note. Let us hear from more youth who are setting these examples every day. Telephone 708-733-3475 or e-mail

"...the Bahá’ís are laboring to create a new world which is distinguished by sacrificial commitment to high ideals, concern for the welfare of all humanity, integrity and economy in the use of funds, and unified support for great endeavors. Let us go forward serenely confident that the Lord of Hosts will enable His devoted followers to overcome any and all obstacles in the path of His rapidly developing Cause." Universal House of Justice, September 17, 1992

Army of Light goals

"Putting on the armor of His love, firmly buckling on the shield of His mighty Covenant, mounted on the steed of steadfastness, holding aloft the lance of the Word of the Lord of Hosts, and with unquestioning reliance on his promises as the best provision for their journey, let them set their faces toward those fields that still remain unexplored and direct their steps to those goals that are as yet unattained. ..." Shoghi Effendi, Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 102

GOAL I-Practice putting on the armor of God's love.

GOAL II Cultivate greater firmness in the Covenant, and see the Covenant as a source of peace and security.

GOAL III-Through interaction with the Word of God, learn to see oneself as a warrior who is commited to, capable of and confident in serving Bahá’u’lláh.

GOAL IV-Prepare to move into the field of action as teachers of the Cause relying on Bahá’u’lláh.

GOAL V-Develop skills to help walk the spiritual path of service with practical feet. [Page 22]

El Dr. Peter Khan da charla sobre naturaleza, desafío de las pruebas

Lo siguiente es el texto de una charla dada en la Casa de Adoración Bahá’í en Wilmette, Illinois, el sábado 23 de septiembre de 1995 por el Dr. Peter Khan, miembro de la Casa Universal de Justicia.

Queridos amigos,

Hablo por los dos, Janet y yo, al expresar nuestra felicidad sin límites al estar de regreso aquí en el seno de la comunidad bahá’í americana. Nosotros vivimos aquí por 12 años en el estado de Michigan. Esos fueron 12 años muy formativos, años muy felices donde aprendimos tanto acerca de la Fe y acerca de la naturaleza de la comunidad bahá’í. Y al regresar a los Estados Unidos en esta ocasión, nuestros corazones están llenos con la memoria de aquellos años y de la energía, la dedicación, y la maravilla de los bahá’ís americanos que tuvimos el placer de conocer en ese tiempo.

Les hablo, por supuesto, esta noche como individuo. No hablo por la Casa Universal de Justicia. Hablo simplemente como un individuo bahá’í quien da la casualidad en este momento de ser miembro de ese cuerpo. Por lo tanto los comentarios que les ofrezco esta tarde son sólo míos.

Empiezo dirigiendo mi atención y la de Uds. a un tema enfatizado por el amado Guardián Shoghi Effendi desde los primeros años de su ministerio como Guardián de la Causa. De hecho, en el primer mensaje enviado por el Guardián a los bahá’ís de los Estados Unidos y Canadá, el 21 de enero de 1922, el Guardián atrajo la atención a este punto, lo reiteró en sus mensajes posteriores. ¿Y cual fué el punto? Shoghi Effendi, 73 años atrás, dijo a los creyentes en América que en algún momento en el futuro, ellos serían probados. El dijo que ellos recibirían pruebas intelectuales más que físicas. Él dijo que ellas serían enviadas para purificar a los bahá’ís americanos y hacerlos más brillantes que nunca. Unos pocos años después, Shoghi Effendi regresó a ese tema. Él dijo, "y sin embargo cuán a menudo parece que nosotros olvidamos las claras y repetidas advertencias de nuestro amado Maestro, Quien, en particular durante los años finales de Su misión en la tierra, puso énfasis en las duras pruebas mentales que inevitablemente se extenderían sobre sus amados del Oeste, pruebas que purgarían, purificarían y los prepararían para su noble misión en la vida."

Pruebas mentales inevitables

Este tema, que los bahá’ís americanos estuvieran siendo preparados para lo que Shoghi Effendi describe como la venida inevitable de las pruebas mentales, aparece vez tras vez en sus escritos y fue además enfatizado por la Casa Universal de Justicia en su larga carta del 19 de mayo de 1994 en la cual la Casa de Justicia ofreció la esperanza y la oración "pueda que a ellos, los bahá’ís americanos, se les conceda la fuerza espiritual para que pasen una y otra vez las pruebas mentales que ‘Abdu’l-Bahá prometió que Él les enviaría para purificarlos." Hay muchos otros pasajes en los escritos del Guardián que se refieren a estas pruebas mentales.

Por ejemplo, en el último de los mensajes publicados de Shoghi Effendi a los bahá’ís americanos, él anunció lo que presentaría el futuro. Él indicó esa vez que habrían pruebas intelectuales más que físicas desde fuera de la comunidad bahá’í. Él se refirió al hecho de que la Fe sería sujeta al ataque de los líderes eclesiásticos, los defensores tradicionales de la ortodoxia religiosa y que estos serían poderosos detractores dedicándose a la extinción de la Fe desde afuera.

Pero, además, en ese último mensaje de septiembre de 1957, Shoghi Effendi muy clara y muy inequívocamente se refirió al hecho de que habrían pruebas mentales para los bahá’ís americanos desde dentro de su comunidad. Él hizo una lista de un número de fuerzas que estaban en la sociedad americana y dijo que las fortalezas administrativas de la Fe estaban destinadas a estar sujetas a serios desafíos espirituales desde dentro, debido al impacto de esas fuerzas, y él urgió a los amigos a fortalecer la comunidad bahá’í en preparación para el combate con los "nefarios elementos que buscan debilitarla desde dentro."

Estas declaraciones son parte de la herencia de la comunidad bahá’í americana. Ellas son declaraciones que predicen períodos de desafío, períodos de dificultades, períodos de pruebas y también predicen grandes victorias. Como una de las declaraciones que he leído señala, Shoghi Effendi describe que estas pruebas tienen el propósito de hacer a los amigos "brillar aún más," de ser " aún más luminosos," de "capacitar a la comunidad bahá’í americana para cumplir el glorioso destino establecido para ella en los Escritos del Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, y ‘Abdu’l-Bahá."

El punto que hago esta noche es que, sobre un pasará. La comunidad bahá’í americana está destinada a pasar cosas grandes y maravillosas, pero nosotros, como individuos, estamos sujetos a las pruebas.

Desarrollando un sentido de espiritualidad

Continuaré con el primero de estos. La primera prueba mental que yo creo que está sobre nosotros hoy día es el desafío de desarrollar el sentido de espiritualidad en un ambiente que está cada vez más preocupado y, sin duda, obsesionado con las dimensiones materialistas de la vida. Los escritos del Guardián, las declaraciones de la Casa Universal de Justicia en años recientes, repetidamente llaman a los amigos a espiritualizar sus vidas, a desarrollar una visión del mundo, que acomode la dimensión espiritual, importante, vital, de la existencia junto con, y sin duda, con prioridad sobre, la dimensión material.

Estamos urgidos en hacer esto. Se nos ha dicho en nuestras Enseñanzas que nuestro deber como creyentes en Bahá’u’lláh es comprometernos a la espiritualización de nuestras vidas. Se nos promete que si lo hacemos, aumentaremos nuestros poderes y capacidades y que solamente de esta manera encontraremos la felicidad y nos sentiremos realizados. Cuando ésto no ocurre —y ¿quién dice que pasaremos esta prueba?— cuando ésto no ocurre, la religión se degenera a un simple credo, un conjunto de ritos y prácticas vacías. Cuando ésto no ocurre, nos encontraremos atraídos inevitablemente hacia la percepción materialista de los acontecimientos mundiales y el curso de la historia mundial. Estaremos obsesionados con los miedos, las ansiedades, las preocupaciones, las aprehensiones, y las sospechas de aquellos alrededor nuestro, y nuestra visión del mundo, del progreso espiritual de la humanidad, estará perdida. Nuestra vida de comunidad degenerará en prácticas ritualistas si el proceso de espiritualización no es emprendido y enérgicamente perseguido.

¿Por qué lo encontramos tan difícil? Creo que es porque nosotros, no importa cuantos bahá’ís hay en cualquier localidad, somos relativamente pocos. Nos pasamos la mayor parte de nuestra vida relacionándonos con personas que no son bahá’ís, algunos de ellos son maravillosas personas de muy finos y exaltados valores, y otros no lo son. Estamos sujetos a las fuerzas e influencias e inclinaciones y consejos e ideas que son esencialmente materialistas. Y ésto inconscientemente moldea nuestra visión del mundo.

Por décadas, y sin duda siglos, había una opinión muy generalizada que para espiritualizar nuestras vidas, deberíamos renunciar al mundo material. Deberíamos desechar las posesiones materiales. Deberíamos adoptar el ascetismo en la búsqueda del desarrollo espiritual de nosotros mismos. Esta concepción errónea ha sido dejada de lado mediante la Revelación de Bahá’u’lláh de la ley de Huquq-u’lláh.

Al darnos la misericordia y el beneficio de la ley de Huqúqu’lláh, Bahá’u’lláh nos ha dicho, en esencia, que esta porción de vuestro superávit, de vuestros bienes acumulados, esta porción pertenece a Dios. El resto, el otro 81%, es vuestro.

Pueden desear de ofrecerlo en sacrificio para el bienestar de la humanidad. Pueden desear de no hacerlo; eso es vuestro asunto. Parte de eso pertenece a Dios. Estamos llamados como cuestión de conciencia a pagar nuestro Huqúq. No hablamos de contribuir al Huqúqu’lláh. Uno contribuye a los Fondos nacional, local e internacional pero uno paga el Huqúqu’lláh.

La sabiduría del Huqúqu’lláh

El concepto de espiritualización que involucra necesariamente el abandono total de comodidades materiales, actividades y beneficios, ese concepto ha sido derrocado por la perspicacia y sabiduría proveída por la ley de Huqúqu’lláh. Quiero compartir con Uds. mi percepción de espiritualidad, de cómo es que podemos lograr la espiritualidad, porque éste es nuestro desafío. Este es el desafío de [Page 23]cada uno de nosotros-cómo lograr un desarrollo espiritualizado de nosotros mismos. Creo que el proceso de desarrollo espiritual se basa sobre tres principios. El primer principio es éste: que ciertas acciones que realizamos en este mundo, prescritas por la Manifestación de Dios, atraen un poder espiritual misterioso pero vital; que hay ciertas prescripciones dadas en las Enseñanzas de nuestra religión que aceptamos con fe en el entendimiento de que si seguimos estas prescripciones, nos atraeremos en una manera misteriosa, incomprensible, un gran poder espiritual. Este es un punto muy complejo y muy difícil para nosotros de entender.

Afortunadamente, durante el curso de la Dispensación anterior a la venida del Báb y Bahá’u’lláh, los científicos empezaron el estudio sistemático del magnetismo. Y, como resultado, la sociedad humana aprendió algo acerca de los imanes y acerca del principio magnético y magnetismo como un fenómeno. Sabemos ahora que el magnetismo es un fenómeno donde los átomos están dispuestos en pequeños sistemas de organización llamados dipolos, que están todos apuntando en la misma dirección, y asociados con ello es algo que llamamos la fuerza magnética-una fuerza que actúa a distancia, que es invisible pero que es muy fuerte. Como resultado, uno encuentra que este primer de los tres principios, que yo veo fundamental al proceso de desarrollo espiritual, que este principio es ilustrado en los Escritos Bahá’ís repetidamente por Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, y el Guardián usando la analogía del imán. La analogía del imán ha posibilitado a las Figuras Centrales de nuestra Fe a expresarnos vivídamente el principio vital de que ciertas acciones realizadas, de acuerdo a las prescripciones de Dios, atraen una fuerza poderosa invisible.

Leeré algunos ejemplos. En un lugar, "la fe es un imán que atrae la confirmación del Misericordioso." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá dice, "la conmemoración de Dios atrae la confirmación y ayuda como un imán." Otra vez, "la unidad y la armonía es el imán que atrae las confirmaciones de Dios" y continúa, "Dirigir a la humanidad en el recto sendero es el imán que atrae la ayuda de Dios."

El imán que atrae

Shoghi Effendi dice, "Hoy día, como nunca antes, el imán que atrae las bendiciones de lo alto es enseñar la Fe de Dios." En otro lugar, el Guardián dijo, "la consagración a la gloriosa tarea de esparcir la Fe y vivir la vida bahá’í crea el imán para el Espíritu Santo." Y así continúa.

Por lo tanto el primero de los tres principios que yo veo como básico al desarrollo espiritual es el principio de magnetismo, el principio de que ciertas acciones realizadas en el espíritu de devoción y consagración atraen una gran fuerza espiritual, así como en el mundo cotidiano ciertas disposiciones de átomos atraen la fuerza de magnetismo. Este principio del magnetismo se encuentra por todas los Escritos Bahá’ís. Uds. encuentran, por ejemplo, que Bahá’u’lláh habla de su Revelación y la describe como un "imán" o "piedra imán." Dice que Su Revelación actuará como una "piedra imán para todas las naciones y pueblos de la tierra."

En otro lugar, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá se refiere a Bahá’u’lláh como la Manifestación de Dios en estos términos: "el Señor ha manifestado al Imán de las almas y corazones en el Polo del mundo existente."

Por lo tanto, este primer principio básico al proceso de espiritualización, yo creo, es aquel de la atracción de poderosas fuerzas espirituales a través de acciones prescritas, lo que llamaríamos un principio magnético.

El segundo principio, yo veo, en el proceso del desarrollo espiritual es aquel de la interacción constructiva. El primero es que si oramos, si ayunamos, si enseñamos la Fe, si practicamos la unidad, si hacemos reuniones espirituales, atraemos las fuerzas y poderes espirituales. El segundo principio de interacción constructiva es ilustrada con un simple ejemplo. Sabemos en nuestras Escrituras que la oración atrae fuerzas espirituales. Digamos que oro un poquito para atraer una cierta cantidad de fuerzas espirituales. Esto reforzará mis esfuerzos. Esto me hará más fuerte. Oraré más. Es un modelo moderno muy simple, pero es suficiente para nuestro propósito. Oraré más; ésto atraerá una mayor medida de poderes espirituales. Oraré aún más; ésto atraerá aún más poderes espirituales. Oraré aún más y así se aumentará.

Por lo tanto hablo de este segundo principio como uno que le llamo la interacción constructiva. Uds. comienzan con un poquito. Atraen algunas fuerzas, les hace más fuertes. Hacen más, lo que atrae aún más fuerzas y así aumentará. Y, en ese sentido, estamos llamados a practicar estas virtudes espirituales para llevar a cabo estas prácticas devocionales la práctica de enseñar y contribuir al Fondo, de participar en el trabajo de la Fe, confiados de que traerán fuerzas espirituales las cuales reforzarán nuestros esfuerzos y nos llevará a hacer aún más.

El Tiemplo ya está construído'

Es en este sentido este principio de interacción constructiva que es la única manera en la cual puedo comprender una extraña y misteriosa declaración que aparece en nuestras Escrituras y que es atribuída al Maestro, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, aquí en este mismo lugar en el año 1912. En aquella ocasión, cuando ‘Abdu’l-Bahá había colocado la primera piedra de este magnífico edificio en el que estamos resguardados esta noche, Él hizo un extraño comentario. Habiendo colocado la primera piedra, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá se dice haber dicho a los amigos reunidos en aquella ocasión, "el Templo ya está construído."

"El Templo ya está construído." En 1912 había una piedra que ellos pusieron en la tierra, nada de esta estructura estaba aquí. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá dijo, "el Templo ya está construído." ¿Cómo podemos entender una declaración tal como ésa? Yo creo que fue simplemente una expresión de este principio de interacción constructiva, que lo que Él estaba diciendo, como lo explicó en ese momento, era 'Uds. solamente tienen que empezar. Todo estará bien.' Les decía a los queridos amigos reunidos en 1912, 'Empiezen algo, hagan un comienzo. Uds. atraerán poderes espirituales. Esto reforzará sus esfuerzos. Harán aún más, atraerán poderes espirituales aún mayores y vendrá una época cuando el Templo llegará a la existencia física. Ya está construído por virtud de los esfuerzos que Uds. han emprendido en 1912.' Es en ese sentido que yo veo este principio de la interacción constructiva, tan vital para el proceso de la espiritualización.

Como mencioné, pienso que hay tres elementos en el proceso de la espiritualización. El principio de magnetismo, por el cual realizamos ciertas acciones y atraemos fuerzas espirituales, y el principio de interacción constructiva mediante el cual hacemos un esfuerzo y eso atrae aún más poderes y por lo tanto se aumenta desde ahí.

Si solamente hubieran estos dos principios, cuan simple sería la vida. Es fuente de gran pesar para mí que tengo que decirles que no hay dos principios sino tres, porque el tercer principio es el de las pruebas.

Las pruebas son inevitables. Las pruebas son una fuente de drama, de éxito y fracaso en nuestras vidas personales y colectivas. Pero cuando hacemos los esfuerzos, cuando atraemos las fuerzas espirituales, cuando aumentamos nuestras energías, y así continúa, nosotros somos probados. Estamos sujetos a las pruebas vez tras vez. Se nos ha dicho que el proceso de pruebas es intrínsico al de desarrollo espiritual. No hay dos principios; hay tres y el tercero es el de las pruebas.

Somos probados para ver si realmente tenemos la fortaleza, la fuerza, la determinación para persistir en la cara de la adversidad, en la cara de la distracción, en la cara del ridículo, del deseo de relajar, de evitar las dificultades y el esfuerzo que está involucrado.

El Guardián nos dice que este proceso de pruebas es necesario, como él lo describe, para que las fuerzas espirituales internas lleguen a ser estimuladas, y que las pruebas son regalos de Dios para capacitarnos en crecer y desarrollarnos. Pero también estemos conscientes de que las pruebas no se pasan automáticamente. El mero hecho de que nosotros, como creyentes, estamos sujetos a las pruebas no implica que se garantiza que atravesemos éxitosamente esa prueba. La historia de nuestra Fe repetidamente demuestra que hay algunos que pasaron y hay algunos que fracasaron y la Causa de Dios avanza hacia su glorioso destino.

He elegido esta noche como mi tema, las pruebas mentales. Y la primera de las pruebas mentales a la que he dirigido la atención es ésa de espiritualizar nuestras vidas en un ambiente materialista. Para hacer esto, necesitamos identificar los peligros que confrontamos.

Necesitamos comprometernos con determinación a la búsqueda de los actos de devoción, a la implementación de las grandes leyes morales y éticas de nuestra Fe. Y necesitamos darnos cuenta clara y definitivamente que los principios a los que nos subscribimos como bahá’ís son en muchas maneras radicalmente diferentes de lo que han llegado a ser los principios y las normas generalmente aceptadas de la sociedad Americana alrededor nuestro.

No estamos aquí con el propósito de condenar. Estamos aquí con los propósitos de encontrar nuestras sendas hacia Dios, de encontrar nuestros caminos adelante durante un tiempo de gran confusión y pruebas y dificultades y sufrimientos para todos los elementos de la humanidad. Nosotros solamente lo haremos al darnos cuenta completamente de que hemos elegido el camino de Bahá’u’lláh. Y el camino de Bahá’u’lláh es, en muchas maneras, muy claramente diferente de la sociedad que nos rodea.

Para tomar solo un ejemplo. Nuestro concepto de castidad como un elemento indispensable de la vida moral de los bahá’ís es que las relaciones sexuales son permitidas solamente entre dos personas del sexo opuesto que están casados entre sí. Este es nuestro principio. No es el principio de nuestra sociedad. Es un principio que es condenado como puritano. Es descrito en algunas áreas como homofóbico. Es descrito en muchas otras maneras. Pero es nuestro principio. Esto es lo que nuestra religión nos dice y nosotros estamos comprometidos a un sendero espiritual en la búsqueda de las leyes de Bahá’u’lláh independientemente de si se ajusta o no con la sociedad alrededor nuestro.

Nos diferenciamos mucho de la gente alrededor nuestro en ciertos aspectos. Por ejemplo, nos diferenciamos en el concepto del deber. El concepto del deber ha llegado a ser en muchas maneras poco popular. Pero nosotros somos gente de deber. Somos gente que hacemos cosas que no queremos particularmente hacer desde un sentido del deber. Somos gente que hacemos cosas que encontramos difíciles, que encontramos incómodas, que encontramos desconcertantes. ¿Por qué? No por un deseo de martirio, sino por el sentido del deber. Nosotros los bahá’ís somos gente de deber. Somos gente de disciplina. Somos gente de responsabilidad. Somos un pueblo que reverencia y honra tales conceptos como la honestidad y la veracidad.

Necesitamos pasar la prueba de la espiritualización en un ambiente materialista. Necesitamos, por sobre todo, valentía; la valentía y la voluntad de ser diferentes, de perseverar, de persistir en el trabajo de la espiritualización de nuestras vidas sin tener en cuenta todas las otras consideraciones y las fuerzas e influencias de la gente alrededor nuestro.

La segunda de estas tres pruebas que yo siento que está hoy sobre los Estados Unidos es que estamos probados para desarrollarnos como seres humanos dedicados, preocupados acerca del futuro de la humanidad y del mundo cambiante. La Causa de Dios hoy en día requiere más y más de tales seres humanos dedicados.

El futuro de américa

Shoghi Effendi, en un pasaje escrito no mucho antes de su fallecimiento, se refirió al futuro de la nación americana. Y una de las cosas que él mencionó a realizarse dentro del futuro de la nación americana me ha atraído la atención en los recientes años. Él dijo, en aquella época, que los bahá’ís de América enfrentaban un futuro desafío. Y ¿cuál era ese desafío? Él se refirió al desafío de que la apatía y el aletargamiento paralizaría sus facultades espirituales. En el mensaje publicado en el libro, Citadel of Faith, Shoghi Effendi se refiere a un número de desafíos delante de los amigos americanos, uno de los cuales fue que "la apatía y el aletargamiento les paralizarían sus facultades espirituales en el futuro."

Nosotros, hoy día, enfrentamos esa prueba-la prueba de vencer la apatía y el letargo. La prueba de [Page 24]

ESPAÑOL

que a aquellos alrededor nuestro cada vez más les falta el fervor y el idealismo y la pasión por cambiar el mundo. La sociedad alrededor nuestro ha perdido su visión. Faltan héroes y heroínas. Han llegado a estar desacreditados. Se han escrito exposiciones acerca de ellos. Se han encontrado que tienen los pies de arcilla. No hay héroes. No hay heroínas. No hay visión.

Es una cuestión de pasarlo día por día, estar preocupado solamente por si mismo porque nadie se interesa por nosotros. Uds. sobreviven o no; es un mundo duro y cruel.

La creación de ‎unas sociedad una sociedad‎ nueva

Esa no es la manera bahá’í. Nosotros somos gente dedicada a la creación de una nueva sociedad. Estamos llamados al heroísmo. Estamos llamados al sacrificio. Estamos llamados al idealismo y al ‎altruísmo altruismo‎.

Somos gente creando una nueva sociedad, una nueva civilización. Somos gente que amamos y estamos preocupados acerca de las generaciones que ni han nacido todavía y estamos preparados para dedicar nuestras vidas a esas generaciones que vienen en décadas y siglos en el futuro, que puedan tener una mejor vida; que puedan tener una vida de paz y unidad y armonía y la posibilidad de un completo desarrollo de sus potenciales. Este es el idealismo al cual estamos llamados como bahá’ís. Necesitamos vencer la apatía y el letargo de nuestra sociedad y distinguirnos como gente dedicada a la creación de un nuevo mundo.

¿Qué significa esto? ¿Cómo logramos esto? ¿Cómo sucederá? Yo creo que nosotros, como creyentes, necesitamos un entendimiento más profundo del papel de la Fe en la redención de la humanidad. No estamos simplemente esparciendo una religión para llenar un mundo lleno ya de religiones. No estamos simplemente buscando abrirnos a codazos nuestro camino en la comunidad de las creencias de la humanidad. No estamos simplemente contentos en estar ‎incluídos incluidos‎ en el Libro Anual de la Enciclopedia Británica y llegar a ser conocidos como una religión que se ha esparcido alrededor del mundo. No estamos simplemente contentos de ensamblar una selección de asambleas locales y nacionales y eventos y reuniones prestigiosos.

Nuestra religión es aquella del Prometido de Todas las Edades. Nuestra religión es aquella del Redentor del Mundo Quien ha venido después de miles y miles de años de trabajo penoso y confusión y sufrimiento durante toda la historia escrita. Estamos en el punto de ruptura en la historia de la civilización humana y nosotros, como bahá’ís, somos el vehículo para la implantación del espíritu en el cuerpo de la humanidad la que está ahora siendo moldeada a través de grandes dificultades y sufrimientos en una entidad unificada.

En mi función actual como miembro de la Casa Universal de Justicia, me encuentro a veces meditando en una declaración que aparece en los escritos del Guardián y aparece sin condicionalidad. No encuentro condicionalidad adjunta a ella. Más bien es una declaración definitiva sin ningún “tal vez” o “posibles” o “quizás.” Y en esa declaración, el Guardián se refiere a la institución de la cual soy miembro, la Casa Universal de Justicia. Y él dice que “esta Casa es una que la posteridad considerará como el último refugio de una civilización tambaleante.”

Cuando leí ese pasaje, me dije, “¿qué significa acerca de la futura condición de la humanidad?” A veces me siento en la cámara de consejo en la Sede de la Casa Universal de Justicia, miro a mis ocho colegas sentados alrededor de la mesa, me doy cuenta que nosotros nueve no somos la Casa de Justicia. Es una gran, magnífica entidad espiritual de la cual somos solamente la débil expresión externa.

Los grandes cambios que vienen

Pero me digo, “esta institución, esta Casa Universal de Justicia, con la cual hasta cierto grado he llegado a familiarizarme en estos años, ella, el Guardián nos dice definitivamente, categóricamente, sin condicionalidad, será tal que la posteridad la mirará como ‘el último refugio de una civilización tambaleante.’” Les ofrezco este pasaje simplemente como una indicación de los grandes cambios que están llegando a la humanidad.

Cuando vendrán—en qué década, en qué siglo—no sabemos. Pero sabemos que vendrán; que la Causa de la cual somos todos miembros está destinada a jugar un transformante y revolucionante papel mayor en la historia de la humanidad en este planeta. Y pienso que si podemos revivir en nuestras mentes la visión de la magnitud de los propósitos y objetivos de la Causa—propósitos que están más allá de la comprensión humana, que son posibles solamente por el poder de Dios que creemos anima Bahá’u’lláh y su Revelación. Si hacemos esto, entonces reviviremos esa visión y llegaremos una vez más a ser seres humanos dedicados al bienestar de la humanidad de esta generación e incontables generaciones venideras en el futuro.

Finalmente, llego a la tercera de las tres pruebas mentales a las cuales he querido dirigir su atención esta noche. Y es un desafío y una prueba que los amigos bahá’ís en muchas partes están experimentando. Les dirijo mis comentarios a Uds. como bahá’í americanos, pero he hecho comentarios similares en otros países que he visitado recientemente.

Mi preocupación y lo que veo ser una prueba mental muy peligrosa y apremiante para los bahá’ís en los países occidentales también para otras partes del mundo, es que los creyentes en estos países viven en una sociedad que ha desarrollado ciertas actitudes acerca de las organizaciones e instituciones sociales. Estas actitudes son primeramente que la gente es sospechosa y desconfiada de sus gobiernos y burocracias. Ellos han encontrado a través de amargas experiencias que sus líderes gubernamentales han llegado a ser corruptos, que la burocracia de sus organizaciones sociales les sofoca, les limita sus libertades, y de muchas maneras, es una fuente de sus sufrimientos.

La gente hoy día no tiene un sentido de comunidad. Han aprendido, a un amargo costo, en no confiarse el uno al otro, en no confiar en aquellos que parecen honestos y rectos y de buen carácter porque, a menudo, han encontrado lo opuesto. Ellos han desarrollado, por lo tanto, un sentido de individualismo extremo, de adorar sin límites la libertad personal. La gente en nuestra sociedad cada vez más sienten un sentido de impotencia en relación a sus autoridades.

Las actitudes de la sociedad

Se encuentran insignificantes, incapaces de cambiar el sistema, condenados a sufrir sus adversas y opresivas circunstancias y consecuencias. Por lo tanto, a menudo recurren a acciones radicales fuera del sistema. Llegan a ser terroristas; llegan a ser anarquistas. Buscan derrocar el sistema; buscan su destrucción. Ellos dicen, a menudo con cierta justificación, ‘cualquier cosa es mejor de lo que tenemos.’ Éstas son cada vez más las actitudes de la sociedad alrededor nuestro. Fueron previstas por Bahá’u’lláh en Sus Tablas a los reyes y líderes religiosos.

Shoghi Effendi describe en detalle la evolución de la sociedad durante lo que él denominó esta “edad de transición crítica.” Está ahora sobre nosotros. La gente en nuestra sociedad ha desarrollado esas actitudes y, si fuéramos a cuestionar esa gente, nos ofrecerían una amplia justificación para las actitudes que muestran.

La gran prueba mental que enfrentamos como creyentes es la prueba de que podemos, inconscientemente y sin darnos cuenta, transferir esas actitudes de la sociedad mayor que está manifiestamente en descenso al sistema administrativo bahá’í.

Esa es nuestra prueba, porque si traemos esas actitudes con nosotros, sin siquiera darnos cuenta, perturbaremos el desarrollo y dañaremos el sistema administrativo ordenado por Bahá’u’lláh. Shoghi Effendi escribió sobre este tema años atrás. Él dijo, “nuestra presente generación, principalmente debido a las corrupciones que se han identificado con las organizaciones, parecen ponerse en contra de cualquier institución. La religión como una institución es denunciada. El gobierno como institución es denunciada. Aún el matrimonio como institución es denunciada. Nosotros los bahá’ís no debemos estar cegados por estas ideas corrientes. Si tal fuera el caso, todas las Manifestaciones Divinas no habrían invariablemente designado a alguien para que Les ‎sucedieran sucediera‎. Indudablemente, las corrupciones entraron a esas instituciones, pero estas corrupciones no fueron debido a la naturaleza de las instituciones, sino a la falta de direcciones apropiadas en cuanto a sus poderes y la naturaleza de su perpetuación.”

“Lo que,” esto es todavía las palabras del Guardián, “lo que Bahá’u’lláh ha hecho no es eliminar todas las instituciones en la Causa, sino que proveer la salvaguarda necesaria que eliminaría las corrupciones que causaron la caída de las instituciones anteriores.” Lo que son esas garantías es muy interesante de estudiar y encontrar y lo más esencial de saber.

El desafío del desprendimiento

En otras palabras, estamos desafiados de desprendernos, de emanciparnos del imperante, y sin duda, no sólo imperante pero el rápido aumento del sentido de sospecha, de desconfianza, de desaprobación que caracteriza las actitudes de la gente en nuestra sociedad hacia sus instituciones y evitar que tales actitudes entren en la relación de los creyentes a las instituciones bahá’ís.

Ellas no son las mismas; son radicalmente diferentes. Éste es un sistema ordenado por Bahá’u’lláh, por la Manifestación de Dios. Tiene características, tiene un sistema que lo capacita para purificarse de cualquier actitud y conducta adversa. Existe muy diferente de la manera del mundo. Si traemos la manera del mundo al Orden Administrativo Bahá’í, todo lo que haremos es perturbarlo temporariamente. Todo lo que haremos es dañar irreparablemente nuestro desarrollo espiritual personal.

Necesitamos desarrollar nuevas actitudes. Necesitamos desarrollar una más profunda comprensión de los Convenios de Bahá’u’lláh y ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. No es suficiente firmar la tarjeta que dice “Creo que hay un Convenio. Hay esta gente alrededor con una variedad de títulos. Lo que ellos son los acepto. Bien, eso es.” Esto no es suficiente, amigos.

Seremos arrastrados porque hay fuerzas peligrosas en nuestra sociedad. Hay influencias insidiosas. Tenemos que protegernos ahora y nuestra protección es la profundización en el Convenio. Les leeré un párrafo muy, muy difícil y muy desafiante del Guardián. En este párrafo que les leo el Guardián hace declaraciones que nunca me atrevería a hacer. Se las leo porque es el Guardián. Estoy a salvo; Uds. no me pueden atacar por leerlas. El Guardián está escribiendo. Nunca tendría el valor de pararme delante de Uds. y hacer la clase de declaraciones que les voy a leer ahora.

Shoghi Effendi dice: “...que los creyentes necesitan ser profundizados en sus conocimientos y apreciaciones de los Convenios de ambos de Bahá’u’lláh y ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Ésta es la fortaleza de la fe de cada bahá’í, y lo que lo capacita para resistir toda prueba y los ataques de los enemigos fuera de la Fe. ...” Hasta ahora no está mal; yo habría dicho eso. Ahora viene la parte difícil.

“Ésta es la fortaleza de la Fe de cada bahá’í, y lo que lo capacita para resistir toda prueba y los ataques de los enemigos fuera de la Fe y la gente más peligrosa, insidiosa, y poco entusiasta dentro de la Fe que no tienen un apego real al Convenio, y por consiguiente mantienen el aspecto intelectual de las enseñanzas mientras que al mismo tiempo minan los fundamentos sobre los cuales descansa toda la Causa de Dios.”

El Convenio: nuestra protección

¿Ahora entienden ‎porque por qué‎ dije que no habría tenido el valor de hacer estos comentarios? Son simplemente las palabras del Guardián, diciéndonos que solamente a través de la profundización en el Convenio resistiremos no solamente los ataques de gente fuera de la Fe sino lo que él describe como ‘los ataques más peligrosos,’ los ataques insidiosos de aquellos que él describe como “la gente...poco entusiasta dentro de la Fe que no tienen un apego real” a la Causa, que “mantienen el aspecto intelectual de las enseñanzas mientras que minan” su fundamento espiritual.

Amigos, no tenemos el derecho de juzgar; como individuos no podemos juzgar. No puedo decir esta persona es una de aquellas personas poco entusiastas que mantiene lo intelectual, pero que mina lo espiritual. No tengo el derecho de hacer tal declaración. Uds. no pueden hacer esa declaración acerca de mí [Page 25]o de cualquier persona en este salón o en este país. No estamos aquí para calificar o juzgar. Pero Shoghi Effendi nos dice que la comunidad bahá’í incluye esos elementos. No estamos aquí para entrar en acciones adversarias en contra de aquellos a quienes los calificamos en esa manera. Estamos aquí para hacernos saludables y fuertes espiritualmente para que quienquiera que sea, dondequiera que ellos estén, no estamos para juzgar, estaremos inmunes a sus peligrosa e insidiosa influencia.

Por lo que nuestra tarea no es entrar en caza de brujas. De no ir buscando y de poner rótulos a éste y a ése, a aquello. Nuestra tarea es de hacer exactamente como Shoghi Effendi dijo: de profundizarnos en el Convenio para que seamos fuertes y sanos espiritualmente y resistamos estas actitudes adversas hacia las instituciones de nuestra Fe.

Necesitamos también, al tratar con esta prueba, la prueba de adquirir una nueva actitud hacia nuestras organizaciones e instituciones sociales, necesitamos reconsiderar lo que es la crítica.

Hay crítica y luego hay crítica. Hay pasajes en los Escritos que se refieren a la crítica como una medida apropiada, un elemento apropiado de la consulta bahá’í y de la práctica de la comunidad y nadie está en desacuerdo con eso. Pero lo que también tenemos en los Escritos son referencias al carácter extremadamente peligroso de lo que el Guardián describe como la crítica “feroz y negativa”: “La crítica y las discusiones de un carácter negativo, lo que puede resultar en minar la autoridad de la Asamblea como un cuerpo, deben ser estrictamente evitadas.” Y pienso que la mayoría de la gente es bastante inteligente para saber ‎cual cuál‎ es la diferencia. Ellos son también bastante inteligentes para encontrar maneras de esquivar cualquier regla que Uds. establezcan, porque es una cuestión de actitud más que una cuestión de meras palabras de expresión.

La libertad de la crítica negativa

Miramos hacia una comunidad bahá’í en desarrollo constructivo, que no pretende que es inmune de cualquier medida para desarrollar y refinar sus prácticas y conducta, pero sí está libre de lo que el Guardián describe como la crítica de una naturaleza negativa, que tiene el efecto de minar la autoridad de la Asamblea.

Una de las prácticas favoritas y más derrochadoras en la vida de la comunidad bahá’í en algunos ámbitos es aquella de la especulación acerca de la calamidad. Estoy seguro de que todos Uds. han experimentado en ciertos momentos los comentarios espectaculares acerca de la evaporación de los rascacielos y los submarinos fuera de la costa y etcétera.

Hay un pasaje—hay muchos pasajes en los Escritos Bahá’ís—donde Shoghi Effendi dice que no sabemos en ‎que qué‎ forma la calamidad ocurrirá. La calamidad está ocurriendo ahora y etcétera.

Hay un pasaje, y se lo voy a leer, en donde el Guardián dice ‘‎Ésto Esto‎ es la calamidad’. ¡Por fin lo encontramos!

La carta (está) escrita en nombre del Guardián, el 18 de diciembre de 1949, publicada en el Bahá’í News en julio de 1950, y ¿‎que qué‎ dice él? Él define una calamidad. Él dice: “La crítica maliciosa es sin duda una calamidad. Pero su raíz es la falta de fe en el sistema de Bahá’u’lláh (eso es, el orden administrativo) y la falta de obediencia a Él—porque Él la ha prohibido. Si los bahá’ís siguieran las leyes en votar, en elegir, en servir y en obedecer las decisiones de la asamblea, todo este desperdicio de fuerza a través de criticar a los demás podría ser desviado a la cooperación. ...”

Así que uno de los elementos de adquirir la nueva actitud hacia las organizaciones sociales es la profundización en el Convenio, el segundo es el de reconsiderar la naturaleza de la crítica porque es un elemento constructivo de la consulta bahá’í, y el tercer y último elemento que menciono es bastante revolucionario. Es una declaración en donde a Shoghi Effendi se le pidió que definiera ‎cuales cuáles‎ eran los parámetros para que la Causa pueda atraer a grandes números de personas. Y él expuso cuatro parámetros, y tres de ellos son muy obvios y el cuarto es muy fuera de lo corriente. Él dijo que éstos son los requisitos sin los cuales la Causa nunca en realidad puede atraer grandes números de personas. Él dijo: “Sin el espíritu de verdadero amor por Bahá’u’lláh, por Su Fe y sus instituciones, y los creyentes los unos a los otros.” Tres de esos son obvios, el cuarto no lo es.

Supondríamos que los creyentes tengan un verdadero amor por Bahá’u’lláh. Esperaríamos que ellos amen a su Fe. Supondríamos que ellos, de hecho esperaríamos, que los creyentes se amen los unos a otros. Pero Shoghi Effendi define que uno de los cuatro requisitos para atraer grandes números de personas es que desarrollemos un sentido verdadero de amor, un sentido de amor verdadero por las instituciones de la Fe.

‎Ésto Esto‎ es radicalmente nuevo en la Dispensación Bahá’í. ¿Dónde encuentran individuos, ya que estamos en el Estado de Illinois, que vengan y digan “Yo amo a la Asamblea Legislativa del Estado de Illinois?” ¿Dónde encuentran a alguien que diga, “Yo amo a la Casa de Representantes?” “Yo amo al Senado.” Tal vez encontrarán algunos pocos que digan, “Estoy enamorado de la Corte Suprema,” particularmente si el fallo ha ido a su favor. ¿Dónde encuentran personas que digan, “Yo amo la Rama Ejecutiva del Gobierno?” “Yo amo el Consejo Municipal.” “Yo amo nuestra administración del distrito.”

‎Ésto Esto‎ es ajeno a nuestro pensamiento occidental. ‎Ésto Esto‎ es adverso; ‎ésto esto‎ es radical. El pensamiento imperante es que menos gobierno es mejor; más gobierno, debemos sacarnos estos pillos de encima, y etcétera. Nosotros vamos en una dirección totalmente diferente. No estamos sólo a 60 grados de distancia; no estamos a 90 grados o 150 grados de distancia. Estamos a 180 grados de distancia. Estamos totalmente en la dirección opuesta, porque nuestra Religión nos dice que sin el espíritu de amor verdadero para las instituciones de la Causa, no podemos atraer grandes números de personas.

He llegado casi al final de mis comentarios, pero no completamente porque es muy fácil de amar las instituciones cuando uno percibe que funcionan maravillosamente bien. ...Es fácil de amar las instituciones que funcionan maravillosamente. Si están en una comunidad y su Asamblea Espiritual local está haciendo cosas magníficas, maravillosas, seguro que Uds. la aman. Las amo yo también. Pero ¿pueden amar a una institución que está funcionando en una etapa de desarrollo incompleto, que está haciendo errores, que está teniendo dificultades con su unidad, con su actividad, con su acción ejecutiva, que se olvida de avisarles de eventos importantes y algo por el estilo? Éste es nuestro desafío. ¿Cómo podemos hacerlo sin hipocresía?

Podemos hacerlo de la misma manera que un padre ama a su niño. Cuando el niño se está tropezando, se está portando mal, está con algunas enfermedades, o está luchando con algunos modales, el padre ama al niño porque el padre ve en ese niño el potencial para el desarrollo. A través del amor y de la educación, el niño se desarrollará y realizará su potencial. A través de la crítica y la falta de amor el crecimiento del niño será detenido; su desarrollo nunca será realizado.

Así que somos nosotros los llamados a amar nuestras instituciones, no en un sentido de artificialidad, no en un sentido de hipocresía, pero en un sentido de fe perfecta que éstas son las instituciones ordenadas por Bahá’u’lláh con un glorioso magnífico futuro delante de ellas. A través de nuestro amor, nuestra educación, nuestro apoyo, nuestra compasión, nuestra comprensión, ellas se desarrollarán. Ellas evolucionarán. Es esta clase de amor que buscamos—radicalmente diferente de las actitudes de crítica, de sospecha, de desorden, de corrupción que informan la actitud de la gente en la sociedad que nos rodea, hacia las instituciones que están en decadencia y disolución.

El triple tema del Plan

Como Uds. saben, el Plan de Tres Años, apresurándose a su conclusión, gira alrededor de un triple tema—realzar la vitalidad de la fe de los creyentes individuales, desarrollar grandemente los recursos humanos de la Causa, y fomentar el funcionamiento apropiado de las instituciones locales y nacionales bahá’ís. Está en el esfuerzo para superar las tres pruebas mentales, a las cuales he llamado la atención esta noche, que creo que podemos mejor cumplir las responsabilidades puestas sobre nosotros en el curso del Plan de Tres Años en nuestro papel como bahá’ís.

Traigo mis comentarios a la conclusión. Es bien sabido que la comunidad bahá’í americana es una comunidad que está dotada con gran potencial. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá bendijo estas costas con Sus pisadas. Él prodigó amor y cuidado a este país. Shoghi Effendi escribió sus grandes mensajes a los bahá’ís americanos. Él apeló a los creyentes americanos como los ejecutores principales de las “Tablas del Plan Divino.” Y les puedo asegurar que la Casa Universal de Justicia ama a la comunidad bahá’í americana y a sus instituciones en una manera no menos que el amor que fue brindado sobre los amigos en este país por el Maestro y por el Guardián. Miramos a la comunidad bahá’í americana con mucha fe y confianza y, si Uds. lo permiten, con orgullo en el potencial y la grandeza de lo que esta comunidad puede lograr.

No hay duda en mi mente que todas las promesas en las Escrituras acerca de la futura gloria y el destino de la comunidad bahá’í americana ‎será serán‎ total y completamente realizadas. Todo lo que ‘Abdu’l-Bahá dice acerca de ella será ‎cumplida cumplido‎. Ocurrirá; es inevitable. No hay duda acerca de eso. Pero sí hay duda acerca de donde estaremos Uds. y yo. ¿Seremos parte de este gran desarrollo? ¿Seremos parte de estas victorias? ¿Sobreviviremos estas pruebas mentales peligrosas y desafiantes a las cuales veo que estamos sujetos ahora? ¿Será nuestra suerte de ser llevados en la cresta de esta ola de victorias o seremos ‎hechados echados‎ a un lado? ¿Nos uniremos, de hecho, a aquellos quienes en la historia bahá’í fracasaron las pruebas cuando se les vinieron encima? La elección es nuestra. La elección es nuestra, amigos. La elección es nuestra.

Newspaper profiles two men who left Baptist Church to embrace Bahá’í Faith

An article November 18 on the Religion page of the Tacoma (Washington) Morning Tribune headlined “Conversion—or progression?” told the story of two Baptist ministers who left the church last fall to embrace the Bahá’í Faith.

The two men, Robert Carpenter Sr. and Elrico Evans, were two of six unpaid associate ministers at Shiloh Baptist Church, one of Tacoma’s oldest and largest African-American congregations, before their departure in October 1994.

Mr. Carpenter, who has studied comparative religions for 43 years, said in the article that he has been a Bahá’í at heart since 1972. Mr. Evans said he realized in 1994 that the Faith represents what he believed while ministering for 11 years at Shiloh Baptist.

“Why the division between us today about religion?” asked Mr. Carpenter. “If God is one God and He’s God of everything, why are we so separated as Christians and Jews and Muslims and Buddhists and Hindus and Bahá’ís?”

As for the impact of leaving the church, Mr. Evans, who with Mr. Carpenter leads a Thursday night study group on the Faith, said, “Everybody else has got to come to the truth for themselves. I can’t bring it to them.”

GET YOUR NEWS ON THE AIR!

Radio Bahá’í, North America’s first Bahá’í radio station, now has a weekly news broadcast. This unique news service covers U.S. and international Bahá’í events and achievements. Now we need your help to put the efforts of individual friends and your community “on the air.” Put Radio Bahá’í on the mailing list for your local newsletter today. Your community is working hard for this beloved Cause. Now, let the whole world know about it! Post your local newsletter to: Radio Bahá’í Route 2, Box 69 Hemingway, SC 29554

[Page 26]

Upcoming Programs at Bosch Bahá’í School—A Winter Respite

Have you ever ‎need needed‎ to get away, even though it was only the middle of the week? Well, Bosch Bahá’í School has the perfect solution, especially for those of you in their area. Why don’t you consider Bosch for a personal, midweek retreat. They are open seven days a week and they provide meals and all accommodations, even when the School is not hosting a specific session. It is also possible to plan additional days around a session, such as coming a few days early or staying a few days later. Call Bosch for more information.

January 5-7, 1996: College Club Weekend, facilitated by the U.C. Santa Cruz College Forum, with special guest, Allegra Kazemzadeh from the National Teaching Office

Come join college-age youth as they work together to organize networks between College Clubs across California and the United States. Special emphasis will also be placed on learning how to better communicate with each other and working with the local Spiritual Assembly.

January 19-21, 1996: Personal Weekend at Bosch!

Come for yourself. Spend leisurely hours in the Bookshop/Cafe. Study to your heart’s content in the expanded library facilities. Take long walks in the solitude of the woods. All this is yours during this special weekend session, which is yours to design. Feel free to stay all three days, or come just for one!

January 26-28, 1996: The Glorious Journey—A Hospice-type Program, with Barbara Trauger-Querry

Ms. Trauger-Querry is an art therapist who has worked extensively as a hospice team member. This session is open to all.

February 2-4, 1996: Seekers’ Weekend, with Jan and Lorrie Faulkner and Darryl Metcalf

Take this opportunity to provide an engaging venue for teaching the Faith to your friends and non-Bahá’í family members and loved ones. A fireside-type environment will be provided by three excellent teachers from Southern California. Remember, there is a serious price cut for those Bahá’ís bringing seekers.

February 9-11, 1996: Renewing the Spirit of the “Fortress for Well-being,” with Dr. Diane Rockloff, a licensed marriage and family therapist

This is the first in a series of sessions designed to work with individuals whose marriages may need some “help” (isn’t that almost all of us!). Couples who attend should be prepared to attend all three weekend sessions, one March 1-3 and the other May 3-5.

Bosch and the World Wide Web

Thanks to an individual Bosch Advisory Board member, you can now access the most up-to-the-minute information about Bosch Bahá’í School on the Web at http://www.bosch.org/bosch. The friends at Bosch invite you to come browse their page and learn about upcoming events or order books from their on-line bookshop. Imagine, the convenience of shopping for the most current Bahá’í publications from the comfort of your personal computer!

Having Trouble Contacting NABI?

Were you aware that the telephone system, which includes e-mail and fax lines, at the Native American Bahá’í Institute are cellular in nature? If you have ever tried to talk for any length of time to someone over a car phone, you have begun to experience what the staff at NABI deal with every day.

Please take this into consideration when trying to reach the friends at NABI. Several times every day the phone services are interrupted, making e-mailing messages and sending and receiving faxes especially difficult. Therefore, we would encourage you to not give up. If you are trying to phone NABI, please call periodically throughout the day. If you have e-mailed them a message and haven’t heard back, don’t be discouraged. It is very possible that either they did not receive your message or have been unable to respond due to cellular difficulties. When e-mailing, it is helpful to include your street address and phone number, as that will give them the option of responding to your request in other than e-mail format.

Remember, you can always contact the National Education and Schools Office if repeated measures to reach NABI have been thwarted. We will be happy to assist in any way possible:

National Education and Schools Office Telephone) 708/733-3492 Fax) 708/733-3502 E-mail)

Visit Green Acre this Winter!

January 12-14, 1996: “The Fire and the Gold: Benefiting from Life’s Tests,” by and with Brian Kurzius.

Participants will examine the role of mental and physical tests and how to turn them to the advantage of both the Cause of God and their own lives with the author, Mr. Kurzius.

January 26-28, 1996: “Race Unity: Walking The Talk,” with Thelma Khelghati and Mary K. Makoski.

With a focus on making the vision of race unity a reality, this conference will be advertised to the public as part of an African-American Heritage Festival. A Saturday evening performance, “Amazing Grace,” featuring stories of personal transformation from slavery to the present day, will be open to the public.

February 9-11, 1996: “Each One Bring One,” with Dr. Eugene Andrews

This weekend will offer spiritual enrichment for seekers. Included will be spiritual deepening and inspiration, time for personal reflection, and warm hospitality in a cozy setting.

Gospel Music Proves to be a Teaching Aid at LGBI

In November, the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Gospel Choir performed at a church in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. This performance was arranged through the Mt. Pleasant Bahá’í community’s interaction with the local churches. The program focused the music and narration on the station of Bahá’u’lláh. An extremely enthusiastic response was heard from the audience throughout the performance. The pastor and two senior members of the church also attended a follow-up fireside held two weeks later on the “Station of Bahá’u’lláh” from the perspective of the Holy Bible. The pastor invited the choir to come and sing again with plans for the bishop to attend their next performance.

In Dillon, South Carolina, where hundreds of people enrolled in the Faith twenty years ago, a local Bahá’í arranged for the LGBI Gospel Choir to sing at the AME church. The church accompanied the choir at many points, singing the praises of Bahá’u’lláh. The pastor commended the choir and announced to the congregation that he was a regular listener of Radio Bahá’í. In addition, an individual member of the congregation ‎payed paid‎ tribute to the community services she had witnessed by the Bahá’í youth from LGBI during the summer months.

Radio Bahá’í Outreach

Radio Bahá’í, located at Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í School in ‎Heminway Hemingway‎, South Carolina, recently collaborated with several other radio stations in the area to support the work of the Georgetown County AIDS Task Force. They particularly assisted the Task Force by focusing much of their program toward AIDS-related issues during National AIDS Awareness Week. In addition, one of the WLGI staff members was asked to co-host a program on another local radio station on the issue of AIDS awareness.

Helen S. Goodall Bahá’í School — In Session!

As part of their Three Year Plan, the Red Bluff (California) local Spiritual Assembly determined to reach out to all Bahá’ís living within the northernmost district of California. The result of this goal was the Helen S. Goodall Bahá’í School, which held its first session in August of this year, nestled adjacent to Mt. Lassen Volcanic Park.

Enthusiasm for the school ran so high that a winter session, with a theme of “Cornerstones of Unity,” was planned for December 28th - 31st. A full day will be dedicated to each of the Central Figures of our Faith, with George Roberts and Nick Savage presenting the class on the Báb, Nabil and Azadeh Fares on Bahá’u’lláh, Phoebe Babo on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Margaret Gallagher on Shoghi Effendi. In addition, a candlelight vigil was held in downtown Red Bluff on December 31st to welcome in the new year with prayers and songs of peace, unity, and brotherhood. Local churches were invited to attend this glorious event.

To find out more about the Helen S. Goodall Bahá’í School, please call the Red Bluff Assembly at 916/529-5856 or 1-800-233-0931. They can also be reached by faxing 916/527-4238. Sessions are already being planned for June and August 1996, with focus on the appointive and elective institutions and teaching into the millennium. [Page 27]

Open House at Louhelen Bahá’í School Promotes the Faith

A highly successful Open House was held at Louhelen on November 19 for the purpose of showcasing the year-long efforts of Ms. Carrie Kneisler — a well-known Evanston, Illinois, artist — to enhance the beauty, peacefulness, and uniqueness of the School. Over twenty local residents dropped in for a relaxing afternoon which included tours of the facility, stories on the history of Louhelen, complimentary cappuccino and a delicious spread of appetizers and hot, spiced cider. Many of the visitors came specifically seeking information about the Bahá’í Faith and eagerly engaged the staff in discussions throughout the day. One of these friends has returned to participate in weekly firesides and two others made plans to attend Habib Riazati’s course during the upcoming Winter School session.

The Open House was planned to coincide with a series of local news articles on Louhelen. Dr. Barbara Johnson’s trip to the International Women’s Conference in China resulted in a lengthy article in which the School was mentioned. Dr. Rick Johnson was then interviewed for a feature on spirituality and prayer. A few days before the Open House, Louhelen was featured as the “Church of the Week” in the local paper. This particular article ended with an invitation to the community to attend the Open House on the 19th. And, over the Thanksgiving weekend, an article appeared in which the ‎Johnson’s Johnsons‎ were quoted as being thankful for living in a time when race unity can be achieved.

Welcome to the Louhelen Bahá’í School!

“Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children, young plants of the Abhá paradise.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Upcoming Programs at Louhelen

January 5-7, 1996: Marriage and Childrearing: A Course for Youth, with Dr. Michael Rogell and Dr. Barbara Johnson

The National Spiritual Assembly has requested that a course be created for youth to reinforce the foundations of their future marriages and the eventual rearing of their children. This highly interactive weekend session, based on the Sacred Writings and incorporating a variety of activities includes such topics as: Identifying a Partner, Requesting Parental Consent, Preparation for Marriage, Childrearing, Consultation and Communication, and God’s Purpose for Humanity. The course is geared toward youth ages 15-25.

February 2-4, 1996: The Prosperity of Humankind, with Dr. June Thomas, Kate Lindsay, Billy Rogers, and Nancy McIntyre

This symposium based on the statement “The Prosperity of Humankind,” will explore spiritual approaches to urban and rural development through presentations, focused discussion, and action planning. Other topics include small scale agriculture, marketing relationships and spiritual land use ethic.

February 16-18, 1996: Celebrating Marriage, with Dr. Khalil Khavari and Mrs. Sue Khavari

A “honeymoon weekend” not just for the newly married, this program is for couples, whether newly engaged or long-married. Participants will study the Bahá’í teachings on marriage, explore strategies to enhance and protect marriage, practice consultation and communication, learn to handle stress within marriage, as well as enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner, a community celebration, and time to share “Why I’m crazy about you.” Dr. and Mrs. Khavari, well-known authors, educators, and family counselors, offer an encouraging, optimistic approach to the difficult but immensely rewarding task of nurturing life’s most precious relationship—that between husband and wife.

“A Lamp of Thy Knowledge Among Thy Creatures”

—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The Wilmette Institute was established by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States in 1995 to offer academic and professional programs. The Institute meets its financial needs through grants and tuition fees and is not supported by the National Bahá’í Fund.

Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization is a four-year, university level, study program offered by the Wilmette Institute. Its aims and objectives are to assist the friends to gain systematic and in-depth knowledge of the Bahá’í Faith and to develop the skills and know-how for propagation and promotion of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The program consists of two components: 1) eleven months of self-study per year, and 2) a one month residential study session to be held at National-Louis University (located within walking distance of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette) each July. The program has been developed by professionally accomplished scholars of the Faith, and the residential portion will feature focused sessions presented by this faculty. The Wilmette Institute recognizes the sacrifices the friends will have to make to attend the residential program, it feels that a month of interaction between the faculty and students is necessary for the practical work aimed at the skill development and student/teacher interaction which are an essential element of the program.

The Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization program is organized in a modular way to allow for the continuous enrollment of students. Students may enroll in the program during either of two enrollment periods each year and, as the modules offered are designed as independent units of study, they may be taken in any order. Within the next few years, modules offered will include study of the nature of religion, the basic principles of Bahá’í theology, the Bahá’í way of life, the structure and governance of the Bahá’í community, global civilization, Bahá’í history, Bahá’í scriptures, and programs designed specifically to assist the friends in the development of skills necessary for teaching the Faith effectively.

You are never too far away to join the Wilmette Institute! Our first group of students live throughout the United States and abroad and began the home-study element of the first module in October. They have received approximately 1,000 pages of material, including program details, assignments and exercises, reading lists, bibliographies, maps and other reference materials as the first portion of a multi-volume Student Handbook. In addition, all students with e-mail capability have access to an electronic network entitled GLOBAL. This use of the Internet has facilitated individual, as well as group, communication between faculty members, students, and Wilmette Institute staff. Each month telephone conferences are conducted for groups of students, with every student assigned to a particular group, ‎to providing to provide‎ direct access to the faculty member(s) responsible for the material being studied.

The Wilmette Institute is now accepting applications for students interested in entering a period of study that will begin in February. This group of students will have their eleven month study period extend from February 1996 through January 1997, with the month of residential study being required in July 1996, along with those students already in process.

The Wilmette Institute is accepting proposals from the friends who would like to be considered for faculty positions or be involved in the development of special programs. Applications for volunteer support staff will be entertained, as will any financial contributions, which will be used to set up a scholarship program for students in need.

For more information, or to receive an informational packet, contact: Wilmette Institute 536 Sheridan Road Wilmette, IL 60091 Registrar: 708/733-3492 FAX: 708/733-3502 E-Mail:

Don’t forget!
For the latest information on Bahá’í Schools and Institutes programs and the Wilmette Institute, call: 1-800-DWN-BRKR

[Page 28]

Nombramiento de los Consejeros Continentales

A los bahá’ís del mundo Queridos amigos bahá’ís,

El día del Convenio, 26 de noviembre de 1995, señala la iniciación de un nuevo término de cinco años de servicio de los miembros de los Cuerpos Continentales de Consejeros para la Protección y Propagación de la Fé. Hemos decidido aumentar el número de estos oficiales de alto rango de la Causa, de setenta y dos a ochenta y uno y con alegría anunciamos los nombres de aquellos ahora nombrados.

AFRICA (19 Consejeros)—George Allen, Beatrice Asare, Niaz Bushrui, Parvine Djoneydi, Mehraz Ehsani (Fiduciario del Fondo Continental), Shidan Fat-’he-Aazam, Kobina Fynn, Ibrahim Galadima, Hizzaya Hissani, Firaydoun Javaheri, Zekrullah Kazemi, Eddy Lutchmaya, Abaineh Merhatsion, Muhammad Otmani, Daniel Ramoroesi, Edith Senoga, Lally Warren, Wingi Mabuku, Tiati a Zock.

LAS AMÉRICAS (19 Consejeros)—Eloy Anello, Stephen Birkland, Gustavo Correa, Rolf von Czekus, Jacqueline LHB Delahunt, Wilma Ellis, Tod Ewing, Linda Gershuny, Abdu’l-Missagh Ghadirian, Peter McLaren (Fiduciario del Fondo Continental), Alejandra Miller, Ruth Pringle, Carmen Elisa de Sadeghian, Isabel de Sanchez, Errol Sealy, Arturo Serrano, Farhad Shayani, David Smith, Rodrigo Tomas.

ASIA (18 Consejeros)—Borhanoddin Afshin, Fadel Ardekani, Jabbar Eidelkhani, Bijan Farid, Elena Gruzkova, David Huang (Fiduciario del Fondo Continental), Nobuko Iwakura, Abbas Katirai, Kim Myung Jung, Lee Lee Ludher, Payman Mohajer, Perin Olyai, Zenaida Ramirez, Cyrus Rohani, Vicente Samaniego, Zena Sorabjee, George Soraya, Rosalie Tran.

AUSTRALASIA (11 Consejeros)—Ben Ayala, Beatrice Benson, Afemata Moli Chang, David Chittleborough (Fiduciario del Fondo Continental), Violette Haake, Betra Majmeto, Sirus Naraqi, Bruce Saunders, Heather Simpson, Erama Ugaia, Robin White.

EUROPA (14 Consejeros)—Hooshidar Balazadeh, Uta von Both, Patricia Coles, Louis Hénuzet, Patrick O’Mara (Fiduciario del Fondo Continental), Nabil Perdu, Maija Pihlainen, Polin Rafat, Shapour Rassekh, Ilhan Sezgin, Nosrat Tirandaz, Larissa Tsutskova, Tiberiu Vajda, Sohrab Youssefian.

Los siguientes quince devotos creyentes han sido relevados de los deberes de ser miembros de los Cuerpos de Consejeros: Sabir Afaqi, Hushang Ahdieh, Gila Michael Bahta, Friday Ekpe, Kamran Eshraghian, Kassimi Fofana, John Fozdar, Tinai Hancock, Foad Kazemzadeh, Gayle Morrison, Rose Ong, William Roberts, Paul Semenoff, Alan Smith, Shantha Sundram. Estos distinguidos siervos de Bahá’u’lláh merecen nuestra perdurable gratitud por sus notables y abnegadas contribuciones al progreso de la Causa. Nuestras fervorosas plegarias les envuelven al asumir la siguiente fase de su servicio a la Fé.

En la próxima etapa del Plan Divino, que se inicia en Ridván, el papel esencial de los Consejeros y los miembros de sus Cuerpos Auxiliares en el funcionamiento del Orden Administrativo bahá’í llegará a ser más evidente. En el transcurso del período crucial que enfrentan se requerirá que ellos dirijan su atención y energías en una proporción aún mayor a fomentar la evolución de las instituciones bahá’ís locales y nacionales y ayudar a las masas de los creyentes a acrecentar su devoción a Bahá’u’lláh, su ardor al enseñar, y su habilidad de atraer el tremendo poder que es latente en las actividades unificadas de las comunidades bahá’ís.

Se convoca a los Consejeros de todos los continentes a una conferencia en el Centro Mundial de la Fé desde el 26 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 1995, para deliberar sobre las tareas y oportunidades de los años venideros.

Es nuestra ferviente oración de que los esfuerzos de los Cuerpos de Consejeros recientemente nombrados presten un vasto impulso a las múltiples actividades de los amigos a traves de todo el mundo.

Con cariñosos saludos bahá’ís,

La Casa Universal de Justicia 20 de octubre de 1995

The Lesser Peace is a process, not an event

By TARAZ SAMANDARI

“The fifth candle is the unity of nations—a unity which in this century will be securely established, causing all the peoples of the world to regard themselves as citizens of one common fatherland.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

This statement by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and its subsequent confirmation by the beloved Guardian in a number of references have given Bahá’í assurance that humanity’s evolution will continue on its destined course.

Some have come to expect that the establishment of the Lesser Peace will come about as a single event or will bring about the immediate cessation of warfare. A close reading of the Bahá’í Writings discloses that just as the development from the Lesser Peace to the Most Great Peace is a gradual process, so too is the establishment of the Lesser Peace itself.

The Universal House of Justice writes, “The powers released by the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh... are shaping world events in an evolutionary process destined to lead ultimately to the inauguration of the Most Great Peace.” (letter of July 4, 1988, to an International Youth Conference)

And again, “The Lesser Peace itself will pass through stages... peace will come in stages. First there will come the Lesser Peace when the unity of nations will be achieved. ...” (letter of January 31, 1985, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual Bahá’í)

This process began “in the closing years of the Heroic Age of our Faith” (Citadel of Faith, p. 32) and has slowly but definitely advanced.

Although the motives for establishing the “permanent peace” by “suspicious rival nations” may be pragmatism, security, coexistence or the fear of a nuclear holocaust, the process itself is irresistible (“The Promise of World Peace,” sec. iv).

“Humanity willingly or unwillingly is resistlessly approaching” the stage of “the unification of the whole world” (The Promised Day Is Come, p. 118). The Universal House of Justice refers to “the drive toward world unity” as “one of the dominant pervasive features of life on the planet during the closing years of the twentieth century” (“The Promise of World Peace,” sec. iv), citing the cooperation among nations for mutual interests and the signing of many international accords and conventions (“The Promise of World Peace,” sec. ii) as evidence of this process.

In response to a series of world conferences sponsored by the United Nations, the House of Justice discerned a “gathering momentum of an emerging unity of thought in world undertakings” (message of January 23, 1995, to all National Spiritual Assemblies).

Since 1985, when that marvelous statement on peace was issued, with at least a major contribution from the ending of the Cold War, several remarkable events have combined to change the ways in which nations interact with one another. Although at times flawed in motive or disunited, arrogant in attitude or failing in its goals, or even suffering the misconduct of its own forces, the international community is called upon to meet the challenges of an increasingly interdependent world.

“The political unification of Eastern and Western hemispheres,” “the emergence of a world government and the establishment of the Lesser Peace,” as anticipated by the beloved Guardian, are taking a “long and tortuous” path and are being attained “through a series of victories and reverses” (Citadel of Faith, pp. 32-33).

“Through the shadow of confusion deranging present-day society, there is a far glimmer, yet so faint but discernible, of an approach, slow but definite, toward [the Lesser Peace].” (The Universal House of Justice, message of Ridván 1989)

The processes envisioned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá early in this century in His Seven Lights of Unity are well under way.

The establishment of the Lesser Peace will not necessarily mean an end to war altogether. Indeed, the Bahá’í writings point out that in this stage of the world’s development, “Force will be made the Servant of Justice” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 204).

Conflict among nations after the establishment of the Lesser Peace is not only possible but quite likely, as there will surely be those who will challenge the fragile unity that has been formed. Force will be needed to preserve peace and provide an adequate deterrent to potential aggressors.

The Guardian often compared the federation of the world’s nations to the federation of the United States (see also The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 88). He wrote, “That so fundamental a revolution, involving such far-reaching changes in the structure of society, can be achieved through the ordinary processes of diplomacy and education seems highly improbable” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 45).

The evolutionary process is gradual—transformation does not occur overnight but is “slow and painful” (The Promised Day Is Come, p. 5).

“The precise circumstances attending the establishment of the Lesser Peace are not known to us; even its exact timing is concealed in the Major Plan of God.” (The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 1989)

In analyzing world affairs, we must learn to see the proverbial tree within the seed (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 82). Consider how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá referred to “the ideals that fired the imagination” of Woodrow Wilson. He said those endeavors signaled “the dawn of the Most Great Peace” (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 88).

Note that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá refers to the American president’s efforts to establish a weak assembly of nations that was rejected by his own countrymen and ultimately failed to prevent World War II, not as the inauguration simply of the Lesser Peace but of the Most Great Peace.

Perhaps there will be other dramatic developments that will combine to establish a clear precedent, but it is also possible that a key event or chain of events (some of which may already have come to pass) may be recognized only in future years as having brought about the unity of nations in the twentieth century. With this in mind we may better interpret events as they develop.

Meanwhile, let us continue to be assured by the promise of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá concerning His Lights of Unity: “...Each and every one of these will inevitably come to pass inasmuch as the power of the kingdom of God will aid and assist in their realization.” [Page 29]

کنفرانس دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

FRIENDS OF IRANIAN CULTURE CONFERENCE

چنانکه از پیش به آگاهی خوانندگان عزیز رسیده است، ششمین کنفرانس دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی از ۲۳ تا ۲۶ ماه می سال ۱۹۹۶ در هتل نورت شور هیلتون North Shore Hilton در شهر سکوکی Skokie - در نزدیکی مشرق الاذکار آمریکا - تشکیل خواهد شد.

از جمله موضوع‌هائی که برای سخنرانی در این کنفرانس پیشنهاد شده عبارت است از: فن تاریخ نگاری و سبک‌های گوناگون تاریخ نویسی به زبان فارسی در دوره‌های گوناگون؛ تاریخ نویسان دورهٔ قاجار در ایران؛ تحقیقات تاریخی جناب فاضل مازندرانی؛ نگارش وقایع بابی در ایران؛ ارزیابی تاریخی؛ آگاهی تاریخی و رفتار اجتماعی؛ مطالب مربوط به زبان و ادبیات فارسی.

از علاقه‌مندان به شرکت در کنفرانس مذکور تقاضا می‌شود برگ نام‌نویسی زیر را تکمیل فرمایند و آن را به دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی ارسال دارند.

REGISTRATION FORM	برگ نام‌نویسی
Name......................................................................	نام و نام خانوادگی
Accompanied by....................................................	نام همراهان
Address...................................................................	نشانی
Telephone No:.......................................................	شماره تلفن
Registration fee: $...................................................	مبلغ ثبت نام
($15.00 per person, excluding evening programs)	(حق ثبت نام برای هر نفر ۱۵ دلار است. بلیط برنامه‌های شب جداگانه خواهد بود.)
Paid by check # ...................................................	چک شماره
(Payable to Bahá’í Services Fund)	(در وجه Bahá’í Services Fund)
Please send payment and form to:	متمنی است چک و برگ ثبت نام را به نشانی زیر ارسال فرمائید:
Persian/American Affairs Office Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091
For information call: (708) 733-3526 733-3531	همچنین علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۳۵۳۱-۷۳۳ (۷۰۸) و ۳۵۲۶-۷۳۳ (۷۰۸)

اطلاعیهٔ مؤسسهٔ معارف بهائی

‎NEW PUBLIC TIONS NEW PUBLICATIONS‎

مؤسسهٔ معارف بهائی در کانادا نامه و اطلاعیه‌ای برای درج در صفحات فارسی ”آمریکن بهائی“ ارسال کرده‌اند.

در نامهٔ مذکور از یاران پرسیده‌اند با فرا رسیدن ایام هاء و نوروز و عید رضوان ”چه هدیه‌ای برای خویشان و دوستان خود در نظر گرفته‌اید.“

سپس افزوده‌اند: ”کتاب را همه می‌توانند به هر مبلغی تهیه و به هر کس که مایلند هدیه کنند.... کتاب سطح معارف جامعه را بالا می‌برد، افراد را برای خدمت و تبلیغ مجهز می‌سازد و به مؤسسات بهائی کمک می‌کند بتوانند خدمات بیشتری عرضه دارند.“

حقوق الله

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’llah Trust به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق‌الله ارسال فرمایند.

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA. 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116

Dr. Elsie Austin 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, #612 Silver Spring, MD. 20901

کتاب‌های جدید

اثبات از قرآن کریم (به زبان انگلیسی) تألیف جناب صابر آفاقی، قیمت با جلد مقوائی ۱۶ دلار

نظم جهانی بهائی اخیراً چاپ دوم این کتاب اثر قلم حضرت ولی امرالله ترجمه جناب هوشمند فتح اعظم تهیه شده است، قیمت با جلد مقوائی ۲۴ دلار، جلد شمیزی ۱۴ دلار

ندا به اهل عالم چاپ دوم این اثر نیز منتشر شده است، قیمت ۹ دلار

انسان در آئین بهائی جلد اول آثار دکتر علی‌مراد داودی، جلد مقوائی ۲۲/۵۰ دلار

مجموعه مناجات‌های حضرت ولی امرالله شامل اغلب مناجات‌های فارسی و عربی حضرت ولی امرالله، قیمت ۷/۵۰ دلار

نوارهای ویدیوئی سخنرانی‌های ایراد شده در مجمع مطالعهٔ معارف بهائی، دورهٔ ”آیندهٔ جهان“، در صورت سفارش آماده و ارسال خواهد شد. قیمت هر نوار ۲۵ دلار

همچنین مؤسسهٔ معارف بهائی کتاب‌های زیر را به زودی منتشر خواهد کرد:

خوشه‌هایی از خرمن ادب و هنر (شماره ۶)

آثار و اشعار جناب طاهره (نوار صوتی، دکلمه و آواز)

تاریخ حضرت باب در بیش از ۱۲۰۰ صفحه تألیف دکتر نصرت‌الله محمدحسینی مشتمل بر مقدمه‌ای مفصل دربارهٔ تاریخ‌نگاری و حاوی شرح حیات حضرت باب و اصحاب آن حضرت و وقایع عهد اعلی و تفصیل آثار و مدعای حضرت اعلی

نشریات جدید لجنه ملی نشر آثار امری

(لانگنهاین، آلمان)

مثنوی نبیل زرندی در تاریخ امر بهائی و شرح صعود حضرت بهاءالله، این مجموعه نخستین بار در سال ۱۹۲۹ میلادی در قاهره به چاپ رسید. اما از آنجا که نسخه‌های این کتاب که بیش از ۷۰ سال پیش به چاپ رسیده، نایاب بود، لجنه ملی نشر آثار امری در صدد تجدید چاپ آن برآمد و شرح حال نبیل زرندی را که حضرت عبدالبهاء در کتاب ”تذکرهٔ الوفا“ مرقوم فرموده‌اند، بر آن اضافه کرد.

خانوادهٔ بهائی تألیف دکتر ماشاءالله مشرف‌زاده، در این کتاب پرسش‌های زیر بررسی شده است: خانوادهٔ بهائی ایرانی را چه خطراتی تهدید می‌کند؟ این خانواده چطور می‌تواند از صدمات دنیای خارج در امان بماند؟ رابطهٔ زن و شوهر نسبت به یکدیگر و فرزندانشان چگونه باید باشد؟ با وجود رگبار عوامل سوء خارجی چطور می‌توانیم فرزندانمان را به روش بهائی تربیت کنیم؟ نصایح الهی را به چه صورتی در زندگی زناشویی به مرحله اجرا بگذاریم؟

تسلیم و رضا تألیف جناب هوشمند گهرریز؛ در این کتاب بسیاری از نصوص الهی دربارهٔ توکل به حق در امور، رضا به قضای الهی و سلوک در منهج رضای پروردگار، تفویض امور در کسب و تجارت و همچنین کسب رضای خلق جمع‌آوری شده است. مؤلف محترم در فصول مختلف کتاب داستان‌هائی از فداکاری‌ها و جانبازی‌های برخی از احباء را نقل کرده است. [Page 30]

انسان مطلع الفجر است، یعنی بدایت روز وحدت و هدایت و انتهاء لیل کثرت و ضلالت.

حضرت عبدالبهاء

به شالوده روحانی آن لطمه می‌زند. من حق آنرا ندارم که چنین مطلبی را اظهار کنم. شما هم نمی‌توانید در بارۀ من یا در بارۀ هر فرد دیگری در این تالار یا در این مملکت چنین حکمی بکنید. ما نیامده‌ایم که مردم را طبقه‌بندی کنیم یا در بارۀ آنان قضاوت کنیم. حضرت ولی امرالله بما گوشزد می‌فرمایند که جامعۀ بهائی شامل چنین عناصری است. ما وظیفه نداریم که با افرادی که به این صورت طبقه‌بندی شدند مبارزه کنیم. وظیفۀ ما اینست که خود را از لحاظ روحانی سالم و قوی سازیم و در نتیجه آنها هرکه هستند و هرجا هستند بتوانیم از نفوذ خطرناک و موذیانۀ آنان مصون باشیم.

بنا بر این ما موظف نیستیم که به جستجوی این گونه افراد بپردازیم و بر این و آن برچسب بزنیم. وظیفۀ ما همانست که حضرت ولی امرالله فرموده‌اند یعنی در بارۀ عهد و میثاق مطالعه و تعمق کنیم تا از لحاظ روحانی سالم و قوی گردیم و بتوانیم در برابر نفوذ افکار و نظریات زیان‌بخش در تشکیلات بهائی مقاومت کنیم.

همچنین در برخورد با این امتحان، یعنی ضرورت اکتساب طرز تلقی جدید نسبت به سازمانها و مؤسسات اجتماعی‌مان، باید در بارۀ ماهیت انتقاد هم تجدید نظر کنیم. انتقاد داریم تا انتقاد. نصوصی وجود دارد که انتقاد را وسیله و عاملی مناسب برای مشورت و ادارۀ امور جامعه می‌داند، و کسی هم با این مطلب مخالف نیست. ولکن در آثار اشارات دیگری هم داریم به خطر بسیار بزرگ آنچه حضرت ولی امرالله آن را خرده‌گیری "بدخواهانه و منفی" نامیده‌اند. هیکل مبارک تاکید می‌فرمایند که از انتقاد و مذاکراتی که جنبه منفی دارد و ممکن است به قدرت و اختیارات محفل روحانی لطمه وارد کند باید جداً پرهیز کرد. و بنده فکر می‌کنم اکثر مردم به اندازۀ کافی زیرک هستند که فرق بین این دو را بدانند. همین طور هم می‌توانند راه فرار از هر قانونی که وضع شود را بیابند. چرا که این موضوع مربوط به طرز تفکر افراد است نه صرف کلمات و گفتار آنان. ما در پی جامعۀ بهائی متحول و سازنده‌ای هستیم که خود را بی‌نیاز از هرگونه تکامل و تعدیل و تنقیح روشهایش نمی‌داند، اما در عین حال از آنچه که حضرت ولی امرالله خرده‌گیری منفی نامیده‌اند و موجب تضعیف قدرت محفل روحانی می‌گردد بری و برکنار است.

یکی از عادات مورد علاقه و در عین حال مخرب در میان بعضی از افراد جامعۀ بهائی پیش‌بینی نمودن و بحث در بارۀ حدسیات خود در رابطه با وقوع بلائی عظیم و ناگهانی است. مطمئنم که همۀ شما تفاسیر و تعابیری دربارۀ بخار شدن آسمان‌خراشها و ظاهر شدن زیردریائی‌ها در سواحل و امثال اینها را شنیده‌اید. موارد متعددی در بیانات حضرت ولی امرالله وجود دارد که فرموده‌اند ما نمی‌دانیم چگونه و به چه صورت بلایا نازل می‌شود، یا فرموده‌اند بلایا هم اکنون درحال وقوع است. بیانی هست که در آن می‌فرمایند بلا اینست. در مرقومه‌ای به تاریخ ۱۸ دسامبر ۱۹۴۹ که از جانب هیکل مبارک نوشته شده و در اخبار امری سال ۱۹۵۰ درج گردیده بلا را در عباراتی به این مضمون توصیف می‌فرمایند. انتقاد از روی بدخواهی و لئامت براستی بلائی است. ریشۀ آن عدم ایمان به نظم حضرت بهاءالله (یعنی نظم اداری) و نافرمانی نسبت به آن حضرت است، که این عمل را منع فرموده‌اند. اگر احباء قوانین بهائی را در مورد ابداء رأی و انتخابات و خدمت و اطاعت از قرارهای محفل روحانی اطاعت ننمایند تمام این نیروئی که در راه انتقاد از دیگران به هدر می رود برای ایجاد همکاری و تعاون مصرف خواهد شد.

بنا بر این یکی از عوامل پرورش طرز تفکری نسبت بمؤسسات و تشکیلات تعمق و مطالعه در بارۀ عهد و میثاق است و عامل دوم تأمل و تفکر در بارۀ ماهیت انتقاد به عنوان یک عامل سازنده مشورت در دیانت بهائی است، اما سومین و آخرین عامل امریست کاملاً انقلابی. حضرت ولی امرالله در تعریف شرایط و عواملی که موجب دخول افواج مردم در ظل آئین بهائی خواهد شد، چهار شرط تعیین فرموده‌اند که سه تای آن بسیار واضح و چهارمی خیلی غیرمنتظره است. چهار شرطی که به فرمودۀ هیکل مبارک بدون آن هرگز جمعیت کثیری به این امر نخواهند گروید عبارتست از: عشق حقیقی احباء به جمال مبارک، به امر بهائی، به مؤسسات امر، و به سایر اعضاء جامعه.

سه شرط از این چهار شرط بدیهی است ولکن چهارمی چنین نیست. البته انتظار چنین است که مؤمنین عشق حقیقی نسبت به حضرت بهاءالله و به امر مبارک داشته باشند. همچنین انتظار و امید داریم که احباء یکدیگر را دوست داشته باشند. اما حضرت شوقی افندی یکی از شرایط لازم برای دخول جم غفیری از مردم‌مان به جامعۀ بهائی را پرورش عشق حقیقی در قلوب یاران نسبت به تشکیلات بهائی تعیین فرموده‌اند. این امر کاملاً بی‌سابقه و منحصر به دیانت بهائی است. کجا دیده‌اید که مثلاً در ایالت ایلینوی کسی بگوید "من هیأت قانونگزاری ایالت ایلینوی را دوست دارم." کجا دیده شده که کسی بگوید: "من مجلس نمایندگان را دوست دارم." یا "من مجلس سنا را دوست دارم." شاید چند نفر پیدا شوند که بگویند: "من دیوان‌عالی کشور را دوست دارم، مخصوصاً اگر مطابق میلشان رأی صادر کرده باشد! ولی چه کسی پیدا می‌شود که بگوید: "من قوۀ مجریه را دوست دارم." یا "من انجمن شهر را دوست دارم." یا "شورای ایالتی را دوست دارم." این مفهوم برای مردم غرب بیگانه است. آنان فکری "مضر" یا "افراطی" می‌دانند. یاران این اندیشه رایج اینست که "حکومت هرچه کمتر بهتر." در بارۀ دولت مردان می‌گویند: "باید شر این حقه‌بازها را از سر خود کم کنیم." و امثال این گفته‌ها بسیار است.

ولی ما بهائیان در جهتی کاملاً مخالف این طرز فکر می رویم، روش ما ۹۰ درجه یا ۱۵۰ درجه یا حتی ۱۸۰ درجه با آنها تفاوت دارد نه ۶۰ درجه. ما کاملاً در جهت مقابل قرار داریم. چرا که دیانتمان به ما تعلیم می‌دهد که بدون عشق واقعی به مؤسسات امر قادر نخواهیم بود وسیلۀ ایمان گروه عظیمی از انسانها شویم.

تقریباً به انتهای عرایضم رسیده‌ام ولی نه کاملاً. دوست داشتن مؤسساتی که به نظر ما به نحو احسن وظایف خود را انجام می‌دهند بسیار آسان است. اگر در جامعه‌ای زندگی می‌کنید که محفل روحانی آن کارهای عالی و مهمی را انجام می‌دهد یقیناً دوستش دارید. من هم دوستشان دارم. اما آیا می‌توانید تشکیلاتی را دوست بدارید که کاملاً پرورش و تکامل نیافته، اشتباهاتی مرتکب می‌شود، در زمینه ایجاد وحدت یا در اجرای تصمیماتش با مشکلاتی روبرو است، و در یاد آوری وقایع و نکات مهم قصور می‌کند؟ مشکل کار در این است. چگونه می‌توان بدون دوروئی و تظاهر، چنین مؤسسه امری را دوست داشت؟ همان طور که والدین فرزندانشان را دوست دارند. وقتی که بچه اشتباه می‌کند، رفتارش بد است، دچار بیماری است، یا از لحاظ سلوک اجتماعی مشکلاتی دارد پدر یا مادر همچنان فرزندش را دوست دارد زیرا در او استعداداتی را نهفته می‌بیند که قابل پرورش است. در اثر محبت و توجه والدین کودک رشد می‌کند و امکانات ذاتی خود را ظاهر می‌نماید. در نتیجۀ انتقاد و فقدان محبت رشد کودک متوقف خواهد شد و استعداداتش بروز نخواهد کرد. به همین ترتیب ما مأموریم که مؤسسات امری را دوست بداریم، نه عشقی مصنوعی و ریاکارانه بلکه با ایمان کامل که این مؤسسات را حضرت بهاءالله تأسیس فرموده‌اند و آینده‌ای عظیم و پرشکوه در انتظار آنهاست. بر اثر عشق و علاقه و توجه و حمایت و همدردی و دوراندیشی ما رشد خواهند نمود و به سوی کمال خواهند رفت. ما به دنبال این چنین عشق و محبتی هستیم که با خرده‌گیری و سوءظن و بی‌نظمی و فساد که روش مردم اجتماع بیرون از امر نسبت به مؤسسات در حال انحطاط و اضمحلال است تفاوت فاحش دارد.

همان طور که می‌دانید، نقشۀ سه ساله که به سرعت رو به انتها می‌رود دارای سه هدف اصلی است: تقویت بنیۀ روحانی افراد احباء، رشد و گسترش قابل ملاحظۀ نیروی انسانی امرالله، و کمک به پرورش و قوام مؤسسات امری محلی و ملّی. به نظر من با تلاش برای فایق آمدن بر سه امتحان معنوی که امشب ذکر شد می‌توانیم مسئولیت‌هائی را که در قبال تحقق اهداف نقشۀ سه ساله بر عهده داریم به بهترین وجه انجام دهیم.

در اینجا گفتار خود را به پایان می‌رسانم. همه می‌دانند که جامعۀ بهائی امریکا از استعدادات و امکانات عظیمی برخوردار است. این سرزمین به قدوم مبارک حضرت عبدالبهاء مشرف گشته، و محبت و عنایت سرشار آن حضرت شامل حال این کشور گردیده. حضرت ولی امرالله مهمترین توقیعات خود را خطاب به مؤمنین این مملکت صادر فرموده اند و آنان را به خطاب مجریان اصلی فرامین تبلیغی حضرت عبدالبهاء مفتخر نمودند. و من به شما اطمینان می‌دهم که علاقۀ بیت‌العدل اعظم به جامعۀ بهائی امریکا و مؤسساتش کمتر از محبتی نیست که حضرت عبدالبهاء و حضرت ولی امرالله بر یاران این سرزمین مبذول داشتند. ما با اعتماد و اطمینان به جامعۀ بهائی امریکا می‌نگریم، و اگر اجازه بفرمائید، به استعدادات نهفتۀ این جامعه و عظمتی که می‌تواند احراز نماید افتخار و مباهات می‌نمائیم. تردیدی ندارم که تمام وعده‌هائی که دربارۀ سرنوشت با شکوه آیندۀ جامعۀ بهائی امریکا در آثار مبارکه ذکر شده کاملاً و تماماً به واقعیت خواهد پیوست. هر آنچه حضرت عبدالبهاء ‎ ‎ اینها همه اجتناب‌ناپذیر است. شکی در آن نیست. اما آنچه مورد تردید است موقعیت من و شما است. آیا ما هم جزئی از این آیندۀ عظیم خواهیم بود؟ آیا ما هم سهمی در آن پیروزی‌ها خواهیم داشت؟ آیا از این امتحانات معنوی دشوار و خطرناک که به نظر من سر راه همه است به سلامت خواهیم گذشت؟ آیا سوار شدن بر این موج پیروزیها نصیب ما خواهد بود، یا موج امتحان ما را به کناری خواهد افکند؟ آیا در عمل به آن کسانی خواهیم پیوست که در طول تاریخ امر چون مورد امتحانات الهی قرار گرفتند روسفید نشدند؟ انتخاب با ما است! انتخاب با ما است! دوستان انتخاب با ما است! [Page 31]بر جامعه غلبه کنیم و به عنوان مردمی که خود را وقف بنای دنیای نو کرده اند از دیگران ممتاز گردیم. چگونه می توانیم در این هدف موفق بشویم؟ من با این حس در نظام امر الله را در حیات عالم انسانی بهتر بفهمیم. من باید این سیستم که دیانتی دیگر بر انبوه ادیان عالم اضافه کنیم. تنها به این معنی که سیستم دوازده ماهه را دوازده سال در نظر بگیریم. نه ما کافی نیست که یک سلسله محافل محلی و ملی به وجود بیاوریم و اجتماعات مهم ترتیب بدهیم. دیانت امروزه حضرت بهاءالله روح جدیدی در کالبد بشریت دمیده است. ما نباید فقط به تشکیلات بهائی در دنیای امروز نگاه کنیم. باید خود را در آستانه حساسترین مرحله از تاریخ تمدن ایستاده ببینیم و بدانیم که باید روح حیات را در کالبد بشریت بدمیم، بشریتی که با تحمل رنج و تعب بسیار در حال شکل و پیکر بندی شدن است.

در اوراق وظایف خود به عنوان عضو بیت العدل اعظم گاه به معنای عبارتی از بیانات حضرت ولی امرالله می اندیشم که هیچگونه شرط و قیدی برای آن ذکر نفرموده اند. بیانی است صریح که به احتمال عضویت در آن به بیت العدل اعظم، اشاره نموده می فرمایند آیندگان آن را آخرین ملجاء و پناه تمدن رو به زوال خواهند شناخت. هنگام زیارت این بیان بعضی اوقات که در تالار مشاورات مقر بیت العدل اعظم می نشینم و به هشت نفر همکارانم که دور میز نشسته اند نگاه می کنم و به این مطلب می اندیشم که ما نه نفر بیت العدل اعظم نیستیم، معهد اعلی ماهیتی روحانی و عظیم و پر جلال و شکوه است و ما جلوه ظاهری و ناتوان و ضعیفی از آنیم. بعد با خود می گوییم بیت العدل اعظمی که در این سالها تاحدودی با آن آشنا شده ام همانست که حضرت ولی امرالله با قاطعیت و صراحت آن را آخرین پناهگاه تمدن رو به زوال نامیده است. هدفم از نقل این عبارت اشاره به تحولات عظیمی است که نوع انسان را در بر خواهد گرفت. نمیتوانیم این تحول را در چه زمانی و در چه مکانی و در کدام قرن صورت خواهد گرفت، اما می دانیم که تحقق خواهد یافت. میدانیم که امری که به آن وابسته ایم نقشی عظیم در تحول و تکامل تاریخ بشر بر روی کره ارض خواهد داشت و به نظر من اگر در دور دست عظمت اهداف و مقاصد امر الهی را مجسم کنیم (‎اهدانی اهدافی‎ که از محدوده فهم و ادراک انسان خارج است و تنها به برکت نیروی الهی به مرحله اعقاد ما میرسد و محرک ظهور حضرت بهاءالله است) امکان پذیر خواهد بود در آن صورت ‎استهای انسانهای‎ متعالی خواهیم شد که خود را وقف بهزیستی بشریت در این نسل و در نسلهای بی شمار آینده خواهیم نمود.

سر انجام می بینیم که با سومین امتحان معنوی از امتحاناتی که قصد داشتم امشب توده شما را به آن جلب کنم. این مشکلی است که برای احباء در بسیاری از نقاط عالم وجود دارد، در اینجا مطالب را خطاب به شما یاران آمریکا بیان می کنم، اما مطالب مشابهی را در سایر کشورهایی که اخیراً به آنها سفر کردم اظهار داشته ام. به نظر من این امتحانی است خطرناک و مستلزم توجه فوری از جانب بهائیان کشورهای غربی و همچنین بعضی نقاط دیگر دنیا. مشکل اینست که احباء این ممالک در محیطی زندگی می کنند که در آن طرز تفکر و روحیه ‎فاسی خاصی‎ نسبت به

مؤسسات و سازمانهای اجتماعی به وجود آمده است. این طرز تفکر بر اساس سوءظن و عدم اعتماد به دستگاه حکومت و دیوانسالاری آن استوار است. مردم در اثر تجربیات تلخ دریافته اند که رهبران حکومتی فاسدند و نظمی که بر سازمانهای اجتماعی حکومت آنان را محدود نموده و به صور مختلف موجب عذاب و زحمت آنان گردیده.

مردم امروز احساس همبستگی با جامعه را از دست داده اند. در اثر تجربیات تلخ یادگرفته اند که به یکدیگر، و نسبت به کسانی که به ظاهر صادق و درست جلوه می کنند اعتماد نداشته باشند چرا که غالباً خبری از حقیقت ظاهری را در آزادی مشاهده کرده اند. در نتیجه به فردگرایی رو آورده اند و آزاد روی خود را در نادیده گرفتن نظم و شرط بی قید و شرط و آزادی مفرط می بینند. در واقع خود را ناتوانتر و بی قدرت تر در مقابل مسئولین امور و تصمیمات اداری در مقابل نظام حاکم عاجزند و محکومند که شرایط و مراتب نامطلوب و ظالمانه آن را تحمل کنند. به این سبب است که در بسیاری از زمینه ها به اعمالی افراطی و خارج از نظام اجتماعی دست می زنند. خرابکار و آشوب طلب می شوند و برای سرنگون کردن و نابودی نظام حاکم فعالیت می کنند. با خود می گویند، کار از کار نادیده هم حق دارند، که هر چیزی بهتر از این است که فعلاً داریم. این است طرز فکرهایی که هر روز بیشتر در اجتماع اطراف ما به سلاطین و رؤسای دینی این وضع را پیش بینی فرمودند.

حضرت ولی امرالله مراحل تحول اجتماع را در این زمان که آن زمان هنوز چنین تضادی نمایان نبوده بدقت تشریح نمودند. آن زمان را اکنون فرارسیده است. اجتماع آن چنان فرو ریخته است که روحیه ای ‎یاس و یاس یاس و ناامیدی‎ است. اجتماع آن چنان از طرز تفکر ما را پرورش داده اند و حاضرند با دلایل بسیار آن را موجه جلوه دهند.

بزرگترین امتحان معنوی که با آن روبرو هستیم اینست که ممکن است ناخود آگاه یا به دلیل بی توجهی، آن طرزفکرها را از اجتماع خارج که به وضوح در حال سقوط است وارد نظم اداری بهائی کنیم.

زیرا اگر آن افکار و احساسات را، حتی بدون اینکه خود متوجه باشیم، به داخل امر بیاوریم نظام اداری را که حضرت بهاءالله تاسیس فرموده اند مختل می کنیم. این را هم اضافه کنم که اخیراً، قبل حضرت ولی امرالله در این باره فرمودند که نباید امر الهی را صرفاً به علت فسادی که دامنگیر مؤسسات شده، با هرگونه سازمان اجتماعی معاصر سنجیده شود. دیانت و حکومت به عنوان مؤسسات اجتماعی محکوم شده است، حتی ازدواج به عنوان یک نهاد اجتماعی مورد تقبیح قرار گرفته است. محافل متعالی چنین تفکراتی نبایستی چشم بینای بشر را در روی حقایق ببندد. اگر چنین بود تمام مظاهر مقدس بیهوده بود. فردی را به جانشینی خود تعیین نمی نمودند. شک نیست که فساد در آن تشکیلات رخنه می نمود، لکن آن فساد ناشی از ماهیت تشکیلات نبود بلکه نتیجه فقدان دستورالعمل لازم در باره حوزه اختیارات و روش ادامه آن بود. بزرگترین دستورالعمل در ظهور اعظم حضرت بهاءالله تشکیلات را از هر گونه فسادی که باعث سقوط مؤسسات قبل بوده جلوگیری می کند. یکی از مواردی که هیکل مبارک به آن اشاره فرموده موضوعی است که برای مطالعه است و دانستن آن بسیار لازم و ضروری است. به عبارت دیگر باید خود را از سوءظن، عدم اعتماد و بی احترامی که مردم نسبت به مؤسسات اجتماعی ابراز می دارند، و

زود به زود هم ‎متبدیل تبدیل‎ می‌شود، آزاد و برکار نگار داریم و اجازه تعمیم این گونه کوشش ها و طرز فکر ها در روابط ‎البتا البته‎، با تشکیلات روحانی روشن کنند. مؤسسات امری همانند مؤسسات دیگر نیست. تشکیلات بهائی کاملاً متفاوت است. نظمی که حضرت بهاءالله مظهر ظهور الهی تأسیس فرموده، این نظام فکرها و عملیات پنهانی را که بنام تظاهر نماید. تشکیلات بهائی از نقطه مقابل مؤسسات دنیای خارج است. اگر راه و روش معمول در خارج از جامعه امر را وارد نظام اداری بهائی کنیم، برای مدتی کار کرد آن را دچار اختلال خواهیم نمود، ولی اثر منفی این کار بر رشد روحانی خود ما بمراتب جانکاه تر خواهد بود.

باید طرز تفکر و احساسات جدیدی را در خود پرورش دهیم و درک عمیقتری از عهد و میثاق حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت عبدالبهاء به وجود بیاوریم. امضا کردن کارت تسجیل و اظهار ایمان به تنهایی حاصل نیست. دوستان این کافی نیست. و القاب مختلف کافی نیست. نباید روحیه ای حاکم بر سازمان غیر بهائی، تشکیلات فکری و موثری در اجتماع وجود دارد که می تواند ما را ناتوان کند. باید خود را محافظت کنیم و فقط در مطالعه و تعمق در باره عهد و میثاق الهی است.

‎نادر بگذار‎ عین بیان مبارک را در این فقره هیکل مبارک ابداً برای ما شما بیان کنم که تسرّی نباید مرا مورد مواخذه قرار دهید. بیان بیان حضرت ولی امرالله است. اگر بر من بود هرگز شهامت ایستادن مقابل شما و اظهار این مطالب را نداشتیم.

(مضمون قسمتی از بیان مبارک که جناب خان زیارت نمودند به فارسی چنین است) : ...باید دانش و فهم احباء در باره عهد و میثاق حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت عبدالبهاء بیشتر و عمیق تر شود. عهد و میثاق حصن حصینی است که حافظ ایمان هر فرد بهائی است و او را قادر میسازد تا در مقابل هر گونه امتحان و حملات دشمنان خارج از امر، و آنچه به مراتب خطرناک تر است یعنی حملات افراد محیل و غیر صمیمی در داخل جامعه که دلسنگی یعنی آن تعهد و میثاق ندارند و در نتیجه جنبه های روشنفکرانه تعالیم امر را می پذیرند در صورتی که اساس روحانی را که تمامی امر الهی بر آن استوار است تخطئه و تضعیف میکنند، ایستادگی نماید.

حال متوجه می شوید که چرا جرأت اظهار این مطلب را داشتم. فقط کلام حضرت ولی امرالله است که ما را مخاطب قرار می دهد و می فرماید تنها راه مطالعه و تعمق در میثاق قادر خواهیم بود در برابر حملات دشمنان خارجی و آنچه که به فرموده هیکل مبارک بسیار خطرناک تر است مقاومت کنیم. یعنی حملات ‎سدّادانه شدیدانه‎ افراد غیر صمیمی داخل امر که دلبستگی واقعی به امر ندارند جنبه های روشنفکرانه تعالیم را تایید می کنند ولی اساس روحانیش را تضعیف می نمایند.

دوستان ما حق قضاوت افراد را نداریم اما وظیفه داریم تا می توانیم بگوییم این شخص از افراد غیر صمیمی است که جنبه های روشنفکرانه امر را می پذیرد ولی... [Page 32]

PERSIAN

به چشم می‌خورد. مثلاً حضرت بهاءالله امر خود را به مغناطیس تشبیه نموده می‌فرمایند: "عمری این امر به شأنی ظاهر که مغناطیس کل ملل و وجود خواهد بود." در مقامی حضرت عبدالبهاء در اشاره به حضرت بهاءالله و مقام مظهریت ظهور بیانی می‌فرمایند که مضمون آن اینست که خداوند مغناطیس قلوب وارواح را در قطب عالم وجود ظاهر ساخته است.

پس به عقیده من اولین اصلی که پایه و اساس رشد و ترقی روحانی است قوّه جلب نیروهای روحانی از طریق عمل به تعالیم الهی است، آنچه که اصل جاذبه یا مغناطیس نامیدیم.

اصل دومی که من در کار پرورش روحانی می‌بینم پدیده‌ای است که می‌شود آن را "اصل روابط متقابل و سازنده" نامید. اصل اول این بود که اگر نماز بخوانیم، روزه بگیریم، تبلیغ کنیم، عامل ایجاد وحدت باشیم، جلسات روحانی ترتیب دهیم قوا و توانائی‌های روحانی را جلب می‌کنیم. اصل دوم، یعنی اصل روابط متقابل، با مثال ساده‌ای روشن می‌شود. بر اساس نصوص مبارکه می‌دانیم که دعا جاذب قوای روحانی است.

حال اگر من کمی دعا کنم مقداری از قوای روحانی را جلب خواهم نمود. این نیروها مرا کمک و تقویت خواهد نمود و در نتیجه بیشتر دعا می‌کنم. این الگوی ساده‌ای است ولی برای منظور ما کافی است. چون بیشتر دعا کنم قوای عظیم‌تری را جلب خواهم کرد، و جلب آن قوا مرا قادر می‌سازد که میزان دعا و توجه خود را افزایش دهم. و این افزایش دعا و توجه وسیله جلب نیروهای عظیم‌تری می‌شود، و مرا کمک می‌کند که بیشتر دعا کنم و به همین منوال این جریان ادامه پیدا می‌کند. اینست که اصل دوم را "اصل روابط متقابل و سازنده" نامیده‌ام. با کوشش کمی شروع می‌کنیم، آن کوشش نیروهایی را جلب می‌کند که قوای روحانی را افزایش می‌دهد. در نتیجه تلاش بیشتری می‌کنیم که جاذب نیروهای عظیم‌تری خواهد بود و این جریان قوس صعودی را می‌پیماید. به همین جهت است که توصیه شده است کمالات روحانی را به مرحله عمل در آوریم، یعنی تبلیغ کنیم، تبرعات تقدیم نمائیم، به خدمات امری مشغول شویم و مطمئن باشیم که این اعمال جاذب قوای روحانی خواهد بود که مساعی ما را تقویت خواهد نمود تا بر میزان خدمات خود بیفزائیم.

تنها بر اساس همین اصل روابط متقابل و سازنده است که من می‌توانم عبارت مرموزی را که حضرت عبدالبهاء در همین جا در سال ۱۹۱۲ بیان فرمودند درک کنم. می‌گویند هنگامی که هیکل مبارک سنگ بنای این معبد عظیم را که امشب در پناه آن گرد آمده‌ایم نصب فرمودند، خطاب به احبای حاضر فرمودند "مشرق الاذکار ساخته شد." در سال ۱۹۱۲ فقط قطعه سنگی در این زمین نصب شده بود، و حضرت عبدالبهاء فرمودند "مشرق الاذکار ساخته شد." این بیان را چگونه می‌توانیم درک کنیم؟ به عقیده من این بیان مبارک مصداق اصل "روابط متقابل و سازنده" است، همچنان که در همان زمان توضیح فرمودند "فقط باید شروع کنید. همه چیز درست خواهد شد." خطاب هیکل مبارک در سال ۱۹۱۲ به احبّا، که "شروع کنید" این مفهوم را داشت که اگر مشروعی را آغاز کنید، موجب جلب قوای روحانی خواهید شد که آن نیز به نوبه خود موجب تقویت و افزایش مجهودات شما خواهد گشت. چون خدمات خود را افزایش دهید توان روحانی بیشتری را جلب می‌کنید و سر انجام زمانی می‌رسد که معبد در عالم ظاهر هم موجودیت پیدا می‌کند. به خاطر تلاشی که در سال ۱۹۱۲ آغاز شد بنای مشرق الاذکار تحقق یافت. به این جهت است که اصل روابط متقابل و سازنده را لازمه رشد و ترقی روحانی میدانم.

همان طور که گفتم به ‎عقیده‌من عقیده من‎ سه عامل در رشد روحانی مؤثر است. "اصل جاذبه" که بر اساس آن برخی اعمال جاذب قوای روحانی است، "اصل روابط متقابل و سازنده" که بر اساس آن چون تلاشی را آغاز کنیم قوای روحانی را جلب می‌نماید و در نتیجه موفقیت‌های بیشتری نصیب می‌شود و به همین ترتیب ادامه پیدا می‌کند. اگر فقط همین دو عامل در کار بود زندگی بسیار ساده‌تر می‌بود. امّا بسیار متاسفم که باید خدمتتان عرض کنم که یک اصل سومی هم در کار است و آن اصل امتحان است.

امتحانات الهی غیر قابل اجتناب است. این امتحانات عامل موفقیت یا شکست در صحنه حیات فردی و اجتماعی است. چون تلاشی را آغاز نمائیم و موجب جلب قوای روحانی گردیم به کرات مورد امتحان قرار خواهیم گرفت. تعالیم الهی به ما می‌آموزد که امتحانات الهی جزئی جدا نشدنی از مراحل رشد روحانی است.

هدف این امتحانات اینست که معلوم شود آیا حقیقتاً عزم و طاقت و شکیبائی لازم را برای ایستادگی در مقابل پریشانی‌ها و آشفتگی‌ها، در برابر استهزاء، در برابر تمایل به رفاه و آسایش و پرهیز از سختی‌ها دارا هستیم یا خیر. حضرت ولی امرالله توضیح فرموده‌اند که این امتحانات برای به حرکت در آوردن قوای روحانی درونی ضروری است و در واقع هدایای پروردگار است برای رشد روحانی ما.

امّا باید دانست که از این امتحانات روسفید بیرون آمدن حتمی نیست. همین که مؤمنین مورد امتحان قرار می‌گیرند خود دلالت دارد بر اینکه هیچگونه تضمینی برای موفقیت نیست. تاریخ امر شاهد است که برخی از امتحان روسفید بیرون می‌آیند و بعضی موفق نمی‌شوند، ولکن امر الهی به سوی اهداف عالیه اش پیش می‌رود.

امشب امتحانات معنوی را به عنوان موضوع صحبت انتخاب نموده‌ام. و اولین امتحانی که توجه شما را به آن جلب نمودم حصول حیات روحانی است در محیطی مادی‌گرا. برای رسیدن به این هدف باید خطراتی را که روحانیت ما را تهدید می‌کند بشناسیم. باید با عزمی جزم متعهد شویم که تقدیس و تنزیه را پیشه سازیم و احکام و قوانین اخلاقی دیانتمان را به کار بندیم. و باید به وضوح و قطعیت بدانیم که اصول اخلاقی که بهائیان پذیرفته‌ایم با معیارها و ارزش‌های متداول و پذیرفته شده در جامعه آمریکا از جهات مختلف و به نحوی بنیادی تفاوت دارد.

قصد ما محکوم کردن کسی نیست. هدف ما یافتن صراط مستقیم الهی و به پیش رفتن به سوی مقصد در زمانی که بحران و رنج و سختی تمامی نوع بشر را فراگرفته است. رسیدن به هدف تنها با اختیار نمودن طریق حضرت بهاءالله ممکن است و آن راه از بسیاری جهات با روش جامعه پیرامون ما تفاوت اساسی دارد.

یک نمونه موضوع عفت و عصمت است. برداشت ما از عفت و عصمت، به عنوان بخشی جدائی ناپذیر از حیات اخلاقی یک فرد بهائی، چنین است که روابط جنسی تنها بین دو نفر از جنس مخالف که با یکدیگر ازدواج نموده‌اند جایز است. این معیار ما است. امّا اجتماع تابع این معیار نیست و آن را افراطی و خشک مقدس می‌داند و تخطئه می‌کند. برخی نیز آن را نشانه ترس بی‌جا از همجنس‌بازی تلقی می‌کنند. خلاصه این ضابطه به صور مختلف تعبیر می‌شود، ولی این حکم معیار آئین ما است و در راه حصول رشد روحانی و اطاعت از احکام و تعالیم حضرت بهاءالله، بدون توجه به ردّ یا قبول اجتماع، به آن پای‌بند و متعهدیم.

ما با مردم اطراف خود از بسیاری جهات تفاوت داریم. مثلاً در مورد مفهوم وظیفه شناسی این تفاوت بارز است. وظیفه شناسی به صور مختلف دیگر مفهومی مردم پسند نیست. امّا اهل بهاء، وظیفه شناسند. مشکلات و سختی‌ها را می‌پذیریم و از روی وظیفه شناسی آنچه را که موافق میلمان نیست انجام می‌دهیم نه از آن جهت که آرزوی شهادت داریم بلکه برای انجام وظیفه. ما بهائیان مردمی وظیفه شناس و با انضباطیم. احساس مسؤولیت می‌کنیم و برای مفاهیمی چون درستی و راستی احترام قائلیم. باید در محیطی مادی‌گرا از عهده امتحانات روحانی بر آئیم. باید شجاعت اخلاقی داشته باشیم، شهامت و آمادگی برای اینکه از دیگران ممتاز باشیم، و بی توجه به تأثیرات مردم پیرامون خود در طریق رشد روحانی پافشاری و پایمردی کنیم.

دومین امتحان از سه امتحانی که احساس می‌کنم در آمریکا با آن روبرو هستیم آنست که ما مورد امتحان قرار می‌گیریم تا مردمانی متعهد نسبت به آینده بشر و تحولات عالم به بار آئیم. امر الهی امروز بیشتر از هر وقت به افرادی نیازمند است که این چنین متعهد و مسؤول باشند. حضرت ولی‌امرالله در بیانی که مدتی کوتاه پیش از صعود هیکل مبارک نوشته شده به آینده آمریکا اشاره می‌فرمایند، و یکی از اموری که در باره آینده آمریکا می‌فرمایند در این سالهای اخیر نظر مرا به خود جلب کرده است. در آن بیان هیکل مبارک می‌فرمایند که در آینده بهائیان آمریکا با مشکلی روبرو خواهند شد. آن مشکل چیست؟ می‌فرمایند بی تفاوتی و خمودت قوای روحانی آنان را فلج خواهد کرد. در پیامی که در کتاب Citadel of Faith (مجموعه‌ای از آخرین توقیعات حضرت ولیّ امرالله) چاپ شده به تعدادی از مشکلات آینده احبّای آمریکا اشاره می‌فرمایند که یکی از آنها مشکل "بی تفاوتی و خمودت" است که توانائی‌های روحانی آنان را فلج خواهد کرد.

امروز ما با آن مشکل روبرو هستیم، یعنی مشکل فائق آمدن بر بی تفاوتی و خمودت. اطرافیان ما به نحوی روزافزون شور و شوق و آرمان‌جوئی و حرارت لازم برای تغییر و تحوّل عالم را از دست می‌دهند. اجتماع تصویر یا دورنمائی از آینده ندارد و قهرمانانش را از دست داده است. در حقیقت قهرمانانش اعتبار خود را از دست داده‌اند و مردم دریافته‌اند که آنان قهرمان حقیقی نبوده‌اند. زندگی منحصر در این شده است که به نحوی روز به شب آید. مردم تنها در فکر خود ‎ومنافع و منافع‎ خود هستند زیرا گمان می‌کنند که هیچکس در فکر آنان نیست. احساس می‌کنند که در دنیائی سرد و سنگ‌دل زندگی می‌کنند. ولی این روش و طرز فکر بهائی نیست. ما مردمی هستیم که متعهدیم جامعه‌ای نوین بر پا کنیم. ما مأموریم قهرمان باشیم، فداکاری کنیم، طالب کمال و نوع‌دوست باشیم. ما جماعتی هستیم دست در کار بنای اجتماع و تمدنی نو. به نسل‌های آینده عشق می‌ورزیم و نگران سرنوشتشان هستیم، و آماده‌ایم عمر خود را وقف آن‌هائی کنیم که در دهه‌ها و قرن‌های آتیه به این عالم خواهند آمد تا شاید زندگی بهتری داشته باشند، در محیطی مملو از وحدت و صلح و سازش تمامی استعدادهای مکنونه خود را ظاهر سازند. این است آن آرمانی که ما بهائیان بسوی آن فراخوانده شده‌ایم. باید بر بی تفاوتی و خمودت حاکم [Page 33]

PERSIAN

طرزی روشن و به دور از هرگونه ابهام به این مطلب اشاره می‌فرمایند که بهائیان آمریکائی در داخل جامعه نیز با امتحانات معنوی روبرو خواهند شد. هیکل مبارک پس از بیان برخی از نیروهائی که در بطن جامعۀ آمریکا در کار است فرمودند که مؤسسات نظم اداری امر در اثر اصابت آن نیروها از داخل مورد هجوم قرار خواهد گرفت و از احبّاء خواستار شدند که به تحکیم اساس جامعۀ بپردازند تا آن را برای مقابله با عناصر شریری که از داخل در صدد تضعیفش هستند آماده سازند.

این بیانات بخشی از میراث جامعۀ بهائی آمریکا است. بیاناتی است که دلالت بر دورانی از مشکلات و امتحانات می‌کند و در عین حال از پیروزی‌های عظیم خبر می‌دهد. در یکی از بیاناتی که بدان اشاره کردم حضرت شوقی افندی منظور از این امتحانات را تابناک شدن و درخشش بیش از پیش احبّای آمریکا اعلام فرموده‌اند و کسب توانائی جامعۀ بهائی آمریکا برای تحقق بخشیدن به سرنوشت با شکوهی که در آثار حضرت ربّ اعلیٰ و حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت عبدالبهاء برای این جامعه در نظر گرفته شده است.

نکته‌ای که امشب توضیح می‌دهم اینست که مدّتهاست به این نتیجه رسیده‌ام که هم اکنون در آن دوران امتحانات معنوی بسر می‌بریم. زمان امتحانات معنوی در آینده‌ای دور نیست، بلکه در حال حاضر است. چرا این را می‌گویم؟ این را می‌گویم چون امتحانات معنوی طبیعتی خاص دارد. با امتحانات و مشکلات جسمانی بخوبی آشنا هستیم و آنها را تجربه کرده‌ایم. یاران عزیزمان در ایران، و عزیزان مهد امرالله که بسیاری از آنان در جلسه امشب حضور دارند، بخوبی از امتحانات جسمانی با خبرند. مدّت ۱۵۰ سال در کشورهای مختلف این امر نوزاد با امتحانات جسمانی از قبیل شکنجه، حبس، شهادت و از هم پاشیده شدن خانه و خانواده مقابله نموده است. امّا در مورد امتحانات معنوی تجربه‌ای نیندوخته‌ایم.

بیت العدل اعظم در پیامی بتاریخ جنوری ۱۹۸۶ به این واقعیت اشاره فرمودند که امرالله در حال خروج از مرحلهٔ مجهولیّت است. به بیان دیگر امر از هفت مرحلهٔ تکاملی که حضرت ولیّ امرالله مشخص فرموده‌اند مرحلهٔ اوّل را طی کرده و به مرحلهٔ دوم که مرحلهٔ اذیّت و آزار و سرکوب است وارد می‌شود. اکنون در حال انتقال به مرحله‌ای هستیم که در آن جامعۀ جهانی بهائی روز بروز بیشتر با امتحانات معنوی آشنا خواهد شد.

امشب که در اینجا جمع شده‌ایم تصوّر و اعتقاد من اینست که در زمان حاضر گرفتار آن امتحانات معنوی هستیم. و امّا منظورم از امتحانات معنوی امتحاناتی است که موجب تضعیف و تقلیل ایمان و اعتقاد گشته و اسباب بی‌نظمی در جامعه می‌گردد. یکی از جنبه‌های امتحانات معنوی آنست که ممکن است ارزش‌ها و معیارهای جامعۀ غیر بهائی چنان ما را نابینا سازد که از عهدهٔ امتحانات بر نیائیم و آن چنان که باید و شاید خطرات این امتحانات را تشخیص ندهیم تا آنجائی که دیگر دیر شده باشد. مثل جنگجوئی که در لباس رزم ایستاده در حالتی که در مقابلش جنگ شعله می‌کشد و او همچنان منتظر ورود به میدان بایستد تا جنگ مغلوبه شود.

من معتقدم که اعضای جامعۀ بهائی آمریکا، که من و جنیّت هم هنوز خود را از بسیاری جهات اعضای این جامعه می‌شماریم (هرچند که امیدوارم این نوار به استرالیا نرسد!!)، با سه عامل در امتحانات معنوی روبرو هستند که امشب آنها را مورد مطالعه قرار خواهیم داد.

اوّل اینکه چون باید در محیطی مادّه‌گرا حیاتی روحانی بوجود آوریم مورد امتحان قرار می‌گیریم. دومین علّت مورد امتحان قرار گرفتن میزان تعهّدمان به بهبود شرایط زندگانی انسانهائی در محیطی که مشخصات بارز آن بی‌تفاوتی و بی‌‌عاطفگی است. سومین سبب مورد امتحان قرار گرفتن ما اینست که ناچاریم نقطهٔ نظر و جهان‌بینی کاملاً جدیدی نسبت به نظام اجتماعی و مؤسّسات آن کسب کنیم.

به عقیدهٔ من در این سه زمینه است که ما ساکنان این کشور با شکوه و اعضاء این جامعۀ پرتحرک مورد امتحان قرار می‌گیریم. آیا از عهدهٔ این امتحانات بر خواهیم آمد یا شکست خواهیم خورد؟ جامعه قطعیاً موفق خواهد بود. مقدرّات جامعۀ بهائی آمریکا شامل بزرگیها و شگفتیهائی خواهد بود. امّا ما افراد جامعه هستیم که مورد امتحان قرار خواهیم گرفت.

اجازه بدهید که مطلب اوّل را توضیح بدهم. اوّلین امتحان معنوی که امروز با آن روبرو هستیم پرورش دادن قوای روحانی است در محیطی که مشغولیّتش با جاذبه‌های مادّی زندگی به حدّ وسواس رسیده است. توقیعات حضرت ولیّ امرالله و پیامهای بیت العدل اعظم در سالهای اخیر مکرراً از دوستان خواسته‌اند که بر روحانیت زندگانی خود بیفزایند و طرز تفکری حاصل نمایند که شامل مهمترین و حیاتی‌ترین جنبۀ هستی یعنی حیات روحانی باشد و در واقع حیات روحانی را بر جنبه‌های مادی زندگی مقدم بدارند. این امر مؤکّداً به ما تکلیف شده است. تعالیم الهی به ما می‌آموزد که به عنوان مؤمنین به امر حضرت بهاءالله وظیفه داریم نسبت به ایجاد روحانیت و معنویت در زندگی خود متعهد باشیم. به ما وعده داده شده است که اگر چنین کنیم قادر خواهیم بود بر استعدادات و قابلیّات خود بیفزاییم و تنها در این صورت است که شادمانی و رضایت حقیقی بدست خواهد آمد. هنگامی که پرورش روحانی حاصل نشود دیانت به یک سلسله آداب و رسوم تو خالی تبدیل می‌شود و به صورتی اجتناب‌ناپذیر به سوی تعبیری مادّی از جریان وقایع و تحولات تاریخ گرایش پیدا می‌کنیم، ترسها و نگرانی‌ها و اضطرابات و سوء‌ظن‌های اطرافیانمان ما را بخود مشغول می‌دارد، و اعتقاد ما به ترقی روحانی نوع انسان از دست خواهد رفت. اگر به نشو و نمای روحانی نپردازیم و با جدّیت آنرا پی‌گیری نکنیم، حیات جامعۀ ما به صورت تشریفات و آدابی خشک و بیمعنی در خواهد آمد.

چرا پرورش حیات روحانی چنین دشوار به نظر می‌رسد؟ من فکر می‌کنم علّت آن کمی عدّهٔ احبّاء در هر نقطه نسبت به دیگران است. قسمت اعظم زندگی ما در معاشرت با افراد غیر بهائی می‌گذرد که برخی از آنان اخلاق و ارزشهای والا و بسیار پسندیده‌ای دارند و جمعی نیز فاقد آنند، و به این ترتیب تحت نفوذ نیروها و گرایش‌ها و آراء و عقایدی هستیم که اساساً بر مادّه‌گرائی استوار است و این واقعیت به طور ناخودآگاه در جهان بینی ما اثر می‌گذارد.

سالها بلکه قرنها اعتقاد عامّه بر این بود که لازمهٔ حیات روحانی پشت پا زدن به دنیای مادّی است. مال و منال دنیوی را باید به دور ریخت و در پی اهداف روحانی تارک دنیا شد. این فکر نادرست با ظهور حضرت بهاءالله و نزول حکم حقوق‌الله از میان رفت. حضرت بهاءالله با اعطای حکم حقوق‌الله رحمت و عنایتی را بر ما ارزانی داشته و فرمودند که بخشی از دارائی اضافی شما، از مالی که گرد آورده‌اید، به خداوند تعلق دارد. بقیّهٔ آن، یعنی ۸۱٪ دیگر، متعلّق به شماست. مختارید که با از خود گذشتگی آنرا وقف آسایش و رفاه نوع بشر کنید یا نکنید، این بسته به تصمیم شماست. فقط بخشی از ثروت شما متعلق به خداوند است. ادای حقوق‌الله وظیفه‌ای وجدانی است، به همین سبب صحبت از تبرّع به صندوق حقوق‌الله نمی‌کنیم. هر کس مختار است به صندوق‌های محلی، ملّی یا بین‌المللی تبرّع کند، امّا مکلّف است حقوق‌الله را بپردازد.

این عقیده که لازمهٔ روحانیت ترک هرگونه راحتی و آسایش و نفع مادّی است با حکمتهائی که در حکم حقوق‌الله موجود است منسوخ گشته است. میل دارم نظرات خود را در بارهٔ روحانیت و چگونگی اکتساب معنویت با شما در میان گذارم، زیرا از فرد فرد ما انتظار می‌رود که موجبات رشد و کمال روحانی خود را فراهم سازیم. به عقیدهٔ من نشو و نمای روحانی بر سه اصل استوار است.

اصل اوّل اینست که برخی از اعمال و رفتار در این عالم اگر مطابق دستور العمل مظهر ظهور باشد قوای روحانی حیات بخشی را از عالم غیب جلب می‌نماید. یعنی تعالیمی که از روی ایمان پذیرفته‌ایم و به کار می‌بندیم به صورتی اسرارآمیز و غیر قابل ادراک جاذب قوای روحانی عظیمی است. این مطلب بسیار پیچیده است و فهم آن مشکل است. خوشبختانه در دورهٔ شریعت قبل از ظهور حضرت اعلیٰ و حضرت بهاءالله دانشمندان مطالعۀ منظم و سیستماتیک قوۀ جاذبه را شروع نمودند، و جامعۀ بشری نکاتی را در بارهٔ آهن‌رباها و قوانین جاذبه و کیفیت قوۀ جاذبه فرا گرفت. اکنون می‌دانیم که به وسیلهٔ پدیدۀ مغناطیس (نیروی جاذبه) اتم‌ها در سیستم‌های دوقطبی کوچک مرتب می‌شوند و همه در یک جهت قرار می‌گیرند، و همراه این سازمان چیزی است که قوۀ جاذبه می‌نامیم، نیروئی که از فاصله دور عمل می‌کند و قابل مشاهده نیست ولی بسیار پر قدرت و کشش است.

به این ترتیب ملاحظه می‌کنیم که اصل اوّلی که به نظر من مبنای ترقّیات روحانی است در آثار مبارکهٔ حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت عبدالبهاء، و حضرت ولیّ امرالله به کرّات به خاصیّت مغناطیس تشبیه شده است. یعنی با استفاده از استعارهٔ مغناطیس طلعات قدسیّهٔ امر بهائی به وضوح به ما تعلیم داده‌اند که بعضی اعمال در صورت مطابقت با دستورات الهی جاذب نیروی غیبی و عظیمی خواهد بود.

اجازه بدهید نمونه‌هائی را برای شما ذکر کنم. حضرت عبدالبهاء در مقامی ایمان را مغناطیسی برای جلب تأییدات حضرت رحمن می‌دانند و در جای دیگر یاد خدا را همچون مغناطیس جاذب تأیید و اعانت پروردگار می‌شمارند. در یکی از بياناتی مبارکه اتحاد واتفاق را مغناطیس تأییدات الهی دانسته‌اند و در جای دیگر هدایت نوع بشر به صراط مستقیم را حضرت شوقی ربّانی هم بیانی به این مضمون در دست است که می‌فرمایند امروز بیشتر از هر زمانی مغناطیسی که جاذب برکات از عالم بالا است تبلیغ امر الهی است. در جای دیگر حضرت ولیّ امرالله ما را یادآوری می‌فرمایند که خود را وقف وظیفهٔ پرشکوه انتشار امرالله نمودن و حیات بهائی داشتن مغناطیسی را به وجود می‌آورد که جاذب روح القدس است.

پس اوّلین اصل از سه اصلی پرورش روحانی، به نظر من، اصل قوۀ مغناطیس است. اصلی که بر اساس آن برخی اعمال اگر با روح خلوص و فداکاری انجام پذیرد جاذب نیروی روحانی عظیمی می‌شود، همچنان که در عالم ظاهر نیز چون اتم‌ها به ترتیب خاصی آراسته شوند موجب جلب نیروی مغناطیس می‌گردد. این اصل قوۀ مغناطیس در سراسر آثار مبارکۀ بهائی [Page 34]

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

خطاب به بهائیان سراسر عالم، مورخ ۲۹ اکتبر ۱۹۹۵

یاران عزیز الهی، در یوم میثاق که مصادف با ۲۶ نوامبر ۱۹۹۵ است دورۀ پنجسالۀ جدید خدمات اعضای هیئت‌های مشاورین قاره‌ای برای نشر نفحات الله و صیانت امرالله آغاز می‌گردد. بنا بر تصمیم این هیئت تعداد این خادمان عالی رتبه امر الهی از هفتاد و دو به هشتاد و یک نفر افزایش می‌یابد. خوشوقتیم که اسامی نفوسی را که برای دورۀ جدید منصوب شده‌اند اعلام داریم.

افریقا (۱۹ مشاور): جورج الن George Allen، بئاتریس اساره Beatrice Asare، نیاز بشروئی Niaz Bushrui، پروین جنیدی Parvine Djoneydi، مهراز احسانی Mehraz Ehsani (امین صندوق قاره‌ای)، شیدان فتح‌اعظم Shidan Fathe-Aazam، کوبینا فین Kobina Fynn، ابراهیم گالادیما Ibrahim Galadima، هیزایا هیسانی Hizzaya Hissani، فریدون جواهری Firaydoun Javaheri، ذکرالله کاظمی Zekrullah Kazemi، ادی لوچمایا Eddy Lutchmaya، اباینه مرهاتسیون Abaineh Merhatsion، محمد عثمانی Muhammad Othomani، دانیل راموروسی Daniel Ramoroesi، ادیت سنودا Edith Senoga، للی وارن Lally Warren، وینگی مابوکو Wingi Mabuko، تیاتی ا زوک Tiati a Zock.

امریکا (۱۹ مشاور): ایلوی انیلو Eloy Anello، استیون بیرکلند Stephen Birkland، گوستاوو کورنا Gustavo Correa، رولف فن چکوس Rolf von Czekus، جکلین ال‌اچ‌بی دلاهانت Jacqueline LHB Delahunt، ویلما الیس Wilma Ellis، تاد یوئینگ Tod Ewing، لیندا گرشونی Linda Gershuny، عبدالمیشاق قدیریان Abdul-Missagh Ghadirian، پیتر مکلرن Peter McLaren (امین صندوق قاره‌ای)، آلهاندرا میلر Alejandra Miller، روث پرینگل Ruth Pringle، کارمن الیسا د صادقیان Carmen Elisa de Sadeghian، ایزابل د سانچز Isabel de Sanchez، ارول سیلی Errol Sealy، آرتورو سیرانو Arturo Serrano، فرهاد شایانی Farhad Shayani، دیوید اسمیت David Smith، رودریگو توماس Rodrigo Thomas.

آسیا (۱۸ مشاور): برهان‌الدین افشین Borhanoddin Afshin، فاضل اردکانی Fadel Ardekani، جبار ایدلخانی Jabbar Eidelkhani، بیژن فرید Bijan Farid، النا گروزکووا Elena Gruzkova، دیوید هوانگ David Huang (امین صندوق قاره‌ای)، نبوکو ایواکورا Nobuko Iwakura، عباس کتیرائی Abbas Katirai، کیم میونگ جونگ Kim Myung Jung، لی لی لودهر Lee Lee Luher، پیام مهاجر Payam Mohajer، پرین علیائی Perin Olyai، زنایدا رامیرز Zenaida Ramierz، سیروس روحانی Cyrus Rohani، ویسنت سامانیگو Vicente Samaniego، زینا سورابجی Zena Sorabjee، جرج ثریا George Soraya، روزالی تران Rosalie Tran.

اقیانوسیه (۱۱ مشاور): بن آیلا Ben Ayala، بئاتریس بنسن Beatrice Benson، آفماتا ملی چنگ Afemata Moli Chang، دیوید چیتلبرو David Chittleborough، (امین صندوق قاره‌ای)، ویولت هاک Violette Haake، پترا مجمتو Petra Majmeto، سیروس نراقی Sirus Naraqi، بروس ساندرز Bruce Sanders، هذر سیمپسن Heather Simpson، ایراما اوگایا Erama Ugaia، رابین وایت Robin White.

اروپا (۱۴ مشاور): هوشیدر بالازاده Hooshidar Balazadeh، اوتا فن بُت Uta von Both، پاتریشیا کلز Patricia Coles، لوئی انوزه Louis Henuzet، پتریک آمارا Patrick O’Mara (امین صندوق قاره‌ای)، نبیل پردو Nabil Perdu، مایجا پیلانین Maija Pihlainen، پولین رأفت Polin Rafat، شاپور راسخ Shapour Rassekh، ایلخان سزگین Ilhan Sezgin، نصرت تیرانداز Nosrat Tirandaz، لریسا تسوتسکوا Larissa Tsutskova، تیبریو وجدا Tiberiu Vajda، سهراب یوسفیان Sohrab Youssefian.

پانزده نفر اعضاء ذیل از عضویت در هیئت‌های مشاورین معاف می‌گردد: صابر آفاقی Saber Afaqi، هوشنگ عهدیه Hushang Ahieh، جیلا مایکل باهتا Gila Michael Bahta، فرایدی اکپه Friday Ekpe، کامران اشراقیان Kamran Eshraghian، کسیمی ففانا Kassimi Fofana، جان فوزدار John Fozdar، تینای هنکاک Tinai Hancock، فؤاد کاظم‌زاده Foad Kazemzadeh، گیل موریسن Gayle Morrison، روز آنگ Rose Ong، ویلیام رابرتز William Roberts، پال سمنف Paul Semenoff، آلن اسمیت Alan Smith، شانتا سوندرام Shantha Sundram. این خادمان برجستۀ امر الهی با مساعی شایان توجه و همراه با فداکاری در سبیل پیشرفت امر الله موجب امتنان بی‌پایان این هیئت گشته‌اند. ادعیۀ صمیمانۀ این مشتاقان بدرقۀ مراحل بعدی خدماتشان به امر الهی است.

در مرحلۀ بعدی نقشۀ الهی که در رضوان آغاز می‌گردد وظیفۀ اساسی مشاورین و هیئت‌های معاونتشان در جریان کار نظم اداری بهائی بیشتر آشکار خواهد شد. در دوران بحرانی و حساسی که در پیش است مشاورین باید هرچه بیشتر توجهات و قوای خود را صرف توسعه و تکامل مؤسسات محلی و ملی بهائی کنند و جمهور مؤمنین را مساعدت نمایند تا بر مراتب انقیاد و عبودیت خود به حضرت بهاءالله بیفزایند و شوق و ذوق نفوس را در تبلیغ امر الله افزایش دهند و در تزیید استعداد و قابلیت آنان به منظور جلب قوای عظیمه‌ای که در روح وحدت و اتحاد اعمال و اقدامات جوامع بهائی مکنون است همت گمارند.

از مشاورین جمیع قارات دعوت می‌شود تا در کنفرانسی که از ۲۶ تا ۳۱ دسامبر ۱۹۹۵ به منظور مشاوره دربارۀ امور و امکانات سالهائی که بلافاصله در پیش است در مرکز جهانی بهائی منعقد می‌گردد شرکت نمایند. دعای صمیمانۀ این مشتاقان آنست که مساعی هیئت‌هائی که جدیداً منصوب شده‌اند در مساعی متنوعۀ یاران در سراسر جهان تحرکی شدید ایجاد نماید.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی بیت‌العدل اعظم

ترجمه و اقتباس از بیانات جناب دکتر پیتر خان

عضو محترم بیت العدل اعظم الهی که عصر روز ۲۳ سپتامبر ۱۹۹۵ در تالار سخنرانی مشرق الاذکار ویلمت ایراد فرمودند

دوستان عزیز از طرف خود و جنت (Janet) سرور بی‌منتهایمان را از بازگشت به آغوش جامعۀ بهائی آمریکا ابراز می‌داریم. ما دوازده سال در اینجا، در ایالت میشیگان زندگی کردیم. در طول این دوازده سال سازنده و مملو از شادمانی، در مورد امر و جامعۀ بهائی مطالب بسیاری آموختیم. و اکنون در بازگشت به ایالات متحده، قلوبمان سرشار از خاطرات آن ایام و نیرو و فداکاری و شگفتیهای احبائی‌ست که آشنائی با آنها موجب مسرت و خوشوقتی ما بود.

البته امشب بنده از جانب شخص خودم و نه از طرف بیت العدل اعظم صحبت می‌کنم. آنچه که خدمتتان ارائه می‌دارم گفتار یک فرد بهائی است که اتفاقاً در حال حاضر افتخار عضویت در آن هیأت مجلله را نیز دارد. بنا بر این نظریاتی که امشب عرضه می‌کنم فقط مختص به این جانب است و بس.

صحبت خود را با جلب نظر خود و شما به موضوعی که ولی محبوب امرالله از سالهای اولیۀ ولایتشان مورد تأکید اکید قرار دادند آغاز می‌کنم. در حقیقت در نخستین توقیع مبارک که خطاب به بهائیان امریکا و کانادا در تاریخ ۲۱ جنوری ۱۹۲۲ صادر شد، ایشان عطف توجه به این مطلب را خواستار شدند و در توقیعات بعدی نیز این موضوع را به کرّات مورد تأکید قرار دادند. و امّا آن موضوع چه بود؟

حضرت شوقی افندی هفتاد و سه سال قبل به مؤمنین در امریکا فرمودند که در آینده مورد امتحانات الهی قرار خواهند گرفت و آن امتحانات جنبۀ معنوی خواهد داشت نه جسمانی، و هدف آن تطهیر جامعۀ بهائی امریکا و درخشندگی بیشتر آن خواهد بود. چند سال بعد حضرت شوقی افندی دوباره همان موضوع را مورد توجه قرار دادند و بیانی فرمودند که مضمون آن چنین است. چه بسیار که به نظر می‌رسد انذار مکرره و واضحۀ حضرت عبدالبهاء را فراموش کرده‌ایم. هیکل مبارک مخصوصاً در سالهای آخر حیات عنصری، بر امتحانات شدید معنوی که عزیزانش را در غرب فرا خواهد گرفت اشاره می‌فرمودند، امتحاناتی که سبب تزکیه و تطهیر بوده و آنان را برای نیل به اهداف عالیه‌شان در این عالم آماده می‌سازد.

این موضوع که مؤمنین در آمریکا برای امتحانات معنوی اجتناب‌ناپذیری که برایشان پیش خواهد آمد آماده می‌شوند مکرراً در آثار حضرت شوقی افندی مورد ‎تاکید گرفته تاکید قرار گرفته‎ و بیت العدل اعظم نیز در نامۀ مفصل مورخ ۱۹ می ۱۹۹۴ به این نکته اشاره نموده اظهار امیدواری می‌فرمایند که شاید با دعا و مناجات فیض قوای آسمانی شامل حال احبای امریکا گردد تا از امتحانات معنوی که حضرت عبدالبهاء وعده فرموده‌اند برای تطهیرشان نازل خواهد شد سربلند بیرون آیند. برای مثال در آخرین توقیع چاپ شده حضرت ولی امرالله خطاب به احبای آمریکا هیکل مبارک تحولات آینده را پیش‌بینی فرموده از امتحانات معنوی، نه جسمانی، که از خارج بر جامعۀ بهائی وارد خواهد شد خبر میدهند. ایشان به این واقعیت اشاره می‌فرمایند که امر الهی مورد حملات طبقۀ روحانی، مدافعان سنتی مؤسسات عرفی، قرار خواهند گرفت و دشمنان قدرتمندی از خارج نابودی امرالله را هدف خود قرار خواهند داد. ولکن اضافه بر این، در آخرین توقیع مورخ سپتامبر ۱۹۵۷، به [Page 35]

IN MEMORIAM

Alexina Taylor Keeling, former pioneer to Finland, Venezuela, dies in Texas

Alexina Taylor Keeling, a former pioneer to Finland and Venezuela, died November 16 in Cleburne, Texas.

Having accepted the Faith as a Tennessee college student in 1960 under the tutelage of her Spanish teacher, Dr. Sarah M. Pereira, Miss Taylor offered her services as a pioneer in the Ten Year Crusade.

When the European Teaching Committee suggested that she fill a goal in Finland, Miss Taylor gratefully accepted the assignment and set out for her post, arriving in March 1961. Despite the difficult climate, a challenging language, and being one of a very few black Americans in that Scandinavian country, Miss Taylor served with love and perseverance, endearing herself to the Finnish community.

After eight years at a post she had come to love deeply, the U.S. International Goals Committee asked that she consider moving to Venezuela, an important goal of the Nine Year Plan, and a post where her ability in Spanish could be put to use.

Complying with this request, Miss Taylor left Finland in February 1969 and arrived in Venezuela in April. Her stay was short-lived, however, as government authorities denied her application for a visa and she was obliged to return to the States after a few months.

Miss Taylor was later married to Jack Keeling and spent 20 years as an elementary school teacher in several U.S. communities. Her loving spirit led her to many activities of community service, especially involving children, throughout the remainder of her life.

Among other community awards, Alexina Keeling was chosen in October to receive the Model of Unity award from the Bahá’í community of Grapevine, Texas.

ROWENA BURACK CURRINGTON

MARCH 10, 1928 — DECEMBER 13, 1983 FIRST BAHÁ’Í PIONEER ST. PAUL ISLAND THE PRIBILOFS 1965

On August 13, a memorial stone was dedicated at the resting place in Anchorage, Alaska, of Rowena Burack Currington, who in 1966 became the first Bahá’í pioneer to St. Paul Island in the Bering Sea. Mrs. Currington, born in New York City, was an actress who left Hollywood in 1965 for Alaska. In Fairbanks, she met and married Richard Currington; their only child, Paul, was born on St. Paul Island. After returning to Alaska, Mrs. Currington served on the National Spiritual Assembly and on the local Assemblies of Fairbanks, Nenana and Anchorage while putting her acting and directing skills to work for the Faith in a number of theatre productions and solo performances.

HUQÚQU’LLÁH

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

• Dr. Elsie Austin, 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, Unit 612, Silver Spring, MD 20901 (phone 301-589-8481).
• Dr. Amin Banani, 1332 Pine St., Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449).
• Dr. Daryush Haghighi, 21250 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 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, 21250 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, OH 44116.

On the first Day of Riḍván, the first-ever local Spiritual Assembly of Fall River, Massachusetts, was elected with help from Dr. Iraj Mottahed of Dartmouth and Jack and Wandra Harmsen and their daughters, Nadia and Debora, of Bourne. Eight of those elected to serve on the Assembly are Cambodians who had fled their country as refugees in recent years and settled in Fall River. One of the Assembly’s first orders of business was to organize Bahá’í classes for children and adults.

World Order ...for people who want more than a pamphlet but less than a book.

Do you know someone who is interested in a certain aspect of the Bahá’í Faith but doesn’t want to read an entire volume? World Order is an excellent vehicle for reaching such people. For example, the Winter 1995-96 issue celebrates the United Nations’ fiftieth anniversary and looks at how nations can move peacefully toward one world. “Turning Point for All Nations,” a statement by the Bahá’í International Community, proposes reforms in the polity of the United Nations, the closest thing to a world parliament that we have. Dr. Augusto Lopez-Claros, in “Implications of European Economic Integration,” follows the evolution of the European Community in its progression toward unity through economic collaboration. The editorial, “The United Nations—A Portrait in Growth and Development,” ties the articles together by emphasizing the Bahá’ís’ efforts in support of a world organization as a means for bringing about world peace and prosperity.

Single issues may be ordered from Bahá’í Distribution Service, 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37434, or call 1-800-999-9019.

To subscribe, fill out the form below, and mail to Bahá’í Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Type of subscription:

• ☐ $15 United States, one year (four issues)
• ☐ $28 United States, two years
• ☐ $15 All other countries, surface mail, one year
• ☐ $28 All other countries, surface mail, two years
• ☐ $20 All other countries, airmail, one year
• ☐ $38 All other countries, airmail, two years

Payment must be enclosed. For Canadian or international orders enclose international money order or bank cheque drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars payable to Bahá’í Subscriber Service.

To charge your VISA/MC account, give number, expiration date, and name on account. Telephone orders accepted: phone (708)733-3453.

IN MEMORIAM

Cora E. Altree Veneta, OR August 17, 1995	Barbara De Angelis Calico Rock, AR February 22, 1995	Alexina Keeling Cleburne, TX November 16, 1995	George Nothnagel Bristol, WI October 23, 1995
Dorothy Backus Nantucket, MA October 28, 1995	Esmat M. Dini La Mesa, CA November 17, 1995	George Kibby Ellenton, FL October 19, 1995	Steve E. Plantin Brooklyn, NY September 18, 1995
Irene B. Becker St. Lucie County, FL October 20, 1995	Lee A. Ebert Jr. Winchester, VA October 20, 1995	Elizabeth Lamb Shorewood, WI October 12, 1995	Ray Russell Palo Alto, CA October 16, 1995
Tillie Berlin Santa Barbara, CA October 26, 1995	Yaliyeh Eshtehar Poway, CA October 6, 1995	Hortensia Ledesma Monterey, CA August 16, 1995	Mabel Shumway Aberdeen, WA October 5, 1995
Ziba Bidardel Bedford, TX June 1995	Bahereh Haghani Carlsbad, CA September 5, 1995	Sharon A. Maceri Naples, FL November 27, 1995	Herbert L. Turner I Asheville, NC November 10, 1995
Gretchen Bronwick Salem, OR September 19, 1995	James B. Hobbs Crossville, TN November 10, 1995	Maliheh Nazerian Chattanooga, TN November 7, 1995	Davood Zaboori Los Angeles, CA October 21, 1995
Charles I. Brown Mt. Vernon, WA September 26, 1995	Vahid Karamzadeh Gillette, WY March 30, 1995	Lloyd Newcomer Gladstone, OR November 4, 1995	Frough S. Zargham Corona del Mar, CA September 9, 1995
Alvin Burley Roosevelt Island, NY October 4, 1995

[Page 36]Three members of the Bahá’í community of Savannah, Georgia, were graduated cum laude from college this summer with bachelor’s degrees. They are Barbara Rudolph (left) whose degree is in nursing, Volari Morgan (center) with a degree in chemistry, and Joseph Goldstein with a degree in English.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The American Bahá’í, send all family members’ names, new address and mailing label to: Management Information Services, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. If acquiring a Post Office box, your residence address (c) must be filled in. Please allow 3 weeks for processing. (This also updates National’s data base.)

A. NAME(S): B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: D. NEW COMMUNITY: E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY:

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY

5-7: College Club Weekend, facilitated by UC-Santa Cruz College Forum, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

6: The Canali Concert, a Fund-raising event for teaching and the Arc, Auburn (Washington) Performing Arts Center. For information, phone Diane Lewis, 206-277-8326, or Neda Mohandessi, 206-641-7012.

11-14: Bahá’í International Conference, Aotea Conference Center, Auckland, New Zealand. Organized by the National Spiritual Assemblies of Australia and New Zealand at the request of the Universal House of Justice. Address inquiries to 1996 Bahá’í International Conference, P.O. Box 13027, Hamilton, New Zealand. Early registration forms are now available.

11-15: Pioneering, SITA Training and Youth Service Corps (YSC) Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School (by invitation from the Office of Pioneering). For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 708-733-3508.

12-14: "The Fire and the Gold: Benefiting from Life’s Tests," Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine. For information, phone 207-439-7200 or fax 207-439-7202.

19-21: Personal Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. Come browse in the bookshop/café, study in the expanded library, or simply walk in the solitude of the woods. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

26-28: "The New World Order in Bahá’í Perspective," weekend conference sponsored by the Institute for Bahá’í Studies, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, Illinois. For information, phone 708-733-3425, fax 708-733-3563, or e-mail

26-28: "Race Unity: Walking the Talk," Green Acre Bahá’í School. Includes a Saturday evening performance, "Amazing Grace," as part of a region-wide African-American Heritage Festival. For information, phone 207-439-7200 or fax 207-439-7202.

26-28: "The Glorious Journey," hospice-type program facilitated by Barbara Trauger-Querry, an art therapist and experienced hospice team member, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

FEBRUARY

2-4: Seekers Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. Also, "Free Will and Obedience to God." For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

3-4: Bahá’í Conference, "Women: A Key to World Peace," DuBois Conference Center, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff. Keynote speaker: Juana Conrad, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly. Deadline for early registration: January 7. For information, phone 520-526-3315.

6-10: Pioneering Institute, Hong Kong. For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 708-733-3506.

9-11: "Each One Bring One," seekers’ enrichment weekend, Green Acre Bahá’í School. For information, phone 207-439-7200 or fax 207-439-7202.

9-11: Renewing the Spirit of the "Fortress for Well-Being," marriage counseling session, Bosch Bahá’í School. Also, PIO Rep training facilitated by Trish Swanson, director of the National Office of Public Information. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

16-18: Bahá’í Video/Stage National Conference, Bahá’í Center, San Francisco, California. To encourage and inspire Bahá’ís to use video and stage for teaching and consolidation even when they have few resources. For information or to register, phone the San Francisco Bahá’í Center, 415-431-9990 (or fax 415-431-9991).

16-19: Black History Celebration, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

23-25: Mystical Conference, Bosch Bahá’í School. Also, CORE parent or race unity training. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

23-25: Bahá’í Conference for Women, Barberville, Florida. Theme: "Developing Our Reality." Principal speaker: Rebequa Murphy, United Nations Office for the Advancement of Women. Cost: $90 before January 23, $110 afterward. Registrar: Ana Marcial, _________, Deland, FL 32720. Make checks payable to WINGS. For information, phone Effie Weir, 407-645-3379.

24: Concert celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Spiritual Assembly of Somerville, Massachusetts, Somerville High School. Tickets $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Donations will also be accepted for the Arc Fund and Boston area Bahá’í Center. Concert to feature singer Narges Fani, the Boston Area Bahá’í Youth Workshop, and others. Send checks payable to "LSA Somerville—Concert" to Haleh Nadji, Somerville, MA 02145.

MARCH

1-3: Rebuilding the Fortress, marriage counseling session, Bosch Bahá’í School. Also, computer session facilitated by Carl Fravel. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

8-10: Assistants to Khavari/Gilpatrick training session, facilitated by Counselor Stephen Birkland. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

15-17: International Women’s Writing Guild, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

22-24: Youth Deepening Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

26-28: Ninth "Irfán Colloquium" sponsored by the Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund and the Institute for Bahá’í Studies, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. For information, phone 708-733-3425, fax 708-733-3563, or e-mail