Vision to Victory Conferences/Selections from the Writings

Selections from the Writings

“It is incumbent upon every man of insight,” Baha’u’lla4h wrote, “to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action.”

The Writings contain many passages that describe the responsi- bilities of the believers for the unfoldment of the Faith and the accomplishment of its Divine Purpose. These passages offer insights on the current opportunities brought to our attention by the Universal House of Justice for the building of the Arc

and the expansion and consolidation of the Baha’i community. A brief selection of such passages are provided in this section.

Our obligation as believers is as simple as following Baha’u'llah’s direction to translate what is “written” into “reality and action.” It is also that challenging. For in achieving Bahda’u'llah’s purpose, we often find that we must detach our- selves from our own desires, beliefs, and misconceptions.

�[Page 38]38

Vision-to-Victory �[Page 39]39

Selections from the Writings

a A Climacteric of Human History

Twin Processes of Integration and Disintegration

“The world’s equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed.”

—Bahé’u'llah, Gleanings 136

“A two-fold process . . . can be distinguished, each tending, in its own way and with an accelerated momentum, to bring to a climax the forces that are transforming the face of our planet. The first is essentially an integrating process, while the second is fundamentally disruptive. The former, as it steadily evolves, unfolds a System which may well serve as a pattern for that world polity towards which a strangely-disordered world is continually advancing; while the latter, as its disintegrating influence deepens, tends to tear down, with increasing violence, the antiquated barriers that seek to block hu- manity’s progress towards its destined goal... .

“A titanic, a spiritual struggle, unparalleled in its magnitude yet unspeakably glorious in its ultimate consequences, is being waged as a result of these opposing tendencies, in this age of transition through which the organized community of the followers of Baha'u'llah and mankind as a whole are passing.”

—Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha’u'llah 170

“The observable acceleration, during the past decade, of the two processes described by our beloved Guardian, the disintegration of the old order and the progress and consolidation of the new World Order of Baha’u’llah, may well come to be regarded by future histori- ans as one of the most remarkable features of this period. The recent increase in this very acceleration is even more remarkable. Both within and without the Cause of God, powerful forces are operating to bring to a climax the twin tendencies of this portentous century. Among the many evidences which reveal this process may be cited, on the one hand, the continual increase of lawlessness, terrorism, economic confusion, immorality and the growing danger from the proliferation of weapons of distruction, and on the other, the world-wide, divinely propelled expansion, consolidation and rapid emergence into the lime-light of world affairs of the Cause itself, a process crowned by the wonderful efflorescence of Mount Carmel, the mountain of God, whose Divine springtime is now so magnificently burgeoning.”

—The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1983

�[Page 40]40

Vision-to-Victory

“We are told by Shoghi Effendi that two great processes are at work in the world: the great Plan of God, tumultuous in its progress, working through mankind as a whole, tearing down barriers to world unity and forging humankind into a unified body in the fires of suffering and experience. This process will produce, in God’s due time, the Lesser Peace, the political unification of the world. ... The second process, the task of breathing life into this unified body—of creating true unity and spiritually culminating in the Most Great Peace—is that of the Baha’is, who are laboring consciously, with detailed instructions and continuing Divine guidance, to erect the fabric of the Kingdom of God on earth, into which they call their fellowmen, thus conferring upon them eternal life.

“The working out of God’s Major Plan proceeds mysteriously in ways directed by Him alone, but the Minor Plan that He has given us to execute, as our part in His grand design for the redemption of mankind, is clearly delineated. It is to this work that we must devote all our energies, for there is no one else to do it.”

—The Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance 133-34

The Destiny of America

“. .. The continent of America is, in the eyes of the one true God, the land wherein the splendors of His light shall be revealed, where the mysteries of His Faith shall be unveiled, the home of the righteous, and the gathering place of the free.”

—‘Abdu'l-Bah4, Tablets of the Divine Plan 59-60

“Exert yourselves; your mission is unspeakably glorious. Should success crown your enterprise, America will assuredly evolve into a center from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, and the throne of the Kingdom of God will, in the plentitude of its majesty and glory, be firmly established.”

—‘Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of the Divine Plan 73

“Let not, therefore, those who are to participate so predominantly in the birth of that world civilization, which is the direct offspring of their Faith, imagine for a moment that for some mysterious purpose or by any reason of inherent excellence or special merit Bah4’u’llah has chosen to confer upon their country and people so great and lasting a distinction. It is precisely by reason of the patent evils which, notwithstanding its other admittedly great characteristics and achievements, an excessive and binding materialism has unfortu- nately engendered within it that the Author of their Faith and the Center of His Covenant have singled it out to become the standard- bearer of the New World Order envisioned in their writings. It is by such means as this that Baha’u’llah can best demonstrate to a heed- �[Page 41]41

Selections from the Writings

less generation His almighty power to raise up from the very midst of a people, immersed in a sea of materialism, a prey to one of the most virulent and long-standing forms of racial prejudice, and notori- ous for its political corruption, lawlessness and laxity in moral stan- dards, men and women who, as time goes by, will increasingly exemplify those essential virtues of self-renunciation, of moral rectitude, of chastity, of indiscriminating fellowship, of holy disci- pline, and of spiritual insight that will fit them for the preponderating share they will have in calling into being that World Order and that World Civilization of which their country, no less than the entire human race, stands in desperate need... .”

—Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice 19-20

The Importance of Transformation

“. . . Is not the object of every Revelation to effect a transforma- tion in the whole character of mankind, a transformation that shall manifest itself both outwardly and inwardly, that shall affect both its inner life and external conditions? For if the character of mankind be not changed, the futility of God’s universal Manifestations would be apparent.”

—Baha’u'llah, The Kitab-i-Iqan 240-41

“It is not enough to proclaim the Baha'i message, essential as that is. It is not enough to expand the rolls of Baha'i membership, vital as that is. Souls must be transformed, communities thereby consoli- dated, new models of life thus attained. Transformation is the essential purpose of the Cause of Baha'u'llah, but it lies in the will and effort of the individual to achieve it in obedience to the Cove- nant. Necessary to the progress of this life-fulfilling transformation is knowledge of the will and purpose of God through regular reading and study of the Holy Word.”

—The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1989

“Today the call of the Kingdom is the magnetic power which draweth to itself the world of mankind, for capacity in men is great. Divine teachings constitute the spirit of this age, nay rather the sun of this age. Every soul must endeavor that the veils that cover men’s eyes may be torn asunder and that instantly the sun may be seen and that heart and sight may be illumined thereby.

“Now, through the aid and bounty of God, this power of guid- ance and this merciful bestowal are found in thee. Arise, therefore, in the utmost Power that thou mayest bestow spirit upon mouldering bones, give sight to the blind, balm and freshness to the depressed, and liveliness and grace to the dispirited.”

—‘Abdu'l-Bah4, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha 310 �[Page 42]

Vision-to-Victory

Opportunity and Responsibility

“... Shoghi Effendi . . . stated that this flow [of fresh recruits] would ‘presage and hasten the advent of the day which, as prophe- sied by ‘Abdu’l-Bah4, will witness the entry by troops of peoples of divers nations and races into the Baha'i world.’ This day the Baha’i world has already seen in Africa, the Pacific, in Asia and in Latin America, and this process of entry by troops must, in the present plan, be augmented and spread to other countries for, as the Guard- ian stated in this same letter, it ‘will be the prelude to that long- awaited hour when a mass conversion on the part of these same nations and races, and as a direct result of a chain of events, mo- mentous and possibly catastrophic in nature, and which cannot as yet be even dimly visualized, will suddenly revolutionize the for- tunes of the Faith, derange the equilibrium of the world, and rein- force a thousandfold the numerical strength as well as the material power and the spiritual authority of the Faith of Baha’u’llah.’ This is the time for which we must now prepare ourselves; this is the hour whose coming it is our task to hasten.

“At this climacteric of human history, we are called upon to rise up in sacrificial endeavour, our eyes on the awe-inspiring responsi- bilities which such developments will place upon Bahd’i institutions and individual believers in every land, and our hearts filled with unshakeable confidence in the guiding Hand of the Founder of our Faith.”

—tThe Universal House of Justice, August 31, 1987

“Beloved Friends: The momentum generated by this past year’s achievements is reflected not only in the opportunities for marked expansion of the Cause but also in a broad range of challenges— momentous, insistent and varied—which have combined in ways that place demands beyond any previous measure upon our spiritual and material resources. We must be prepared to meet them. At this mid-point of the Six Year Plan, we have reached a historic moment pregnant with hopes and possibilities—a moment at which signifi- cant trends in the world are becoming more closely aligned with principles and objectives of the Cause of God. The urgency upon our community to press onward in fulfillment of its world-embracing mission is therefore tremendous.

“Our primary response must be to teach—to teach ourselves and to teach others—at all levels of society, by all possible means, and without further delay. The beloved Master, in an exhortation on teaching, said it is ‘not until the candle is lit that it can shed the brightness of its flame; not until the light shineth forth that its bril- liance can dispel the surrounding gloom.’ Go forth, then, and be the ‘lighters of the unlit candles.”

—tThe Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1989 �[Page 43]43

Selections from the Writings

ee Individual and Teaching

The Nature and Importance of Individual Teaching

“Say: Teach ye the Cause of God, O people of Baha, for God hath prescribed unto every one the duty of proclaiming His Message, and regardeth it as the most meritorious of all deeds. . . .”

—Baha’u'llah, Gleanings 278-79

“Say: If it be Our pleasure We shall render the Cause victorious through the power of a single word from Our presence. He is in truth the Omnipotent, the All-Compelling. Should it be God’s inten- tion, there would appear out of the forests of celestial might the lion of indomitable strength whose roaring is like unto the peals of thunder reverberating in the mountains. However, since Our loving providence surpasseth all things, We have ordained that complete victory should be achieved through speech and utterance, that Our servants throughout the earth may thereby become the recipients of divine good. This is but a token of God’s bounty vouchsafed unto them. Verily thy Lord is the All-Sufficing, the Most Exalted.”

—Baha’u'llah, Tablets of Baha’u'llah 197-98

“It is, of course, the individual believer who bears primary responsibility for securing this goal [‘expanding your membership’l.... No Spiritual Assembly, no teaching committee, no group of well-in- tentioned Baha’is, however much it exerts itself, may usurp the position occupied by the individual in this fundamental activity. . . . [Llet the individual Baha’i renew his resolve to ‘arise and respond to the call of teaching.’ Let him, acting on Shoghi Effendi’s advice, ‘sur- vey the possibilities which the particular circumstances in which he lives offer him, evaluate their advantages, and proceed intelligently and systematically to utilize them for the achievement of the object he has in mind.’ Let him also strive to obtain adequate knowledge of the teachings and reflect the virtues of that knowledge in his daily life. Finally, let him waste no time, forfeit no further opportunity.”

—The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1984

Individual Teaching Goals

“It is now imperative for every Baha'i to set for himself individual teaching goals. The admonition of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to lead at least one new soul to the Faith each year and the exhortation of Shoghi Effendi to hold a Baha’i fireside in one’s home every Baha’i month are ex- amples of individual goals. Many have the capacity to do even more, but this alone will assure final and complete victory for the Plan.”

—Messages from The Universal House of Justice 35

�[Page 44]Vision-to-Victory

The Process of Individual Teaching 1. Teach Yourself

“Whoso ariseth among you to teach the Cause of his Lord, let him, before all else, teach his own self, that his speech may attract the hearts of them that hear him. Unless he teacheth his own self, the words of his mouth will not influence the heart of the seeker. Take heed, O people, lest ye be of them that give good counsel to others but forget to follow it themselves.”

—Baha’u'llah, Gleanings 277

“God hath prescribed unto every one the duty of teaching His Cause. Whoever ariseth to discharge this duty, must needs, ere he proclaimeth His Message, adorn himself with the ornament of an upright and praiseworthy character, so that his words may attract the hearts of such as are receptive to his call. Without it he can never hope to influence his hearers.”

—Baha’u'llah, Gleanings 335

2. Find Receptive Souls

“... Let him carefully consider every avenue of approach which he might utilize in his personal attempts to capture the attention, maintain the interest, and deepen the faith, of those whom he seeks to bring into the fold of his Faith. Let him survey the possibilities which the particular circumstances in which he lives offer him, evaluate their advantages, and proceed intelligently and systemati- cally to utilize them for the achievement of the object he has in mind.”

—Shoghi Effendi, The Individual and Teaching 16

“The individual must arise as never before to proclaim the Faith of Baha’u’llah. The most effective way for them to carry on their work is for the individual to make many contacts, select a few who they feel would become Bahda’is, develop a close friendship with them, then complete confidence, and finally teach them the Faith, until they become strong supporters of the Cause of God.”

—on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Individual and Teaching 34

3. Deliver the Message with Wisdom

“If their task is to be confined to good conduct and advice, nothing will be accomplished. They must speak out, expound the proofs, set forth clear arguments, draw irrefutable conclusions estab- lishing the truth of the manifestation of the Sun of Reality. .. .”

—‘Abdu’l-Bah4, The Individual and Teaching 11 . �[Page 45]45

Selections from the Writings |

“Do not argue with anyone, and be wary of disputation. Speak out the truth. If your hearer accepteth, the aim is achieved. If he is obdurate, you should leave him to himself, and place your trust in God. Such is the quality of those who are firm in the Covenant.”

—‘Abdu’l-Bah4, The Individual and Teaching 13

4, Nurturing to Unqualified Acceptance

“. . . revisit all the centers where you have already sown the seed, in order to water the seedlings that have taken root and to sow fresh good seed in the prepared ground.”

—on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Individual and Teaching 19

“Those who declare themselves as Baha’is should become en- chanted with the beauty of the teachings, and touched by the love of Baha'u'llah. The declarants need not know all of the proofs, history, laws, and principles of the Faith, but in the process of declaring themselves they must, in addition to catching the spark of faith, become basically informed about the Central Figures of the Faith, as well as the existence of laws they must follow and an administration they must obey.”

—The Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance 32

5. Confirming to Active Service

“The friends should seek pure souls, gain their confidence, and then teach that person carefully until he becomes a Baha’i, and then nurture him until he becomes a firm and active supporter of the Faith.”

—on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Individual and Teaching 35

“_. It should be constantly borne in mind . . . that the twofold task of extension and consolidation [of Baha’i centers/communities] must be supplemented by continuous and strenuous efforts to in- crease speedily not only the number of the avowed followers of the Faith . . . but also to swell the ranks of its active supporters who will consecrate their time, resources and energy to the effectual spread of its teachings and the multiplication and consolidation of its adminis- trative institutions.”

—Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith 116

“(New believers] should learn to study the words for themselves and both grasp their significance and also become imbued with their spirit. The hope of Shoghi Effendi is not only to increase the num- ber of the friends but also to have truer and more understanding Bah4’is. The task of the teacher is to produce such efficient servants for our beloved Faith.”

—on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Importance of Deepening 33-34 �[Page 46]46

Vision-to-Victory

Completing All Steps

“Teaching the Faith embraces many diverse activities, all of which are vital to success, and each of which reinforces the other... .

“The aim, therefore, of all Baha’i institutions and Baha'i teachers is to advance continually to new areas and strata of society, with such thoroughness that, as the spark of faith kindles the hearts of the hearers, the teaching of the believers continues until, and even after, they shoulder their responsibilities as Baha’is and participate in both the teaching and administrative work of the Faith.”

—The Universal House of Justice, May 25, 1975

Teaching Methods

“There are innumerable ways of teaching the Cause. You can choose the one that suits best your nature and capacity.” —on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Individual and Teaching 22

“There are, of course, many ways of teaching, and each believer should follow the methods to which he feels best suited. The impor- tant matter is not so much the method but the enthusiasm, effective- ness and devotion with which the teaching work is carried on.”

—tThe Universal House of Justice, December 16, 1976

Reliance on God

“Arise to further My Cause, and to exalt My Word amongst men. We are with you at all times, and shall strengthen you through the power of truth. We are truly almighty. Whoso hath recognized Me, will arise and serve Me with such determination that the powers of earth and heaven shall be unable to defeat his purpose.”

—Baha’u'llah, Gleanings 137

“It is not we who do the work, but we are the instruments used at that time for the purpose of teaching His Cause.” —on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Individual and Teaching 38

“,.. The harder you strive to attain your goal, the greater will be the confirmations of Baha’u’ll4h, and the more certain you can feel to attain success. Be cheerful, therefore, and exert yourself with full faith and confidence. For Baha’u'llah has promised His Divine assis- tance to everyone who arises with a pure and detached heart to spread His holy Word, even though he may be bereft of every human knowledge and capacity, and notwithstanding the forces of darkness and of opposition which may be arrayed against him.”

—on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Power of Divine Assistance 21 �[Page 47]47

Selections from the Writings

Se The Community and Teaching

The Importance of the Community in Teaching

“All the Baha’is, new and old alike, should devote themselves as much as possible to teaching the Faith; they should also realize that the atmosphere of true love and unity which they manifest within the Baha’i Community will directly affect the public, and be the greatest magnet for attracting people to the Faith and confirming them.”

—on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Individual and Teaching 26-27

“As humanity plunges deeper into that condition of which Baha’u’lla4h wrote, ‘to disclose it now would not be meet and seemly,’ so must the believers increasingly stand out as assured, orientated, and fundamentally happy beings, conforming to a stan- dard which, in direct contrast to the ignoble and amoral attitudes of modern society, is the source of their honor, strength, and maturity. It is this marked contrast between the vigor, unity, and discipline of the Baha’i community on the one hand, and the increasing confu- sion, despair, and feverish tempo of a doomed society on the other, which, during the turbulent years ahead, will draw the eyes of humanity to the sanctuary of Baha’u’llah’s world-redeeming Faith.”

—The Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance 79-80

“But it is in the local Baha’i communities that the most wide-spread presentation of the Faith can take place. . . . It is here that the power of Baha’u’llah to organize human affairs on a basis of spiritual unity can be most apparent. Every Local Spiritual Assembly which unitedly strives to grow in maturity and efficiency and encourages its commu- nity to fulfill its destiny as a foundation stone of Baha’u’llah’s World Order can add to a growing groundswell of interest in and eventual recognition of the Cause of God as the sole hope for mankind.”

—The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1985

“Wherefore must the friends of God, with utter sanctity, with one accord, rise up in the spirit, in unity with one another, to such a degree that they will become even as one being and one soul. On such a plane as this, physical bodies play no part, rather doth the spirit take over and rule; and when its power encompasseth all then is spiritual union achieved. Strive ye by day and night to cultivate your unity to the fullest degree. Let your thoughts dwell on your own spiritual development, and close your eyes to the deficiencies of other souls. Act ye in such wise, showing forth pure and goodly deeds, and modesty and humility, that ye may cause others to be awakened.”

—Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bah& 203

�[Page 48]48

Vision-to-Victory

The Baha’i Family and Teaching

“If the believer is the only one of his family who has embraced the Faith, it is his duty to endeavour to lead as many other family members as possible to the light of divine guidance. As soon as a Baha’i family unit emerges, the members should feel responsible for making the collective life of the family a spiritual reality, animated by divine love and inspired by the ennobling principles of the Faith. To achieve this purpose, the reading of the Sacred Writings and prayers should ideally become a daily family activity. As far as the teaching work is concerned, just as individuals are called upon to adopt teaching goals, the family itself could adopt its own goals. In this way the friends could make of their families strong healthy units, bright candles for the diffusion of the light of the Kingdom, and powerful centres to attract the heavenly confirmations.”

—on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, April 17, 1981

“This is in truth a Baha’i house. Every time such a house or meeting place is founded it becomes one of the greatest aids to the general development of the town and country to which it belongs.

It encourages the growth of learning and science and is known for its intense spirituality and for the love it spreads among the peoples.”

—‘Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks 72-73

The Role of the Spiritual Assembly in Teaching

“When in session it behooveth them to converse, on behalf of the servants of God, on matters dealing with the affairs and interests of the public: For instance, teaching the Cause of God must be accorded precedence, inasmuch as it is a matter of paramount importance. ...

“Teaching the Cause must be viewed according to the conditions of the age and of the times so as to see what course is deemed prop- er to take. Other matters also should be dealt with in like manner. The must, however, take care that nothing doth take place contrary to the divine verses sent down in this glorious Manifestation, inas- much as naught but that which hath been prescribed by the True One —exalted be His glory—would serve the interests of His servants.”

—Baha’u'llah, The Local Spiritual Assembly 11-12

“It [the administrative machinery of the Cause’] should, I strongly feel, be made to serve a twofold purpose. On one hand, it should aim at a steady and gradual expansion of the Movement along lines that are at once broad, sound and universal; and on the other it should insure the internal consolidation of the work already achieved.”

—Shoghi Effendi, Baha’i Administration 109 �[Page 49]

Selections from the Writings

49

Teaching Plans

“. . . The adoption of a local plan by the Local Assembly can exert a far-reaching influence on its work and on the life of the community.”

—The Universal House of Justice, December 24, 1975

“We long to see every Local Spiritual Assembly either spontane- ously adopt its own goals or warmly welcome those it has been or will be given by its National Spiritual Assembly, swell the number of the adherents who compose its local community and, guided by the general policy outlined by its National Spiritual Assembly, proclaim the Faith more effectively, energetically pursue its extension teaching and consolidation goals, arrange the observances of the Holy Days, regularly hold its Nineteen Day Feasts and its sessions for deepening, initiate and maintain community projects, and encourage the partici- pation of every member of its community in giving to the Fund and undertaking teaching activities and administrative services, so as to make each locality a stronghold of the Faith and a torch-bearer of the Covenant... .”

—The Universal House of Justice, May 25, 1975

“The time has come, we believe, when increasing numbers of Local Spiritual Assemblies should assume responsibility for helping the teaching work of groups, isolated believers, and other Spiritual Assemblies in their neighborhood. Such extension teaching goals should be assigned by the National Spiritual Assembly or one of its teaching committees, or can be spontaneously adopted by Local Spiritual Assemblies, and should be carried out within the framework of the overall teaching plans of the country. It should also be made clear that by being given such goals a Spiritual Assembly is not being given any jurisdiction over believers outside its area, still less over other Local Spiritual Assemblies, but is being called upon to collabo- rate with them in their work.”

—The Universal House of Justice, Naw-Riz 1974

“ .. Nationally directed projects, however, should be supported by locally sponsored teaching activities carried out by Local Spiritual Assemblies. By combining the two levels of Baha'i activity, and by seeking the collaboration of the Counsellors in providing the guid- ance and stimulation of the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants at the local level, excellent results will be obtained and your high aspirations in the expansion and consolidation work will be fully realized.”

—The Universal House of Justice, October 7, 1975 �[Page 50]50

Vision-lo-Victory

Establishing New Communities and Local Assemblies

“Simultaneous with the acceleration in the process of individual conversion, the equally pressing need of safeguarding local spiritual assemblies from dissolution and of increasing rapidly their number, must continually be borne in mind, as the most effectual means for the strengthening of the structural basis of the Administrative Order of the Faith. Complementing this laudable task, strenuous efforts must be exerted for the purpose of multiplying the existing groups and isolated centers in all the continents of the globe. . . .”

—Shoghi Effendi, Messages to the Bahaé’i World 118

“A Local Spiritual Assembly should be formed in any locality where nine or more adult believers reside. The fact that some of them are not well grounded in the Faith is not a reason for delaying forma- tion of the Assembly, but is a matter to be dealt with separately.”

—The Universal House of Justice, November 23, 1975

Collaboration with the Institution of the Learned

“. .. Our beloved Guardian urged Auxiliary Board members to establish contact with Local Spiritual Assemblies, groups, isolated centers and the individual believers, and through periodic and systematic visits to localities as well as by correspondence help in promoting the interests of the Plan, assist in the efficient and prompt execution of the goals, watch over the security of the faith, stimulate and strengthen the teaching and pioneer work, impress upon the friends the importance of individual effort, initiative and sacrifice, and encourage them to participate in Baha’i activities and be unified under all circumstances.”

—The Universal House of Justice, November 17, 1971

“It is the responsibility of Spiritual Assemblies, assisted by their committees, to organize and direct the teaching work, and in doing so they must, naturally, also do all they can to stimulate and inspire the friends. It is, however, inevitable that the Assemblies and com- mittees, being burdened with the administration of the teaching work as well as with all other aspects of Baha’i community life, will be unable to spend as much time as they would wish on stimulating the believers.

“Authority and direction flow from the Assemblies, whereas the power to accomplish the tasks resides primarily in the entire body of the believers. It is the principle task of the Auxiliary Boards to assist in arousing and releasing this power.”

—tThe Universal House of Justice, The Continental Boards of Counselors 37-38 �[Page 51]51 Selections from the Writings |

ee Teaching the Masses

The Nature and Importance of Teaching the Masses

“When the masses of mankind are awakened and enter the Faith of God, a new process is set in motion and the growth of a new civilization begins. Witness the emergence of Christianity and of Islam. These masses are the rank and file, steeped in traditions of their own, but receptive to the new Word of God, by which, when they truly respond to it, they become so influenced as to transform those who come in contact with them.”

—The Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance 31

“It has been due to the splendid victories in large-scale conver- sion that the Faith of Baha’u’lla4h has entered a new phase in its development and establishment throughout the world. It is impera- tive, therefore, that the process of teaching the masses be not only maintained but accelerated.”

—The Universal House of Justice, A Special Measure of Love 29-30

Large Scale Expansion

“Exultant as we are over the remarkable feats you have attained, both those already cited and those too numerous to mention, we cannot help noting the sad lag in the rate of your enrolments, a lag which is conspicuously at variance with the high energy of your en- deavours and the teaching opportunities abounding in your richly blessed land. We call this to your attention not to cause distress but rather to stir a deeper consciousness of your immediate possibilities, to arouse you to new heights of action. You are a community of victors; you occupy the front ranks of Bah4’u'llah’s invincible army of light; indeed, you must remain in the vanguard of its thrust. The soul-shaking events transpiring at this very moment in the mother- land of our Faith make even more urgent than ever the necessity of multiplying the size of your community on which rest inescapable God-given responsibilities towards the world community, no less than towards itself. All your accomplishments proclaim your ability to excel in the fundamental goal of expanding your membership. The progress of the Cause in your country undoubtedly depends upon such expansion.”

—The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1984 to the U.S.

“The stage is set for universal, rapid and massive growth of the Cause of God. The immediate and basic challenge is pursuit of the goals of the Six Year Plan, the preliminary stages of which have already been initiated. The all-important teaching work must be �[Page 52]52

Vision-to-Victory

4

imaginatively, persistently and sacrificially continued, ensuring the enrollment of ever larger numbers who will provide the energy, the resources and spiritual force to enable the beloved Cause to worthily play its part in the redemption of mankind.”

—tThe Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1987

Consolidation

“Consolidation is as vital a part of the teaching work as expan- sion. It is that aspect of teaching which assists the believers to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Teachings, and fans the flame of their devotion to Baha’u’llah and His Cause, so that they will, of their own volition, continue the process of their spiritual development, promote the teaching work, and strengthen the func- tioning of their administrative institutions. Proper consolidation is essential to the preservation of the spiritual health of the community, to the protection of its interests, to the upholding of its good name, and ultimately to the continuation of the work of expansion itself.

“|, . Activities falling within this category include the organiza- tion of circuits of travelling teachers skilled in consolidation work; the holding of summer and winter schools, week-end institutes and conferences; the initiation and operation of tutorial schools; the dissemination of Baha'i literature and the encouragement of its study by the friends; and the organization of special courses and institutes for Local Spiritual Assembly members. . . .

“Consolidation activities promote the individual spiritual develop- ment of the friends, help to unite and strengthen Baha’i community life, establish new socia! patterns for the friends, and stimulate the teaching work.”

—tThe Universal House of Justice, April 17, 1981

“There are now many areas in the world where thousands of people have accepted the Faith so quickly that it has been beyond the capacity of the existing Baha’i communities to consolidate ade- quately these advances. The people in these areas must be progres- sively deepened in their understanding of the Faith, in accordance with well-laid plans, so that their communities may, as soon as possible, become sources of great strength to the work of the Faith

and begin to manifest the pattern of Baha’i life.” —The Universal House of Justice, May 25, 1975

“To give people this glorious Message and then leave them in the lurch, produces disappointment and disillusionment, so that, when it does become possible to carry out properly planned teaching in that area, the teachers may well find the people resistant to the Message. The first teacher who was careless of consolidation, instead of �[Page 53]53

Selections from the Writings

planting and nourishing the seeds of faith has, in fact ‘inoculated’ the people against the Divine Message and made subsequent teaching very much harder.”

—on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, April 16, 1981

Balancing Expansion and Consolidation

“While this vital teaching work is progressing each National Assembly must ever bear in mind that expansion and consolidation are inseparable processes that must go hand in hand. ... To ensure that the spiritual life of the individual believer is continuously enriched, that local communities are becoming increasingly conscious of their collective duties, and that the institutions of an evolving administration are operating efficiently, is, therefore, as important as expanding into new fields and bringing in the multitudes under the shadow of the Cause.”

—The Universal House of Justice, February 2, 1966

“Every outward thrust into new fields, every multiplication of Baha'i institutions, must be paralleled by a deeper thrust of the roots which sustain the spiritual life of the community and ensure its sound development. ... That this community ... may maintain a proper balance between these two essential aspects of its develop- ment... is the ardent hope of my heart... .”

—Shoghi Effendi, A Special Measure of Love 5

Early Enrollment and Systematic Follow-up

“The early believers in both the east and the west . . . knew prac- tically nothing . . . yet they were the ones who shed their blood... . Therefore, those responsible for accepting new enrollments must just be sure of one thing—that the heart of the applicant has been touched with the spirit of the Faith. Everything else can can be built on this foundation gradually.”

—on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, A Special Measure of Love 21

“', , AS you are aware, the beloved Guardian encouraged early enrollment of new believers upon their declarations, and not the creation of obstacles to their acceptance. After declaration, follow- up with deepening is imperative, and it may be that some will fall away. However, those who remain are the true fruits of the teaching endeavor and may include persons of great merit who might have been lost to the Cause through arbitrary early judgements.”

—The Universal House of Justice, November 18, 1980 �[Page 54]54

Vision-to-Victory

Mass Teaching Methods

“At this stage in the development of the Faith there are many new experiments taking place in the teaching field and also in the work of consolidation. It is obvious that not all these experiments will meet with success. Many have great merit while others may have little or none. However, in the present period of transition and rapid growth of the Cause we must seek diligently for the merit of every method devised to teach and deepen the masses.”

—tThe Universal House of Justice, March 22, 1973

“We note that the new teaching methods you have developed, in reaching the waiting masses, have substantially influenced the winning of your goals. ... New methods inevitably bring with them criticism and challenges no matter how successful they may ulti- mately prove to be. The influx of so many new believers is, in itself, a call to the veteran believers to join the ranks of those in this field of service and to give wholeheartedly of their knowledge and expe- rience. Far from standing aloof, the American believers are called upon now, as never before, to grasp this golden opportunity which has been presented to them, to consult together prayerfully and widen the scope of their endeavors.”

—Messages of The Universal House of Justice 85-86

Achieving Entry By Troops

“New prospects for teaching the Cause at all levels of society have unfolded. These are confirmed in the early results flowing from the new teaching initiatives being fostered in a number of places as more and more national communities witness the beginnings of that entry by troops promised by the beloved Master and which Shoghi Effendi said would lead on to mass conversion. The immediate possibilities presented by this providential situation compel us to expect that an expansion of the Community of the Most Great Name, such as has not yet been experienced, is, indeed, at hand.

—The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1988

“The spiritual current which exerted such galvanic effects at the International Baha’i Convention last Ridvan has swept through the entire world community, arousing . . . feats of activity and achieve- ment in teaching never before experienced in any one year. The high level of enrollments alone bears this out, as nearly half a million new believers have already been reported. . .. These evidences are hopeful signs of the greater acceleration yet to come and in which all national communities, whatever the current status of their teach- ing effort, will ultimately be involved.”

—tThe Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1989 �[Page 55]55 Selections from the Writings

Se The Life-Blood of the Cause

The Nature and Importance of the National Fund

“As the activities of the American Baha’i community expand, and its world-wide prestige correspondingly increases, the institution of the National Fund, the bedrock on which all other institutions must necessarily rest and be established, acquires added importance, and should be increasingly supported by the entire body of the believers, both in their individual capacities, and through their collective efforts, whether organized as groups or as local Assemblies. The supply of funds, in support of the National Treasury, constitutes, at the present time, the life-blood of those nascent institutions which you are laboring to erect. Its importance cannot, surely, be over-estimated. Untold blessings shall no doubt crown every effort directed to that end, I am eagerly and prayerfully awaiting the news of an unprece- dented expansion in so vital an organ of the administrative Order of the Faith.”

—Shoghi Effendi, Baha’i Funds 9

“The National Fund must be firmly established, generously supported and universally and continuously upheld, for it is the prerequisite of future progress and achievement.”

—Shoghi Effendi, Baha’t Funds 5

The Individual and the Fund: A Spiritual Bond

“... The progress and promotion of the Cause of God depend on material means.” —Baha’u'll4h, Huguqullah 1

“Great God! In this glorious Dispensation the treasures laid up by kings and queens are not worthy of mention, nor will they be ac- ceptable in the presence of God. However, a grain of mustard offered by His loved ones will be extolled in the exalted court of His holiness and invested with the ornament of His acceptance. Immeas- urably exalted is His bounty, immeasurably glorified is His majesty.”

—Baha’u'll4h, Huguqillah 14

“It is the sacred obligation of every conscientious and faithful servant of Baha’u’llah who desires to see His Cause advance, to contribute freely and generously for the increase of that Fund.”

—Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Administation 41-42

“Contributions to this [National] Fund constitute, in addition, a practical and effective way whereby every believer can test the

�[Page 56]56

Vision-to-Victory

measure and character of his faith, and to prove in deeds the inten- sity of his devotion and attachment to the Cause.” —ShoghiEffendi, Baha’t Funds 9

“Every Baha'i no matter how poor, must realize what a grave re- sponsibility he has to shoulder in this connection, and should have confidence that his spiritual progress as a believer in the World Order of Baha’u'llah will largely depend upon the measure in which he proves, in deeds, his readiness to support materially the Divine institutions of His Faith.”

—on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Baha’i Funds 10

Supporting the Plans of the National Assembly

“The American Baha’i community has a distinguished and highly enviable record of generous and sacrificial response to the needs of the Faith. Our hearts are filled with admiration when we survey the accomplishments of the American believers, aiding the Faith to triumph over its adversaries, winning magnificent victories in the international teaching field, fostering the establishment and consoli- dation of its institutions, and assisting in the acquisition of countless Baha'i properties all over the world.

“Now is the time for the dearly-loved members of this commu- nity, renowned as the champion builders of Baha’u’llah’s rising World Order, to consecrate an increasing measure of the material resources with which they have been so richly blessed to the press- ing needs of the Cause of God. In so doing, their sacrifices will attract an even greater measure of divine blessings, and will bring them abiding satisfaction. Let them also consider prayerfully the spiritual obligations which have been laid upon the followers of the Blessed Beauty to give the fullest support, in every way possible, to the plans and enterprises which have been placed before them by their elected representatives.

“The members of your valiant and devoted community have entrusted to their care ‘. . . the holiest House of Worship ever to be raised by the followers of the Faith of Baha’u'llah. .. .’. We have full confidence that they will refuse to allow this unique and sacred edifice to suffer deterioration and decay, that they will demonstrate, yet again, their high sense of responsibility toward the interests of the Cause and that they will arise, unitedly and enthusiastically, to meet every challenge with which they are confronted. Our ardent supplications will be offered in the Holy Shrines for the consumma- tion and reinforcement of their noble and dedicated endeavors.

—The Universal House of Justice, July 14, 1989 �[Page 57]

Selections from the Writings a

Completing the Arc

“The ultimate completion of this stupendous undertaking will mark the culmination of the development of a world-wide divinely- appointed Administrative Order whose beginnings may be traced as far back as the concluding years of the Heroic Age of the Faith.

“This vast and irresistible process, unexampled in the spiritual history of mankind, and which will synchronize with two no less significant developments—the establishment of the Lesser Peace and the evolution of Baha'i national and local institutions—the one outside and the other within the Baha’i world—will attain its final consummation, in the Golden Age of the Faith, through the raising of the standard of the Most Great Peace, and the emergence, in the plenitude of its power and glory, of the focal Center of the agencies constituting the World Order of Baha’u’llah. The final establishment of this seat of the future Baha’i World Commonwealth will signalize at once the proclamation of the sovereignty of the Founder of our Faith and the advent of the Kingdom of the Father repeatedly lauded and promised by Jesus Christ.

“This World Order will, in turn, in the course of successive Dispensations of the Baha'i Cycle, yield its fairest fruit through the birth and flowering of a civilization, divinely inspired, unique in its features, world-embracing in its scope, and fundamentally spiritual in its character—a civilization destined as it unfolds to derive its initial impulse from the spirit animating the very institutions which, in their embryonic state, are now stirring in the womb of the present Forma- tive Age of the Faith.”

—Shoghi Effendi, Messages to the Baha’t World 74-75

“As indicated in our letter of 30 April 1987, the way is now open for the Baha’i world to erect the remaining buildings of its Adminis- trative Centre, and we must without delay stride forward resolutely on this path. ...

“It is impossible at this stage to give an accurate estimate of the cost of these projects. All that we can now say is that in the immedi- ate future two objectives have to be met: to accumulate rapidly a reserve of fifty million dollars on which plans for the construction can realistically begin to be implemented, and to provide an income of between twenty and twenty-five million dollars for the Baha’i International Fund for each of the next ten years. As the work proceeds, contracts are signed and cost can be accurately deter- mined, further information will be announced.

“The great work of constructing the terraces, landscaping their surroundings, and erecting the remaining buildings of the Arc will bring into being a vastly augmented World Centre structure which will be capable of meeting the challenges of coming centuries and of the tremendous growth of the Baha’i community which the beloved �[Page 58]58

Vision-to-Victory

Guardian has told us to expect. Already we see the effect of the ~ spiritual energies which the completion of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice has released, and the new impulse this has given to the advancement of the Faith. Who can gauge what transformations will be effected as a result of the completion of each successive stage of this great enterprise?”

—The Universal House of Justice, August 31, 1987

The Spirit of Sacrifice

“As to the idea of ‘giving what one can afford’; this does by no means put a limit or even exclude the possibility of self-sacrifice. There can be no limit to one’s contributions to the national fund. The more one can give the better it is, especially when such offer- ings necessitate the sacrifice of other wants and desires on the part of the donor. The harder the sacrifice the more meritorious will it be, of course, in the sight of God. For after all it is not so much the quantity of one’s offerings that matters, but rather the measure of deprivation that such offerings entail. It is the spirit, and not the mere fact of contributing that we should always take into account when we stress the necessity for a universal and wholehearted support of the various funds of the Cause.”

—Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Funds 9-10

“|, , All, no matter how modest their resources, must participate. Upon the degree of self-sacrifice involved in these individual contri- butions will directly depend the efficacy and the spiritual influence which these nascent administrative institutions . . . will exert.”

—Shoghi Effendi, Baha’i Funds 29

“Until a being setteth his foot in the plane of sacrifice, he is bereft of every favour and grace; and this plane of sacrifice is the realm of dying to the self, that the radiance of the living God may then shine forth. The martyr’s field is the place of detachment from self, that the anthems of eternity may be upraised. Do all ye can to become wholly weary of self, and bind yourselves to that Counte- nance of Spendours; and once ye have reached such heights of servitude, ye will find, gathered within your shadow, all created things.”

—‘Abdu'l-Bah, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahda 76-77

“Look at Me and be as I am; ye must die to yourselves and to the world, so shall ye be born again and enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Behold a candle how it gives its light. It weeps its life away drop by drop in order to give forth its flame of light.”

—reported words of ‘Abdu’l-Bah4, An Early Pilgimage 42 �[Page 59]59

Eas LS Questions to Consider

Consider the following questions to review your understanding of the ideas presented in this section and in the entire book and to develop a specific personal plan of action. You can use the space provided to answer the questions.

1. What does transformation mean to you? What activities are you regularly involved in to promote your personal transformation? What additional steps should you take toward this objective? How does the process of transforma- tion apply within the family?

2. What are some of the main features of the individual’s responsibility to teach the Faith?

Consider the steps in the process of teaching in light of your own accomplish- ments as a teacher. What specific goals can you set to become a more effective teacher? What steps will you take this week to begin to achieve these goals?

Develop a personal teaching plan or review your existing plan to expand your personal teaching efforts.

(The questions are continued on the next page.)

�[Page 60]

Vision-to-Victory

3. What are some of the main features of the community’s responsibilities toward teaching?

Evaluate the status of teaching in your local community. What can you do to improve teaching in your community? Set specific objectives that you can begin to work on this month.

Does your community have a teaching plan? If not, encourage the adoption of a plan with a focus on the objectives of the Six Year Plan. Determine specifi- cally how you, as an individual, will play a part in the accomplishment of your community’s goals.

4. What are some of the main features of the process of teaching the masses?

What is the current status of efforts to reach the masses in your community? In your district? Is there a balance between expansion and consolidation? Are there areas or populations near you where the process can be initiated or accelerated? What specific steps can you take to further this process in your area?

5. What is the responsibility of the individual toward the Fund?

What funds are needed to build the Arc?

What will you do to support the building of the Arc and the other initiatives which must be supported by the National Fund?