The principle of baptism is purification by repentance. John
admonished and exhorted the people, and caused them to repent; then he baptized
them. Therefore, it is apparent that this baptism is a symbol of repentance
from all sin: its meaning is expressed in these words: “O God! as my body has
become purified and cleansed from physical impurities, in the same way purify
and sanctify my spirit from the impurities of the world of nature, which are
not worthy of the Threshold of Thy Unity!” Repentance is the return from
disobedience to obedience. Man, after remoteness and deprivation from God,
repents and undergoes purification: and this is a symbol signifying “O God!
make my heart good and pure, freed and sanctified from all save Thy love.”
As Christ desired that this institution of John should be
used at that time by all, He Himself conformed to it in order to awaken the
people and to complete the law of the former religion. Although the ablution of
repentance was the institution of John, it was in reality formerly practiced in the religion of God.
Christ was not in need of baptism; but as at that time it
was an acceptable and praiseworthy action, and a sign of the glad tidings of
the Kingdom, therefore, He confirmed it. However, afterward He said the true
baptism is not with material water, but it must be with spirit and with water.
In this case water does not signify material water, for elsewhere it is
explicitly said baptism is with spirit and with fire, from which it is clear
that the reference is not to material fire and material water, for baptism with
fire is impossible. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
December 30
In the terminology of the Holy Books, the church is a symbol
of the Covenant, in other words it is a gathering place for different peoples
and races so that it may become a sign and token of the true Temple and the
Divine Law. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Church of Ascension, June 2, 1912, New
York; Mahmud’s Diary)
December 29
This day the powers of all the leaders of religion are
directed towards the dispersion of the congregation of the All-Merciful, and
the shattering of the Divine Edifice. The hosts of the world, whether material,
cultural or political are from every side launching their assault, for the
Cause is great, very great. Its greatness is, in this day, clear and manifest
to men’s eyes. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted by Shoghi Effendi in ‘The Advent of Divine
Justice’)
December 28
The government, the nation, the doctors of divinity and the
great personages desired to extinguish His[the Bab's] light, but they could not do so. At
last His moon arose, His star shone forth, His foundations became firmly
established, and His dawning-place became brilliant. He imparted divine
education to an unenlightened multitude and produced marvelous results on the
thoughts, morals, customs and conditions of the Persians. He announced the glad
tidings of the manifestation of the Sun of Bahá to His followers and prepared
them to believe.
The appearance of such wonderful signs and great results; the effects produced upon the minds of the people, and upon the prevailing ideas; the establishment of the foundations of progress; and the organization of the principles of success and prosperity by a young merchant, constitute the greatest proof that He was a perfect Educator. A just person will never hesitate to believe this. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
The appearance of such wonderful signs and great results; the effects produced upon the minds of the people, and upon the prevailing ideas; the establishment of the foundations of progress; and the organization of the principles of success and prosperity by a young merchant, constitute the greatest proof that He was a perfect Educator. A just person will never hesitate to believe this. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
December 27
Therefore, O ye friends of God, ye must in perfect purity attain spiritual unity and agreement to a degree that ye may express one spirit and one life.
In this condition physical bodies play no part: the command and authority are in the hand of the spirit. When the spirit becometh all inclusive, the Spiritual union shall be attained. Night and day endeavor to attain perfect harmony; be thoughtful concerning your own spiritual developments and close your eyes to the shortcomings of one another.
By good deeds, pure lives, humility and meekness be a lesson for others. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’, vol. 1)
In this condition physical bodies play no part: the command and authority are in the hand of the spirit. When the spirit becometh all inclusive, the Spiritual union shall be attained. Night and day endeavor to attain perfect harmony; be thoughtful concerning your own spiritual developments and close your eyes to the shortcomings of one another.
By good deeds, pure lives, humility and meekness be a lesson for others. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’, vol. 1)
December 26
Likewise the republic of Mexico is very important. The majority of the inhabitants of that country are devoted Catholics. They are totally unaware of the reality of the Bible, the Gospel and the new divine teachings. They do not know that the basis of the religions of God is one and that the holy Manifestations are like unto the Sun of Truth, rising from the different dawning-places. Those souls are submerged in the sea of dogmas. If one breath of life be blown over them, great results will issue therefrom. But it is better for those who intend to go to Mexico to teach, to be familiar with the Spanish language. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan')
December 25
`Whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in
heaven' [Matt. 16:19]. The Christians have not understood its meaning. They
imagine that it means the redemption of sins through the Christian leaders. The
intention of Christ was to permit His disciples to elaborate or abrogate the
laws of the Torah, as He had altered only two, those of the Sabbath and
divorce. But, alas! The spiritual leaders of the Christians did not grasp His
meaning, so that when the Greeks and Romans became Christians, some of the
idolatrous customs were incorporated into Christianity. For example, the
adornment of churches with images, self-mortification, abstinence, monks'
habits, the lighting of candles in church, the ringing of the bell in the
steeple and others. These are all from idolaters. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, June
26, 1912, Montclair,
USA; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
December 24
The divine Prophets came to establish the unity of the
Kingdom in human hearts. All of them proclaimed the glad tidings of the divine
bestowals to the world of mankind. All brought the same message of divine love
to the world. Jesus Christ gave His life upon the cross for the unity of
mankind. Those who believed in Him likewise sacrificed life, honor,
possessions, family, everything, that this human world might be released from
the hell of discord, enmity and strife. His foundation was the oneness of
humanity. Only a few were attracted to Him. They were not the kings and rulers
of His time. They were not rich and important people. Some of them were
catchers of fish. Most of them were ignorant men, not trained in the knowledge
of this world. One of the greatest of them, Peter, could not remember the days
of the week. All of them were men of the least consequence in the eyes of the
world. But their hearts were pure and attracted by the fires of the Divine
Spirit manifested in Christ. With this small army Christ conquered the world of
the East and the West. Kings and nations rose against Him. Philosophers and the
greatest men of learning assailed and blasphemed His Cause. All were defeated
and overcome, their tongues silenced, their lamps extinguished, their hatred
quenched; no trace of them now remains. They have become as nonexistent, while
His Kingdom is triumphant and eternal. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk
given in New York, April 12, 1912; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace’)
December 23
Those who first strove to do away with Him [Christ] were the
Israelites, His own kindred. To all outward appearances they overcame Him and
brought Him into direst distress. At last they crowned Him with the crown of
thorns and crucified Him. But Christ, while apparently in the deepest misery
and affliction, proclaimed, “This Sun will be resplendent, this Light will
shine, My grace will surround the world, and all My enemies will be brought
low.” And as He said, so it was; for all the kings of the earth have not been
able to withstand Him. Nay, all their standards have been overthrown, while the
banner of that Oppressed One has been raised to the zenith. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some
Answered Questions’)
December 22
From amongst all mankind hath He chosen you, and your eyes
have been opened to the light of guidance and your ears attuned to the music of
the Company above; and blessed by abounding grace, your hearts and souls have
been born into new life. Thank ye and praise ye God that the hand of infinite
bestowals hath set upon your heads this gem-studded crown, this crown whose
lustrous jewels will forever flash and sparkle down all the reaches of time.
To thank Him for this, make ye a mighty effort, and choose for yourselves a noble goal. Through the power of faith, obey ye the teachings of God, and let all your actions conform to His laws. Read ye The Hidden Words, ponder the inner meanings thereof, act in accord therewith. Read, with close attention, the Tablets of Tarazát (Ornaments), Kalímát (Words of Paradise), Tajallíyyát (Effulgences), Ishráqát (Splendours), and Bishárát (Glad Tidings), and rise up as ye are bidden in the heavenly teachings. Thus may each one of you be even as a candle casting its light, the centre of attraction wherever people come together; and from you, as from a bed of flowers, may sweet scents be shed. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
To thank Him for this, make ye a mighty effort, and choose for yourselves a noble goal. Through the power of faith, obey ye the teachings of God, and let all your actions conform to His laws. Read ye The Hidden Words, ponder the inner meanings thereof, act in accord therewith. Read, with close attention, the Tablets of Tarazát (Ornaments), Kalímát (Words of Paradise), Tajallíyyát (Effulgences), Ishráqát (Splendours), and Bishárát (Glad Tidings), and rise up as ye are bidden in the heavenly teachings. Thus may each one of you be even as a candle casting its light, the centre of attraction wherever people come together; and from you, as from a bed of flowers, may sweet scents be shed. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
December 21
His Holiness Christ says: Travel ye to the East and to the
West of the world and summon the people to the Kingdom of God. [Mark 16:15] Hence
the mercy of God must encompass all humanity. Therefore
do ye not think it permissible to leave that region [Alaska] deprived of the
breezes of the Morn of Guidance. Consequently, strive as far as ye are able to
send to those parts fluent speakers, who are detached from aught else save God,
attracted with the fragrances of God, and sanctified and purified from all
desires and temptations. Their sustenance and food must consist of the
teachings of God. First they must themselves live in accordance with those
principles, then guide the people. Perchance, God willing, the lights of the
Most Great Guidance will illuminate that country, and the breezes of the rose
garden of the love of God will perfume the nostrils of the inhabitants of
Alaska. Should you be aided to render such a service, rest ye assured that your
heads shall be crowned with the diadem of everlasting sovereignty, and at the
threshold of oneness you will become the favored and accepted servants.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)
December 20
Know thou of a certainty that Love is the secret of God’s
holy Dispensation, the manifestation of the All-Merciful, the fountain of
spiritual outpourings. Love is heaven’s kindly light, the Holy Spirit’s eternal
breath that vivifieth the human soul. Love is the cause of God’s revelation
unto man, the vital bond inherent, in accordance with the divine creation, in
the realities of things. Love is the one means that ensureth true felicity both
in this world and the next. Love is the light that guideth in darkness, the
living link that uniteth God with man, that assureth the progress of every
illumined soul. Love is the most great law that ruleth this mighty and heavenly
cycle, the unique power that bindeth together the divers elements of this
material world, the supreme magnetic force that directeth the movements of the
spheres in the celestial realms. Love revealeth with unfailing and limitless
power the mysteries latent in the universe. Love is the spirit of life unto the
adorned body of mankind, the establisher of true civilization in this mortal
world, and the shedder of imperishable glory upon every high-aiming race and
nation. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
December 19
In all the world of creation all the existent beings are in
the utmost connection. Through this connection, mutual helpfulness and
co-operation is realized. This mutual helpfulness and co-operation is the
origin of the conservation of the forces of life. If for one instant this
mutual helpfulness and co-operation were cut off from the sources and realities
of things, all the existent beings and things would be thrown into confusion
and chaos and be reduced to nothingness and annihilation. For instance, from
the breath of the animals a watery element, called hydrogen, and carbon is
exhaled and this is the life principle of the vegetable kingdom. From the
vegetable kingdom and the trees, a fiery element, called oxygen, is emitted and
this becomes the cause of the maintenance of the life of the animal kingdom. In
such a manner, mutual helpfulness and co-operation is realized continually
between all the existent beings.
December 18
And still another of His trials was the hostility, the flagrant injustice, the iniquity and rebellion of Mírzá Yahyá. Although that Wronged One, that Prisoner, had through His loving-kindness nurtured him in His own bosom ever since his early years, had showered at every moment His tender care upon him, exalted his name, shielded him from every misfortune, endeared him to them of this world and the next, and despite the firm exhortations and counsels of His Holiness, the Exalted One (the Báb) and His clear and conclusive warning;—”Beware, beware, lest the Nineteen Letters of the Living and that which hath been revealed in the Bayán veil thee!” yet notwithstanding this, Mírzá Yahyá denied Him, dealt falsely with Him, believed Him not, sowed the seeds of doubt, closed his eyes to His manifest verses and turned aside therefrom. Would that he had been content therewith! Nay, he even attempted to shed the sacred blood (of Bahá’u’lláh) and then raised a great clamor and tumult around him, attributing unto Bahá’u’lláh malevolence and cruelty towards himself. What sedition he stirred up and what a storm of mischief he raised whilst in the Land of Mystery (Adrianople)! At last, he wrought that which caused the Day-Star of the world to be sent an exile to this, the Most Great Prison, and sorely wronged, and in the West of this Great Prison He did set. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha)
December 17
As for the Báb—may my soul be His sacrifice!—at a youthful
age, that is to say, when He had reached the twenty-fifth year of His blessed
life, He stood forth to proclaim His Cause. It was universally admitted by the Shí’is
that He had never studied in any school and had not acquired knowledge from any
teacher; all the people of Shíráz bear witness to this. Nevertheless, He
suddenly appeared before the people, endowed with the most complete erudition.
Although He was but a merchant, He confounded all the ‘ulamá of Persia. [Doctors
of the religion of Islám] All alone, in a way which is beyond imagination, He
upheld the Cause among the Persians, who are renowned for their religious
fanaticism. This illustrious Soul arose with such power that He shook the
supports of the religion, of the morals, the conditions, the habits and the
customs of Persia, and instituted new rules, new laws and a new religion.
Though the great personages of the State, nearly all the clergy, and the public
men arose to destroy and annihilate Him, He alone withstood them and moved the
whole of Persia. (Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
December 16
It is obvious that a very deep relationship exists between
the spirit of man and the world of existence. It often happens that what we see
in a dream comes to pass in wakefulness; indeed, even in wakefulness when the
soul is unfettered, matters come to mind which later appear in visible form.
This shows that between the reasoning power of man and that visible appearance
there is a spiritual connection. Furthermore, the spirit of man has the power
of discovering facts. When this power is realized, problems become easily
resolved. Amusingly, while materialists are engaged in making discoveries
concerning the strata of the earth, they are immersed in the very spiritual
power whose potency and influence they deny. They also claim to forecast coming
events. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, June 10, 1912, New York, ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
December 15
By good deeds, pure lives, humility and meekness be a lesson
for others. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’, vol. 1)
December 14
O ye peoples of the Kingdom! How many a soul expended all
its span of life in worship, endured the mortification of the flesh, longed to
gain an entry into the Kingdom, and yet failed, while ye, with neither toil nor
pain nor self-denial, have won the prize and entered in.
It is even as in the time of the Messiah, when the Pharisees and the pious were left without a portion, while Peter, John and Andrew, given neither to pious worship nor ascetic practice, won the day. Wherefore, thank ye God for setting upon your heads the crown of glory everlasting, for granting unto you this immeasurable grace.
The time hath come when, as a thank-offering for this bestowal, ye should grow in faith and constancy as day followeth day, and should draw ever nearer to the Lord, your God, becoming magnetized to such a degree, and so aflame, that your holy melodies in praise of the Beloved will reach upward to the Company on high; and that each one of you, even as a nightingale in this rose garden of God, will glorify the Lord of Hosts, and become the teacher of all who dwell on earth. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
It is even as in the time of the Messiah, when the Pharisees and the pious were left without a portion, while Peter, John and Andrew, given neither to pious worship nor ascetic practice, won the day. Wherefore, thank ye God for setting upon your heads the crown of glory everlasting, for granting unto you this immeasurable grace.
The time hath come when, as a thank-offering for this bestowal, ye should grow in faith and constancy as day followeth day, and should draw ever nearer to the Lord, your God, becoming magnetized to such a degree, and so aflame, that your holy melodies in praise of the Beloved will reach upward to the Company on high; and that each one of you, even as a nightingale in this rose garden of God, will glorify the Lord of Hosts, and become the teacher of all who dwell on earth. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
December 13
I desire for you eternal success and prosperity and beg
perfect confirmation for each one in the divine world. My hope for you is that
each one may shine forth like unto the morning star from the horizon of the
world and in this Garden of God become a blessed tree, producing everlasting
fruits and results.
Therefore I direct you to that which is conducive to your heavenly confirmation and illumination in the Kingdom of God! (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)
Therefore I direct you to that which is conducive to your heavenly confirmation and illumination in the Kingdom of God! (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)
December 12
The beloved of God must each be the essence of purity and
holiness; so may they be known by their purity, freedom and meekness in every
land; they may drink from the eternal chalice of the love of God, enjoy its
ecstasy, and through meeting the Beauty of Abha, they should be joyful, active,
aglow with zeal and wonderful. This is the station of the sincere. This is the
quality of those who are firm. This is the illumination of the faces of those
who are near. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)
December 11
O ye loved ones of the Lord! Praise be to Him, the unseen,
welling bounties of the Sun of Truth encompass you on every side, and from
every direction the portals of His mercy stand ajar. Now is the time to take
advantage of these bestowals, and benefit therefrom. Know ye the value of this
time, let not this chance escape you. Stay ye entirely clear of this dark
world’s concerns, and become ye known by the attributes of those essences that
make their home in the Kingdom. Then shall ye see how intense is the glory of
the heavenly Day-Star, and how blinding bright are the tokens of bounty coming
out of the invisible realm. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
December 10
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, where the righteous will abide, and
the free assemble. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted by Shoghi Effendi in ‘The Advent of
Divine Justice’, December 25, 1938)
December 9
Look at the history of the world and try to find a parallel
instance in which a native of the East has come to the countries of the West,
particularly America, and called out to them in the churches and meetings
there, raised the divine call in many of the large cities and invited everyone
to the Abhá Kingdom, with no one taking exception. Nay, on the contrary, those
present at the gatherings have heard him with patience and unbounded joy. These
things have been achieved solely through the confirmations of the Abhá Kingdom.
(Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, September 13, 1912, Chicago, Mahmud’s Diary)
December 8
I swear by the true Teacher that if ye will act in accord
with the admonitions of God, as revealed in His luminous Tablets,
this darksome dust will mirror forth the Kingdom of heaven, and this nether
world the realm of the All-Glorious. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the
Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha)
December 7
Afterward Christ came, saying, “I am born of the Holy
Spirit.” Though it is now easy for the Christians to believe this assertion, at
that time it was very difficult. According to the text of the Gospel the Pharisees
said, “Is not this the son of Joseph of Nazareth Whom we know? How can He say,
therefore, I came down from heaven?” [John 6:42]
Briefly, this Man, Who, apparently, and in the eyes of all, was lowly, arose with such great power that He abolished a religion that had lasted fifteen hundred years, at a time when the slightest deviation from it exposed the offender to danger or to death. Moreover, in the days of Christ the morals of the whole world and the condition of the Israelites had become completely confused and corrupted, and Israel had fallen into a state of the utmost degradation, misery and bondage. At one time they had been taken captive by the Chaldeans and Persians; at another time they were reduced to slavery to the Assyrians; then they became the subjects and vassals of the Greeks; and finally they were ruled over and despised by the Romans.
This young Man, Christ, by the help of a supernatural power, abrogated the ancient Mosaic Law, reformed the general morals, and once again laid the foundation of eternal glory for the Israelites. Moreover, He brought to humanity the glad tidings of universal peace, and spread abroad teachings which were not for Israel alone but were for the general happiness of the whole human race. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
Briefly, this Man, Who, apparently, and in the eyes of all, was lowly, arose with such great power that He abolished a religion that had lasted fifteen hundred years, at a time when the slightest deviation from it exposed the offender to danger or to death. Moreover, in the days of Christ the morals of the whole world and the condition of the Israelites had become completely confused and corrupted, and Israel had fallen into a state of the utmost degradation, misery and bondage. At one time they had been taken captive by the Chaldeans and Persians; at another time they were reduced to slavery to the Assyrians; then they became the subjects and vassals of the Greeks; and finally they were ruled over and despised by the Romans.
This young Man, Christ, by the help of a supernatural power, abrogated the ancient Mosaic Law, reformed the general morals, and once again laid the foundation of eternal glory for the Israelites. Moreover, He brought to humanity the glad tidings of universal peace, and spread abroad teachings which were not for Israel alone but were for the general happiness of the whole human race. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
December 6
In brief, beware, lest you offend any heart or engage in
backbiting. You must be friends to all and regard all as your own kith and kin.
Your supreme object must always be to bring pleasure to a heart, to give food
to the hungry, clothes to the naked, honor to the degraded, help to the
helpless and comfort to the distressed. This is the way to win the good
pleasure of God. This is that which is conducive to eternal happiness. This is
the light of the world of man. As I wish eternal honor for you, so I exhort you
with these words. (‘Abdu’l-Baha’sparting words to the believers aboard
the ship, December 5, 1912, New York, ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
December 5
I shall ask you a question: Did God create us for love or
for enmity? Did He create us for peace or discord? Surely He has created us for
love; therefore, we should live in accordance with His will. Do not listen to
anything that is prejudiced, for self-interest prompts men to be prejudiced.
They are thoughtful only of their own will and purposes. They live and move in darkness.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, excerpt from a talk given on 21 April 1912 in Washington D.C.;
Promulgation of Universal Peace) (To read the entire talk please visits Talksof ‘Abdu’l-Baha)
December 4
O ye beloved of the Lord! The greatest of all things is the
protection of the True Faith of God, the preservation of His Law, the
safeguarding of His Cause and service unto His Word. Ten thousand souls have
shed streams of their sacred blood in this path, their precious lives they
offered in sacrifice unto Him, hastened wrapt in holy ecstasy unto the glorious
field of martyrdom, upraised the Standard of God’s Faith and writ with their
life-blood upon the Tablet of the world the verses of His Divine Unity. The
sacred breast of His Holiness, the Exalted One (may my life be a sacrifice unto
Him), was made a target to many a dart of woe, and in Mázindarán, the blessed
feet of the Abhá Beauty (may my life be offered up for His loved ones) were so grievously
scourged as to bleed and be sore wounded. His neck also was put into captive
chains and His feet made fast in the stocks. In every hour, for a period of
fifty years, a new trial and calamity befell Him and fresh afflictions and
cares beset Him. One of them: after having suffered intense vicissitudes, He
was made homeless and a wanderer and fell a victim to still new vexations and
troubles. In ‘Iráq, the Day-Star of the world was so exposed to the wiles of
the people of malice as to be eclipsed in splendor. Later on He was sent an
exile to the Great City (Constantinople) and thence to the Land of Mystery
(Adrianople), whence, grievously wronged, He was eventually transferred to the
Most Great Prison (Akká). He Whom the world hath wronged (may my life be
offered up for His loved ones) was four times banished from city to city, till
at last, condemned to perpetual confinement, He was incarcerated in this
prison, the prison of highway robbers, of brigands and of man-slayers. All this
is but one of the trials that have afflicted the Blessed Beauty, the rest being
even as grievous as this. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
December 3
Should you display an effort, so that the fragrances of God
may be diffused among the Eskimos, its effect will be very great and
far-reaching. God says in the great Qur’án: A day will come wherein the lights
of unity will enlighten all the world. “The earth will be irradiated with the
light of its Lord.” [Qur’án 39:69] In other words, the earth will become
illumined with the light of God. That light is the light of unity. “There is no
God but God.” The continent and the islands of Eskimos are also parts of this
earth. They must similarly receive a portion of the bestowals of the Most Great
Guidance. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of Divine Plan’)
December 2
Truly, the hearts of the children are very pure. This was
why Christ said, `Be ye like children.' (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, New York,
November 24, Mahmud’s Diary)
December 1
Next in rank are those eminent and honorable ministers of
state and representatives, who place the will of God above their own, and whose
administrative skill and wisdom in the conduct of their office raises the
science of government to new heights of perfection. They
shine in the learned world like lamps of knowledge; their thinking, their
attitudes and their acts demonstrate their patriotism and their concern for the
country’s advancement. Content with a modest stipend, they consecrate their
days and nights to the execution of important duties and the devising of
methods to insure the progress of the people. Through the effectiveness of
their wise counsel, the soundness of their judgment, they have ever caused
their government to become an example to be followed by all the governments of
the world. They have made their capital city a focal center of great world
undertakings, they have won distinction, attaining a supreme degree of personal
eminence, and reaching the loftiest heights of repute and character. (‘Abdu’l-Baha,
‘The Secret of Divine Civilization’)
November 30
Your hearts must be so attracted that when a question is
heard you will be able to give a conclusive answer and the Holy Spirit may
speak through your tongue. You must be assured and confident that the favors
and confirmations of the Blessed Beauty will make a drop into an ocean, a seed
into a fruitful tree, an atom into a luminous sun and a stone into a brilliant
jewel. His favors are great, His treasuries inexhaustible and His bounties
infinite. God, Who has bestowed favors upon others, shall surely bestow His
favors upon you. I supplicate at the Court of the Almighty and beg that mighty
confirmations may surround you, that from your tongues may flow irrefutable
proofs and that your hearts become recipients for the splendors of the Sun of
Reality. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, New York, December 3, 1912, ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
November 29
May your thoughts expand and your stations be exalted, so
that you may be able to diffuse the fragrances of God and to make prodigious
progress in the world of man. Unless a man acquires perfection for himself, he
cannot teach others how to attain such perfection; and unless he gets life for
himself, he cannot give life to others. We must therefore try first to acquire
the bounties of the Kingdom for ourselves and attain life everlasting, and then
endeavor to quicken the nations and give life to the world. Thus, we must
constantly pray to His Holy Court and seek His eternal bounties. We must
acquire pure hearts like unto mirrors, so that the lights of the Sun of Reality
may shine. Every night and day we must supplicate to Him and beg for His
assistance, saying:
O Lord, we are weak, make us strong; we are ignorant, make us wise. O Lord, we are poor, give us the wealth of the Kingdom. O God, we are dead, bestow upon us everlasting life; we are in utter lowliness, exalt us in Thy Kingdom. Should Thy heavenly confirmations surround us, each one of us can be a luminous star, otherwise we become lower than dust. O God, help us; make us victorious; assist us to overcome self and desire; and deliver us from the world of nature. O God! Quicken us through the breaths of the Holy Spirit so that we may arise to serve Thee, engage ourselves in worshipping Thee and broadcast the signs of Thy Kingdom with utmost truthfulness and sincerity. Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty, the Generous and the Compassionate. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, New York, December 3, 1912, ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
O Lord, we are weak, make us strong; we are ignorant, make us wise. O Lord, we are poor, give us the wealth of the Kingdom. O God, we are dead, bestow upon us everlasting life; we are in utter lowliness, exalt us in Thy Kingdom. Should Thy heavenly confirmations surround us, each one of us can be a luminous star, otherwise we become lower than dust. O God, help us; make us victorious; assist us to overcome self and desire; and deliver us from the world of nature. O God! Quicken us through the breaths of the Holy Spirit so that we may arise to serve Thee, engage ourselves in worshipping Thee and broadcast the signs of Thy Kingdom with utmost truthfulness and sincerity. Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty, the Generous and the Compassionate. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, New York, December 3, 1912, ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
November 28
The real and great love is the love of God. That is holy above the imaginations and thoughts of men. (’Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)
November 27
My
name is 'Abdu'l-Bahá. My qualification is 'Abdu'l-Bahá. My reality is
'Abdu'l-Bahá. My praise is 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Thraldom to the Blessed Perfection is
my glorious and refulgent diadem, and servitude to all the human race my
perpetual religion... No name, no title, no mention, no commendation have I,
nor will ever have, except 'Abdu'l-Bahá. This is my longing. This is my
greatest yearning. This is my eternal life. This is my everlasting glory.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted by Shoghi Effendi, ‘The World Order of Baha'u'llah’)
November 26
I am
the lamp and the love of God is my light. This light hath become reflected in
the mirrors of hearts. Therefore turn thou unto thy heart, that is, when it is
in the utmost freedom, and behold how the radiance of my love is manifest in
that mirror, and thou art near unto me. Recite the Greatest Name at every morn,
and turn thou unto the Kingdom of ABHA, until thou mayest apprehend my
mysteries. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha vol. 3)
November 25
Wherefore, O beloved of the Lord, strive ye with heart and
soul to receive a share of His holy attributes and take your portion of the
bounties of His sanctity—that ye may become the tokens of unity, the standards
of singleness, and seek out the meaning of oneness; that ye may, in this garden
of God, lift up your voices and sing the blissful anthems of the spirit. Become
ye as the birds who offer Him their thanks, and in the blossoming bowers of
life chant ye such melodies as will dazzle the minds of those who know. Raise
ye a banner on the highest peaks of the world, a flag of God’s favour to ripple
and wave in the winds of His grace; plant ye a tree in the field of life, amid
the roses of this visible world, that will yield a fruitage fresh and sweet. (‘Abdu’l-Baha,
‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
November 24
In the world of existence physical things have a connection
with spiritual realities. One of these things is the voice, which connects
itself with the spirit; and the spirit can be uplifted by this means -- for
though it is a physical thing, it is one of the material, natural organizations
-- therefore, it is effective. (Words of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, quoted by to Mary L. Lucas
in "A Brief Account of My Visit to Acca" (Chicago: Bahá'í Publishing
Society, 1905); The Compilation of Compilations vol II) (To read the entire
talk please visit ‘Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
November 23
Moses was for a long time a shepherd in the wilderness.
Regarded outwardly, He was a Man brought up in a tyrannical household, and was
known among men as One Who had committed a murder and become a shepherd. By the
government and the people of Pharaoh He was much hated and detested.
It was such a Man as this that freed a great nation from the chains of captivity, made them contented, brought them out from Egypt, and led them to the Holy Land.
This people from the depths of degradation were lifted up to the height of glory. They were captive; they became free. They were the most ignorant of peoples; they became the most wise. As the result of the institutions that Moses gave them, they attained a position which entitled them to honor among all nations, and their fame spread to all lands, to such a degree indeed that among surrounding nations if one wished to praise a man one said, “Surely he is an Israelite.” Moses established laws and ordinances; these gave life to the people of Israel, and led them to the highest possible degree of civilization at that period.
To such a development did they attain that the philosophers of Greece would come and acquire knowledge from the learned men of Israel. Such an one was Socrates, who visited Syria, and took from the children of Israel the teachings of the Unity of God and of the immortality of the soul. After his return to Greece, he promulgated these teachings. Later the people of Greece rose in opposition to him, accused him of impiety, arraigned him before the Areopagus, and condemned him to death by poison. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
It was such a Man as this that freed a great nation from the chains of captivity, made them contented, brought them out from Egypt, and led them to the Holy Land.
This people from the depths of degradation were lifted up to the height of glory. They were captive; they became free. They were the most ignorant of peoples; they became the most wise. As the result of the institutions that Moses gave them, they attained a position which entitled them to honor among all nations, and their fame spread to all lands, to such a degree indeed that among surrounding nations if one wished to praise a man one said, “Surely he is an Israelite.” Moses established laws and ordinances; these gave life to the people of Israel, and led them to the highest possible degree of civilization at that period.
To such a development did they attain that the philosophers of Greece would come and acquire knowledge from the learned men of Israel. Such an one was Socrates, who visited Syria, and took from the children of Israel the teachings of the Unity of God and of the immortality of the soul. After his return to Greece, he promulgated these teachings. Later the people of Greece rose in opposition to him, accused him of impiety, arraigned him before the Areopagus, and condemned him to death by poison. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
November 22
Centuries, nay ages, must pass away ere the Day-Star of
Truth shineth again in its mid-summer splendor, or appeareth once more in the
radiance of its vernal glory... How thankful must we be for having been made in
this Day the recipients of so overwhelming a favor! Would that we had ten
thousand lives that we might lay them down in thanksgiving for so rare a
privilege, so high an attainment, so priceless a bounty! (‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted
by Shoghi Effendi in ‘The World Order of Baha’u’llah’)
November 21
… for in this cycle of Baha’u’llah verbal confessions and
acknowledgments, literal faith and certainty and external relations are of no
avail. Nay, rather, the beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful
must manifest such attributes and ethical conduct as to embody and personify the
teachings of Baha’u’llah. They must promulgate the law of the Kingdom with
deeds and not words. Thus may they become the quintessence of being, the signs
of the Kingdom of God, standards of the Supreme Concourse. May ye be salutary
water for the thirsty, an evidence of guidance for the seeker, protection and
support for the helpless, a shelter and home for the wanderers, the treasury of
the Kingdom for the poor; the source of hope and happiness for the
disappointed; the remedy of the heart and soul for the ailing. May you manifest
the utmost of kindness to the human race; to weep with him who mourneth and to
laugh with him who rejoiceth; sympathizing with the helpless; in communion with
the wanderer; a friend to the friend and foe. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a Tablet to
‘The beloved of God in America’, Star of the West, vol. 1, no. 4, May 17, 1910)
November 20
The most vital duty, in this day, is to purify your
characters, to correct your manners, and improve your conduct. The beloved of
the Merciful must show forth such character and conduct among His creatures,
that the fragrance of their holiness may be shed upon the whole world, and may
quicken the dead, inasmuch as the purpose of the Manifestation of God and the
dawning of the limitless lights of the Invisible is to educate the souls of
men, and refine the character of every living man—so that blessed individuals,
who have freed themselves from the murk of the animal world, shall rise up with
those qualities which are the adornings of the reality of man. The purpose is
that earthlings should turn into the people of Heaven, and those who walk in darkness should come into the light, and those
who are excluded should join the inner circle of the Kingdom, and those who are
as nothing should become intimates of the everlasting Glory. (’Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections
from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
November 19
I hope that you will be under the protection of God, will
succeed in rendering service to humanity and will always be a source of
happiness to every heart. The best person is he who wins all hearts and is not
the cause of grief to anyone. The worst of souls is he who causes hearts to be
agitated and who becomes the cause of sadness. Always endeavor to make people
happy and their hearts joyful so that you may become the cause of guidance to
mankind. Proclaim the Word of God and diffuse the divine fragrances. (Words of
‘Abdu’l-Baha, Denver, Colorado, September 26, 1912; Mahmud’s Diary)
November 18
In the days of Bahá’u’lláh, during the worst times in the
Most Great Prison, they would not permit any of the friends either to leave the
Fortress or to come in from the outside. “Skew-Cap” [Áqá Ján. Cf. Shoghi
Effendi, God Passes By, p. 189] and the Siyyid [Siyyid Muhammad, the Antichrist
of the Bahá’í Revelation. Cf. God Passes By, pp. 164 and 189] lived by the
second gate of the city, and watched there at all times, day and night.
Whenever they spied a Bahá’í traveler they would hurry away to the Governor and
tell him that the traveler was bringing in letters and would carry the answers
back. The Governor would then arrest the traveler, seize his papers, jail him,
and drive him out. This became an established custom with the authorities and
went on for a long time—indeed, for nine years until, little by little, the
practice was abandoned. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Memorials of the Faithful’)
November 17
The darkness of error that has enveloped the East and the
West is, in this most great cycle, battling with the light of Divine Guidance.
Its swords and its spears are very sharp and pointed; its army keenly
bloodthirsty. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted by Shoghi Effendi in ‘The Advent of Divine
Justice)
November 16
Should the fire of the love of God be kindled in Greenland,
all the ice of that country will be melted, and its cold weather become
temperate—that is, if the hearts be touched with the heat of the love of God,
that territory will become a divine rose garden and a heavenly paradise, and
the souls, even as fruitful trees, will acquire the utmost freshness and
beauty. Effort, the utmost effort, is required. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of the
Divine Plan’)
November 15
Tell the socialists that sharing of property and land in
this mortal world is the source of strife and warfare but sharing and inheritance
in the Kingdom is the cause of love and unity. If you put your efforts into
understanding the precepts of the Kingdom instead of into acquiring worldly
shares and rights, you will gain perpetual joy and happiness. The Kingdom of
God is vast. He will give you whatever you desire and there will be no place
for strife and conflict. Is this not preferable and more pleasing? (‘Abdu’l-Baha’s
words to a socialist during His travels in North America, June 1, 1912, Mahmud’s Diary)
November 14
The beloved of the Lord must stand fixed as the mountains,
firm as impregnable walls. Unmoved must they remain by even the direst
adversities, ungrieved by the worst of disasters. Let them cling to the hem of
Almighty God, and put their faith in the Beauty of the
Most High; let them lean on the unfailing help that cometh from the Ancient
Kingdom, and depend on the care and protection of the generous Lord. Let them
at all times refresh and restore themselves with the dews of heavenly grace,
and with the breaths of the Holy Spirit revive and renew themselves from moment
to moment. Let them rise up to serve their Lord, and do all in their power to
scatter His breathings of holiness far and wide. Let them be a mighty fortress
to defend His Faith, an impregnable citadel for the hosts of the Ancient
Beauty. Let them faithfully guard the edifice of the Cause of God from every
side; let them become the bright stars of His luminous skies. For the hordes of
darkness are assailing this Cause from every direction, and the peoples of the
earth are intent on extinguishing this evident Light. And since all the
kindreds of the world are mounting their attack, how can our attention be
diverted, even for a moment? Assuredly be cognizant of these things, be
watchful, and guard the Cause of God. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the
Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
November 13
This exile [of Abraham] became the cause of the progress of
the descendants of Abraham, and the Holy Land was given to them. As a result
the teachings of Abraham were spread abroad, a Jacob appeared among His
posterity, and a Joseph who became ruler in Egypt. In consequence of His exile
a Moses and a being like Christ were manifested from His posterity, and Hagar
was found from whom Ishmael was born, one of whose descendants was Muhammad. In
consequence of His exile the Báb appeared from His posterity, [The Báb’s
descent was from Muhammad] and the Prophets of Israel were numbered among the
descendants of Abraham. And so it will continue for ever and ever. Finally, in
consequence of His exile the whole of Europe and most of Asia came under the
protecting shadow of the God of Israel. See what a power it is that enabled a Man
Who was a fugitive from His country to found such a family, to establish such a
faith, and to promulgate such teachings. Can anyone say that all this occurred
accidentally? We must be just: was this Man an Educator or not?
Since the exile of Abraham from Ur to Aleppo in Syria produced this result, we must consider what will be the effect of the exile of Bahá’u’lláh in His several removes from Tihrán to Baghdád, from thence to Constantinople, to Rumelia and to the Holy Land. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
Since the exile of Abraham from Ur to Aleppo in Syria produced this result, we must consider what will be the effect of the exile of Bahá’u’lláh in His several removes from Tihrán to Baghdád, from thence to Constantinople, to Rumelia and to the Holy Land. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
November 12
The Blessed Perfection, Bahá’u’lláh, belonged to the
nobility of Persia. From earliest childhood He was distinguished among His
relatives and friends. They said, “This child has extraordinary power.” In
wisdom, intelligence and as a source of new knowledge, He was advanced beyond
His age and superior to His surroundings. All who knew Him were astonished at
His precocity. It was usual for them to say, “Such a child will not live,” for
it is commonly believed that precocious children do not reach maturity. During
the period of youth the Blessed Perfection did not enter school. He was not
willing to be taught. This fact is well established among the Persians of Ṭihrán. Nevertheless, He was capable
of solving the difficult problems of all who came to Him. In whatever meeting,
scientific assembly or theological discussion He was found, He became the
authority of explanation upon intricate and abstruse questions presented. (Words
of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States
and Canada in 1912’)
November 11
O servant of God! We have noted what thou didst write to
Jináb-i-Ibn-‘Abhar, and thy question regarding the verse: ‘Whoso layeth claim
to a Revelation direct from God, ere the expiration of a full thousand years,
such a man is assuredly a lying impostor.’
The meaning of this is that any individual who, before the expiry of a full thousand years—years known and clearly established by common usage and requiring no interpretation—should lay claim to a Revelation direct from God, even though he should reveal certain signs, that man is assuredly false and an impostor.
This is not a reference to the Universal Manifestation, for it is clearly set forth in the Holy Writings that centuries, nay thousands of years, must pass on to completion, before a Manifestation like unto this Manifestation shall appear again.
It is possible, however, that after the completion of a full thousand years, certain Holy Beings will be empowered to deliver a Revelation: this, however, will not be through a Universal Manifestation. Wherefore every day of the cycle of the Blessed Beauty is in reality equal to one year, and every year of it is equal to a thousand years.
Consider, for example, the sun: its transit from one zodiacal sign to the next occurreth within a short period of time, yet only after a long period doth it attain the plenitude of its resplendency, its heat and glory, in the sign of Leo. It must first complete one full revolution through the other constellations before it will enter the sign of Leo again, to blaze out in its full splendour. In its other stations, it revealeth not the fullness of its heat and light. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
The meaning of this is that any individual who, before the expiry of a full thousand years—years known and clearly established by common usage and requiring no interpretation—should lay claim to a Revelation direct from God, even though he should reveal certain signs, that man is assuredly false and an impostor.
This is not a reference to the Universal Manifestation, for it is clearly set forth in the Holy Writings that centuries, nay thousands of years, must pass on to completion, before a Manifestation like unto this Manifestation shall appear again.
It is possible, however, that after the completion of a full thousand years, certain Holy Beings will be empowered to deliver a Revelation: this, however, will not be through a Universal Manifestation. Wherefore every day of the cycle of the Blessed Beauty is in reality equal to one year, and every year of it is equal to a thousand years.
Consider, for example, the sun: its transit from one zodiacal sign to the next occurreth within a short period of time, yet only after a long period doth it attain the plenitude of its resplendency, its heat and glory, in the sign of Leo. It must first complete one full revolution through the other constellations before it will enter the sign of Leo again, to blaze out in its full splendour. In its other stations, it revealeth not the fullness of its heat and light. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
November 10
O my Lord, no words do I find to glorify Thee; no way do I
see for the bird of my mind to soar upward to Thy Kingdom of Holiness; for
Thou, in Thy very essence, art sanctified above those tributes, and in Thy very
being art beyond the reach of those praises which are offered Thee by the
people that Thou hast created. In the sanctity of Thine own being hast Thou
ever been exalted above the understanding of the learned among the Company on
high, and forever wilt Thou remain enwrapped within the holiness of Thine own
reality, unreached by the knowledge of those dwellers in Thine exalted Kingdom
who glorify Thy Name. (’Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
November 9
The spiritual love of God maketh man pure and holy and
clotheth him with the garment of virtue and purity. And when man attacheth his
heart wholly to God and becometh related to the Blessed Perfection, the divine
bounty will dawn. This love is not physical, nay, rather, it is absolutely
spiritual. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)
November 8
Among the Hands of the Cause of God who have departed this life and ascended to the Supreme Horizon was Jináb-i-Ismu’lláhu’l-Asdaq. Another was Jináb-i-Nabíl-i-Akbar. Still others were Jináb-i-Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar and Jináb-i-Shaykh Muḥammad-Riḍáy-i-Yazdí. Again, among others, was the revered martyr, Áqá Mírzá Varqá. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Memorials of the Faithful)
November 7
The magnanimity of man must be heavenly or, in other words,
it must be assisted by the divine confirmation, so that he may become the cause
of the illumination of the world of humanity. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of the
Divine Plan)
November 6
God maketh no distinction between the white and the black. If the hearts are pure both are acceptable unto Him. God is no respecter of persons on account of either color or race. All colors are acceptable unto Him, be they white, black, or yellow. Inasmuch as all were created in the image of God, we must bring ourselves to realize that all embody divine possibilities. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted by Shoghi Effendi in ‘The Advent of Divine Justice’)
November 5
As to you, O ye loved ones of God! Loose your tongues and offer Him thanks; praise ye and glorify the Beauty of the Adored One, for ye have drunk from this purest of chalices, and ye are cheered and set aglow with this wine. Ye have detected the sweet scents of holiness, ye have smelled the musk of faithfulness from Joseph’s raiment. Ye have fed on the honey-dew of loyalty from the hands of Him Who is the one alone Beloved, ye have feasted on immortal dishes at the bounteous banquet table of the Lord. This plenty is a special favour bestowed by a loving God, these are blessings and rare gifts deriving from His grace. In the Gospel He saith: ‘For many are called, but few are chosen.’ [Matthew 22:14] That is, to many is it offered, but rare is the soul who is singled out to receive the great bestowal of guidance. ‘Such is the bounty of God: to whom He will He giveth it, and of immense bounty is God.’ [Qur’án 57:21] (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha)
November 4
He is God!
O My Shoghi, I have no time to talk, leave me alone! You said ‘write’ - I have written. What else should be done? Now is not the time for you to read and write, it is the time for jumping about and chanting "O My God!", therefore memorize the prayers of the Blessed Beauty and chant them that I may hear them, because there is no time for anything else. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Shoghi Effendi’s first Tablet from ‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted by Ruhiyyih Khanum in ‘The Priceless Pearl’)
November 3
The highest station, the supreme sphere, the noblest, most sublime position in creation, whether visible or invisible, whether alpha or omega, is that of the Prophets of God, notwithstanding the fact that for the most part they have to outward seeming been possessed of nothing but their own poverty. In the same way, ineffable glory is set apart for the Holy Ones and those who are nearest to the Threshold of God, although such as these have never for a moment concerned themselves with material gain. Then comes the station of those just kings whose fame as protectors of the people and dispensers of Divine justice has filled the world, whose name as powerful champions of the people’s rights has echoed through creation. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘The Secret of Divine Civilization’)
November 2
One of those Who possessed this power [divine power] and was assisted by it was Abraham. And the proof of it was that He was born in Mesopotamia, and of a family who were ignorant of the Oneness of God. He opposed His own nation and people, and even His own family, by rejecting all their gods. Alone and without help He resisted a powerful tribe, a task which is neither simple nor easy. It is as if in this day someone were to go to a Christian people who are attached to the Bible, and deny Christ; or in the Papal Court—God forbid!—if such a one were in the most powerful manner to blaspheme against Christ and oppose the people.
These people believed not in one God but in many gods, to whom they ascribed miracles; therefore, they all arose against Him, and no one supported Him except Lot, His brother’s son, and one or two other people of no importance. At last, reduced to the utmost distress by the opposition of His enemies, He was obliged to leave His native land. In reality they banished Him in order that He might be crushed and destroyed, and that no trace of Him might be left.
These people believed not in one God but in many gods, to whom they ascribed miracles; therefore, they all arose against Him, and no one supported Him except Lot, His brother’s son, and one or two other people of no importance. At last, reduced to the utmost distress by the opposition of His enemies, He was obliged to leave His native land. In reality they banished Him in order that He might be crushed and destroyed, and that no trace of Him might be left.
November 1
O army of God! Through the protection and help vouchsafed by the Blessed Beauty—may my life be a sacrifice to His loved ones—ye must conduct yourselves in such a manner that ye may stand out distinguished and brilliant as the sun among other souls. Should any one of you enter a city, he should become a center of attraction by reason of his sincerity, his faithfulness and love, his honesty and fidelity, his truthfulness and loving-kindness towards all the peoples of the world, so that the people of that city may cry out and say: ‘This man is unquestionably a Bahá’í, for his manners, his behavior, his conduct, his morals, his nature, and disposition reflect the attributes of the Bahá’ís.’ Not until ye attain this station can ye be said to have been faithful to the Covenant and Testament of God. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted by Shoghi Effendi in ‘The Advent of Divine Justice’)
October 31
O ye friends of God! Joy and happiness of the people of faithfulness consists in serving the Threshold of the Most High and turning their faces to the Kingdom of Abha. The hope of the lovers is self-sacrifice, and the yearning of the longing ones is self-effacement and evanescence. For love is an irresistible power and an inextinguishable conflagration and the mirror of the love of God is the great martyrdom. Therefore, the sanctified souls and the Manifestations of God yearned for self-abnegation and attainment to the city of martyrdom. They gave up their lives, experienced exile and banishment, endured persecution and dire calamities, became subject to imprisonment and bondage and the targets of the arrows of oppression, and objects of the sword of malice. They did not complain, neither did they become disheartened. They drank the cup of martyrdom from the Hand of the Cup-Bearer of Providence, and tasted with the greatest joy the sweetness of annihilation. They found not a moment of rest. They sought not an instant of tranquility. They withstood the persecution of the enemies and became the centers of derision and scoffing of the people of envy. They sacrificed their homes and property and became homeless and wanderers. They experienced not one hour of safety, nor a day of repose of mind or body. This is the proof of the sincere lover and this is the evidence of the faithful friend. If it were not so every stranger would become a friend and the deprived one would become the confidant of the mysteries, the remote one would become the near one and the outcast would become the beloved. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 1. No. 3, April 28, 1910)
October 30
Moreover, everything is limited except the bounty of God and this bounty descends upon man through teaching the Cause of God; then divine inspiration will assist him. It is for this reason that Christ said that whenever you wish to talk do not think about it, the Holy Spirit will inspire you. If you desire eternal honor, everlasting life and heavenly exaltation, then teach the Cause. Divine confirmations shall attend you; this has been experienced. But it calls for firmness and steadfastness. Consider the disciples of Christ and observe with what firmness they arose until the Cause of God advanced. They even sacrificed their lives for this. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, October 24, 1912, Oakland, California; Mahmud’s Diary)
October 29
His Highness, Baha’u’llah, has appeared for the benefit of all humanity, summoning all to the Divine Table upon which is spread the Heavenly Food. But today the majority of those who partake of this Heavenly Food are poor. That is why His Highness, Christ, said: “Blessed are the poor.” Wealth prevents the people from entering the Kingdom, as it is stated by Christ: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.” But should a rich person not be prevented from entering the Kingdom because of wealth and riches, glory and influence of this world, that rich person will become favored in the threshold of the Almighty and accepted by the Lord of the Kingdom. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a Tablet to Mr. and Mrs. Ostburg, Boston, Mass; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 5, June 5, 1911)
October 28
O ye beloved of God! When the winds blow severely, rains fall fiercely, the lightning flashes, the thunder roars, the bold descends and storms of trial become severe, grieve not; for after this storm, verily, the divine spring will arrive, the hills and fields will become verdant, the expanses of grain will joyfully wave, the earth will become covered with blossoms, the trees will be clothed with green garments and adorned with blossoms and fruits. Thus blessings become manifest in all countries. These favors are results of those storms and hurricanes.
The discerning man rejoiceth at the day of trials, his breast becometh dilated at the time of severe storms, his eyes become brightened when seeing the showers of rain and gusts of wind, whereby trees are uprooted; because he foreseeth the result and the end (of these trials), the leaves, blossoms and fruits (which follow this wintry storm); while the ignorant (short-sighted) person becometh troubled when he seeth a storm, is saddened when it raineth severely, is terrified by the thunder and trembleth at the surging of the waves which storm the shores. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. I)
The discerning man rejoiceth at the day of trials, his breast becometh dilated at the time of severe storms, his eyes become brightened when seeing the showers of rain and gusts of wind, whereby trees are uprooted; because he foreseeth the result and the end (of these trials), the leaves, blossoms and fruits (which follow this wintry storm); while the ignorant (short-sighted) person becometh troubled when he seeth a storm, is saddened when it raineth severely, is terrified by the thunder and trembleth at the surging of the waves which storm the shores. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. I)
October 27
Bahá'u'lláh delivered us from all prejudices. It is prejudice that destroys the world. Every enmity, war, misunderstanding and suffering that has ever occurred in this world has been from either religious, patriotic, racial or political prejudice. Prejudice is contemptible and injurious in whatever form it may be. When these prejudices are removed from the world then will the world of humanity find salvation. We are striving for this mighty purpose. Twenty thousand persons have been sacrificed for this great Cause. With the utmost meekness they were martyred in order that these prejudices be eliminated and so that brotherhood and unity would be established. Our endeavors and self-sacrifice have been in order to unite diverse nationalities and to bring the various denominations under the shade of the one Word. Some may speak while others may even labor for good causes but they do so to obtain personal benefits and to gain a name for themselves. Even these works are of a limited nature. But Bahá'ís strive day and night for the public weal and in order to render service to humanity and to gain eternal honor. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, November 1, 1912, Chicago, ‘Mahmud’s Diary)
October 26
O ye loved ones of God, ye helpers of this evanescent Servant! When the Sun of Reality shed its endless bounties from the Dawning-Point of all desires, and this world of being was lit with that sacred light from pole to pole, with such intensity did it cast down its rays that it blotted out the Stygian dark forever, whereupon this earth of dust became the envy of the spheres of heaven, and this lowly place took on the state and panoply of the supernal realm. The gentle breeze of holiness blew over it, scattering abroad sweet savours; the spring winds of heaven passed by it, and over it, from the Source of all bestowals, were wafted fruitful airs that carried boundless grace. Then the bright dawn rose, and there came tidings of great joy. The divine springtime was here, pitching its tents in this contingent world, so that all creation leapt and danced. The withered earth brought forth immortal blooms, the dead dust woke to everlasting life. Then came forth flowers of mystic learning, and, bespeaking the knowledge of God, fresh greenery from the ground. The contingent world displayed God’s bounteous gifts, the visible world reflecting the glories of realms that were hidden from sight. God’s summons was proclaimed, the table of the Eternal Covenant was readied, the cup of the Testament was passed from hand to hand, the universal invitation was sent forth. Then some among the people were set afire with the wine of heaven, and some were left without a share of this greatest of bestowals. The sight and insight of some were illumined by the light of grace, and there were some who, hearing the anthems of unity, leapt for joy. There were birds that began to carol in the gardens of holiness, there were nightingales in the branches of the rose tree of heaven that raised their plaintive cries. Then were decked and adorned both the Kingdom on high and the earth below, and this world became the envy of high heaven. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
October 25
For example, when you look at man, you see that he is weak. This very weakness of the creature is a proof of the power of the Eternal Almighty One, because, if there were no power, weakness could not be imagined. Then the weakness of the creature is a proof of the power of God; for if there were no power, there could be no weakness; so from this weakness it becomes evident that there is power in the world. Again, in the contingent world there is poverty; then necessarily wealth exists, since poverty is apparent in the world. In the contingent world there is ignorance; necessarily knowledge exists, because ignorance is found; for if there were no knowledge, neither would there be ignorance. Ignorance is the nonexistence of knowledge, and if there were no existence, nonexistence could not be realized...
In the same way it is understood from the man who is sick that there must be one who is in health; for if there were no health, his sickness could not be proved.
Therefore, it becomes evident that there is an Eternal Almighty One, Who is the possessor of all perfections, because unless He possessed all perfections He would be like His creation.
Throughout the world of existence it is the same; the smallest created thing proves that there is a creator. For instance, this piece of bread proves that it has a maker.
Praise be to God! the least change produced in the form of the smallest thing proves the existence of a creator: then can this great universe, which is endless, be self-created and come into existence from the action of matter and the elements? How self-evidently wrong is such a supposition! (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
In the same way it is understood from the man who is sick that there must be one who is in health; for if there were no health, his sickness could not be proved.
Therefore, it becomes evident that there is an Eternal Almighty One, Who is the possessor of all perfections, because unless He possessed all perfections He would be like His creation.
Throughout the world of existence it is the same; the smallest created thing proves that there is a creator. For instance, this piece of bread proves that it has a maker.
Praise be to God! the least change produced in the form of the smallest thing proves the existence of a creator: then can this great universe, which is endless, be self-created and come into existence from the action of matter and the elements? How self-evidently wrong is such a supposition! (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
October 24
During my stay in America I cried out in every meeting and summoned the people to the propagation of the ideals of universal peace. I said plainly that the continent of Europe had become like unto an arsenal and its conflagration was dependent upon one spark, and that in the coming years, or within two years, all that which is recorded in the Revelation of John and the Book of Daniel would become fulfilled and come to pass. This matter, in all probability, was published in the San Francisco Bulletin, October 12, 1912. You may refer to it, so that the truth may become clear and manifest; thus ye may fully realize that this is the time for the diffusion of the fragrances. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)
October 23
Consequently the Most Great Wisdom has ordained that the fire of tests shall rage and the rushing torrent of ordeals sweep tumultuously from the Mountain of Revelation, so that the untruthful may become distinguished from the truthful, the unrighteous be known from the righteous, the worshipper of self become separated from the worshipper of God, the good fruit be set apart from the evil fruit, the signs of light become manifest and the gloom of darkness be dispelled, the nightingale of trustworthiness sing the melody of love and the raven of oppression croak the discordant notes of error; the fertile soil become green and verdant and the barren ground produce its thorns and thistles; the attracted ones to the Breath of ABHA become firm and the follower of passion and desire turn away. This is the wisdom of trials and this is the cause of ordeals. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 1. No. 3, April 28, 1910)
October 22
A man should pause and reflect and be just: his Lord, out of measureless grace, has made him a human being and honored him with the words: “Verily, We created man in the goodliest of forms”[Qur’án 95:4]—and caused His mercy which rises out of the dawn of oneness to shine down upon him, until he became the wellspring of the words of God and the place where the mysteries of heaven alighted, and on the morning of creation he was covered with the rays of the qualities of perfection and the graces of holiness. How can he stain this immaculate garment with the filth of selfish desires, or exchange this everlasting honor for infamy? “Dost thou think thyself only a puny form, when the universe is folded up within thee?”[The Imám ‘Alí] (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘The Secret of Divine Civilization’)
October 21
In the year one thousand two hundred and sixty [A.H.], when He was in His twenty-fifth year, certain signs became apparent in His conduct, behavior, manners, and demeanor whereby it became evident in Shíráz that He had some conflict in His mind and some other flight beneath His wing. He began to speak and to declare the rank of Báb-hood. [23 May 1844] Now what He intended by the term Báb [Gate] was this, that He was the channel of grace from some great Person still behind the veil of glory, Who was the possessor of countless and boundless perfections, by Whose will He moved, and to the bond of Whose love He clung. And in the first book which He wrote in explanation of the Súrih of Joseph, [Qur’án 12] He addressed Himself in all passages to that Person unseen from Whom He received help and grace, sought for aid in the arrangement of His preliminaries, and craved the sacrifice of life in the way of His love.
Amongst others is this sentence: “O Remnant of God, I am wholly sacrificed to Thee; I am content with curses in Thy way; I crave naught but to be slain in Thy love; and God the Supreme sufficeth as an Eternal Protection.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘A Traveler’s Narrative’)
Amongst others is this sentence: “O Remnant of God, I am wholly sacrificed to Thee; I am content with curses in Thy way; I crave naught but to be slain in Thy love; and God the Supreme sufficeth as an Eternal Protection.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘A Traveler’s Narrative’)
October 20
The Báb was a young merchant of the Pure Lineage. He was born in the year one thousand two hundred and thirty-five [A.H.] on the first day of Muharram,[20 October 1819] and when after a few years His father Siyyid Muhammad-Ridá died, He was brought up in Shíráz in the arms of His maternal uncle Mírzá Siyyid ‘Alí the merchant. On attaining maturity He engaged in trade in Búshihr, first in partnership with His maternal uncle and afterwards independently. On account of what was observed in Him He was noted for godliness, devoutness, virtue, and piety, and was regarded in the sight of men as so characterized. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘A Traveler’s Narrative’)
October 19
The center of the Sun of Truth and of the Supreme World is the Divine Kingdom. Those souls who are purified and sanctified, after the disintegration of this elemental tabernacle, hasten to the Divine Realm, and that Realm is in this universe, but the people of this world have no knowledge of it, just as the mineral and vegetable kingdoms have no knowledge of the animal and human kingdoms. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a Tablet to Mr. and Mrs. Ostburg, Boston, Mass; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 5, June 5, 1911)
October 18
The human reality in the other world has no physical likeness, nay, rather, it has the likeness of the Kingdom, which consists of the harmonious element of the realm of the Spiritual Kingdom. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a Tablet to Mr. and Mrs. Ostburg, Boston, Mass; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 5, June 5, 1911)
October 17
You have asked me to speak about how to teach the Cause of God. I have spoken at length on this but I repeat that the teacher himself must be detached and devoted so that his breath may affect others. Whoever has taken a step in this field has succeeded. The doors of knowledge are opened before him, his eyes become seeing and he is assisted with the breaths of the Holy Spirit. He is guided himself and becomes the cause of guidance of others. Of course, a person sings a joyous song only when he himself is delighted and rapturous. Thus when one begins to guide others and adduces proofs, then his taste becomes sweeter and his heart more joyful. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, October 24, 1912, Oakland, California; Mahmud’s Diary)
October 16
O ye two believers in God! The Lord, peerless is He, hath made woman and man to abide with each other in the closest companionship, and to be even as a single soul. They are two helpmates, two intimate friends, who should be concerned about the welfare of each other. If they live thus, they will pass through this world with perfect contentment, bliss, and peace of heart, and become the object of divine grace and favour in the Kingdom of heaven. But if they do other than this, they will live out their lives in great bitterness, longing at every moment for death, and will be shamefaced in the heavenly realm. Strive, then, to abide, heart and soul, with each other as two doves in the nest, for this is to be blessed in both worlds. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá’; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, Family Life)
October 15
… a Bahá'í is one who embodieth all the perfections, that he must shine out like a lighted taper… (‘Abdu'l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha’)
October 14
Praise be to God! that through the Bounty and Favor of the Most Great Name -- May my life be a sacrifice to His believers! -- the Voice of the Cause of God is raised in all countries and the Fame and Melody of the Word of God is spread in every region. In these days the Cause of God is progressing and advancing in America, and in Asia there is the clamor of Turk and Tajik. The Bahais have founded an English newspaper in the capital of Japan, which is edited and circulated by his honor, the learned Professor Barakatullah, of India. Some of the American believers are expecting to make a trip to China and Manchuria so that they may raise the Voice of the Kingdom in those parts, and in Europe and Asia the Trumpet of the Supreme Concourse is heard.
God be praised! Notwithstanding this divine, Majestic Cause, the promotion of the Word of God and the diffusion of the Fragrances of God, a few impotent ones, who are less than the flies, desire to break the Covenant and violate the Testament. How fruitless and weak is their endeavor! The screech of the owl is discordant before the Melody of the Kingdom and the cawing of the crow is drowned before the harmony of the Nightingale of Significance; the weak bat with its shattered broken wing cannot soar with the white-winged Gabriel, and the darkness of humiliation and remorse cannot cover the rays of the Sun of Truth. Were there any justice they would all testify that this Pen is not moving the East and the West except through the Confirmation of the Blessed Perfection, and this Melody is not imparting rejoicing and delight to the world except through the assistance of the Most Great Name. When the blind souls deny the existence of the sun, they think they have accomplished a great feat, while heedless of the fact that they have proved more than anything else their own ignorance. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, extract from a Tablet to the friends in Khorasan, Persia; Star of the West, vol. II, no. 3, April 28, 1911)
God be praised! Notwithstanding this divine, Majestic Cause, the promotion of the Word of God and the diffusion of the Fragrances of God, a few impotent ones, who are less than the flies, desire to break the Covenant and violate the Testament. How fruitless and weak is their endeavor! The screech of the owl is discordant before the Melody of the Kingdom and the cawing of the crow is drowned before the harmony of the Nightingale of Significance; the weak bat with its shattered broken wing cannot soar with the white-winged Gabriel, and the darkness of humiliation and remorse cannot cover the rays of the Sun of Truth. Were there any justice they would all testify that this Pen is not moving the East and the West except through the Confirmation of the Blessed Perfection, and this Melody is not imparting rejoicing and delight to the world except through the assistance of the Most Great Name. When the blind souls deny the existence of the sun, they think they have accomplished a great feat, while heedless of the fact that they have proved more than anything else their own ignorance. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, extract from a Tablet to the friends in Khorasan, Persia; Star of the West, vol. II, no. 3, April 28, 1911)
October 13
The tests of every dispensation are in direct proportion to the greatness of the Cause, and as heretofore such a manifest Covenant, written by the Supreme Pen, hath not been entered upon, the tests are proportionately more severe. These trials cause the feeble souls to waver while those who are firm are not affected. These agitations of the violators are no more than the foam of the ocean, which is one of its inseparable features; but the ocean of the Covenant shall surge and shall cast ashore the bodies of the dead, for it cannot retain them. Thus it is seen that the ocean of the Covenant hath surged and surged until it hath thrown out the dead bodies—souls that are deprived of the Spirit of God and are lost in passion and self and are seeking leadership. This foam of the ocean shall not endure and shall soon disperse and vanish, while the ocean of the Covenant shall eternally surge and roar.... (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
October 11
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, where the righteous will abide, and the free assemble. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’, also quoted by Shoghi Effendi in ‘The Advent of Divine Justice’)
October 10
O ye sons and daughters of the Kingdom:
Day and night I have no other occupation than the remembrance of the friends, praying from the depth of my heart in their behalf, begging for them confirmation from the Kingdom of God and supplicating the direct effect of the breaths of the Holy Spirit. I am hopeful from the favors of His Highness the Lord of Bestowals, that the friends of God during such a time may become the secret cause of the illumination of the hearts of humanity, breathing the breath of life upon the spirits—whose praiseworthy results may become conducive to the glory and exaltation of humankind throughout all eternity. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)
Day and night I have no other occupation than the remembrance of the friends, praying from the depth of my heart in their behalf, begging for them confirmation from the Kingdom of God and supplicating the direct effect of the breaths of the Holy Spirit. I am hopeful from the favors of His Highness the Lord of Bestowals, that the friends of God during such a time may become the secret cause of the illumination of the hearts of humanity, breathing the breath of life upon the spirits—whose praiseworthy results may become conducive to the glory and exaltation of humankind throughout all eternity. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)
October 9
О Thou Creator! Bring the American friends nigh unto the Kingdom of Abha and suffer their deeds and actions to be in conformity with the Commandments and Exhortations written in the Tablets. Make them firm in Thy Love and steadfast in Thy Cause. Attract them unto the Baha’i Beauty and cause them to attain infinite warmth and fervor. Bestow upon them a firm footing and give them a heavenly power in order that they may engage in Thy service and spread the Signs of the Kingdom.
Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty! Thou art the Compassionate, the Gracious, the Seer! (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Star of the West, vol. II, no. 3, April 28, 1911)
Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty! Thou art the Compassionate, the Gracious, the Seer! (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Star of the West, vol. II, no. 3, April 28, 1911)
October 8
Be ye loving fathers to the orphan, and a refuge to the helpless, and a treasury for the poor, and a cure for the ailing. Be ye the helpers of every victim of oppression, the patrons of the disadvantaged. Think ye at all times of rendering some service to every member of the human race. Pay ye no heed to aversion and rejection, to disdain, hostility, injustice: act ye in the opposite way. Be ye sincerely kind, not in appearance only. Let each one of God’s loved ones centre his attention on this: to be the Lord’s mercy to man; to be the Lord’s grace. Let him do some good to every person whose path he crosseth, and be of some benefit to him. Let him improve the character of each and all, and reorient the minds of men. In this way, the light of divine guidance will shine forth, and the blessings of God will cradle all mankind: for love is light, no matter in what abode it dwelleth; and hate is darkness, no matter where it may make its nest. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha)
October 7
Bahá'u'lláh once compared the coloured people to the black pupil of the eye surrounded by the white. In this black pupil you see the reflection of that which is before it, and through it the light of the Spirit shines forth. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in London’, Notes of Conversations)
October 6
The religion of God has two aspects in this world. The spiritual (the real) and the formal (the outward). The formal side changes, as man changes from age to age. The spiritual side which is the Truth, never changes. The Prophets and Manifestations of God bring always the same teaching; at first men cling to the Truth but after a time they disfigure it. The Truth is distorted by man-made outward forms and material laws. The veil of substance and worldliness is drawn across the reality of Truth. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in London’, Notes of Conversations)
October 5
But education is of three kinds: material, human and spiritual. Material education is concerned with the progress and development of the body, through gaining its sustenance, its material comfort and ease. This education is common to animals and man.
Human education signifies civilization and progress—that is to say, government, administration, charitable works, trades, arts and handicrafts, sciences, great inventions and discoveries and elaborate institutions, which are the activities essential to man as distinguished from the animal.
Divine education is that of the Kingdom of God: it consists in acquiring divine perfections, and this is true education; for in this state man becomes the focus of divine blessings, the manifestation of the words, “Let Us make man in Our image, and after Our likeness.” [Gen. 1:26] This is the goal of the world of humanity. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions]
Human education signifies civilization and progress—that is to say, government, administration, charitable works, trades, arts and handicrafts, sciences, great inventions and discoveries and elaborate institutions, which are the activities essential to man as distinguished from the animal.
Divine education is that of the Kingdom of God: it consists in acquiring divine perfections, and this is true education; for in this state man becomes the focus of divine blessings, the manifestation of the words, “Let Us make man in Our image, and after Our likeness.” [Gen. 1:26] This is the goal of the world of humanity. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions]
October 4
The sons and daughters of the kingdom are like unto the real farmers. Through whichever state or country they pass they display self-sacrifice and sow divine seeds. From that seed harvests are produced. On this subject it is revealed in the glorious Gospel: When the pure seeds are scattered in the good ground heavenly blessing and benediction is obtained. [Cf. Matthew 13:23] (‘Abdu’l-Baha, The Tablets of Divine Plan)
October 3
The souls whose consciences are enlightened through the light of the love of God, they are like unto shining lights and resemble stars of holiness in the heaven of purity. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)
October 2
I desire for you all that you will have this great assistance and partake of this great bounty, and that in spirit and heart you will strive and endeavor until the world of war become the world of peace; the world of darkness the world of light; satanic conduct be turned into heavenly behavior; the ruined places become built up; the sword be turned into the olive branch; the flash of hatred become the flame of the Love of God and the noise of the gun the voice of the Kingdom; the soldiers of death the soldiers of life; all the nations of the world one nation; all races as one race; and all national anthems harmonized into one melody. Then this material realm will be Paradise, the earth Heaven and the world of Satan become the world of Angels. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Revealed for the American friends in 1906, who had sent ‘Abdu’l-Baha a New Year’s (March 21st) Greeting; Star of the West, vol. II, no. 1, March 21, 1911)
October 1
Soon will your swiftly-passing days be over, and the fame and riches, the comforts, the joys provided by this rubbish-heap, the world, will be gone without a trace. Summon ye, then, the people to God, and invite humanity to follow the example of the Company on high. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
September 30
Aside from that which is a matter of record in Persian histories, it is stated in the Old Testament—established today, among all European peoples, as a sacred and canonical Text—that in the time of Cyrus, called in Iranian works Bahman son of Iṣfandíyár, the three hundred and sixty divisions of the Persian Empire extended from the inner confines of India and China to the farthermost reaches of Yemen and Ethiopia.[ 2 Chronicles 36:22–23; Ezra 1:2; Esther 1:1; 8:9; Isaiah 45:1, 14; 49:12] The Greek accounts, as well, relate how this proud sovereign came against them with an innumerable host, and left their own till then victorious dominion level with the dust. He made the pillars of all the governments to quake; according to that authoritative Arab work, the history of Abu’l-Fidá, he took over the entire known world. It is likewise recorded in this same text and elsewhere, that Firaydún, a king of the Píshdádíyán Dynasty—who was indeed, for his inherent perfections, his powers of judgment, the scope of his knowledge, and his long series of continual victories, unique among all the rulers who preceded and followed him—divided the whole known world among his three sons.
As attested by the annals of the world’s most illustrious peoples, the first government to be established on earth, the foremost empire to be organized among the nations, was Persia’s throne and diadem. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘The Secret of Divine Civilization’)
As attested by the annals of the world’s most illustrious peoples, the first government to be established on earth, the foremost empire to be organized among the nations, was Persia’s throne and diadem. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘The Secret of Divine Civilization’)
September 29
...The Cause of Christ was like a lifeless body; and when after three days the disciples became assured and steadfast, and began to serve the Cause of Christ, and resolved to spread the divine teachings, putting His counsels into practice, and arising to serve Him, the Reality of Christ became resplendent and His bounty appeared; His religion found life; His teachings and His admonitions became evident and visible. In other words, the Cause of Christ was like a lifeless body until the life and the bounty of the Holy Spirit surrounded it.
Such is the meaning of the resurrection of Christ, and this was a true resurrection.... (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
Such is the meaning of the resurrection of Christ, and this was a true resurrection.... (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
September 28
The moment this Divine Message is carried forward by the American believers from the shores of America and is propagated through the continents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa, and of Australasia, and as far as the islands of the Pacific, this community will find itself securely established upon the throne of an everlasting dominion. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted by Shoghi Effendi in ‘The Advent of Divine Justice’)
September 27
A person declaring the glad tidings of the appearance of the realities and significances of the Kingdom is like unto a farmer who scatters pure seeds in the rich soil. The spring cloud will pour upon them the rain of bounty, and unquestionably the station of the farmer will be raised in the estimation of the lord of the village, and many harvests will be gathered.
Therefore, ye friends of God! Appreciate ye the value of this time and be ye engaged in the sowing of the seeds, so that you may find the heavenly blessing and the lordly bestowal. Upon you be Bahá’u’l-Abhá! (‘Abdu’l-Baha. ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)
Therefore, ye friends of God! Appreciate ye the value of this time and be ye engaged in the sowing of the seeds, so that you may find the heavenly blessing and the lordly bestowal. Upon you be Bahá’u’l-Abhá! (‘Abdu’l-Baha. ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)
September 26
Verily, verily, I say unto you, were it not for this difference amongst you, the inhabitants of America in all those regions would have, by now, been attracted to the Kingdom of God, and would have constituted themselves your helpers and assisters. Is it meet that you sacrifice this most glorious Bounty for worthless imaginations? No, by God! Should you reflect for one moment, you shall become enabled to destroy instantly the foundation of this difference by absolutely refraining from backbiting and faultfinding amongst yourselves. Adorn with infinite love and concord the assemblage of beatitude, bring about the meeting of happiness, establish the banquet of the oneness of the realm of humanity, loosen your tongues in praising each other, and then anticipate the presence of Abdul-Baha in your midst (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Star of the West, vol. II, no. 4, May 17, 1911)
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