Posted every second day…

April 30

Consider… that in the short span of time since the advent of Bahá’u’lláh, people of all nations, kindreds, and races have entered beneath the shadow of this Cause. Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, Hindus, Buddhists, and Persians all consort together with perfect love and fellowship, as if for a thousand years they had belonged to the same kindred and family—indeed, as if they were father and son, mother and daughter, sister and brother. This is one of the meanings of the fellowship between the wolf and the lamb, the leopard and the kid, and the lion and the calf. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Table talks in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre)

April 29

One of the great events which is to occur in the Day of the manifestation of that Incomparable Branch [Baha’u’llah] is the hoisting of the Standard of God among all nations. By this is meant that all nations and kindreds will be gathered together under the shadow of this Divine Banner, which is no other than the Lordly Branch itself, and will become a single nation. Religious and sectarian antagonism, the hostility of races and peoples, and differences among nations will be eliminated. All men will adhere to one religion, will have one common faith, will be blended into one race and become a single people. All will dwell in one common fatherland, which is the planet itself. Universal peace and concord will be established among all nations. That Incomparable Branch will gather together all Israel; that is, in His Dispensation Israel will be gathered in the Holy Land, and the Jewish people who are now scattered in the East and the West, the North and the South, will be assembled together. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Table talks in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre)

April 28

The people of Bahá must endeavor day and night to promulgate this lofty purpose. [The fact that the “purpose of the divine Manifestations has been the education of holy souls.”] They must endeavor and strive strenuously to educate themselves and other sanctified souls. They must awaken the peoples and nations of the world and free them from dogmas and imitations. They must pass beyond the world of names and fix their gaze on realities and inner meanings. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, November 27, New York, recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

April 27

The purpose of the divine Manifestations has been the education of holy souls. Some have imagined that their purpose was to found temples and churches or to establish a new nation or to gain personal fame and that for these considerations they accepted severe degradation and became targets for the arrow of fate. These are idle fancies because those holy Beings knew well that the dominion of God existed when there was no trace of them and that it shall continue to exist when no trace of them remains. Thus fame or oblivion, honor or degradation are one and the same to those Gems of existence. Indeed, their ultimate desire is selfless devotion to the one true God and absolute nothingness in His court. Their only motive has been the education of blessed souls and sanctified beings who are the foundation of divine education and promoters of the most great guidance and the supreme favor. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, November 27, New York, recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

April 26

O handmaid of God! In this wondrous dispensation in which the Ancient Beauty and the Manifest Light -- may my spirit be sacrificed for His loved ones -- hath risen from the horizon of age-old hopes, women have assumed the attributes of men in showing forth steadfastness in the Cause of God, and revealing the heroism and might of fearless men. They invaded the arena of mystic knowledge and hoisted aloft the banner on the heights of certitude. Thou, too, must make a mighty effort and show forth supreme courage. Exert thyself and taste of the sweetness of a heavenly draught, for the sweet taste of the love of God will linger on to the end that hath no end. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. II, Women)

April 25

...every great Cause in this world of existence findeth visible expression through three means: first, intention; second, confirmation; third, action. Today on this earth there are many souls who are promoters of peace and reconciliation and are longing for the realization of the oneness and unity of the world of humanity; but this intention needeth a dynamic power, so that it may become manifest in the world of being. In this day the divine instructions and lordly exhortations promulgate this most great aim, and the confirmations of the Kingdom also support and aid the realization of this intention. Therefore, although the combined forces and thoughts of the nations of the world cannot by themselves achieve this exalted purpose, the power of the Word of God penetrateth all things and the assistance of the divine Kingdom is continuous. Erelong it will become evident and clear that the ensign of the Most Great Peace is the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, and the tent of union and harmony among nations is the Tabernacle of the divine Kingdom, for therein the intention, the power and the action, all three, are brought together. The realization of everything in the world of being dependeth upon these three elements. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Peace)

April 24

From the beginning of existence until the Promised Day men retained superiority over women in every respect. It is revealed in the Qur'án: "Men have superiority over women." But in this wondrous Dispensation, the supreme outpouring of the Glorious Lord became the cause of manifest achievements by women. Some handmaidens arose who excelled men in the arena of knowledge. They arose with such love and spirituality that they became the cause of the outpouring of the bounty of the Sovereign Lord upon mankind, and with their sanctity, purity and attributes of the spirit led a great many to the shore of unity. They became a guiding torch to the wanderers in the wastes of bewilderment, and enkindled the despondent in the nether world with the flame of the love of the Lord. This is a bounteous characteristic of this wondrous Age which hath granted strength to the weaker sex and hath bestowed masculine might upon womanhood.... 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Women)

April 23

…it [is] certain that education exerteth an influence, and for this reason the Manifestation of God, the Well-Springs of His mercy, are raised up in the world, that through the breaths of holiness They may educate the human race, and make of the sucking child a strong and valiant man. Through Them will the outcasts of the earth become the cherished companions of Heaven, and the portionless receive their due. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education)

April 22

The Manifestations of God… affirm that differences [“among human beings and the superiority or inferiority of some individuals to others”] are demonstrably and indisputably innate, and that "We have caused some of you to excel others"[Qur'án 17:22] is a proven and inescapable fact. It is certain that human beings are, by their very nature, different one from the other. Observe a small group of children, born of the same parents, attending the same school, receiving the same education, living on the same diet: some, becoming well educated, will achieve a high degree of advancement; some will reach a middle level; and some will not prove educable at all. It is therefore clear that the disparity among individuals is due to differences of degree which are innate.

But the Manifestations also consider that training and education demonstrably exert a tremendous influence. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education)

April 21

O ye apostles of Bahá'u'lláh. May my life be sacrificed for you! ... Behold the portals which Bahá'u'lláh hath opened for you! Consider how exalted and lofty is the station you are destined to attain; how unique the favors with which you have been endowed. 
- 'Abdu'l-Bahá  (‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)

April 20

The religion of God is the One Religion, and all the Prophets have taught it, but it is a living and a growing thing, not lifeless and unchanging. In the teaching of Moses we see the Bud; in that of Christ the Flower; in that of Bahá'u'lláh the Fruit. 
- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted by Dr. J.E. Esslemont in ‘Baha'u'llah and the New Era’)

April 19

Each divine revelation is divided into two parts. The first part is essential and belongs to the eternal world. It is the exposition of Divine truths and essential principles. It is the expression of the Love of God. This is one in all the religions, unchangeable and immutable. The second part is not eternal; it deals with practical life, transactions and business, and changes according to the evolution of man and the requirements of the time of each Prophet.  
- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted by Dr. J.E. Esslemont in ‘Baha'u'llah and the New Era’)

April 18

Bahá'u'lláh -- may my life, my soul, my spirit be offered up as a sacrifice unto His lowly servants -- hath, during His last days on earth, given the most emphatic promise that, through the outpourings of the grace of God and the aid and assistance vouchsafed from His Kingdom on high, souls will arise and holy beings appear who, as stars, would adorn the firmament of divine guidance; illumine the dayspring of loving-kindness and bounty; manifest the signs of the unity of God; shine with the light of sanctity and purity; receive their full measure of divine inspiration; raise high the sacred torch of faith; stand firm as the rock and immoveable as the mountain; and grow to become luminaries in the heavens of His Revelation, mighty channels of His grace, means for the bestowal of God's bountiful care, heralds calling forth the name of the One true God, and establishers of the world's supreme foundation. 
- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha’)

April 17

…look not on the degree of your capacity, ask not if you are worthy of the task: rest ye your hopes on the help and loving-kindness, the favours and bestowals of Bahá'u'lláh -- may my soul be offered up for His friends! Urge on the steed of high endeavour over the field of sacrifice, and carry away from this wide arena the prize of divine grace. 
- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha’)

April 16

Verily, I beseech the Threshold of Mercifulness to kindle the lamp of light within thy heart, so that thy breast may thereby be dilated and thy soul rejoiced. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  ('Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1')

April 15

Know thou verily, the hand of divine Providence hath attracted thee to the Throne of the Kingdom, and the divine glad-tidings hath caused such joy and happiness in thee, that thou hast removed the covering and lifted the veiling from the Countenance of the Divine Beauty, beheld the Brilliant Face through thine insight, and became cognizant of the mysteries of purity and sanctity in this divine Cause!

Now, with a heart overflowing with the love of God, supplicate to God with all joy, and thank thou God for this guidance and this high gift. And know thou, that verily, the vanguards of the gifts of thy Lord shall overtake thee from all sides when thy feet become firm in the Path. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  ('Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1')

April 14

Be not grieved at the death of thy dear daughter. This divine bird flew away to the rose-garden of the Merciful and that plant of humanity hastened to the garden of the Kingdom of Abha. That drop returned to the Most Great Sea and that ray betook herself to the Most Great Orb. Be happy and thankful because thou wilt see her face shining in the divine Kingdom and wilt find her as a lamp amid an assembly in the spiritual heaven. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  ('Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1')

April 13

Know then that the Lord God possesseth invisible realms which the human intellect can never hope to fathom nor the mind of man conceive. When once thou hast cleansed the channel of thy spiritual sense from the pollution of this worldly life, then wilt thou breathe in the sweet scents of holiness that blow from the blissful bowers of that heavenly land. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)

April 12

God testifieth to the unity of His Godhood and to the singleness of His own Being. On the throne of eternity, from the inaccessible heights of His station, His tongue proclaimeth that there is none other God but Him. He Himself, independently of all else, hath ever been a witness unto His own oneness, the revealer of His own nature, the glorifier of His own essence. He, verily, is the All-Powerful, the Almighty, the Beauteous.

He is supreme over His servants, and standeth over His creatures. In His hand is the source of authority and truth. He maketh men alive by His signs, and causeth them to die through His wrath. He shall not be asked of His doings and His might is equal unto all things. He is the Potent, the All-Subduing. He holdeth within His grasp the empire of all things, and on His right hand is fixed the Kingdom of His Revelation. His power, verily, embraceth the whole of creation. Victory and overlordship are His; all might and dominion are His; all glory and greatness are His. He, of a truth, is the All-Glorious, the Most Powerful, the Unconditioned. 
- Baha’u’llah  (‘Prayers and Meditations by Baha’u’llah’)

April 11

…the lovers of the Abhá Beauty wish for no other recompense but to reach that station where they may gaze upon Him [Baha’u’llah] in the Realm of Glory, and they walk no other path save over desert sands of longing for those exalted heights. They seek that ease and solace which will abide forever, and those bestowals that are sanctified beyond the understanding of the worldly mind. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)

April 10

Thou didst write of reincarnation. A belief in reincarnation goeth far back into the ancient history of almost all peoples, and was held even by the philosophers of Greece, the Roman sages, the ancient Egyptians, and the great Assyrians. Nevertheless such superstitions and sayings are but absurdities in the sight of God.
….
Briefly, a return is indeed referred to in the Holy Scriptures, but by this is meant the return of the qualities, conditions, effects, perfections, and inner realities of the lights which recur in every dispensation. The reference is not to specific, individual souls and identities. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
[Read the entire Tablet]

April 9

His Holiness Abraham covenanted in regard to Moses. His Holiness Moses was the Promised One of Abraham, and He, Moses, covenanted in regard to His Holiness Christ, saying that Christ was the Promised One. His Holiness Christ covenanted in regard to His Holiness 'The Paraclete' which means His Holiness Mohammed. His Holiness Mohammed covenanted in regard to the Báb, whom He called, 'My Promised One' His Holiness the Báb, in all His Books, in all His Epistles, explicitly covenanted in regard to the Blessed Beauty, Baha’u’llah, that Baha’u’llah was the Promised One of His Holiness the Báb. His Holiness Baha’u’llah covenanted, not that I (‘Abdu'l-Baha) am the Promised One, but that Abdu’l-Baha is tie Expounder of the Book and the Center of His Covenant and that the Promised One of Baha’u’llah will appear after one thousand or thousands of years. This is the Covenant which Baha’u’llah made. If a person shall deviate, he is not acceptable at the Threshold of Baha’u’llah. In case of differences, Abdu'l-Baha must be consulted. They must revolve around his good pleasure. After ‘Abdu'l-Baha, whenever the Universal House of Justice is organized it will ward off differences. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk, 1912, USA; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 15, December 12, 1914)

April 8

O Friends! It is the wish of ‘Abdu’l-Baha that the friends may establish general unity ... We are all servants of one threshold, attendants at one court, waves of one sea, drops of one stream, dust before one door and plants of one garden. The beloved of God must be friendly, even with strangers, and intimate even with outsiders. … There must be gatherings for matters which concern the well being of men … which concern all in general and not a particular number. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From an early Tablet to the beloved of God in Tehran; Baha’i News no. 48, February 1931)

April 7

It is related that His Holiness Christ -- may my life be a sacrifice to Him! -- one day, accompanied by His apostles, passed by the corpse of a dead animal. One of them said: ‘How putrid has this animal become!’ The other exclaimed: ‘How it is deformed!’ A third cried out: ‘What a stench! How cadaverous looking!’ But His Holiness Christ said: ‘Look at his teeth! How white they are!’ Consider that He did not look at all the defects of that animal; nay rather, He searched well until He found the beautiful white teeth. He observed only the whiteness of the teeth and overlooked entirely the deformity of the body, the dissolution of the organs and the bad odor.

This is the attribute of the children of the Kingdom. This is the conduct and the manners of real Baha’is. I hope that all the believers will attain to this lofty station. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet to Dr. N.G. Skinner, Washington, D.C., revealed August 12, 1913, at Ramleh, Egypt; Baha’i News, no. 46, November 1930)

April 6

O ye tender seedlings in the garden of the love of God! O ye fresh saplings in the meadows of the knowledge of God!

The sight of the flowering plants in a springtime garden is delightful. The new-grown herbs shed abroad their pungent fragrances, each blossom charms the eye with its particular beauty, while the leaves and fruit are speedily burgeoning. And when people find their way into the garden and gaze on the beauty of the flowers, they inhale the perfume, their souls are exhilarated and their hearts are solaced. Therefore, O ye who are blossoms of heavenly twigs and the fruit on the tree of fellowship, grow rapidly in this rare springtime… 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet; ‘Baha’i Prayers and Tablets for Children’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)

April 5

Man’s life has its springtime and is endowed with marvellous glory. The period of youth is characterized by strength and vigour and stands out as the choicest time in human life. Therefore you should strive day and night so that endowed with heavenly strength, inspired with brilliant motives and aided by His celestial power and heavenly grace and confirmation, you may become the ornaments of the world of humanity, and pre-eminent among those who are initiated into true learning and the love of God. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet; ‘Baha’i Prayers and Tablets for Children’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)

April 4

Thy beloved mother ascended to the apex of the Kingdom. She is the associate and the companion of the spiritual ones. They witness this world and the inhabitants thereof, for the veil is rent asunder and the covering is taken away from before the insight. Beg of God for them the exaltation of spiritual degrees. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 13, November 4, 1914)

April 3

The Nineteen-days Feast has the utmost importance, that the beloved ones may gather in a meeting, be occupied with the utmost love and fellowship in mentioning the name of God, and speak about the glad tidings of God, deliver the proofs and evidences of the appearance of Baha'u'llah, mention the praiseworthy deeds and the sacrifices endured by the believers of God in Persia, talk about the severance and the attraction of the martyrs and remember the cooperation and the mutual assistance of the friends. Therefore this Nineteen-day Feast is most important. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 13, November 4, 1914)

April 2

In former cycles no distinct Covenant was made in writing by the Supreme Pen; no distinct personage was appointed to be the Standard differentiating falsehood from truth, so that whatever he said was to stand as truth and that which he repudiated was to be known as falsehood. At most, His Holiness Jests Christ gave only an intimation, a symbol, and that was but an indication of the solidity of Peter's faith. When he mentioned his faith, His Holiness said, 'thou art Peter’ - which means rock - 'and upon this rock will I build my church.' This was a sanction of Peter's faith; it was not indicative of his (Peter) being the expounder of the Book, but was a confirmation of Peter's faith. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk, 1912, USA; (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 15, December 12, 1914)

April 1

Today, the most important affair is firmness in The Covenant, because firmness in The Covenant wards off differences. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk, 1912, USA; (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 15, December 12, 1914)
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