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A collection of notes taken by Baha’is who were in the presence of Baha'u'llah, or ‘Abdu’l-Baha or Shoghi Effendi

November 29, 2015

Humility

If a man considers himself humble and lowly in the Cause of God, he becomes glorified in all eyes. On the other hand, the moment he aspires to personal greatness, he falls into disgrace and oblivion. 
- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha aboard the Cedric on the way to America, March 26, 1912; recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

November 25, 2015

About Kheiralla

When Mírzá Munír stated that one of the Arab travelers had spoken to him about Mírzá Kheiralla's arrogance and heedlessness, 'Abdu'l-Bahá replied:

"The poor man has become nameless and debased both in this world and in the Kingdom. What a high honor he had! But as he did not appreciate the fact, it all came to naught. He wished to be made the leader of America and wrote plainly to me to this effect. One of the answers I gave him was, 'Cast aside all mention of the ruler and the ruled, the governor and the governed.'"
- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha aboard the Cedric on the way to America, March 26, 1912; recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

November 20, 2015

To be thankful

One of the servants asked why man is not thankful when in comfort.

‘Abdu'l-Bahá replied, ‘It is due to negligence. Otherwise one must be aware and thankful when immersed in the sea of bounties.' 
- 'Abdu'l-Baba  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha aboard the Cedric on the way to America, March 26, 1912; recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

November 15, 2015

One’s spirit is naturally attracted to beautiful and graceful things

It is natural for the heart and spirit to take pleasure and enjoyment in all things that show forth symmetry, harmony, and perfection. For instance: a beautiful house, a well-designed garden, a symmetrical line, a graceful motion, a well written book, pleasing garments—in fact, all things that have in themselves grace or beauty are pleasing to the heart and spirit… 
- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Mary Lucas during her pilgrimage in 1905; ‘A Brief Account of My Visit to Acca’, by Mary Lucas)

November 10, 2015

People react differently towards the Faith

Question by Inez Greeven during her pilgrimage in 1920:

"My friends came here, and they met you, and they visited the Holy Places, but they were unaffected. When I came here I was completely intoxicated with the greatness of the Cause.  Why didn't they become Baha'is?"

‘Abdu'l-Baha's answer:

“At the gate of the garden, some stand and look within, but do not care to enter. Others step inside, behold its beauty, but do not penetrate far. Still others encircle this garden, inhaling the fragrance of the flowers; and having enjoyed its full beauty, pass out again by the same gate. But there are always some who enter, and becoming intoxicated with the splendor of what they behold, remain for life to tend the garden."

November 6, 2015

Pure voice

All pure things are acceptable. For example: water— pure—-is acceptable; fresh air is most acceptable. As all pure things are acceptable and pleasing, therefore a pure voice is most acceptable, and causes great enjoyment.

There are two kinds of voices. One when the complete instrument is perfect, then the emission of sound is perfect. The second is when the instrument is imperfect, it affects the voice in such a way that it is far from pleasing. What we have just said refers to the voice itself. 
- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Mary Lucas during her pilgrimage in 1905; ‘A Brief Account of My Visit to Acca’, by Mary Lucas)

November 1, 2015

Voice and music affect one’s spirit

…melodies, though they are material, are connected with the spiritual, therefore, they produce a great effect. A certain kind of melody makes the spirit happy, another kind makes it sad, another excites it to action.

All these feelings can be caused by voice and music, for through the nerves it moves and stirs the spirit. Even over animals, music has an effect. For example: When they wish to take a camel over a desert road, they attach to him some bells, or they play upon a flute, and this sound prevents him from realizing the fatigue of the journey; his nerves are affected, but he does not have an increase of thought, he feels nothing but physical sensation. 
- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Mary Lucas during her pilgrimage in 1905; ‘A Brief Account of My Visit to Acca’, by Mary Lucas)