Believers should serve and unite with all people in humanitarian works

Later on 'Abdu'l-Bahá said that the believers have many duties to perform. They should associate themselves with and assist all good causes. Aiding and supporting educational, charitable and other philanthropic institutions should form a part of their work. They should serve and unite with all people in humanitarian works.

(Notes of 'Abdu'l-Baha's comments by Mason Remey, London, 1911; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 11, September 27, 1911)

Mashriqu'l-Adhkár – is the “spiritual foundation”

Regarding the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, 'Abdu'l-Bahá said,

"Its building is the most important of all things. This is the spiritual foundation. For that reason it is the most important of all foundations. From that Spiritual Foundation will come forth all manner of advancement and progress in the world of humanity. Therefore, how great is its importance." 

-'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha recorded by Mason Remey when with ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London in 1911; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 11, September 27, 1911)

The Divine wisdom in fasting

The Divine wisdom in fasting is manifold. Among them is this: As during those days (i.e. the period of fasting which the followers afterward observe) the Manifestation of the Sun of Reality, through Divine inspiration, is engaged in the Descent of Verses, the instituting of Divine Law and the arrangement of Teachings, through excessive occupation and intense attraction there remains no condition or time for eating and drinking. For example, when His Holiness Moses went to Mount Tur (Sinai) and there engaged in instituting the Law of God, he fasted forty days. For the purpose of awakening and admonishing the people of Israel, fasting was enjoined upon them.

Likewise His Holiness Christ in the beginning of instituting the Spiritual Law, the systematizing of the Teachings and the arrangement of counsels, for forty days abstained from eating and drinking. In the beginning the disciples and Christians fasted. Later the assemblages of the chief Christians changed fasting into Lenten observances.

Waves – ocean and human mind

While looking from the window ‘Abdu’l-Baha said:

“We hear the murmur of the sea always continuing. It never ceases. Were it to cease, the world would be dead. Stagnant, lifeless. But the waves of the mind of man are far greater than those of the sea; they also are ceaseless. They never stop for one instant. This movement is good. If these waves of the mind are few, the man is dull and quiet. What pearls and jewels are contained in the depths of sea! But the pearls and jewels hidden in the mind of man are knowledge, virtues, capabilities, etc. These pearls can grow and increase in luster forever, but the pearls of the sea remain always the same. These waves from our minds go forth and create movement and thought in other minds. From one strong thought of love what great results may be produced!” 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Ethel Rosenberg in ‘Akka, January 1909)