Pages

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

September 28, 2017

Concerning the death of King Edward of England

The English king, with his pomp and grandeur, used to address the sun and say: 'Thou dost never disappear from my lands' but now he is buried under the earth. Some time ago the flags at the top of the masts proclaimed the day of his ascension to the throne; but today the flags are at half mast, for he is dead. The flags and banners of the Beloved are ever waving at the top of the masts; they are never inverted; nay, rather, they go on higher day by day; in fact, theirs is the sovereignty. Without fighting forces they conquer the cities; and without taking any tribute they bestow and give freely. The kings gain their victory through bloodshed and the taking of life; whereas the Beloved of God confer life and are victorious. The sovereignty of the friends is an eternal one. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk, Holy Land, 10 May 1910, recorded by Mason Remey; Star of the West, vol. 1, no. 8, August 1, 1910)

September 20, 2017

Number of subjects students should be required to take at school

Question: ''The students in the schools have to study so many subjects! There are arising more and more sciences. What should be the remedy?''

‘Abdu’l-Baha: ''It is too much. One must be moderate in choosing the number of subjects. When there are too many the result is confusion. Moderation is necessary. For instance: if a man has the power to carry a load of three hundred (pounds) he no doubt would fall if we give him one thousand (pounds). He cannot bear it. The same way, one's brain must not be overburdened. For instance: students should not have more than six hours a day, lessons and preparations included. Otherwise they will not succeed. The brain becomes tired.'' 
- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Ann Kunz, Haifa, 1921; Star of the West, vol. 13, no. 6, September 1922)

September 11, 2017

Should Baha’u’llah’s name be included when promoting principles of the Faith?

Question: ''Should these principles be spread under the name of Baha'u'llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha, or without these names?''

‘Abdu’l-Baha: "In the beginning you should mention Baha’u’llah. They are His and are spread by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. When all the world was in disorder, when warfare was prevailing in the East and the West, Russia with Turkey, Persia with England and Afghanistan, and Garibaldi was fighting, the East was in intense darkness. There was prejudice of race and religion; national and political prejudice; the horizon was very dark. And at such a time Baha’u’llah arose and spread a set of teachings." 
- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Ann Kunz, Haifa, 1921; Star of the West, vol. 13, no. 6, September 1922)

September 1, 2017

Best method to help the growth of the Cause

Question: "What is the best method to spread this Cause?"

‘Abdu’l-Baha: “Explain the teachings, the principles of this Cause. Some of them were revealed fifty years ago, some sixty years ago. Fifty years ago there was no thought of universal peace and arbitration. No one spoke of the oneness of religion and science. Now many spread them in their own ways. I spread them through numerous churches and papers in America; then also in Europe. The word of God is powerful. It will come to pass.'' 
- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Ann Kunz, Haifa, 1921; Star of the West, vol. 13, no. 6, September 1922)