Rich people and their possessions

On the morning of the third day, a Canon of the Anglican Church met him at breakfast. The conversation turned on the reluctance of the rich to part with their possessions, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoting the saying of Jesus, “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.” He remarked that only when the true seeker finds that attachments to the material are keeping him from his spiritual heritage, will he gladly enter the way of renunciation. Then will the rich man joyfully share his worldly possessions with the needy. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá contrasted the unpretentious hospitality before him with the costly banquets of the wealthy, who too often sit at their feasts forgetting the hungry multitudes. 

(Notes of conversations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)

Application of justice by National and Local Spiritual Assemblies

The National and Local Spiritual Assemblies and all Baha'i institutions should deal with justice in all affairs. Justice is the basis of humanity's existence. Justice is the pillar of the community of human beings. If affairs are not handled with justice, there will be chaos. Those who deviate from God's laws should be punished and even if needed their voting rights should be taken. In these instances National and Local Assemblies should not hesitate at all. Particularly, when those who have deviated are well-known in the community. If ordinary people realize that the Assemblies treat all people the same it will make them hopeful and aware. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (Notes of conversation, quoted by Ali-Akbar Furutan during his pilgrimage in 1941; published in ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

Two kinds of music

There was a woman, who while in the Presence of the Beloved asked Him to confirm her in the study of music.

‘Abdu’l-Baha said: "There are two kinds of music: divine music and earthly music. Divine music exhilarates the spirit while earthly music has an effect over the body. Divine music belongs to the Kingdom of God; earthly music is of this mundane world. I hope that you will be confirmed to study both kinds of music so that you may be able to sing the anthems of heaven and the songs of this world." 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha recorded by Ahmad Sohrab, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in Britain, 1913’)

Spiritual communion

Then the question of spiritual communion was asked.

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s answer: "Yes, it is possible. Often people speak together without the means of tongue. There are two means of intercourse. One the outward tongue, the other the ideal tongue. When the spirit is in an abstract mood, when the heart is in a subjective state, then the ideal tongue can speak, but as long as the spirit is preoccupied and the heart is objective in its activity it is impossible to attain to that station. Is there not a wonderful ideal union between the loved one and the beloved? Often with a glance of an eye, with a handshake a whole world of thought is conveyed to other side without uttering a word. It is possible to attain to such a state of absolute, concentration if we are set aglow with the Fire of the Love of God, if we are attracted, if we are as a burning torch, if we overlook material phenomena and objects." 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha recorded by Ahmad Sohrab, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in Britain, 1913’)

In the next world there will be “variety, and differing degrees of attainment, as in this world”

The questioner remarked that many differing opinions were held as to the conditions of the future life. Some thought that all would have exactly the same perfections and virtues; that all would be equal and alike.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said there would be variety, and differing degrees of attainment, as in this world.

(‘Notes of conversations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)

Are superstitions useful?

A lady inquired whether some superstitions might not be good for ignorant people, who, if they were without them might perhaps be without beliefs of any kind?

‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied that superstitions were of two kinds; those that were harmful and dangerous, and those that were harmless and produced certain good effects.

For example, there were some poor people who believed that misfortunes and punishments were caused by a Great Angel with a sword in his hand, who struck down those who stole, and committed murder and crimes.

They thought the flashes of lightning were the weapons of this angel, and that if they did wrong they would be struck by lightning. This belief caused them to refrain from evil actions.

The Chinese held a superstition that if they burn certain pieces of paper this will drive the devils away; they sometimes burnt these pieces of paper on board ships when they were travelling in order to drive away devils, and by so doing they set fire to the ships and destroyed many lives. This was a type of dangerous and harmful superstition. 

(‘Notes of conversations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)

The best method of raising up and civilizing the poor

A gentleman connected with the work of a Settlement then asked what was the best method of raising up and civilizing the very lowest and most degraded and ignorant of the people and would their education come about gradually through the enlightenment of the Spirit, or was there any special means we could adopt to further this end?

‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied that the best way was to give them spiritual teachings and enlightenment. He also remarked that the way to broaden the outlook of the very narrow-hearted and prejudiced, and to make them listen to a wider teaching, was by showing towards them the greatest kindness and love. The example of our lives was of more value than words. 

(‘Notes of conversations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)

A remarkable prescription for living - from ‘Abdu’l-Baha

You must be like these swift-moving, luminous clouds. They move, nothing hinders them… Let nothing hinder you. Speak always of the Love of God. Teach the people what the Love of God is. Give them the Glad Tidings. Let nothing hinder thee; let nothing touch thy spirit which is not in conformity with the teachings of the Blessed Beauty. Be ever engaged in the service of the Kingdom. Do not let the unpleasant things annoy you. You must be as far removed from them as these clouds are above us. The important thing is to spread the Teachings, to show love and compassion, to be kind to all, and not wound the feelings of others. If we do not like to associate with some people, very well, it is not compulsory. We can let them alone and become so busy with constructive work, that there is no time to waste upon such matters. We do not waste our time in discussing non-essentials. Neither must you do this. Forget every unpleasantness of the past; speak only of constructive work, of the Love of God, of the compassion and mercy of God. Seek to make others happy! 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Marie A. Watson during her pilgrimage in 1921, published in ‘My Pilgrimage to the Holy Land’)

Would one be re-united immediately after death with those who had gone before?

Mrs. S. asked some questions with reference to the conditions of existence in the next world, and the life after death; she said that having recently lost a very near relative, she had given much thought to this subject. Many thought that re-union with those we had loved, and who had passed on to the future life, would only take place after a long period of time had elapsed. She wished to know whether one would be re-united with those who had gone before immediately after death.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá answered that this would depend upon the respective stations of the two. If both had the same degree of development, they would be re-united immediately after death. The questioner then said, how could this state of development be acquired? ‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied, by unceasing effort, striving to do right, and to attain spiritual qualities. 

(‘Notes of conversations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)

Communication with the dead

The question was asked if it were possible to establish communication with the dead, and whether it was wise or advisable to attend séances or to engage in table-turning, spirit-rapping, etc.

The Master said these rappings, etc., were all material things, and of the body. What is needed is to rise above the material to the realms of the purely Spiritual. Table-turning and such like were material, a natural result, and not spiritual.

But it was possible to communicate with the dead through the condition of the character and the heart. 

(‘Notes of conversations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s response to one of the organizers of the Races Congress in London who asked “whether Bahá’u’lláh had made a special study of Western writings, and founded his teachings in accordance with them.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá laughed heartily, and said that the books of Bahá’u’lláh, written and printed sixty years ago, contained the ideals now so familiar to the West, but, at that time, they had not been printed or thought of in the West. Besides, he continued, supposing that a very advanced thinker from the West had gone to visit Bahá’u’lláh and to teach Him, would the name of such a great man and the fact of his visit have been unknown and unrecorded? No! In former days, in the time of the Buddha and Zoroaster, civilization in Asia and in the East was very much higher than in the West and ideas and thoughts of the Eastern peoples were much in advance of, and nearer to the thoughts of God than those of the West. But since that time superstitions had crept into the religion and ideals of the East, and from many differing causes the ideals and characters of the Eastern peoples had gone down and down, lower and lower, while the Western peoples had been constantly advancing and struggling towards the Light. Consequently, in these days, the civilization of the West was much higher than that of the East, and the ideas and thoughts of the people of the West were much nearer to the thought of God than those of the East. Therefore, the ideals of Bahá’u’lláh had been more quickly realized in the West.

To observe moderation in all things

He [Shoghi Effendi] then explained the need to observe moderation in all things, and reminded us of the utterance of Baha'u'llah, "In all matters moderation is desirable. If a thing is carried to excess, it will prove a source of evil." [Tablets of Baha’u’llah revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas] 

- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of his pilgrimage in 1941; published in ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s household

The Master's household numbers more than a hundred persons, not counting the children of the believers and His own grandchildren. How wonderfully significant, as an example to the world, is this living service so cheerfully given by each member of the family! There is such harmony and unity in this household, where all the machinery of every-day life is carried on without a break. Every emergency is provided for; unexpected visitors are always entertained with a composure and sincerity unbelievable unless witnessed day after day as I saw it. Where in this wide world could a parallel be found, even approximate to this? No complaint, no friction amidst a variety of temperaments and of different stations in life. It is a garden of variegated flowers growing in the utmost 8 loveliness! The contrast to family life in the outside world is so great that the observer marvels, and the conviction deepens that here is a miracle of miracles that only love, spiritual love, could make possible. 

- Marie A. Watson  (‘My Pilgrimage to the Holy Land’)

Teaching aboriginals of North America

He [Shoghi Effendi] was displeased with the progress apparently being made among the Canadian and American Indians. During one conversation he said that Indians take preference even over Negros. He requested that Canada not only continue its work on Indian languages included in the Crusade but commence to work on supplementary Indian languages. During another conversation he said that he was sorry Canada, in particular, had not more success in teaching the Indians. I attempted to explain the position as I saw it. I told him that we had, to the greatest extent possible, been kind and loving to them, had invited them to our homes, had visited them on their reservations; but all to no apparent avail. He said that there was a lot more to it than inviting them to our homes but didn’t say to what he was referring. He did, however, say that at the root of the Indian situation is the Indian’s jealousy of material progress of the whites. 

- Allan Raynor  (Notes of his pilgrimage in 1956)

Prophet Muhammad, Qur’an, and the Imams

While walking with us in the gardens of the Shrine during our second meeting with him, Shoghi Effendi spoke of the Prophet Muhammad, Whose station was lofty and great, as the recipient of a Divine Revelation. He returned to this theme on a later occasion, saying that the believers should be aware, and acknowledge that Islam is the origin of the Baha'i Faith, that the Qur'an is the Word of God, and that the Imams are infallible. Their station was very sacred and exalted, particularly that of Imam Husayn. As to the traditions of Islam, those that are quoted in the writings are authentic. He stressed that Baha'is of Christian background should accept these principles concerning Islam, just as those of Jewish or Zoroastrian background should accept Christ as the Word of God and His utterances in the New Testament as authentic. The Guardian also wished the friends to realize that each Manifestation can abrogate the laws of previous Manifestations when they no longer meet the needs of the time. 

- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of his pilgrimage in 1941; published in ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

Prejudice

Take prejudice, how it grows. First a few people say something disparaging about a person, and, generally there is a fragment of truth in what they say. The story grows, is spread, the circle widens, discussions are indulged in, inharmony results, schism takes place, what a waste of precious time that could and should be used for constructive work! 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Marie A. Watson during her pilgrimage in 1921, published in ‘My Pilgrimage to the Holy Land’)

Bounty of God

See the sea! So is the bounty of God today flowing like the waves of this sea. We must try to appreciate His Goodness, His Power and Glory. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Marie A. Watson during her pilgrimage in 1921, published in ‘My Pilgrimage to the Holy Land’)

The Guardian worked twenty hours a day and slept only four hours

One day he [Shoghi Effendi] told us, "I work twenty hours a day and sleep only four hours." 

- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of his pilgrimage in 1941; published in ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

The French orientalist Monsieur Nicolas

The Guardian told us about Monsieur Nicolas, the French orientalist, who greatly admired the Bab but imagined that the Baha'is undervalued His station. Hearing that Monsieur Nicolas was very disturbed about this, the Guardian sent him a copy of" The Dawn-Breakers." Monsieur Nicolas expressed his gratitude and his admiration of the book. 

- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of his pilgrimage in 1941; published in ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

Three important qualifications of a Baha’i pioneer

He [Shoghi Effendi] described three important qualifications of a pioneer: to arise transported by divine love; to trust wholly in the Blessed Beauty; and to demonstrate absolute perseverance… Perseverance, he told us, in itself is the remover of all obstacles. 

- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of his pilgrimage in 1941; published in ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

Nabil’s narrative: The Dawn-Breakers

The Guardian told us that Nabil's Narrative is absolutely correct and authentic. Baha'i historians should verify their accounts with this book. 
- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of his pilgrimage in 1941; published in ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

World Order of Baha’u’llah is the flowering stage of the Kingdom of God

When the Kingdom of God has flowered, it will be the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, and we will have its fairest fruits, World Civilization when the next prophet appears (in the 500,000 year cycle). 

- Alice Dudley  (Notes of her pilgrimage during April 1957)

The greatest Baha’i writers in the West & East

The Guardian said that Dr. Esselmont and Townshend were the greatest Bahá'í writers in the west – that, Abu’l-Fadhl was the greatest Bahá'í writer in the East. 

- Alice Dudley  (Notes of her pilgrimage during April 1957)

Receiving God’s confirmation

…the more they [believers] are united the more they will receive God's confirmation. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha quoted by Roy Wilhem in his account of his pilgrimage in 1907, published in “Knock and It Shall Be Opened Unto You”)

Love

The Cause of God is like a tree — its fruit is love. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha quoted by Roy Wilhelm in his account of his pilgrimage in 1907, published in “Knock and It Shall Be Opened Unto You”)

Baha’u’llah’s reference to “this Youth”

Asked about Bahá'u'lláh referring to Himself as This Youth, and its meaning, the Guardian said Bahá'u'lláh was only 27 years old when He espoused the Babi Cause, and 35 years of age at the time of His first declaration (of being "Him Whom God shall make Manifest”). Afterward there was a difference of opinion as to whether he said it expressed youth and vitality or eternal youth. 

- Clara Edge  (Notes of her pilgrimage to Haifa, May 16-25, 1954)

Books: ‘Christ and Baha’u’llah’, and ‘Baha’u’llah and the New Era’

 He [Shoghi Effendi] thought that Townshend's book 'Christ and Bahá'u'lláh' exceeded Dr. Esselmont's book in greatness. We must use Dr. Townshend's book because it portrays the Kingdom of God on Earth. 

- Alice Dudley  (Notes of her pilgrimage during April 1957)

The “tremendous effect” of Mashriqu’l-Adhkar “upon civilization”

When the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, with its accessories, is established in the world, aside from its religious or spiritual influence, it will have a tremendous effect upon civilization. Aside from the religionists, who will feel its influence, materialists will not be exempt therefrom. Moreover, it contains divine wisdoms, spiritual effects upon the intellects and thoughts. Subsequent to its erection these will become evident. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to Mr. and Mrs. Haney; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 10, September 8, 1914)

The “mystery” of Mashriqu’l-Adhkar “is great and cannot be unveiled as yet”

The most important thing in this day is the speedy erection of the edifice. Its mystery is great and cannot be unveiled as yet. In the future it will be made plain. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Reported words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to Percy Woodcock while in Ramleh, Egypt; Star of the West, vol. 6, no. 7, July 13, 1915)