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)

Baha’i community

He [Shoghi Effendi] explained that official members of the Baha'i community are those who confess their belief in the Bab, the Abha Beauty, and 'Abdu'l-Baha and are proud to be known as Baha'is. However, everyone should be accorded absolute freedom to choose whether to join the Baha'i community or not. However since Baha'is should not participate in politics even in their conversations, it is very important not to accept into the Faith under any circumstances those who do participate in politics. This is very important. 

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

Temple site on Mount Carmel

One morning Leroy Ioas drove us to see the Temple site which is situated on the very top of Mt. Carmel about two miles from the Shrine of the Báb. The site is shaped like a peninsula overlooking water on three sides. The Guardian said the Shrine of the Báb is the heart of Carmel and the Temple will be the head. The Guardian said Bahá'u'lláh stood on this site and revealed the Tablet of Carmel, with such loud ringing tones that the nuns in the Carmelite nunnery situated further below could hear Him. This site is also near the cave of Elijah. 

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

No Christian Civilization

The Guardian stressed many times that there has not been a Christian Civilization for centuries - only a materialistic civilization. 

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

May Maxwell’s health

He [‘Abdu’l-Baha] inquired after her [Mrs. Maxwell] health, and when I said that she seemed better than ever since she had become a eliever, 'Abdu'l-Bahá said:

"Some years ago when Mrs. Maxwell came to Akka, she was very weak and seriously ill, - so much so that no one could believe she would ever get well. But God healed her." 

- ‘Ali Kuli Khan (‘1906 Pilgrim Notes of Ali Kuli Khan’)

“Mashriqu'l-Adhkar is a material thing that will have great effect upon the spirits of the people.”

To have it built is most important. Some material things have spiritual effect, and the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar is a material thing that will have great effect upon the spirits of the people. Not only does the building of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar have an effect upon those who build it, but upon the whole world." "In the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, services will be held every morning and the words of Baha’u’llah only are to be read. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to Helen Goodall and Ella Cooper; Star of the West, vol. 6, no. 7, July 13, 1915)

Mashriqu’l-Adhkar” is the spiritual foundation”

…its [Mashriqu’l-Adhkar] 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 to Mason Remey during ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s first European trip; Star of the West, vol. 6, no. 7, July 13, 1915)

An indication of the greatness of this Dispensation

In this Dispensation, he [the Guardian] also told us, "Holy Book" is changed to "Most Holy Book," and "Holy Spirit" to "Most Holy Spirit." Therefore the "Greatest Name," the "Most Great Peace," and the "Most Great Dispensation." 

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

Sisters of Baha’u’llah

One evening I asked the Guardian about the reference in the Gleanings to the sister of Bahá'u'lláh. He replied that some of the half-sisters of Bahá'u'lláh were loyal to Him and some disloyal. She was a loyal sister. 

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

House of Justice

The beloved Guardian said, Assemblies and all other Baha'i institutions should demonstrate justice and equity in all matters, since justice is the foundation of society. The Blessed Beauty ordained the "House of Justice" and not the "House of Forgiveness" or the "House of Grace." The foundation of the world and the realization of the Most Great Peace are dependent upon justice. Without justice there will be no peace, and disorder and confusion will prevail. 

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