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+v ix PREFACE PROBABLY no one will find in this compilation every piece of Bahá'í Scripture he seeks. Even the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá available in English are too numerous for any single volume to contain everybody's particular choice. That most people will find in this book most of the passages they value most is the apex of the compiler's aspiration. Although intended primarily as a handy comprehensive volume for Bahá'ís, it should serve inquirers well who know something of the history and teaching of the Bahá'í Faith and wish to deepen their knowledge. For many purposes, serious students of religion will also find it adequate. Bahá'í Scripture in a broad sense consists of the Words of all the Sacred Figures Who founded the great religions or promulgated their teachings, for Bahá'ís revere all as holy; but usually the phrase denotes the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, the Báb and 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the Sacred Figures of this age. More strictly, the Writings of the Báb belong to the Bábí Dispensation which preceded the Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh and they have for Bahá'ís something of the significance of an Old Testament. In this book, Works of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá only are included. Bahá'u'lláh revealed His Message between 1853 and 1892. His earliest Writings, revealed in Baghdád between 1853 and 1863, include the Kitáb-i-Íqán, the Hidden Words and the Seven Valleys. In Adrianople between 1863 and 1868 most of His Tablets to kings and leaders of religion were revealed. After 1868 in 'Akká came the remainder of these and the Tablets expounding His laws. Here also was revealed the Most Holy Book of the Baha'f Revelation, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, of which much is included in "Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", a selection of His Writings made and translated by Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith. Throughout the period, Bahá'u'lláh revealed prayers and meditations, and wrote Tablets of varying weight and importance both to His followers and to others. Many of these Tablets are not yet x collected and others not yet translated into English, but most of His foremost Writings have been collected and translated. Since Bahá'ís do not recognize as scripture unauthenticated reports of the sayings of the Founders of their Faith, the authenticity of Scripture is more easily established in the Bahá'í Dispensation than formerly. Only documents in the handwriting of the Central Figures, or signed by Them, or authenticated by Them in some other way, are acceptable. The validity of translations is more difficult to determine. None except those which were made by or in consultation with the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith, until his passing in 1957, or by the Universal House of Justice since its election in 1963, are of unexceptionable validity. Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá wrote in Persian and Arabic. In the early days of the Bahá'í Faith in the West, translating was done by Eastern Bahá'ís whose English was defective so that many translations of the period are faulty and few have the advantage of good literary English. Fortunately the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith, Shoghi Effendi, has rendered into beautiful English most of the important Writings of Bahá'u'lláh and several of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablets. His translation has been used wherever one exists. 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Writings are mostly Tablets to individuals and Bahá'í Assemblies, of which many are still uncollected. Until His passing in 1921, He wrote Tablets in Persian to correspondents all over the world. These Tablets were translated into English with varying competence by Eastern Bahá'ís whose native language was not English. He gave many talks, but few records have been authenticated and even those with an authentic Persian record are available in English only as unauthenticated notes of the imperfect translation accompanying the talk. Extensive compilations of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Works have, therefore, to include either translations of authentic Works into a strange idiom, or more easily read, but unauthenticated, records of talks. Thus the quotations in this compilation from "Paris Talks", "The Promulgation of Universal Peace" and "Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era" are not authentic scripture although consistent with known teaching of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá. All translations which deviate excessively from ordinary English usage, whether of the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh or 'Abdu'l-Bahá, have been excluded from the compilation. Such translations are xi difficult to read with true understanding and probably distort the meaning of the original. The book comprises for the most part complete Tablets and excerpts picked out by the Guardian himself. The Tablets represent groups of teachings brought together for some reason by the One Who gave them and these have been separated only when the Guardian's authority or the context gave clear reason for doing so. No prayers will be found here, as selections of Bahá'í Prayers are easily available, but meditations which most prayer books omit have been included. The classification of items is the compiler's own, and no attempt will be made either to describe or to justify it. If it helps the reader to locate passages, it will have served its purpose. Selections in Bahá'í Revelation which cannot readily be found elsewhere online (all are by 'Abdu'l-Bahá): 163. The spirit of this age is the Covenant and the Testament of God. It is like the pulsating artery in the body of the world. (Teaching Manual used at the 1948 European Teaching Conference, 48) 164. Turn thy face unto the Kingdom of the Covenant, thy heart beating with the love of God, thy soul attracted to the fragrances of God, thy tongue speaking of the appearances of the Kingdom of God, thy insight rending veils asunder and disclosing the realities of things–and with a power which may move the heart of all in the world. This is a confirmation from the Lord of the effulgence, while all else save this shall never profit thee! This is that by reason of which thy face shall gleam, thy heart shall de dilated with joy, thy soul become pure, thy back strengthened, thy spirit rejoiced and thy identity quickened. Leave the people of suspicion behind thy back and adhere to the manifest signs. (Star of the West, IV, 10) 165. The world of the Covenant is like unto the Blessed Tree which is growing beside the river of the Water of Life in the utmost delicacy and beauty, and day by day it is developing and adding to its verdancy. (Teaching Manual used at the 1948 European Teaching Conference, 49) 171. That which has come out of the centre of the Covenant you must take fast hold of. That which issues from my lips and that which is written with my pen is the reality. With this you can irrigate the vineyard of God. With this you can make the tree of the Cause of God become verdant. Through this the name of the Kingdom of God will be spread over the world. Through this the sun of reality will shine. Through this the clouds of mercy will pour down. (Teaching Manual used at the 1948 European Teaching Conference, 50) The following is only in part at Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 228, no. 192, though it contains two additional sentences as well: 179. Today, those who are firm in the Covenant are soaring by the bounties of the Holy Spirit in lofty regions, while the wavering ones are depressed, dejected and afflicted with a thousand pains and calamities. This is because the confirmations of the Abhá Kingdom have been cut off from them. They have been deprived of the Light of the Sun of Truth and have no share from the breezes of the Holy Spirit. They resemble these souls who arose to agitate the minds of men after the time of Christ. Each one, by every subtle means, gathered around himself a group of souls, but all were eventually led to face disappointment, loss and failure. This was because the result of their principles was like unto a tree destitute of roots, or like the ocean foam. A rootless tree, no matter how tall and hardy it may seem, will ultimately wither away; and the ocean foam, however formidable it may appear, shall at last vanish and disappear. In brief—the Covenant is like unto the ocean which preserves Bahá'í unity, and these souls are like unto the foam upon it. They manifest a temporary activity, but soon, like unto Judas Iscariot and his associates and those who approved of his conduct, they shall be completely forgotten. The ocean of the Covenant, on the other hand, is eternally surging, for it preserves Bahá'í unity. Today, the Lord of Hosts is the defender of the Covenant, the forces of the Kingdom protect it, heavenly souls tender their services, and heavenly angels promulgate and spread it broadcast. If it is considered with insight, it will be seen that all the forces of the universe, in the last analysis, serve the Covenant. In the future it shall be made evident and manifest. In view of this fact, what can these weak and feeble souls achieve? (Star of the West, XI, 240) Paragraphs 3-4 of the following are in 30 October 1924 to a Local Spiritual Assembly - translated from the Persian, in Compilation on Trustworthiness, no. 2076 and also part of paragraph 3 and paragraph 4 are in Excellence in All Things, no. 19 cited as being from 'Abdu'l-Bahá, in "Bahá'í Year Book" ["The Bahá'í World"], vol. 1 (New York: Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1926), p. 12: 4. O ARMY OF LIFE 214. O Army of Life! East and West have joined to worship stars of faded splendour, and have turned in prayer unto darkened horizons. Both have utterly neglected the broad foundation of God's sacred laws, and have grown unmindful of the merits and virtues of His religion. They have regarded certain customs and conventions as the basis of the Divine faith, and have firmly established themselves therein. They have imagined themselves as having attained a glorious pinnacle of achievement and prosperity, when in reality they have touched the innermost depths of heedlessness and deprived themselves wholly of God's bounteous gifts. The cornerstone of the religion of God is the acquisition of divine perfections and the sharing in His manifold bestowals. The essential purpose of faith and belief is to ennoble the inner being of man with the outpourings of grace from on high. If this be not attained, it is, indeed, deprivation. It is the realization of this deprivation that is the true eternal fire. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all Bahá'ís to ponder this delicate and vital matter in their hearts, that, unlike other religions, they may not content themselves with the noise, the clamour, the hollowness of religious doctrine. Nay, rather, they should exemplify in every aspect of their lives the attributes and virtues that are born of God, and should arise to distinguish themselves by their goodly behaviour. They should justify their claim to be Bahá'ís by deeds, not by name. He is a true Bahá'í who strives by day and by night to progress and advance along the path of human endeavour, whose cherished desire is so to live and act as to enrich and illumine the world; whose source of inspiration is the Essence of Divine perfection; whose aim in life is to conduct himself so as to be the cause of infinite progress. Only when he attains unto such perfect gifts can it be said of him that he is a Bahá'í. In this holy dispensation, the crowning glory of bygone ages and cycles, faith is no mere acknowledgement of the unity of God, but rather the living of a life that manifests the virtues and perfections implied in such belief. His Holiness the exalted One, may my life be a sacrifice to Him, has shown us the way of behaviour, has guided us to the path of self-sacrifice, has taught us how to despise earthly rest and comfort, and how to lay down our lives for each other. That sanctioned Being, despite the loftiness of His position and the exaltation of His spirit, chose to be chained and fettered that we might obtain the light of divine guidance. All the days of His life He rested not for a moment. He sought no repose nor laid His head upon the couch of ease and security. His days were passed amid afflictions and suffering. How can we follow Him and yet remain idle and at ease? O my friends, arise to tend the pure and widely-scattered seed planted in the hearts of men. Dedicate yourselves wholly to the service of humanity. Then will the world be turned into a paradise; then will the surface of the earth mirror forth the glory of the Abhá Kingdom. Should you fail in this, great will be your deprivation and grievous your loss. O servant of truth, wouldst thou obtain the sovereignty of earth and heaven? Seek nought but true servitude upon the threshhold of the Abhá Beauty. Wouldst thou win the joy of liberty in this world and the next? Desire but submission unto His holy will. Wouldst thou discover the true way to God? Follow the path of His covenant. Wouldst thou behold the light of eternal splendour? Fix thy gaze upon His bountiful grace vouchsafed from the Abhá Kingdom. (Selection from Bahá'í Scripture, 331) Online sources for items in the List of References which might not be readily obvious: Note: All references to "America's Spiritual Mission" can be found in Tablets of the Divine Plan Note 2: Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh is published within World Order of Bahá'u'lláh. 159: `Abdu'l-Bahá, Star of the West, Vol. III, No. 14, p. 9 in Covenant and Administration, p. 17 160: World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 133 161: Mirza Ahmad Sohrab: Diary Notes, July 7, 1914, p. 41, in Bahá'í Scriptures, p. 304 (no. 622) 166 `Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablet, Star of the West, Vol. X, p. 233, in Covenant and Administration, p. 34 167: Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 223 (paragraphs reversed in order but are both present on this page) 168: Bahá'í Scriptures, pp. 320-321 169: `Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablet, Star of the West, Vol. VIII, pp. 213-214 in Covenant and Administration, p. 33 172: `Abdu'l-Bahá, Star of the West, Vol. III, No. 14, p. 9; also Vol. XII, p. 227 in Covenant and Administration, p. 25 173: `Abdu'l-Bahá, from Tablet, Star of the West, Vol. X, p. 251, cited in Covenant and Administration, p. 26 175: Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbás, p. 443 176: Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbás, p. 83 180: Ten Days in the Light of Akká (under "Obedience") p. 48, in Star of West, Vol. VIII, p. 222, and cited on p. 25 of Covenant and Administration 182: Bahá'i World Faith, pp. 429-438 186: Tablet on the Hague 187: Tablet to Auguste Forel 213: Bahá'i World Faith, pp. 215-217 217: Secret of Divine Civilization, pp. 64-67 319 LIST OF REFERENCES
(Note: for assistance in finding unclear references, please see here and here. KEY
The dates are those of the first impressions of the editions consulted. Where no date is given, references are to section numbers, which remain invariant; otherwise references are to page numbers. American editions were used if no British edition existed. [Regarding the sources for the foreword, a note at the end of the foreword states, "This material was compiled from two sources, The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh and The Faith of Bahá'u'lláh (a statement prepared for the United Nations Special Palestine Committee) both written by Shoghi Effendi.")] BAHÁ'U'LLÁH I. Proclamation to the Kings and Leaders of Religion
320 II. Selection from "Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh"
III. Selection from the Hidden Words
IV. The Seven Valleys
134. The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys P.I.
V. Some Important Tablets
VI. The Covenant
+321 VII. Meditations
'ABDU'L-BAHÁ VIII. The Covenant
IX. The Master's Last Tablet to America
182. S.W. XIII, I
X. From the Tablets of the Divine Plan
Xl. Tablet to the Hague
186. B.P.P. 11 XII. Tablet to Dr Forel
187 B.P.P. 31 XIII. God and His Manifestations
XIV. Concerning Christianity
+322 XV. Man
XVI. Some Ethical and Social Teachings
XVII. Excerpts from the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
226. British Edition, 1950, 4 Cross-reference between the selection number and page number
INDEX 'Abdu'l-Bahá (see also Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh) Did not rest, 195, 200, 310 His Name might be taken in vain, 216-17 Longs to leave this earth, 195, 309 Station of, 162-3, 183, 184, 197-8 Tribulations of, 268-9, 308-9 Words of, 187 Abraham, 183, 236, 243, 245, 252 Adam, 46, 210, 234, 245, 251-2, 289 Afnán, 80, 163, 309, 310-11, 317 Aghsán, 163, 310-11 Alchemy, 50 'Alí (son-in-law of Muhammad), 46, 198, 290 Angels, 29, 39, 87, 94, 141, 170, 187, 203, 265 Animals (see Creation: Kingdoms of; Ethical Teachings: Kindness to Animals; Man: Station of) Aristotle, 220 Armaments (see Peace) Arts, 50, 154 Báb, The Covenant of, 183, 191-2, 194 Herald of Bahá'u'lláh, 82, 155-6, 183, 191-2 Oneness with other Manifestations of God, 59, 236 People of the Bayán, 155, 191-2, 193, 194, 198, 217 Prophesied by Muhammad, 183 Rejection of, 5, 235, 308 Station of, 154, 184, 245, 315 Bahá'u'lláh (see also Day of God) Apostles of, 204 Appeared at a place and time of darkness, 209 Ascension of, 39, 161, 199, 317 Birth of Mission, 26-7, 167, 168-9 Coming prophesied in Holy Books, 20, 31, 35, 36, 175-6 Covenant of (see Covenant) Episodes in His Life, 151, 156, 158 Had no schooling, 27, 32 His obedience to civil authority, 26 His precepts maintain order (see also Ethical Teachings: Obedience), 83-4, 160 Knowledge of, 13, 14, 17, 18, 36, 51-2 Laws of, 23, 84-5, 86, 157, 247, 315-16 Newspaper reports about Him mostly false, 151 Proclamation of His coming, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12, 13, 18, 20, 21-2, 29, 31, 36, 113, 125, 141-6 Purpose The unification of mankind, 12, 75, 77, 79, 159-60, 161 Other objects, 4, 79, 81-2, 86, 161 Recognition All able to recognize Him, 82, 90, 117 First duty of man, 10, 35, 83, 91, 93 Station of recognition, 32, 63, 67, 81, 96, 145, 152, 162, 175 Rejection (see also Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh: Covenant-Breakers) Condemnation of those who deny, 10, 12, 110, 126, 152, 154, 156, 162 Could not prevent spread of His Faith, 146 General failure to recognize Him, 36, 38, 39 Prevented further Revelation, 28, 69, 142, 178 Reasons for (see also Knowledge: Idle Fancies), 38, 57-8, 126, 127, 153 Relation to former Messengers Greater intensity of His Revelation, 95-6, 101, 143, 151-2, 155-6 His coming prophesied in Holy Books, 35, 66, 106-7, 151-2, 153, 183, 247 Oneness with Them, 15, 21, 29, 59, 81, 153, 178-9, 236 Station of "The Father", 19, 30 Their attitude to Him, 20, 35 Universal Manifestation, 245, 315 Remembrance of His Name, 79, 89 Revelation Brings knowledge of God, 152, 153-4, 248 Brings new life, 12, 39, 50, 74, 80-3, 93, 126, 141-6, 163-4, 280 Brings unity, 12, 80, 82-3, 201-2, 209, 219, 235, 247, 248, 287 Criterion of truth in this Day, 31, 73, 106-7 Distinguishing feature of, 83 Intended for all mankind, 78, 82, 143 Token of the Grace of God, 39, 60, 78, 81, 90, 104, 145 Whole earth illumined by, 82, 102, 140, 146, 147, 214 Station Ascendancy over all, 31, 40, 62, 78, 152 Human Station, 60 Mirror of God, 20, 27, 60, 104, 143-5, 146-7, 155-6, 168, 177, 178, 184, 245 Sovereignty of (see also God: Sovereignty of) 4, 19, 59, 60, 140, 143 Unable to discover Essence of God, 41, 142, 165-6 Treated righteous and sinner alike, 90 Tribulations Accepts without complaint, 29, 60, 79, 174, 178-9 Are transitory, 25, 28 Could not deter Him, 16, 156, 169-70, 173, 174-5, 216 Effect is beneficial, 29, 59, 60, 89, 92, 169, 285 Endured voluntarily, 59-60, 92, 161, 235, 285 Forbearance, 19, 25 Increased love for God, 16, 166-7 Intensity of, 6, 15-16, 26, 28, 88, 308 Yearns for martyrdom, 16, 28, 30, 59 Yearns for tribulation, 16, 25, 28, 174 Words of Embrace all other truth, 214-15, 230-1 Hidden mysteries of (see God: Knowledge of, Its sacred depths) 19, 38, 66, 102-3, 114, 145 Power of, 88, 152 Bayan. People of (see Báb, The) Berlin, 21 Bible (see Holy Books) Buddha, 231 Burning Bush, 13, 16, 19, 32, 56, 82, 90, 100, 141 Carmel, 139-41 Causation, 226 Cause of God (see also Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh; Steadfastness) American believers. Station of, 191 Arise to help it, 79, 80, 88, 93-4, 200, 287-8, 310 Consultation, 93, 157, 305-6 Early believers Station of, 63, 90, 92, 93, 96-7 Sufferings of, 166, 170-3, 216, 235, 308 Fear of God will ensure triumph, 90 Guardian of, 137, 207, 306, 310-12, 314, 316 Hands of, 307, 309, 310, 311-13, 317 His chosen ones, 106, 178, 203-7 House of Justice, 156, 158, 159, 160, 311, 314, 315-16 Insincere believers, 60, 95, 311-12 Obedience to Bahá'í Assemblies, 305 Protection of, 90, 307-8, 315, 316 Put the Cause first, 90, 94, 97, 316 Righteous deeds will ensure triumph, 79, 81, 90, 157, 163, 266 Scattering of opposing forces, 80 Service to Do not rest, 285, 308-9, 316 Station of service, 94, 97, 159, 310 Spiritual Assembly, 188, 305-6 Teaching (see also Man: Heart of, Subdued by Wisdom and Utterance) An obligation (see also Enjoined, below), 37, 83, 93, 305, 309-10 Consequences: For mankind, 37, 74, 203, 283, 285, 313 For the individual, 111, 138, 316 Deputization, 97 Do not press those who turn aside, 39, 95, 106, 159 Enjoined (see also An Obligation, above) 88, 106, 203, 283-4, General advice for teachers, 89, 95, 207, 316 Heavenly aid in, 39, 93-4, 94, 95, 106, 188-9, 204 Pioneering and Travelling Teaching, 94, 206, 310 Preparation for, 79, 94, 206, 266 Station of, 94, 95, 147, 310, 316 The true Bahá'í, 285, 301, 304 Triumph assured, 7, 78, 80, 87, 140 Unity in (see also Unity: Contention forbidden) A condition of success, 189, 205-6, 305-6 Do not let dissension arise, 39, 77, 159-60, 162, 163 The eternal collective centre, 201-2, 248 When unity is threatened, 92, 207 Civilization, 77, 78, 213, 239, 292, 300 Composition and Decomposition, 217-18, 225-6, 262-3, 272-3 Concourse on High, 39, 106, 139, 148, 172 Confucius, 231 Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh (see also Manifestations of God: Next Manifestation) Centre of the Covenant appointed, 162-3, 183, 184, 190 Covenant-Breakers, 186, 189-99, 205, 307, 311, 316, 317 Firmness in, 185, 187-90, 191-9, 205, 286, 306, 316 Implications will become manifest, 186, 191 Mentioned in Holy Books, 186 Power of, 185-6, 189, 306 of former Manifestations of God, 183-4, 191-2, 194 of God, 84, 104, 109, 189, 190 Creation (see also God: Creator; God: Grace of; God: Will of; Man: Station of) All things bear sign of God, 28, 42, 61-2, 64, 87, 117, 118, 122-5, 132, 142, 173, 286 Dependence on God, 43, 65, 71 Identity of two beings impossible, 272 Kingdoms of Creation, 221-2, 224, 232-3, 263, 277-8 The Physical Universe, 65 Without beginning or end, 41, 62, 65 Criminals, 17, 157, 212-13, 297-300 Czar of Russia, 14, 18 David, 245, 250 Day of God (see also Bahá'u'lláh) A Day of Judgment, 31, 39 Greatness of Exalted Character, 13, 37, 49, 95, 97, 107, 139, 142, 144, 161, 280 Hearts of Messengers proved, 36-7 Day of God: Greatness of (Continued) Mankind has yearned for it, 36, 37-8 Potency, 35-6, 38, 78 Prophesied in Holy Books, 35, 37, 38, 94 Prophetic Cycle ended, 49 Prophets have yearned for it, 36 Democracy, 10 Detachment (see also Ethical Teachings: Selflessness; Knowledge: True Knowledge; Terms Defined and Explained: "The Evil One", "The World") Cleanse hearts, 3, 17, 25, 87, 89, 97, 112, 119, 232 Consequences of, 60, 64, 87-8, 95, 103, 128, 145, 206, 268, 310 From desires, 5, 9, 84, 90, 92, 101, 102, 138 From the things of this world, 4, 6, 15, 60, 91, 98, 111, 113, 114, 134, 145, 152, 268-9, 284, 304, 310 Means to, 87, 113, 114, 127, 132, 138, 268-9 Result of lack of, 5, 89, 103, 126-7, 200 Seclusion in the love of God, 14, 110 Worthlessness of things of this world (see also Kings and Rulers: Transitoriness of earthly station), 18, 94, 96, 99, 101, 104, 161, 175, 200-1 Divines Blessed Divines, 33 Called to help heal the world, 77 Disunity among, 33 Failure to recognize Bahá'u'lláh, 13-14, 31, 33 Hinder people from salvation, 32-3, 53 Misdeeds of, 33-4 Monks, 14, 30 Persecute Manifestations, 13-14, 32-3, 56-7 Prevented fuller Revelation, 28 The stars have fallen, 13 Economic Problems (see also Povery and Wealth), 211, 212, 215, 231, 294-7 Education, 89, 158-9, 213, 303, 306 Elias, 276 Elijah, 266 Ethical Teachings (see also Detachment; God: Attitude to; God: Will of, Submission to; Justice; Love; Man: Deeds of; Mankind: Oneness of; Poverty and Wealth; Religion: Consort with followers of all; Unity; Contention Forbidden; World Unity: Promote Interests of Mankind) Aged, Attitude of, 268 Aged, Care of, 282, 296 Associate with the righteous, 98, 112, 115, 195-6, 198-9 Avoid the unrighteous, 98, 112, 115, 193, 195-6, 199 Be concerned with needs of age you live in, 74 Be joyful, 38, 87, 91, 111, 114, 148 Benevolence, 148 "Bring thyself to an account each day", 24, 110 Charity, 138 Cheer the Miserable, 80, 87 Compassion, 78, 87, 148 Comply with requests, 110 Conceal sins of others, 17, 90, 93, 98, 110, 114 Contentment, 91, 98, 110, 111, 114, 115, 122, 131-2, 138 Courage, 138 Courtesy, 15 Criticism disapproved, 271, 306 Do not abase yourself, 114, 139 Do not look on what is unworthy, 159 Do not cause sorrow, 159 Do not gossip, slander, 17, 98, 114, 115, 150, 161, 308 Do not sadden anyone, 91 Do not shed blood, 17 Do not wish abasement of others, 114 Faithfulness, 87, 112, 310, 313 Forbearance, 78, 91, 148 Forgiveness, 98, 297, 298-300 Freedom from envy, 103, 113, 114, Friendliness, 75, 80, 87, 91, 92, 301-2, 313 Generosity, 87, 89 Golden Rule, 98 Goodwill, 90 Guide others, 87, 92, 95 Help the distressed, 87, 98, 284 Help the oppressed, 80 Honesty, 89 Humility, 4, 87, 98, 111, 305 Kindness to Animals, 98, 302-3 Meekness, 87 Mercy, 78, 303 Moderation, 7, 23, 77, 98, 295, 306 Obedience To the Commands of God, 7, 22-3, 26, 35, 82-3, 83-5, 87, 111, 136-7, 154, 160, 161, 163 To those in authority, 86, 159, 308, 314-15 Orphans, Care for, 282, 284, 296 Patience, 88, 98, 119, 123, 305 Purity, 79, 91, 109, 114, 305 Righteousness, 22, 79, 87, 92, 101, 148, 149, 161, 281, 308, 313 Selflessness {see also Detachment) Self is a veil, a prison, 87, 91, 101, 114, 122 Self-Sacrifice, 92, 285 Turn away from self, 80, 110, 114, 118, 120, 121, 125, 196, 288, 304, 310 Service, 4.13, 77, 85, 93, 119, 305, 310 Sincerity, 102, 150 Speech, Be guarded in, 87, 98, 114, 139, 150, 151, 159, 161, 302 Sympathy, 87 Trustworthiness Disbelievers in God untrustworthy, 22 Enjoined, 17, 87, 89 Fulfil promises, 98 Station of, 91, 149-50 Truthfulness, 87, 89, 90, 91, 150, 151, 161, 281, 313 Work is obligatory, 116, 138, 147 Ezekiel, 246, 266 Fasting, 305 Franz-Josef of Austria, 21 God Attitude to Fear of Effects, 90, 118, 122, 157, 175 Enjoined, 7, 14, 22, 91, 94, 101 Love for, 13, 25, 109-10, 111, 113, 119-22, 138-9, 170 Praise of, 23, 37, 40, 43, 67, 94, 108, 125, 138, 165-6 Remembrance of, 13, 31, 79, 87, 89, 138, 175 Trust in, 7, 8, 22, 23, 26, 31, 37, 88, 91, 98, 102, 135 Attributes, Significance of, 226 Belief in (see also God: Those who join partners with) Condemnation of disbelievers, 102, 108, 139, 152 Fading of, 50, 101 Nature of, 49 Possibility of, 128, 225 Proofs of existence of God, 222-9 Turn away from disbelievers, 7, 22, 83 Breath of, 5, 6, 12, 13, 40-1, 84 City of, 99-101, 120, 136, 140 Creator, The (see also God: Will of), 50-1, 62-3, 109, 116, 117, 139, 286 Grace of Brought by Manifestations, 29, 78 Each time has a settled measure, 135 Effects, 17, 101, 116 Flow is continuous, 41, 42, 53, 56, 101-2, 135 Pervades all creation, 41, 102, 144 Should be sought, 6, 81, 89, 105-6 Should ponder upon, 230 Knowledge of (see also Creation: All Things bear Sign of God; God: Unity of, Essence Unknowable; Knowledge) All things express, 61-2, 64, 87 Animates the human heart, 91, 116 Creation of man, 109 Its sacred depths, 41, 99, 103-4, 131-2, 140-1 Meaning of knowing God, 13, 42, 45, 61, 128, 153, 230 Law of, has been revealed, 3, 37 Love of Creation of man, 109 Fire of, 94, 100, 102, 166, 233-4, 307 Is in man, 97, 101, 109-10 A stronghold, a robe for man, 14, 31, 110, 188 Unites men, 205-6 Ordaineth what He pleaseth, 11, 12, 19, 20, 23, 26, 31, 85, 91, 93, 108, 154, 198 Presence of (see also Knowledge: True Knowledge, Union) Attainment to, 39, 70, 101, 103, 111, 112, 115, 118, 135, 144, 153 Behaviour in, 48, 71, 138 Proclaimed by whole universe, 42, 170 Soul of, 64 Sovereignty of, 3, 11, 23, 36, 38, 40, 42, 53, 88, 109, 111, 141, 143, 144, 166 Those who join partners with, 37, 43, 60, 106 The Ultimate Cause, 226 Unity of All creation proclaims, 41, 125 Belief in, 25, 26, 43, 49 Essence Unknowable, 40-2, 43, 45, 62, 68, 105, 128, 165-6, 224-7, 232, 216 Meaning of, 42, 49, 65, 130 Transcendence of God, 41-2, 43, 62, 105, 128, 226, 233, 236-7 Will of Conveyed by Manifestations, 43, 49, 81-2 Is the Creative Force, 41, 50, 88, 105, 165 Pervades all creation, 85, 229 Sends down Manifestations of God, 3, 45 Submission to (see also Ethical Teachings: Contentment), 23, 70, 91, 93, 98, 122, 138, 288 Word of, 50-1, 59, 62, 82-3, 91, 101, 102, 188, 219, 286, 310 Worlds of Generally, 68, 71, 129, 275 Material and Spiritual Worlds, 213, 267-9, 272, 275 Wrath of, 102, 190 Government (see Kings and Rulers) "Greater World", 39 Healing and Health, 69, 221, 268, 269-71, 306 Holy Books Misinterpretation of, 51, 54, 251 New Testament Quotations, 193-4, 233, 252, 253-4, 256, 298-9 Old Testament Quotations, 37, 232, 246-9, 250-1, 252 Old Testament laws, 213-14, 251 Purpose of, 265 Qur'án and Traditions, Quotations from, 43-4, 45-8, 55, 57, 61-2, 201, 221, 232 Holy Spirit (see Manifestations of God) Isaiah, 20, 37, 245, 246, 257, 366 Jeremiah, 245, 266 Jesse, 246 Jesus Christ Acclaims Bahá'u'lláh, 3, 19 Birth of, 246-7, 252-3 Brought life everlasting, 235-6, 254-6 Brought unity, 203, 235, 247 Covenant of, 183, 184, 189, 194, 199 Crucifixion of, 5-8 Disciples, 29, 203-4, 235, 253-4, 264, 266, 310 God enabled Him to triumph, 19, 30 High Station of, 14, 41, 46, 58-9, 251 Miracles of, 58-9 Nature of His greatness, 14, 252-4 Oneness with other Manifestations of God, 46, 55, 236, 243 Prophecies about Him, 54, 183, 246-7, 250-1, 257 Prophecies not fulfilled by Him, 247-9 Prophesied coming of Bahá'u'lláh, 13, 14, 30 Prophesied coming of Muhammad, 183 Reason did not marry, 14 Rejection of, 14, 29-30, 54, 250 Resurrection of, 253-4 Second Coming of, 5, 9, 54, 59, 256-8 Show forth what He declared, 148 Sovereignty of, 250-1 Symbolism of bread and wine, 254-6 Jews, 54, 59, 202, 243, 249, 250-1, 255 John the Baptist, 276 Justice (see also World: Sickness of, the Malady) Brought by Bahá'u'lláh, 29, 80 Enjoined, 87, 148-9, 160, 213-4, 280-1, 302 In judgment, 17, 87 In Rulers, 6, 7, 8, 10, 23, 24, 27, 30, 75-6, 149 In the United Kingdom, 280-1 International (see also World Unity), 11 Reward and Punishment, 75, 150, 157, 159, 297 Station of, 75-6, 109, 149, 150, 299 True Justice, 80, 122-4, 139, 291 Kings and Rulers (see also Ethical Teachings: Obedience to those in Authority) Burden of kingship, 28 Called to help Bahá'u'lláh, 7, 8, 13, 15, 16, 19 Failure to help Bahá'u'lláh, 6 Good Government (see also Justice) Care for the poor, 8, 11, 16, 24 Care in delegating authority, 16, 22-4, 157-8 Moderation, 23, 77 Taxation, 7, 11 Safeguarding rights of subjects, 6, 8, 23 Various behests, 10, 23, 24, 160 Reward for obedience or help to Bahá'u'lláh, 9, 13, 16-17, 18, 22, 27-8 Station of kingship, 4, 24-5, 27, 75, 157, 160, 162, 204 Station of kings who aid the Cause, 4, 20, 86 Transitoriness of their earthly station, 6, 12, 15, 18, 20-1 True glory of, 5, 8-9 Warnings to, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29-30 Knowledge (see also God: Knowledge of; Man: Limits to knowledge of; Science) Idle Fancies Bahá'u'lláh frees men from, 80 Blot them from heart, 36, 73, 75, 96, 97, 114, 120, 122, 134, 139 Lead to rejection of Manifestations, 6, 53, 54, 103, 108, 145 Sap belief in God, 101 Insufficiency of learning, 32, 39, 51-2, 97, 120, 121, 129, 148, 266 Object of, 31-2, 52 Source of, 51, 52, 139, 150 Station of, 150-1, 155, 221, 300 The learned, 93, 162 True knowledge Guidance by God, 93, 99, 102, 114, 118, 119, 124 Search needed, 6, 38-9, 58, 101, 102-3, 119-20, 128, 287, 289 Spiritual Poverty, 131, 132, 134-6, 138 The Way of God, 6, 35, 97-101, 110, 111, 117-37, 148, 153-4 Through study of self, 61, 103, 117, 120, 122-3, 139, 147, 166 Union (see also God: Presence of) 35, 99-101, 104, 112, 113, 120, 121, 122, 124, 125, 127-8, 136, 144, 203-4 Truth, Independent Investigation of, 33, 109, 119, 149, 209, 238, 243, 289 Truth is one though appearances differ, 287, 288, 292 Wisdom, 17, 76, 86, 97, 116, 135, 321 Language, Universal (see World Unity) Leadership, Condemnation of desire for, 33, 189 Liberty, 59, 77, 80, 82, 85, 132, 212, 214-15, 286 Life after Death (see Man) Love (see also Ethical Teachings) Can be a veil, 97-8, 124 Fire of, 81, 120-2, 130, 135 Four kinds of, 129 Nature of, 138, 217 Return good for evil, 123, 283, 284, 298, 313-14 Show love, kindness, 91-2, 98, 109, 148, 282-3, 308, 313 Shown by deeds, 284, 301-2 The sign of, 111, 120-1 Maids of Heaven, 71, 104, 107, 144 Man Deeds of Effect if righteous, 79, 81 Man must bring forth fruit, 14, 113, 115, 116, 139, 301-2 Differing stations of, 72, 126-7 Evolution, 259-61 Everlasting life, 93, 100, 114, 115, 122, 145, 269, 288 Hearing, 66, 67, 96, 99, 111, 125, 127-8, 133, 161-2 Heart of Animated by Knowledge of God, 91 Blindness of, 38, 103, 108 Gift from God, 66 Preserve of Bahá'u'lláh, 4, 86, 89, 162, 232 Radiance of, 93, 101, 102, 109, 110, 234, 305 Sanctuary of Love of God, 97, 102, 307 Seat for revelation of His glory, 89, 111, 119, 127 Secrets of, are not hidden, 115 Set on fire by remembrance of God, 79 Subdued by wisdom and utterance, 17, 80, 83, 88-9 Subdued by Fear of God, 90 Hour of Death, 72-3, 98 Life after Death Arguments and evidence for its reality, 69-70, 71-2, 133-4, 275 Divine Judgement, 24, 110, 114 Pure souls after death, 64, 69, 70-1, 72-3, 104, 110-11, 114 State and progress in next world, 70-2, 278-9 Those dying as children, 276 Wayward souls after death, 72-3, 278-9 Limits to knowledge (see also God: Unity of, Essence Unknowable) 41, 67-8, 105, 112 Mind of (see also Rational Faculty below), 221-3, 227-30, 232, 263 Purpose of life on earth, 78, 114, 148, 201, 261 Rational Faculty, 67-8, 133, 221-2, 233, 261-4 Senses of, 66, 67, 220-1 Sleep and Dreams, 63, 65, 68, 133-4, 221 Spirit of Faith, 263 Soul of Has choice of two paths, 63, 264 Nature of, 63-5, 69, 99, 101, 221-4, 229-30, 233 Relation to body, 64-5, 221, 261-3, 274-5 Station of Comparison with animals, 200-1, 211, 213, 294 Cannot become Manifestation of God, 278 Exaltation of, 35, 36, 40, 78, 80, 93, 96, 111, 160, 161 Place in creation, 61-2, 63, 96, 222-4, 230, 232-3, 234, 262, 286 Recipient of attributes of God, 14, 61, 103, 117, 130, 134, 232-3 Understanding of, 66-7, 138, 148, 221, 223, 227, 230 Vision, 66, 67, 96, 99, 111, 120, 125, 133, 148, 161-2 Will of, 223, 264 Manifestations of God (see also the individual Manifestations of God; Religion) As nothing before God, 40, 41, 48 Holy Spirit Breath of, 191, 202, 213, 239, 252 Power of, 265-7, 270-1, 292, 306 Human Station, 46-8, 55, 265 Intermediaries Channels for Divine Grace, 40, 44, 45, 122 Convey the Will of God, 43, 49 "He doeth whatsoever He willeth" (see also God: Ordaineth what He pleaseth), 86 Mirrors of God, 44, 45, 47, 52, 233-4, 236-7, 245 Transmit knowledge of God, 44, 51, 139, 238-40 Next Manifestation, 106-8, 164, 183, 198 Oneness of Manifestations of God All embody attributes of God, 44-5, 45-8, 55, 236 Each brings a new message, 45 Intensity of revelations differ, 44, 46 Make no distinction between, 46, 49, 243 Purpose of, 71, 122, 265 Recognition of Possible for those who oppose, 52-3 Always rejected by man, 52, 238 Reasons for rejection (see also Knowledge: Idle Fancies), 52-3, 57, 86 Their flame intensified by opposition, 53 Revelation of A token of God's grace, 43-4, 45, 66 Brings new life, 41, 50, 241, 245-6 Need for gradual revelation, 49-50 Not to be judged by human standards, 53 Potency of, 50-1 Sovereignty of, 44, 57, 231 Universal, 62-3, 244-5 Mankind, Oneness of (see also Bahá'u'lláh: Revelation of, Brings Unity; Religion: Brings Unity; Unity; World Unity) All created by God, 75, 78-9, 111, 163, 209-10, 234-5, 239, 289, 290, 313 Consort with all peoples, 148, 287, 313 Diversity in Unity, 218-19, 286-7 Effects of recognition of, 234-5 God's gift to this age, 280 Illustrations (see Unity) Love for Mankind, 75, 77, 78, 80, 82, 158, 281, 282-3, 306, 308, 313 Mingling of races, 247-8 Promote interests of mankind, 10, 14, 75-6, 77, 79, 81, 82, 89-90, 93, 163, 208 Should be as one soul, 111 Show love to foreign visitors, 301-2, 313 Unity of East and West, 201-2, 281, 301 Marriage, 14, 303-4 Martyrdom (see Suffering) Materialists, 71-2, 220-1, 231 Moderation (see Ethical Teachings) Monks (see Divines) Moses, 41, 46, 53-5, 183, 236, 243, 245 Muhammad Brought unity, 203 Fulfilled Cause ofJesus, 55, 183 Oneness with other Manifestations of God, 46, 55, 198, 236 Prophesied the Báb, 183 Rejection of, 56-7 "Seal of the Prophets", 47, 49, 55-6 Sovereignty, 56-7 Station of, 117, 245 Napoleon III, 12-18, 20-1 Nasiri'd-Dín, Sháh, 26-9 Nature, 212, 213, 222-4, 227-8 Newspapers, 151 Noah, 46, 199 Pantheism (see God: Those who join partners with) Parents and Children, 278 Peace (see also World Unity) Armaments, 7, 11, 76, 213, 293 Call to, 36, 76, 163, 208, 281, 283, 292 Causes of War, 210, 280, 286-7, 290 Conditions for, 76, 79, 157, 208-9, 214, 240, 292-3 Lesser, 11 Most Great, 11, 157, 247-9, 280 Persia, 96 Peter, 184, 266 Philosophers, 220-1, 224, 230, 265-6 Plato, 220 Politics, 212, 215, 231, 291, 314 Pope, The, 29, 194 Poverty and Wealth (see also Detachment) Dangers of wealth, 111, 161 Limitation of, 23-4, 290-1, 294-7 Rich people, 87, 93, 114, 278, 297 The Poor Benefit of voluntary giving, 212, 297 Bequests for benefit of, 278 Giving to them enjoined, 87, 92-3, 98 House of Justice to care for, 159, 306 True wealth, 100, 101, 110, 132, 138-9 Prayer Effect of, 87-8, 127, 268, 304-5 For the departed, 278-9 How and when to pray, 98, 110, 115, 159, 306 Mention of God, 98, 138 Need for, 110, 304-5 Prejudice, Freedom from, 36, 210, 284, 289, 290 Pride, 4, 9, 16, 20, 33, 53, 139 Priests (see Divines) Progress, Material and Spiritual, 239-40 Progressive Revelation (see Religion: Cycles of) Psychic forces, 277 Purest Branch, The, 168 Reincarnation, 271-6 Religion (see also Manifestations of God; Science and Religion) Brings unity, 202-3, 238 Causes of religious strife, 238-9 Consort with followers of all, 81, 148 Cycles of, 41, 75, 101, 237-45 Dogma, 234, 238, 284 Faith, 75, 139, 285 Founded by the Manifestations of God, 238, 246 Must be the cause of love, 210, 289-90 Nature of, 138, 237, 284-5, 290 Need for renewal of (see also World: Sickness of), 50, 238-9 Not concerned with politics, 291 Oneness of, 10, 38, 46, 75, 213, 280 Periodically renewed, 16, 101, 240-4 Station of, 157, 160, 212-13 "Return", 46, 99, 272-3, 275-6, 288 Saints, 105, 128, 165, 264 Satan (The Evil One), 81, 139, 192, 193, 196, 306 Science Generally, 51, 154, 222-9, 248, 300 and Religion, 210, 254, 290 Ether, 225, 227 Evolution (see Man) Inventions, 50-1 Stars and Planets, 65, 253, 257 "Seal of the Prophets" (see Muhammad) Sheba, 112 Sinai, 3, 13, 16, 19, 40, 41, 53, 102, 107, 141, 155 Slaves, 9 Socrates, 220, 224 Solomon, 112, 245 Steadfastness (see also Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh; Firmness in) Attainment to, 37, 154 Consequences of, 138, 161 Do not vacillate in allegiance to the Cause, 38 Enjoined, 35, 39, 95, 98, 102, 106, 196 Station of, 64, 87, 91, 154 Strikes, 294-7 Suffering (see also 'Abdu'l-Bahá: Tribulations of; Bahá'u'lláh: Tribulations of; Cause of God: Early Believers) Comes from the material world, 267-8 Martyrdom, 35, 98, 216, 235, 308 Purpose of, 111 Should be welcomed, 84, 87, 91, 111, 171, 172, 174 Sufi Doctrines, 125, 131, 136-7 Sultán 'Abdu'l-'Azíz, 21 Táhirih (Qurratu'l-'Ayn), 199 Teaching the Cause of God (see Cause of God) Terms Defined and Explained (see also Detachment: Means to; Justice: True Justice; Religion: Nature of; Poverty and Wealth: True Wealth) Abasement, Essence of, 139 Attributes of God, 226 Blood of Christ, 254-5 Bread of the Last Supper, 254—5 Charity, Essence of, 138 "Clouds", 57, 107 Courage, source of, 138 Divine Unity, 42-3, 49 "Earth", 50 Error, Source of, 139 Eternal Fire, 285 Faith, 139, 285 Glory, Source of, 138 Good, Source of, 138 Learning, Source of, 139 "Leprosy", 58-9 Liberty, 286 Life Everlasting, 269 Light of Eternal Splendour, 286 Lord of Hosts, 203 Loss, Cause of, 139 Love, Essence of, 138 Moses's rod, white hand, serpent, 53 Nature, 223 Párán, 53 Power, Source of, 138 Presence of (Meeting with) God, 153 Reliance on God, 138 Remembrance of God, 138 Sinai, 53 Sovereignty, 286 "The Evil One," 81 "The World," 17 Understanding, Essence of, 138 Way to God, 286 Wisdom, Essence of, 138 Theosophists, 274 Transmigration, 271-6 Truth (see Knowledge) Unity (see also Cause of God: Unity in; God; Unity of; Mankind, Oneness of; World Unity) Association conducive to unity, 148 Cause of life, 217-18 Collective Centres, 201-3, 234-6, 239-40 Contention forbidden, 88, 97, 113, 162, 287, 313 Disunity Cause of removed, 81-3, 202 Causes destruction, 218 Worldly desires provoke, 39 Illustrations of Drops (waves) of one sea, 159, 205-6, 306 Flowers of one garden, 206, 218, 286-7, 306 Leaves (Blossoms, Fruits) of one tree, 75, 158, 159, 210, 282, 289 Members of one body, 39-40, 223-4, 228 Miscellaneous illustrations, 39-40, 79, 206, 306 Light of, 36, 74, 75, 79, 160, 235, 313 Station of, 75, 148 Victoria, Queen, 9-13 War (see Peace) Wealth (see Poverty and Wealth) West, Peoples of the, 96 Wilhelm I of Germany, 20 Women, 212, 291-2 World, The (see also World Unity) Its needs change, 74, 237 Sickness of Calamity inevitable, 38, 74, 77 Healing, 10, 17-18, 38, 74, 75, 77, 214, 231, 281, 293 The Malady, 10, 12, 38, 74, 75, 77, 80, 83, 156, 281 World Unity (see also Mankind: Oneness of; Peace; Unity) Collective Security, 11, 76-7, 215-16, 292-3 Enduring if based on universal love, 77 New World Order, 36, 38, 79 Old Order, 78 Peoples called to unity, 36, 74-5, 158, 162 Rulers called to unity, 7, 11, 76-7, 160, 292-3 Spiritual Aids to Unity, 10, 75-6, 77, 79, 149, 289, 291 Supreme Tribunal, 215, 247, 291, 313 The world one country, 77, 79-80, 158, 210-11, 240, 247-9, 285, 290 Universal Auxiliary Language, 76-7, 158, 212 Zion, 3, 37, 140 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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