Mr. Saichiro Fujita was the second Japanese to accept the Faith. Originally
from Yanai, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, he immigrated to the United States
when he was a teenager. While he was attending school in Oakland, California in
1905 he was taught the Faith by Mrs. Kathryn Frankland.
He received two of the Tablets quoted below from `Abdu'l-Bahá in 1906
and 1907. In 1911 he received a Tablet urging him to complete his professional
training. In 1912 Mr. Fujita had the privilege of meeting the Master and
traveling with Him in the United States. In this revised edition we have
included one more Tablet by `Abdu'l-Bahá, translated in 1913, because it
contains a prediction about Mr. Fujita.
Between 1912 and 1919 there were several communications from
`Abdu'l-Bahá urging Mr. Fujita to study various aspects of engineering
and also advising him to study flower culture. In 1919 he had completed his
studies and left for Haifa as instructed by `Abdu'l-Bahá. Mr. Fujita
served in the Holy Land until the end of his life except for the years between
1938 and 1955 which were spent in Japan.
Tablets of `Abdu'l-Bahá to Mr. Saichiro Fujita
O thou fresh plant in the garden of the Love of God!
What thou hast written was considered. It was an evidence of following in the
Pathway of Guidance, and a proof of the attraction of the heart to the Beauty
of His Majesty, God.
Consider what bounty God has manifested for thee, whence thou art and from
whence are we. Yet, nevertheless, such a candle of love is burning in the
hearts that its light is radiating from the East to the West and from the West
extending to the East.
Rest assured thy name is registered in the Book of God, and it is hoped that
thou mayest enter the Paradise of the Kingdom and find stability; to reach that
which is the cause of the progress of the world of humanity in the world and in
the Kingdom, and with perceiving eye, attentive ear, eloquent tongue and
radiant face may serve in the Vineyard of God and spread the Divine Glad
Tidings. If thou art confirmed as thou oughtest to be, thou wilt certainly
establish an eternal Kingdom. This Kingdom is greater than that of Mikado, for
the
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sovereignty of the Emperor of Japan is for numbered days, but this
sovereignty is lasting and will stand unto the Eternity of Eternities.
That sovereignty can be hidden under one handful of dust, that is when Mikado
goes beneath the handful of dust, he is entirely effaced and erased, but this
Kingdom withstands the greatest revolution of the worlds, and will stand with
perfect stability unto eternity. The former kingdom is established by the power
of the sword, burning fire, devouring, and the shedding of blood, while this
Kingdom is built upon freedom, glory, greatness and the love of God. Consider
how much difference there is between them.
(Translated by Ameen Fareed, November 10, 1906, Chicago)
O thou spiritual Youth!
Japan has made wonderful progress in material civilization, but she will
become perfect when she will also make spiritual developments and the Power of
the Kingdom become manifest in her.
One will encounter a little difficulty in the beginning of the establishment
of the Cause of God in that country, but later it will become very easy. For
the inhabitants of Japan are intelligent, sagacious, and have the power of
rapid assimilation. For the present a perfect youth like thee is favored by the
Bounty of the Kingdom, and attained to the knowledge of the Lord of the
Kingdom. Show thou forth an effort that thou mayest finish that which is
necessary in the acquisition and study of science and art; then travel thou
toward the countries of Japan; so that thou mayest hoist the Ensign of Truth,
waving upon the Apex of the Supreme Concourse. Look thou not upon thine own
capability, the Invisible Divine Confirmations are great, and the Protection
and Providence of the Beauty of Abhá is the helper and assistant. When a
drop draws help from the ocean, it is an ocean itself, and a little seed
through the outpouring of rain, the favor of the sun, and the soul-refreshing
breeze will become a tree with the utmost freshness, full of leaves, blossoms
and fruits. Therefore do not consider thy capacity and merit, but rely upon the
infinite Bounty and trust to His Highness the Almighty. Do not delay. Undertake
soon that which thou art intending.
There are prophecies concerning the Manifestation in the Buddhist books, but
they are in symbols and metaphors, and some spiritual conditions are mentioned
therein, but the leaders of religion do not understand. They think these
prophecies are material things, yet those signs are foreshadowing spiritual
occurrence.
(Revealed in Akka, May 29, 1907. Translated by Ahmad Esphahani, July 21,
1907, Washington, D.C.)
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O thou servant of God
Thy letter was received. It was an indication to the outward and inward health
and safety. Therefore it became the means of joy.
As regard to thy profession of electricity. Endeavor from every direction that
thou mayest gain perfect efficiency in it--so that I may send for thee to come
with electrical machine (automobile) and lighting plant--in order that in the
Holy Land thou mayest know how to run the electrical engines and dynamos, how
to install electrical lights through the buildings and how to fill the
batteries of the (automobile) and act (if necessary) as chauffeur. When thou
shalt learn these things then I will send for thee. Thou wilt be confirmed to
render a great service and this will become the cause of thine everlasting
glory.
(Translated by Ahmad Sohrab, May 15, 1913, Paris)
After Mr. Fujita's passing the Universal House of Justice sent out the
following cable:
Dearly-loved tireless steadfast Saichiro Fujita passed to Abhá Kingdom
after long years service sacred threshold. His rank in vanguard first Japanese
believers. His labours World Center his dedication humility sincerity love will
forever be remembered and provide shining example to rising generations
Japanese Bahá'ís who will view with pride distinction conferred
upon him. Praying Holy Shrines progress his radiant soul under loving grace his
Master and Guardian both of whom he served so well.
Chapter 3 Chapter 5