all items by Abdu'l-Bahá, details

The spiritual life postulates simplicity and contemplation combined with usefulness and well-guided activity. When we were living in Baghdad according to the custom of that country we slept on the roof

DAS.1914-03-15, SW_v07#18 p.177-178x, SW_v08#13 p.167x

Banishment to; life in Baghdad; Contemplation; Walking the spiritual path; spiritual wayfaring; the virtuous life

ABU2492

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1914-03-15

I am not saying anything, but every week I receive great news about the progress of the Cause in Persia... The Spirit of God is using these instruments in all parts of the world to create a mighty synthesis of all that which is best in the past religions

DAS.1914-03-15

Growth of the Cause; Oneness; unity of religion; Spiritual transformation; Wine as symbol of spiritual transformation; Teaching the Cause; call to teach; Wisdom [hikmat]

ABU1103

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1914-05-02

290

How cool is thy areesheh! Is this not better than the palace of the kings?... All the companions of our trips in different parts of the world have departed and only you and I are left!

DAS.1914-05-02

Autobiographical account; narrative of Abdu'l-Baha; Defending the Faith; protecting the Cause; apologetics; Growth of the Cause; Spiritual emotions and susceptibilities; Trust and reliance in God; turning to Him at all times

ABU3560

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1914-10-19

You are writing a book. I have been reading all morning these letters. They are interesting.

DAS.1914-10-19

Review of publications

ABU1515

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1914-10-23

210

America is the home of the ideals of Peace; its people are peace-loving and its democratic leaders the spreaders of the seeds of Peace.

DAS.1914-10-23, SW_v13#11 p.293

Call to action; Forces of light and darkness; integration and disintegration; Parliaments; constitutional government; Praise of Western values; culture; Universal peace; world unity

ABU0487

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1914-11-08

550

The tempest in the Atlantic ocean is very spectacular. It is a world of water.... When I was a very young child in Tihran, there was a man by the name of Abbas Quli Khan

DAS.1914-11-08

Historical episodes and the lessons of the past; Progress and the continual ascent of material civilization; Stories; anecdotes

ABU3393

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1914-11-16

What art thou writing now? Art thou not satisfied with all that thou hast written? What dost thou do with them? No matter what I say thou art ready to make a note of it. Who has ordered thee to do this?

DAS.1914-11-16

Personal instructions; Stories; anecdotes

ABU0772

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1914-11-19

380

Art thou happy with me? In thee I place my utmost trust. Because all my correspondence passes through thy hand and all my letters are read and transcribed and translated by thee, thou art the custodian of my secrets.

DAS.1914-11-19

Autobiographical account; narrative of Abdu'l-Baha; Detachment; severance; renunciation; patience; Spiritual prerequisites of teaching the Cause; Spiritual transformation; Wine as symbol of spiritual transformation; Teaching one's self first in teaching the Cause; Travels to the West by Abdu'l-Baha; Worldliness vs. other-worldliness

ABU1099

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1914-12-11

290

Only in America such brilliant ideas are born. This will be a most effective token of America's attitude in the matter of brotherhood... The axis around which the consolation of the hearts revolves is Faith in God.

DAS.1914-12-11

Consolation and comfort; God as personal vs. impersonal reality; Nationalism; love of country; Praise of Western values; culture; Sacrifice of self; mystery of sacrifice; Service to others; to the Cause of God; Spiritual emotions and susceptibilities; Unity; oneness of humanity

ABU0995

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1914-12-19

310

His Holiness Christ on account of the avocation of His disciples called them the fisher of men but the Blessed Perfection designated

DAS.1914-12-19, SW_v13#07 p.172-173

Apostles; early disciples of Christ; Serving humanity; working for progress, betterment of the world; Spiritual transformation; Wine as symbol of spiritual transformation; Steadfastness; perseverance; faithfulness; Symbolism; Symbolism of color and light; Teaching the Cause; call to teach

ABU0779

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1914-12-29

380

The friends must be the wise physicians of the world of humanity but they must be graduated from the university of the Manifestations of God. They must first master the science of the spiritual materia-medica

DAS.1914-12-29

Material and spiritual existence; two books; Purpose of religion in the world (personal and social); Spiritual foundations of true knowledge; The Holy Spirit; Being a channel for the Holy Spirit in teaching the Cause

ABU2633

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1915-01-30

This is the first German house built in Haifa by the leader of the colony, called Hirtik, who came here in 1870 with about 500 people

DAS.1915-01-30

Historical episodes and the lessons of the past

ABU1944

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1915-02-15

150

When I go to bed I lie awake for one or two hours, then I sleep well for four hours. The sleep before twilight is also very invigorating. Taki Menshadi often spoke during the hours of sleep.

DAS.1915-02-15

Composure; tranquillity; serenity; Contemplation; Stories; anecdotes

ABU0615

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1915-03-07

460

During the last two years the world has gone through a terrific earthquake. Bloodthirstiness and ferocity have become widespread.

DAS.1915-03-07

Forces of light and darkness; integration and disintegration; Material and spiritual existence; two books; Present and future calamities; war; universal convulsion; Service to others; to the Cause of God; War and peace

ABU1315

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1915-03-19

240

Ah! Thou art carrying in thy hand a rosary! With the Mohamadans it has become a habit to play with the rosary all the time.

DAS.1915-03-19

Empty learning; false spirituality; Independent investigation of truth; reality; Islamic rituals; holy days; practices; etc.; Religious rituals minimized or eliminated

ABU1165

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1915-04-15

270

While surrounded with all these innumerable sufferings and calamities my mind and spirit have been working day and night gathering brilliant pearls of new Ideals... If it is in accord with the Will of God we shall take another journey into the outside world

DAS.1915-04-15

Detachment; severance; renunciation; patience; East and West; communication between East and West; Martyrs and martyrdom; Mysteries and their discovery; the mystical vision; Mystical themes; Service to others; to the Cause of God; Teaching the Cause; call to teach; Universal peace; world unity

ABU2265

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1915-04-22

110

Wait till the end of this war. The new ideals of peace which I have nurtured in my mind will be promoted. God willing we shall take another journey

DAS.1915-04-22

Coming-of-age; maturity of mankind; Means of establishment of future civilization; Present and future expansion of arts and sciences; of technology; Universal peace; world unity

ABU1101

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1915-04-24

290

The inner, spiritual life of man is like unto this well. He must allay the thirst of the travellers on the path of Truth with the water of significances... I hope thou wilt become the boiling, gushing, flowing well of the Love of Bahá'u'lláh, irrigating the parched ground of the hearts

DAS.1915-04-24

Detachment; severance; renunciation; patience; Living waters; water of life; Love of God; Service to others; to the Cause of God; Spiritual emotions and susceptibilities; Spiritual prerequisites of teaching the Cause; Teaching the Cause; call to teach

ABU2670

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1915-05-03

Whosoever I send to America must at first gain the regenerative power of the second birth, be baptized with the water of universal ideals and be a living torch of the Fire of the Love of God

DAS.1915-05-03

Love as fire; Spiritual prerequisites of teaching the Cause; The power of words; of speech; The state of enkindlement in teaching; Words vs deeds

ABU0396

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1915-05-09

620

Persian

این چاه را بسته اند که مبادا سایرین از آبش استعمال کنند سبحان الله از مضرت بدیگران چه نتیجه

Many years ago this was a public well and the native women every morning and evening drew water. After a while the Germans made up their minds to take possession of it.

KHH1.233-234 (1.327)x

KHHE.344x, DAS.1915-05-09

Selfishness; self-love; egotism; self-indulgence; Stories; anecdotes

ABU0624

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1915-05-15

460

The Cause of God is in need of many active, efficient workers and the time is soon coming... As thou knowest it is very easy for us to teach and spread the Cause in this country but the government will rise immediately against us and the Blessed Tombs of Baha'u'llah and the Bab will be demolished by the hands of a fanatical mob

DAS.1915-05-15

Future of Haifa; of the Holy Land; Spiritual prerequisites of teaching the Cause; Teaching one's self first in teaching the Cause; Teaching the Cause; call to teach

ABU0562

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1915-05-18

490

I have sent for thee this morning to speak to thee on a confidential matter. The covenant-breakers have again concocted another device, whereby they may terminate my life

DAS.1915-05-18

Love of God; Martyrs and martyrdom; Service to others; to the Cause of God; Steadfastness; perseverance; faithfulness; Teaching the Cause; call to teach

ABU1233

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1915-05-19

260

All the Bahá'í books are being preserved in boxes and in these days I have no inclination of opening them. In former years month after month I worked from sunrise till midnight

DAS.1915-05-19

Detachment; severance; renunciation; patience; Growth of the Cause; Martyrs and martyrdom; Service to others; to the Cause of God; Teaching the Cause; call to teach

ABU1766

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1915-06-23

170

I have repeated on various occasions that the foundation of the progress of the Bahá'í Cause consists in the spread of the message... This is the time for laying the foundation and raising the walls. This is not the time to think of the interior decoration and furniture.

DAS.1915-06-23

Spiritual prerequisites of teaching the Cause; Steadfastness; perseverance; faithfulness; Teaching the Cause; call to teach

ABU1799

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1917-01-17

170

I am like a man who has lost the most priceless jewel. He is seeking here and searching

SW_v09#13 p.143

Characteristics and conduct of true believers; Power of prayer; Prayer for the spiritual progress of others; Teaching the Cause; call to teach

ABU2686

Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1918-10-19

I hope that the war may soon come to an end, so that I may again look in the faces

SW_v09#16 p.179, PN_1918 p002

Justice and mercy; Parliaments; constitutional government; Present and future calamities; war; universal convulsion; Universal peace; world unity

ABU3267

Words to Albert Vail

We do not oppose the religion of anyone. We act in accordance with the Gospel. But we must also act

SW_v13#09 p.218

Christ; Christianity; Exhortations and counsels; Independent investigation of truth; reality; Lists; enumerations of Baha'i principles; Oneness; unity of religion; Prejudice; racial prejudice; class distinction

ABU1634

Words to Albert Vail, spoken on 1919-11-19

190

The City you deem most advisable is preferred by Me... Never associate with Mrs Kirchner... Be kind to them at first. Do not be severe at first. If you find they cannot be changed, leave them to themselves.

PN_1919 p013

Avoidance of Covenant-Breakers; Covenant-breaking and Covenant-breakers; Forgiveness; a sin-covering eye; patience and forbearance; Personal instructions

ABU2255

Words to Albert Vail, spoken on 1919-11-23

110

If people ask you about your conduct (as a Bahá'í teacher), say: ‘We do not oppose the religion of any one and we act in accordance with the Gospel.

LAT.105-108

Declaration; advent of the Bab; Lists; enumerations of Baha'i principles; Methods of teaching the Cause; Prejudice; racial prejudice; class distinction; The power of words; of speech; Wisdom [hikmat]

ABU2637

Words to Albert Vail, spoken on 1919-11-23

Each one of the friends should try to guide one soul--those who are worthy--not the persons who enter the Cause and bring degradation to it; not like Fareed.

PN_1919 p013, BSTW#206

Methods of teaching the Cause; Spiritual prerequisites of teaching the Cause; Teaching the Cause; call to teach

ABU2872

Words to Albert Windust, Ramleh, 1913-10-23

...That which is the most important of all the affairs in this day is to teach the Cause of God!

SW_v04#15 p.251

Spiritual prerequisites of teaching the Cause; Spiritual transformation; Wine as symbol of spiritual transformation; Teaching one's self first in teaching the Cause; Teaching the Cause; call to teach

ABU0467

Words to Ali Kuli Khan and Florence Khan spoken in June 1906

560

That which is always the cause of inharmony and delays the progress of the Cause of God is love for leadership and self-interest. Those who cherish such tendencies

PN_1906 p052, SUR.249-250, BLO_PN#001

Humility; meekness; lowliness; Martyrs and martyrdom; Pride; vanity; laying claim to inner knowledge; Selfishness; self-love; egotism; self-indulgence; Service to others; to the Cause of God; Stories; anecdotes

ABU0777

Words to Ali Kuli Khan and Florence Khan spoken in June 1906

380

When man has faith, even the mountains of the world can not oppose him, nay, he bears every trial and calamity

PN_1906 p061, SUR.254-255, BLO_PN#001

Banishment to; life in Adrianople; Banishment to; life in Constantinople; Characteristics and conduct of true believers; Rebellion and misdeeds of Mirza Yahya; the Azalis; Steadfastness; perseverance; faithfulness; Tests and trials; sacrifice and suffering

ABU1728

Words to Ali Kuli Khan and Florence Khan, spoken on 1906-06-10

180

Virtue and excellence consist in true faith in God, not in having a small or a large appetite for food, or in similar matters. Jinab-i-Tahirih had a good appetite.

PN_1906 p020, PN_1906 p028, SUR.229, BLO_PN#001

Happiness; joyfulness; joy and sorrow; Love of God; Moderation; frugality; simplicity; Stories; anecdotes

ABU0971

Words to Ali Kuli Khan and Florence Khan, spoken on 1906-06-13

320

Intuition (or inner perception) is a power or a light by which man comprehends and perceives the realities of things without the mediumship of the outward senses.

PN_1906 p038, SUR.234, BLO_PN#001

Four methods of acquiring knowledge; Intuition; inspiration; Limits of the intellect; Mind as intermediary between soul and body; Special knowledge of the Manifestation of God; Station of the Manifestation of God; Twofold; threefold station of the Manifestation of God

ABU1568

Words to Ali Kuli Khan and Florence Khan, spoken on 1906-06-13

200

Sagacity is a power which enables one to become cognizant of the existence of a thing by means of the outward senses, or to feel the presence of a thing through certain outward signs.

PN_1906 p037, SUR.233, BLO_PN#001

Limits of the intellect; Mind as intermediary between soul and body; The mind's power of discovery

ABU1289

Words to Ali Kuli Khan and Zia Bagdadi, spoken on 1912-06-20

250

Mirza Hadi Javaheri, a very wealthy Persian Bahá'í died in Baghdad leaving a son, three daughter and a great fortune.

SW_v19#08 p.255

Autobiographical account; narrative of Abdu'l-Baha; Business; financial; property matters; Detachment; severance; renunciation; patience; Honesty; truthfulness; trustworthiness; Personal instructions

ABU0134

Words to Ali Kuli Khan spoken in June 1906

1080

This is one of the conditions of the teachers of the Truth; he must possess pure severance, so that his words may produce such an effect on the hearers

PN_1906 p055, SUR.250-253, BLO_PN#001

Characteristics and conduct of true believers; Interpretation of words and passages in scripture; Steadfastness; perseverance; faithfulness; Stories; anecdotes; Walking the spiritual path; spiritual wayfaring; the virtuous life

ABU1334

Words to Ali Kuli Khan spoken in June 1906

240

Infallibility is of two kinds; 1) Intrinsic or immediate Infallibility, 2) conferred, extrinsic or mediate Infallibility. Intrinsic or immediate Infallibility means that of God

PN_1906 p046, SUR.248, BLO_PN#001

House of Justice; Infallibility; sinlessness ['ismat]

ABU3055

Words to Ali Kuli Khan, spoken on 1906-06-09

If a man is not happy in his life, death is better than such a life. True joy comes from the tranquility of [the] heart, and this state comes from faith!

PN_1906 p019, PN_1906 p026, SUR.229-230, BLO_PN#001

Composure; tranquillity; serenity; Happiness; joyfulness; joy and sorrow; Spiritual emotions and susceptibilities

ABU2367

Words to Ali Kuli Khan, spoken on 1906-06-10

100

Paul and Peter, the Apostles, once went into one of the cities of the Greeks and engaged in teaching the Truth. In that city, there was a temple

PN_1906 p021, PN_1906 p029, SUR.230, BLO_PN#001

Early Christian persecutions; the Pharisees; Growth of the Cause; Saint Peter and Saint Paul; Teaching the Cause; call to teach; Tests and trials; sacrifice and suffering

ABU1521

Words to Ali Kuli Khan, spoken on 1906-06-11

210

We have wished it to be such. For many reasons, this incarceration is useful for me. One is that this is conducive to protection; for our enemies

PN_1906 p021, PN_1906 p030, SUR.227, BLO_PN#001

Servitude; submission to God; repentance; Suffering and imprisonment; Teaching the Cause; call to teach

ABU3188

Words to Ali Kuli Khan, spoken on 1906-06-12

In the end, all will be well and happy times will come. 'Once again a time will come as sweet as sugar.' The time will come when the procession of pilgrims of all lands will be densely extended

PN_1906 p032, SUR.228, BLO_PN#001

Predictions and prophecies; Spiritual meetings; gatherings; devotional gatherings; feasts; Unity in diversity

ABU2702

Words to Ali-Kuli Khan in 'Akka prior to 1902

A wise man when looking at an egg, sees in it the whole form of a bird; he sees the beak

SW_v07#01 p.004

Development of capacity and readiness; Evolution; human evolution; Law of cause and effect; Wisdom [hikmat]

ABU1910