Archive for May, 2015

IRFANA

Sunday, May 31st, 2015

Dear friends,

 

The following musical selection: IRFANA– لوح مریم از آثار حضرت بهاالله

 

لوح مریم از آثار حضرت بهاالله
View on www.youtube.com

 

Is a special experiential selection of diverse culture: Zoroastrian, Persian, Muhammadan, Sufic, Illuminationistic and Iranian themes… sent to us today from the Baha’i Center in Iran that is firm in the Covenant and is working in concert with myself as guardian.

 

Today is a good day for the people of planet earth!

 

Having received a full report from the friends in Iran–we have come to a pitch where we really have no other option than to personally intend to contact the Iranian government shortly with a copy of the Oath of Muhammad–to try to see if they will now recognize the Baha’is Under the Provisions of the Covenant–as Muhammad did the Christian peoples–who are loyal to the living Davidic King, as a different people from the Covenant-breakers in that Country who have been trying to overthrow the government there since the death of Shoghi Effendi and the exile of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s legally adopted aghsan-son Mason Remey, the first President (W&T, p. 15) of the true Universal House of Justice of Baha’u’llah (www.UHJ.net).

 

As there has always been a role for the true Christian peoples throughout history under the government of just Islamic rulership according to the Oath of Muhammad–I am sure that the current and future Iranian government will be relieved to see “rule by law” (i.e. the sacred Will and testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and his Treatise on Leadership) brought back into the community of the Baha’is in Iran who are pure in heart–and were only unwittingly deceived by Ruhiyyih Khanum, Hasan Balyuzi and the other Covenant-breaking “Hands.”

 

Baha’u’llah is clear in His own writings (see my letter to the Persian Siyyid: http://www.bupc.org/iran-persian-siyyid.html) that the Nation of Iran should govern itself and protect its own culture, its own traditions and its own ideas. The Revelation of Baha’u’llah is explicit that people should not be coerced to convert to other religions–including the Baha’i religion–but Baha’u’llah says expressly they should be encouraged to deepen in their own faiths and traditions of origin (and in the specific case of Iran from their own indigenous National Cultural Council) and there they will find the root and common spiritual foundations of the Oneness of the tree of Humanity.

 

This is the real meaning of diversity. Iran (formerly Persia) is a seat of ancient knowledge, intriguing metaphysics, the origin of the Magi who were the first in the universe to recognize baby Jesus, a source of wisdom, culture, and belief–that were the Covenant-breaking “Baha’is” to have their way–would be ultimately irradiated off the face of the earth. Therefore since they violated the Covenant of Baha’u’llah and the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, what choice does the government have–than to be overthrown? Even if these people are acting as deceived puppets for the “Hands”, do not the people of that nation have a right to protect their culture? When some of this issue came up in the home of Dr. Leland Jensen in the 1980s and 1990s about the treatment of the Covenant-breaking “Baha’is” in Iran–Dr. Jensen said that they were not martyrs at all–but this was in fact punishment for breaking the Covenant. Considered from the position of the just government of India, did not they have the right to bust that Covenant-breaking NSA that was a spy ring? I am sure the government of India has much more knowledge than I do about those nefarious activities of that corrupted NSA. In fact the letters I have personally received from India–from both those under the Covenant and the free Baha’is there–unaffiliated–indicated that the actual Baha’is there in India–the pure of heart–were shoved out and persecuted by that corrupt cabal of the NSA there. When the government of India stopped them–the real Baha’is–the true Believers in India were freed from this oppression. As to the real circumstance of the individual cases in Iran or Israel with the “Baha’is” there–I am uniformed–but I can assume that they may be unwitting participants in something they are unaware of–like suicide bombers in the US that play out irrational acts for mislead parties–or even righteous soldiers that join up to protect and serve their Country and then return from foreign wars with suicidal intentions because of what they did or saw there–when it became only really a matter of personal survival. What is painful for me personally is having various solutions to these problems including the solutions and assuagement for those who have trouble living with what they have done. This is NOT the Era of condemnation–but that of transformation and acceptance of the self in all its light and dark aspects. Thus Baha’u’llah letters us that through the power of God we can turn “satanic strength into heavenly power.” We stand on the precipice of this new creation of humanity every night and every day!

 

“Perplexing and difficult as this may appear, the still greater task of converting satanic strength into heavenly power is one that We have been empowered to accomplish.” (Baha’u’llah, GL, xcix)

 

I would like the damaging aspects of this transformational epoch to change. This will not happen through suppression or demonization–but through expression and apotheosis. I, for one, would like the situation to be remedied and ameliorated for all the parties concerned. The mainstream group of violators of the Covenant was tied in with the politics of the fall of Iraq, double talk and subterfuge at the UN, and the murder and hanging of Saddam. To what extent are they allied with a subterfuge to destabilize Iran? We can set that and other weighty questions aside… What we do know for a FACT–is that we and those loyal to the Covenant–are free from those aspersions! “Verily we wronged them not but they wronged themselves!” (W&T, p. 9)

 

Obviously, as I am personally of Iranian ancestry through Zoroaster–I have a personal stake in the preservation of this culture in situ–as did my late friend R. N. Frye–with preserving Iranian culture and heritage without homogenization or dilution different from what the people of Iran and the religious leadership of the majority of the people in that culture would only prefer for their own selves. This is why it is stated at the UN and by international law–the law of nations–that the nations are forbidden to meddle in the internal affairs of the other nations. The principles are certainly upheld by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in the Will and Testament and the Baha’i people are a people of law, a people of the book.

 

The preservation of culture is true of any peoples. Some are more vulnerable than others to becoming lost to assimilation.  If France doesn’t keep its national language as French, its literature, its traditions, and it cultural value systems, yet another form of pluralism and diversity will be lost to the human race. We saw what the imperialists did to the Native American cultures (and certain other indigenous societies), and we see the tensions of multiculturalism. Thus the watchword from the Baha’i perspective is “Unity in Diversity.” When we say Unity–we mean Unity in Diversity. But what do the covenant-breaking “Baha’is” mean when they say Unity: “with Divine Unity for [their] excuse deprived himself and perturbed and poisoned others.” (W&T, p. 12). Thus they have waged a war of unity against all forms of diversity including against the diversity of the living Davidic King himself as well as all the Baha’is under the provisions of the Covenant who are the free Baha’i peoples in the world today.

 

The diversity of Iran, as well as that of India, Russia, France, Britain, Scotland, the Irish, Palestinians, Israelis, Syrians, the Lebanese, and other cultures needs to be preserved in such a way that individuals of all areas and backgrounds can live with one another as a harmonious family of human kind. In other words: good fences make good neighbours!

 

“In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.” (Zech. 3:10 KJV)

 

For a long while now the Iranian people and the Iranian government have remained at one day under attack by the West in the standoff with Iraq and the Russian and US engagements in that area militarily; and then at another day allied with the US and Israel against the Afghanis and Russia when it was atheistic. Now they are allied with US against the ISIL in Iraq, but at odds with Saudis in Yemen, which has simmered down a bit now. The heroine flow into Iran is tragic. Yet now they have allowed American and Western drug aid workers there to help. Are these cultures enemies or allies? Who knows? Look away at your watch and then look back at reality and the situations are reversed again and again. In the middle of these reversals are the innocent peoples of these countries, the young, the sick, the elderly. These are the innocent victims of a lot of wasted time and effort.  If Jesus, Muhammad and Moses were all to miraculously appear on the scene armed with a myriad of solutions and benefits–they wouldn’t be crucified, or run out of town or pushed into the sea today–instead they could be sued endlessly in the Federal Courts system and be put on trial until bankrupted and simply live out their full happy lives with one another and under God ignored by a few people (1%) in control of the many, who are bent on material world rulership and control of oil.

 

Our role as spiritual people and human rights activists–is not to interfere with the internal relations of these countries and not to interfere with international relations. In the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha he states explicitly:

 

“Serve ye the sovereigns of the world with utmost truthfulness and loyalty. Show obedience unto them and be their well-wishers. Without their leave and permission do not meddle with political affairs, for disloyalty to the just sovereign is disloyalty to God Himself.” (W &T, p. 15)

 

Concerning Iran: this was the stand of Ja’far al-Saddiq and this is why he is the founder of all Sunni and Shi’a groups!

 

If we are able to negotiate a good standing in Iran–after the spirit of the Oath of Muhammad–for the Baha’is Under the Provisions of the Covenant in Iran–then we also must trust the government of Iran to know what it is doing should our group attempt to become infiltrated by spies like the government in India. The Covenant-breakers in India–and their NSA there–were riddled with political spies that were busted only a few years ago:

 

NSA Arrests: In 2006, some former employees of the temple made a complaint to the police that the trustees of the NSA had been involved in various crimes including spying, religious conversion and producing false passports. The trial judge directed the police to arrest nine specific trustees”

 

Therefore anyone professing to be a Baha’i Under the Covenant in Iran–who is actually using espionage–like the Covenant-breakers in India–will after the fact be found to have removed himself out from under the protection of the Covenant of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha by default. Baha’is who are firm in the Covenant would never even think of practicing such deceits. Our job as Baha’is of the International Community of the Covenant (ICC)–is to strengthen, deepen and preserve the diversity of these other cultures, to guide the people spiritually to fulfilling their own personal destines, and to uphold and support the stabilization of ancient cultures and traditions. Baha’u’llah is explicit in His Book of the Covenant (the Kitab-i-Ahd) that the “governments of the world have been vouchsafed unto them [the leaders of those nations] but the hearts of the people belong to God” That includes the hearts of the leadership. These people will stay in leadership power in as much as their hearts belong to God and they are established upon the seats of just government as public servants of the people. World events will pull down unjust leaders without any help from the Baha’is Under the Provisions of the Covenant. The times they are always ‘a-changin’ as the singer said.

 

Each new day calls for a new adjustment. The stability of just systems is maintained by allowing for the smooth transition to the innovations of the youth that both deepen our ancient cultures and faiths in what is right, true and good, and expand our future horizons with new green technologies, innovations and higher goals and aspirations. A house is only as strong as its foundation. The foundation is upon the firm rock that is by its very own nature conservatively preserved. While the house itself that exists above ground is in constant need of upkeep, repair, renovation, re-model, painting and adjustments. The “new” in relation to the foundation does not exist without the support of the foundation itself that is conserved. The ultimate freedoms of humanity that is liberated and liberal is the preservation of certain few and specific social agreements that should not be subject to change. These are not only of the negative precepts like “thou shalt not kill”–but the positive values such as “love your neighbor” and even the more perplexing “love your enemy” as yourself–though we don’t have to love the bad things he does to us.

 

Without a spiritual guidance of the divine wisdom traditions of the world–there simply wouldn’t be any value systems at all anywhere–for everyone would simply do what was right in his or her own eyes alone. The value systems are in fact an interlocking transaction between the individual and the group and the individuals to one another and toward themselves as well as to the personal reality of God Himself. Consider the Golden Rule that is embedded within EVERY Value System of the world: http://uhj.net/the-golden-rule.html

 

Apparently, therefore some of the leadership values war over peace. In war they can grab power for themselves, and lucre, cash and personal aggrandizement. If only they were greedy for more knowledge, more spirituality, more fellowship, more diversity, more multiculturalism: more musicality, more sciences and more arts! Greed is the desire for more. It only is misused like deadly sin when it is the desire for what is truly undesirable for the person of spiritual orientation. The desire for more education and intentional cooperation is wholly different than the genocidal desire for the destruction of every foreign people and stranger to your own self.

 

Why wish for more destruction, more damage, more self-calamities? If these are the common values, that oil is more valuable than life itself–then maybe these leaders and industrialists and bankers who value the bottom line being dollars–need to seriously re-evaluate.

 

In any event, a lot will have to be worked out–but at least we can be open to the idea of the government of Iran modifying its policy toward the people who share our peculiar Baha’i perspectives of the Baha’i community of the Aghsan line of David. In any case, we do follow the golden rule and wish for others only what we would wish for our very own selves.

 

Those who want control as their value do not simultaneously wish that others should have control too, because if the others had control then the first ones would loose it over to them. On the other hand those who value self-control and rule by law do wish self-control for others for this will allow more freedoms for them. Wishing more freedoms for others means more freedoms for ourselves, up to a point, when the freedoms of the others or the groups are then unjustly impacted. At any rate the spirit of this may be something we should all be able to agree upon as people–but the details and specifics of how that is worked out can’t be from the point of view of people who exist outside the internal affairs of other cultures and people within their own self determination and views.  Coming right down to the wire is the most difficult question of all that ‘Abdu’l-Baha raises in Some Answered Questions called the “Right Treatment of Criminals” On the philosophical side what is criminal really? It sounds simple: you might say murder is criminal and a crime. A man robs a store here in the US to get some money to feed his family and he kills someone in the process or a couple of people. He is a murderer. But George Bush kills thousands upon thousands in Gulf War I and II and when they come home they throw a ticker tape parade and hail the man as hero: mission accomplished. What is worse, killing a few or killing millions and destroying generations of families with the wounds of the killing?

 

Look at it another way: Socrates was put to death as a criminal. Jesus was crucified as a Roman Criminal for insurrection. John was beheaded for speaking against the state as a criminal. Moses had killed a man and was known as a murderer and went into exile to escape the penalty. He returned many years later claiming to have a message from God. If you were in the position of Pharaoh what would you do?

 

Now all these examples do have something basic in common. For example Socrates was deemed an enemy of the state and a threat to the value system of the ancient Greeks. However Ancient Greece is now gone. What survives from it as far as all the rest of the people are concerned is the works of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle of the school of thought of Socrates that they killed. In the end, in the long run, Socrates didn’t destroy Greek culture he preserved it! We study that culture today in order to understand the origins of our religions, philosophies, and faiths and views today because of Socrates. Plato refers to the Greek gods and to the Trojan War. So now we are forced to read Homer and a whole lot of other things if we really want to be in the know! Movies like the 300 and others now immortalize these ancient cultures, based on true history. Every one enjoys these even today. If it weren’t for the Socrates no one would care. Even if you don’t know this, those who do are still the ones promoting him to you behind the scenes! Why do we care? Because somewhere down the line we decided we are all like Socrates–we have our own views, we think, we question authority– and he is one of us. This is what has happened to Jesus, and Moses, and Muhammad as well. Muhammad wasn’t a Persian. But now he is one of us! He was not Jewish–but though Sufism and Rumi and ibn al-Arabi many Jews and Christians have embraced Muhammad today. He is one of us!

 

Why study Rome? People are interested in Jesus. The Jewish people remains a minority–yet all the people of the world are interested in their Culture and their Cabala because this is the tradition that Jesus was born to. Jesus didn’t destroy the Jewish culture–He preserved it! He is one of us! What do we want to do about it? We want to preserve the state of Israel–because preserving the state of Israel means preserving the Jewish culture, the Jewish identity, the Jewish people, and therefore preserving Jesus and Muhammad along with them. They are one of us!

 

In the Bible when the Jewish people were turned against King David and sought to kill him under the orders of King Saul–David–that means beloved–was protected by the Palestinian people. If it wasn’t for the Palestinian people there would be no King David, no Solomon nor Jesus, and no Baha’u’llah and no ‘Abdu’l-Baha because Saul would have killed David. Thus David was sheltered in the Palestinian cities and loved and welcomed by the Palestinian peoples. He is one of Us! Persevering the Palestinian peoples, their cities, their indigenous cultures, their ancient ruins, and respecting their modern beliefs as Christians, Druzes, Muslims, what have you–as governing their own affairs as an independent state–means preserving the Judaism of King David (he is of the tribe of Judah which is where the word Jew comes from), preserving the indigenous history of Jesus, the truth of the love of the prophet Muhammad, the glory of the Fatimid Caliphs, the purity of Saladin, and the history of the Knights Templar and Crusader Christians and Muslims working together for a common goal. They are all one of us!

 

No one around the world outside of Iranians was really too much interested in Iran until after the coming of the Bab and Baha’u’llah. These Twin Manifestations of God got peoples from all over the world studying and reading academic and scholarly works on abstruse subjects and spiritual traditions from Zoroastrianism to Sufi annihilation in fana and everlasting life in the eternal paradise of baqa all since after the years 1844 and 1863. The Bab and Baha’u’llah didn’t destroy Iranian/Persian culture–they have preserved it! They are one of us!

 

The attacks of the US against Vietnam allowed for Buddhism to become one of the great traditions in the US. The attacks of China on Tibet allowed for this Buddhism to be spread to American and then re-established in India and Nepal with American support and then allowed for honor and culture in the East of China and Asia. World War Two ended in cementing the ties of Japan with US and allowed for Zen, Amida, and pure-land thought, karate, judo and aikido to become a part of American and Western culture. Then corrupt industrialists sold them a bunch of defunct Nuclear Reactors to poison their waters and lands instead of recycler reactors that make no waste (produce no weapons grade plutonium) and the hotter they burn the better they work–they can’t melt down!

 

Now the war on Islam is causing a huge leap in the acceptance of the teachings of Muhammad in the West. Children are leaving their homes to fight with ISIS in the war against Assad like expatriates following Hemingway into Spain! The scientists now predict that in 30 short years Islam will be the same size population as Christianity. The world will be divided mostly in half. One-third Christian, and One-third Muslim. In the Book of Revelations it states that altogether two-thirds of all mankind will be killed in the catastrophe (see also Zech. 13:8). Maybe –if we stop and think–the first catastrophe is the catastrophe of the spiritual death most souls may suffer if they blindly join organized religions led by false leaders that have no real connection to either Jesus or Muhammad and beat their drums to war.

 

‘Abdu’l-Baha has stated that you can’t organize spirituality. Our faith is an unorganized religion. It has no doctrines, dogmas or creeds. But it is not unprincipled! In fact it has twelve of them: http://uhj.net/bahaiprinciples/bahai-12-principles.html

 

  • The Oneness of Humanity
  • Independent and Unfettered Investigation of the Truth
  • The Foundation of All Religions is One
  • Religion Must be the Source of Unity
  • Religion Must be in Accord with Science and Reason
  • The Equality of Men and Women
  • The Removal of All Prejudice: Religious, Racial, Political, etc.
  • Universal Peace Upheld by a Spiritual World Government
  • Universal Compulsory Education
  • Spiritual Solution to the Economic Problem
  • A Universal Auxiliary Language
  • Universal House of Justice with the living Davidic King as its President

 

What of Iran?

 

They have followed suit in the guidance of Baha’u’llah to form a National Religious Council. I hope that Council will be able to preserve its people from external threats while at the same time–not cannibalizing its people alive from the inside–like the Covenant-breaking “Baha’is” group that have expelled almost every intelligent and independent thinker from their ranks since the death of Shoghi Effendi in 1957– http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jrcole/bahai/1999/jssr/bhjssr.htm–or cut their heads off with swords, as in the case of Dr. Daniel Jordan after he had read a copy of The Most Mighty Document in 1982.

 

http://www.bupc.org/Most-Mighty-Document.pdf

 

Bahai Leader’s Body Found In New York . – Google News: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=19821021&id=Z5kyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=VugFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6636,4309261&hl=en

 

What of America? In the Aqdas Baha’u’llah states:

 

“Hearken ye, O Rulers of America and the Presidents of the Republics therein, unto that which the Dove is warbling on the Branch of Eternity: …Bind ye the broken with the hands of justice, and crush the oppressor who flourishes with the rod of the commandments of your Lord, the Ordained, the All-Wise.” And so for better or for worse America is now the policeman of the world…

 

Now the solutions to all our problems are very obvious! It is in the minds of our children. The little girl born in Palestine, the little boy born in Sierra Leone in Africa. The children of the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, Islanders and natives of all regions and lands including Israel and Iran the Twin Lands where Two Christs have appeared in 34 AD (as a son) and 1863 AD (as a Father seated upon David’s throne that is to last for ever (Is. 9:6-7).

 

OUR current generation sure does NOT have the solution to these problems! It doesn’t even have the good sense to stop feeding OUR children–who do have the solution–to the gnashing teeth of the fires of the Moloch of war over oil and religion and on all accounts of vile worthlessness! But if we would only exercise a little more sense–we could cease this war (the war of terror–the world civil war), and allow our children to grow up for one or two generations (a 40 years period) without the baggage and addictions we have inherited from our parents and past generations–so that these children thinking and experiencing better and different than any of us–can go to work when they are adults of a mature age, and solve these problems that we ourselves–as creatures of the half-light–continue to self perpetuate and are obviously–as the FACTS show–incapable of solving in our present states. Think about it?

 

 

Also there has been a ruling at the Trademark Board to consolidate the cases concerning cancelling the Covenant-breakers ownership of the name “Baha’i.” If you read this ruling–you will see that hopefully a pro bono attorney will miraculously come to our aid…

 

http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=92057414&pty=CAN&eno=27

 

We did–and are doing–our best…

 

Unto God I commend my soul,

 

Your servant,

Neal.

Mohammed’s Oath to the Christians (Nazarenes)

Saturday, May 30th, 2015

The_Patent_of_Mohammed

THE OATH

OF THE

PROPHET MOHAMMED

 TO THE

 FOLLOWERS OF THE NAZARENE

TRANSLATED BY

ANTON F. HADDAD

1902

PUBLISHED BY

THE BOARD OF COUNSEL

NEW YORK

THE OATH OF THE PROPHET MOHAMMED

 

As an evidence of the injustice and intolerance which has characterized the attitude of Christians toward the Great Prophet Mohammed, and to prove how unfortunate is their error in attributing hatred and cruelty to Him in His dealings with the Nazarene, I wish, for the sake of truth and Christian enlightenment, to quote Mohammed’s words, His valid oath and Covenant, concerning them.

 

This oath, entrusted by Mohammed to His Caliphs, is an expression of His Authoritative Command to them as to their attitude toward the followers of Christ throughout the whole world. The oath referred to was issued by the Prophet Mohammed to the Christian Monks of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai. A copy of it was translated into Turkish, while the original is still preserved in the treasury of the Sultan in Constantinople. This same Turkish copy was translated into Arabic by Naufal Effendi Naufal, a Christian of Tripoli, Syria; which translation is recorded in a book written by him and known as Sunnajat-ut-tarab. The oath is as follows:

 

“This is a letter that was issued by Mohammed, Ibn Abdullah, the Messenger, the Prophet, the Faithful, Who is sent to all the people as a trust on the part of God, to all His creatures, that they may have no plea against God hereafter—Verily God is The Mighty, The Wise. This letter is directed to the embracers of Islam, as a Covenant given to the followers of Nazarene in the East and West, the far and the near, the Arabs and foreigners, the known and the unknown.

 

“This letter contains the oath given unto them, and he who disobeys that which is therein will be considered a disobeyor and a transgressor to that whereunto he is commanded. He will be regarded as one who has corrupted the oath of God, disbelieved His Testament, rejected His Authority, despised His Religion, and made himself deserving of His Curse, whether he is a Sultan or any other believer of Islam.

 

“Whenever monks, devotees and pilgrims gather together, whether in a mountain or valley, or den, or frequented place, or plain, or church, or in houses of worship, Verily We are back of them and shall protect them, and their properties and their morals, by Myself, by My friends and by My assistants, for they are of My subjects and under My protection.

 

“I shall exempt them from that which may disturb them; of the burdens which are paid by others as an oath of allegiance. They must not give anything of their income but that which pleases them—they must not be offended, or disturbed, or coerced or compelled. Their judges should not be changed or prevented from accomplishing their offices, nor the monks disturbed from exercising their religious order, or the people of seclusion stopped from dwelling in their cells.

 

“No one is allowed to plunder their pilgrims, or destroy or spoil any of their churches, or houses of worship, or take any of the things contained within any of these houses and bring it to the houses of Islam. And he who takes away anything therefrom, will be one who has corrupted the oath of God, and, in truth, disobeyed His Messenger.

 

“Poll-taxes should not be put upon their judges, monks, and those whose occupation is the worship of God; nor is any other thing to be taken from them, whether it be a fine, a tax or any unjust right. Verily I shall keep their compact, wherever they may be, in the sea or on the land, in the East or West, in the North or South, for they are under My protection and the testament of My safety, against all things which they abhor.

 

“No taxes or tithes should be received from those who devote themselves to the worship of God in the mountains, or from those who cultivate the Holy Lands. No one has the right to interfere with their affairs, or bring any action against them—Verily this is for aught else and not for them; rather, in the seasons of crops, they should be given a Kadah for each Ardab of wheat (about five bushels and a half) as provision for them, and no one has the right to say to them this is too much or ask them to pay any tax.

 

“As to those who possess properties, the wealthy and merchants, the pol-tax to be taken from them must not exceed twelve Dirhams a hear per year (i.e. about 45 cents).

 

“They shall not be imposed upon by anyone to undertake a journey, or to be forced to go to war or to carry arms; for the Islams have to fight for them. Do not dispute or argue with them, but deal according to the verse recorded in the Koran, to wit; ‘Do not dispute or argue with the people of the Book but in that which is best.’ Thus they will live favored and protected from everything which may offend them by the Callers to religion (Islam), wherever they may be and in any place they may dwell.

 

“Should any Christian woman be married to a Musluman, such marriage must not take place except after her consent, and she must not be prevented from going to her church for prayer. Their churches must be honored and they must not be prevented from building churches or repairing convents.

 

“They must not be forced to carry arms or stones; but the Islams must protect them and defend them against others. It is positively incumbent upon every one of the Islam nation not to contradict or disobey this oath until the Day of Resurrection and the end of the world.”

 

This is the oath which Mohd. Ibn Abdullah gave to the Christian nation, the fulfillment and promulgation of which has been agreed upon by all the witnesses who have hitherto attached their names. It was signed by the great Assistants of Mohammed, as follows:

Ali Ibn Abi Talib

Abu Bekhr Ibn Kahafat

Omar Ibn El-Khattab

Ottman Ibn Affan

Aboul Darda

Abou Harirat

Abdullah Ibn Masood

Abbas Ibn Abdoul Mottaleb

El-Fadhl Ibn Abbas

Ezzobier Ibn El-Awam

Talhat Ibn Abdullah

Said Ibn Maath

Said Ibn Abada

Thabit Ibn Nafees

Zied Ibn Thabit

Abou Hanifa Ibn Attaba

Hashim Ibn Obied

Maazam Ibn Kariesh

El-Harith Ibn Thabit

Abdoul Azim Ibn Haasan

Abdullah Ibn Omar Ibn El-Aas

Aamir Ibn Yasir

 

    “This oath was written by the hand of Ali Ibn Abi Talib in the worship place of the Prophet on the third day of Moharram in the second year of El-Hajrih.”

The Nazarenes

Saturday, May 30th, 2015

Huwwa al-‘ajami al-farisi al-‘iraqi: “He is the American! The exiled Persian!” (Baha’u’llah, The Tablet of the Holy Mariner: Persian Section)

 

The purpose of the Covenant is not to unite the believers. The believers are already united. The function of the Covenant is to expose the Covenant-breakers–so we can separate (Hebrew: nazar literally separate) from them (W&T, p. 20)–for they are already in violation of the Covenant as materialists.

 

This is what Jesus meant in the Light Verse when he said: “And this is the judgment, that the light (baha) has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light (baha), because their deeds were evil. For every one who does evil hates the light (baha), and does not come to the light (baha), lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light (baha), that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.” (John 3:19-22, RSV)

 

The Covenant exposes the Covenant-breakers by allowing them to manifest their hate of God focused upon the innocent person of the living Davidic King in exile (exilarchs: exiled monarchs of King David). This appears in the form of Federal Court cases, personal ad hominem attacks and other stratagem and overt or subtle devices, etc. In this way all scriptures explain that God separates the believers from the unbelievers through the criteria of his Covenant: “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD” (2 Cor. 6:17, NLT)

 

“Aslan refers to Al Qaeda’s jihad against the west as ‘a cosmic war’, distinct from holy war, in which rival religious groups are engaged in an earthly battle for material goals. ‘A cosmic war is like a ritual drama in which participants act out on earth a battle they believe is actually taking place in the heavens.’ American rhetoric of ‘war on terrorism’, Aslan says, is in precise ‘cosmic dualism’ to Al Qaeda’s jihad…  Aslan’s prescription for winning the cosmic war is not to fight… ‘Throughout the Middle East, whenever moderate Islamist parties have been allowed to participate in the political process, popular support for more extremist groups has diminished.’” In all cases the goals are materialistic–they are material goals. This means dividing the spiritual people one against another and perpetuating the wars of the religions against one another. For if they admitted the existence of the heir to David’s throne all wars would cease. It is these WARS that fill their pockets for their own empowerment and aggrandizement. It is the real value and real wealth of human beings “cashed out,” so to speak, in the deaths of the lives of the people that translate into the gold that lines their pockets. And the foolish loved ones of God allow themselves to be deceived by these materialists who masquerade as the leaders of faith whom Jesus called wolves (materialists) in sheep’s clothing. So God sent them a promised one–the living descendant of King David–so that those that hate God should expose themselves in public to all the unsuspecting people–so the loved ones of God should see that they are the Covenant-breakers; so the loved ones of God can separate themselves from these materialistic self-aggrandizers–falsifying numbers of followers to gain bank loans–and be free in God to govern themselves and worship God in their own way in the true unorganized religion–for no one, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, states can organize spirituality in any way, shape or form. In the Kitab-i Ahd (Covenant of Baha’u’llah) and the sacred Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha it establishes the living David King as the center of the Covenant: “He is the “‘sign of God’” (W&T, p. 11). He is the “sign of God” against whom the Covenant-breakers fight, exposing themselves. He is the “sign of God” separating the believers from the unbelievers. He is the “sign of God” by which we can recognize the true Universal House of Justice of Baha’u’llah from fakes, frauds and imitations!

 

The word Nazarene means to separate. Jesus was a Nazarene or Nazarite (Num. 6:1-21) because they separated themselves from the corrupt politics and materialistic wars of the materialists or “unbelievers” in the spiritual reality: they were liberated from the divisiveness in his day. It is to the advantage of the materialist to masquerade as “saved” and “holy” and take up leadership positions in the churches, synagogues and mosques, and then beat the drums of war for their materialistic political allies and gain their gratuitous kickbacks.

 

Thus the Covenant exposes those who are against God so the believers in God, the pure in heart, can separate from them. As to those who are not against the living Davidic King and the work we are doing: Jesus states: “Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.”

 

Our allies are those who allow us to continue our work unhindered. Those in opposition, those who are against us personally: they are those that are the violators of the Covenant “Verily we wronged them not but they have wronged themselves.” (W&T, p. 9).

 

Huwwa al-‘ajami al-farisi al-‘iraqi: “He is the Nazarene! The Exilarch!” (Baha’u’llah, The Tablet of the Holy Mariner: Persian Section)

 

Holy Day: Ascension of Baha’u’llah. Azamat 13, 172 B.E. (5/29/2015)

Thursday, May 28th, 2015

Lawh-i Madinatu’r-Rida

(Tablet of The City of Radiance)

By

Baha’u’llah

In the name of God, the exalted, the most high.

[1] Remind his servant of God’s clemency in truth, that he might be honored thereby among the concourse of the worlds, and might give thanks to his lord at all times, insofar as God’s bounties to him and the people of the heavens and the earth have been completed. This is from a Book wherein is mentioned that which will bring the people near to the court of the holy, the manifest. It bears witness that there is no God but him and all are his servants, and all shall return to him. The likeness of those who listen to the melodies of God and follow them is: A light illumined by the radiance of God, the mighty, the All-Powerful. Likewise, gaze at the crystal that ignites fires when the sun shines on it. This is a reminder from us to those who remember. Say, O people of the earth: If you sanctify your souls and spirits, you will find them more fine than crystal, and this is an indisputable truth. And if you allow God, your creator, to shine on them, there would be reflected in them the Word of God, the help in peril, the uncreated. Then the fire of nearness would be ignited therein, whereby your physical and ethereal bodies would be illumined, as would everything that pertains to you. Thus would the torch of love be kindled in the bush of your soul, which would burn away the veils that come between you and the splendor of the divine countenance. Thus do we teach you the paths of the soul, that you might be among the mystic knowers.

[2] Say: If the odor of evanescence lingers in your heart with regard to this world and its baubles, you shall never perceive the fragrance of immortality from the coat of the holy, the radiant One. Follow, people of the earth, what God had enjoined upon you and do not differ with regard to the ordinances ordained in the Book. Then hold fast to the sure handle of God, the omnipotent, the magnificent, the All-Praised. In truth, in this tablet the dove warbles the songs of everlasting life and speaks to you from the kingdoms of the spirit. Herein is guidance and a reminder to the believers. Thus does God single out for his compassion whomever he pleases, and reveals to you from the heaven of glory mighty and wondrous fruits.

[3] Say: People of the earth, the lamp of light has been ignited within the glass of sanctity, whereby the concourse of eternal life has been illumined. Fear God, and do not veil yourselves from him. The ark of God has been fashioned by the hands of the angels of paradise. So cling to it, people of the Bayan. It is better for you than the treasures and the glorious and sparkling gems found in the earth. The sun of beauty has risen to the zenith, but you are lying in the beds of heedlessness, deprived of this grace that even the eyes of the near ones have never seen. Fear God, then set out on the paths of radiant acquiescence in the days of God, the powerful, the splendid, the All-Praised. If you do not know his paths, we shall teach them to you in truth by virtue of a letter that God revealed to me so as to complete his proof to all those who are in the realm.

[4] Know that radiant acquiescence has infinite stages. We shall instruct you in them by means of the words God makes to flow from my pen. This shall enable you to dispense with all that the ancients and moderns possess. Whoever wishes to tread the path of radiant acquiescence must be content with God, his creator, and with what he has ordained for him and written with an exalted pen in truth, and with whatever he has specified in holy and guarded tablets. He must be content with himself. But no one can attain this state until he has severed himself from all who are in the heavens and the earth, if you be among the mystic knowers. For if a human being commits the least iniquity within himself, he will not be content with himself.

[5] This is that which we have shown you in truth, so that you might be content and might ascend to the station wherein honey and poison are the same, since both are decreed by the mighty, the ordainer. Were someone to worship God from all eternity and yet abhors within himself any of the calamities and adversities that have afflicted him, his name shall not be entered in the tablets as among those who are content with the holy and radiant pen. For those who claim in themselves the love of God but who regret their tribulations in his path cannot rightly be called content. This is what we say to you in truth, that you might be steadfast in love. How can someone assert that he has the love of God in his heart and then despise what befalls him from his beloved, the mighty, the generous? Or that he is content with the friends of God in the land and is humble before the believers? For if he deems himself above the believers, it is as though he has grown haughty toward God. We take refuge in God from that, concourse of the sincere! Whoever is content with God, his lord, will be content with his servants, who have believed in him and his signs on the day whereon all who are in the heavens and the earth have swooned. For a servant’s satisfaction with God cannot be demonstrated save by his satisfaction with the friends of God, who have detached themselves from everything but God and depended on him.

[6] Await, then, the day whereon the trump shall be sounded, the dove shall warble, the gates of paradise shall be thrown open, and God shall come with a wondrous Cause. Therefore, hasten to him, people of the Bayan, and do not hesitate for less than an instant. This is the basis of radiant acquiescence. Do not differ regarding it, concourse of near ones. At that time you will discover the breezes of radiant acquiescence from the east of sanctity. You shall be overcome by yearning and you shall be transformed upon the seat of the mighty, the trustworthy. Beware, people of the Bayan, that you do not delay within yourselves. Do not veil yourselves from the beauty of God, the glorious, the All-Praised. By God, it is better for you to stand in his presence once than to possess all that is on earth and in the heavens.

[7] But you, who have asked of God, rejoice in yourself, for you have arrived at the city of radiant acquiescence and wended your way to the squares of sanctity. At this time, we bear witness to you that you have soared into the heaven of contentment. You have avoided your own regions and drawn near to the precincts of God, the mighty, the generous. You have emigrated from your homeland and journeyed unto God, until you arrived in the place that is visited by the people of the pavilions of eternity at morn and eve. Blessed are you and those like you, whom God has enabled to attain to the shore of eternity along the crimson sea. They hastened to the melodies of God from behind the veils of power. Then they made pilgrimage to the place around which circumambulate the bushes of Sinai, wherein all beings, whether among the ancients or the moderns, have removed their sandals.

[8] Then know that your love for God is God’s good-pleasure with you and your good-pleasure with him. This is the religious path that was ordained by the right hand of God’s wisdom, and it shall not change with a change of prophets, nor is it renewed by the advent of a new messenger. Rather, all enjoin this upon the people, and it is a trust of God deposited in the hearts of the sincere. This is what suffices you above all else. Whoever attains this flowing spring shall never forsake an iota of the Book, and shall only be pleased with what God desires for him. Thus do we set forth for you the verses in truth, so that you might attain certitude. After you revive your spirit by means of the warbling of the dove and renew the temple of your soul with the robe of immortality, then return to the house of God in your own land and spread the glad tidings from us among those who rejoice in the gladness of the spirit. Remind them of the verses of God and be as the breezes of spring to the people of your homeland, whereby they may renew their souls and spirits. This is what we command you in truth if you are among those who hear. You shall never be capable of this unless you turn toward God with your entire being and unless you reject all that is in the hands of the people.

[9] Once you have renewed yourself then you will be able to renew the people. This is what the dove counsels you in truth, so that you might be among the reformers who have been encompassed by the guidance of God, who have tasted the sweetness of love and drunk from the springs that flow from the direction of a mighty throne.

[10] Then remind for us all those who believe in God and his verses in your land, as well as those who have emigrated unto God and entered into the precincts of God, the glorious, the noble. Among them is K, who has surpassed all others in virtue, and whom we are at this time mentioning in the book as among the myriad of saints. Also among them is Q, who emigrated toward God in his days and was among the devout. They include H, who emigrated and then returned with our permission, who was immersed in the ocean of love. R heard the melodies of the dove and entered under the shadow of God, the mighty, the knowing. Among them are they who emigrated and returned, but whose names we have not mentioned, all of whom have attained a high station with regard to virtue, which none among the creation can comprehend. God will manifest to them the fruits of their deeds and they shall soar with sapphire wings into the garden of the holy, the generous. Some made the journey with their hearts, and their names were inscribed by the pen of power upon glorious and inaccessible tablets. The doors of paradise shall be thrown open before their faces, and they shall enter therein by virtue of our peace and compassion, where they shall reside. By God, were he to manifest to the people of the heavens and the earth an incalculably small portion of what he has decreed for those who journeyed and emigrated unto God, all would be led to the wondrous and sacred shore. But all have been veiled as a result of what they have committed in the days of God, and they were another, evil people.

[11] Say: Concourse of believers, be patient at what has befallen you and be not anxious concerning the harm and suffering that have afflicted you. He shall bestow full recompense upon the long-suffering. The world and its people shall pass away, and all shall return to their abode in the fire, nor is there any escape for them from the vengeance of the lord, the conquering, the subduing, the mighty, the omnipotent. Say: People of the earth, do you not see the transformations occurring in the land, and the changes the earth is undergoing, such that no second goes by without most affairs therein suffering an alteration? Therefore, what sign reassures your hearts and souls? Woe unto you! Upon what basis have you acted in this vain life? For you have advanced toward your base selves, and turned away from the one who created you, nourished you, and showed greater compassion to you than has any other. Say: By God, you are only as a wayfarer resting in the shade of a tree. But that shade is of necessity ephemeral, and you must not repose your confidence in it or in anything that will pass away. Put your trust in what does not perish, in what endures in the immortality of God, the everlasting, the eternal, the glorious. Have you found that your mornings are like your evenings, or that your youth is like your old age? All this is a reminder to you, Muslims. The contradictions apparent in all things were only ordained to remind you of the impermanence of your selves, so that you might become aware of it and not be obdurate. Hold fast instead to the cord of God, then firmly grasp the firm handle of the Bayan. This is what was writ for you by the finger of the glorious, the true. Thus have we taught you the gems of knowledge, acquainted you with the wonders of wisdom, spoken to you of the realities of mystical insight, and shown you the paths of paradise – so that thereby your hearts and the hearts of the mystic knowers might be reassured.

[12] Praise be to the lord of the worlds, and mercy be upon you, followers of the Bayan. Behold, I desire to sever myself from all names, and to call out to my lord with the melodies that enthrall the hearts of the unitarians. Praise be to you, O God, my God. Send to your lovers what will refresh their hearts and calm their souls, so that they might make mention of you aloud just as they make mention of you in their hearts. That is within your power, which encompasses both the easy and the hard. My beloved, raise the standards of your triumph and victory above the people of your kingdom, that they might gather together in the shade of your loving-kindness. These are the scattered, who have dispersed through your lands, and shall never find for themselves a refuge save with you, or a sanctuary other than you, or an asylum except for you. Then gather them beneath the shadow of the tree of your loving-kindness and honor them with your grace, and verily you are the most generous of the generous.

[13] You know, my beloved, what your enemies have done to your friends, such that they usurped from them everything you had bestowed upon them by your munificence and inflicted on them that of which no ear had ever heard. In every land their blood was shed, and on every pyre their bodies were cremated. How many a little one was left with no elder, how many a mother wailed for her son, and how many a son wept for his father. You have reckoned all of that, and were witness to it. In truth, my God, you witness and see how tyranny has encompassed your earth and your countries such that the traits of justice will not be visible to anyone. All have followed the demons, and affairs have nearly reached the point where your name and attributes have been lifted from the earth. All have adopted a deity for themselves other than you. You are, concerning all this, knowing, informed. The darkness of heedlessness has encompassed all the people of your earth, such that were any of your servants to mention your name, they would ridicule him. My heart, and the breasts of the unitarians, have burned at this. By your glory, my beloved, I shall never find any of your servants following your path, nor shall I ever perceive from them the fragrance of your love. All have adopted this world for themselves as a protector, save for those who returned to you and were among the returnees.

[14] Every day I associate with the servants, and I see them heedless of you, such that they turn their faces toward every countenance but not toward your illumined visage, and they turn toward every city save the city of your glorious divinity. It is as though it was not you who had created them and nourished them. Thus have we found affairs to be among those idolaters. Abasement has reached the point where your friends will be unable to make mention of you, and when they wish to recite your words they will have to hide in their homes. Thus have the hearts of the lovers been filled with sorrow. If you accept this state of affairs for yourself, O my God, then woe betide your pure ones in your land. How can they hear from your enemies what does not befit your station? Would that all of them were struck blind so as not to see it, and struck deaf so as not to hear what is inappropriate to your radiant beauty. In truth, were you to leave them in this condition, by your might, the evidences of your sovereignty would be effaced in your kingdom, the pillars of your rule in your land would be demolished, and your name and epithet would be erased throughout all creation.

[15] O my God and my beloved, do not make them wait, after matters have come to this. Rather, reveal to them what will turn them toward you. Then remove this lad who has arisen against you with his entire being, and those who followed him in his passions, so as to purify your sanctified land from those infidels. I know, O my God, that you desired this every year, but it did not occur because you changed your mind, and this is the evident truth. Then send down, O my God, your fixed decrees and effective laws, which can never be repelled by a change of mind or altered by selfish passion. Then fix all this, my beloved, upon glorious and preserved Tablets and in a holy and wise book that shall never be effaced and which shall not be subject to limitations, but rather in which matters shall be inscribed by the mighty pen of command. Then decree thereafter, my God, what is good for your servants, for in your hand is all good. In truth, you are the ruler, the judge, the knowing, the giving, the wise.

[16] How long, O my God, will you forebear toward your own enemies? By your glory, your patience has reached the point where your servants complain of the wonders of your might, rather they have become convinced it does not exist, whereas I remain certain that you are powerful over all things. In truth, you are the most powerful of the powerful.

[17] You know that my anxiety was not for myself, nor for the abasement of your lovers. Rather, I see that all have risen in opposition to you and your beauty, and have ridiculed your verses. For this reason, my breast burns, my inmost soul cries out, and my eye weeps. In truth, you know what is in my soul, and you encompass all things. Therefore, my beloved, forgive me and my offenses, which I have committed in your presence, for my very mention of you is a sin unmatched by anything in the heavens or on earth. Then forgive my parents, my loved ones, my kith and kin. In truth, you are the most merciful of the merciful. Then forgive the one who hurried unto you and arrived in your presence, and his parents. Do not seize hold of them, my beloved, for their offenses and sins. Rather, show compassion to them and show them forbearance. In truth, you are the most clement of the clement, and the most generous of the generous. This is a Book from Baha to all who are in the heavens and on earth. Praise be to God, lord of the worlds.

The Gathering Storm!

Thursday, May 28th, 2015

The Gathering Storm!

 

Dear friends,

‘Abdu’l-Baha states:

“The materialists have availed themselves of this dissension amongst the religions and are constantly attacking them, intending to uproot the tree of divine planting. Owing to strife and contention among themselves, the religions are being weakened and vanquished. If a commander is at variance with his army in the execution of military tactics, there is no doubt he will be defeated by the enemy. Today the religions are at variance; enmity, strife and recrimination prevail among them; they refuse to associate; nay, rather, if necessary they shed each other’s blood.”

Abdu’l-Baha’, The Promulgation Of Universal Peace

31 May 1912

TALK AT TOWN HALL

FANWOOD, NEW JERSEY

Read the complete talk here:

http://www.new.aspentrainer.com/bahaijustice/2015/05/15/bahai-sabbath-jamal-18-172-b-e-5152015/

 

Here we see the TRUTH that the various “religions and … sects and denominations,” ‘Abdu’l-Baha tells us, have at their root the same commander and same divine origin from God. “United we stand divided we fall.”

 

The materialists have agitated the divergence between these sects and denominations as well as between the major religions themselves such as Jews and Christians versus Islam in the international war of terror.

 

However when we look to the root and foundation of these religions, listening and hearing the real words of their divinely revealed texts, we find that the Old Testament of the Jews supports the continuation of the throne-line of King David as the point of unity in the everlasting Covenant of God sent down from Adam and Abraham through Judah and King David and Solomon through Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the present day. The New Testament of Jesus brought this “good news” (gospel means good news) of the Kingdom–Davidic–to all the peoples of the world–stating that the gentiles (people of all nations, creeds, and colors, sects and denominations) would inherit this Kingdom. The Kingship of this Kingdom being the title “Christ” that comes from the Greek word Christos literally meaning anointed one from the Hebrew word for Messiah also meaning anointed one. But anointed one of what? The anointed male-sperm descendant of King David. Thus two Christs were prophesied, one to suffer and die not seated upon David’s throne–fulfilled by Jesus–and another King-Messiah to be seated upon David’s throne and bring the Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven fulfilled in Baha’u’llah (See Hal Lindsey, The Late Great Planet Earth, Chapter Three: Two Messiahs? For more: http://www.ramsheadpress.com/messiah/ch03.html

While his conclusion is off his facts are accurate.

 

According to the scripture the Bible is not against all forms of world order. In fact the Bible supports one of them. It supports the one that has the living descendant of King David as its president. Wheresoever the throne of King David is located is known as ZION. Zion literally means the place of David’s throne. At one time Zion was located in Jerusalem. Then Nebuchadnezzar burned down Jerusalem and brought the living Davidic King and the physical throne of David into captivity in Babylon. At that time Babylon then became ZION the place of David’s throne and its spelling is changed to Babalon to equal Zion numerically. Today Mt. Zion and the throne of King David is currently located in a specific spot of the Rocky Mountains of the United Sates of America. This is the true meaning of Zionism. Political Zionism was an effort to prepare the way for the placing of the throne of King David on Mt. Carmel in Haifa, Israel. This was hijacked and co-opted with the killing of Shoghi Effendi and the exiling of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s legally adopted aghsan-son to the US where the throne of King David resides today. Mt. Zion has been depicted in prophecy, legend and mythologies as the mysterious mountain that moves throughout the world and may appear at any time in any place in any land!

 

The Kingdom of God, therefore, is not a mysterious place somewhere in outer space above the clouds and sky. No. The Kingdom of God is a real Kingdom, a government from God with laws, subjects and a king. It is the government of God ruling upon the throne of King David (Is. 9:6-7).

 

The throne of David is the seat of the international Executive branch of this government, a democratic monarchy for all the people of the world. All the nations of the world will elect an international court and this will form the legislative and judicial body for the settlement of all disputes with the Davidic King as its president. This is the settlement over the “controversy of Zion” (Is. 34:8).  In the different prophecies and traditions of the world this circle has many different names and titles: Black Elk, for example sees this as the world hoop of the nations surrounding the tree of life; Jesus told the Christians to pray for the Kingdom of God on earth; Isaiah called it the “house of the Lord” (Is. 2) that is inscribed in stone in front of the UN Building in New York City; John sees 24 thrones surrounding the throne of King David in chapter 4 of the Book of Revelation. Thus rule by law–and not might makes right–will be the new core value of justice for all peoples and colors of the world hoop–soon to occur as it is written in the twinkling of an eye we shall all be transformed! (1 Cor. 15:52)

 

In the Koran of Muhammad–Muhammad is the seal of the prophets. This means no one can appear after Muhammad to change what is sealed by God through Muhammad in the Holy Koran.

 

In the Holy Koran Muhammad seals the fact that God has appointed the throne and line of King David through Solomon as the International Executive and Universal Caliphate for all of Islam. Muhammad seals this Jewish throne-line as the successorship of God in the Covenant of the Koran. No one can change this or usurp this position, as this is the seal of the prophets through Muhammad. No prophet will ever come after Muhammad to change this, as he is the seal of the nabi. But Muhammad is not the seal of the Caliphate! The caliphate of the throne of King David is alive in the world today through the exilarchs–the exiled monarchs of King David–that have preserved the throne-line and lineage of David all down throughout history to Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha seated upon David’s throne.

 

Baha’u’llah’s father sat upon the throne of King David, his grandfather sat upon the throne of King David, his great grandfather sat upon the throne of King David all the way back to King David Himself. When Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem he took the throne of King David and the living Davidic King captive back to Babylon and threw him in prison. Later one of the successors of Nebuchadnezzar took the Davidic King out of prison and sat him back upon the throne of King David (a literal physical throne made of stone and lapis-lazuli) and set his throne above the thrones of the other Kings in captivity. Cyrus the great liberated the exiled king of David’s line (exilarch) and the exilarchs moved into Persia branching up into Southern Russia and the Ukraine. They founded schools in Iraq and held country palatial estates in the Mountains of Tabaristan called Mazindaran on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha were exiled out of Iran and Iraq (then Persia) into the Ottoman empire and imprisoned in the prison city of Akka in the Holy Land. ‘Abdu’l-Baha came to the US in 1912 and adopted an American, Charles Mason Remey (a world-famous architect from an ancient Masonic family who worked with the CIA and OSS) to be his legally adopted son and heir (and therefore an aghsan) to succeed him to the throne of King David in fulfillment of the Shiloh prophecy (Genesis 49:10) that the throne and scepter of David should pass out from between the feet and legs of Judah (reproductive organs) when Shiloh comes, that is when it comes to whom it belongs. Mason Remey then adopted his son Pepe and instructed him in writing that the throne line would again pass back to a blood-line descendant of the Jewish lineage of the exilarchs of the same family as Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Pepe then adopted a man from this Jewish family of King David of exilarchate line, myself Neal Chase, to succeed him to the throne of David. And so we come to the present hour.

 

The Covenant of Baha’u’llah and the sacred Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha (pp. 11, 14 and 15) states that the throne-line of King David is now placed as the president and irremovable “member for life” (W&T, p. 14) of the true, authentic and genuine Universal House of Justice of Baha’u’llah (www.UHJ.net) to distinguish it–the True One (W&T, p. 11)–from fakes, frauds and imitations.

 

Thus we see the truth that all three so-called Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam all point to the same leadership, same successorship, same point of unity, same commander of the Faithful–the living Davidic King. The Baha’i Faith also continues the living Davidic Kingship now entitled the Guardianship of the Baha’i Faith. Thus there is nothing foreign to convert to–but only the deepening and acceptance of your own personal religion and spirituality no matter what faith and tradition that is. But the falsities, doctrines, dogmas and creeds that do not stand up to the scientific tests and spiritual evaluations of truth and conform to the spiritual and material reality of the Divine must be removed, destroyed and done away with in order that each and every person shall see God with their own eyes and not through the eyes of their neighbor. Thus NO organized religion!

 

The troops and forces for the spiritual reality of God are the people of spirit of all religions and faith. The throne line of David is referred to in the sacred scriptures of the Taoist, Zoroastrian, Chinese, Hindu, Buddhist, Mayan, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Nordic, Scandinavian, African, Eskimo, Australian Aboriginal and Native American, various spiritual societies, esoteric organizations, and hermetic groups of the east and the west, and other traditions of all the people of the world by different names and titles.

 

Thus this is a point of unity amongst the spiritual people–the people of the light no mater what their names and numbers. It is a catalyst to awaken peoples of religion and spirituality, of all sects, groups and denominations. Only then will these materialists who are the real troublemakers and who infiltrate spiritual societies be ejected and defeated!

 

But meanwhile the people of the light remain scattered, ‘Abdu’l-Baha tells us: divided and infighting such as Jew, Christian and Muslim in ISIS, Israel, Syria, Eqypt, Libya, Gaza, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Iraq. The materialists have confused us. They have beguiled us. They have infiltrated us from the outside and usurped leadership positions. They have gained control of the PLO, of the IRA, of the CIA, of the NSA, of the properties of the UHJ; of the Mossad, MI-5 and MI-6, of the Banking industry, of The City, of the Masons, of the Templars, of the Islamic schools, of Jewish sects, of Christian Churches, of Papal authority, of Vatican City, of the military industrial complex, of the Pentagon–all after their assassination of the first guardian Shoghi Effendi and their expulsion of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s legally adopted aghsan-son, Charles Mason Remey, from the Holy Land (1957-1960).

 

Now not everyone is going to wake up immediately out of this Consensus Trance. But the point is this: If you are a Jew, a Christian, a Muslim, a Baha’i, a Buddhist, a Hindu, a Zoroastrian, of an indigenous tradition, a free spirit or something else by whatsoever other name, it does not matter–you do not have to convert to any other foreign tradition or religion! If you deepen in your own personal tradition and religion and see that the root of it already includes this throne-line of King David in the foundation of what you have inherited–and you awaken out of the consensus trance then you are in–Welcome Home to the ONENESS OF HUMANITY!

 

What we have in common is an unorganized religion. It has no doctrines, no dogmas and no creeds. But it is not unprincipled! In fact it is founded upon 12 of them. The other 11 support the first one: the ONENESS OF HUMANITY!

 

http://uhj.net/bahaiprinciples/bahai-12-principles.html

 

If you find upon taking your own personal inventory of these 12 that you are already in acceptance of these twelve, and you have no other religion or spiritual affiliation or name then you have just discovered you are a BAHA’I under the provisions of the Covenant.

 

If you find upon taking your own personal inventory of these 12 that you are already in acceptance of these twelve, and that the spirituality of your background (including the Covenant of its Revealed Sacred Texts) and true inner identity of self already traditionally indentifies and supports the Davidic Kingship mentioned in the 12th principle–if you are Christian–you have found the KINGDOM of God on earth as it is in heaven, Shambhala of Eastern traditions, the Golden Age of Humanity, the Platonic vision of Atlantis, the Aquarian Age, the Pure Land of Kensho, the Heart of Abraham, the throne mentioned in the Koran that Allah ascended on the 7th Day, Jesus’s Abode, or by whatsoever other name your language, your translation and your faith knows this by. It is that simple and that easy.

 

In realizing that you accept these 12 Principles you will not be baptized, circumcised, of have to convert to another religion. There is no organization to join. There is no card to sign. There is no money to give. The firesides are on-line free of price: http://bahaifireside.org/

 

As spiritual Muslims we should NOT follow the false caliphate of Abu-Bakr al-Baghdadi. As spiritual Christians we should NOT follow the false ministers such as Jim Baker. Both Bakers are wrong: but if they accept the living Davidic Kingship–forsake materialistic ambitions–then they can be right: “For the faith of no man can be conditioned by any one except himself” (Baha’u’llah, Iqan).

 

While al-Baghdadi may be a regional caliph elected by his own people for the area or state of Iraq it cannot be the caliphate of the Universal Caliphate named in the Holy Koran that is a father to son lineage and inheritance by appointment sealed to the line of David and Solomon ONLY for he is not of the exilarchs (exiled monarchs of King David) and al-Baghdadi is not seated upon David’s throne stipulated in the Koran by ALLAH through the immutable seal of the seal of the prophets; nor does he even claim to be for that would make him a Jew: as David is from the tribe of Judah which is where the word Jew comes from.

 

Therefore as a FATWA:

 

All spiritually oriented (not of the materialists) Muslims must universally cease and desist this wrongful fighting against the People of the Book who are especially the Christians and Jews by ORDER of the true Universal Caliphate of King David alive in the world today sealed by the seal of the prophet in the Holy Koran. Those who do not are in infidelity with this decree and therefore are spiritually dead, as Muhammad has said in the Koran–the infidels deserve death–meaning they are spiritually dead–as Jesus said let the dead bury the dead–and that in this spiritual death Muhammad said they deserve it that is, they have their own reward. Infidels are only those who are first Muslim and then lose their fidelity–but if they become faithful again this condition of spiritual death (cut off from their rays of the Holy Spirit) that Muhammad says they deserve ceases; and they then have spiritual life through the acceptance of the Covenant of the Universal Caliphate of Allah–the throne-line of King David–that is a Jew–of Judah and King David and King Solomon, and the Persian Jews of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha, etc. The People of the Book are never “infidels” because they are never Muslims in the first place and therefore they are not required to submit to the Koran (and therefore are exempt by Allah in not following it) because they are already of the Covenants with Allah (God) of the People of the other Books of God such as the Bible and the Tanak and Gospel, etc. Get it straight people.

 

The Christians–the dead in Christ–who are spiritually dead and prophesied to rise first must lay down their weapons and immediately cease and desist invading the Islamic foreign lands. Jesus judges otherwise against them: “Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’ Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent’” (John 6:28-29, NIV). Muslims and Christians must respect the rights of the nation of Israel of the Jewish people. Jews must cease and desist the infighting and allow a better formation of the Palestinian independent state as I myself, Saddam Hussein, Yitzhak Rabin, and Yasser Arafat were working toward before the nefarious materialists assassinated my friend Rabin on the exact day and anniversary of the killing of Shoghi Effendi on November 4th and later poisoned Yasser and hanged Saddam after he had already disarmed as part of the agreement.

 

Their deaths prove that a spiritual unity of true Jewish, Christian, Islamic and Baha’i leadership is not enough! It needs to be re-enforced by a good healthy number of the people of these diverse faiths and groups (such as the diversity of the civil rights movement in the US under Dr. King with the support of Malcolm X and others) that must awaken out of the consensus trance and stop following blindly false leadership. This is the meaning of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s statement united we–we the people of spirituality and world faiths–stand, divided we fall:

 

“The materialists have availed themselves of this dissension amongst the religions and are constantly attacking them, intending to uproot the tree of divine planting. Owing to strife and contention among themselves, the religions are being weakened and vanquished. If a commander is at variance with his army in the execution of military tactics, there is no doubt he will be defeated by the enemy.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha)

 

*************************

 

Therefore why is the world a shambles? Is it because the one seated upon David’s throne is defeated by the enemy? How is he defeated by the enemy? Is it because “the materialists have availed themselves of this dissension amongst the religions” and the Davidic Kingship) that has been upon this earth for over 3000 years) have been made “at variance” with the majority of the peoples–who though spiritually oriented cannot see through fog? What does it mean? Read the prophecies for yourself…

 

Am I defeated personally? Hardly: “He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.” (Psalms 2:4 ESV)

 

And again: “My people [all people are God’s people] are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6 KJV).

 

‘Abdu’l-Baha further states:

 

“The work of the shepherd is to bring together the scattered sheep. If he disperses the united flock, he is not the shepherd.”

 

This is the truth of the real reason why I–under great personal loss and harm–was expelled (really they removed themselves as the guardian is irremovable) from the Baha’i Faith in Montana by a small insider-group of people there. I am now, and will always remain against any form of organized religion, institution, man-made outfit, human group, doctrine, creed, dogma, idea, concept, or anything whatsoever that purports to come between the people (that includes myself–for I am a person too) and God. I remain forever in support of individual personal spirituality. I am dedicated to the School of the Prophets–the Nine Manifestations of the Adamic Cycle–who are the Organic Divine Revelators manifested by God within our human world that no organization can encompass or ensnare! For these reasons I never went forth to convert others to the “Baha’i Faith” or anything else. This was anathema to those who wished to garner followers, and rule over a numbered amount of people–which meant for them the propagation of in-group out-group thinking. But in the Oneness of Humanity there is no out-group.

 

Instead I met with and worked with people of all walks of life from prisoners to presidents, cowboys to coalminers, farmers to philosophers (including farmer-philosophers, etc.), and helped them (and myself) actualize our own personal spirituality and freedoms–mainly through refuting what is vain and false–to establish the truth and gain access to our own individual worlds and realms of transcendence, accountability, and personal truths and mission in life, etc., etc., etc.

 

Of these people, some of them voluntarily asked if they could work with me personally on my various projects and programs–some of these in the name Baha’i and others in other names. Others accepted me for who I really am and welcomed me to their programs and allowed me to contribute, participate and in some cases even assist. None of this was “organized” in any real sense of the word–but it was organic–it was task force oriented–it was human rights activism–that is of a higher, deeper, natural spiritual pattern and will and purpose that is spontaneous and creative in its immediate presence.

 

Now the real work here, of the deep problem, arises when someone disagrees with this statement: “In the Oneness of Humanity there is no out-group.”

 

Then what are we to do? This is what Popper is complaining about in his book The Open Society and Its Enemies.

 

In other words what are we to do when someone–or worse some organized group–seeks to set up their own break-away group from the rest of  Humanity like the National Socialist Party, or something worse–like a false “Baha’i” sect–that uses de-humanizing tactics and labels? How can we approach that?

 

No matter what, these people still remain people and part of the Oneness of Humanity though they reject it and reject the Covenants, agreements and permissions and the Manifestations of God that God has sent. My friend says that we will always have this type of problem of human nature that will arise when two people want the same thing and the fact is that only one person can have it. Now this is really true of material things and not spiritual things. For example two people can both have knowledge of the divine. They can both enjoy a film in a theater. But if we have segregation then certain other people of color cannot share. If we have a material price set on it–then certain people with lack of funding cannot have it. To this extent we can see that there is no such thing as true material equality. For if everyone had the same amount of money each, as soon as someone spent one dollar we would have inequality.

 

Another problem: When they caught the person who shot and killed John Lennon he said that he wanted to be John Lennon. Here is a real problem. For example I am happy that Jesus is Jesus and I can accept that. When they came to crucify Peter the apostle in Antioch, he insisted that they crucify him upside down because he did not want to be exalted in the same manner of the exaltation of Jesus lifted up on the cross the way Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert (John 3:14; Num. 21:9). As mainstream “Christian” groups were hijacked and co-opted by materialists, these condemned and indemnified these other lineages of apostolic successorship of Peter, the prince of the apostles that became counter-culture and underground. Thus the upside-down cross has remained a symbol of the spiritual tradition from St. Peter from the time of Antioch down to the present day.

 

The Oneness of Humanity is really intertwined with diversity. Diversity of perspectives, talents and abilities. Beyond this remain the actual enemies of the Oneness of Humanity? Are there truly any of these really?

 

The Oneness of Humanity–like any group of creatures found in nature–a school of fish, a flock of birds, a swarm of bees, a colony of ants, has its natural and organic whole in relation to the member parts. Here we cannot deny–from the given facts a historical scientific perspective–the ultimate whole of humanity is organically activated and unified by the various appearances of the divine Manifestations of God amongst us. This is a known truth for the spiritual people–and we can lay the arguments of the materialists here aside. Those who separate away from the Manifestations of God and the Covenants they have given to succeed them–in reality separate away from Humanity–because the Manifestations of God are the inseparable organic aspect of the spiritual reality of the human beings. These Divine Educators and real teachers who are born with total knowledge activity cannot be separated from the reality of the human beings. This is why Jesus said upon the cross “Forgive them for they know not what they do”–but he did not ask for the forgiveness of Caiaphas or Annias for those two knew darn well what they were doing! “Iniquity must come but woe betide him by whom it comes!” The rest of the people were mislead by those one or two leaders of the people. Like Hitler mislead the great German people who are absolved from his crimes, even as Jesus absolved the Jews from his cross. Those who rejected Jesus’s absolution from the cross were all killed when Titus burned down Jerusalem in 70 AD. Thus no Jew–and no person alive in the world today–is descended from anyone that was to blame in the death of Jesus. Only the family of Longinus survives.

 

Therefore, today we send out this call to ourselves, and through ourselves, to all the nations and people of the world: to re-awake and re-dedicate ourselves–each to our own–true and authentic indigenous spirituality and personal religious and spiritual traditions! This is the real meaning of these words  “To thine own self be true.” An alignment of our personal wills with the universal divine will as we understand it even as Jesus said: “Not my will O Lord but Thine!” and Baha’u’llah has reiterated in alignment with the Gospel and the Koran: “He doeth whatsoever He willeth, and ordaineth that which He pleaseth.” Thus without jealousy (and free from envy) we can accept God’s primal wish for us all. His primal wish for us each individually–and personally–and as a group. His desire for the Oneness of Humanity–as it is written: “Allah created the Wish through itself, then He created the things through the Wish.” “He doeth whatsoever He willeth, and ordaineth that which He pleaseth.”

 

The people of spirit, the people of faith, the people of magic, the people of soul, the people of shen, the people of religion, the people of light–we are the forces of light that alone can roll back and prevent this terrible looming calamity before it is too late.

 

The prophecies state that one third of mankind is to be killed in one hour of thermonuclear war with every city in the US population 100,000 or more being targeted. The world has changed a lot since the 9-11–but the prophecies have not changed.

 

I worked for many years to educate the people to the Reality of The prophecies so that the negative outcomes could be reversed or avoided. The result was the 9-11, a series of lower level attacks on NYC, the Boston bombing, Benghazi, the current war of terror, and a whole list of other times. I accurately predicted the events against NYC during a 30-year period and this coming global World-Civil War that is currently pitting Muslim versus Christian: http://www.bupc.org/bupc-press-releases.html with no potential end in sight. In a few short years scientists predict over two-thirds of all the population of the world will be half Muslim and half Christian–a real polarization.

 

These predictions were not only of the time, the place, the dates, the targets, the skirmishes, the ways, and the means, the blowback and the retaliations, but the underlying motivations and reasons behind these on-going and continual problems that underscore a deep seated disturbance amongst the people in relation to core values, especially concerning: personal and culture identity and lifestyle choices.

 

In doing this I used a scientific method and approach of engaging Biblical prophecy as an alternative epistemology. This involved both cross-cultural comparative prophecy as well as a trade secret. These predictions were not made in a vacuum. I deliberately engaged eyewitnesses including sociologists and scientists, the news media, and live television appearances with the general public over a ten-year period. The purpose of this was to document the facts over a longitudinal period of time for future study and research by other professions, laymen and scientists. I am not going to get into the intimate details of this work here at this time, as some of this is still in progress and on-going, but the facts remain the facts, and the accuracy of the predictions stands up on their own, revealing the underlying power and potency of the Bible prophecy on a firm foundation of reality.

 

My greatest supporters in this work in Montana at that time was the majority of the Christian people there. They met with me and thanked me repeatedly for establishing the Bible and real spirituality of their tradition on a firm foundation. They appreciated the continual dialogue and commentary of the Prophecies in the news on the public television station. This was one of the first telecasts to be sent out on the Internet and able to be viewed internationally. Friends in the Pentagon supported this effort as well. The Christians in Montana from every church, sect and denomination open their homes, welcomed me and informed me of many things in the Christian world that I was unfamiliar with. They–like those in Colorado–were able to demonstrate a true reception of the Holy Spirit, and validate the true potency of their work and their traditions as valid from God. In Detroit I attended the worship celebration as “The Glory of God” and was welcomed with open arms. They had a full choir and simulcast radio broadcast–one of the best services I ever experienced. In San Francisco I was welcomed into the Church of St, John–accepted as “Brother Chase” by Arch-Bishop King on Filmore St.; and later in the UK I was able to be informed of this same power and alternative epistemology of God through the Islamic Revelation. I attended Friday Mosque and one of the better Madrisi dedicated to the light of God called: ilm (as in illumination). Sufis from the UK assisted me in understanding the subtleties of the Koran, when strict Sunni schools validated the preeminence of democracy as a core Muslim value. I met with Long-Standing-Bear-Chief of the Blackfoot peoples on several occasions, and an important descendant of Sitting Bull (high priest of Wovoka’s Ghost Dance: thingunawat) in Mobridge who both filled in many of the missing pieces and blanks. The Jewish scholars in New York aided and assisted me in retrieving key historical and legal source materials for the genealogy of Baha’u’llah from the records kept in the Jewish Law libraries and Yeshivas, and Iranian and Persian Siyyids helped in the translation and procurement of banned books and long forgotten texts from Iran along with assistance of R. N. Frye, Persian Scholar, Eli Rothblatt, leading authority of the Hebrew Calendar, and many others. In other words–the world I live in is the world of the Kingdom. It is an amazing multicultural spiritually diverse world of people filled with love and light. From India and China to Africa, through Europe to the Americas the spiritual forces are flowing, the creative juices are seeping in. How long I wonder until this reality that I experience every single waking moment of every single waking day of my personal life–will it be that this is represented in the mainstream media, and the majority of all people can partake and imbibe in this similar type of experience? Maybe it is all a matter of interpretation? Baha’u’llah writes “When calamity exists in the greatest degree rejoice and be exceedingly glad for these are the blessings and favors of God!” Do I live a life filled with calamities? Or is it filled with the blessings and favors of God? Baha’u’llah states: “when the swords flash go forward!” And again: “Perish that lover who discerneth between the pleasant and the poisonous in his love for his beloved!…”

 

In short: These prophecies are real, and they can be used to remedy the same problems they indicate. Very few people deal with the subject of prophecy fulfillment. It is one of the most neglected studies in the world. Most ministers for example will entirely avoid the Book of Revelation. It is simply too difficult and too abstruse. I have over 30 years of professional experience in this field. This is real. This is true. It is now.

 

The Christians of Russia, France, England and the US can arise to save the day as it is written the “dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thess. 4:16). The Jews and Muslims–brothers and sisters of the Holy Spirit (Ruach Ha-Kodesh)–are already on board with this! Our school is established in the four continents of the North, East, South and West. Therefore the time is ripe now and the foundations are complete!

 

“He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” (Matthew 12:30, NAS)

 

I remain yours,

 

Your servant,

 

Neal.

Abdu’l-Baha’ on War & Peace

Monday, May 25th, 2015

Although I felt indisposed this afternoon, yet because I attach great importance to this assembly and was longing to see your faces, I have come. The expression of kindly feelings and the spirit of hospitality manifested by the former speakers are most grateful. I am thankful for the susceptibilities of your hearts, for it is an evidence that your greatest desire is the establishment of international peace. You are lovers of the oneness of humanity, seekers after the good pleasure of the Lord, investigators of the foundations of the divine religions.
Today there is no greater glory for man than that of service in the cause of the Most Great Peace. Peace is light, whereas war is darkness. Peace is life; war is death. Peace is guidance; war is error. Peace is the foundation of God; war is a satanic institution. Peace is the illumination of the world of humanity; war is the destroyer of human foundations. When we consider outcomes in the world of existence, we find that peace and fellowship are factors of upbuilding and betterment, whereas war and strife are the causes of destruction and disintegration. All created things are expressions of the affinity and cohesion of elementary substances, and nonexistence is the absence of their attraction and agreement. Various elements unite harmoniously in composition, but when these elements become discordant, repelling each other, decomposition and nonexistence result. Everything partakes of this nature and is subject to this principle, for the creative foundation in all its degrees and kingdoms is an expression or outcome of love. Consider the restlessness and agitation of the human world today because of war. Peace is health and construction; war is disease and dissolution. When the banner of truth is raised, peace becomes the cause of the welfare and advancement of the human world. In all cycles and ages war has been a factor of derangement and discomfort, whereas peace and brotherhood have brought security and consideration of human interests. This distinction is especially pronounced in the present world conditions, for warfare in former centuries had not attained the degree of savagery and destructiveness which now characterizes it. If two nations were at war in olden times, ten or twenty thousand would be sacrificed, but in this century the destruction of one hundred thousand lives in a day is quite possible. So perfected has the science of killing become and so efficient the means and instruments of its accomplishment that a whole nation can be obliterated in a short time. Therefore, comparison with the methods and results of ancient warfare is out of the question.
According to an intrinsic law all phenomena of being attain to a summit and degree of consummation, after which a new order and condition is established. As the instruments and science of war have reached the degree of thoroughness and proficiency, it is hoped that the transformation of the human world is at hand and that in the coming centuries all the energies and inventions of man will be utilized in promoting the interests of peace and brotherhood. Therefore, may this esteemed and worthy society for the establishment of international peace be confirmed in its sincere intentions and empowered by God. Then will it hasten the time when the banner of universal agreement will be raised and international welfare will be proclaimed and consummated so that the darkness which now encompasses the world shall pass away.
Sixty years ago Bahá’u’lláh was in Persia. Seventy years ago the Báb appeared there. These two Blessed Souls devoted Their lives to the foundation of international peace and love among mankind. They strove with heart and soul to establish the teachings by which divergent people might be brought together and no strife, rancor or hatred prevail. Bahá’u’lláh, addressing all humanity, said that Adam, the parent of mankind, may be likened to the tree of nativity upon which you are the leaves and blossoms. Inasmuch as your origin was one, you must now be united and agreed; you must consort with each other in joy and fragrance. He pronounced prejudice—whether religious, racial, patriotic, political—the destroyer of the body politic. He said that man must recognize the oneness of humanity, for all in origin belong to the same household, and all are servants of the same God. Therefore, mankind must continue in the state of fellowship and love, emulating the institutions of God and turning away from satanic promptings, for the divine bestowals bring forth unity and agreement, whereas satanic leadings induce hatred and war.
This remarkable Personage was able by these principles to establish a bond of unity among the differing sects and divergent people of Persia. Those who followed His teachings, no matter from what denomination or faction they came, were conjoined by the ties of love, until now they cooperate and live together in peace and agreement. They are real brothers and sisters. No distinctions of class are observed among them, and complete harmony prevails. Daily this bond of affinity is strengthening, and their spiritual fellowship continually develops. In order to ensure the progress of mankind and to establish these principles Bahá’u’lláh suffered every ordeal and difficulty. The Báb became a martyr, and over twenty thousand men and women sacrificed their lives for their faith. Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned and subjected to severe persecutions. Finally, He was exiled from Persia to Mesopotamia; from Baghdád He was sent to Constantinople and Adrianople and from thence to the prison of ‘Akká in Syria. Through all these ordeals He strove day and night to proclaim the oneness of humanity and promulgate the message of universal peace. From the prison of ‘Akká He addressed the kings and rulers of the earth in lengthy letters, summoning them to international agreement and explicitly stating that the standard of the Most Great Peace would surely be upraised in the world.
This has come to pass. The powers of earth cannot withstand the privileges and bestowals which God has ordained for this great and glorious century. It is a need and exigency of the time. Man can withstand anything except that which is divinely intended and indicated for the age and its requirements. Now—praise be to God!—in all countries of the world, lovers of peace are to be found, and these principles are being spread among mankind, especially in this country. Praise be to God! This thought is prevailing, and souls are continually arising as defenders of the oneness of humanity, endeavoring to assist and establish international peace. There is no doubt that this wonderful democracy will be able to realize it, and the banner of international agreement will be unfurled here to spread onward and outward among all the nations of the world. I give thanks to God that I find you imbued with such susceptibilities and lofty aspirations, and I hope that you will be the means of spreading this light to all men. Thus may the Sun of Reality shine upon the East and West. The enveloping clouds shall pass away, and the heat of the divine rays will dispel the mist. The reality of man shall develop and come forth as the image of God, his Creator. The thoughts of man shall take such upward flight that former accomplishments shall appear as the play of children, for the ideas and beliefs of the past and the prejudices regarding race and religion have ever lowered and been destructive to human evolution. I am most hopeful that in this century these lofty thoughts shall be conducive to human welfare. Let this century be the sun of previous centuries, the effulgences of which shall last forever, so that in times to come they shall glorify the twentieth century, saying the twentieth century was the century of lights, the twentieth century was the century of life, the twentieth century was the century of international peace, the twentieth century was the century of divine bestowals, and the twentieth century has left traces which shall last forever.

Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation Of Universal Peace

13 May 1912
Talk at Reception by New York Peace Society
Hotel Astor, New York

 

*****

 

1 O ye esteemed ones who are pioneers among the well-wishers of the world of humanity!
The letters which ye sent during the war were not received, but a letter dated February 11th, 1916, has just come to hand, and immediately an answer is being written. Your intention deserves a thousand praises, because you are serving the world of humanity, and this is conducive to the happiness and welfare of all. This recent war has proved to the world and the people that war is destruction while universal peace is construction; war is death while peace is life; war is rapacity and bloodthirstiness while peace is beneficence and humaneness; war is an appurtenance of the world of nature while peace is of the foundation of the religion of God; war is darkness upon darkness while peace is heavenly light; war is the destroyer of the edifice of mankind while peace is the everlasting life of the world of humanity; war is like a devouring wolf while peace is like the angels of heaven; war is the struggle for existence while peace is mutual aid and co-operation among the peoples of the world and the cause of the good-pleasure of the True One in the heavenly realm.
There is not one soul whose conscience does not testify that in this day there is no more important matter in the world than that of universal peace. Every just one bears witness to this and adores that esteemed Assembly because its aim is that this darkness may be changed into light, this bloodthirstiness into kindness, this torment into bliss, this hardship into ease and this enmity and hatred into fellowship and love. Therefore, the effort of those esteemed souls is worthy of praise and commendation.
But the wise souls who are aware of the essential relationships emanating from the realities of things consider that one single matter cannot, by itself, influence the human reality as it ought and should, for until the minds of men become united, no important matter can be accomplished. At present universal peace is a matter of great importance, but unity of conscience is essential, so that the foundation of this matter may become secure, its establishment firm and its edifice strong.
Therefore Bahá’u’lláh, fifty years ago, expounded this question of universal peace at a time when He was confined in the fortress of ‘Akká and was wronged and imprisoned. He wrote about this important matter of universal peace to all the great sovereigns of the world, and established it among His friends in the orient. The horizon of the east was in utter darkness, nations displayed the utmost hatred and enmity towards each other, religions thirsted for each other’s blood, and it was darkness upon darkness. At such a time Bahá’u’lláh shone forth like the sun from the horizon of the east and illumined Persia with the lights of these teachings.
Among His teachings was the declaration of universal peace. People of different nations, religions and sects who followed Him came together to such an extent that remarkable gatherings were instituted consisting of the various nations and religions of the east. Every soul who entered these gatherings saw but one nation, one teaching, one pathway, one order, for the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh were not limited to the establishment of universal peace. They embraced many teachings which supplemented and supported that of universal peace.
Among these teachings was the independent investigation of reality so that the world of humanity may be saved from the darkness of imitation and attain to the truth; may tear off and cast away this ragged and outgrown garment of a thousand years ago and may put on the robe woven in the utmost purity and holiness in the loom of reality. As reality is one and cannot admit of multiplicity, therefore different opinions must ultimately become fused into one.
And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is the oneness of the world of humanity; that all human beings are the sheep of God and He is the kind Shepherd. This Shepherd is kind to all the sheep, because He created them all, trained them, provided for them and protected them. There is no doubt that the Shepherd is kind to all the sheep and should there be among these sheep ignorant ones, they must be educated; if there be children, they must be trained until they reach maturity; if there be sick ones, they must be cured. There must be no hatred and enmity, for as by a kind physician these ignorant, sick ones should be treated.
And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is that religion must be the cause of fellowship and love. If it becomes the cause of estrangement then it is not needed, for religion is like a remedy; if it aggravates the disease then it becomes unnecessary.
And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is that religion must be in conformity with science and reason, so that it may influence the hearts of men. The foundation must be solid and must not consist of imitations.
And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is that religious, racial, political, economic and patriotic prejudices destroy the edifice of humanity. As long as these prejudices prevail, the world of humanity will not have rest. For a period of 6,000 years history informs us about the world of humanity. During these 6,000 years the world of humanity has not been free from war, strife, murder and bloodthirstiness. In every period war has been waged in one country or another and that war was due to either religious prejudice, racial prejudice, political prejudice or patriotic prejudice. It has therefore been ascertained and proved that all prejudices are destructive of the human edifice. As long as these prejudices persist, the struggle for existence must remain dominant, and bloodthirstiness and rapacity continue. Therefore, even as was the case in the past, the world of humanity cannot be saved from the darkness of nature and cannot attain illumination except through the abandonment of prejudices and the acquisition of the morals of the Kingdom.
If this prejudice and enmity are on account of religion consider that religion should be the cause of fellowship, otherwise it is fruitless. And if this prejudice be the prejudice of nationality consider that all mankind are of one nation; all have sprung from the tree of Adam, and Adam is the root of the tree. That tree is one and all these nations are like branches, while the individuals of humanity are like leaves, blossoms and fruits thereof. Then the establishment of various nations and the consequent shedding of blood and destruction of the edifice of humanity result from human ignorance and selfish motives.
As to the patriotic prejudice, this is also due to absolute ignorance, for the surface of the earth is one native land. Every one can live in any spot on the terrestrial globe. Therefore all the world is man’s birthplace. These boundaries and outlets have been devised by man. In the creation, such boundaries and outlets were not assigned. Europe is one continent, Asia is one continent, Africa is one continent, Australia is one continent, but some of the souls, from personal motives and selfish interests, have divided each one of these continents and considered a certain part as their own country. God has set up no frontier between France and Germany; they are continuous. Yea, in the first centuries, selfish souls, for the promotion of their own interests, have assigned boundaries and outlets and have, day by day, attached more importance to these, until this led to intense enmity, bloodshed and rapacity in subsequent centuries. In the same way this will continue indefinitely, and if this conception of patriotism remains limited within a certain circle, it will be the primary cause of the world’s destruction. No wise and just person will acknowledge these imaginary distinctions. Every limited area which we call our native country we regard as our motherland, whereas the terrestrial globe is the motherland of all, and not any restricted area. In short, for a few days we live on this earth and eventually we are buried in it, it is our eternal tomb. Is it worth while that we should engage in bloodshed and tear one another to pieces for this eternal tomb? Nay, far from it, neither is God pleased with such conduct nor would any sane man approve of it.
Consider! The blessed animals engage in no patriotic quarrels. They are in the utmost fellowship with one another and live together in harmony. For example, if a dove from the east and a dove from the west, a dove from the north and a dove from the south chance to arrive, at the same time, in one spot, they immediately associate in harmony. So is it with all the blessed animals and birds. But the ferocious animals, as soon as they meet, attack and fight with each other, tear each other to pieces and it is impossible for them to live peaceably together in one spot. They are all unsociable and fierce, savage and combative fighters.
Regarding the economic prejudice, it is apparent that whenever the ties between nations become strengthened and the exchange of commodities accelerated, and any economic principle is established in one country, it will ultimately affect the other countries and universal benefits will result. Then why this prejudice?
As to the political prejudice, the policy of God must be followed and it is indisputable that the policy of God is greater than human policy. We must follow the Divine policy and that applies alike to all individuals. He treats all individuals alike: no distinction is made, and that is the foundation of the Divine Religions.
And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is the origination of one language that may be spread universally among the people. This teaching was revealed from the pen of Bahá’u’lláh in order that this universal language may eliminate misunderstandings from among mankind.
And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is the equality of women and men. The world of humanity has two wings—one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible. Not until the world of women becomes equal to the world of men in the acquisition of virtues and perfections, can success and prosperity be attained as they ought to be.
And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is voluntary sharing of one’s property with others among mankind. This voluntary sharing is greater than equality, and consists in this, that man should not prefer himself to others, but rather should sacrifice his life and property for others. But this should not be introduced by coercion so that it becomes a law and man is compelled to follow it. Nay, rather, man should voluntarily and of his own choice sacrifice his property and life for others, and spend willingly for the poor, just as is done in Persia among the Bahá’ís.
And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is man’s freedom, that through the ideal Power he should be free and emancipated from the captivity of the world of nature; for as long as man is captive to nature he is a ferocious animal, as the struggle for existence is one of the exigencies of the world of nature. This matter of the struggle for existence is the fountain-head of all calamities and is the supreme affliction.
And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is that religion is a mighty bulwark. If the edifice of religion shakes and totters, commotion and chaos will ensue and the order of things will be utterly upset, for in the world of mankind there are two safeguards that protect man from wrongdoing. One is the law which punishes the criminal; but the law prevents only the manifest crime and not the concealed sin; whereas the ideal safeguard, namely, the religion of God, prevents both the manifest and the concealed crime, trains man, educates morals, compels the adoption of virtues and is the all-inclusive power which guarantees the felicity of the world of mankind. But by religion is meant that which is ascertained by investigation and not that which is based on mere imitation, the foundations of Divine Religions and not human imitations.
And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is that although material civilization is one of the means for the progress of the world of mankind, yet until it becomes combined with Divine civilization, the desired result, which is the felicity of mankind, will not be attained. Consider! These battleships that reduce a city to ruins within the space of an hour are the result of material civilization; likewise the Krupp guns, the Mauser rifles, dynamite, submarines, torpedo boats, armed aircraft and bombers—all these weapons of war are the malignant fruits of material civilization. Had material civilization been combined with Divine civilization, these fiery weapons would never have been invented. Nay, rather, human energy would have been wholly devoted to useful inventions and would have been concentrated on praiseworthy discoveries. Material civilization is like a lamp-glass. Divine civilization is the lamp itself and the glass without the light is dark. Material civilization is like the body. No matter how infinitely graceful, elegant and beautiful it may be, it is dead. Divine civilization is like the spirit, and the body gets its life from the spirit, otherwise it becomes a corpse. It has thus been made evident that the world of mankind is in need of the breaths of the Holy Spirit. Without the spirit the world of mankind is lifeless, and without this light the world of mankind is in utter darkness. For the world of nature is an animal world. Until man is born again from the world of nature, that is to say, becomes detached from the world of nature, he is essentially an animal, and it is the teachings of God which convert this animal into a human soul.
And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is the promotion of education. Every child must be instructed in sciences as much as is necessary. If the parents are able to provide the expenses of this education, it is well, otherwise the community must provide the means for the teaching of that child.
And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh are justice and right. Until these are realized on the plane of existence, all things shall be in disorder and remain imperfect. The world of mankind is a world of oppression and cruelty, and a realm of aggression and error.
In fine, such teachings are numerous. These manifold principles, which constitute the greatest basis for the felicity of mankind and are of the bounties of the Merciful, must be added to the matter of universal peace and combined with it, so that results may accrue. Otherwise the realization of universal peace by itself in the world of mankind is difficult. As the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh are combined with universal peace, they are like a table provided with every kind of fresh and delicious food. Every soul can find, at that table of infinite bounty, that which he desires. If the question is restricted to universal peace alone, the remarkable results which are expected and desired will not be attained. The scope of universal peace must be such that all the communities and religions may find their highest wish realized in it. The teachings of Bahá’u’lláh are such that all the communities of the world, whether religious, political or ethical, ancient or modern, find in them the expression of their highest wish.
For example, the people of religions find, in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the establishment of Universal Religion—a religion that perfectly conforms with present conditions, which in reality effects the immediate cure of the incurable disease, which relieves every pain, and bestows the infallible antidote for every deadly poison. For if we wish to arrange and organize the world of mankind in accordance with the present religious imitations and thereby to establish the felicity of the world of mankind, it is impossible and impracticable—for example, the enforcement of the laws of the Torah and also of the other religions in accordance with present imitations. But the essential basis of all the Divine Religions which pertains to the virtues of the world of mankind and is the foundation of the welfare of the world of man, is found in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh in the most perfect presentation.
Similarly, with regard to the peoples who clamour for freedom: the moderate freedom which guarantees the welfare of the world of mankind and maintains and preserves the universal relationships, is found in its fullest power and extension in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

 

So with regard to political parties: that which is the greatest policy directing the world of mankind, nay, rather, the Divine policy, is found in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
Likewise with regard to the party of ‘equality’ which seeks the solution of the economic problems: until now all proposed solutions have proved impracticable except the economic proposals in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh which are practicable and cause no distress to society.
So with the other parties: when ye look deeply into this matter, ye will discover that the highest aims of those parties are found in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. These teachings constitute the all-inclusive power among all men and are practicable. But there are some teachings of the past, such as those of the Torah, which cannot be carried out at the present day. It is the same with the other religions and the tenets of the various sects and the different parties.
For example, the question of universal peace, about which Bahá’u’lláh says that the Supreme Tribunal must be established: although the League of Nations has been brought into existence, yet it is incapable of establishing universal peace. But the Supreme Tribunal which Bahá’u’lláh has described will fulfil this sacred task with the utmost might and power. And His plan is this: that the national assemblies of each country and nation—that is to say parliaments—should elect two or three persons who are the choicest men of that nation, and are well informed concerning international laws and the relations between governments and aware of the essential needs of the world of humanity in this day. The number of these representatives should be in proportion to the number of inhabitants of that country. The election of these souls who are chosen by the national assembly, that is, the parliament, must be confirmed by the upper house, the congress and the cabinet and also by the president or monarch so these persons may be the elected ones of all the nation and the government. From among these people the members of the Supreme Tribunal will be elected, and all mankind will thus have a share therein, for every one of these delegates is fully representative of his nation. When the Supreme Tribunal gives a ruling on any international question, either unanimously or by majority rule, there will no longer be any pretext for the plaintiff or ground of objection for the defendant. In case any of the governments or nations, in the execution of the irrefutable decision of the Supreme Tribunal, be negligent or dilatory, the rest of the nations will rise up against it, because all the governments and nations of the world are the supporters of this Supreme Tribunal. Consider what a firm foundation this is! But by a limited and restricted League the purpose will not be realized as it ought and should. This is the truth about the situation, which has been stated….
1. This is the first part of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s reply to a letter addressed to Him by the Executive Committee of the Central Organization for a Durable Peace. The Tablet, described by Shoghi Effendi in God Passes By as of ‘far reaching importance’, and dated December 17, 1919, was despatched to the Committee at The Hague by a special delegation.

 

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Today I wish to speak to you upon the subject of the oneness of humanity, for in this great century the most important accomplishment is the unity of mankind. Although in former centuries and times this subject received some measure of mention and consideration, it has now become the paramount issue and question in the religious and political conditions of the world. History shows that throughout the past there has been continual warfare and strife among the various nations, peoples and sects; but now—praise be to God!—in this century of illumination, hearts are inclined toward agreement and fellowship, and minds are thoughtful upon the question of the unification of mankind. There is an emanation of the universal consciousness today which clearly indicates the dawn of a great unity.
In the investigation of a subject the right method of approach is to carefully examine its premises. Therefore, we must go back to the foundation upon which human solidarity rests—namely, that all are the progeny of Adam, the creatures and servants of one God; that God is the Protector and Provider; that all are submerged in the sea of divine mercy and grace and God is loving toward all.
Humanity shares in common the intellectual and spiritual faculties of a created endowment. All are equally subject to the various exigencies of human life and are similarly occupied in acquiring the means of earthly subsistence. From the viewpoint of creation human beings stand upon the same footing in every respect, subject to the same requirements and seeking the enjoyment and comfort of earthly conditions. Therefore, the things humanity shares in common are numerous and manifest. This equal participation in the physical, intellectual and spiritual problems of human existence is a valid basis for the unification of mankind.
Consider how discord and dissension have prevailed in this great human family for thousands of years. Its members have ever been engaged in war and bloodshed. Up to the present time in history the world of humanity has neither attained nor enjoyed any measure of peace, owing to incessant conditions of hostility and strife. History is a continuous and consecutive record of warfare brought about by religious, sectarian, racial, patriotic and political causes. The world of humanity has found no rest. Mankind has always been in conflict, engaged in destroying the foundations, pillaging the properties and possessing the lands and territory of each other, especially in the earlier periods of savagery and barbarism where whole races and peoples were carried away captive by their conquerors. Who shall measure or estimate the tremendous destruction of human life resulting from this hostility and strife? What human powers and forces have been employed in the prosecution of war and applied to inhuman purposes of battle and bloodshed? In this most radiant century it has become necessary to divert these energies and utilize them in other directions, to seek the new path of fellowship and unity, to unlearn the science of war and devote supreme human forces to the blessed arts of peace. After long trial and experience we are convinced of the harmful and satanic outcomes of dissension; now we must seek after means by which the benefits of agreement and concord may be enjoyed. When such means are found, we must give them a trial.
Consider the harmful effect of discord and dissension in a family; then reflect upon the favors and blessings which descend upon that family when unity exists among its various members. What incalculable benefits and blessings would descend upon the great human family if unity and brotherhood were established! In this century when the beneficent results of unity and the ill effects of discord are so clearly apparent, the means for the attainment and accomplishment of human fellowship have appeared in the world. Bahá’u’lláh has proclaimed and provided the way by which hostility and dissension may be removed from the human world. He has left no ground or possibility for strife and disagreement.

 

First, He has proclaimed the oneness of mankind and specialized religious teachings for existing human conditions. The first form of dissension arises from religious differences. Bahá’u’lláh has given full teachings to the world which are conducive to fellowship and unity in religion. Throughout past centuries each system of religious belief has boasted of its own superiority and excellence, abasing and scorning the validity of all others. Each has proclaimed its own belief as the light and all others as darkness. Religionists have considered the world of humanity as two trees: one divine and merciful, the other satanic; they themselves the branches, leaves and fruit of the divine tree and all others who differ from them in belief the product of the tree which is satanic. Therefore, sedition and warfare, bloodshed and strife have been continuous among them. The greatest cause of human alienation has been religion because each party has considered the belief of the other as anathema and deprived of the mercy of God.
The teachings specialized in Bahá’u’lláh are addressed to humanity. He says, “Ye are all the leaves of one tree.” He does not say, “Ye are the leaves of two trees: one divine, the other satanic.” He has declared that each individual member of the human family is a leaf or branch upon the Adamic tree; that all are sheltered beneath the protecting mercy and providence of God; that all are the children of God, fruit upon the one tree of His love. God is equally compassionate and kind to all the leaves, branches and fruit of this tree. Therefore, there is no satanic tree whatever—Satan being a product of human minds and of instinctive human tendencies toward error. God alone is Creator, and all are creatures of His might. Therefore, we must love mankind as His creatures, realizing that all are growing upon the tree of His mercy, servants of His omnipotent will and manifestations of His good pleasure.

 

Even though we find a defective branch or leaf upon this tree of humanity or an imperfect blossom, it, nevertheless, belongs to this tree and not to another. Therefore, it is our duty to protect and cultivate this tree until it reaches perfection. If we examine its fruit and find it imperfect, we must strive to make it perfect. There are souls in the human world who are ignorant; we must make them knowing. Some growing upon the tree are weak and ailing; we must assist them toward health and recovery. If they are as infants in development, we must minister to them until they attain maturity. We should never detest and shun them as objectionable and unworthy. We must treat them with honor, respect and kindness; for God has created them and not Satan. They are not manifestations of the wrath of God but evidences of His divine favor. God, the Creator, has endowed them with physical, mental and spiritual qualities that they may seek to know and do His will; therefore, they are not objects of His wrath and condemnation. In brief, all humanity must be looked upon with love, kindness and respect; for what we behold in them are none other than the signs and traces of God Himself. All are evidences of God; therefore, how shall we be justified in debasing and belittling them, uttering anathema and preventing them from drawing near unto His mercy? This is ignorance and injustice, displeasing to God; for in His sight all are His servants.
Another cause of dissension and disagreement is the fact that religion has been pronounced at variance with science. Between scientists and the followers of religion there has always been controversy and strife for the reason that the latter have proclaimed religion superior in authority to science and considered scientific announcement opposed to the teachings of religion. Bahá’u’lláh declared that religion is in complete harmony with science and reason. If religious belief and doctrine is at variance with reason, it proceeds from the limited mind of man and not from God; therefore, it is unworthy of belief and not deserving of attention; the heart finds no rest in it, and real faith is impossible. How can man believe that which he knows to be opposed to reason? Is this possible? Can the heart accept that which reason denies? Reason is the first faculty of man, and the religion of God is in harmony with it. Bahá’u’lláh has removed this form of dissension and discord from among mankind and reconciled science with religion by revealing the pure teachings of the divine reality. This accomplishment is specialized to Him in this Day.
Still another cause of disagreement and dissension has been the formation of religious sects and denominations. Bahá’u’lláh said that God has sent religion for the purpose of establishing fellowship among humankind and not to create strife and discord, for all religion is founded upon the love of humanity. Abraham promulgated this principle, Moses summoned all to its recognition, Christ established it, and Muḥammad directed mankind to its standard. This is the reality of religion. If we abandon hearsay and investigate the reality and inner significance of the heavenly teachings, we will find the same divine foundation of love for humanity. The purport is that religion is intended to be the cause of unity, love and fellowship and not discord, enmity and estrangement. Man has forsaken the foundation of divine religion and adhered to blind imitations. Each nation has clung to its own imitations, and because these are at variance, warfare, bloodshed and destruction of the foundation of humanity have resulted. True religion is based upon love and agreement. Bahá’u’lláh has said, “If religion and faith are the causes of enmity and sedition, it is far better to be nonreligious, and the absence of religion would be preferable; for we desire religion to be the cause of amity and fellowship. If enmity and hatred exist, irreligion is preferable.” Therefore, the removal of this dissension has been specialized in Bahá’u’lláh, for religion is the divine remedy for human antagonism and discord. But when we make the remedy the cause of the disease, it would be better to do without the remedy.
Other sources of human dissension are political, racial and patriotic prejudices. These have been removed by Bahá’u’lláh. He has said, and has guarded His statement by rational proofs from the Holy Books, that the world of humanity is one race, the surface of the earth one place of residence and that these imaginary racial barriers and political boundaries are without right or foundation. Man is degraded in becoming the captive of his own illusions and suppositions. The earth is one earth, and the same atmosphere surrounds it. No difference or preference has been made by God for its human inhabitants; but man has laid the foundation of prejudice, hatred and discord with his fellowman by considering nationalities separate in importance and races different in rights and privileges.
Diversity of languages has been a fruitful cause of discord. The function of language is to convey the thought and purpose of one to another. Therefore, it matters not what language man speaks or employs. Sixty years ago Bahá’u’lláh advocated one language as the greatest means of unity and the basis of international conference. He wrote to the kings and rulers of the various nations, recommending that one language should be sanctioned and adopted by all governments. According to this each nation should acquire the universal language in addition to its native tongue. The world would then be in close communication, consultation would become general, and dissensions due to diversity of speech would be removed.
Another teaching of Bahá’u’lláh is in relation to universal peace: that all mankind must be awakened to and become conscious of the harm of war, that they should be brought to realize the benefits of peace and know that peace is from God while warfare is satanic. Man must emulate the merciful God and turn away from satanic promptings in order that universal inclination shall be toward peace, love and unity and the discord of war vanish.
Lack of equality between man and woman is, likewise, a cause of human dissension. Bahá’u’lláh has named this as an important factor of discord and separation, for so long as humankind remains unequally divided in right and importance between male and female, no unity can be established. In a perfect human body it is not possible for one organ to be complete and another defective. In the great body of human society it is impossible to establish unity and coordination if one part is considered perfect and the other imperfect. When the perfect functions of both parts are in operation, harmony will prevail. God has created man and woman equal as to faculties. He has made no distinction between them. Woman has not reached the level of man in human accomplishment because of the lack of opportunity and education. If educational opportunities were made equal and similar, the two parts, man and woman, would equalize in attainment. God has intended no difference between them that should be productive of discord. He has endowed all with human faculties, and all are manifestations of His mercy. If we say man and woman differ in creational endowment, it is contrary to divine justice and intention. Both are human. If God has created one perfect and the other defective, He is unjust. But God is just; all are perfect in His intention and creative endowment. To assume imperfection in the creature is to presuppose imperfection in the almighty Creator. The soul that excels in attainment of His attributes and graces is most acceptable before God.
We are considering the divine plan for the reconciliation of the religious systems of the world. Bahá’u’lláh has said that if one intelligent member be selected from each of the varying religious systems, and these representatives come together seeking to investigate the reality of religion, they would establish an interreligious body before which all disputes and differences of belief could be presented for consideration and settlement. Such questions could then be weighed and viewed from the standpoint of reality and all imitations be discarded. By this method and procedure all sects, denominations and systems would become one.
Do not question the practicability of this, and be not astonished. It has been accomplished and effected in Persia. In that country the various religionists have conjoined in investigating reality and have united in complete fellowship and love. No traces of discord or differences remain among them; now affection and unity are manifest instead. They live together in harmony and accord like a single family. Antagonism and strife have passed away; love and agreement have taken the place of hatred and animosity. Furthermore, those souls who have followed Bahá’u’lláh and attained this condition of fellowship and affiliation are Muslims, Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians, Buddhists, Nestorians, Sunnites, Shiites and others. No discord exists among them. This is a proof of the possibility of unification among the religionists of the world through practical means. Imitations and prejudices which have held men apart have been discarded, and the reality of religion envelops them in a perfect unity. When reality envelops the soul of man, love is possible. The divine purpose in religion is pure love and agreement. The Prophets of God manifested complete love for all. Each One announced the glad tidings of His successor, and each subsequent One confirmed the teachings and prophecies of the Prophet Who preceded Him. There was no disagreement or variance in the reality of Their teaching and mission. Discord has arisen among Their followers, who have lost sight of reality and hold fast to imitations. If imitations be done away with and the radiant shining reality dawn in the souls of men, love and unity must prevail. In this way humanity will be rescued from the strife and wars which have prevailed for thousands of years; dissensions will pass away and the illumination of unity dawn. Consider how all the Prophets of God were persecuted and what hardships They experienced. Jesus Christ endured affliction and accepted martyrdom upon the cross in order to summon mankind to unity and love. What sacrifice could be greater? He brought the religion of love and fellowship into the world. Shall we make use of it to create discord, violence and hatred among mankind?
Moses was persecuted and driven out into the desert, Abraham was banished, Muḥammad took refuge in caves, the Báb was killed and Bahá’u’lláh was exiled and imprisoned forty years. Yet all of Them desired fellowship and love among men. They endured hardships, suffered persecution and death for our sakes that we might be taught to love one another and be united and affiliated instead of discordant and at variance. Enough of these long centuries which have brought such vicissitudes and hardships into the world through strife and hatred. Now in this radiant century let us try to do the will of God that we may be rescued from these things of darkness and come forth into the boundless illumination of heaven, shunning division and welcoming the divine oneness of humanity. Perchance, God willing, this terrestrial world may become as a celestial mirror upon which we may behold the imprint of the traces of Divinity, and the fundamental qualities of a new creation may be reflected from the reality of love shining in human hearts. From the light and semblance of God in us may it be, indeed, proved and witnessed that God has created man after His own image and likeness.

O my God! O my God! Verily, I invoke Thee and supplicate before Thy threshold, asking Thee that all Thy mercies may descend upon these souls. Specialize them for Thy favor and Thy truth.
O Lord! Unite and bind together the hearts, join in accord all the souls, and exhilarate the spirits through the signs of Thy sanctity and oneness. O Lord! Make these faces radiant through the light of Thy oneness. Strengthen the loins of Thy servants in the service of Thy kingdom.
O Lord, Thou possessor of infinite mercy! O Lord of forgiveness and pardon! Forgive our sins, pardon our shortcomings, and cause us to turn to the kingdom of Thy clemency, invoking the kingdom of might and power, humble at Thy shrine and submissive before the glory of Thine evidences.
O Lord God! Make us as waves of the sea, as flowers of the garden, united, agreed through the bounties of Thy love. O Lord! Dilate the breasts through the signs of Thy oneness, and make all mankind as stars shining from the same height of glory, as perfect fruits growing upon Thy tree of life.
Verily, Thou art the Almighty, the Self-Subsistent, the Giver, the Forgiving, the Pardoner, the Omniscient, the One Creator.

 

Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation Of Universal Peace

14 July 1912
Talk at All Souls Unitarian Church
Fourth Avenue and Twentieth Street, New York

 

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It is a great happiness to be here this evening, especially for the reason that the members of this Association have come from the region of the Orient. For a long time I have entertained a desire to meet some of the Japanese friends. That nation has achieved extraordinary progress in a short space of time—a progress and development which have astonished the world. Inasmuch as they have advanced in material civilization, they must assuredly possess the capacity for spiritual development. For this reason, I have an excessive longing to meet them. Praise be to God! This pleasure is now afforded me, for here in this city I am face to face with a revered group of the Japanese. According to report the people of the Japanese nation are not prejudiced. They investigate reality. Wherever they find truth, they prove to be its lovers. They are not attached tenaciously to blind imitations of ancient beliefs and dogmas. Therefore, it is my great desire to discourse with them upon a subject in order that the unity and blending together of the nations of the East and the nations of the West may be furthered and accomplished. In this way religious, racial and political prejudice, partisan bias and sectarianism will be dispelled amongst men. Any kind of prejudice is destructive to the body politic.

When we review history from the beginning of human existence to the present age in which we live, it is evident all war and conflict, bloodshed and battle, every form of sedition has been due to some form of prejudice—whether religious, racial or national—to partisan bias and selfish prejudice of some sort. Even today we witness an upheaval in the Balkans, a war of religious prejudice. Some years ago when I was living in Rumelia, war broke out among the religious peoples. There was no attitude of justice or equity whatever amongst them. They pillaged the properties of each other, burning each others’ homes and houses, slaughtering men, women and children, imagining that such warfare and bloodshed was the means of drawing near to God. This clearly proved that prejudice is a destroyer of the foundations of the world of humanity, whereas religion was meant to be the cause of fellowship and agreement.

Religion must be the cause of love. Religion must be the cause of justice, for the wisdom of the Manifestations of God is directed toward the establishing of the bond of a love which is indissoluble. The bonds which hold together the body politic are not sufficient. These bonds may be mentioned—for instance, the bond of patriotism. This is evidently not a sufficient bond, for how often it happens that people of the same nation wage civil war amongst themselves. The bond of fellowship may be racial, but history proves this is not sufficiently strong, for tremendous wars have broken out between peoples of the same racial lineage. Again, the bond holding men together may be political. How often it happens that the diplomacy of nations makes a treaty of peace one day and on the morrow a declaration of war! It is historically evident and manifest that these bonds are not self-sufficient.

The real bond of integrity is religious in character, for religion indicates the oneness of the world of humanity. Religion serves the world of morality. Religion purifies the hearts. Religion impels men to achieve praiseworthy deeds. Religion becomes the cause of love in human hearts, for religion is a divine foundation, the foundation ever conducive to life. The teachings of God are the source of illumination to the people of the world. Religion is ever constructive, not destructive.

The foundation of all the divine religions is one. All are based upon reality. Reality does not admit plurality, yet amongst mankind there have arisen differences concerning the Manifestations of God. Some have been Zoroastrians, some are Buddhists, some Jews, Christians, Muslims and so on. This has become a source of divergence, whereas the teachings of the holy Souls Who founded the divine religions are one in essence and reality. All these have served the world of humanity. All have summoned souls to peace and accord. All have proclaimed the virtues of humanity. All have guided souls to the attainment of perfections, but among the nations certain imitations of ancestral forms of worship have arisen. These imitations are not the foundation and essence of the divine religions. Inasmuch as they differ from the reality and the essential teachings of the Manifestations of God, dissensions have arisen, and prejudice has developed. Religious prejudice thus becomes the cause of warfare and battle.

If we abandon these timeworn blind imitations and investigate reality, all of us will be unified. No discord will remain; antagonism will disappear. All will associate in fellowship. All will enjoy the cordial bonds of friendship. The world of creation will then attain composure. The dark and gloomy clouds of blind imitations and dogmatic variances will be scattered and dispelled; the Sun of Reality will shine most gloriously.

Verily, we should consider the divine Prophets as the intermediaries, but mankind has made use of Them as causes of dissension and pretexts for warfare and strife. In reality, They were the intermediaries of love and reconciliation. If They were not sources of love and fellowship amongst men, then undoubtedly They were not true, for the divine wisdom and purpose in sending the Prophets was the manifestation of love in human hearts. Therefore, we must investigate reality. First of all, let us determine whether these Prophets were valid or not by using rational proofs and shining arguments, not simply by quoting traditionary evidences, because traditions are divergent and the source of dissension.

Among the holy, divine Manifestations of God was Moses. The sending of Prophets has ever been for the training of humanity. They are the first Educators and Trainers. If Moses has developed the body politic, there is no doubt that He was a true Teacher and Educator. This will be proof and evidence that He was a Prophet. We shall consider how He was sent to the children of Israel when they were in the abyss of despair, in the lowest degree of ignorance and heedlessness, degraded and under conditions of bondage. Moses rescued these degraded people of Israel from that state of bondage. He raised them from that condition of ignorance, saved them from barbarism and led them into the Holy Land. He educated them, endowed them with sagacious instincts, made them worthy and honorable. He civilized them, raised them to a higher plane of existence until they were enabled to establish a national sovereignty, the great kingdom of Solomon. This proves that Moses was a Teacher and an Educator. He had neither army nor dominion; neither did He possess wealth. It was only through an idealistic power that He cemented them together, proving that He was a Prophet of God, an Educator and Trainer.

Likewise, must we set aside prejudice in considering other divine Educators by investigating reality. For instance, let us take Christ. He achieved results greater than Moses. He educated the body politic, trained mighty nations. There is no doubt whatever that such Souls were Prophets, for the mission of Prophethood is education, and these wondrous Souls trained and educated mankind.

Christ was a unique Personage, without helper or assistant. Single and solitary He arose to train great and mighty nations; the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Syrians, Chaldeans and Assyrians came under His influence. He was able to bind together many nations, melting them together, as it were, and pouring them into one mold, changing their enmity into love, war into peace. Under His influence satanic souls became veritable angels, tyrannical rulers became just, the human moral standard was raised. This proves that Christ was an Educator, a Teacher and Trainer of nations. If we deny this, it is nought but injustice.

Blessed souls—whether Moses, Jesus, Zoroaster, Krishna, Buddha, Confucius or Muḥammad—were the cause of the illumination of the world of humanity. How can we deny such irrefutable proof? How can we be blind to such light? How can we dispute the validity of Christ? This is injustice. This is a denial of reality. Man must be just. We must set aside bias and prejudice. We must abandon the imitations of ancestors and forefathers. We ourselves must investigate reality and be fair in judgment.

The old nation of Persia denied all these facts, harboring the utmost hatred and enmity toward other religious beliefs besides their own. We have investigated reality and found that these holy souls were all sent of God. All of them have sacrificed life, endured ordeals and tribulations in order that They might educate us. How can such love be forgotten? The light of Christ is evident. The candle of Buddha is shining. The star of Moses is sparkling. The flame ignited by Zoroaster is still burning. How can we deny Them? It is injustice. It is a denial of complete evidence. If we forsake imitations, all will become united, and no differences will remain to separate us.

We entertain no prejudice against Muḥammad. Outwardly the Arabian nation was instrumental in overthrowing the Pársí dominion, the sovereignty of Persia. Therefore, the old Pársí nation manifested the utmost contempt toward the Arabs. But we deal justly and will never abandon the standard of fairness. The Arabians were in the utmost state of degradation. They were bloodthirsty and barbarous, so savage and degraded that the Arabian father often buried his own daughter alive. Consider: Could any barbarism be lower than this? The nation consisted of warring, hostile tribal peoples inhabiting the vast Arabian peninsula, and their business consisted in fighting and pillaging each other, making captive women and children, killing each other. Muḥammad appeared among such a people. He educated and unified these barbarous tribes, put an end to their shedding of blood. Through His education they reached such a degree of civilization that they subdued and governed continents and nations. What a great civilization was established in Spain by the Muslims! What a marvelous civilization was founded in Morocco by the Moors! What a powerful caliphate or successorship was set up in Baghdád! How much Islám served and furthered the cause of science! Why then should we deny Muḥammad? If we deny Him, we awaken enmity and hatred. By our prejudice we become the cause of war and bloodshed, for prejudice was the cause of the tremendous storm which swept through human history for thirteen hundred years and still continues. Even now in the Balkans a commotion is apparent, reflecting it.

The Christian people number nearly three hundred millions and the Muslims about the same. It is no small task to do away with such numbers. And furthermore, why should they be obliterated? For these are all servants of the one God. Let us strive to establish peace between Christians and Muslims. Is it not better? What is the benefit of war? What is its fruitage? For thirteen hundred years there has been warfare and hostility. What good result has been forthcoming? Is it not folly? Is God pleased with it? Is Christ pleased? Is Muḥammad? It is evident that They are not. The Prophets have extolled each other to the utmost. Muḥammad declared Christ to be the Spirit of God. This is an explicit text of the Qur’án. He declared Christ to be the Word of God. He eulogized the disciples of Christ to the utmost. He bestowed upon Mary, the mother of Christ, the highest praise. Likewise, Christ extolled Moses. He spread broadcast the Old Testament, the Torah, and caused the name of Moses to reach unto the East and the West. The purpose is this: that the Prophets Themselves have manifested the utmost love toward each other, but the nations who believe and follow Them are hostile and antagonistic among themselves.

The world was in this condition of darkness when Bahá’u’lláh appeared upon the Persian horizon. He hoisted the banner of the oneness of the world of humanity. He proclaimed international peace. He admonished the Persian nation to investigate reality, announced that religion must be the cause of unity and love, that it must be the means of binding hearts together, the cause of life and illumination. If religion becomes the cause of enmity and bloodshed, then irreligion is to be preferred, for religion is the remedy for every ailment, and if a remedy should become the cause of ailment and difficulty, it is better to abandon it. Today in Persia you will see the Muslims, Christians, Zoroastrians, Buddhists assembled together in the same meeting, living in accordance with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, manifesting utmost love and accord. Rancor, hatred, antagonism and violence have disappeared; they live together as one family.

And ye who are the people of the Orient—the Orient which has ever been the dawning point of lights from whence the Sun of Reality has ever shone forth, casting its effulgence upon the West—ye, therefore, must become the manifestations of lights. Ye must become brilliant lamps. Ye must shine as stars radiating the light of love toward all mankind. May you be the cause of love amongst the nations. Thus may the world become witness that the Orient has ever been the dawning point of illumination, the source of love and reconciliation. Make peace with all the world. Love everybody; serve everybody. All are the servants of God. God has created all. He provideth for all. He is kind to all. Therefore, must we be kind to all.

I am greatly pleased with this meeting. I am joyous and happy, for here in these western regions I find Orientals seeking education and who are free from prejudice. May God assist you!

Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation Of Universal Peace

7 October 1912
Talk to Japanese Young Men’s Christian Association
Japanese Independent Church, Oakland, California

*****

O ye lovers of truth, ye servants of humankind! Out of the flowering of your thoughts and hopes, fragrant emanations have come my way, wherefore an inner sense of obligation compelleth me to pen these words.

 

Ye observe how the world is divided against itself, how many a land is red with blood and its very dust is caked with human gore. The fires of conflict have blazed so high that never in early times, not in the Middle Ages, not in recent centuries hath there ever been such a hideous war, a war that is even as millstones, taking for grain the skulls of men. Nay, even worse, for flourishing countries have been reduced to rubble, cities have been levelled with the ground, and many a once prosperous village hath been turned into ruin. Fathers have lost their sons, and sons their fathers. Mothers have wept away their hearts over dead children. Children have been orphaned, women left to wander, vagrants without a home. From every aspect, humankind hath sunken low. Loud are the piercing cries of fatherless children; loud the mothers’ anguished voices, reaching to the skies.
And the breeding-ground of all these tragedies is prejudice: prejudice of race and nation, of religion, of political opinion; and the root cause of prejudice is blind imitation of the past—imitation in religion, in racial attitudes, in national bias, in politics. So long as this aping of the past persisteth, just so long will the foundations of the social order be blown to the four winds, just so long will humanity be continually exposed to direst peril.
Now, in such an illumined age as ours, when realities previously unknown to man have been laid bare, and the secrets of created things have been disclosed, and the Morn of Truth hath broken and lit up the world—is it admissible that men should be waging a frightful war that is bringing humanity down to ruin? No, by the Lord God!
Christ Jesus summoned all mankind to amity and peace. Unto Peter He said: ‘Put up thy sword into the sheath.’ 1 Such was the bidding and counsel of the Lord Christ; and yet today the Christians one and all have drawn their swords from out the scabbard. How wide is the discrepancy between such acts and the clear Gospel text!
Sixty years ago Bahá’u’lláh rose up, even as the Day-Star, over Persia. He declared that the skies of the world were dark, that this darkness boded evil, and that terrible wars would come. From the prison at ‘Akká, He addressed the German Emperor in the clearest of terms, telling him that a great war was on the way and that his city of Berlin would break forth in lamentation and wailing. Likewise did He write to the Turkish sovereign, although He was that Sulṭán’s victim and a captive in his prison—that is, He was being held prisoner in the Fortress at ‘Akká—and clearly stated that Constantinople would be overtaken by a sudden and radical change, so great that the women and children of that city would mourn and cry aloud. In brief, He addressed such words to all the monarchs and the presidents, and everything came to pass, exactly as He had foretold.
There have issued, from His mighty Pen, various teachings for the prevention of war, and these have been scattered far and wide.
The first is the independent investigation of truth; for blind imitation of the past will stunt the mind. But once every soul inquireth into truth, society will be freed from the darkness of continually repeating the past.
His second principle is the oneness of mankind: that all men are the sheep of God, and God is their loving Shepherd, caring most tenderly for all without favouring one or another. ‘No difference canst thou see in the creation of the God of mercy’; 2 all are His servants, all implore His grace.
His third teaching is that religion is a mighty stronghold, but that it must engender love, not malevolence and hate. Should it lead to malice, spite, and hate, it is of no value at all. For religion is a remedy, and if the remedy bring on disease, then put it aside. Again, as to religious, racial, national and political bias: all these prejudices strike at the very root of human life; one and all they beget bloodshed, and the ruination of the world. So long as these prejudices survive, there will be continuous and fearsome wars.
To remedy this condition there must be universal peace. To bring this about, a Supreme Tribunal must be established, representative of all governments and peoples; questions both national and international must be referred thereto, and all must carry out the decrees of this Tribunal. Should any government or people disobey, let the whole world arise against that government or people.
Yet another of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is the equality of men and women and their equal sharing in all rights. And there are many similar principles. It hath now become evident that these teachings are the very life and soul of the world.
Ye who are servants of the human race, strive ye with all your heart to deliver mankind out of this darkness and these prejudices that belong to the human condition and the world of nature, so that humanity may find its way into the light of the world of God.
Praise be to Him, ye are acquainted with the various laws, institutions and principles of the world; today nothing short of these divine teachings can assure peace and tranquillity to mankind. But for these teachings, this darkness shall never vanish, these chronic diseases shall never be healed; nay, they shall grow fiercer from day to day. The Balkans will remain discontented. Its restlessness will increase. The vanquished Powers will continue to agitate. They will resort to every measure that may rekindle the flame of war. Movements, newly-born and world-wide in their range, will exert their utmost effort for the advancement of their designs. The Movement of the Left will acquire great importance. Its influence will spread.
Strive ye, therefore, with the help of God, with illumined minds and hearts and a strength born of heaven, to become a bestowal from God to man, and to call into being for all humankind, comfort and peace.
1. John 18:11.
2. Qur’án 67:3.

 

*****

Praise be to Him Who hath rent the dark asunder, hath blotted out the night, hath drawn aside the coverings and torn away the veils; Whose light thereupon shone out, Whose signs and tokens were spread abroad, and His mysteries laid bare. Then did His clouds part and loaded down the earth with His bounties and bestowals, and made all things sweet with rain, and caused the fresh greenery of knowledge and the hyacinths of certitude to spring forth and to shake and tremble for joy, till the whole world was scented with the fragrance of His holiness.

Salutations and praise, blessings and glory be upon those divine realities, those sacred windflowers that have come forth out of this supreme bestowal, this flooding grace that hath roared like a clashing sea of gifts and bounties, tossing its waves to the high heavens.

O God, my God! Praise be unto Thee for kindling the fire of divine love in the Holy Tree on the summit of the loftiest mount: that Tree which is ‘neither of the east nor of the west,’ 1 that fire which blazed out till the flame of it soared upward to the Concourse on high, and from it those realities caught the light of guidance, and cried out: ‘Verily have we perceived a fire on the slope of Mount Sinai.’ 2

O God, my God! Increase Thou this fire, as day followeth day, till the blast of it setteth in motion all the earth. O Thou, my Lord! Kindle the light of Thy love in every heart, breathe into men’s souls the spirit of Thy knowledge, gladden their breasts with the verses of Thy oneness. Call Thou to life those who dwell in their tombs, warn Thou the prideful, make happiness world-wide, send down Thy crystal waters, and in the assemblage of manifest splendours, pass round that cup which is ‘tempered at the camphor fountain.’ 3

Verily art Thou the Giving, the Forgiving, the Ever-Bestowing. Verily art Thou the Merciful, the Compassionate.

O ye loved ones of God! The wine-cup of Heaven overfloweth, the banquet of God’s Covenant is bright with festive lights, the dawn of all bestowals is breaking, the gentle winds of grace are blowing, and out of the invisible world come good tidings of bounties and gifts. In flower-spangled meadows hath the divine springtime pitched its tents, and the spiritual are inhaling sweet scents from the Sheba of the spirit, carried their way by the east wind. Now doth the mystic nightingale carol its odes, and buds of inner meaning are bursting into blossoms delicate and fair. The field larks are become the festival’s musicians, and lifting wondrous voices they cry and sing to the melodies of the Company on high, ‘Blessed are ye! Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings!’ And they urge on the revellers of the Abhá Paradise to drink their fill, and they eloquently hold forth upon the celestial tree, and utter their sacred cries. All this, that withered souls who tread the desert of the heedless, and faded ones lost in the sands of unconcern, may come to throbbing life again, and present themselves at the feasts and revels of the Lord God.

Praise be to Him! The renown of His Cause hath reached to east and west, and word of the power of the Abhá Beauty hath quickened north and south. That cry from the American continent is a choir of holiness, that shout from far and near that riseth even to the Company on high is ‘Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá!’ Now is the east lit up with a glory, and the west rose-sweet, and all the earth is fragrant with ambergris, and the winds that blow over the Holy Shrine are laden with musk. Erelong shall ye see that even the darkest lands are bright, and the continents of Europe and Africa have turned into gardens of flowers, and forests of blossoming trees.

But since the dawning of this Day-Star was in Persia, and since from that orient the sun shone upon the west, it is our fondest hope that the flames of love’s fire should blaze ever more vehemently in that land, and that there the splendour of this Holy Faith should grow ever more intense. May the tumult of God’s Cause so shake that land to its foundations, may the spiritual force of His Word so manifest itself, as to make Írán the core and focus of well-being and peace. May rectitude and conciliation, and love and trust, issuing forth from Írán, bring immortality to all on earth. May she raise on the highest summits the banner of public order, of purest spirituality, of universal peace.

O ye loved ones of God! In this, the Bahá’í dispensation, God’s Cause is spirit unalloyed. His Cause belongeth not to the material world. It cometh neither for strife nor war, nor for acts of mischief or of shame; it is neither for quarrelling with other Faiths, nor for conflicts with the nations. Its only army is the love of God, its only joy the clear wine of His knowledge, its only battle the expounding of the Truth; its one crusade is against the insistent self, the evil promptings of the human heart. Its victory is to submit and yield, and to be selfless is its everlasting glory. In brief, it is spirit upon spirit:

Unless ye must,
Bruise not the serpent in the dust,
How much less wound a man.
And if ye can,
No ant should ye alarm,
Much less a brother harm.

Let all your striving be for this, to become the source of life and immortality, and peace and comfort and joy, to every human soul, whether one known to you or a stranger, one opposed to you or on your side. Look ye not upon the purity or impurity of his nature: look ye upon the all-embracing mercy of the Lord, the light of Whose grace hath embosomed the whole earth and all who dwell thereon, and in the plenitude of Whose bounty are immersed both the wise and the ignorant. Stranger and friend alike are seated at the table of His favour. Even as the believer, the denier who turneth away from God doth at the same time cup his hands and drink from the sea of His bestowals.

It behoveth the loved ones of the Lord to be the signs and tokens of His universal mercy and the embodiments of His own excelling grace. Like the sun, let them cast their rays upon garden and rubbish heap alike, and even as clouds in spring, let them shed down their rain upon flower and thorn. Let them seek but love and faithfulness, let them not follow the ways of unkindness, let their talk be confined to the secrets of friendship and of peace. Such are the attributes of the righteous, such is the distinguishing mark of those who serve His Threshold.

The Abhá Beauty endured the most afflictive of calamities. He bore countless agonies and ills. He enjoyed not a moment’s peace, drew not an easeful breath. He wandered, homeless, over desert sands and mountain slopes; He was shut in a fortress, and a prison cell. But to Him, His pauper’s mat of straw was an eternal throne of glory, and His heavy chains a sovereign’s carcanet. By day, by night, He lived under a whirring sword, and He was ready from moment to moment for death on the cross. He bore all this that He might purify the world, and deck it out with the tender mercies of the Lord God; that He might set it at rest; that conflict and aggression might be put to flight, the lance and the keen blade be exchanged for loving fellowship, malevolence and war turn into safety and gentleness and love, that battlefields of hate and wrath should become gardens of delight, and places where once the blood-drenched armies clashed, be fragrant pleasure grounds; that warfare should be seen as shame, and the resort to arms, even as a loathsome sickness, be shunned by every people; that universal peace raise its pavilions on the loftiest mounts, and war be made to perish forever from the earth.

Wherefore must the loved ones of God, laboriously, with the waters of their striving, tend and nourish and foster this tree of hope. In whatsoever land they dwell, let them with a whole heart befriend and be companions to those who are either close to them, or far removed. Let them, with qualities like unto those of heaven, promote the institutions and the religion of God. Let them never lose heart, never be despondent, never feel afflicted. The more antagonism they meet, the more let them show their own good faith; the more torments and calamities they have to face, the more generously let them pass round the bounteous cup. Such is the spirit which will become the life of the world, such is the spreading light at its heart: and he who may be and do other than this is not worthy to serve at the Holy Threshold of the Lord.

O ye loved ones of God! The Sun of Truth is shining down from invisible skies; know ye the value of these days. Lift up your heads, and grow ye cypress-tall in these swift-running streams. Take ye joy in the beauty of the narcissus of Najd, for night will fall and it will be no more….

O ye loved ones of God! Praise be to Him, the bright banner of the Covenant is flying higher every day, while the flag of perfidy hath been reversed, and hangeth at half-mast. The benighted attackers have been shaken to their core; they are now as ruined sepulchres, and even as blind creatures that dwell beneath the earth they creep and crawl about a corner of the tomb, and out of that hole, from time to time, like unto savage beasts, do they jibber and howl. Glory be to God! How can the darkness hope to overcome the light, how can a magician’s cords hold fast ‘a serpent plain for all to see’? ‘Then lo! It swallowed up their lying wonders.’ 4 Alas for them! They have deluded themselves with a fable, and to indulge their appetites they have done away with their own selves. They gave up everlasting glory in exchange for human pride, and they sacrificed greatness in both worlds to the demands of the insistent self. This is that of which We have forewarned you. Erelong shall ye behold the foolish in manifest loss.

O my Lord and my Hope! Help Thou Thy loved ones to be steadfast in Thy mighty Covenant, to remain faithful to Thy manifest Cause, and to carry out the commandments Thou didst set down for them in Thy Book of Splendours; that they may become banners of guidance and lamps of the Company above, wellsprings of Thine infinite wisdom, and stars that lead aright, as they shine down from the supernal sky.

Verily art Thou the Invincible, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

1. Qur’án 24:35.
2. cf. Qur’án 28:29.
3. Qur’án 76:5.
4. Qur’án 26:31; 26:44; the reference is to Moses’ rod, and the enchanters.

Abdu’l-Baha, Selections #206

Holy Day: Declaration Of The Bab. Azamat 7, 172 B.E. (5/23/2015)

Friday, May 22nd, 2015

23 May 1912
TALK AT HOME OF MR. AND MRS. FRANCIS W. BREED
367 HARVARD STREET, CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS

 

Scientific knowledge is the highest attainment upon the human plane, for science is the discoverer of realities. It is of two kinds: material and spiritual. Material science is the investigation of natural phenomena; divine science is the discovery and realization of spiritual verities. The world of humanity must acquire both. A bird has two wings; it cannot fly with one. Material and spiritual science are the two wings of human uplift and attainment. Both are necessary—one the natural, the other supernatural; one material, the other divine. By the divine we mean the discovery of the mysteries of God, the comprehension of spiritual realities, the wisdom of God, inner significances of the heavenly religions and foundation of the law.

This is 23 May, the anniversary of the message and Declaration of the Báb. It is a blessed day and the dawn of manifestation, for the appearance of the Báb was the early light of the true morn, whereas the manifestation of the Blessed Beauty, Bahá’u’lláh, was the shining forth of the sun. Therefore, it is a blessed day, the inception of the heavenly bounty, the beginning of the divine effulgence. On this day in 1844 the Báb was sent forth heralding and proclaiming the Kingdom of God, announcing the glad tidings of the coming of Bahá’u’lláh and withstanding the opposition of the whole Persian nation. Some of the Persians followed Him. For this they suffered the most grievous difficulties and severe ordeals. They withstood the tests with wonderful power and sublime heroism. Thousands were cast into prison, punished, persecuted and martyred. Their homes were pillaged and destroyed, their possessions confiscated. They sacrificed their lives most willingly and remained unshaken in their faith to the very end. Those wonderful souls are the lamps of God, the stars of sanctity shining gloriously from the eternal horizon of the will of God.

The Báb was subjected to bitter persecution in Shíráz, where He first proclaimed His mission and message. A period of famine afflicted that region, and the Báb journeyed to Iṣfahán. There the learned men rose against Him in great hostility. He was arrested and sent to Tabríz. From thence He was transferred to Mákú and finally imprisoned in the strong castle of Chihríq. Afterward He was martyred in Tabríz.

This is merely an outline of the history of the Báb. He withstood all persecutions and bore every suffering and ordeal with unflinching strength. The more His enemies endeavored to extinguish that flame, the brighter it became. Day by day His Cause spread and strengthened. During the time when He was among the people He was constantly heralding the coming of Bahá’u’lláh. In all His Books and Tablets He mentioned Bahá’u’lláh and announced the glad tidings of His manifestation, prophesying that He would reveal Himself in the ninth year. He said that in the ninth year “you will attain to all happiness”; in the ninth year “you will be blessed with the meeting of the Promised One of Whom I have spoken.” He mentioned the Blessed Perfection, Bahá’u’lláh, by the title “Him Whom God shall make manifest.” In brief, that blessed Soul offered His very life in the pathway of Bahá’u’lláh, even as it is recorded in historical writings and records. In His first Book, the Best of Stories, He says, “O Remnant of God! I am wholly sacrificed to Thee; I am content with curses in Thy path; I crave nought but to be slain in Thy love; and God, the Supreme, sufficeth as an eternal protection.”

Consider how the Báb endured difficulties and tribulations; how He gave His life in the Cause of God; how He was attracted to the love of the Blessed Beauty, Bahá’u’lláh; and how He announced the glad tidings of His manifestation. We must follow His heavenly example; we must be self-sacrificing and aglow with the fire of the love of God. We must partake of the bounty and grace of the Lord, for the Báb has admonished us to arise in service to the Cause of God, to be absolutely severed from all else save God during the day of the Blessed Perfection, Bahá’u’lláh, to be completely attracted by the love of Bahá’u’lláh, to love all humanity for His sake, to be lenient and merciful to all for Him and to upbuild the oneness of the world of humanity. Therefore, this day, 23 May, is the anniversary of a blessed event.

Abdu’l-Baha’, The Promulgation Of Universal Peace

Baha’i Sabbath: Azamat 6, 172 B.E. (5/22/2015)

Friday, May 22nd, 2015

We have just returned from a visit to Philadelphia, spending two nights there and speaking in two large churches. The weather proved unpleasant and affected my health. The purpose in these movements here and there is a single purpose—it is to spread the light of truth in this dark world. On account of my age it is difficult to journey. Sometimes the difficulties are arduous, but out of love for the friends of God and with desire to sacrifice myself in the pathway of God, I bear them in gladness. The purpose is the result which is accomplished—love and unity among mankind. For the world is dark with discord and selfishness, hearts are negligent, souls are bereft of God and His heavenly bestowals. Man is submerged in the affairs of this world. His aims, objects and attainments are mortal, whereas God desires for him immortal accomplishments. In his heart there is no thought of God. He has sacrificed his portion and birthright of divine spirituality. Desire and passion, like two unmanageable horses, have wrested the reins of control from him and are galloping madly in the wilderness. This is the cause of the degradation of the world of humanity. This is the cause of its retrogression into the appetites and passions of the animal kingdom. Instead of divine advancement we find sensual captivity and debasement of heavenly virtues of the soul. By devotion to the carnal, mortal world human susceptibilities sink to the level of animalism.

What are the animals’ propensities? To eat, drink, wander about and sleep. The thoughts, the minds of the animals are confined to these. They are captives in the bonds of these desires. Man becomes a prisoner and slave to them when his ultimate desire is no higher than his welfare in this world of the senses. Consider how difficult for man is the attainment of pleasures and happiness in this mortal world. How easy it is for the animal. Look upon the fields and flowers, prairies, streams, forests and mountains. The grazing animals, the birds of the air, the fishes neither toil nor undergo hardships; they sow not, nor are they concerned about the reaping; they have no anxiety about business or politics—no trouble or worry whatsoever. All the fields and grasses, all the meadows of fruits and grains, all the mountain slopes and streams of salubrious water belong to them. They do not labor for their livelihood and happiness because everything is provided and made possible for them. If the life of man be confined to this physical, material outlook, the animal’s life is a hundred times better, easier and more productive of comfort and contentment. The animal is nobler, more serene and confident because each hour is free from anxiety and worriment; but man, restless and dissatisfied, runs from morn till eve, sailing the seas, diving beneath them in submarines, flying aloft in airplanes, delving into the lowest strata of the earth to obtain his livelihood—all with the greatest difficulty, anxiety and unrest. Therefore, in this respect the animal is nobler, more serene, poised and confident. Consider the birds in the forest and jungle: how they build their nests high in the swaying treetops, build them with the utmost skill and beauty—swinging, rocking in the morning breezes, drinking the pure, sweet water, enjoying the most enchanting views as they fly here and there high overhead, singing joyously—all without labor, free from worry, care and forebodings. If man’s life be confined to the elemental, physical world of enjoyment, one lark is nobler, more admirable than all humanity because its livelihood is prepared, its condition complete, its accomplishment perfect and natural.

But the life of man is not so restricted; it is divine, eternal, not mortal and sensual. For him a spiritual existence and livelihood is prepared and ordained in the divine creative plan. His life is intended to be a life of spiritual enjoyment to which the animal can never attain. This enjoyment depends upon the acquisition of heavenly virtues. The sublimity of man is his attainment of the knowledge of God. The bliss of man is the acquiring of heavenly bestowals, which descend upon him in the outflow of the bounty of God. The happiness of man is in the fragrance of the love of God. This is the highest pinnacle of attainment in the human world. How preferable to the animal and its hopeless kingdom!

Therefore, consider how base a nature it reveals in man that, notwithstanding the favors showered upon him by God, he should lower himself into the animal sphere, be wholly occupied with material needs, attached to this mortal realm, imagining that the greatest happiness is to attain wealth in this world. How purposeless! How debased is such a nature! God has created man in order that he may be a dove of the Kingdom, a heavenly candle, a recipient of eternal life. God has created man in order that he may be resuscitated through the breaths of the Holy Spirit and become the light of the world. How debased the soul which can find enjoyment in this darkness, occupied with itself, the captive of self and passion, wallowing in the mire of the material world! How degraded is such a nature! What an ignorance this is! What a blindness! How glorious the station of man who has partaken of the heavenly food and built the temple of his everlasting residence in the world of heaven!

The Manifestations of God have come into the world to free man from these bonds and chains of the world of nature. Although They walked upon the earth, They lived in heaven. They were not concerned about material sustenance and prosperity of this world. Their bodies were subjected to inconceivable distress, but Their spirits ever soared in the highest realms of ecstasy. The purpose of Their coming, Their teaching and suffering was the freedom of man from himself. Shall we, therefore, follow in Their footsteps, escape from this cage of the body or continue subject to its tyranny? Shall we pursue the phantom of a mortal happiness which does not exist or turn toward the tree of life and the joys of its eternal fruits?

I have come to this country in the advanced years of my life, undergoing difficulties of health and climate because of excessive love for the friends of God. It is my wish that they may be assisted to become servants of the heavenly Kingdom, captives in the service of the will of God. This captivity is freedom; this sacrifice is glorification; this labor is reward; this need is bestowal. For service in love for mankind is unity with God. He who serves has already entered the Kingdom and is seated at the right hand of his Lord.

Abdu’l-Baha’, The Promulgation Of Universal Peace

11 June 1912
TALK AT 309 WEST SEVENTY-EIGHTH STREET, NEW YORK

 

 

Abdu’l-Baha’ on Man, Nature, Materialism & Atheism 2

Tuesday, May 19th, 2015

When we carefully investigate the kingdoms of existence and observe the phenomena of the universe about us, we discover the absolute order and perfection of creation. The dull minerals in their affinities, plants and vegetables with power of growth, animals in their instinct, man with conscious intellect and the heavenly orbs moving obediently through limitless space are all found subject to universal law, most complete, most perfect. That is why a wise philosopher has said, “There is no greater or more perfect system of creation than that which already exists.” The materialists and atheists declare that this order and symmetry is due to nature and its forces; that composition and decomposition which constitute life and existence are exigencies of nature; that man himself is an exigency of nature; that nature rules and governs creation; and that all existing things are captives of nature. Let us consider these statements. Inasmuch as we find all phenomena subject to an exact order and under control of universal law, the question is whether this is due to nature or to divine and omnipotent rule. The materialists believe that it is an exigency of nature for the rain to fall and that unless rain fell the earth would not become verdant. They reason that if clouds cause a downpour, if the sun sends forth heat and light and the earth is endowed with capacity, vegetation must inevitably follow; therefore, plant life is a property of these natural forces and is a sign of nature; just as combustion is the natural property of fire, therefore, fire burns, and we cannot conceive of fire without its burning.

In reply to these statements we say that from the premises advanced by materialists, the conclusions are drawn that nature is the ruler and governor of existence and that all virtues and perfections are natural exigencies and outcomes. Furthermore, it follows that man is but a part or member of that whereof nature is the whole.

Man possesses certain virtues of which nature is deprived. He exercises volition; nature is without will. For instance, an exigency of the sun is the giving of light. It is controlled—it cannot do otherwise than radiate light—but it is not volitional. An exigency of the phenomenon of electricity is that it is revealed in sparks and flashes under certain conditions, but it cannot voluntarily furnish illumination. An exigency or property of water is humidity; it cannot separate itself from this property by its own will. Likewise, all the properties of nature are inherent and obedient, not volitional; therefore, it is philosophically predicated that nature is without volition and innate perception. In this statement and principle we agree with the materialists. But the question which presents food for reflection is this: How is it that man, who is a part of the universal plan, is possessed of certain qualities whereof nature is devoid? Is it conceivable that a drop should be imbued with qualities of which the ocean is completely deprived? The drop is a part; the ocean is the whole. Could there be a phenomenon of combustion or illumination which the great luminary the sun itself did not manifest? Is it possible for a stone to possess inherent properties of which the aggregate mineral kingdom is lacking? For example, could the fingernail which is a part of human anatomy be endowed with cellular properties of which the brain is deprived?

Man is intelligent, instinctively and consciously intelligent; nature is not. Man is fortified with memory; nature does not possess it. Man is the discoverer of the mysteries of nature; nature is not conscious of those mysteries herself. It is evident, therefore, that man is dual in aspect: as an animal he is subject to nature, but in his spiritual or conscious being he transcends the world of material existence. His spiritual powers, being nobler and higher, possess virtues of which nature intrinsically has no evidence; therefore, they triumph over natural conditions. These ideal virtues or powers in man surpass or surround nature, comprehend natural laws and phenomena, penetrate the mysteries of the unknown and invisible and bring them forth into the realm of the known and visible. All the existing arts and sciences were once hidden secrets of nature. By his command and control of nature man took them out of the plane of the invisible and revealed them in the plane of visibility, whereas according to the exigencies of nature these secrets should have remained latent and concealed. According to the exigencies of nature electricity should be a hidden, mysterious power; but the penetrating intellect of man has discovered it, taken it out of the realm of mystery and made it an obedient human servant. In his physical body and its functions man is a captive of nature; for instance, he cannot continue his existence without sleep, an exigency of nature; he must partake of food and drink, which nature demands and requires. But in his spiritual being and intelligence man dominates and controls nature, the ruler of his physical being. Notwithstanding this, contrary opinions and materialistic views are set forth which would relegate man completely to physical subservience to nature’s laws. This is equivalent to saying that the comparative degree exceeds the superlative, that the imperfect includes the perfect, that the pupil surpasses the teacher—all of which is illogical and impossible. When it is clearly manifest and evident that the intelligence of man, his constructive faculty, his power of penetration and discovery transcend nature, how can we say he is nature’s thrall and captive? This would indicate that man is deprived of the bounties of God, that he is retrograding toward the station of the animal, that his keen superintelligence is without function and that he estimates himself as an animal, without distinction between his own and the animal’s kingdom.
I was once conversing with a famous philosopher of the materialistic school in Alexandria. He was strongly opinionated upon the point that man and the other kingdoms of existence are under the control of nature and that, after all, man is only a social animal, often very much of an animal. When he was discomfited in argument, he said impetuously, “I see no difference between myself and the donkey, and I am not willing to admit distinctions which I cannot perceive.” ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá replied, “No, I consider you quite different and distinct; I call you a man and the donkey but an animal. I perceive that you are highly intelligent, whereas the donkey is not. I know that you are well versed in philosophy, and I also know that the donkey is entirely deficient in it; therefore, I am not willing to accept your statement.”

Consider the lady beside me who is writing in this little book. It seems a very trifling, ordinary matter; but upon intelligent reflection you will conclude that what has been written presupposses and proves the existence of a writer. These words have not written themselves, and these letters have not come together of their own volition. It is evident there must be a writer.

And now consider this infinite universe. Is it possible that it could have been created without a Creator? Or that the Creator and cause of this infinite congeries of worlds should be without intelligence? Is the idea tenable that the Creator has no comprehension of what is manifested in creation? Man, the creature, has volition and certain virtues. Is it possible that his Creator is deprived of these? A child could not accept this belief and statement. It is perfectly evident that man did not create himself and that he cannot do so. How could man of his own weakness create such a mighty being? Therefore, the Creator of man must be more perfect and powerful than man. If the creative cause of man be simply on the same level with man, then man himself should be able to create, whereas we know very well that we cannot create even our own likeness. Therefore, the Creator of man must be endowed with superlative intelligence and power in all points that creation involves and implies. We are weak; He is mighty, because, were He not mighty, He could not have created us. We are ignorant; He is wise. We are poor; He is rich. Otherwise, He would have been incapable of our creation.

Among the proofs of the existence of a divine power is this: that things are often known by their opposites. Were it not for darkness, light could not be sensed. Were it not for death, life could not be known. If ignorance did not exist, knowledge would not be a reality. It is necessary that each should exist in order that the other should have reality. Night and day must be in order that each may be distinguished. Night itself is an indication and evidence of day which follows, and day itself indicates the coming night. Unless night were a reality, there could not be day. Were it not for death, there could be no life. Things are known by their opposites.

Therefore, our weakness is an evidence that there is might; our ignorance proves the reality of knowledge; our need is an indication of supply and wealth. Were it not for wealth, this need would not exist; were it not for knowledge, ignorance would be unknown; were it not for power, there would be no impotence. In other words, demand and supply is the law, and undoubtedly all virtues have a center and source. That source is God, from Whom all these bounties emanate.

 

Abdu’l-Baha’, The Promulgation Of Universal Peace

2 May 1912
TALK AT HOTEL PLAZA
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

 

Abdu’l-Baha’ on Man, Nature, Materialism & Atheism 1

Tuesday, May 19th, 2015

A few days ago I arrived in New York, coming direct from Alexandria. On a former trip I traveled to Europe, visiting Paris and London. Paris is most beautiful in outward appearance. The evidences of material civilization there are very great, but the spiritual civilization is far behind. I found the people of that city submerged and drowning in a sea of materialism. Their conversations and discussions were limited to natural and physical phenomena, without mention of God. I was greatly astonished. Most of the scholars, professors and learned men proved to be materialists. I said to them, “I am surprised and astonished that men of such perceptive caliber and evident knowledge should still be captives of nature, not recognizing the self-evident Reality.”

The phenomenal world is entirely subject to the rule and control of natural law. These myriad suns, satellites and heavenly bodies throughout endless space are all captives of nature. They cannot transgress in a single point or particular the fixed laws which govern the physical universe. The sun in its immensity, the ocean in its vastness are incapable of violating these universal laws. All phenomenal beings—the plants in their kingdom, even the animals with their intelligence—are nature’s subjects and captives. All live within the bounds of natural law, and nature is the ruler of all except man. Man is not the captive of nature, for although according to natural law he is a being of the earth, yet he guides ships over the ocean, flies through the air in airplanes, descends in submarines; therefore, he has overcome natural law and made it subservient to his wishes. For instance, he imprisons in an incandescent lamp the illimitable natural energy called electricity—a material force which can cleave mountains—and bids it give him light. He takes the human voice and confines it in the phonograph for his benefit and amusement. According to his natural power man should be able to communicate a limited distance, but by overcoming the restrictions of nature he can annihilate space and send telephone messages thousands of miles. All the sciences, arts and discoveries were mysteries of nature, and according to natural law these mysteries should remain latent, hidden; but man has proceeded to break this law, free himself from this rule and bring them forth into the realm of the visible. Therefore, he is the ruler and commander of nature. Man has intelligence; nature has not. Man has volition; nature has none. Man has memory; nature is without it. Man has the reasoning faculty; nature is deprived. Man has the perceptive faculty; nature cannot perceive. It is therefore proved and evident that man is nobler than nature.

If we accept the supposition that man is but a part of nature, we are confronted by an illogical statement, for this is equivalent to claiming that a part may be endowed with qualities which are absent in the whole. For man who is a part of nature has perception, intelligence, memory, conscious reflection and susceptibility, while nature itself is quite bereft of them. How is it possible for the part to be possessed of qualities or faculties which are absent in the whole? The truth is that God has given to man certain powers which are supernatural. How then can man be considered a captive of nature? Is he not dominating and controlling nature to his own uses more and more? Is he not the very divinity of nature? Shall we say nature is blind, nature is not perceptive, nature is without volition and not alive, and then relegate man to nature and its limitations? How can we answer this question? How will the materialists and scholastic atheists prove and support such a supposition? As a matter of fact, they themselves make natural laws subservient to their own wish and purpose. The proof is complete that in man there is a power beyond the limitations of nature, and that power is the bestowal of God.

In New York I find the people more endowed with spiritual susceptibilities. They are not mere captives of nature’s control; they are rising out of the bonds and burden of captivity. For this reason I am very happy and hopeful that, God willinthis reason I am very happy and hopeful that, God willing, in this populous country, in this vast continent of the West, the virtues of the world of humanity shall become resplendent; that the oneness of human world-power, the love of God, may enkindle the hearts, and that international peace may hoist its standards, influencing all other regions and countries from here. This is my hope.

 

Abdul-Baha’, The Promulgation Of Universal Peace

15 April 1912
TALK AT HOME OF MOUNTFORT MILLS
327 WEST END AVENUE, NEW YORK