LIGHTING SEVEN CANDLES
“The unity of truth, through the power of God, will make these illusory differences to vanish away. This is the one essential: for if unity be gained, all other problems
will disappear of themselves.”–‘Abdu’l-Baha
Dear friends,
Allah’u’Abha!
Today we received a federal summons filed against us in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado (the 10th circuit) dated May 27, 2021, by the sans-guardian NSA of the United States in yet another attempt to shut down our Baha’i websites and public internet teaching effort.
The specific target this time around, for those in opposition and open rebellion to this Cause, is yet another attempt to permanently close down the UHJ.net website and to prevent the third and current president of Baha’u’llah’s Universal House of Justice from fulfilling its mission to unite all the people of the world and establish the Oneness of Humanity as the permanent foundation of the real and everlasting spiritual essence of human culture and the spiritual foundation of an ever advancing divine civilization: that is, the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.
It is no mere coincidence that this renewed attack against the faith comes now at the same time as the world in crisis: troubles in the middle east and Jerusalem, this Ridvan period; the continuing global health crisis of the corona virus (covid-19); tensions between the United States and Russia escalating in the Ukraine, Black Sea, and cyber hacking attacks against the US; and civil war, poverty, starvation and unrest in almost every region of the world. The peoples everywhere are suffering under the burden of these escalating calamities; while we, the faithful remnant of believers in God firm in the Covenant of Baha’u’llah, continue forward according to the provisions of the Charter of the sacred Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to teach the faith in every country and land in which we live, that is to promulgate the waters of life, for the people that are free of price, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
As our mission is one of education, this new federal lawsuit coming as it does at this critical time in human history, demonstrates the great success that our combined joint teaching efforts have made throughout the entire world in harmony with the personal teaching effort of the living Davidic King seated upon the throne of David today that is the dynamic and functioning executive branch operating in the Baha’i faith at this time. In recent years we have been able to demonstrate the true meaning of “spiritual world government” founded upon educational and not military, force, or material means. The sans-guardians on the other hand, as demonstrated in their document, are materialistic and aggressive confessing that their interests are focused on suing us for money and lost revenues–of which they state they are entitled to as they own “the marks” (Rev. 13:17) trademarks on the name “The Universal House of Justice” and “UHJ.”
It has always been my hope, that opposition to the Cause, such as this frivolous suit and the other ridiculous and unfounded attempts to defame us or forestall the teaching effort, would only help to further serve our united global educational teaching effort, and fan the flames of the love of God in the hearts, minds, and souls of all the peoples of the world. These recent calamities and crises, in the world at large and in the community of the faith, appear to me to be fulfilling the prophetical pattern described by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in his Tablet of the Seven Candles of Unity where these seven candles correspond to the same seven years pattern of the seven years Hopi purification (Hopi literally means “obedient”); the seven days (each day being a year, Ez. 4:6; Num. 14:34) of the prophetical Exodus period from the Passover of the angel of death (the first year) to the crossing of the Red Sea on the 7th or 8th day; the seven years of tribulation–purification by fire–spoken of in Ezekiel “and they will make fires with them for seven years” (Ezekiel 39:9 NKJV): all of which we have announced beforehand in our previous letters and epistles, as well as in the previous CHINVAT media releases.
The first candle, ‘Abdu’l-Baha describes is the “unity of politics,” that can be seen now lit in the world-wide global march for social justice in the wake of the George Floyd murder. This first candle unity of social justice in the realm of the body politic of all peoples as equal valuable world-citizens of the Kingdom of God is now at the forefront of the minds of all the people of the world. The second candle of “the unity of thought in world undertakings” is now lit up brightly in the call for unity and cooperation globally due to the current world wide global health crisis and pandemic. The third candle of the “unity of freedom” has now been ignited from the temple mount and al-Aqsa mosque this Ridvan concerning the Palestinian-Israeli crisis, as all the people of the world would like to see Our current generation realize the dreams of both the Palestinians and the Jews to both have unity of freedom in all aspects of their lives, the material, the family, the social, the economic, and the spiritual.
The fourth candle of unity, ‘Abdu’l-Baha describes, is “the unity of religion,” which is the most important and central candle, the head cornerstone of the foundation itself. This goes to the roots of the entire problem, the removal of all forms of prejudice, specifically the removal of religious prejudiced, that is the main impediment of all the peoples of the world functioning together in solidarity and cooperation. ‘Abdu’l-Baha states: “This is the one essential: for if unity be gained, all other problems will disappear of themselves.” This renewed religious attack upon us at this time signifies the lighting of the fourth candle.
“The fifth candle is the unity of nations–a unity which in this century [1921-2021] will be securely established, causing all the peoples of the world to regard themselves as citizens of one common fatherland. The sixth candle is unity of races, making of all that dwell on earth peoples and kindreds of one race. The seventh candle is unity of language, i.e., the choice of a universal tongue in which all peoples will be instructed and converse. Each and every one of these will inevitably come to pass, inasmuch as the power of the Kingdom of God will aid and assist in their realization” (‘Abdu’l-Baha).
Now this current federal summons is directed specifically toward the person of the guardian, named as the defendant, allowing me to file the response pro se. I am going to move for a dismissal on the grounds that the guardian is not the owner of the website UHJ.net: the second International Baha’i Council/Universal House of Justice is the owner of its own name and its own website. The guardianship of the Baha’i faith, the executive branch, and irremovable member for life of that body, is restricted to the presidency of the UHJ. The UHJ is the Supreme Institution of the Faith and has all the rights to have its own official website and certainly has the right to educate the people as to its own name and identity as the true, genuine, and authentic Universal House of Justice of Baha’u’llah. Moreover, that case–against the IBC/UHJ–has already been adjudicated in both the UN at WIPO (2005: http://www.bupc.org/wipo/wipo-
As our teaching effort of the Covenant has been rapidly progressing, and our educational message of the Kingdom of God has been resounding throughout the entire world, in different parts and communities, it is sure to soon reach the generality of the public as a whole, as set forth in the inscrutable timetable of God.
Naming the person of the guardian, instead of the Council of the IBC/UHJ itself as the defendant in this federal complaint, is just another ruse to attempt to shut down the public face of our faith and for the misguided plaintiffs to conceal their own violation of the Covenant, that without a doubt, is a real concern for them, as they–the mainstream covenant-breakers of the “Hands-Faith” are based in Haifa, Israel during this time of crisis in the Holy Land. Their sans-guardian nine man group headless “house” in violation of the provisions of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha is a public embarrassment and full-fledged flop. Without the Davidic Kingship, of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha continued in the presidency of the IBC/UHJ, they have no message for the people of the world. All the people of the world, especially the Jews, the Christians and the Muslims await the fulfillment of their prophecies for the coming of the Kingdom, that the Holy Scriptures, the Bible, and the Koran all state shall be established “upon the throne of King David” (see Is. 9:6-7 for more). In His proclamation Baha’u’llah states: “The Ancient Beauty ruleth upon the throne of David. Thus hath my pen spoken that which the histories of bygone ages have related.” No matter what the result of this filing shall be, we know that the ultimate destiny of the faith and the victory of the Cause of God are in the hands of God Himself.
“O compassionate God! Thanks be to Thee for Thou hast awakened and made me conscious. Thou hast given me a seeing eye and favored me with a hearing ear, hast led me to Thy kingdom and guided me to Thy path. Thou hast shown me the right way and caused me to enter the ark of deliverance. O God! Keep me steadfast and make me firm and staunch. Protect me from violent tests and preserve and shelter me in the strongly fortified fortress of Thy Covenant and Testament. Thou art the Powerful. Thou art the Seeing. Thou art the Hearing.
“O Thou the Compassionate God. Bestow upon me a heart which, like unto a glass, may be illumined with the light of Thy love, and confer upon me thoughts which may change this world into a rose garden through the outpourings of heavenly grace.
“Thou art the Compassionate, the Merciful. Thou art the Great Beneficent God.”
In continued service to the Faith,
I remain yours,
your servant,
Neal. Guardian.
Tablet of the Seven Candles
–‘Abdu’l-Baha–
O captive of the love of God! The letter which thou didst write at the time of thy departure hath been received. It brought me joy; and it is my hope that thine inner eye may be opened wide, so that unto thee the very core of the divine mysteries may be disclosed.
Thou didst begin thy letter with a blessed phrase, saying: ‘I am a Christian.’ O would that all were truly Christian! It is easy to be a Christian on the tongue, but hard to be a true one. Today some five hundred million souls are Christian, but the real Christian is very rare: he is that soul from whose comely face there shineth the splendor of Christ, and who showeth forth the perfections of the Kingdom; this is a matter of great moment, for to be a Christian is to embody every excellence there is. I hope that thou, too, shalt become a true Christian. Praise thou God that at last, through the divine teachings, thou hast obtained both sight and insight to the highest degree, and hast become firmly rooted in certitude and faith. It is my hope that others as well will achieve illumined eyes and hearing ears, and attain to everlasting life: that these many rivers, each flowing along in diverse and separated beds, will find their way back to the circumambient sea, and merge together and rise up in a single wave of surging oneness; that the unity of truth, through the power of God, will make these illusory differences to vanish away. This is the one essential: for if unity be gained, all other problems will disappear of themselves.
O honored lady! In accordance with the divine teachings in this glorious dispensation we should not belittle anyone and call him ignorant, saying: ‘You know not, but I know’. Rather, we should look upon others with respect, and when attempting to explain and demonstrate, we should speak as if we are investigating the truth, saying: ‘Here these things are before us. Let us investigate to determine where and in what form the truth can be found.’ The teacher should not consider himself as learned and others ignorant. Such a thought breedeth pride, and pride is not conducive to influence. The teacher should not see in himself any superiority; he should speak with the utmost kindliness, lowliness and humility, for such speech exerteth influence and educateth the souls.
O honored lady! For a single purpose were the Prophets, each and all, sent down to earth; for this was Christ made manifest, for this did Baha’u’llah raise up the call of the Lord: that the world of man should become the world of God, this nether realm the Kingdom, this darkness light, this satanic wickedness all the virtues of heaven–and unity, fellowship and love be won for the whole human race, that the organic unity should reappear and the bases of discord be destroyed and life everlasting and grace everlasting become the harvest of mankind.
O honored lady! Look about thee at the world: here unity, mutual attraction, gathering together, engender life, but disunity and inharmony spell death. When thou dost consider all phenomena, thou wilt see that every created thing hath come into being through the mingling of many elements, and once this collectivity of elements is dissolved, and this harmony of components is dissevered, the life form is wiped out.
O honored lady! In cycles gone by, though harmony was established, yet, owing to the absence of means, the unity of all mankind could not have been achieved. Continents remained widely divided, nay even among the peoples of one and the same continent association and interchange of thought were wellnigh impossible. Consequently intercourse, understanding and unity amongst all the peoples and kindreds of the earth were unattainable. In this day, however, means of communication have multiplied, and the five continents of the earth have virtually merged into one. And for everyone it is now easy to travel to any land, to associate and exchange views with its peoples, and to become familiar, through publications, with the conditions, the religious beliefs and the thoughts of all men. In like manner all the members of the human family, whether peoples or governments, cities or villages, have become increasingly interdependent. For none is self-sufficiency any longer possible, inasmuch as political ties unite all peoples and nations, and the bonds of trade and industry, of agriculture and education, are being strengthened every day. Hence the unity of all mankind can in this day be achieved. Verily this is none other but one of the wonders of this wondrous age, this glorious century. Of this past ages have been deprived, for this century–the century of light–hath been endowed with unique and unprecedented glory, power and illumination. Hence the miraculous unfolding of a fresh marvel every day. Eventually it will be seen how bright its candles will burn in the assemblage of man.
Behold how its light is now dawning upon the world’s darkened horizon. The first candle is unity in the political realm, the early glimmerings of which can now be discerned. The second candle is unity of thought in world undertakings, the consummation of which will erelong be witnessed. The third candle is unity in freedom which will surely come to pass. The fourth candle is unity in religion which is the corner-stone of the foundation itself, and which, by the power of God, will be revealed in all its splendor. The fifth candle is the unity of nations–a unity which in this century will be securely established, causing all the peoples of the world to regard themselves as citizens of one common fatherland. The sixth candle is unity of races, making of all that dwell on earth peoples and kindreds of one race. The seventh candle is unity of language, i.e., the choice of a universal tongue in which all peoples will be instructed and converse. Each and every one of these will inevitably come to pass, inasmuch as the power of the Kingdom of God will aid and assist in their realization.
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The Signs of His Grandeur
–‘Abdu’l-Baha–
“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4 NIV)
“Have you not known that you are a temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16 LSV)
This is the day when pure hearts have a portion of the everlasting bounties and sanctified souls are being illumined by the eternal manifestations. Praise be to God! You are believers in God, assured by the words of God and turning to the Kingdom of God. You have heard the divine call. Your hearts are moved by the breezes of the paradise of Abha. You have good intentions; your purpose is the good pleasure of God; you desire to serve in the Kingdom of the Merciful One.
Therefore, arise in the utmost power. Be in perfect unity. Never become angry with one another. Let your eyes be directed toward the kingdom of truth and not toward the world of creation. Love the creatures for the sake of God and not for themselves. You will never become angry or impatient if you love them for the sake of God. Humanity is not perfect. There are imperfections in every human being, and you will always become unhappy if you look toward the people themselves. But if you look toward God, you will love them and be kind to them, for the world of God is the world of perfection and complete mercy. Therefore, do not look at the short comings of anybody; see with the sight of forgiveness. The imperfect eye beholds imperfections. The eye that covers faults looks toward the Creator of souls. He created them, trains and provides for them, endows them with capacity and life, sight and hearing; therefore, they are the signs of His grandeur. You must love and be kind to everybody, care for the poor, protect the weak, heal the sick, teach and educate the ignorant. It is my hope that the unity and harmony of the friends in Chicago may be the cause of the unity of the friends throughout America and that all people may become recipients of their love and kindness. May they be an example for mankind. Then the confirmations of the Kingdom of Abha and the bestowals of the Sun of Reality will be all-encircling.
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