that is continually emptying itself of all that it has, and is continually being refilled from an invisible source. To be continually giving out for the good of our fellows undeterred by the fear of poverty and reliant on the unfailing bounty of the Source of all wealth and all good- that is the secret of right living.
-Shoghi Effendi
Dec.7-14, 2002
A prayer for spiritual growth:
"O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being. O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harrass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord."
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
Dec.14-21, 2002
The diversity of the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
A Prayer:
O my Lord! Make Thy beauty to be my food, and Thy presence my drink, and Thy pleasure my hope, and praise of Thee my action, and remembrance of Thee my companion, and the power of Thy sovereignty my succorer, and Thy habitation my home, and my dwelling-place the seat Thou hast santified from the limitations imposed upon them who are shut out as by a veil from Thee.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
Dec.21-28, 2002
In accordance with the Divine Teachings, the aquisition of sciences and the perfection of arts is considered as acts of worship. If a man engages with all his power in the aquisition of a science or in the perfection of an art, it is as if he has been worshipping God in the churches and temples.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
In truth, knowledge is a veritable treasure for man, and a source of glory, of bounty, of joy, of exaltation, of cheer and gladness unto him.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
Men who suffer not, attain no perfection. The plant most pruned by the gardeners is that one which, when summer comes, will have the most beautiful blossoms and the most abundant fruit.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
Dec.28- Jan.4, 2003
A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men. It is the bread of the spirit, it clotheth the words with meaning, it is the fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding...
-Bahá 'u' lláh
O Son of Man!
Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner. Shouldst thou transgress this command, accursed wouldst thou be, and to this I bear witness.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
Jan.4-11, 2003
That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one Universal Cause, one common Faith. This can in no wise be achieved except through the power of a skilled, an all-powerful and inspiried Physician.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
God grant that the light of unity may envelop the whole earth, and that the seal, "the Kingdom is God's," may be stamped upon the brow of all its peoples.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
Jan.11-18, 2003
I ask you all, each one of you, to follow well the light of truth, in the Holy Teachings, and God will strengthen you by His Holy Spirit so that you will be enabled to overcome the difficulties, and to destroy the prejudices which cause separation and hatred amongst the people.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
The real secret of universal participation lies in the Master's oft-expressed wish that the friends should love each other, constantly encourage each other, work together, be as one soul in one body, and in so doing become a true, organic, healthy body animated and illumined by the spirit. In such a body all will receive spiritual health and vitality from the organism itself, and the most perfect flowers and fruits will be brought forth.
-The Universal House of Justice
Jan. 18-25-, 2003
The Divine Reality may be likened to the sun and the Holy Spirit to the rays of the sun. As the rays of the sun bring the light and warmth of the sun to the earth, giving life to all created beings, so do the "Manifestations" (of God) bring the power of the Holy Spirit from the Divine Sun of Reality to give light and life to the souls of men.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
Jan.25-Feb.1, 2003
The Prophets of God should be regarded as physicians whose task is to foster the well-being of the world and its peoples, that, through the spirit of oneness, they may heal the sickness of a divided humanity.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
QUESTION: What does the coming of Bahá 'u' lláh
mean to the followers of Buddha?
ANSWER: For the Buddhists, Bahá 'u' lláh is the Fifth Buddha, the Buddha of universal fellowship, Whose coming was promised to them.
Feb.2-8, 2003
God grant that the light of unity may envelop the whole earth, and that the seal, "the Kingdom is God's," may be stamped upon the brow of all its peoples.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
True civilization will unfurl its banner in the mid-most heart of the world whenever a certain number of its distinguished and high-minded sovereigns- the shining exemplars of devotion and determination- shall, for the good and happiness of all mankind, arise, with firm resolve and clear vision, to establish the Cause of Universal Peace.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
Feb.8-15, 2003
It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who
loveth the whole world. The earth is one country, and mankind its citizens.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
The whole world must be looked upon as one single country, all nations as one nation, all men as belonging to one race.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
True civilization will unfurl its banner in the mid-most heart of the world whenever a certain number of its distinguished and high-minded sovereigns- the shining exemplars of devotion and determination- shall, for the good and happiness of all mankind, arise, with firm resolve and clear vision, to establish the Cause of Universal Peace.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
Feb.15-22, 2003
The Fire Tablet
In the Name of God, the Most Ancient, the Most Great.
Indeed the hearts of the sincere are consumed in the fire of separation: Where is the gleaming of the light of Thy Countenance, O Beloved of the worlds?
Those who are near unto Thee have been abandoned in the darkness of desolation: Where is the shining of the morn of Thy reunion, O Desire of the worlds?
The bodies of Thy chosen ones lie quivering on distant sands: Where is the ocean of Thy presence, O Enchanter of the worlds?
Longing hands are uplifted to the heaven of Thy grace and generosity: Where are the rains of Thy bestowal, O Answerer of the worlds?
The infidels have arisen in tyranny on every hand: Where is the compelling power of Thine ordaining pen, O Conqueror of the worlds?
The barking of dogs is loud on every side: Where is the lion of the forest of Thy might, O Chastiser of the worlds?
Coldness hath gripped all mankind: Where is the warmth of Thy love, O Fire of the worlds?
Calamity hath reached its height: Where are the signs of Thy succor, O Salvation of the worlds?
Darkness hath enveloped most of the peoples: Where is the brightness of Thy splendor, O Radiance of the worlds?
The necks of men are stretched out in malice: Where are the swords of Thy vengeance, O Destroyer of the worlds?
Abasement hath reached its lowest depth: Where are the emblems of Thy glory, O Glory of the worlds?
Sorrows have afflicted the Revealer of Thy Name, the All-Merciful: Where is the joy of the Dayspring of Thy Revelation, O Delight of the worlds?
Anguish hath befallen all the peoples of the earth: Where are the ensigns of Thy gladness, O Joy of the worlds?
Thou seest the Dawning Place of Thy signs veiled by evil suggestions: Where are the fingers of Thy might, O Power of the worlds?
Sore thirst hath overcome all men: Where is the river of Thy bounty, O Mercy of the worlds?
Greed hath made captive all mankind: Where are the embodiments of detachment, O Lord of the worlds?
Thou seest this Wronged One lonely in exile: Where are the hosts of the heaven of Thy Command, O Sovereign of the worlds?
I have been forsaken in a foreign land: Where are the emblems of Thy faithfulness, O Trust of the worlds?
The agonies of death have laid hold on all men: Where is the surging of Thine ocean of eternal life, O Life of the worlds?
The whisperings of Satan have been breathed to every creature: Where is the meteor of Thy fire, O Light of the worlds?
The drunkenness of passion hath perverted most of mankind: Where are the daysprings of purity, O Desire of the worlds?
Thou seest this Wronged One veiled in tyranny among the Syrians: Where is the radiance of Thy dawning light, O Light of the worlds?
Thou seest Me forbidden to speak forth: Then from where will spring Thy melodies, O Nightingale of the worlds?
Most of the people are enwrapped in fancy and idle imaginings: Where are the exponents of Thy certitude, O Assurance of the worlds?
Bahá is drowning in a sea of tribulation: Where is the Ark of Thy salvation, O Savior of the worlds?
Thou seest the Dayspring of Thine utterance in the darkness of creation: Where is the sun of the heaven of Thy grace, O Lightgiver of the worlds?
The lamps of truth and purity, of loyalty and honor, have been put out: Where are the signs of Thine avenging wrath, O Mover of the worlds?
Canst Thou see any who have championed Thy Self, or who ponder on what hath befallen Him in the pathway of Thy love? Now doth My pen halt, O Beloved of the worlds?
The branches of the Divine Lote-Tree lie broken by the onrushing gales of destiny: Where are the banners of Thy succor, O Champion of the worlds?
This Face is hidden in the dust of slander: Where are the breezes of Thy compassion, O Mercy of the worlds?
The robe of sanctity is sullied by the people of deceit: Where is the vesture of Thy holiness, O Adorner of the worlds?
The sea of grace is stilled for what the hands of men have wrought: Where are the waves of Thy bounty, O Desire of the worlds?
The door leading to the Divine Presence is locked through the tyranny of Thy foes: Where is the key of Thy bestowal, O Unlocker of the worlds?
The leaves are yellowed by the poisoning winds of sedition: Where is the downpour of the clouds of Thy bounty, O Giver of the worlds?
The universe is darkened with the dust of sin: Where are the breezes of Thy forgiveness, O Forgiver of the worlds?
This Youth is lonely in a desolate land: Where is the rain of Thy heavenly grace, O Bestower of the worlds?
O Supreme Pen, We have heard Thy most sweet call in the eternal realm: Give Thou ear unto what the Tongue of Grandeur uttereth, O Wronged One of the worlds?
Were it not for the cold, how would the heat of Thy words prevail, O Expounder of the worlds?
Were it not for calamity, how would the sun of Thy patience shine, O Light of the worlds?
Lament not because of the wicked. Thou wert created to bear and endure, O Patience of the worlds.
How sweet was Thy dawning on the horizon of the Covenant among the stirrers of sedition, and Thy yearning after God, O Love of the worlds.
By Thee the banner of independence was planted on the highest peaks, and the sea of bounty surged, O Rapture of the worlds.
By Thine aloneness the Sun of Oneness shone, and by Thy banishment the land of Unity was adorned. Be patient, O Thou Exile of the worlds.
We have made abasement the garment of glory, and affliction the adornment of Thy temple, O Pride of the worlds.
Thou seest the hearts are filled with hate, and to overlook is Thine, O Thou Concealer of the sins of the worlds.
When the swords flash, go forward! When the shafts fly, press onward! O Thou Sacrifice of the worlds.
Dost Thou wail, or shall I wail? Rather shall I weep at the fewness of Thy champions, O Thou Who hast caused the wailing of the worlds.
Verily, I have heard Thy call, O All-Glorious Beloved; and now is the face of Bahá flaming with the heat of tribulation and with the fire of Thy shining word, and He hath risen up in faithfulness at the place of sacrifice, looking toward Thy pleasure, O Ordainer of the worlds.
O Alí-Akbar, thank thy Lord for this Tablet whence thou canst breathe the fragrances of My meekness, and know what hath beset Us in the path of God, the Adored of all the worlds.
Should all the servants read and ponder this, there shall be kindled in their veins a fire that shall set aflame the worlds.
- Bahá'u'lláh
Feb.22-March 1, 2003
The celebration of Ayyám-i-Há, the Intercalary Days, begins at sunset on Feb 25th and continues until sunset, March 1st.( there are four days in ordinary years, five in leap years). Ayyám-i-Há is a time of preparation for the Nineteen Day Fast (March 2-20). It is also a time for hospitality, charity. and the giving of presents.
February 26
The Celebration of Ayyám-i-Há
Intercalary Days
My God, my Fire and my Light! The days which Thou hast named the Ayyám-i-Há in Thy Book have begun, O Thou Who art the King of names, and the fast which Thy most exalted Pen hath enjoined unto all who are in the kingdom of Thy creation to observe is approaching. I entreat Thee, O my Lord... to grant that unto every soul may be assigned a place within the precincts of Thy court, and a seat at the revelation of the splendors of the light of Thy countenance.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
March 1- 8, 2003
The month of 'Alá', or Loftiness, begins March 1st at sunset. The coming month is the month of the Nineteen Day Fast (March 2-20). All Bahá'ís from fifteen to seventy years old must abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset on each of the nineteen days of the month of 'Alá'. Travelers, the sick, those engaged in heavy physical labor, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating are exempt from fasting.
March 1
Happy are the days that have been consecrated to the remembrance of God, and blessed the hours which have been spent in praise of Him Who is the All-Wise.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
The Fast
The Feast of 'Alá'
Loftiness
Commencement of the Nineteen Day Fast
Glory be to Thee, O Lord my God! These are the days whereon Thou hast bidden all men to observe the fast, that through it they may purify their souls and rid themselves of all attachment to anyone one but Thee...
Bahá 'u' lláh
Prayer and fasting is the cause of awakening and mindfulness and conducive to protection and preservation from tests.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
Fortunate are ye to have obeyed the commandment of God, and kept this fast during the holy season. For this material fast is an outer token of the spiritual fast; it is a symbol of self-restraint, the withholding of oneself from all appetites of the self, taking on the characteristics of the spirit, being carried away by the breathings of heaven and catching fire from the love of God.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
March 8-15, 2003
The month of 'Alá', or Loftiness, begins March 1st at sunset. The coming month is the month of the Nineteen Day Fast (March 2-20). All Bahá'ís from fifteen to seventy years old must abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset on each of the nineteen days of the month of 'Alá'. Travelers, the sick, those engaged in heavy physical labor, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating are exempt from fasting.
March 2-20
The Fast
The Feast of 'Alá'
Loftiness
Commencement of the Nineteen Day Fast
That seeker must, at all times, put his trust in God, must renounce the peoples of the earth, must detach himself from the world of dust, and cleave unto Him Who is the Lord of Lords. He must never seek to exalt himself above any one, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of pride and vain-glory, must cling unto patience and resignation, observe silence and refrain from idle talk. For the tongue is a smouldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endureth a century.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
March 15-22, 2003
The month of 'Alá', or Loftiness, begins March 1st at sunset. The coming month is the month of the Nineteen Day Fast (March 2-20). All Bahá'ís from fifteen to seventy years old must abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset on each of the nineteen days of the month of 'Alá'. Travelers, the sick, those engaged in heavy physical labor, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating are exempt from fasting.
March 2-20
The Fast
The Feast of 'Alá'
Loftiness
Commencement of the Nineteen Day Fast
Glory be to Thee, O Lord my God! These are the days whereon Thou hast bidden all men to observe the fast, that through it they may purify their souls and rid themselves of all attachment to anyone one but Thee...
Bahá 'u' lláh
March 20
(The Fast Ends at Sunset)
The Celebration of Naw Rúz,
The Month of Splendor (Bahá), And The
New Bahá'í Year
All Begin At Sunset
The mystic and wondrous Bride, hidden ere this beneath the veiling of utterance, hath now, by the grace of God and His divine favour, been made manifest even as the resplendant light shed by the beauty of the Beloved. I bear witness, O friends! that the favour is complete, the argument fulfilled, the proof manifest and evidence established. Let it now be seen what your endeavours in the path of detachment will reveal. In this wise hath the divine favour been fully vouchsafed unto you and unto them that are in heaven and on earth. All praise to God, the Lord of all Worlds.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
March 22-29, 2003
O Oppressors on Earth!
Withdraw your hands from tyranny, for I have pledged Myself not to forgive any man's injustice. This is My covenant which I have irrevocably decreed in the preserved tablet and sealed it with My seal of glory.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
The Holy Bible
-Proverbs 3:31
March 30-April 5, 2003
Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship....
They that are endued with sincerity and faithfulness should associate with all the peoples and kindreds of the earth with joy and radiance, inasmuch as consorting with people hath promoted and will continue to promote unity and concord, which in turn are conducive to the maintenance of order in the world and to the regeneration of nations.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
There can be no doubt whatever that the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
April 5- 12, 2003
O Son of Spirit!
The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice;
turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and
neglect it not that I may confide in thee. By its aid thou shalt see withthine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbor. Ponder this in thy heart; how it behooveth thee to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
April 12 -19, 2003
This is a new cycle of human power. All the horizons of the world are luminous, and the world will become indeed as a garden and a paradise....
The gift of God to this enlightened age is the knowledge of the oneness of mankind and the fundamental oneness of religion.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
April 19-26, 2003
April 19,
The Approach of Ridván
Verily, all created things were immersed in the sea of purification when, on that first day of Ridván, We shed upon the whole of creation the splendors of Our most excellent Names and Our most exalted Attributes. This , verily, is a token of My loving providence, which hath encompassed all the worlds.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
April 20,
The First Day or "Festival" of Ridván,
which begins tonight at sunset, is a Holy Day; Bahá'ís should make every effort to be excused from work and school. Ridván lasts for twelve days. During this time in 1863 Bahá 'u' lláh announced that He was the Prophet of God for this age. Ridván
is a joyous and happy time. Bahá'í communities should celebrate the First Day of Ridván on April 21 at 3:00 P.M.
April 21
Arise, and proclaim unto the entire creation tidings that He Who is the All-Merciful hath directed His steps towards the Ridván and entered it. Guide, then,the people unto the garden of delight which God hath made the Throne of His Paradise. We have chosen thee to be our most mighty Trumpet. whose blast is to signalize the resurrection of all mankind.
The First Day of Ridván
is also the day of the annual election meeting for Bahá'í communities of at least nine adult members. This meeting should take place between
sunset on April 20 and sunset on April 21.
April 26-May 3, 2003
Verily, all created things were immersed in the sea of purification when, on that first day of Ridván, We shed upon the whole of creation the splendors of Our most excellent Names and Our most exalted Attributes. This , verily, is a token of My loving providence, which hath encompassed all the worlds.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
April 20,
The First Day or "Festival" of Ridván,
which begins tonight at sunset, is a Holy Day; Bahá'ís should make every effort to be excused from work and school. Ridván lasts for twelve days. During this time in 1863 Bahá 'u' lláh announced that He was the Prophet of God for this age. Ridván
is a joyous and happy time. Bahá'í communities should celebrate the First Day of Ridván on April 21 at 3:00 P.M.
April 21
Arise, and proclaim unto the entire creation tidings that He Who is the All-erciful hath directed His steps towards the Ridván and entered it. Guide, then,the people unto the garden of delight which God hath made the Throne of His Paradise. We have chosen thee to be our most mighty Trumpet. whose blast is to signalize the resurrection of all mankind.
The 9th Day of Ridván
Verily I say, this is the Day in which mankind can behold the Face, and hear the Voice, of the Promised One. The Call of God hath been raised, and the light of His countenance hath been lifted up upon men. It behooveth every man to blot out the trace of every idle word from the tablet of his heart, and to gaze, with an open and unbiased mind, on the signs of His Revelation, the proofs of His Mission, and the tokens of His glory.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
The 12th Day of Ridván
The twelfth and final Day of Ridván begins tonight (May 1st) at sunset. May 2nd is a Holy Day on which Bahá'ís should make every effort to be excused from work and school.
May 2nd
I was but a man like others, asleep upon My couch, when lo, the breezes of the All-Glorious were wafted over Me, and taught Me the knowledge of all that hath been. This thing is not from Me, but from One Who is Almighty and All-Knowing....His all-compelling summons hath reached Me, and caused Me to speak His praise amidst all people. I was indeed as one dead when His behest was uttered. The hand of the will of thy Lord, the Compassionate, the Merciful, transformed Me.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
May 3-10, 2003
The body of the human world is sick. Its remedy and healing will be the oneness of the kingdom of humanity. Its life is the "Most Great Peace". Its illumination and quickening is love. Its happiness is the attainment of spiritual perfections.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
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 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.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
May 10-17, 2003
O Son of Man!
If adversity befall thee not in My path, how canst thou walk in the ways of them that are content with My pleasure? If trials afflict thee not in thy longing to meet Me, how wilt thou attain the light in thy love for My beauty?
-Bahá 'u' lláh
We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulations worketh patience...
-Romans 5:3
May 17-24, 2003
According to the teachings of Bahá 'u' lláh the family, being a human unit, must be educated according to the rules of sanctity. All the virtues must be taught the family. The integrity of the family bond must be constantly considered, and the rights of the individual members must not be transgressed. The rights of the son, the father, the mother- none of them must be transgressed, none of them must be arbitrary. Just as the son has certain obligations to his father, the father, likewise, has certain obligations to his son. The mother, the sister and other members of the household have their certain prerogatives. All these rights and prerogatives must be conserved, yet the unity of the family must be sustained. The injuryof one shall be considered the injury of all; the comfort of each, the comfort of all; the honor of one, the honor of all.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
May 24-31, 2003
God leaves not His children comfortless, but, when the darkness of winter overshadows them, then again He sends His Messengers, the Prophets, with a renewal of the blessed spring.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
- John 14-18
Question: What is meant by the term progressive revelation?
Answer: Progressive revelation refers to the belief that God has a great plan that He unfolds to humanity in different periods in history. Each Messenger of God (such as Moses, Christ, or Bahá 'u' lláh ) reveals a new stage of this plan.
Every Prophet Whom the Almighty and Peerless Creator hath purposed to send to the peoples of the earth hath been entrusted with a Message, and charged to act in a manner that would best meet the requirements of the age in which He appeared.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
May 31- June 7, 2003
And among the teachings of His Holiness Bahá 'u' lláh is the equality of women and men. The world of humanity has two wings--one is women and the other is 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.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
June 7- 14, 2003
Follow thou the way of thy Lord, and say not that which the ears cannot bear to hear, for speech is like a lucious food given to small children. However palatable, rare and rich the food may be, it cannot be assimilated by the digestive organs of a suckling child. Therefore unto every one who hath a right, let his settled measure be given.
"Not everything that a man knoweth can be disclosed, nor can everything that he can disclose be regarded as timely, nor can every timely utterance be considered as suited to the capacity of those who hear it." Such is the consummate wisdom to be observed in thy pursuits. Be not oblivious thereof, if thou wishest to be a man of action under all conditions. First diagnose and identify the malady, then prescribe the remedy, for such is the perfect method of the skilful physician.
-Abdu'l-Bahá
June 14-21, 2003
There are two ways of healing sickness, material means and spiritual means. The first is by the treatment of physicians; the second consisteth in prayers offered by the spiritual ones to God and in turning to Him. Both means should be used and practised.
Illnesses which occur by reason of physical causes should be treated by doctors with medical remedies; those which are due to spiritual causes disappear through spiritual means. Thus an illness caused by affliction, fear, nervous impressions, will be healed more effectively by spiritual rather than by physical treatment. Hense, both kinds of treatment should be followed; they are not contradictory.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
June 21-28, 2003
In our solar system, the center of illumination is the sun itself. Through the will of God this central luminary is the one source of the existence and development of all phenomenal things....Without this quickening impulse there would be no growth of tree or vegetation, neither would the existence of animal or human being be possible; in fact no forms of created life would be manifest upon the earth....
Likewise in the spiritual realm of intelligence and idealism there must be a center of illumination, and that center is the everlasting, ever-shining Sun, the Word of God....This Sun of Reality, this center of effulgence's is the prophet or Manifestation of God. Just as the phenomenal sun shines upon the material world producing life and growth, likewise the spiritual or prophetic Sun confers illumination upon the human world of thought and intelligence, and unless it rose upon the horizon of human existence the kingdom of man would become dark and extinguished.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
June 28- July 6, 2003
Each Prophet fulfilled the promise of the One Who came before Him and, likewise, Each announced the One Who would follow. Consider how Abraham foretold the coming of Moses, and Moses embodied the Abrahamic statement. Moses prophesied the Messianic cycle, and Christ fulfilled the law of Moses. It is evident , therefore, that the Holy Manifestations Who founded the religious systems are united and agreed; there is no differentiation possible in Their mission and teachings; all are reflectors of reality, and all are promulgators of the religion of God. The divine religion is reality, and reality is not multiple; it is one. Therefore, the foundations of the relgious systems are one because all proceed from the indivisible reality....
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
July 6-12, 2003
O thou servant of God! Do not grieve at the afflictions and calamities that have befallen thee. All calamities and afflictions have been created for man so that he may spurn this mortal world---a world to which he is much attached. When he experienceth severe trials and hardships, then his nature will recoil and he will desire the eternal realm---a realm which is sanctified from all afflictions and calamities. Such is the case with the man who is wise. He shall never drink from a cup which is at the end distasteful, but, on the contrary, he will seek the cup of pure and limpid water. He will not taste of the honey that is mixed with poison.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá,
Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 239
July 12-19, 2003
Pay ye no heed to aversion and rejection, to distain, hostility, injustice: act ye in the opposite way. Be ye sincerely kind, not in appearance only. Let each one of God's loved ones centre his attention on this: to be the Lord's mercy to man; to be the Lord's grace. Let him do some good to every person whose path he crosseth, and be of some benifit to him....In this way, the light of divine guidance will shine forth, and the blessings of God will cradle all mankind: for love is light, no matter in what abode it dwelleth; and hate is darkness, no matter where it may make its nest.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá,
Selections from the Writings
of 'Abdu'l- Bahá
July 19-26, 2003
SON OF SPIRIT!
The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee. By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbor. Ponder this in thy heart; how it behooveth thee to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes.
-Bahá 'u' lláh,
The Hidden Words of Bahá 'u' lláh,
Part 1- From the Arabic
July 26-Aug.2, 2003
O SON OF DUST!
Blind thine eyes, that thou mayest behold My beauty; stop thine ears, that thou mayest hearken unto the sweet melody of My voice; empty thyself of all learning, that though mayest partake of My knowledge; and sanctify thyself from riches, that thou mayest obtain a lasting share from the ocean of My eternal wealth. Blind thine eyes, that is, to all save My beauty; stop thine ears to all save My word; empty thyself of all learning save the knowledge of Me; that with a clear vision, a pure heart and an attentive ear thou mayest enter the court of My holiness.
-Bahá 'u' lláh ,
The Hidden Words of Bahá 'u' lláh, #11
From the Persian
Aug.2-9, 2003
That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race.
The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.
-Bahá 'u' lláh,
The Proclamation of Bahá 'u' lláh, p.6
Aug.9-16, 2003
One hour's reflection is preferable to seventy years of pious worship.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
Aug.16-23, 2003
The essence of faith is fewness of words and abundance of deeds.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
When work is done for a reward, the work brings pleasure, or pain, or both, in its time; but when a man does work in Eternity, then Eternity is his reward.
-Hindu Scriptures (BHAGAVAD-GITA )18-12
Aug. 23-30, 2003
O Son of the Throne!
Thy hearing is My hearing, hear thou therewith.
Thy sight is My sight, do thou see therewith, that in thine inmost soul thou mayest testify unto My exhalted sanctity, and I within Myself may be a witness unto an exhalted station for thee.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
Aug.30-Sept. 6, 2003
O Oppressors on Earth!
Withdraw your hands from tyranny, for I have pledged Myself not to forgive any man's injustice.
This is My covenant which I have irrevocably decreed in the preserved tablet and sealed it with My seal of glory.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
Sept. 6-13, 2003
The first teaching of Bahá 'u' lláh is the duty incumbent upon all to investigate reality. What does it mean to investigate reality? It means that man must forget all hearsay and examine truth himself, for he does not know whether statements he hears are in accordance with reality or not.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
Sept.13- 20, 2003
May you become as the waves of one sea, the stars of the same heaven, fruits adorning the same tree, roses of one garden in order that through you the oneness of humanity may establish its temple in the world of mankind, for you are the ones who are called to uplift the cause of unity among the nations of earth.
'Abdu'l-Bahá
Sept. 20-27, 2003
On Bahá'í Marriage
"Live in such harmony that others may take your lives for an example and may say to one another: "Look how they live like two doves in one nest, in perfect love, affinity and union. It is as though from all eternity God had kneeded the very essence of their beings for the love of one another."
'Abdu'l-Bahá,
Star, vol.11, no.1
(March, 1920), p. 20-1
Sept.27- Oct. 4, 2003
Prayer for Mankind
O Thou kind Lord! Thou hast created all humanity
from the same stock. Thou hast decreed that all shall
belong to the same household. In Thy Holy Presence
they are all Thy servants, and all mankind are
sheltered beneath Thy Tabernacle; all have gathered
together at Thy Table of Bounty; all are illumined
through the light of Thy Providence.
O God! Thou art kind to all, Thou hast provided
for all, dost shelter all, conferrest life upon all.
Thou hast endowed each and all with talents and
faculties, and all are submerged in the Ocean of Thy
Mercy.
O Thou kind Lord! Unite all. Let the religions
agree and make the nations one, so that they may see
each other as one family and the whole earth as one
home. May they all live together in perfect harmony.
O God! Raise aloft the banner of the oneness of
mankind.
O God! Establish the Most Great Peace. Cement
Thou, O God, the hearts together. O Thou kind Father, God! Gladden our hearts through the fragrance of Thy love. Brighten our eyes through the Light of Thy Guidance. Delight our ears with the melody of Thy Word, and shelter us all in the Stronghold of Thy Providence. Thou art the Mighty and Powerful, Thou art the Forgiving and Thou art the One Who overlookeththe shortcomings of all mankind.
'Abdu'l-Bahá
Oct. 4- 11, 2003
A Prayer for Assistance with Tests
HE is the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful! O God, my God! Thou seest me, Thou knowest me; Thou art my Haven and my Refuge. None have I sought nor any will I seek save Thee; no path have I trodden nor any will I tread but the path of Thy love. In the darksome night of despair, my eye turneth expectant and full of hope to the morn of Thy boundless favor and at the hour of dawn my drooping soul is refreshed and strengthened in remembrance of Thy beauty and perfection. He whom the grace of Thy mercy aideth, though he be but a drop, shall become the boundlessocean, and the merest atom which the outpouring of Thy loving-kindness assisteth, shall shine even as the radiant star. Shelter under Thy protection, O Thou Spirit of purity, Thou Who art the All-Bountiful Provider, this enthralled, enkindled servant of Thine. Aid him in this world of being to remain steadfast and firm in Thy love and grant that this broken-winged bird attain a refuge and shelter in Thy divine nest that abideth upon the celestial tree.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
.Oct.11-18,2003
The source of crafts, sciences and arts is the power of reflection. Make ye every effort that out of this ideal mine there may gleam forth such pearls of wisdom and utterance as will promote the well-being and harmony of all the kindreds of the earth.
-Bahá 'u' lláh
How shall we utilize these gifts and expend these bounties? By directing our efforts toward the unification of the human race.
-' Abdu'l-Bahá
Oct. 18-25, 2003
To the sincere ones, tests are as a gift from God, the Exalted, for a heroic person hasteneth, with the utmost joy and gladness, to the tests of a violent battlefield, but the coward is afraid and trembles and utters moaning and lamentation. Likewise, an expert student prepareth and memorizeth his lessons and exercises with the utmost effort, and in the day of examination he appeareth with infinite joy before the master.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
Oct. 25-Nov. 1, 2003
Blessed are the steadfastly enduring, they that are patient under ills and hardships, who lament not over anything that befalleth them, and who tread the path of resignation....
-Bahá 'u' lláh,
Gleanings
Nov. 29-Dec.6, 2003
Put all your beliefs into harmony with science; there can be no opposition, for truth is one. When religion, shorn of its superstitions,traditions,and unintelligent dogmas, shows its conformity with science, then will there be a great unifying,cleansing force in the world which will sweep before it all wars, disagreements,
discords and struggles- and then will mankind be united in the power of the Love of God.
- 'Abdu'l-Bahá
Dec.6-13, 2003
O Son of Man!If adversity befall thee not in My path, how canst thou walk in the ways of them that are content with My pleasure? If trials afflict thee not in thy longing to meet Me, how wilt thou attain the light in thy love for My beauty? -
-Bahá 'u' lláh
We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulations worketh patience... -
Romans 5:3
Dec.14-21, 2003
Concerning the prejudice of race: it is an illusion, a supestition pure and simple! For God created us all of one race. There were no differences in the beginning, for we are all descendants of Adam. In the beginning, also, there were no limits and boundaries between the different lands; no part of the earth belonged more to one people than to another.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
Dec.21-28,2003
The diversity of the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord.
-'Abdu'l-Bahá
A Prayer:
O my Lord! Make Thy beauty to be my food, and Thy presence my drink, and Thy pleasure my hope, and praise of Thee my action, and remembrance of Thee my companion, and the power of Thy sovereignty my succorer, and Thy habitation my home, and my dwelling-place the seat Thou hast santified from the limitations imposed upon them who are shut out as by a veil from Thee.
