“growing pains which every Bahá'í community must experience”

He was very sorry to learn of the inharmony amongst the friends there; and he feels that the only wise course of action is for all the believers to devote themselves to teaching the Faith and co-operating with their National Body.

Often these trials and tests which all Bahá'í communities inevitably pass through seem terrible, at the moment, but in retrospect we understand that they were due to the frailty of human nature, to misunderstandings, and to growing pains which every Bahá'í community must experience. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 25 November 1956 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Issues Concerning Community Functioning)

Music “assists us to affect the human spirit”

The Guardian values the hymns that you are so beautifully composing. They certainly contain the realities of the Faith, and will indeed help you to give the Message to the young ones. It is the music which assists us to affect the human spirit; it is an important means which helps us to communicate with the soul. The Guardian hopes that through this assistance you will give the Message to the people, and will attract their hearts. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 15 November 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi  to an individual believer, cited in ‘Bahá'í News’, February 1933; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Music)

Chastity – to “make the utmost effort to uphold Bahá'í standards”

As to chastity, this is one of the most challenging concepts to get across in this very permissive age, but Bahá'ís must make the utmost effort to uphold Bahá'í standards, no matter how difficult they may seem at first. Such efforts will be made easier if the youth will understand that the laws and standards of the Faith are meant to free them from untold spiritual and moral difficulties in the same way that a proper appreciation of the laws of nature enables one to live in harmony with the forces of the planet. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 14 January 1985 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, A Chase and Holy Life)

Buddhist prophecies concerning Baha’u’llah

There are prophecies concerning this Manifestation in the Buddhist books, but they are in symbols and metaphors, and some spiritual conditions are mentioned therein, but the leaders of religion do not understand. They think these prophecies are material things; yet those signs are foreshadowing spiritual occurrences. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Tablets of Abdul-Baha Abbas’, vol. 3; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster and Related Subjects)

Youth – virtues and goals to strive for

O Lord! Make this youth radiant and confer Thy bounty upon this poor creature. Bestow upon him knowledge, grant him added strength at the break of every morn and guard him within the shelter of Thy protection so that he may be freed from error, may devote himself to the service of Thy Cause, may guide the wayward, lead the hapless, free the captives and awaken the heedless, that all may be blessed with Thy remembrance and praise. Thou art the Mighty and the Powerful. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Youth)

To “teach some high-ranking and influential persons”

I hope that thou wilt ... endeavour to teach some high-ranking and influential persons, for the hearts of the people have become attracted to the Cause of God and their minds bewildered and enthralled by its awesome grandeur. Those who occupy high positions, too, have become profoundly receptive to its message. The loved ones of God should therefore make a determined effort and guide these distinguished souls to the Cause. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Prominent People)

Virtues to strive for while serving the Faith – “devotion, zeal and self-sacrifice”

Smallness of numbers, lack of skilled teachers, and modesty of means should not discourage or deter them. They must remember the glorious history of the Cause, which ... was established by dedicated souls who, for the most part, were neither rich, famous, nor well educated, but whose devotion, zeal and self-sacrifice overcame every obstacle and won miraculous victories for the Faith of God. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 29 June 1941 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Teaching Among Aboriginal and Indigenous People)

Treatment of “nervous pains”

When thou wishest to treat nervous pains turn thy whole being to the realm on high with thine heart detached from aught else besides Him and thy soul enraptured by the love of God. Then seek confirmation of the Holy Spirit from the Abhá Kingdom, while touching the affected part with utmost love, tenderness and attraction to God. When all these things are combined, be assured that healing will take place. 

- 'Abdu'l-Bahá  (The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Some Aspects of Heath, Healing, Nutrition and Related Matters)

The birth of “the Administration of Bahá'u'lláh's invincible Faith”

Out of the pangs of anguish which His bereaved followers have suffered, amid the heat and dust which the attacks launched by a sleepless enemy had precipitated, the Administration of Bahá'u'lláh's invincible Faith was born. The potent energies released through the ascension of the Center of His Covenant crystallized into this supreme, this infallible Organ for the accomplishment of a Divine Purpose. The Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá unveiled its character, reaffirmed its basis, supplemented its principles, asserted its indispensability, and enumerated its chief institutions.... 

- Shoghi Effendi  (‘America and the Most Great Peace', 21 April 1933, 'The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, The Significance of the Formative Age of Our Faith)

Peace on earth will be established gradually

By what process, continued the questioner, will this peace on earth be established? Will it come at once after a universal declaration of the Truth?

No, it will come about gradually, said 'Abdu'l-Bahá. A plant that grows too quickly lasts but a short time. You are my family, and he looked about with a smile, my new children! if a family lives in unison, great results are obtained. Widen the circle; when a city lives in intimate accord greater results will follow, and a continent that is fully united will likewise unite all other continents. Then will be the time of the greatest results, for all the inhabitants of the earth belong to one native land. 

- 'Abdu'l-Bahá  (Words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, Notes of Conversations in London; 'Abdu'l-Baha in London'’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Peace)

The “spirit of co-operation and mutual assistance” among believers

…consider, if among the people who are merely the manifestations of the world of being this significant matter [co-operation, mutual assistance and reciprocity] is of such importance, how much greater must be the spirit of co-operation and mutual assistance among those who are the essences of the world of creation, who have sought the sheltering shadow of the heavenly Tree, and are favoured by the manifestations of divine grace; and how the evidences of this spirit should, through their earnest endeavour, their fellowship and concord, become manifest in every sphere of their inner and outer lives, in the realm of the spirit and divine mysteries and in all things related to this world and the next. Thus there can be no doubt that they must be willing even to offer up their lives for each other. 

- 'Abdu'l-Bahá  (The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Huququ’llah)

The “necessity of a profession”

In connection with your dear husband, Shoghi Effendi would consider it in full and happy accord with the expressed desire of the Master that every man should have some permanent work. Much as he desires to see you both devote your entire energies to a well thought out, progressive and attractive presentation of the Cause - a thing he feels we lack lamentably - he would be very pleased to see your husband follow what the Master often repeated even to His own immediate family, namely the necessity of a profession. Of course you know that He always said His had been mat-making. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, dated 20 September 1929; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Arts and Crafts)

“large-scale enrolments”

We have every encouragement to believe that large-scale enrolments will expand, involving village after village, town after town, from one country to another. However, it is not for us to wait passively for the ultimate fulfilment of Shoghi Effendi's vision. We few, placing our whole trust in the providence of God and regarding as a divine privilege the challenges which face us, must proceed to victory with the plans in hand. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Ridván 1990 message; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Promoting Entry by Troops)

The Universal House of Justice: “the source of all good and freed from all error”

And now, concerning the House of Justice which God hath ordained as the source of all good and freed from all error, it must be elected by universal suffrage, that is, by the believers. Its members must be manifestations of the fear of God and daysprings of knowledge and understanding, must be steadfast in God's faith and the well-wishers of all mankind. By this House is meant the Universal House of Justice, that is, in all countries a secondary House of Justice must be instituted, and these secondary Houses of Justice must elect the members of the Universal one. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, The National Convention)  

“co-operation, mutual assistance and reciprocity”

…in this station [human world] acts of co-operation, mutual assistance and reciprocity are not confined to the body and to things that pertain to the material world, but for all conditions, whether physical or spiritual, such as those related to minds, thoughts, opinions, manners, customs, attitudes, understandings, feelings or other human susceptibilities. In all these thou shouldst find these binding relationships securely established. The more this inter-relationship is strengthened and expanded, the more will human society advance in progress and prosperity. Indeed without these vital ties it would be wholly impossible for the world of humanity to attain true felicity and success. 

- 'Abdu'l-Bahá  (The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Huququ’llah)

“The powers released by Baha'u'llah match the needs of the times.”

The powers released by Baha'u'llah match the needs of the times.  We may therefore be utterly confident that the new throb of energy now vibrating throughout the Cause will empower it to meet the oncoming challenges of assisting, as maturity and resources allow, the development of the social and economic life of peoples, of collaborating with the forces leading towards the establishment of order in the world, of influencing the exploitation and constructive uses of modern technology, and in all these ways enhancing the prestige and progress of the Faith and uplifting the conditions of the generality of mankind. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Ridvan message, 1983)

The “cradle of the principal religions of mankind”

Within the continent of Asia is the "cradle of the principal religions of mankind ... above whose horizons, in modern times, the suns of two independent Revelations ... have successively arisen ... on whose Western extremity the Qiblih of the Baha'i world has been definitely established ..." 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Quoting a passage from Shoghi Effendi dated October 1953 in ‘Dawn of a New Day’; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’)

Baha’u’llah’s Covenant concerning ‘Abdu’l-Baha

The Blessed Beauty entered into this Covenant for obedience and not for opposition. I say this merely for the protection of the Cause of God and for the purpose of safeguarding unity among the friends. Were it not for the removal of vain imaginings and the eradication of differences, I should not have asserted that I am `the Center of the Covenant'. We must obey the Blessed Beauty. We must never forget His favors and exhortations. If even a breath of egotism is found in us, we shall perish at once. The friends must be alert. Everyone who expresses a word not from the texts sows discord among the believers. The Blessed Beauty entered into this Covenant for obedience; that is, that no one should utter a word from his own self or cause any conflict. If it were not so, everyone would open a way for himself and expound the Words of God in his own manner. One would say, for instance,`As I have the power of the Holy Spirit, I have a greater capacity for understanding.' Others, even these old ladies, would at once retort, `We, too, have the power of the Holy Spirit.'

The power of the Holy Spirit is limited to the Blessed Beauty and the interpretation thereof to none but me. If it is so, then there will be no differences. We must occupy ourselves with thoughts of spreading the Cause. Know that whoever has any thought other than this will become the cause of discord among the friends.

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk, New York, July 7, 1912; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

The “temple of the world hath been fashioned after the image and likeness of the human body”

As preordained by the Fountainhead of Creation, the temple of the world hath been fashioned after the image and likeness of the human body. In fact each mirroreth forth the image of the other, wert thou but to observe with discerning eyes. By this is meant that even as the human body in this world which is outwardly composed of different limbs and organs, is in reality a closely integrated, coherent entity, similarly the structure of the physical world is like unto a single being whose limbs and members are inseparably linked together. 

- 'Abdu'l-Bahá  (The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Huququ’llah)

We need to “be patient with each other”

The friends must be patient with each other and must realize that the Cause is still in its infancy and its institutions are not yet functioning perfectly. The greater the patience, the loving understanding and the forbearance the believers show towards each other and their shortcomings, the greater will be the progress of the whole Bahá'í Community at large. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 27 February 1943 written on behalf of Shoghi Efffendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Issues Concerning Community Functioning)

The “acquisition of sciences and the perfection of arts are considered acts of worship”

Strive as much as possible to become proficient in the science of agriculture, for in accordance with the divine teachings the acquisition of sciences and the perfection of arts are considered acts of worship. If a man engageth with all his power in the acquisition of a science or in the perfection of an art, it is as if he has been worshipping God in churches and temples. Thus as thou enterest a school of agriculture and strivest in the acquisition of that science thou art day and night engaged in acts of worship -- acts that are accepted at the threshold of the Almighty. What bounty greater than this that science should be considered as an act of worship and art as service to the Kingdom of God. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Economics, Agriculture, and Related Subjects)

Voting in public elections: based on “the merits of the individual, rather than because he belongs to one party or another”

The friends may vote [in public elections], if they can do it, without identifying themselves with one party or another. To enter the arena of party politics is surely detrimental to the best interests of the Faith and will harm the Cause. It remains for the individuals to so use their right to vote as to keep aloof from party politics, and always bear in mind that they are voting on the merits of the individual, rather than because he belongs to one party or another. The matter must be made perfectly clear to the individuals, who will be left free to exercise their discretion and judgment. But if a certain person does enter into party politics and labors for the ascendency of one party over another, and continues to do it against the expressed appeals and warnings of the Assembly, then the Assembly has the right to refuse him the right to vote in Baha’i elections. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 16 March 1933 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi; Baha’i News, no. 80, January 1934)

People can “enter the Bahá’í community, irrespective of their present circumstances”

…the doors are open for all of humanity to enter the Bahá’í community, irrespective of their present circumstances. In a letter dated 13 July 1964 and addressed to all National Spiritual Assemblies, the House of Justice explained, “Those who declare themselves as Bahá’ís should become enchanted with the beauty of the Teachings; and touched by the love of Bahá’u’lláh. The declarants need not know all the proofs, history, laws, and principles of the Faith, but in the process of declaring themselves they must, in addition to catching the spark of faith, become basically informed about the Central Figures of the Faith, as well as the existence of laws they must follow and an administration they must obey.” It is evident that an individual will grow in his or her understanding of and adherence to the Teachings over time. Yet in becoming a Bahá’í, an individual freely and consciously embraces the twin duties set forth by Bahá’u’lláh in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas: the “recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws” and the commitment to “observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world.” 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 5 June 2018 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

The success of any enterprise depends on “divine bestowals and confirmation”

…the friends must observe the specific times for the remembrance of God, meditation, devotion and prayer, as it is highly unlikely, nay impossible, for any enterprise to prosper and develop when deprived of divine bestowals and confirmation. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 19 December 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of the East - translated from the Persian; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Living the Life)

Purity of heart and motives

First and foremost, one should use every possible means to purge one's heart and motives, otherwise, engaging in any form of enterprise would be futile. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 19 December 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of the East - translated from the Persian; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Living the Life)

Some of the virtues of a Baha'i

Notice the extent to which the friends have been required in the Sacred Epistles and Tablets, as well as in our Beloved's Testament, to be righteous, well-wishing, forbearing, sanctified, pure, detached from all else save God, severed from the trappings of this world and adorned with the mantle of a goodly character and godly attributes. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 19 December 1923 to the Bahá'ís of the East - translated from the Persian; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Living the Life)

To “become manifestations of selflessness and utter nothingness”

He [‘Abdu’l-Baha] has commanded us not to be content with lowliness, humility and meekness, but rather to become manifestations of selflessness and utter nothingness. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 19 December 1923 to the Bahá'ís of the East - translated from the Persian; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Living the Life)

To always “act in accordance with the divine Teachings”

The wish of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, that which attracts His good pleasure and, indeed, His binding command, is that Bahá'ís, in all matters, even in small daily transactions and dealings with others, should act in accordance with the divine Teachings. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 19 December 1923 to the Bahá'ís of the East - translated from the Persian; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Living the Life)

“one of the foremost obligations for Baha'is”

…it [backbiting] is obviously one of the foremost obligations for Baha'is to set their faces against this practice. Even if what is said against another person be true, the mentioning of his faults to others still comes under the category of backbiting, and is forbidden.  

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, February 11, 1925; compilation: Lights of Guidance)

What prevents “the spirit of God…[to] penetrate and operate in the body of humanity, and in the Bahá'í community”

Beware, beware lest the foul odour of the parties and peoples of foreign lands in the West, and their pernicious methods, such as intrigues, party politics and propaganda- -practices which are abhorrent even in name -- should ever reach the Bahá'í community, exert any influence whatsoever upon the friends, and thus bring all spirituality to naught. The friends should, through their devotion, love, loyalty and altruism, abolish these evil practices, not imitate them. It is only after the friends completely ignore and sanctify themselves from these evils, that the spirit of God can penetrate and operate in the body of humanity, and in the Bahá'í community. 

- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 30 January 1923 to the Central Spiritual Assembly of Iran -- translated from the Persian; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Elections)

“Administrative efficiency and order” vs. “love…devotion and… spiritual development”

Administrative efficiency and order should always be accompanied by an equal degree of love, of devotion and of spiritual development. Both of them are essential and to attempt to dissociate one from the other is to deaden the body of the Cause. In these days, when the Faith is still in its infancy, great care must be taken lest mere administrative routine stifles the spirit which must feed the body of the Administration itself. That spirit is its propelling force and the motivating power of its very life. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated December 10, 1933, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to NSA of the United States and Canada; Baha’i News, no. 81, February 1934)