Opening one’s “heart and mind to the reality of the Manifestation”

The process of becoming a Bahá'ís necessarily slow and gradual. The essential is not that the beginner should have a full and detailed knowledge of the Cause, a thing which is obviously impossible in the vast majority of cases, but that he should, by act of his own will, be willing to uphold and follow the truth guidance set forth in the Teachings, and thus open his heart and mind to the reality of the Manifestation. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 7 June, 1974, to an individual believer; Bahá'í News of India, p. 2, July/August, 1974; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Character and faith

There is a difference between character and faith; it is often hard to accept this fact and put up with it, but the fact that a person may believe in and love the Cause -- even being ready to die for it -- and yet not have a good personal character or possess traits at variance with the teachings. We try to change, to let the Power of God help recreate us make us true Bahá'ís in deed as well as in belief. But the process is slow, sometimes it never happens because the individual does not try hard enough. But these things cause us suffering and are a test to us in our fellow-believers, most especially if we love them and have been their teacher! 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 17 October 1944 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi; ‘The Unfolding Destiny of the British Baha'i Community’)

What people “desperately need”

It is not merely material well-being that people need. What they desperately need is to know how to live their lives -- they need to know who they are, to what purpose they exist, and how they should act towards one another; and, once they know the answers to these questions they need to be helped to gradually apply these answers to everyday behavior. It is to the solution of this basic problem of mankind that the greater part of all our energy and resources should be directed. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated November 19, 1974; compilation: ‘Guidelines for Local Spiritual Assemblies, [Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities]’, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

The “complete rebuilding of human society”

The Bahá'í Faith offers the world the complete rebuilding of human society -- a rebuilding of such far-reaching effect that it has been looked forward to in all the revelations of the past and has been called the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth. The new architecture to which this revelation will give birth will blossom many generations hence. We are now merely at the beginning of this great process. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 18 July 1974 to an individual; compilations: ‘The Importance of the Arts in Promoting the Faith’)

The Lesser and Most Great Peace

All we know is that the Lesser and the Most Great Peace will come -- their exact dates we do not know. The same is true as regards the possibility of a future war; we cannot state dogmatically it will or will not take place -- all we know is that mankind must suffer and be punished sufficiently to make it turn to God. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 1946 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer quoted by the Universal House of Justice in a letter dated 29 July 1974; The Compilation of Compilations vol. II)

God has “endowed every soul with the capacity to recognize” His Manifestation

He hath endowed every soul with the capacity to recognize the signs of God. How could He, otherwise, have fulfilled His testimony unto men, if ye be of them that ponder His Cause in their hearts. . 

- Baha’u’llah  (‘Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah’)

Baha’u’llah’s teachings are for the entire human race

The summons and the message which We gave were never intended to reach or to benefit one land or one people only. Mankind in its entirety must firmly adhere to whatsoever hath been revealed and vouchsafed unto it. 

- Baha’u’llah  (‘Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah’)

Potential of nineteen-day Feast

Thou hast written ... concerning the Feast. This festivity, which is held on a day of the nineteen-day month, was established by His Holiness the Báb, and the Blessed Beauty directed, confirmed and warmly encouraged the holding of it. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance. You should unquestionably see to it with the greatest care, and make its value known, so that it may become solidly established on a permanent basis. Let the beloved of God gather together and associate most lovingly and spiritually and happily with one another, conducting themselves with the greatest courtesy and self-restraint. Let them read the holy verses, as well as essays which are of benefit, and the letters of ‘Abdu'l-Bahá; encourage and inspire one another to love each and all; chant the prayers with serenity and joy; give eloquent talks, and praise the matchless Lord. The host, with complete self-effacement, showing kindness to all, must be a comfort to each one, and serve the friends with his own hands. If the Feast is befittingly held, in the manner described, then this supper will verily be the Lord's Supper, for its fruits will be the very fruits of that Supper, and its influence the same. 

- 'Abdu'l-Bahá  (From a Tablet to an individual believer, translated from the Persian; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Nineteen Day Feast)

Material civilization needs to “be confirmed by Divine Guidance”

…when thou lookest at the orderly pattern of kingdoms, cities and villages, with the attractiveness of their adornments, the freshness of their natural resources, the refinement of their appliances, the ease of their means of travel, the extent of knowledge available about the world of nature, the great inventions, the colossal enterprises, the noble discoveries and scientific researches, thou wouldst conclude that civilization conduceth to the happiness and the progress of the human world. Yet shouldst thou turn thine eye to the discovery of destructive and infernal machines, to the development of forces of demolition and the invention of fiery implements, which uproot the tree of life, it would become evident and manifest unto thee that civilization is conjoined with barbarism. Progress and barbarism go hand in hand, unless material civilization be confirmed by Divine Guidance, by the revelations of the All-Merciful and by godly virtues, and be reinforced by spiritual conduct, by the ideals of the Kingdom and by the outpourings of the Realm of Might.... 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Conservation of the Earth's Resources)

Implications of “a chaste and holy life”

Such a chaste and holy life, with its implications of modesty, purity, temperance, decency, and clean-mindedness, involves no less than the exercise of moderation in all that pertains to dress, language, amusements, and all artistic and literary avocations. It demands daily vigilance in the control of one's carnal desires and corrupt inclinations. It calls for the abandonment of a frivolous conduct, with its excessive attachment to trivial and often misdirected pleasures. It requires total abstinence from all alcoholic drinks, from opium, and from similar habit-forming drugs. It condemns the prostitution of art and of literature, the practices of nudism and of companionate marriage, infidelity in marital relationships, and all manner of promiscuity, of easy familiarity, and of sexual vices.... 

- Shoghi Effendi  (‘The Advent of Divine Justice’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, A Chase and Holy Life)

Mother is “the first teacher of the child”

That the first teacher of the child is the mother should not be startling, for the primary orientation of the infant is to its mother. This provision of nature in no way minimizes the role of the father in the Bahá'í family. Again, equality of status does not mean identity of function. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 23 June 1974 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. 1)

Rectitude of conduct and no political involvement

The beloved Guardian repeatedly emphasized the principle of refusing to join any political party. In 'The Advent of Divine Justice' in speaking of the rectitude of conduct which must manifest itself in the Bahá'í community, he said: 'It must characterize the attitude of every loyal believer towards non-acceptance of political posts, non-identification with political parties, non-participation on political controversies, and non-membership in political organizations... 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a Summary of Instructions of the Universal House of Justice attached to a letter to National Spiritual Assembly of Bolivia, December 28, 1973; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

“mental faculties... are in truth of the inherent properties of the soul”

Now concerning mental faculties, they are in truth of the inherent properties of the soul, even as the radiation of light is the essential property of the sun. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Tablet to August Forel’)

To "deepen… the Spirit of His Cause in our own individual lives”

Now surely, if ever, is the time for us, the chosen ones of Bahá'u'lláh and the bearers of His Message to the world, to endeavor by day and by night, to deepen, first and foremost, the Spirit of His Cause in our own individual lives, and then labor, and labor incessantly to exemplify in all our dealings with our fellow-men that noble Spirit of which His beloved Son `Abdu'l-Bahá has been all the days of His life a true and unique exponent. ... Let us, with a pure heart, with humility and earnestness, turn afresh to His counsels and exhortations, and seek from that Source of Celestial Potency all the guidance, the spirit, the power which we shall need for the fulfillment of our mission in this life. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (‘Bahá'í Administration’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, The Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith)

“educating people of different customs and backgrounds”

... The process of educating people of different customs and backgrounds must be done with the greatest patience and understanding, and rules and regulations not imposed upon them, except where a rock-bottom essential is in question. He feels sure that your Assembly is capable of carrying on its work in this spirit, and of fanning the hearts to flame through the fire of the love of God, rather than putting out the first sparks with buckets-full of administrative information and regulations. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of South and West Africa, July 9, 1957; ‘compilation: Lights of Guidance’)

Paradise

There is no paradise more wondrous for any soul than to be exposed to God's Manifestation in His Day, to hear His verses and believe in them, to attain His presence, which is naught but the presence of God, to sail upon the sea of the heavenly kingdom of His good-pleasure, and to partake of the choice fruits of the paradise of His divine Oneness. 

- The Báb  (‘Selections from the Writings of the Báb’)

“…the structure of the physical world is like unto a single being whose limbs and members are inseparably linked together”

…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-Baha  (From a Tablet, The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, Conservation of the Earth's Resources)

Guiding prominent people to the Cause

You should always seek to guide prominent people inasmuch as once such a person is regenerated he is likely to bring about the quickening of a thousand souls. Thus the spirit of truth would flow forth unimpeded into the veins and arteries of a multitude. 

- ‘Abdu’l-baha  (The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Teaching Prominent People)

To implore “divine confirmations” when treating patients

Thou shouldst endeavour to study the science of medicine. It is is extremely useful and serveth as the greatest instrument for the dissemination of the Cause. It is absolutely imperative that thou acquire this bounty. Strive day and night that thou mayest become highly qualified in this science. And when thou wishest to dispense treatment set thy heart toward the Abhá Kingdom, entreating divine confirmations. 

- 'Abdu'l-Bahá  (From a Tablet; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. 1, Health, Healing and Nutrition)

“all created things are closely related together”

Were one to observe with an eye that discovereth the realities of all things, it would become clear that the greatest relationship that bindeth the world of being together lieth in the range of created things themselves, and that co-operation, mutual aid and reciprocity are essential characteristics in the unified body of the world of being, inasmuch as all created things are closely related together and each is influenced by the other or deriveth benefit therefrom, either directly or indirectly. 

- 'Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, Conservation of the Earth's Resources)

The necessity of “love and harmony” among spiritual assembly members

The first condition is absolute love and harmony amongst the members of the assembly. They must be wholly free from estrangement and must manifest in themselves the Unity of God, for they are the waves of one sea, the drops of one river, the stars of one heaven, the rays of one sun, the trees of one orchard, the flowers of one garden. Should harmony of thought and absolute unity be non-existent, that gathering shall be dispersed and that assembly be brought to naught. 

- 'Abdu'l-Bahá  (Cited in ‘Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, The National Convention)

“To be approved of God alone should be one's aim.”

The ones in real authority are known by their humility and self-sacrifice and show no attitude of superiority over the friends. Some time ago a tablet was written stating that none are appointed to any authority to do anything but to serve the Cause as true servants of the friends - and for this no tablet is necessary; such service when true and unselfish, requires no announcement, nor following, nor written document. Let the servant be known by his deeds, by his life! To be approved of God alone should be one's aim. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha (Words of 'Abdu'l-Baha in response to questions by Dr. Getsinger during his pilgrimage in 1905; Star of the West, vol. 6, no.6; Compilation: Lights of Guidance)

“Let your hearts be filled with the great love of God, let it be felt by all”

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. Let your hearts be filled with the great love of God, let it be felt by all; for every man is a servant of God, and all are entitled to a share of the Divine Bounty.

Especially to those whose thoughts are material and retrograde show the utmost love and patience, thereby winning them into the unity of fellowship by the radiance of your kindness. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk, Paris, October 26, 1911, ‘Paris Talks’)

Baha’u’llah is “the Primal Veil of God”

Say, He Whom God shall make manifest is indeed the Primal Veil of God. Above this Veil ye can find nothing other than God, while beneath it ye can discern all things emanating from God. He is the Unseen, the Inaccessible, the Most Exalted, the Best-Beloved.

If ye seek God, it behooveth you to seek Him Whom God shall make manifest, and if ye cherish the desire to dwell in the Ark of Names, ye will be distinguished as the guides to Him Whom God shall make manifest, did ye but believe in Him. Verily then make your hearts the daysprings of His exalted Names as recorded in the Book, and ye shall, even as mirrors placed before the sun, be able to receive enlightenment. 

- The Báb  (From Kitáb-i-Asmá’ [The Book of Names]; ‘Selections from the Writings of the Báb’)

To “become 100 percent Bahá'ís”

Indeed if the friends could seek, and exert themselves, to become 100 percent Bahá'ís they would see how greatly their influence over others would be increased, and how rapidly the Cause would spread. The world is seeking not a compromise but the embodiment of a high and shining ideal. The more the friends live up to our teachings in every aspect of their lives, in their homes, in business, in their social relationships, the greater will be the attraction they exercise over the hearts of others. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 23 January 1945 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Living the Life)

A task that every Baha’i should “concentrate on”

We must concentrate on perfecting our characters as individual Baha'is, and on maturing our still embryonic, and as yet improperly understood World Order, on spreading the Message, according to the provisions of the Divine Plan; and on building a tightly knit worldwide Baha'i Community. We are relatively few in numbers, and have such a precious, unique and responsible task to carry out. We must concentrate our full forces upon it. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated May 9, 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada; Compilation of Compilations vol. 2)

Future Baha’is will be “a hundred times more mature, better balanced, [and] more exemplary in their conduct”

The primary reason for anyone becoming a Baha'i must of course be because he has come to believe the doctrines, the teachings and the Order of Baha’u’llah are the correct thing for this stage in the world's evolution. The Baha’is themselves as a body have one great advantage; they are sincerely convinced Baha’u’llah is right; they have a plan, and they are trying to follow it. But lo pretend they are perfect, that the Baha'is of the future will not be a hundred times more mature, better balanced, more exemplary in their conduct would be foolish. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated July 5, 1947, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

How a Spiritual Assembly could “grow and develop toward its full potential”

Only as individual members of Local Spiritual Assemblies deepen themselves in the fundamental verities of the Faith and in the proper application of the principles governing the operation of the Assembly will this Institution grow and develop toward its full potential. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, August 11, 1970; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

"verities of the Faith"

By "verities of the Faith" he means the great teachings and fundamentals enshrined in our Bah’i literature these we can find by reading the books, studying under Baha'i scholars at summer schools and in classes, and through the aid of study outlines. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 19 April 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Spiritual maturity

Great tasks remain ahead: not only must the work the Master, in His Mercy, gave to the North American friends to do, be accomplished, but a deeper spirit of love and unity must be cultivated by the believers within their own communities. The friends themselves are still in many ways spiritually immature; they must study the teachings more profoundly, and learn to function as truly mature souls in all their relationships, both within the Cause and with their fellow-men. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 5 February 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Teaneck, New Jersey, U.S.A.)

We are the “custodians of…the forces of love, of unity, of peace and integration”

The friends must, at all times, bear in mind that they are, in a way, like soldiers under attack. The world is at present in an exceedingly dark condition spiritually; hatred and prejudice, of every sort are literally tearing it to pieces. We, on the other hand, are the custodians of the opposite forces, the forces of love, of unity, of peace and integration, and we must constantly be on our guard, whether as individuals or as an assembly or a community, lest through us these destructive, negative forces enter into our midst. In other words, we must beware lest the darkness of society become reflected in our acts and attitudes, perhaps all unconsciously. Love for each other, the deep sense that we are a new organism, the dawn-breakers of a New World Order, must constantly animate our Baha'i lives, and we must pray to be protected from the contamination of society which is so diseased with prejudice. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated February 5, 1941 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Atlanta, Georgia, quoted in "Baha'i New", No. 210, August 1948)