The effects of music on one’s soul

...a musical and melodious voice imparteth life to an attracted heart, but lureth toward lust those souls who are engulfed in passion and desire. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘The Divine Art of Living’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Music)

The “direct presentation of the Teachings”

The direct presentation of the Teachings is surely highly important and even indispensable nowadays. But it should be done with utmost care and tact, and in a manner that would appeal to the non-believers. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 31 December 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. II, Writers and Writing)

‘Abdu’l-Baha: “I am the lamp and the love of God is my light”

I am the lamp and the love of God is my light. This light hath become reflected in the mirrors of hearts. Therefore turn thou unto thy heart, that is, when it is in the utmost freedom, and behold how the radiance of my love is manifest in that mirror, and thou art near unto me. Recite the Greatest Name at every morn, and turn thou unto the Kingdom of Abha, until thou mayest apprehend my mysteries. 

- ‘Abdu'l-Baha  (Tablets of ‘Abdu'l-Baha vol. 3)

Authorized Interpreters

The system of Bahá'í Administration is "indissolubly bound with the essential verities of the Faith" as set forth in the writings of Bahá'u'lláh and Abdu'l-Bahá. A unique feature of this system is the appointment of authorized interpreters, in the persons of Abdu'l-Bahá and the Guardian, to provide authoritative statements on the intent of Bahá'u'lláh's revelation. Writing in The Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh, Shoghi Effendi stated that "Abdu'l-Bahá and the Guardian share ... the right and obligation to interpret the Bahá'í Teachings". In relation to his own function as interpreter, he further stated that "the Guardian has been specifically endowed with such power as he may need to reveal the purport and disclose the implications of the utterances of Bahá'u'lláh and of Abdu'l-Bahá". The significance of this important provision is that the religion of God is safeguarded and protected against schism and its essential unity is preserved. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a message dated 31 May 1988; Teach Canada Supplement, Issue #6 December 1989)

Obedience to the Universal House of Justice

Let it not be imagined that the House of Justice will take any decision according to its own concepts and opinions. God forbid! The Supreme House of Justice will take decisions and establish laws through the inspiration and confirmation of the Holy Spirit, because it is in the safekeeping and under the shelter and protection of the Ancient Beauty, and obedience to its decisions is a bounden and essential duty and an absolute obligation, and there is no escape for anyone.

Say, O people: Verily the Supreme House of Justice is under the wings of your Lord, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful, that is, under His protection, His care, and His shelter; for He has commanded the firm believers to obey that blessed, sanctified and all-subduing body, whose sovereignty is divinely ordained and of the Kingdom of Heaven and whose laws are inspired and spiritual. 

- 'Abdu'l-Bahá  (From a Tablet ["Rahíq-i-Makhtúm" vol. I, pp. 302-4]; "Bahá'í News, September 1966; cited in "Wellspring of Guidance"; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Establishment of the Universal House of Justice)

The Word of God

The Word of God may be likened to the life-giving breezes of the divine springtime.  When chanted in spiritual tones, it bestoweth the breath of life and granteth true salvation.  It bringeth forth a garden of roses from the pure soil, and wafteth its musk-laden fragrance throughout the world. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá  (From a Tablet; compilation: ‘Prayer and Devotional Life, Extracts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, February 2019)

The effects of “unity and harmony” in Spiritual Assembly meetings

Bahá'u'lláh has given the promise that in every Assembly where unity and harmony prevail, there His glorious spirit will not only be present, but will animate, sustain and guide all the friends in all their deliberations. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the Evanston and Wilmette Spiritual Assemblies, November 17, 1933; ‘Directives from the Guardian’; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

“be enkindled by the fire of the love of God”

Comfort thy mother and endeavor to do what is conducive to the happiness of her heart. Approach not those who are drowned in the sea of this world, but rather be enkindled by the fire of the love of God. Be thou such a flame whereby the hearts may be set aglow. 

- ‘Abdu'l-Baha  (Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha, vol. 1)

One’s occupation and “service of the one true God”

Commerce, agriculture and industry should not, in truth, be a bar to service of the one true God. Indeed, such occupations are most potent instruments and clear proofs for the manifestation of the evidences of one's piety, of one's trustworthiness and of the virtues of the All-Merciful Lord. 

- 'Abdu'l-Bahá  (The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Economics, Agriculture, and Related Subjects)

Intellect and Wisdom: “the two most luminous lights in either world”

Praise and thanksgiving be unto Providence that out of all the realities in existence He has chosen the reality of man and has honored it with intellect and wisdom, the two most luminous lights in either world. Through the agency of this great endowment, He has in every epoch cast on the mirror of creation new and wonderful configurations. If we look objectively upon the world of being, it will become apparent that from age to age, the temple of existence has continually been embellished with a fresh grace, and distinguished with an ever-varying splendor, deriving from wisdom and the power of thought.

This supreme emblem of God stands first in the order of creation and first in rank, taking precedence over all created things. Witness to it is the Holy Tradition, “Before all else, God created the mind.” From the dawn of creation, it was made to be revealed in the temple of man. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Secret of Divine Civilization’)

Marriage: “a union of the body and of the spirit”

Marriage, among the mass of the people, is a physical bond, and this union can only be temporary, since it is foredoomed to a physical separation at the close. Among the people of Bahá, however, marriage must be a union of the body and of the spirit as well, for here both husband and wife are aglow with the same wine, both are enamoured of the same matchless Face, both live and move through the same spirit, both are illumined by the same glory. This connection between them is a spiritual one, hence it is a bond that will abide forever. Likewise do they enjoy strong and lasting ties in the physical world as well, for if the marriage is based both on the spirit and the body, that union is a true one, hence it will endure. If, however, the bond is physical and nothing more, it is sure to be only temporary, and must inexorably end in separation. When, therefore, the people of Bahá undertake to marry, the union must be a true relationship, a spiritual coming together as well as a physical one, so that throughout every phase of life, and in all the worlds of God, their union will endure; for this real oneness is a gleaming out of the love of God.  

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá’; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, Family Life)

Establishment of Baha’i Fund and its administration by Spiritual Assembly

And as the progress and extension of spiritual activities is dependent and conditioned upon material means, it is of absolute necessity that immediately after the establishment of local as well as national Spiritual Assemblies, a Bahá'í Fund be established, to be placed under the exclusive control of the Spiritual Assembly. All donations and contributions should be offered to the Treasurer of the Assembly, for the express purpose of promoting the interests of the Cause, throughout that locality or country. It is the sacred obligation of every conscientious and faithful servant of Bahá'u'lláh, who desires to see His Cause advance, to contribute freely and generously for the increase of that Fund. The members of the Spiritual Assembly will at their own discretion expend it to promote the Teaching Campaign, to help the needy, to establish educational Bahá'í institutions, to extend in every way possible their sphere of service. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 12 March 1923 to the Bahá'ís of the West, published in ‘Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932’; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, Baha’i Funds and Contributions)

"One of the potentialities hidden in the realm of humanity”

The outer sun is a sign or symbol of the inner and ideal Sun of Truth, the Word of God. Inasmuch as this is the century of light, it is evident that the Sun of Reality, the Word, has revealed itself to all humankind. One of the potentialities hidden in the realm of humanity was the capability or capacity of womanhood. Through the effulgent rays of divine illumination the capacity of woman has become so awakened and manifest in this age that equality of man and woman is an established fact. In past ages woman was wronged and oppressed. This was especially the case in Asia and Africa. In certain parts of Asia women were not considered as members of humankind. They were looked upon as inferior, unworthy creatures, subordinate and subject to man. A certain people known as the Nusayris held to the belief for a long period that woman was the incarnation of the evil spirit, or Satan, and that man alone was the manifestation of God, the Merciful. At last this century of light dawned, the realities shone forth, and the mysteries long hidden from human vision were revealed. Among these revealed realities was the great principle of the equality of man and woman, which is now finding recognition throughout the whole world—America, Europe and the Orient. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912’)

Prayer: “a communion between man and God”

Prayer is essentially a communion between man and God, and as such transcends all ritualistic forms and formulae. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 15 June 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Service in Baha’i Temples)

Commotions associated with “the Day of the Manifestation of the Most Great Name”

O ye friends of 'Abdu’l-Baha! The tumult of the nations and the clamour of their peoples are certain and inevitable in the Day of the Manifestation of the Most Great Name. The wisdom of this irrevocable decree is clear and evident. For when the winds of tests blow, the frail trees are uprooted while the blessed trees are made firm and immovable. Torrents of rain distress and scatter the creeping things that walk upon the earth while the gardens are filled with anemones and bring forth roses and sweet herbs, and the nightingales warble their melodies, chanting a myriad songs at every moment. This is a bounty unto the righteous and a calamity unto those who are weak. Render thanks unto God that your feet are firm and your faces, like pure gold, are aglow in the lire of tests. I beseech the one true God that day by day ye may increase in firmness and steadfastness. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet; compilation: ‘Give Me Thy Grace to Serve Thy Loved Ones’, prepared by the International Teaching Centre for the Continental Counsellors and their Auxiliaries, May 2018)

The secret to maintaining one’s spiritual progress

I ask the Blessed Beauty to assist you and confirm you. Wherever I go, you will be in my thoughts. I shall not forget any one of you. I beg of God that you may become more enlightened, more severed, more spiritual, more aflame and that you may be humble and submissive, for as long as man does not consider himself to be good but regards himself as weak and deficient, he progresses; but the moment he considers himself good and says, `I am perfect', he falls into pride and retrogresses. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha when leaving Chicago, September 17, 1912, ‘Mahmud’s Diary)

Indications of Baha’i “rectitude of conduct”

Such a rectitude of conduct must manifest itself, with ever-increasing potency,

• in every verdict which the elected representatives of the Bahá'í community, in whatever capacity they may find themselves, may be called upon to pronounce.
• It must be constantly reflected in the business dealings of all its members,
• in their domestic lives,
• in all manner of employment, and
• in any service they may, in the future, render their government or people.
• It must be exemplified in the conduct of all Bahá'í electors, when exercising their sacred rights and functions.
• It must characterize the attitude of every loyal believer towards
• nonacceptance of political posts,
• nonidentification with political parties,
• nonparticipation in political controversies, and
• nonmembership in political organizations and ecclesiastical institutions.
• It must reveal itself in the uncompromising adherence of all, whether young or old,
• to the clearly enunciated and fundamental principles laid down by `Abdu'l-Bahá in His addresses, and
• to the laws and ordinances revealed by Bahá'u'lláh in His Most Holy Book.

“intellect and wisdom”: “the two most luminous lights in either world”

Praise and thanksgiving be unto Providence that out of all the realities in existence He has chosen the reality of man and has honored it with intellect and wisdom, the two most luminous lights in either world. Through the agency of this great endowment, He has in every epoch cast on the mirror of creation new and wonderful configurations. If we look objectively upon the world of being, it will become apparent that from age to age, the temple of existence has continually been embellished with a fresh grace, and distinguished with an ever-varying splendor, deriving from wisdom and the power of thought.

This supreme emblem of God stands first in the order of creation and first in rank, taking precedence over all created things. Witness to it is the Holy Tradition, “Before all else, God created the mind.” From the dawn of creation, it was made to be revealed in the temple of man.

Sanctified is the Lord, Who with the dazzling rays of this strange, heavenly power has made our world of darkness the envy of the worlds of light: “And the earth shall shine with the light of her Lord.” [Qur’án 39:69] Holy and exalted is He, Who has caused the nature of man to be the dayspring of this boundless grace: “The God of mercy hath taught the Qur’án, hath created man, hath taught him articulate speech.” [Qur’án 55:1–3] 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Secret of the Divine Civilization’)

“The primary purpose” of Summer School

You can arrange to hold a Summer School in any suitable place where the friends can find accommodation, and a hall can be rented for its sessions. This is what they have done in England for many years to great advantage. It is a simple and economical way of holding the School. The primary purpose of the School is to deepen the knowledge of the friends in the Teachings, to enable them to consort, as Bahá’ís, with each other, and to confirm any contacts who may have attended. The School may be held during the winter season or any other time of the year. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 30 June 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska; ’High Endeavours – Messages to Alaska)

The “beating of a healthy heart in the midst of the Community”

The friends should be helped to overcome their problems, deepen in the Faith, and increase their unity and their love for each other. In this way you will find that your work goes ahead speedily, and that the National Body is like the beating of a healthy heart in the midst of the Community, pumping spiritual love, energy and encouragement out to all the members. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 30 June 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska; ’High Endeavours – Messages to Alaska)

The “inner life of the spirit”

If people only realized it, the inner life of the spirit is that which counts, but they are so blinded by desires and so misled that they have brought upon themselves all the suffering we see at present in the world. The Baha'is seek to lead people back to a knowledge of their true selves and the purpose for which they were created, and thus to their greatest happiness and highest good. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, July 24, 1943; compilation: Lights of Guidance)

The “Blessed Báb”

…the Blessed Báb, Prophet and Herald of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, Founder of the Dispensation marking the culmination of the six thousand year old Adamic Cycle, Inaugurator of the five thousand century Bahá'í Cycle. 

- Shoghi Effendi  ('Citadel of Faith')

One’s heart shouldn’t be “chained and tied to this world”

Another friend asked, "In the Tablets it is stated that we must be severed and detached. In another place it is stated that we must learn a trade or profession. Do not these two statements contradict each other?"

‘Abdu'l-Bahá replied, "In the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh, it is incumbent upon every soul to acquire a trade and an occupation. For example, I know how to weave or make a mat, and you know some other trade. This, in itself is an act of worship, provided that it is conducted on the basis of utmost honesty and faithfulness.

“And this is the cause of prosperity. Yet, in spite of being so occupied, if the heart is not chained and tied to this world, and is not troubled by current events, neither hindered by wealth from rendering service to mankind, nor grieved because of poverty, - then this is human perfection. Otherwise in a state of poverty, to manifest generosity and in a state of weakness to claim justice - this can easily be said, but it is not a proof of man's attainments and alertness." 

- 'Abdu'l-Bahá  (From an article written by Dr. Z. Baghdadi entitled "`Abdu'l-Bahá in America", published in "Star of the West", Vol. 19, No. 7, p. 219; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, The Arts and Crafts)

The “first to build the Tabernacle of the Great Peace, and proclaim the oneness of mankind”

The American people are indeed worthy of being the first to build the Tabernacle of the Great Peace, and proclaim the oneness of mankind.... For America hath developed powers and capacities greater and more wonderful than other nations.... The American nation is equipped and empowered to accomplish that which will adorn the pages of history, to become the envy of the world, and be blest in both the East and the West for the triumph of its people. ...The American continent gives signs and evidences of very great advancement. Its future is even more promising, for its influence and illumination are far-reaching. It will lead all nations spiritually. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Quoted by Shoghi Effendi in ‘The Advent of Divine Justice’)

A “Bahá'í house”

This is in truth a Bahá'í house. Every time such a house or meeting place is founded it becomes one of the greatest aids to the general development of the town and country to which it belongs. It encourages the growth of learning and science and is known for its intense spirituality and for the love it spreads among the peoples. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk; ‘Paris Talks: Addresses given by `Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912’; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, Family Life)

The "profound influence" of “the spiritual and social environment” of the community and family “on shaping the thought and character of young people”

The friends should candidly accept that the spiritual and social environment they create in their communities and their homes has a profound influence on shaping the thought and character of young people and that the negative influences of disunity, complaints and contention, and disparaging references to the believers, the institutions, or community affairs can gradually, imperceptibly, and cumulatively extinguish the spirit of faith in young and impressionable hearts that no curriculum or educational program can overcome. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 4 November 2019 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

“interpretations of the Guardian and the elucidations of the House of Justice”

There is a profound difference between the interpretations of the Guardian and the elucidations of the House of Justice in exercise of its function to "deliberate upon all problems which have caused difference, questions that are obscure and matters that are not expressly recorded in the Book." The Guardian reveals what the Scripture means; his interpretation is a statement of truth which cannot be varied. Upon the Universal House of Justice, in the words of the Guardian, "has been conferred the exclusive right of legislating on matters not expressly revealed in the Bahá'í writings." Its pronouncements, which are susceptible of amendment or abrogation by the House of Justice itself, serve to supplement and apply the Law of God. Although not invested with the function of interpretation, the House of Justice is in a position to do everything necessary to establish the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh on this earth. Unity of doctrine is maintained by the existence of the authentic texts of Scripture and the voluminous interpretations of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi together with the absolute prohibition against anyone propounding "authoritative" or "inspired" interpretations or usurping the function of Guardian. Unity of administration is assured by the authority of the Universal House of Justice. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a message dated 9 March 1965; Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’)

“we should be elastic in details and rigid in principles”

You may not perhaps know that in connection with all National Assemblies the Guardian is advising that rules and regulations should not be multiplied and new statements on "procedure" issued; we should be elastic in details and rigid in principles; consequently he does not want your Assembly to issue statements of a binding nature unless absolutely necessary. In this connection he will answer your questions about sanctions: … it is only those who have been spiritually excommunicated by the Guardian with whom the believers are forbidden to associate, and not a person who is being punished by being deprived of his voting rights. As contributions to Bahá'í Funds are used to support the administration of the Faith, they should not be accepted from those who are deprived of their voting rights; but such believers should not be prevented from being buried in a Bahá'í Cemetery or receiving charity — which we even give to non-Bahá'ís." 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 8 May 1947 to the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan, and Burma, published in "Dawn of a New Day"; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Funds and Contributions)

The “evil forces in men's nature”

The youth are indeed those to whom the Cause should perforce offer its greatest appeal, as it holds alone the promise for their future security. Without that which Bahá'u'lláh has given to humanity the outlook for the future of the world would appear truly hopeless, for the evil forces in men's nature seem to have gained the ascendancy, and only a spiritual force, direct from God, can enable the good side of human nature to again assume command of men's lives. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 15 June 1945, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Youth)

“times of testing and trial, for the whole world and for the believers, too”

He feels that in your contact with the believers and in teaching new souls, you should help them obtain a full knowledge and understanding of the Covenant and the Will and Testament. This will strengthen them to meet every test, and to understand the nature of the spiritual disease which afflicts those who turn against the Institutions of the Faith. These are, indeed, times of testing and trial, for the whole world and for the believers, too. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 15 August 1945 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, The Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith)