Friday, August 04, 2006

'The Changeless Faith of God'

'The Changeless Faith of God'
---- When Bahá'ís say that the various religions are one, they do not mean that the various religious creeds and organizations are the same. Rather, they believe that there is only one religion and all of the Messengers of God have progressively revealed its nature. Together, the world's great religions are expressions of a single unfolding Divine plan, "the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future."
People from all of the major religious backgrounds have found that the promises and expectations of their own beliefs are fulfilled in the Bahá'í Faith. Bahá'ís from Native American, African and other indigenous backgrounds, similarly, find in the Bahá'í teachings fulfillment of prophetic visions.
For Bahá'ís of Jewish background, Bahá'u'lláh is the appearance of the promised "Lord of Hosts" come down "with ten thousands of saints." A descendent of Abraham and a "scion from the root of Jesse," Bahá'u'lláh has come to lead the way for nations to "beat their swords into plowshares." Many features of Bahá'u'lláh's involuntary exile to the Land of Israel, along with other historical events during Bahá'u'lláh's life and since are seen as fulfilling numerous prophecies in the Bible.
For Bahá'ís of Buddhist background, Bahá'u'lláh fulfils the prophecies for the coming of "a Buddha named Maitreye, the Buddha of universal fellowship" who will, according to Buddhist traditions, bring peace and enlightenment for all humanity. They see the fulfillment of numerous prophecies, such as the fact that the Buddha Maitreye is to come from "the West", noting the fact that Iran is West of India.
For Bahá'ís of Hindu background, Bahá'u'lláh comes as the new incarnation of Krishna, the "Tenth Avatar" and the "Most Great Spirit." He is "the birthless, the deathless," the One who, "when goodness grows weak," returns "in every age" to "establish righteousness" as promised in the Bhagavad-Gita.
For Bahá'ís of Christian background, Bahá'u'lláh fulfils the paradoxical promises of Christ's return "in the Glory of the Father" and as a "thief in the night." That the Faith was founded in 1844 relates to numerous Christian prophecies. Bahá'ís note, for example, that central Africa was finally opened to Christianity in the 1840s, and that event was widely seen as fulfilling the promise that Christ would return after "the Gospel had been preached 'to all nations.'" In Bahá'u'lláh's teachings Bahá'ís see fulfillment of Christ's promise to bring all people together so that "there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."
For Bahá'ís of Muslim background, Bahá'u'lláh fulfils the promise of the Qur'an for the "Day of God" and the "Great Announcement," when "God" will come down "overshadowed with clouds." They see in the dramatic events of the Bábi and Bahá'í movements the fulfillment of many traditional statements of Muhammad, which have long been a puzzle.

============================================
===========================================
=============================================

Haifa

Haifa with the Shrine of the Báb

The following are the sites in Haifa.

The Shrine of the Báb

Perhaps the most famous of all the Bahá'í monuments is the Shrine of the Báb, whose golden dome overlooks Ben-Gurion Avenue. The story of the many stages of its construction is very interesting. The Báb was publicly executed, in highly unusual circumstances, in Iran in 1850. His body was kept in concealment for many years, until Bahá'u'lláh, in 1891, expressed his wish to have the remains transferred to the Holy Land. Accordingly, `Abdu'l-Bahá made the necessary arrangements and the ``Holy Dust'' arrived secretly in `Akká by sea from Beirut on 31 January, 1899, and interred on Mount Carmel on 21 March, 1909. Through Shoghi Effendi's efforts, the Shrine of the Báb assumed its present enchanting appearance in 1953.

The Shrine of the Báb

The House of the Master

`Abdu'l-Bahá left `Akká to move to Haifa in 1910. He designed the house and later constructed it. It is the house where Shoghi Effendi grew to maturity under the tutelage of `Abdu'l-Bahá. The house became `Abdu'l-Bahá's official residence.

The Shrine of `Abdu'l-Bahá

`Abdu'l-Bahá left this world on 28 November, 1921. His remains are temporarily interred in one of the nine rooms which make up the Shrine of the Báb.

The Monument Gardens

The Monument Gardens

There are several other mausoleums on the Bahá'í properties on Mount Carmel. Those interred include Bahíyyih Khánum (`Abdu'l-Bahá's sister), Munírih Khánum (`Abdu'l-Bahá's spouse), Mírzá Mihdí (`Abdu'l-Bahá's brother, who died in the barracks), and Ásíyih Khánum (`Abdu'l-Bahá's mother).

The Temple Site

Near the time-honored cave of Elijah, at the head of Mount Carmel, is the site of the first Bahá'í House of Worship which will be built in the Holy Land. The property was purchased by Shoghi Effendi. An obelisk stands at the site today, in recognition of the fact that the construction of the temple is many decades away.

The International Archives building

The Buildings of the Arc

Since the days of Shoghi Effendi, the Bahá'í world has been engaged in the construction of the five buildings of the Arc on Mount Carmel, Haifa. Together the five buildings stand along an arc or semicircle, and are made up of nearly symmetrical structures on either side of the central building. The two outer buildings are the International Archives and the International Library. The two inner buildings are the Centre for the Study of the Sacred Texts and the International Teaching Centre. The central building is the Universal House of Justice.

Roof of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice

These buildings will together be the seat of the Bahá'í administrative system, which is still in its embryonic stage at this time. Bahá'ís believe that one day these institutions will constitute a form of world government which will guarantee that human progress will be directed towards the goal of an ever-advancing civilization. Quoting Shoghi Effendi, the Universal House of Justice announced in 1975 that the process of building the Arc on Mount Carmel ``will synchronize with two no less significant developments-the establishment of the Lesser Peace and the evolution of Bahá'í national and local institutions.''[28] The Lesser Peace is the term used by Bahá'u'lláh to refer to that global political peace which must be firmly established before the coming of the Most Great Peace, awaited by the saints, seers, and poets of ages past. Bahá'ís are expectant that the Lesser Peace will come before the end the of this century.

=================

Bahá'í Aesthetics of the Sacred

Date palms lining the path by the Eastern Pilgrim House next to the Shrine of the Báb

It has been suggested by Robert Stockman, Coordinator of the Research Office of the Bahá'í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois, that Bahá'í Holy Places have three characteristics: light, greenery, and the presence of objets d'art.[29] In many of his writings, Bahá'u'lláh uses light as a metaphor to indicate spiritual illumination. Greenery and gardens are suggestive of spiritual life. Gardens are also reminiscent of Eden. Works of art are pleasing to the eye and serve to beautify the sites.

Lamp in garden near the Shrine of the Báb

The Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh and the Shrine of the Báb are well illuminated by lamps and windows, and are surrounded by gardens. There are trees in the interior of the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh. This is very different from the aesthetics of medieval cathedrals, for example. It has been suggested that the gardens almost form an integral part of the Bahá'í shrines.[30] In this respect, the Bahá'í gardens in the Holy Land are possibly unique among religious sites. The interior of the Shrine of the Báb is decorated with Persian carpets, menorahs, and illuminated texts from Bahá'í scripture. Examples of objets d'art found in other sites include Chinese art, and statuary.

============================

BAHAI PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is one of the holiest Bahá'í observances set down by Bahá'u'lláh in his Book of Laws, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Pilgrims from all over the world converge at the Bahá'í World Centre. They come from many nations, diverse religious backgrounds, various races, and differing social strata. Their purpose in coming to the Holy Land is to visit and pray at the Bahá'í shrines. Although visits to the holy sites of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are not part of Bahá'í pilgrimages, many Bahá'ís visit these sites before or after their Bahá'í pilgrimages. They return home with greater zeal to impart to their friends some of their newfound admiration and love. Pilgrims are the ``life-blood'' of the worldwide Bahá'í community.

Tablet of Visitation

(This Tablet is read at the Shrines of Bahá'u'lláh and the Báb. It is also frequently used in commemorating Their anniversaries.)

The praise which hath dawned from Thy most august Self, and the glory which hath shone forth from Thy most effulgent Beauty, rest upon Thee, O Thou Who art the Manifestation of Grandeur, and the King of Eternity, and the Lord of all who are in heaven and on earth! I testify that through Thee the sovereignty of God and His dominion, and the majesty of God and His grandeur, were revealed, and the Daystars of ancient splendor have shed their radiance in the heaven of Thine irrevocable decree, and the Beauty of the Unseen hath shone forth above the horizon of creation. I testify, moreover, that with but a movement of Thy Pen Thine injuction "Be Thou" hath been enforced, and God's hidden Secret hath been divulged, and all created things have been called into being, and all the Revelations have been sent down.

The Shrine of the Báb at dusk
I bear witness, moreover, that through Thy beauty the beauty of the Adored One hath been unveiled, and through Thy face the face of the Desired One hath shone forth, and that through a word from Thee Thou hast decided between all created things, caused them who are devoted to Thee to ascend unto the summit of glory, and the infidels to fall into the lowest abyss.
I bear witness that he who hath known Thee hath known God, and he who hath attained unto Thy presence hath attained unto the presence of God. Great, therefore, is the blessedness of him who hath believed in Thee, and in Thy signs, and hath humbled himself before Thy sovereignty, and hath been honored with meeting Thee, and hath attained the good pleasure of Thy will, and circled around Thee, and stood before Thy throne. Woe betide him that hath transgressed against Thee, and hath denied Thee, and repudiated Thy signs, and gainsaid Thy sovereignty, and risen up against Thee, and waxed proud before Thy face, and hath disputed Thy testimonies, and fled from Thy rule and Thy dominion, and been numbered with the infidels whose names have been inscribed by the fingers of Thy behest upon Thy holy Tablets.
Waft, then, unto me, O my God and my Beloved, from the right hand of Thy mercy and Thy loving-kindness, the holy breaths of Thy favors, that they may draw me away from myself and from the world unto the courts of Thy nearness and Thy presence. Potent art Thou to do what pleaseth Thee. Thou, truly, hast been supreme over all things.
The remembrance of God and His praise, and the glory of God and His splendor, rest upon Thee, O Thou Who art His Beauty! I bear witness that the eye of creation hath never gazed upon one wronged like Thee. Thou wast immersed all the days of Thy life beneath an ocean of tribulations. At one time Thou wast in chains and fetters; at another Thou wast threatened by the sword of Thine enemies. Yet despite all this, Thou didst enjoin upon all men to observe what had been prescribed unto Thee by Him Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
May my spirit be a sacrifice to the wrongs Thou didst suffer, and my soul be a ransom for the adversities Thou didst sustain. I beseech God, by Thee and by them whose faces have been illumined with the splendors of the light of Thy countenance, and who, for love of Thee, have observed all whereunto they were bidden, to remove the veils that have come in between Thee and Thy creatures, and to supply me with the good of this world and the world to come. Thou art, in truth, the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the All-Glorious, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Compassionate.
Bless Thou, O Lord my Lord, the Divine Lote-Tree and its leaves, and its boughs, and its branches, and its stems, and its offshoots, as long as Thy most excellent titles will endure and Thy most august attributes will last. Protect it, then, from the mischief of the aggressor and the hosts of tyranny. Thou art, in truth, the Almighty, the Most Powerful. Bless Thou, also, O Lord my God, Thy servants and Thy handmaidens who have attained unto Thee, Thou, truly, art the All-Bountiful, Whose grace is infinite. No God is there save Thee, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Generous. - Bahá'u'lláh

No comments:

Post a Comment

FROM PRISON CELL

If we study historical record and review the pages of Holy Writ, we will find that none of the Prophets of the past ever spread His teachings or promulgated His Cause from a prison. But Bahá'u'lláh upheld the banner ofthe Cause of God while He was in a dungeon, addressing the kings of the earth

from His prison cell,

severely arraigning them for their oppression of their subjects and their misuse of power…. The book containing these Epistles to the kings was published in India about thirty years ago….Some of the prophecies contained in them came to pass after two years; others were fulfilled after five, ten and twenty years. The most important prophecies relative to events transpiring in the Balkans are being fulfilled at the present time though written long ago…. While addressing these powerful kings and rulers He was a prisoner in a Turkish dungeon. (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 427)

BAHA'U'LLAH THE GLORY OF GOD

Baha'u'llah was descended from Abraham by His wife Katurah, thus fulfilling the prophecy to Abraham that in Him would all the families of the earth be blessed. Mirza Husayn 'Ali, Who afterwards assumed the title of Baha'u'llah.. was the eldest son of Mirza 'Abbas of Nur, a Vazir or Minister of State. His family was wealthy and distinguished, many of its members having occupied important positions in the Government and in the Civil and Military Services of Persia. He was born in Tihran.. between dawn and sunrise on the 12th of November, 1817. He never attended school or college, and what little teaching He received was given at home. Nevertheless, even as a child He showed wonderful wisdom and knowledge. While He was still a youth His father died, leaving Him responsible for the care of His younger brothers and sisters, and for the management of the extensive family estates.. From childhood He was extremely kind and generous. He was a great lover of outdoor life, most of His time being spent in the garden or the fields. He had an extraordinary power of attraction, which was felt by all. People always crowded around Him. Ministers and people of the Court would surround Him, and the children also were devoted to Him. When He was only thirteen or fourteen years old He became renowned for His learning. He would converse on any subject and solve any problem presented to Him. In large gatherings He would discuss matters with the Ulama (leading Mullas) and would explain intricate religious questions. All of them used to listen to Him with the greatest interest." ('Abdul-Baha) When Baha'u'llah was twenty-two years old, His father died, and the Government wished Him to succeed to His father's position in the Ministry, as was customary in Persia, but Baha'u'llah did not accept the offer. Then the Prime Minister said: "Leave him to himself. Such a position is unworthy of him. He has some higher aim in view. I cannot understand him, but I am convinced that he is destined for some lofty career. His thoughts are not like ours. Let him alone." ('Abdul-Baha) Baha'u'llah loved people, especially children. He loved to be surrounded by them and they loved Him. From childhood He delighted in country life, in trees, in flowers and horseback riding. When the Bab declared His mission in 1844, Baha'u'llah, Who was then in His twenty-seventh year, boldly espoused the Cause of the new Faith, of which He soon became recognized as one of the most powerful and fearless exponents. He had already twice suffered imprisonment for the Cause, and on one occasion had undergone the torture of the bastinado, when in August, 1852, an event occurred fraught with terrible consequences for the Babis. One of the Bab's followers, a youth named Sadiq, had been so affected by the martyrdom of his beloved Master, of which he was an eyewitness, that his mind became deranged, and, in revenge, he waylaid the Shah and fired a pistol at him. Instead of using a bullet, however, he charged his weapon with small shot, and although a few pellets struck the Shah, no serious harm was done. The youth dragged the Shah from his horse, but was promptly seized by the attendants of his Majesty and put to death on the spot. The whole body of Babis was unjustly held responsible for the deed, and frightful massacres ensued. Eighty of them were put to death in Tihran with the most revolting tortures. Many others were seized and put into prisons, among them being Baha'u'llah.. >"..We were in no wise connected with that evil deed, and Our innocence was indisputably established by the tribunals. Nevertheless, they apprehended Us, and.. conducted Us, on foot and in chains, with bared head and bare feet, to the dungeon of Tihran.. We were confined for four months to a place foul beyond comparison.. The dungeon was wrapped in thick darkness, and Our fellow-prisoners numbered nearly a hundred and fifty souls: thieves, assasins and highwaymen. Though crowded, it had no other outlet than the passage by which We entered. No pen can depict that place, nor any tongue describe its loathsome smell.. God alone knoweth what befell Us in that most foul-smelling and gloomy place." (Baha'u'llah) At the time of the attempt on the Shah's life Baha'u'llah was staying at Lavasan as the guest of the Grand Vizir. Rejecting the protection and the good offices tendered Him, Baha'u'llah went to the headquarters of the Imperial Army at Niyavaran and was conducted thence under escort and in chains, bareheaded and with bare feet to Tihran. There He was taken at once to the Siyah-Chal, the most terrible of all the dungeons in the capital. Baha'u'llah in His Epistle to the Son of the Wolf gives the following description.. "The dungeon was wrapt in thick darkness, and Our fellow-prisoners numbered nearly a hundred and fifty souls: thieves, assassins and highwaymen. Though crowded, it had no other outlet than the passage by which We entered. No pen can depict that place, nor any tongue describe its loathsome smell. Most of these men had neither clothes nor bedding to lie on. God alone knoweth what befell Us in that most foul-smelling and gloomy place!" Such was the place and such the occasion which God chose for the Call of Baha'u'llah to the office of Prophethood Baha'u'llah describes this Call in the following words in His letter to the Shah: "O King! 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. And He bade Me lift up My voice between earth and heaven, and for this there befell Me what hath caused the tears of every man of understanding to flow... This is but a leaf which the winds of the will of Thy Lord, the Almighty, the All-Praised, have stirred." The attempt on the life of the Shah had taken place on 15 August, 1852; Baha'u'llah had been thrown into the Siyah-Chal almost immediately afterwards and about the middle of October this Divine Call had come.. Day and night, while confined in that dungeon, We meditated upon the deeds, the condition, and the conduct of the Babis, wondering what could have led a people so high-minded, so noble, and of such intelligence, to perpetrate such an audacious and outrageous act against the person of His Majesty.." (Baha'u'llah Almost every day one or more of them was tortured or put to death and the others reminded that their turn might come next. When the executioners came to fetch one of the friends, the one whose name was called would literally dance with joy, kiss the hands of Baha'u'llah, embrace the rest of his fellow believers and then hasten with glad eagerness to the place of martyrdom. Baha'u'llah.. was.. so ill that it was thought He would die. Instead, therefore, of sentencing Him to death, the Shah ordered that He should be exiled to Iraq.. They suffered terribly from the cold and other hardships on the long winter journey, and arrived in Baghdad in a state of almost utter destitution. As soon as His health permitted, Baha'u'llah began to teach inquirers and to encourage and exhort the believers, and soon peace and happiness reigned among the Babis. This, however, was short-lived. Baha'u'llah's half brother, Mirza Yahya, also known as Subh-i-Azal, arrived in Baghdad, and soon afterwards differences, secretly instigated by him, began to grow, just as similar divisions had arisen among the disciples of Christ. These differences (which later, in Adrianople, became open and violent) were very painful to Baha'u'llah.. About a year after coming to Baghdad, He departed alone into the wilderness of Sulaymaniyyih, taking with Him nothing but a change of clothes. Regarding this period He writes in the Book of Iqan.. We betook Ourselves to the wilderness.. From Our eyes there rained tears of anguish, and in Our bleeding heart there surged an ocean of agonizing pain.. notwithstanding these showers of afflictions and unceasing calamities, Our soul was wrapt in blissful joy.. for in Our solitude We were unaware of the harm or benefit, the health or ailment, of any soul. Alone, We communed with Our spirit, oblivious of the world and all that is therein. We knew not, however, that the mesh of divine destiny exceedeth the vastest of mortal conceptions, and the dart of His decree transcendeth the boldest of human designs.. Our withdrawal contemplated no return, and Our separation hoped for no reunion. The one object of Our retirement was to avoid becoming a subject of discord among the faithful.. Beyond these, We cherished no other intention.." (Baha'u'llah-Kitab-i-Iqan) "What pen can recount the things We beheld upon Our return! Two years have elapsed during which Our enemies have ceaselessly and assiduously contrived to exterminate Us. whereunto all witness." (Baha'u'llah- Kitab-i-Iqan) After His return from this retirement, His fame became greater than ever and people flocked to Baghdad.. to see Him.. The Mullas, however, took up a hostile attitude and persistently plotted to effect His overthrow.. he (emissary of Mullas) asked that some miracle should be produced as a proof. Baha'u'llah.. (declared) that if the Mullas would agree regarding some miracle to be performed, and would sign and seal a document to the effect that on the performance of this miracle they would confess the validity of His mission and cease to oppose Him, He would furnish the desired proof or else stand convicted of imposture.. They feared the truth and fled from the daring challenge. This.. only spurred them on to devise fresh plots.. The Consul General of Persia in Baghdad.. sent repeated messages to the Shah to the effect that Baha'u'llah was injuring the Muhammadan religion more than ever.. and that He ought therefore to be banished to some more distant place.... as in any) crisis.. He remained calm and serene, encouraging and inspiring His followers and writing imperishable words of consolation and guidance.. the Hidden Words were written at this time.. and.. The Book of Iqan.. toward the end of His sojourn at Baghdad. (1862-1863) After much negotiation, at the request of the Persian Government, an order was issued by the Turkish Government summoning Baha'u'llah to Constantinople.. His followers.. besieged the house of their beloved leader to such an extent that the family encamped in the Garden of Najib Pasha outside the town.. while the caravan was being prepared for the long journey.. on the first of these twelve days (April 22 to May 3, 1863, nineteen years after the Bab's Declaration).. Baha'u'llah announced.. that He was the One Whose coming had been foretold.. >..On the 21st of April, for a period of twelve days, Baha'u'llah.. instituted the great feast of Ridvan.. He assumed before His followers and the wide world the supreme authority which He had received from the Most High at the time of His Call. Now it was that Jesus Christ ascended His throne in the power of God the Father. Now it was that He took upon Himself the sceptre of the fullness of God's might and thus set Himself as Supreme Overlord of all that is in heaven and on earth. The journey to Constantinople lasted between three and four months, the party consisting of Baha'u'llah with members of His family and twenty-six disciples.. after four months they were again moved.. to Adrianople. The journey.. although it lasted but a few days was the most terrible.. Snow fell heavily most of the time, and as they were destitute of proper clothing and food, their sufferings were extreme. About this time (August 1868-in Akka) Baha'u'llah wrote.. to.. the crowned heads of Europe, the Pope, and the Shah of Persia. Later, in His Kitab-i-Aqdas He addressed other sovereigns, the rulers and Presidents of America, the leaders of religion in general and the generality of mankind. To all, He announced His mission and called them to bend their energies to the establishment of true religion, just government and international peace. In His letter to the Shah He powerfully pleaded the cause of the oppressed Babis and asked to be brought face to face with those who had instigated their persecution.. Badi, the young and devoted Baha'i who delivered the letter.. was seized and martyred with fearful tortures.. ...How many calamities have descended, and how many will descend! I walk advancing toward the Mighty.. while behind me glides the serpent. My eyes rain down tears until My bed is drenched; but my sorrow is not for myself. By God, my head longeth for the spears for the love of its Lord, and I never pass by a tree but my heart addresseth it (saying), "O would that thou wert cut down in my name and my body were crucified upon thee.." (Baha'u'llah) ...Verily He answereth him who prayeth unto Him, and is near unto him who calleth on Him. And we ask Him to make this dark calamity a buckler for the body of His saints. (Baha'u'llah) ...Baha'u'llah and His followers, about eighty to eighty-four.. men.. women and children, were imprisoned in the army barracks. The place was dirty and cheerless in the extreme.. Malaria, dysentery and other diseases soon broke out.. Three succumbed.. ...This rigorous imprisonment lasted for over two years, during which time none of the Baha'is were allowed outside the prison door, except four men, carefully guarded, who went out daily to buy food.. ....visitors were rigidly excluded. Several of the Baha'is of Persia came all the way on foot.. but were refused admittance.. How many calamities have descended, and how many will descend! I walk advancing toward the Mighty.. while behind me glides the serpent. My eyes rain down tears until My bed is drenched; but my sorrow is not for myself. By God, my head longeth for the spears for the love of its Lord, and I never pass by a tree but my heart addresseth it (saying), "O would that thou wert cut down in my name and my body were crucified upon thee.." (Baha'u'llah) At last the imprisonment was mitigated. A mobilization of Turkish troops occurred and the barracks were required for soldiers. Baha'u'llah (and) His family were transferred to a house by themselves and the rest of the party were accommodated in a caravanserai in the town. In a small room near that in which He was imprisoned, thirteen.. of.. both sexes, had to accommodate themselves.. From the time Baha'u'llah.. left the barracks, visitors were allowed to see them, and gradually the severe restrictions.. were left in abeyance, although now and then reimposed.. Even when the imprisonment was at its worst, the Baha'is were not dismayed, and their serene confidence was never shaken.. Baha'u'llah wrote to some friends, "Fear not. These doors shall be opened. My tent shall be pitched on Mount Carmel, and the utmost joy shall be realized.".. in due course it was literally fulfilled. The story of how the prison doors were opened.. in the words of 'Abdul-Baha..: >..He passed the remark: "I have not gazed on verdure for nine years. The country is the world of the soul, the city is the world of bodies." When I heard indirectly of this saying I realized that He was longing for the country, and I was sure that whatever I could do.. would be successful. There was.. a man very much opposed to us. I said: "Pasha, you have left the palace empty.." He replied: "I am an invalid.. If I go there.. I am cut off from my friends." I said: "..let it to us." I got the house for about five pounds per annum.. For two years He remained in that charming and lovely spot. Then it was decided to remove to another place.. an epidemic disease had broken out at Bahji, and the proprietor of the house fled away in distress, with all his family, ready to offer the house free of charge to any applicant. We took the house at a very low rent, and there the doors of majesty and true sovereignty were flung wide open. Having in His earlier years of hardship shown how to glorify God in a state of poverty and ignominy, Baha'u'llah in His later years at Bahji showed how to glorify God in a state of honor and affluence. The offerings of hundreds of thousands of devoted followers placed at His disposal large funds which He was called upon to administer.. The Blessed Perfection and His family lived in simple and modest fashion.. luxury was a thing unknown.. Near His home the believers prepared a beautiful garden called Ridvan, in which He often spent.. days.. or even weeks, sleeping at night in a little cottage in the garden. Occasionally He went further afield. He made several visits to 'Akka and Haifa, and on more than one occasion pitched His tent on Mount Carmel, as He had predicted.. The time of Baha'u'llah was spent for the most part in prayer and meditation, in writing the Sacred Books, revealing Tablets, and spiritual education of the Friends. In order to give Him entire freedom for this.. 'Abdul-Baha undertook the arrangement of all other affairs, even meeting the Mullas, poets, and members of the Government. All.. were.. satisfied.. and.. became.. friendly.. towards Him through their acquaintanceship with His son (whose) attitude caused them to understand the station of His father. >"..Though I dimly suspected whither I was going and whom I was to behold (for no distinct intimation had been given to me), a second or two elapsed ere, with a throb of wonder and awe, I became definitely conscious that the room was not untenanted. In the corner where the divan met the wall sat a wondrous and venerable figure.. The face of him on whom I gazed I can never forget, though I cannot describe it. Those piercing eyes seemed to read one's very soul; power and authority sat on that ample brow; while the deep lines on the forehead and face implied and age which the jet-black hair and beard.. seemed to belie. No need to ask in whose presence I stood, as I bowed myself before one who is the object of a devotion and love which kings might envy and emperors sigh for in vain!.. "Praise be to God that thou has attained!... Thou has come to see a prisoner and an exile... We desire but the good of the world and happiness of the nations; yet they deem us a stirrer up of strife and sedition worthy of bondage and banishment... That all nations should become one in faith and all men as one brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity of religion should cease, and differences of race be annulled-- what harm is there in this?... Yet so it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come... Do not you in Europe need this also? Is not this that which Christ foretold?... Yet do we see your kings and rulers lavishing their treasures more freely on means for the destruction of the human race than on that which would conduce to the happiness of mankind... These strifes and this bloodshed and discord must cease, and all men be as one kindred and one family... Let not a man glory in this, that he loves his country; let him rather glory in this, that he loves his kind..." (E.G. Browne-Traveller's Narrative) simply and serenely did Baha'u'llah pass the evening of His life on earth until, after an attack of fever, He passed away on the 29th of May, 1892, at the age of seventy-five. Among the last Tablets He revealed was His Will and Testament, which He wrote with His own hand and duly signed and sealed. Nine days after His death the seals were broken.. 'Abdul-Baha was constituted His father's representative..

THE PRISONER OF AKKA