2012
The Generosity of the Master
Detachment from personal wealth paired with generosity to others are twin virtues demonstrated by the Master throughout His life and there are legions of stories on the subject. Juliet Thompson recounts the following of His visit to Switzerland: Just as […]
Paris Talks Revisited: Means of Existence
One of the most important principles of the Teachings of Baha’u’llah is: The right of every human being to the daily bread whereby they exist, or the equalization of the means of livelihood. A talk given in Paris on the […]
2012
Discourse and Distribution
At the time of the Master’s travels the western believers had little access to the Writings of the Báb or Bahá’u’lláh. The last page of some issues of “Star of the West” list the literature available for sale in 1911: […]
2012
Paris Talks Revisited: The Abolition of Prejudices
Prejudice is a complex reality. In the dictionary it is defined as “an adverse opinion or learning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge.” This definition accurately describes the basic meaning of the concept. The greater complexity, however, arises […]
2012
Biography: Lua Getsinger
I find the personal histories of the early believers fascinating as they inform us about historical events which are unique to a particular epoch. Above and beyond this historical value, the stories provide us with inspiration and solace during times […]
2012
Paris Talks Revisited: The Unity of Religion and Science
There is no contradiction between true religion and science. When a religion is opposed to science it becomes mere superstition: that which is contrary to knowledge is ignorance. These words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá could almost end the discussion on whether or […]
Hájí Mírzá Haydar-‘Alí and Joy During Suffering
In a quest to learn more about the Baha’ís in Egypt during the time of the Master’s travels I stumbled upon Stories for the Delight of Hearts, the memoirs of Hájí Mírzá Haydar-‘Alí. The connection is tenuous: Hájí Mírzá Haydar-‘Alí was […]
2012
An Unexpected Beginning
On April 11th 1912 the steamship Cedric arrived on the shores of New York City, marking the beginning of ‘Abdul-Bahá’s historic travels in the United States. Moved by the “outburst of systematic and sustained activity[1]” by the Bahá’ís residing in […]
2012
Paris Talks Revisited: Religion Ought to the Cause of Love and Affection
The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men. Throughout His discourses in Paris, […]
2012
Paris Talks Revisited: The Unity of Mankind
Following His address on the first principle of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Master then describes the second principle, namely the unity of mankind. He begins by stating how we are all equal: “All men are of one family; the crown […]