Reincarnation

[A visiting] American then asked about reincarnation.

‘Abdu’l-Baha answered:

“It is not as people have understood. What is intended is the return of pre-existent attributes and perfections in new forms. Moreover, in all realms of existence the spirits are in a state of development; for instance, the mineral spirit ascends and progresses to the vegetable kingdom, and the vegetable spirit to the animal kingdom, and the animal spirit to the human kingdom. In like manner, the human spirit ascends into the divine worlds and the exalted realms. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha aboard the Cedric, March 27, 1912; recorded by Mahmud Zarqani, His secretary and chronicler during His travels in the West; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

“the material and intrinsic development of man are conditional upon amity and love”

‘Abdu’l-Baha spoke these words to a number of Jewish, Zoroastrian, Christian and Muslim Baha’is seated around His table and while serving them all:

"Among the human race, the bonds of and means for love are numerous, for man cannot live without it; nay, rather, human life is dependent upon friendship and affection. Both the material and intrinsic development of man are conditional upon amity and love, and the greatest honor and pleasure in the human world is love; but the ways and means are different. Sometimes the cause of love is simply relationship and kinship; and sometimes it is a racial bond, patriotism, political affairs, etc. But, through all these various bonds and means it is impossible to obtain a real and pure love; it is rather superficial and temporary. Such love may easily be changed into enmity and rancor, for it is affected by the slightest manifestation of hostility; whereas a true and ideal love is faith and assurance. Those who believe in God and are confident in His Word shall enter the Kingdom, and the essential oneness appears among them to such an extent that all become the drops of one ocean, the rays of one sun, the fishes of one sea, the trees of one garden, the birds of one orchard, the candles of one assembly and the stars of the same heaven. Such love is real; there is no interruption for this connection, nor any separation for this union; this foundation shall never be destroyed, for it is eternal; hence it is established that the love which exists among the beloved of God is everlasting, for it is a Divine bounty, a Godly appearance, a melody of the Kingdom and a heavenly cohesion.

The rise of the Sun of Truth from the East and the spread of civilization and education from the West

The Sun of Truth arises in the Orient and shines from the East to the West. Then civilization and education appear in the Occident and spread from West to East; but the Light of the Kingdom shines from East to West. This is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the spring time of heaven, when the heavenly civilization is being bestowed upon the people. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, 22 September 1911; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 12, 16 October, 1911)

The heavenly teachings of [“all the Manifestations of God”] “are composed of two kinds of commandments”

[A visiting] American asked whether the Bahá’í Faith accepted the Bible.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied:

“This Cause acknowledges the truth of all the Books and all the Manifestations of God. The heavenly teachings are composed of two kinds of commandments. One kind is concerned with spiritual verities, with the perfections and virtues of the world of humanity. These commandments never change or alter. Each of the Books and the Prophets was the promulgator of these principles upon which all the religions are based, hence the foundation of all the divine religions is one. The second category of commandments is concerned with material principles and social issues. These are altered according to the exigencies of the age. For example, at the time of Christ the social laws of the Torah were changed.” 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha aboard the Cedric, March 27, 1912; recorded by Mahmud Zarqani, His secretary and chronicler during His travels in the West; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

To become “a wayfarer in the realms of the spirit”

An American came to see the Master in the late afternoon and spoke to Him about his travels around the world.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá told him:

“You have traveled in this world; I hope you will now traverse the world of the Kingdom and become a wayfarer in the realms of the spirit.” 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha aboard the Cedric, March 27, 1912; recorded by Mahmud Zarqani, His secretary and chronicler during His travels in the West; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

Mashriqu’l-Adhkar; Believers aiding and supporting educational, charitable and other philanthropic institutions

Regarding the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, ‘Abdu’l-Baha said:

Its building is the most important of all things. This is the spiritual foundation. For that reason it is the most important of all foundations. From that Spiritual Foundation will come forth all manner of advancement and progress in the world of humanity. Therefore, how great is its importance.

Later on ‘Abdu’l-Baha said:

The believers have many duties to perform. They should associate themselves with and assist all good causes. Aiding and supporting educational, charitable and other philanthropic institutions should form a part of their work. They should serve and unite with all people in humanitarian works. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha reported by Charles Mason Remey when returned from London with a message from ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the friends in the West; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 11, 27 September 1911)

“The Great Light of the Spirit has ever arisen in the East, but it has shed forth its radiance into the West.”

The Great Light of the Spirit has ever arisen in the East, but it has shed forth its radiance into the West. And in the West has it found its greatest force of expansion.

The Christ rose like a star in the horizon of the East, but the Light of His influence has taken root more firmly in the West. This shows us how the people of the West are very faithful in their hearts and they do not easily forget. The West is like a good plant. When the rain falls gently upon it to give it nourishment and the sun shines upon it to give it warmth, then does it blossom forth and bear good fruit.

It is a long time since the Sun of Righteousness has shed its Radiance upon the West, for the Face of God has been hidden by the sin and forgetfulness of man; but now, thanks be to God! the Sun shines forth in all its glory and the breath of the Holy Spirit is watchful over the nations. Let us pray to God that the light and refreshment may awaken the people and give them new life, that they shall find a second life and there shall be a new creation. Humanity shall put on a new garment and the Mercy of God will be showered upon the people. My earnest desire is that you will work for this end, that you may be the cause of it. It is certain that the Flag of Divinity has been raised and the Sun of Righteousness of God appears upon the horizon. Be faithful and loving workers that you may be among the blest of God and receive the benefits of the Kingdom of Abha. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, October 23, 1911, Paris, France; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 16, 31 December 1911)

"Reality will always be victorious. No one can stand before the onward march of reality.”

[From an interview between a prominent rabbi and ‘Abdu’l-Baha, 1912, USA]

Rabbi: "Your address yesterday was excellent. I have had the pleasure of hearing you upon two other occasions, but your address of yesterday had an extraordinary universality. You have very clearly established the teachings of brotherhood but I am afraid that, although your principles are very lofty they will not be accepted by all the religionists and the workers for peace."

‘Abdu’l-Baha: "Reality will always be victorious. No one can stand before the onward march of reality. The phenomenal is always conquered by the eternal. All the contingent beings are defeated by the will of heaven. One small Arabian boy can lead two thousand camels in the Sahara. One intelligent Hindoo boy can conquer an elephant."

Rabbi: "It is true. In the Bible we have the statement that 'A little child shall lead them.'"

‘Abdu’l-Baha: "Truth will always be victorious; therefore it does not know defeat but the people of reality must exert great effort, and if the people of reality neglect to display this effort that is another matter. The people of reality must demonstrate their willingness in this direction. They must realize that the greatest reality of this age is the oneness of the human world. They must forget traditions and imitations of the past. For instance, if we look upon the Catholic religion we see that they believe that an important part is the transubstantiation; that is, the change of the bread and wine into the body of Christ. If we ponder a little we realize that this is a non-essential. It is imitation and the reverse of reality.

"Again, if we look at the Hindoos we see that they have made images and worship them as deities, and they have eight million such deities in their temples. It is evident that these are superstitions and imaginations. They worship the cow, the stone, the water and the forces of nature—all these are imitations of the past and they have no foundation whatever."

Rabbi: "Do you then regard the transubstantiation as being on the same ground as the worshipping of idols?"

‘Abdu’l-Baha: "All these are imitations. They have no reality. As these are the opposite of realities, therefore they have no foundation. Everything that keeps man away from God, is an idol. Everything which detracts man's attention from God is an idol, no matter what it is." 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha; From an interview by a prominent rabbi, 1912, USA; ‘Star of the West, vol. 3, no. 6, June 24, 1912’)

“the happiness and the greatness of every country depend upon its hearing and becoming obedient to the call of God”

The flag of freedom, the banner of liberty is unfurled; but the prosperity and advancement of every city, the happiness and the greatness of every country depend upon its hearing and becoming obedient to the call of God. The light of reality must shine therein. Divine civilization needs to be founded. The radiance of the kingdom shall be diffused. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha; table talk, Cleveland, Ohio, 6 May 1912; ‘Star of the West, vol. 3, no. 6, June 24, 1912’)

“The American continent… will lead all other nations spiritually”

Truly the American continent has advanced very much and in the future will advance greatly. It will lead all other nations spiritually, for its illumination is far-reaching. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha; table talk, Cleveland, Ohio, 6 May 1912; ‘Star of the West, vol. 3, no. 6, June 24, 1912)

Hope for reward and fear of punishment

In life man should hope for reward and fear punishment. It is necessary that this hope and this fear should be considered by those in authority and those who have important posts in the government. If the officials are not guided by these sentiments, it is to be feared that they will not act as they ought to.

This hope and fear are like pillars that support the altitude of the world. There is no better prevention of tyranny than these two sentiments, hope and fear. In reactionary governments where fear does not exist, the administration is badly managed.

There are both political and spiritual consequences. A man who takes into consideration spiritual consequences is a perfect government official. If a man is guided by religious feeling and by the respect of the law, he will act in a perfect manner.

A minister of government, if he is guided by Divine faith, will always act for the good, above all if he knows that the consequences of his act are without limit. Such a man will detach himself from tyranny and will work for Justice.

If men believed that they will reap the consequences of their actions in the next world, they would never act contrary to Justice. You see then how important it is that a minister of state should be religious. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Discourses given by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London and Paris’; Star of the West, vol. 3, no. 2, April 9, 1912)

“Effort in itself is one of the noblest traits of human character.”

Man must be tireless in his effort. Once his effort is directed in the proper channel if he does not succeed today he will succeed tomorrow. Effort in itself is one of the noblest traits of human character. Devotion to one's calling, effort in its speedy execution, simplicity of spirit and steadfastness through all the ups and downs, these are the hallmarks of success. A person characterized with these attributes will gather the fruits of his labors and will win the happiness of the kingdom. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of Abdul-Baha, from the Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, July 8, 1914; Star of the West, vol. 8, no. 2, April 9, 1917)

“humility and meekness, gentleness and evanescence”

That which is conducive to the progress of souls, is humility and meekness, gentleness and evanescence. Every individual must suppose another to be the possessor of a gift of which he himself is deprived. This will cause everyone to be humble and meek before another. One must not think of becoming leader. If anyone imagines himself the possessor of this or that high quality, and of certain superior powers not possessed by others, this will fill him with pride and haughtiness. But when each one supposes the other to be the possessor of a high gift, and therefore humbles himself before him, by this means all men will become humble before one another and love for leadership will wholly vanish. This then will conduce to the progress of individuals and to the advancement of the Cause of God. But he who entertains the desire to live for leadership will in the end be deprived. He will never succeed to serve the Cause of God. For instance, everyone in Persia praises Haji Mirza Haydar Ali in writing to us. …The reason was that Haji was humble and meek before all. He has been highly successful in the service of the Cause, and all believers love him. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Quoted by Ali Kuli Khan, 'Abdu'l-Baha's English-language secretary during 1899 to 1901; ‘Ali-Kuli Khan 1906 Pilgrim Notes’)

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s attitude towards people who show Him deference but “whose only aims are to advance their own interests and pursue their ulterior motives”

The Master lodged at the Midland Adelphi hotel which was located in the best part of the city [London]. After getting settled there, Mr. Dreyfus informed the Master that Mr. [Edward Granville] Browne had expressed sentiments of regret and indicated that he had learned from his past mistakes; he mentioned how great an honour it would be to see the Master during His visit here, and accounted his failure to see Him during His previous travels as one of his losses in this life. Upon hearing this, the Master said:

“One should not place one’s trust in such people. What he has said is of no importance to me whatsoever. During my sojourn in America, there were people who showed deference to me and fellowship with me, compared with whom people such as Browne are not worthy of mention. Even in New York, the renowned Carnegie - the richest man in America - invited me to his home several times, and I declined. The consul general of Persia made repeated entreaties on Carnegies behalf, and I said, ‘If he were poor, I would visit him at his home. Since, however, he is the richest person in America and enjoys great fame there, it would not be prudent [for me to visit him].’ What I mean to say is that I pay no mind to people like Carnegie, though they show me the utmost deference. What, then, can be said of people like Browne, whose only aims are to advance their own interests and pursue their ulterior motives” 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, December 13, 1912, Liverpool, England recorded by Mahmud Zarqani, His secretary and chronicler during His travels in the West; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’, vol. 2: ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Europe 1912-1913)

‘Abdu’l-Baha explains the results of His journey to USA and the purpose of His journey to London

The ship eventually reached the pier at Liverpool, and it was moored that afternoon. As they stood on the pier, the friends from London and Paris saw the Master, and they expressed their great longing and adoration towards Him from a distance. The first to attain the presence of the Master was Mr. [Hippolyte] Dreyfus. Following that, a number of reporters - who were already aware of the Masters imminent arrival - entered His presence. They asked about His journey, and inquired about His purpose in undertaking it. 

He replied:

“I come from America, where I spent nine months as a traveller. I spoke at many churches and synagogues, and called on those present to embrace the unity of humanity. I summoned them, moreover, to universal peace - peace among nations, peace among religions, peace among the races, and peace among all lands. I discussed the benefits of peace, and explained the detriments of war and strife. I proclaimed that the foundation of all the divine religions is one, and that these dissensions have stemmed from blind imitation. Were the followers of religion to renounce this blind imitation, they would all become united. In brief, I summoned everyone to love and unity, and guided them to promote universal peace, that war and strife may cease to exist among humankind. All shall become as the members of one family, conducting themselves and associating with one another in a spirit of utmost love and fellowship. Thus will the East and the West embrace one another. These teachings had a profound effect on the hearts of those who heard them. At every gathering, a number of those present came to agree on the necessity of universal peace. In America, people are now greatly disposed to peace, and I cherish the hope that significant results will be gained therefrom. Indeed, this is the very purpose of my journey to London.” 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha en route to Liverpool, on board the Celtic, 13 December 1912 --> Liverpool; recorded by Mahmud Zarqani, His secretary and chronicler during His travels in the West; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’, vol. 2: ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Europe 1912-1913)