The Baha'is must not engage in political movements which lead to sedition.
They must interest themselves in movements which conduce to law and order.
In Persia at the present time the Baha'is have no part in the
revolutionary upheavals which have terminated in lawlessness and
rebellion. Nevertheless, a Baha'i may hold a political office and be
interested in politics of the right type. Ministers, state officials and
governor-generals in Persia are Baha'is, and there are many other Baha'is
holding governmental positions; but nowhere throughout the world should
the followers of Baha'u'llah be engaged in seditious movements. For
example, if there should be an uprising here in America having for its
purpose the establishment of a despotic government, the Baha'is should not
be connected with it.
The Baha'i Cause covers all economic and social questions under the
heading and ruling of its laws. The essence of the Baha'i spirit is that,
in order to establish a better social order and economic condition, there
must be allegiance to the laws and principles of government. Under the
laws which are to govern the world, the socialists may justly demand human
rights but without resort to force and violence. The governments will
enact these laws, establishing just legislation and economics in order
that all humanity may enjoy a full measure of welfare and privilege; but
this will always be according to legal protection and procedure. Without
legislative administration, rights and demands fail, and the welfare of
the commonwealth cannot be realized. Today the method of demand is the
strike and resort to force, which is manifestly wrong and destructive of
human foundations. Rightful privilege and demand must be set forth in laws
and regulations.
While thousands are considering these questions, we have more essential
purposes. The fundamentals of the whole economic condition are divine in
nature and are associated with the world of the heart and spirit. This is
fully explained in the Baha'i teaching, and without knowledge of its
principles no improvement in the economic state can be realized. The
Baha'is will bring about this improvement and betterment but not through
sedition and appeal to physical force--not through warfare, but welfare.
Hearts must be so cemented together, love must become so dominant that the
rich shall most willingly extend assistance to the poor and take steps to
establish these economic adjustments permanently. If it is accomplished in
this way, it will be most praiseworthy because then it will be for the
sake of God and in the pathway of His service. For example, it will be as
if the rich inhabitants of a city should say, "It is neither just nor
lawful that we should possess great wealth while there is abject poverty
in this community," and then willingly give their wealth to the poor,
retaining only as much as will enable them to live comfortably.
Strive, therefore, to create love in the hearts in order that they may
become glowing and radiant. When that love is shining, it will permeate
other hearts even as this electric light illumines its surroundings. When
the love of God is established, everything else will be realized. This is
the true foundation of all economics. Reflect upon it. Endeavor to become
the cause of the attraction of souls rather than to enforce minds.
Manifest true economics to the people. Show what love is, what kindness
is, what true severance is and generosity. This is the important thing for
you to do. Act in accordance with the teachings of Baha'u'llah. All His
Books will be translated. Now is the time for you to live in accordance
with His words. Let your deeds be the real translation of their meaning.
Economic questions will not attract hearts. The love of God alone will
attract them. Economic questions are most interesting; but the power which
moves, controls and attracts the hearts of men is the love of God.
24 July 1912
Talk to Theosophical Society
The Kensington
Exeter and Boylston Streets, Boston, Massachusetts