As to your question concerning the meaning of physical suffering and its
relation to mental and spiritual healing. Physical pain is a necessary
accompaniment of all human existence, and as such is unavoidable. As long
as there will be life on earth, there will be also suffering, in various
forms and degrees. But suffering, although an inescapable reality, can
nevertheless be utilised as a means for the attainment of happiness. This
is the interpretation given to it by all the prophets and saints who, in
the midst of severe tests and trials, felt happy and joyous and
experienced what is best and holiest in life. Suffering is both a reminder
and a guide. It stimulates us better to adapt ourselves to our
environmental conditions, and thus leads the way to self improvement. In
every suffering one can find a meaning and a wisdom. But it is not always
easy to find the secret of that wisdom. It is sometimes only when all our
suffering has passed that we become aware of its usefulness. What man
considers to be evil turns often to be a cause of infinite blessings. And
this is due to his desire to know more than he can. God's wisdom is,
indeed, inscrutable to us all, and it is no use pushing too far trying to
discover that which shall always remain a mystery to our mind.
In connection with your question relative to the Baha'i solution of sex
problems. On the question of sex the Baha'is are, in most of their
fundamental views, in full agreement with the upholders of traditional
morality. Baha'u'llah, like all the other Prophets and Messengers of God,
preaches abstinence, and condemns, in vehement language, all forms of
sexual laxity, unbridled licence and lust. The Baha'i standard of sex
morality is thus very high, but it is by no means unreasonably rigid.
While free love is condemned, yet marriage is considered as a holy act
which every human being should be encouraged, though not forced, to
perform. Sex instinct, like all other human instincts, is not necessarily
evil. It is a power which, if properly directed, can bring joy and
satisfaction to the individual. If misused or abused it brings, of course,
incalculable harm not only to the individual but also to the society in
which he lives. While the Baha'is condemn asceticism and all extreme forms
of self-mortification they at the same time view with disfavour the
current theories of sex ethics which cannot but bring ruin to human
society. In the Baha'i Cause marriage has been encouraged, but made
somewhat difficult, conditioned as it is upon the consent of the four
parents. Divorce, on the other hand, has been made relatively easy, and
the sociologists are just beginning to realise the importance of this
law....
Letter of 6 April 1936
6 April 1936
He (the Guardian) is of the opinion, however, that while the secondary
aspects of Baha'i Administration should be left out, a comprehensive
statement as to its origin and significance in the Baha'i Dispensation is
of vital importance in any work of the Cause, especially if it is written
by a believer. The main thing is to properly present the subject so that
the reader may be able to grasp it.
Letter of 21 November 1936
21 November 1936
With reference to the absolute pacifists, or conscientious objectors to
war; their attitude, judged from the Baha'i standpoint, is quite
anti-social and due to its exaltation of the individual conscience leads
inevitably to disorder and chaos in society. Extreme pacifists are thus
very close to the anarchists, in the sense that both these groups lay an
undue emphasis on the rights and merits of the individual. The Baha'i
conception of social life is essentially based on the principle of the
subordination of the individual will to that of society. It neither
suppresses the individual nor does it exalt him to the point of making him
an anti-social creature, a menace to society. As in everything it follows
the 'golden mean'. The only way that society can function is for the
minority to follow the will of the majority.
The other main objection to the conscientious objectors is that their
method of establishing peace is too negative. Non-co-operation is too
passive a philosophy to become an effective way for social reconstruction.
Their refusal to bear arms can never establish peace. There should be
first a spiritual revitalisation which nothing, except the Cause of God,
can effectively bring to every man's heart.
Letter of 3 February 1937
3 February 1937
Do not feel discouraged if your labours do not always yield an abundant
fruitage. For a quick and rapidly-won success is not always the best and
the most lasting. The harder you strive to attain your goal, the greater
will be the confirmations of Baha'u'llah, and the more certain you can
feel to attain success. Be cheerful, therefore, and exert yourself with
full faith and confidence. For Baha'u'llah has promised His Divine
assistance to every one who arises with a pure and detached heart to
spread His Holy Word, even though he may be bereft of every human
knowledge and capacity, and notwithstanding the forces of darkness and of
opposition which may be arrayed against him. The goal is clear, the path
safe and certain, and the assurances of Baha'u'llah as to the eventual
success of our efforts quite emphatic. Let us keep firm, and
whole-heartedly carry on the great work which He has entrusted into our
hands.
Letter of 31 March 1938
31 March 1938
With reference to your question as to whether individuals can help each
other by accepting to suffer for each other's sake. Surely such sacrifice
for our fellow humans can have helpful results. This law of sacrifice
operates in our own lives, as well as in the lives of the Divine
Manifestations.
Letter of 18 April 1940
18 April 1940
In these stormy days his thoughts are often with you and our dear English
believers, and his prayers continue to be offered on your behalf, that you
may all be protected and remain safe, so that when this great ordeal of
war which is threatening to engulf the whole world will have passed, you
may all be able to continue serving our beloved Cause, and this time
through more effective means and on a larger scale than ever before.
The immediate future, as clearly predicted by the Master, must necessarily
be very dark for the Cause as well as for the whole world, but the
promises He has repeatedly given us of a glorious future for the Faith and
for mankind as a whole are of such character as should assuredly sustain
and strengthen us amidst the trials and tribulations of the days ahead.
Letter of 2 June 1941
2 June 1941
There can be no doubt that after the present suffering of humanity many
souls, who at present show only a mild interest in the Faith, will turn to
it as the sole road which can lead them out of the valley of blindness and
misery to the "green pastures" promised by their Lord....
Letter of 1 August 1941
1 August 1941
Wherever the Cause is being spread, as it grows in strength, people
increasingly will take sides both for and against it. Therefore he (the
Guardian) is not surprised to learn that you are finding yourself in the
position, sometimes being upheld and sometimes being attacked! It is a
great bounty from God that you have had a training in this world which so
admirably suits you for a champion of His Faith and an exponent of His
doctrines....
Letter of 19 October 1941
19 October 1941
The English Baha'is are being tested in both faith and character very
severely, and the Guardian is deeply gratified to see the manner in which
they are responding, a manner that proclaims to all who witness it that
these souls are true Baha'is.
The Master longed so to see the believers perfect their faith in living.
Now is the supreme hour of test applied, not only to the whole world, but
to the Baha'is too; how they act, to the degree they adhere to the spirit
and the letter of their Faith, will point the way to watching humanity and
demonstrate the worth of being a follower of Baha'u'llah ... the good news
you convey of the spirit and devotion of the English friends greatly
pleases Shoghi Effendi.
His hope and prayer is that during these times of danger, stress, and
misery, the Baha'is will seek out amidst their fellow-countrymen those
jewel-like souls that belong to Baha'u'llah and bring them the blessing
and comfort of His Faith.
Letter of 30 October 1941
30 October 1941
He (the Guardian) feels that the great point is to confirm people of true
capacity and ability--from whatever social stratum they may be, because the
Cause needs now, and will ever increasingly need, souls of great ability
who can bring it before the public at large, administer its ever-growing
affairs, and contribute to its advancement in every field.
As the Guardian's thoughts are very often with the English friends, and he
feels deeply conscious of both their trials and the wonderful Baha'i
spirit in which they are meeting them, he feels they have almost a special
right to call on him, and he welcomes their letters and any news of them
he receives. So you must feel free to turn to him whenever you feel the
necessity of doing so....
Letter of 14 March 1942
14 March 1942
He also approves of the idea of advertising the name "Baha'i" as widely as
possible, as we can never tell at what future date the remembrance of that
word may aid some soul to seek and find the Faith.
At present people are too engulfed in hopes, events, desires, and various
partizanships, to realise that there is no way out for humanity except to
accept the Divine Plan for this Day, and put its healing principles and
laws into practice. But gradually their eyes will be opened, and it is for
this time that the friends must labour to bring the knowledge of the Cause
before as wide a public as possible. September 1942
He (the Guardian) fully realises how much strain you are subjected to, but
he also feels that in so far as is compatible with your health you should
persevere in all your Baha'i activities, as your services could ill be
spared in any field at this time.
Letter of 25 September 1942
25 September 1942
There is an answer in the teachings for everything; unfortunately the
majority of the Baha'is, however intensely devoted and sincere they may
be, lack for the most part the necessary scholarship and wisdom to reply
to and refute the claims and attacks of people with some education and
standing....
It is hard to foresee at present the way in which humanity is going to
become spiritualised. At present it seems, the increased sufferings yet to
be borne, combined with a far wider diffusion of the Divine Message, will
bring about unbelievable changes in the days to come....
Letter of 5 May 1943
5 May 1943
Unless and until the believers really come to realise they are one
spiritual family, knit together by a bond more lasting than mere physical
ties can ever be, they will not be able to create that warm community
atmosphere which alone can attract the hearts of humanity, frozen for lack
of real love and feeling. May 1943
If, however, you find your health affected by keeping the Fast the
Guardian would advise you to consult a physician, and if he tells you you
are unable to fast then of course, you should abstain from doing so.
Letter of 26 May 1943
26 May 1943
He (the Guardian) feels that Baha'i children like you have a lot of
wonderful work to do for others in the future. But you don't even have to
wait until you grow up, you can help your dear Mother teach the Cause to
others right now, and also tell your playmates about it. The Guardian is
going to pray that you may grow up to be a shining light in the Cause of
Baha'u'llah.
Letter of 6 August 1943
6 August 1943
The Master reflects the qualities of the Manifestations as if He were a
mirror. He reflects not only those of Baha'u'llah but also of Christ as He
is the exemplar of the spirit of the Prophet....
...These matters are left to the discretion of the N.S.A. The principle
the Guardian has stated ... the addition of further regulations and
rulings to those already laid down in the bye-laws he strongly
discourages; he feels it is better, as far as possible, to settle problems
as they arise rather than create too much red tape and hem in the spirit
of the Cause into a rigid form.
Letter of 17 October 1944
17 October 1944
There is a difference between character and faith; it is often very hard
to accept this fact and put up with it, but the fact remains that a person
may believe in and love the Cause--even to being ready to die for it--and
yet not have a good personal character, or possess traits at variance with
the teachings. We should try to change, to let the Power of God help
recreate us and make us true Baha'is in deed as well as in belief. But
sometimes the process is slow, sometimes it never happens because the
individual does not try hard enough. But these things cause us suffering
and are a test to us in our fellow-believers, most especially if we love
them and have been their teacher!
The Guardian would advise you to leave your friend to himself, to
associate with him, his wife and sister-in-law with love and forbearance
in every way possible, but not to agonise over the past or let it cloud
your Baha'i life. You have given him the greatest gift in the world: the
Faith. Now he must be responsible for his own soul. Your prayers and
example can no doubt reach and help him.
It is true the Baha'is should try and live a normal healthy life. But we
cannot for a moment overlook the abnormal state of the world. If there had
not been believers ready to give their health, comfort,
pleasure--everything, for the Cause in these dark days, the work would not
have gone on. What are these sacrifices compared to keeping a beacon of
the Light of Baha'u'llah burning in dark London all these war years?
The Guardian is very glad to hear you are so active, both in teaching and
administrative work, and he will pray that Baha'u'llah may bless and guide
you and enable you to serve the Cause in an ever increasing measure. He
will also pray for your personal happiness....
Letter of 27 November 1944
27 November 1944
The work in England has, indeed, progressed slowly from the standpoint of
enlarging the Faith's membership and establishing new centres and
assemblies. On the other hand, however, the British Baha'is have
consolidated the administration and thus prepared the way for intensified
teaching activities when conditions make life easier for the people in
that country. They have also built up a very helpful institution in the
Publishing Trust, one calculated to impress the public and aid greatly in
their own and other countries' teaching programmes. The Faith there needs
more active, devoted, young believers like yourself.
Letter of 27 January 1945
27 January 1945
He was very happy to hear of the marked progress the Cause has made in ...
and that you have not only a number of new believers but also are actively
conducting fireside classes and hold public meetings. All these are
evidences of progress, and you should feel happy and encouraged about
them.
The believers, as we all know, should endeavour to set such an example in
their personal lives and conduct that others will feel impelled to embrace
a Faith which reforms human character. However, unfortunately, not
everyone achieves easily and rapidly the victory over self. What every
believer, new or old, should realise is that the Cause has the spiritual
power to re-create us if we make the effort to let that power influence
us, and the greatest help in this respect is prayer. We must supplicate
Baha'u'llah to assist us to overcome the failings in our own characters,
and also exert our own will-power in mastering ourselves.
He will certainly pray for the work of the beloved Cause there and
especially that new souls may be attracted and embrace the Faith. He will
also pray that the believers may, for the sake of God, draw close to each
other and not permit each other's short-comings to be a source of disunity
and consequently a means of depriving thirsty souls of this life-giving
Message! The world is full of evil and dark forces and the friends must
not permit these forces to get hold of them by thinking and feeling
negatively towards each other.... Undated
His (the Guardian's) burden is truly so heavy--no doubt in the future
people will see his life in its proper perspective and be able to
appreciate what he has done, to all intents and purposes entirely alone,
for the Cause.
Letter of 10 May 1945
10 May 1945
Many of the most valuable, enkindled and erudite teachers the Cause has
possessed were formerly members of the clergy, Islamic or Christian.
Letter of 7 July 1945
7 July 1945
What England needs is a higher percentage of people able to meet and
attract the public on a large scale, and he hopes you will, in the course
of giving the Message to every soul that yearns for it, make a special
effort to confirm people who in their turn will be able to arise and
broadcast the teachings.
The efforts of the friends are, of course, needed to accomplish the
objectives of the Six Year Teaching Plan, and they should be encouraged to
do their part, even though they may imagine themselves incapable of
discharging such duties!
The Tablet of Visitation is a compilation of words of Baha'u'llah,
revealed at different times for those who were far from Him, made by
Nabil, at the Master's instruction, after the Ascension of Baha'u'llah....
Letter of 3 March 1946
3 March 1946
A city like London needs a really impressive, central and suitable room
which will, on its own merits, create a favourable impression, and he
hopes the friends will bear this in mind, and at the earliest possible
date get quarters that are not in a basement.
As to attracting the youth; there must be a great number of serious-minded
people coming back to civilian life. Of course youth attracts youth, and
if once an active nucleus of young Baha'is could be formed, and conduct
their own meetings no doubt they would soon get others interested.
Letter of 4 March 1946
4 March 1946
He (the Guardian) was very sorry to hear that ... has left the Cause, and
suggests that you point out to her, and to any other of the friends who
are confused and upset over this matter, that the Manifestation of God
only gives us teachings and instructions designed for our good and
protection, and that if each person reserves the right to obey his own
conscience, the logical conclusion is we don't need any spiritual
authority to guide and protect us, the authority of our own consciences is
sufficient!
What 'Abdu'l-Baha always pointed out in this matter is that these psychic
powers were not to be used in this world, and that, indeed, it was
dangerous to cultivate them here. They should be left dormant, and not
exploited, even when we do so with the sincere belief we are helping
others. We do not understand their nature and have no way of being sure of
what is true and what is false in such matters.
If children are inclined to be psychic they should not be blamed for it
too harshly, they should not be encouraged to strengthen their powers in
this direction.
People who do not feel they can obey or accept the Teachings on a subject
cannot be considered Baha'is, voting or otherwise. If a time comes when
they feel ready to surrender their opinions to One we believe divinely
guided, they should be joyously welcomed back into the Faith.
P.S. These friends you mention are being upset over this question should
realise that if they reserve the right to disregard the Teachings on one
subject, they must give the same right to other Baha'is, and obviously
there can be no unity or strength in a Faith composed of individuals who
only believe in part and not all of it. We must never prefer our wills to
the Will of God.
Letter of 19 March 1946
19 March 1946
The Baha'is should refrain from signing petitions designed to bring
pressure on the Government which may have any political character
whatsoever. There are so many other people who can carry on progressive
types of activity, but only the Baha'is can do the work of Baha'u'llah....
Letter of 21 May 1946
21 May 1946
Keeping the Fast is enjoined upon all Baha'is, regardless of nationality;
it has a very salutary effect both physically and spiritually, and the
friends should realise Baha'u'llah never would have instituted it if it
were detrimental to the health. The Master referred to the Fast in talks
to pilgrims, and some Tablets, but most material on this subject is not
yet translated.
Letter of 20 November 1946
20 November 1946
The Master unceasingly emphasised the importance of unity among the
friends, and, if anything, it is of even greater importance in this
present chaotic state of the world than it was in His days. The people are
longing for an example--proof that harmony and love can actually exist in a
community--and it is one of the primary duties of the Baha'is to
demonstrate these great principles in their relations with each other.
Letter of 15 February 1947
15 February 1947
Philosophy, as you will study it and later teach it, is certainly not one
of the sciences that begins and ends in words. Fruitless excursions into
metaphysical hair-splitting is meant, not a sound branch of learning like
philosophy.
We have no historical proof of the truth of the Master's statement
regarding the Greek philosophers visiting the Holy Land, etc. but such
proof may come to light through research in the future.
As regards your own studies: he would advise you not to devote too much of
your time to the abstract side of philosophy, but rather to approach it
from a more historical angle. As to correlating philosophy with the Baha'i
teachings; this is a tremendous work which scholars in the future can
undertake. We must remember that not only are all the teachings not yet
translated into English, but they are not even all collected yet. Many
important Tablets may still come to light which are at present owned
privately.
Letter of 18 February 1947
18 February 1947
He (the Guardian) wishes he more often got such glad news in one letter!
It seems that at last the Cause in England is really getting into its
stride, and that the British community of believers are beginning to show
forth the fruits of the many blessings showered on them--for England was
one of the first countries of the West to hear the Divine Message, and was
blessed by two visits from the Centre of the Covenant! Surely the older
Baha'is must be astonished to see new centres springing up in a matter of
months after years of an almost static condition! It shows that wherever
and whenever the friends arise to serve, the mysterious power latent in
this Divine Cause rushes in to bless and reinforce their labours far
beyond their fondest hopes.
He is very happy to hear you are established as a pioneer, with a business
of your own, and you may be sure he will pray for your material as well as
spiritual success in this goal town....
Letter of 27 September 1947
27 September 1947
There is no objection to children who are as yet unable to memorise a
whole prayer learning certain sentences only.
He (the Guardian) does not feel that the friends should make a practice of
saying grace or of teaching it to children. This is not part of the Baha'i
Faith, but a Christian practice, and as the Cause embraces members of all
religions we should be careful not to introduce into it the customs of our
previous beliefs. Baha'u'llah has given us the obligatory prayers, also
prayers before sleeping, for travellers, etc., we should not introduce a
new set of prayers He has not specified, when He has given us already so
many for so many occasions....
Letter of 27 September 1947
27 September 1947
He (the Guardian) does not feel you should permit your speech impediment
to give you a sense of inferiority. Moses stammered! And what you are and
what you believe as a Baha'i give you a tremendous advantage over others.
This does not mean that you should not make every effort to overcome it,
and go to doctors for advice and assistance. He also assures you he will
pray that you may overcome this difficulty entirely, also that wherever
you are the way will open for you to teach and serve the Faith.
Letter of 13 October 1947
13 October 1947