Ridvan 2025 message from Baha'i Guardian : To all the friends of India and the lovers of God throughout all the world
Dear friends,
Allah'u'Abha!
And Glad-tidings this Ridvan season! May this open letter find you in good spirits, health, and ease in these days of the great transition from the manifest injustice of war to the firm foundation of the justice of God that establishes Universal Peace.
While we have been raised up together in this day today in our common goals and important community work of our generation, it ever remains true that the most important aspect of our faith is our personal relationship with God, the Great Mystery, source of all bounty, the bestower of infinite grace, the creator of the universe and everything in it: and to have and partake of communion within!
To be with God, to speak with God, to hear God, to be connected to God, to receive the love of God, to have God as our most intimate friend, our constant faithful companion, to learn to deepen in our trust in God, and be continually in the presence of God, is the most cherished hope, and most fervent desire of all ones who are the lovers of God, the Creator, our maker, who loves to be known! It is the greatest pleasure, the most precious honor to come to know and love God, and to have God become a loving and compassionate part of our lives, pervading and permeating the inner essence of our being.
"Man is eternally in a state of communion and prayer with the Source of all Good. The highest and most elevating state is the state of prayer. Prayer is communion with GOD. Its efficacy is conditional upon the freedom of the heart from extraneous suggestions and mundane thoughts. The worshipper must pray with a detached spirit, unconditional surrender of the will, concentrated attention, and a magnetic spiritual passion. His innermost being must be stirred with the ethereal breeze of sanctification. If the mirror of his life is polished from the dross of all desires, the heavenly pictures, and star-like images of the Kingdom of GOD will become reflected therein. The he will be given the power to translate these celestial forms into his own daily life and the lives of many thousands.
"Automatic, formulated prayers that do not touch the core of the heart are of no avail. How sweet, how delicious, how satisfying, how spiritual is prayer in the middle of the night! While all the eyes are closed the eyes of the worshipper are wide open: While all the ears are stopped the ears of the devotee are attuned to the subtle music of GOD! While the majority of the people are fast asleep, the adorer of the Ideal Beloved is wakeful. All around him is a rare and delicate silence--deep, airy, ethereal silence, calm, magical, and subtle--and there is the devotee communing with nature and the Author of nature."--'Abdu'l-Baha
The current unveiling of the Most Great Covenant for Universal Peace and the Oneness of Humanity (the prophesied Kellogg-Briand Paris Peace Pact) has, in Baha’u’llah's own words, upset the balance of all mankind.
Arising out of the current chaos of the nations: a new ethos, a new core value, of a new humanity, for a new type of human being, electrified and exhilarated in the positive spiritual vortex of the real meaning of the Oneness of Humanity is fast taking shape, amongst all the population of the planet, even as a phoenix arises from the flames.
These ruinous wars, economic upheavals, prevailing social alienation between persons and the nations, indiscriminate fatwas, and declarations of economic war, will all fast give way to the overwhelming onslaught of the genuine and authentic lovers of the One True Invisible God who are currently overwhelming all those they meet with a true love and divine humanity, that none have ever experienced before.
Yes! The darker this world of imperfections becomes, the brighter and more refined the true souls are--they who are intuitively fulfilled in their active service in God--they shine in another way, in the face of adversities and challenge.
"Intuition is a power, or a light, by which a human being perceives the realities of things without the medium of the outward senses." – 'Abdu’l-Baha
"You have intuition. You must follow it always, because when you follow it, it increases and becomes more clear. Only a few have this gift. It is like the tinkling of bells, a sixth sense, like the voice of God speaking. The more one follows intuition, the more it increases."–'Abdu’l-Baha
"Meditation is the key for opening the doors of mysteries. In that state man abstracts himself: in that state man withdraws himself from all outside objects; in that subjective mood he is immersed in the ocean of spiritual life and can unfold the secrets of THINGS-IN-THEMSELVES. To illustrate this, think of man as endowed with two kinds of sight; when the power of insight is being used the outward power of vision does not see. This faculty of meditation frees man from the animal nature, discerns the reality of things, puts man in touch with God."--'Abdu'l-Baha
The development of insight, the subjective mood, hearing the clarion call of the inner voice, developing a strong sense of inner perception, hearing the voice of the concourse on high, having a direct intuitive spiritual relationship with the One True Invisible God is the greatest gift and most powerful faculty that human beings are to develop in this life. It closes the door to the outer perceptions of the 5 senses and the source of the negative things that arise from the outer material world of imperfections, and opens the gate and doors of perception to the inner reality of the Kingdom in which connection, belongingness, and fellowship in God are permanent, everlasting and eternal. To be deprived of this inner faculty is to be cut off from the inner reality, and becomes the cause of sorrows, suffering loneliness and pain.
"Know this, O thou who seekest thy Beloved,
Whose heart doth yearn His Presence to attain,
That till in thee His Attributes appear,
In exile and astray thou must remain"--Baha'u'llah
Today, we are ever so happy to make other real friends in God, with those who are rightly guided and truly Baha'i! And that's no small accomplishment, considering all the tests, trials and tribulations of today. Our personal growth and development in God is our primary work, becoming created in the spiritual image of the qualities and attributes of God as we understand that in our personal and interior lives.
"Moral life consists in the government of oneself. Immortality is the government of a human soul by the divine will."--'Abdu'l-Baha
"As to, . . . whom thou hast mentioned, it behooveth him to seek only the divine bounties and those subjects which lead to a real knowledge of the Invisible, through the mediation of the Holy Spirit. Then he will see through his innate perception the reality of the triune powers in man, for, verily, the sign of these triune powers which exist in mankind is spirit, mind and soul. Spirit is the power of life; mind is the power which apprehendeth the reality of things, and soul is the intermediary between the Supreme Concourse and the lower concourse. It (the soul) hath two phases—the higher aspireth to the kingdom of El-Baha and the lights of the mind shine forth from that horizon upon its higher sphere. The other side inclineth to the lower concourse of the material world, and its lowest phase is enveloped in the darkness of ignorance. But when light is poured upon this phase and if the soul is capable of receiving it, then 'truth hath come and falsehood vanisheth, for falsehood is of short duration.' Otherwise, darkness will surround it from all directions and it will be deprived of association with the Supreme Concourse and will remain in the lowest depths."--'Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets, Vol. 3, p. 611.
For the International community of the Most Great Name, for those who have done their due diligence in recognizing that we are all currently occupying the second epoch of the Golden Age of Baha’u’llah, we have witnessed an open act of God: from the unfurling of the divine standard of the genealogy of Baha’u’llah at the time of the 9/11, 2001, until the currently ongoing unveiling of the Most Great Covenant that was legislated as the firm foundation of all International Law in 1928. In the words of Baha’u’llah "the old order [Treaty of Westfailia]" has been rolled up, and "a new order [prophesied Kellogg-Briand Paris Peace Pact, 1928: The Abolition of Slavery and War] has been rolled out."
"The world’s equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order [Universal Peace for the Oneness of Humanity]. Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System [Peace Pact Universal Collective Security Agreement of 1928]—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed."--Baha'u'llah
The problem is, today, that we are only just now moving out from under the penumbra of the prophesied first 70 years "great oppression" (see Iqan, p. 31 for more)--1957 to 2027. Even as 1957 to 1960 was a twilight zone time entering into the shadow of the eclipse of violation, today 2025 to 2028 is the twilight time transitioning out of the darkness of error back into the daylight of divine guidance, and it's said, darkest before the break of day.
Consider, the prophesied 70 years from 1844 to 1914, and then war was made illegal after WWI, in 1928. Consider the 70 years from the birth of Jesus until Titus and masada in 70 CE. 70 years from Nebuchadnezzar to Cyrus (606 to 536 BC), when Daniel and Ezekiel, like prototypes of Jesus and John, prophesied of our current day today.
As in these other times, so we find ourselves today, 490 years from the going forth of the order to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, its walls and moat, issued by Suleyman the Magnificent in 1537 AD. 1537 AD plus 490yrs brings us to 2027 AD, the final 7 years (2020 to 2027) being the prophesied "Week of the Covenant" spoken of in Daniel ch. 9 (see SAQ for more...): the final "week" being seven "days" of seven years (Num. 14:34; Ez. 4:6) that the important meaning of the prophesied Kellogg-Briand Paris Peace Pact is made known and proclaimed for all peoples.
"They must conclude a binding treaty and establish a Covenant, the provisions of which shall be sound, inviolable and definite. They must proclaim it to all the world and obtain for it the sanction of all the human race."--'Abdu'l-Baha, SDC
In 1928 it did obtain "the sanction of all the human race" and it is in force now as the foundation of all International Law and trade relations. However, the violation of 1957 erased this from the collective consciousness which is only now being restored. So for a SECOND TIME we are proclaiming this to all the people of the world of this prophesied generation today. Mankind shall no longer remain in amnesia! War is illegal and people are free!
Furthermore:
"This supreme and noble undertaking [fully activating the Kellogg-Briand Peace Pact today correctly]--the real source of the peace and well-being of all the world--should be regarded as SACRED by all that dwell on earth."--'Abdu'l-Baha, SDC
Therefore, this Pact must be proclaimed to all the people of the world; obtain the sanction of the entire human race, and be regarded as SACRED by all who dwell on earth. And, it's the job and function of world leaders to accomplish this and carry it out, and of the mainstream mass media to promote it, all schools and educational institutions to teach it, all churches and religious communities to proclaim, uphold, and support it. Why?
Because there is a special and peculiar purpose to this life here on earth!
"In truth, this ephemeral world hath never been, nor is it now, deserving of permanent residence. In one respect, however, it taketh precedence over every other world, for in spite of its transience and its vicissitudes, it hath been ordained by Him Who is the Lord of might and power as the place wherein eternal stations and exalted ranks are to be acquired."--Baha’u’llah
As we--our generations alive today--move out of the aftermath of WWII--the Cold War, Gulf Wars I and II--and through the current global post 9-11 turmoil--the deep desire for Universal Peace is arising as an inner light within the hearts, minds, and souls of everyone. And people are rising up to win their spiritual stations, which is the perfection of the self.
Through tests, trials, and tribulations we grow. And we come to know more and more the details of the plan of God, for God takes us into his confidence and shows it to us directly and intuitively, within our own selves and within great world events.
Therefore, knowing of the intricate details of God's Plan for today, we stand in a unique vantage point to be able to guide and assist ourselves, our Baha'i community, and others in the world to obtain that cherished goal in God, we all seek, that only God can reveal to each one directly through spirit, that no words can tell.
Outwardly that is taking the form of the current move towards Universal Peace founded upon justice for all. Thus, this revelation contains the path to fulfillment of the dreams, hopes, desires, and highest aspirations of everyone.
In the Most Great Law of the Covenant we are all united in an undifferentiated unity of mystic tawhid. In our personal practice (qiblih) and our gathering (diyafa: 19 day feasts) we are inseparable in our common business yet distinct in our individuality, works, and contributions. How we translate our personal understanding into living our individual lives is through knowing and accepting that each one of us is a person who is ultimately separate and distinct--a free entity--and to value that Love in spiritual unity in diversity. For example, from the holy Qur'an: "There is no compulsion in religion"; and from Imam Razi: "Islam means peace as opposed to war." And again, "I have given you this revelation so you should grow"; "I have given you this revelation so that you should know one another."
'Abdu'l-Baha explains that three things are needed in order for each one of us to receive our rays of the Holy Spirit--to fully develop our personal interior connection and communion with God: living the life, teaching the faith, and firmness in the Covenant.
Living the life, he says, boils down to not hating anyone. In other words it means loving God and one another. Therefore Baha’u’llah has prescribed two Great laws-- spiritual practices--for all the Baha'is: Qiblih and Diyafa.
These twin religious and spiritual practices are obligatory and voluntary for all the Baha'is. After, the Covenant, these are the two most weighty of all the laws, because they fulfill and complete the Covenant in our deeds.
Qiblih refers to personal practice, the minimum being the outer performance of the short obligatory prayer (salat) as stated in the Aqdas; and diyafa meaning "feast" refers to voluntarily attendance to group meetings (in three phases or portions) to deepen personal practice in a context of the "science of sociability" as described in the various Baha'i writings.
In our personal practice, the Love of God (see Tablet of the Four Loves for more) is the way out of the Limerent Samsara of moods, feelings, and thoughts set a waverin' between the onslaught of continual worldly threats, troubles, and difficulties.
"The powers of the sympathetic nerve are neither entirely physical nor spiritual, but are between the two (systems). The nerve is connected with both. Its phenomena shall be perfect when its spiritual and physical relations are normal."('Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá v2, p. 309).
Through private personal communion and connection with God in prayer and fasting (qiblih) Love casts fear out, and the brain chemicals, nervous system, internal organs, ph of the body, etc, and all systems related to survival mode (physiological instinct) are quenched and quelled. In those moments we die to all the things of this world and live in another. Thus, in practicing the four Loves, limerence is overcome, and we are able to grow in God, independent of all things save God.
Outwardly, we are asked to assemble together socially once every 19 days. These unity feasts (diyafa) are not required to be held on the first day of the Baha'i month, according to both 'Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi. Any day of the vahid will work, as long as one day is chosen for that Baha'i month.
Interestingly enough, this regular meeting at the feasts, once every 19 days, has three aspects or portions that correspond to overcoming the three aspects of the vagus triggers of the survival instinct. Overcoming The Dorsal Vagal State corresponding to the Spiritual Portion; Sympathetic State to the Business Portion; and Ventral Vagal State "(Social Engagement): Characterized by a sense of safety, connection, and social engagement" corresponding to the Social Portion.
Thus, these two teachings of qiblih and diyafa, are the two great lights of guidance and twin pillars of personal practice for us as individuals and the group to deepen in the Oneness of Humanity and to overcome WAR (our animal/physiological survival mechanism and its triggers) by turning to the Plan of God, as we understand that, in our world-wide Baha'i community of the Covenant. The Covenant at some times requires us to assemble together in meetings and at other times to work through our journey independent of all save God. We have both strength and rejuvenation in our individual work and continuing spiritual connection in our group work, strength in numbers, in both this world and the next.
Undifferentiated in prayer. Inseparable yet distinct in our Baha'i business. Separate and distinct in our socialization, private lives and personal teaching efforts.
"Verily, it is enjoined upon you to offer a feast, once in every month [any day of the 19 day month], though only water be served; for God hath purposed to bind hearts together, albeit through both earthly and heavenly means."--Baha'u'llah, Aqdas
"Attendance at Nineteen Day Feasts is not obligatory but very important, and every believer should consider it a duty and privilege to be present on such occasions."--Shoghi Effendi
Firmness in the Covenant refers to accepting the Covenant of friendship and the current Administration of our generation today.
"He Who is Thy Branch [Aghsan, the current living president of the authentic IBC/UHJ] and all Thy company [the loyal Baha'is], O my Lord, have broken this day their fast, after having observed it within the precincts of Thy court, and in their eagerness to please Thee."--Baha'u'llah, Naw Ruz Prayer
According to Baha’u’llah in the Naw Ruz Prayer, we break our fast every Spring with the current living "man whose name is the branch [aghsan]" (Zech. 3:8 KJV) who is an equal member in good standing within our community of the faithful. Otherwise we are separated from the actual community of Baha'u'llah in our generation, and stand in need of clear education and guidance to become firm in the Covenant, and not fall into the "grievous error" (W&T, p. 22) as of others who have failed to recognize the true UHJ of Baha’u’llah of our day today. In our house, we are all equal members, even as it is written: "In my father's house, there are many mansions".
When asked, "Who is your leader?" 'Abdu'l-Baha replied: "The Baha'is are a community of co-operative servants; they have no leader. Their only leader is GOD."
It is the continued living presence of the line of aghsan in combination with the alim, that preserves this truth! Therefore, no greater freedom, no greater belongingness can be imagined other than this! Each individual, independent of all save God; And each supported within and contributing to a community that cooperates on common goals and is founded upon common values of the 12 Principles of the Oneness of Humanity.
In the Book of Revelation, these 12 principles, the "foundations of the wall" of New Jerusalem (the New Law of Peace, "salem" means peace), are described as precious stones. These stones have a spiritual significance. Each stone symbolizes one of the twelve basic principles of Baha'u'llah's Revelation. Together these principles establish peace in the world and bring about God's Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
"the first was jasper" symbolizes the oneness of mankind. "the second sapphire" symbolizes Independent investigation of truth. "the third agate (KJV: chalcedony)" symbolizes the oneness of religion. "the fourth emerald" symbolizes Religion, a source of unity for all mankind. "the fifth onyx (KJV: sardius)" symbolizes the principle that religion and science must agree. "the sixth carnelian (KJV: sardonyx)" symbolizes the equality of men and women. "the seventh chrysolite" symbolizes the removal of all prejudice."the eighth beryl" symbolizes universal peace. "the ninth topaz" symbolizes universal education. "the tenth chrysoprase" symbolizes the spiritual solution to all economic problems. "the eleventh jacinth" symbolizes one universal language to be taught to all peoples. "the twelfth amethyst" symbolizes The International Tribunal. For more information on these twelve basic principles refer to the book, Paris Talks, by 'Abdu'l-Baha.
These 12 Principles, also symbolized by "12 fruits" of the Tree of Life represent our deeds, as it is written: "you will know them by their fruits." These deeds, a way of being, arise from living the life, firmness in the Covenant and sharing/teaching the faith, as 'Abdu'l-Baha has described.
Therefore, Living the Life, meaning, not hating anyone, ALSO includes not hating 'Abdu'l-Baha's Aghsan-son, Mason Remey!
“I have adopted you as my son [Persian: aghsan]. You have to appreciate this favor very much indeed. One should see that you are living according to the requirements of this sonship. You should be aware of your responsibilities. My prayers will help you. I always pray for you. ”--(‘Abdu'l-Baha to Mason Remey, cf. “The Diaries of Mason Remey”, Folio 2, "A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land: Reminisces of the Master, 1921", pp. 127-129. New York Public Library Collection)
“Coagulated drops of Baha'u'llah's all-Sacred Blood and Ringlets of His Most Blessed Locks Presented as my most precious possession to ‘Abdu'l-Baha's ‘dear son' Mr. Charles Mason Remey”
(signed) Shoghi, March 1922”
'Abdu'l-Baha: "What did you do with Mr. Remey?"
Mr. Latimer: "He was teaching in the New England states. Although he longs to be here yet he is happy in teaching there."
‘Abdu'l-Baha: "Mr. Remey is very good. He works very hard. He is very restless. He is continually travelling from city to city. He has not left a place unvisited. He has gone everywhere, even to India. I am going to send him to Persia so that he may be one day in the East and one day in the West.… His soul has a great future."...('Abdu'l-Baha, Light of the World, compiled by George Latimer).
“The Master gave Mr. Remey what no one else ever received-,relics of the Blood and Hair of Baha'u'llah; in the East this act symbolizes Mr. Remey's adoption as a Son by ‘Abdu'l-Baha and his becoming a member of the Holy Family.”
(Questions and Answers about Charles Mason Remey and the Baha'i Faith, by F.C. Spataro.)
In the Star of the West, it is preserved that 'Abdu'l-Baha publicly addressed Mason Remey as "O my dear son," (vol 10, #8 page 144) and "O thou enlightened beloved son," (vol 11, #13, page 229). All the early believers knew this. 'Abdu'l-Baha said, tell Mason Remey: "You are very dear to me. You are so dear to me I think of you day and night. You are my real son. Therefore I have an idea for you. I hope it may come to pass...."--'Abdu'l-Baha, Diary of Juliet Thompson, page 71.
Thus, Shoghi Effendi who recognized Mason Remey, as his uncle, "'Abdu'l-Baha's 'dear son'" appointed Mason Remey Aghsan to be the president of the first International Baha'i Council (IBC) in 1951, stating that the IBC was the UHJ in embryo, and that's how 'Abdu'l-Baha's plan for Mason being the first president of the IBC/UHJ came to fruition.
Yet, because of this: jealousy against Mason Remey, and a lust for leadership, Ruhiyyih Khanum and the former "Hands" broke away and separated themselves from the community of the faith in 1960, the third year of the great oppression (Iqan, p. 31) of 70 prophesied years (1957-2027). For more information on Passing the Test of God see: http://bupc.org/test-of-god.html
The point is this: hating anyone, including the second guardian, Charles Mason Remey Aghsan, deprives the soul of receiving its rays of Love from God. Even if Mason violated the Covenant (and he most certainly did not!) we still are commanded not to hate. And besides, put yourself in Mason Remey's shoes? 'Abdu'l-Baha directly told Mason, that out of all ones, he had chosen to adopt Mason as his Aghsan-son. 'Abdu'l-Baha wrote letters addressing Mason as his Aghsan-son. He announced to all the fellow believers that Mason was his Aghsan-son. He hoped to approve the marriage of his Aghsan-son Mason to his hoped for daughter-in-law, Juliette Thompson. He had his letters addressed to Mason Remey, his dear Aghsan-son published in the Star of the West newspaper for all to see as a matter of printed published public record. Shoghi Effendi gave Mason the token of his adoption and appointment, in 1922, written with his own pen, signed by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi (thus a legal document) Testifying to Mason being 'Abdu’l-Baha's "dear son" showing in quotations the translation from Persian "dear Aghsan"; and then in 1951, Shoghi Effendi appoints 'Abdu'l-Baha's "dear son"--an aghsan--president of the IBC/UHJ, the administrative post restricted to the Guardian. And what did Mason Remey do?
He was "declared" (by a group of unauthorized people) as a so-called "Covenant-breaker" for two things: claiming to be 'Abdu'l-Baha's Aghsan-son; and claiming to be the duly appointed president of the IBC/UHJ by the previous guardian. Ridiculous! He was and is clearly both. You can't expel someone from the community or the faith for simply being who they are. He was and is clearly both! It's not a "crime" to be the president of the UHJ if you are the president of the UHJ!
As both, (aghsan & IBC/UHJ executive) Mason Remey remains firm in the Covenant, yet hated, slandered and backbitten (mostly by those who never met him or who heard about Baha'i only after 1960) for being the sole surviving son, an Aghsan, of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Therefore it is written:
"They hated me without a cause" (John 15:25)
"And, with Divine Unity for" their "excuse [Ruhiyyih Khanum and the former "Hands" of Shoghi Effendi] deprived" themselves "and perturbed and poisoned others." (W&T, p. 12).
What do you expect Mason Remey to do? From his own direct and immediate experience, supported by all his friends and co-workers, he has been and is the publicly known Aghsan-son of 'Abdu'l-Baha and the truly identified president of the IBC/UHJ. He has been recognized as 'Abdu'l-Baha's son, an aghsan, since he was legally adopted by 'Abdu'l-Baha and welcomed into his home since 1900 AD. By 1960, Mason has been 'Abdu'l-Baha's son for 60 years. After 51 years, Mason was appointed president of the UHJ by the previous guardian. And in November 1959, the "Hands" violated their Covenant with Mason Remey made in 1957, and decided to by-pass Shoghi Effendi's Four Stage Constitution of the IBC/UHJ, dismantle the first IBC/UHJ for an "unauthorized Covenant-breaking election", throw out the Baha'i Peace Program to democratically elect the Supreme Tribunal, and separated themselves from the Most Great Covenant of the prophesied Kellogg-Briand Paris Peace Pact (1928) and separated themselves from the Aghsan lineage of the presidents of the IBC/UHJ who are seated upon the throne of king David that is to last forever (see Psalm 89 for more) purposed with bringing the message of Universal Peace to all the world.
How could Mason Remey do anything other than "see that you are living according to the requirements of this sonship" aka, the Aghsan-guardian of the IBC/UHJ:
"Now concerning the House of Justice...the guardian is its sacred head [president means head] and distinguished irremovable member for life of that body" (W&T, p. 14).
And what do we expect the "Hands" to do? Inform all the duped people who came into the Cause AFTER 1960 of the truth of the matter? They'd all have egg on their faces, so to speak.
According to 'Abdu'l-Baha in the sacred Will and Testament: "No doubt every vainglorious one that purposeth dissension and discord will not openly declare his evil purposes, nay rather, even as impure gold, will he seize upon divers measures and various pretexts that he may separate the gathering of the people of Baha. My object is to show that the Hands of the Cause [will be the arch-violators of the Covenant]..." (W&T, p. 12)
Therefore, now that we are in the third generation of the Universal House of Justice (head and body both), experiencing the triumphs of the Cause in this, the second epoch of the Golden Age of the Faith, the epoch of the Covenant, we are seeing a revival of love for Mason Remey, and an open and unalienated support for the current Institution of the genuine UHJ (head and body both) located in the Rocky Mountains of the United States in direct line from 'Abdu'l-Baha through Mason to Pepe to today.
No one has the right to expel anyone from the faith! No one has the right to declare someone else to be a Covenant-breaker for simply being who they actually are. Mason is Abdu'l-Baha's Aghsan-son; Mason is, and will always be, the first president of the authentic Universal House of Justice of Baha’u’llah. The religion will remain unorganized, and our administrative society will remain scientific. And people are free to come and go as they please. The "punishment" is missing out, as the power of the Covenant invigorates and revitalizes all lovers of the One True Invisible God, united in prayer (qiblih), and further spiritualized in the socialization feasts (diyafa).
"Verily we wronged them not, they have wronged themselves" (Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Baha).
Having recognized the Most Great Covenant of God, having come together in private prayer and feasts, we arise to LEARN the faith, and God is our teacher.
We do this--learn--by teaching, because when we follow the guidance of 'Abdu'l-Baha on various methods of teaching the faith, we find, that no matter what, the student or listeners receive about 10% of the outpouring of bounty and the teacher or guide receives about 90%. Therefore, arranging a teaching opportunity is always more for the teachers then the students. A special growth and deepening opportunity for all. This is remedied in the Baha'i Faith as all are enjoined to teach, in group efforts, and independent, separate, and distinct settings. No clergy, no ordination. As soon as a person hears this message, they are free and authorized to teach. This franchise to teach is guaranteed on page 10 of the sacred Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Baha, the operating CHARTER of the Kingdom of God (see WOB, p. 144 for more).
True Baha'i Institutions uphold the Autonomy and freedom of expression of all members. "Teaching" is really sharing the good news of today. Sharing both knowledge and spirit, form and substance, simultaneously, as it appears in reality.
"Should they place in the arena the crown of the government of the whole world, and invite each one of us to accept it, undoubtedly we shall not condescend, and shall refuse to accept it."--'Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of the Divine Plan
Through this Most Great Law that has now appeared, been established, tested, violated, resurrected, and today redeemed: the redemption of the entire human race stands firm in the balance.
The good news of Baha’u’llah's Inter-Faith and interpraxis solution to abolish all war as a Universal Collective Security Agreement obtaining the voluntary sanction of all people of the world IS rapidly overtaking and enthusing the dreams, aspirations, and desires of all freely open and loving people.
Today is not just 'a new day that is dawning'; today it's a new and wonderful humanity that is emerging!
Like physical birth, that admits one baby at a time, every moment another human being is transformed into a spiritually sensitive, tough minded, independent, community-orientated humanitarian, for no other reason than for the sake of the love of God, God does this. It's a private matter between a soul and God, clarified through the cataclysm within the crucible of current world events.
No other religion in the world is based upon a legal document. No other religion in the world prescribes two simple practices: a private daily practice, and a once a month (every 19 days) social practice. No other religion guarantees the Autonomy of all members living their personal lives separate and distinct as they understand that. No other religion has such an infallible divine economy.
"Let us also remember that at the very root of the Cause lies the principle of the undoubted right of the individual to self-expression, his freedom to declare his conscience and set forth his views...Let us also bear in mind that the keynote of the Cause of God is not dictatorial authority but humble fellowship, not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving consultation. Nothing short of the spirit of a true Bahá’í can hope to reconcile the principles of mercy and justice, of freedom and submission, of the sanctity of the right of the individual and of self-surrender, of vigilance, discretion and prudence on the one hand, and fellowship, candor, and courage on the other."--Shoghi Effendi, February 23, 1924.
"One thing and only one thing will unfailingly and alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred Cause, namely, the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Baha'u'llah." --Shoghi Effendi, September 24, 1924.
Every religion wants peace, teaches peace, and prescribes peace. Every person who considers themselves spiritual desires peace. Businessmen, government administrators, farmers, artists, scientists, school teachers, even materialists, and especially soldiers all want and desire Universal Peace. In so many other ways may our competitive human spirit be channeled into cooperating together to survive. That is, all should have their basic human rights and human needs met, food, shelter, clean water, clean air, to have an occupation, to make a family, to be part of and contribute to society, to give back to the community, to serve our village, town, country, and all humanity as best we can. To be happy in our spiritual depths, no matter how turbulent the outer world may threat. To realize there is strength in numbers, and that our numbers strong in God, no matter how large or how few, always bring about the desired result, even if it is only two or three who have gathered together under the standard of His Most Great Name. According to Baha’u’llah:
"The mere act of your gathering together is enough to scatter the [warmongering] forces of these vain and worthless people..."
Our Gathering together in His Name is first and foremost a purely spiritual gathering! It's a gathering of like minds, and confirmed hearts, loyal, trustworthy and true to His Covenant, and in loving surrender to this Most Great Law. Second it is our unity gathering in the same times of the year, now the Ridvan Festival that opens up the rest of our spiritual journey throughout the year. And for those connected on the net or in local communities it is a gathering also in person and face to face!
Today, the Cause is rapidly spreading! Because we are not "fishers of men" but "quickeners of mankind", our rapid progress is witnessed within our personal individual growth and development in God, and within that Spirit, reflected in our scientific society at unity feasts. Through this work, communing in private with God, and socializing in public gatherings with one another for the sake of God in the presence of God, we grow.
We grow both personally and as a community. We carry forward "an ever-advancing civilization" in which the simplicity of our material civilization's needs will be easily met for all, and the intense mystery of our spiritual reality within our spiritual civilization--founded once and for all time upon the firm foundation of the everlasting Covenant of co-operation and friendship--will be realized and achieved by all: in our day to day lives, daily affairs, and overall contributions back to humanity. We perform this in specific and in general, in word as well as in deed, in Spirit and in true letter, taking personal pleasure in God, as God takes pleasure in us, as it is written:
"Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him..." (Q. 9:100)
"And there are those who would dedicate their lives to Allah’s pleasure. And Allah is Ever Gracious..."(Q. 2:207)
"...And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion..." (Q. 57:20)
"O SON OF MAN! Veiled in My immemorial being and in the ancient eternity of My essence, I knew My love for thee; therefore I created thee, have engraved on thee Mine image and revealed to thee My beauty."--Baha'u'llah
"This “oppression” [1957-2027 currently] is the essential feature of every Revelation. Unless it cometh to pass, the Sun of Truth will not be made manifest. For the break of the morn of divine guidance [upholding the prophesied Kellogg-Briand Paris Peace Pact] must needs follow the darkness of the night [WWI, II & III] of error. For this reason, in all chronicles and traditions reference hath been made unto these things, namely that iniquity [war, violence, terror, poverty, pollution, disease, famine, starvation, ignorance, religious prejudiced, race hatred, nationalism] shall cover the surface of the earth and darkness shall envelop mankind. As the traditions referred to are well known, and as the purpose of this servant is to be brief, He will refrain from quoting the text of these traditions."--Baha'u'llah, Iqan, p. 31.
"O Oppressors on Earth! Withdraw your hand from tyranny, for I have pledged Myself not to forgive any man's injustice. This is My covenant which I have irrevocably decreed in the preserved tablet and sealed it with My seal of glory."--Baha'u'llah
Wishing everyone a happy Ridvan! God's Plan unfolds before our very eyes!
I remain yours,
Your servant in el-Abha,
Neal.
.jpg)
