Though bent with age, though suffering from ailments resulting from the accumulated cares of fifty years of exile and captivity, 'Abdu'l-Bahá set out on His memorable journey across the seas to the land where He might bless by His presence, and sanctify through His deeds, the mighty acts His spirit had led His disciples to perform. The circumstances that have attended His triumphal progress through the chief cities of the United States and Canada my pen is incapable of describing. The joys which the announcement of His arrival evoked, the publicity which His activities created, the forces which His utterances released, the opposition which the implications of His teachings excited, the significant episodes to which His words and deeds continually gave rise - these future generations will, no doubt, minutely and befittingly register... These incidents, as we look back upon them, eloquently proclaim 'Abdu'l-Bahá's specific purpose to confer through these symbolic functions upon the first-born of the communities of the West that spiritual primacy which was to be the birthright of the American believers."
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Journey West
Here is an exerpt from World Order of Baha'u'llah by Shoghi Effendi, talking about 'Abdu'l-Bahá's historic journey to the West:
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
A Message from the National Spiritual Assembly
February 22, 2011
To all Local Spiritual Assemblies and registered groups
Dearly loved Co-workers,
Since receiving the stirring message dated August 29, 2010 from the Universal House of Justice, Bahá'ís throughout the world have been moved to reflect on 'Abdu'l-Bahá's monumental travels to the West and the nearly one hundred years which have followed. Of particular significance to American Bahá'ís is the period between April and December 1912, coinciding with the Master's visit to North America. Though still a year before the centenary of this important chapter in Bahá'í history, we feel compelled to share with you some initial thoughts on its celebration.
The House of Justice pointed out that "this anniversary is more than a time of commemoration," and that "we should, therefore, reflect not only upon what the Master achieved and set in motion but also on the work that remains undone to which He has summoned us." Foreseeing the significant implications of this occasion for the American Bahá'í community, the Supreme Body provided to this National Assembly the following guidance to assist with our planning:
"A befitting response to the Master's strenuous labors requires sacrificial action on the part of all His loved ones.... Among the challenges to be met will be the further expansion and consolidation of the Faith and a greater involvement in the life of society-themes to which His attention was constantly directed.
In addition, it is natural that in many cities and towns the believers will eagerly anticipate the opportunity to mark, through celebration and reflection, the anniversary of specific events of local significance associated with 'Abdu'l-Bahá's journey. So too, there may be occasions of national significance, such as the laying of the cornerstone of the House of Worship in Wilmette, that will require special commemoration. Such events undoubtedly have some value for proclamation purposes as well. You should be alert, however, lest an inordinate amount of time and resources be expended in a manner that reduces occasions of profound spiritual significance to a series of public events that, while important to Bahá'ís at this time, would be little understood by the wider society."
With this guidance in mind, the National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to announce its intention to hold a special gathering in Wilmette, IL marking the centenary of the laying of the cornerstone of the House of Worship. In addition, a commemorative gathering that highlights a specific theme of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's mission will be hosted in each of the other three regions of the United States designated by Him in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. Locations, dates, and other details of these four events will be shared as the centenary year approaches. It is important, however, for the friends to understand that these gatherings are not intended to be major national or regional conferences and will be limited in scope and size. Undoubtedly, many local communities will wish to celebrate specific events associated with 'Abdu'l-Bahá's visit. The National Assembly trusts that these commemorations will faithfully reflect the characteristics and purpose of His mission and the task to which He has called this richly blessed community. It is reported that on the day of His arrival in New York, the Master said:
"It is my purpose to set forth in America the fundamental principles of the revelation and teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. It will then become the duty of the Bahá'ís of this country to give these principles unfoldment and application in the minds, hearts, and lives of the people."
Our fervent prayer is that renewed contemplation of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's divinely-guided mission will inspire this community to elevated heights of consecration, thought, and action, and that the far-reaching effects of His life's work will grow, beyond all previous measures, to influence the very heart and soul of this American nation.
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
Kenneth E. Bowers
Secretary
National Spiritual Assembly
of the Bahá'ís of the United States
To all Local Spiritual Assemblies and registered groups
Dearly loved Co-workers,
Since receiving the stirring message dated August 29, 2010 from the Universal House of Justice, Bahá'ís throughout the world have been moved to reflect on 'Abdu'l-Bahá's monumental travels to the West and the nearly one hundred years which have followed. Of particular significance to American Bahá'ís is the period between April and December 1912, coinciding with the Master's visit to North America. Though still a year before the centenary of this important chapter in Bahá'í history, we feel compelled to share with you some initial thoughts on its celebration.
The House of Justice pointed out that "this anniversary is more than a time of commemoration," and that "we should, therefore, reflect not only upon what the Master achieved and set in motion but also on the work that remains undone to which He has summoned us." Foreseeing the significant implications of this occasion for the American Bahá'í community, the Supreme Body provided to this National Assembly the following guidance to assist with our planning:
"A befitting response to the Master's strenuous labors requires sacrificial action on the part of all His loved ones.... Among the challenges to be met will be the further expansion and consolidation of the Faith and a greater involvement in the life of society-themes to which His attention was constantly directed.
In addition, it is natural that in many cities and towns the believers will eagerly anticipate the opportunity to mark, through celebration and reflection, the anniversary of specific events of local significance associated with 'Abdu'l-Bahá's journey. So too, there may be occasions of national significance, such as the laying of the cornerstone of the House of Worship in Wilmette, that will require special commemoration. Such events undoubtedly have some value for proclamation purposes as well. You should be alert, however, lest an inordinate amount of time and resources be expended in a manner that reduces occasions of profound spiritual significance to a series of public events that, while important to Bahá'ís at this time, would be little understood by the wider society."
With this guidance in mind, the National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to announce its intention to hold a special gathering in Wilmette, IL marking the centenary of the laying of the cornerstone of the House of Worship. In addition, a commemorative gathering that highlights a specific theme of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's mission will be hosted in each of the other three regions of the United States designated by Him in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. Locations, dates, and other details of these four events will be shared as the centenary year approaches. It is important, however, for the friends to understand that these gatherings are not intended to be major national or regional conferences and will be limited in scope and size. Undoubtedly, many local communities will wish to celebrate specific events associated with 'Abdu'l-Bahá's visit. The National Assembly trusts that these commemorations will faithfully reflect the characteristics and purpose of His mission and the task to which He has called this richly blessed community. It is reported that on the day of His arrival in New York, the Master said:
"It is my purpose to set forth in America the fundamental principles of the revelation and teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. It will then become the duty of the Bahá'ís of this country to give these principles unfoldment and application in the minds, hearts, and lives of the people."
Our fervent prayer is that renewed contemplation of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's divinely-guided mission will inspire this community to elevated heights of consecration, thought, and action, and that the far-reaching effects of His life's work will grow, beyond all previous measures, to influence the very heart and soul of this American nation.
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
Kenneth E. Bowers
Secretary
National Spiritual Assembly
of the Bahá'ís of the United States
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