Words of Comfort After A Tragedy

'Abdu'l-Baha's talk in Washington, D.C. on April 23, 1912 addressed the Titanic tragedy. He spoke of the great sadness He felt, and also the consolation of His realization that those who were lost on this Earth were in a more radiant and joyous existence. He spoke about the lessons we can learn from such a tragedy regarding the futility of reliance on material conditions, and He ended by emphasizing the importance of taking necessary precautions to the best of our ability while still relying on the mercy and protection of God. The full text of the speech is below.

Today I have been speaking from dawn until now, yet because of love, fellowship and desire to be with you, I have come here to speak again briefly. Within the last few days a terrible event has happened in the world, an event saddening to every heart and grieving every spirit. I refer to the Titanic disaster, in which many of our fellow human beings were drowned, a number of beautiful souls passed beyond this earthly life. Although such an event is indeed regrettable, we must realize that everything which happens is due to some wisdom and that nothing happens without a reason. Therein is a mystery; but whatever the reason and mystery, it was a very sad occurrence, one which brought tears to many eyes and distress to many souls. I was greatly affected by this disaster. Some of those who were lost voyaged on the Cedric with us as far as Naples and afterward sailed upon the other ship. When I think of them, I am very sad indeed. But when I consider this calamity in another aspect, I am consoled by the realization that the worlds of God are infinite; that though they were deprived of this existence, they have other opportunities in the life beyond, even as Christ has said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” They were called away from the temporary and transferred to the eternal; they abandoned this material existence and entered the portals of the spiritual world. Foregoing the pleasures and comforts of the earthly, they now partake of a joy and happiness far more abiding and real, for they have hastened to the Kingdom of God. The mercy of God is infinite, and it is our duty to remember these departed souls in our prayers and supplications that they may draw nearer and nearer to the Source itself.

These human conditions may be likened to the matrix of the mother from which a child is to be born into the spacious outer world. At first the infant finds it very difficult to reconcile itself to its new existence. It cries as if not wishing to be separated from its narrow abode and imagining that life is restricted to that limited space. It is reluctant to leave its home, but nature forces it into this world. Having come into its new conditions, it finds that it has passed from darkness into a sphere of radiance; from gloomy and restricted surroundings it has been transferred to a spacious and delightful environment. Its nourishment was the blood of the mother; now it finds delicious food to enjoy. Its new life is filled with brightness and beauty; it looks with wonder and delight upon the mountains, meadows and fields of green, the rivers and fountains, the wonderful stars; it breathes the life-quickening atmosphere; and then it praises God for its release from the confinement of its former condition and attainment to the freedom of a new realm. This analogy expresses the relation of the temporal world to the life hereafter—the transition of the soul of man from darkness and uncertainty to the light and reality of the eternal Kingdom. At first it is very difficult to welcome death, but after attaining its new condition the soul is grateful, for it has been released from the bondage of the limited to enjoy the liberties of the unlimited. It has been freed from a world of sorrow, grief and trials to live in a world of unending bliss and joy. The phenomenal and physical have been abandoned in order that it may attain the opportunities of the ideal and spiritual. Therefore, the souls of those who have passed away from earth and completed their span of mortal pilgrimage in the Titanic disaster have hastened to a world superior to this. They have soared away from these conditions of darkness and dim vision into the realm of light. These are the only considerations which can comfort and console those whom they have left behind.

Furthermore, these events have deeper reasons. Their object and purpose is to teach man certain lessons. We are living in a day of reliance upon material conditions. Men imagine that the great size and strength of a ship, the perfection of machinery or the skill of a navigator will ensure safety, but these disasters sometimes take place that men may know that God is the real Protector. If it be the will of God to protect man, a little ship may escape destruction, whereas the greatest and most perfectly constructed vessel with the best and most skillful navigator may not survive a danger such as was present on the ocean. The purpose is that the people of the world may turn to God, the One Protector; that human souls may rely upon His preservation and know that He is the real safety. These events happen in order that man’s faith may be increased and strengthened. Therefore, although we feel sad and disheartened, we must supplicate God to turn our hearts to the Kingdom and pray for these departed souls with faith in His infinite mercy so that, although they have been deprived of this earthly life, they may enjoy a new existence in the supreme mansions of the Heavenly Father.

Let no one imagine that these words imply that man should not be thorough and careful in his undertakings. God has endowed man with intelligence so that he may safeguard and protect himself. Therefore, he must provide and surround himself with all that scientific skill can produce. He must be deliberate, thoughtful and thorough in his purposes, build the best ship and provide the most experienced captain; yet, withal, let him rely upon God and consider God as the one Keeper. If God protects, nothing can imperil man’s safety; and if it be not His will to safeguard, no amount of preparation and precaution will avail.

 'Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace

How are these words of 'Abdu'l-Baha still relevant today?

Loving-kindness is the Divine Policy

From a talk given by 'Abdu'l-Baha at the Meeting of the International Peace Forum, Grace Methodist Episcopal Church:

In Persia previous to the middle of the nineteenth century among the various tribes and peoples, sects and denominations there existed the greatest animosity, strife and hatred. At that time, too, all the other nations of the East were in the same condition. Religionists were hostile and bigoted, sects were at enmity, races hated each other, tribes were constantly at war; everywhere antagonism and conflict prevailed. Men shunned and were suspicious of each other. The man who could kill a number of his fellow creatures was glorified for his heroism and strength. Among religionists it was esteemed a praiseworthy deed to take the life of one who held an opposite belief. At this time Baha'u'llah arose and declared His mission. He founded the oneness of the world of humanity, proclaimed that all are servants of the loving and merciful God Who has created, nourished and provided for all; therefore, why should men be unjust and unkind to each other, showing forth that which is contrary to God? As He loves us, why should we entertain animosity and hate? If God did not love all, He would not have created, trained and provided for all. Loving-kindness is the divine policy. Shall we consider human policy and attitude superior to the wisdom and policy of God? This would be inconceivable, impossible. Therefore, we must emulate and follow the divine policy, dealing with each other in the utmost love and tenderness.

'Abdu'l-Baha, Promulgation of Universal Peace

What would our world be like if we implemented this divine policy? Share your thoughts in the comments!

'Abdu'l-Baha in New York

As Baha'is prepare for the Centenary celebrations, we are seeing new websites, new books, study classes, talks and discussions. The Baha'is in the cities where 'Abdu'l-Baha actually visited are taking special care to remember the events of one hundred years ago.

'Abdu'l-Baha in New York, A Centennial Celebration is a new website which commemorates the visit of 'Abdu'l-Baha to New York. There are plenty of photos, videos of presentations by scholars, written accounts, a virtual tour, and even a downloadable ebook! There is plenty to see at this site and I hope you spend some time enjoying exploring it.

See 'Abdu'l-Baha in New York, A Centennial Celebration for a fascinating exploration of this special moment in history!

Juliet Thompson

Juliet Thompson was an American artist who visited with ’Abdu’l-Baha many times, traveling to Haifa to meet Him, and then visiting Him during His travels in Europe. On April 11, 1912, when ’Abdu’l-Baha stepped off the steamship Cedric on to American shores, Juliet was there to greet Him.

We are fortunate that she left a written account of her visits with the Master, and His love, compassion, courage, and humor, as well as her love and admiration for Him, are evident throughout her writings.

To read more about her fascinating life, see this post at Baha'i Heroes and Heroines, and to read her accounts of these visits, see The Diary of Juliet Thompson.

Love is Heaven’s Kindly Light

 photo from Wikimedia Commons

This is one of my favorite passages from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. I love the poetic idea of love being the magnetic force that directs "the movements of the spheres in the celestial realms".

Know thou of a certainty that Love is the secret of God’s holy Dispensation, the manifestation of the All-Merciful, the fountain of spiritual outpourings. Love is heaven’s kindly light, the Holy Spirit’s eternal breath that vivifieth the human soul. Love is the cause of God’s revelation unto man, the vital bond inherent, in accordance with the divine creation, in the realities of things. Love is the one means that ensureth true felicity both in this world and the next. Love is the light that guideth in darkness, the living link that uniteth God with man, that assureth the progress of every illumined soul. Love is the most great law that ruleth this mighty and heavenly cycle, the unique power that bindeth together the divers elements of this material world, the supreme magnetic force that directeth the movements of the spheres in the celestial realms. Love revealeth with unfailing and limitless power the mysteries latent in the universe. Love is the spirit of life unto the adorned body of mankind, the establisher of true civilization in this mortal world, and the shedder of imperishable glory upon every high-aiming race and nation.

Selections From the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

What are some of your favorite quotes?

Divine Springtime

`Abdu'l-Bahá often used many analogies from the natural world. He likened the appearance of a Messenger of God to a Divine Springtime which renews and refreshes the whole world.

The spiritual world is like unto the phenomenal world. They are the exact counterpart of each other. Whatever objects appear in this world of existence are the outer pictures of the world of heaven. When we look upon the phenomenal world, we perceive that it is divided into four seasons; one is the season of spring, another the season of summer, another autumn and then these three seasons are followed by winter. When the season of spring appears in the arena of existence, the whole world is rejuvenated and finds new life. The soul-refreshing breeze is wafted from every direction; the soul-quickening bounty is everywhere; the cloud of mercy showers down its rain, and the sun shines upon everything. Day by day we perceive that the signs of vegetation are all about us. Wonderful flowers, hyacinths and roses perfume the nostrils. The trees are full of leaves and blossoms, and the blossoms are followed by fruit. The spring and summer are followed by autumn and winter. The flowers wither and are no more; the leaves turn gray and life has gone. Then comes another springtime; the former springtime is renewed; again a new life stirs within everything.

The appearances of the Manifestations of God are the divine springtime. When Christ appeared in this world, it was like the vernal bounty; the outpouring descended; the effulgences of the Merciful encircled all things; the human world found new life. Even the physical world partook of it. The divine perfections were upraised; souls were trained in the school of heaven so that all grades of human existence received life and light. Then by degrees these fragrances of heaven were discontinued; the season of winter came upon the world; the beauties of spring vanished; the excellences and perfections passed away; the lights and quickening were no longer evident; the phenomenal world and its materialities conquered everything; the spiritualities of life were lost; the world of existence became life unto a lifeless body; there was no trace of the spring left.

Bahá’u’lláh has come into this world. He has renewed that springtime. The same fragrances are wafting; the same heat of the Sun is giving life; the same cloud is pouring its rain, and with our own eyes we see that the world of existence is advancing and progressing. The human world has found new life.

`Abdu'l-Bahá The Promulgation of Universal Peace, Talk at Home of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Morten 141 East Twenty-first Street, New York

Soul Stirring Melodies

‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke often about the importance of music. He said:

 ...set to music the verses and the divine words so that they may be sung with soul-stirring melody in the Assemblies and gatherings, and that the hearts of the listeners may become tumultuous and rise towards the Kingdom of Abhá in supplication and prayer.

Baha'i World Faith, p. 378

Here is a beautiful prayer from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

O Thou the Compassionate God. Bestow upon me a heart which, like unto glass, may be illumined with the light of Thy love, and confer upon me thoughts which may change this world into a rose garden through the outpourings of heavenly grace.

Baha'i Prayers

Here is a beautiful rendition of this prayer from Nabil M.



Do you have some other favorite prayers set to music?

Peace is Light, War is Darkness

`Abdu'l-Bahá spoke many times on the topic of  peace. On May 13, 1912, He spoke to the New York Peace Society at Hotel Astor in New York City.

image from Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, NY-5464-3 

He said:

Today there is no greater glory for man than that of service in the cause of the Most Great Peace. Peace is light, whereas war is darkness. Peace is life; war is death. Peace is guidance; war is error. Peace is the foundation of God; war is a satanic institution. Peace is the illumination of the world of humanity; war is the destroyer of human foundations. When we consider outcomes in the world of existence, we find that peace and fellowship are factors of upbuilding and betterment, whereas war and strife are the causes of destruction and disintegration. All created things are expressions of the affinity and cohesion of elementary substances, and nonexistence is the absence of their attraction and agreement. Various elements unite harmoniously in composition, but when these elements become discordant, repelling each other, decomposition and nonexistence result. Everything partakes of this nature and is subject to this principle, for the creative foundation in all its degrees and kingdoms is an expression or outcome of love. Consider the restlessness and agitation of the human world today because of war. Peace is health and construction; war is disease and dissolution. When the banner of truth is raised, peace becomes the cause of the welfare and advancement of the human world. In all cycles and ages war has been a factor of derangement and discomfort, whereas peace and brotherhood have brought security and consideration of human interests. This distinction is especially pronounced in the present world conditions, for warfare in former centuries had not attained the degree of savagery and destructiveness which now characterizes it. If two nations were at war in olden times, ten or twenty thousand would be sacrificed, but in this century the destruction of one hundred thousand lives in a day is quite possible. So perfected has the science of killing become and so efficient the means and instruments of its accomplishment that a whole nation can be obliterated in a short time. Therefore, comparison with the methods and results of ancient warfare is out of the question.

To read the rest of the talk, see Talk at Reception by New York Peace Society.

How do you think these words of `Abdu'l-Bahá apply to the present day? How might our world be different if we focused our energies on peace and fellowship?

'Abdu'l-Baha in Their Midst by Earl Redman

There are a lot of beautiful blogs and online sources of information about the travels of 'Abdu'l-Baha, but sometimes it's nice to sit down with a book and immerse yourself in stories of His travels.

"'Abdu'l-Baha in Their Midst" by Earl Redman is a well-researched, comprehensive book about the journeys of 'Abdu'l-Baha to America, the United Kingdom, and Europe.There are many stories of people who met the Master, including Martha Root, Howard Colby Ives, Kahlil Gibran, Lua and Edward Getsinger, Agnes Parson, Louis Gregory, Corinne True, Dorothy Baker, Sarah Farmer, and many more. These names are familiar to many Baha'is, and their stories really come alive through these pages.We follow along with 'Abdu'l Baha's journey and read details of the visits, impressions of those who met Him, snippets of conversations, and quotes from His talks. The book is very readable and you feel as if you are traveling along with Him, absorbing those words of wisdom and witnessing the transformation in those who met Him.

You can buy this book at George Ronald Publishers, an online bookstore like Amazon, or ask at your favorite local bookstore. There is even a Kindle version available. Have you read this book? What are some of your favorite stories?