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Conservation of the Earth's Resourcesby Bahá'u'lláh, Abdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and Universal House of Justicepublished in Compilation of Compilations, Volume 1, pages 65-911991 BAHA'I WORLD CENTRE Department of the Secretariat Foundation Principles The approach of the world-wide Bahá'í community to the conservation and protection of the earth's resources is based on a number of fundamental principles derived from the Bahá'í Writings. These include: 1.1 Nature As A Reflection Of The Divine Nature is held in high regard. Bahá'u'lláh states that the contemplation of nature creates an awareness of the "signs"[1] and "tokens" [2] of God and constitutes proof of His existence. Thus: ...whatever I behold I readily discover that it maketh Thee known unto me, and it remindeth me of Thy signs, and of Thy tokens, and of Thy testimonies. By Thy glory! Every time I lift up mine eyes unto Thy heaven, I call to mind Thy highness and Thy loftiness, and Thine incomparable glory and greatness; and every time I turn my gaze to Thine earth, I am made to recognize the evidences of Thy power and the tokens of Thy bounty. And when I behold the sea, I find that it speaketh to me of Thy majesty, and of the potency of Thy might, and of Thy sovereignty and Thy grandeur. And at whatever time I contemplate the mountains, I am led to discover the ensigns of Thy victory and the standards of Thine omnipotence. [3]Nature reflects the "names and attributes of God". [4] It is the expression of "God's Will ... in ... the contingent world". [5] Bahá'u'lláh writes: Say: Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, Creator. Its manifestations are diversified by varying causes, and in this diversity there are signs for men of discernment. Nature is God's Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world. It is a dispensation of Providence ordained by the Ordainer, the All-Wise. [6]1.2 The Earth Is One Country Bahá'u'lláh expounds a world view which acknowledges that the "earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens" [7] and He calls for the promotion of "the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth". [8] 'Abdu'l-Bahá draws attention to the increasing interdependence of the world and the fact that "self- sufficiency" [9] is no longer possible. He envisages that the trend towards a united world will increase and will manifest itself in the form of "unity of thought in world undertakings" [10] and in other important realms of existence. One critical area for unified action is that of preserving the resources of the planet. 1.3 Man's Station And Responsibility 'Abdu'l-Bahá indicates that man, "by reason of the ideal and heavenly force latent and manifest in him", [11] occupies a station that is "higher and nobler" [12] than nature, that "man is ruler over nature's sphere and province". [13] It is evident, therefore, that man is ruler over nature's sphere and province. Nature is inert; man is progressive. Nature has no consciousness; man is endowed with it. Nature is without volition and acts perforce, whereas man possesses a mighty will. Nature is incapable of discovering mysteries or realities, whereas man is especially fitted to do so. Nature is not in touch with the realm of God; man is attuned to its evidences. Nature is uninformed of God; man is conscious of Him. Man acquires divine virtues; nature is denied them. Man can voluntarily discontinue vices; nature has no power to modify the influence of its instincts. Altogether it is evident that man is more noble and superior, that in him there is an ideal power surpassing nature. He has consciousness, volition, memory, intelligent power, divine attributes and virtues of which nature is completely deprived and bereft; therefore, man is higher and nobler by reason of the ideal and heavenly force latent and manifest in him. [14]Man, possessed of an inner faculty which plants and animals do not have, a power which enables him to discover the secrets of nature and gain mastery over the environment, has a special responsibility to use his God-given powers for positive ends. The Universal House of Justice indicates that "the proper exercise of this responsibility is the key to whether his inventive genius produces beneficial results, or creates havoc in the material world". [15] 1.4 Development and Happiness - Interaction Of Spiritual And Material 'Abdu'l-Bahá stresses that the development of the physical world and the happiness of mankind are dependent on both the "call of civilization, of the progress of the material world" [16] and the "soul-stirring call of God, Whose spiritual teachings are safeguards of the everlasting glory, the eternal happiness and illumination of the world of humanity". [17] He states: However, until material achievements, physical accomplishments and human virtues are reinforced by spiritual perfections, luminous qualities and characteristics of mercy, no fruit or result shall issue therefrom, nor will the happiness of the world of humanity, which is the ultimate aim, be attained. For although, on the one hand, material achievements and the development of the physical world produce prosperity, which exquisitely manifests its intended aims, on the other hand dangers, severe calamities and violent afflictions are imminent.Bahá'u'lláh describes the fate of those whose lives demonstrate a heedlessness of spiritual values and a failure to act in conformity with such values. He comments: ...ye walk on My earth complacent and self-satisfied, heedless that My earth is weary of you and everything within it shunneth you... [19]Shoghi Effendi asserts that man's negligence contributes to the decline of the "present-day Order" [20] and impacts on the environment in a practical way: The violent derangement of the world's equilibrium; the trembling that will seize the limbs of mankind; the radical transformation of human society; the rolling up of the present-day Order; the fundamental changes affecting the structure of government; ... the development of infernal engines of war; the burning of cities; the contamination of the atmosphere of the earth - these stand out as the signs and portents that must either herald or accompany the retributive calamity which, as decreed by Him Who is the Judge and Redeemer of mankind, must, sooner or later, afflict a society which, for the most part, and for over a century, has turned a deaf ear to the Voice of God's Messenger in this day - a calamity which must purge the human race of the dross of its age-long corruptions, and weld its component parts into a firmly knit world-embracing Fellowship - a Fellowship destined, in the fullness of time, to be incorporated in the framework, and to be galvanized by the spiritualizing influences, of a mysteriously expanding, divinely appointed Order, and to flower, in the course of future Dispensations, into a Civilization, the like of which mankind has, at no stage in its evolution, witnessed. [21] Relationship Between Man And Naturea The relationship between man and nature is very complex. An appreciation of the dimensions of this subject requires consideration of some of the characteristics of nature described in the Bahá'í Writings and an awareness of certain values and attitudes that guide individual behaviour and the establishment of priorities. 2.1 Characteristics Of Nature 2.1.1 A Unified System 'Abdu'l-Bahá indicates that the "temple of the world" [22] has been "fashioned after the image and likeness of the human body". [23] He explains that: By this is meant that even as the human body in this world, which is outwardly composed of different limbs and organs, is in reality a closely integrated, coherent entity, similarly the structure of the physical world is like unto a single being whose limbs and members are inseparably linked together.In another passage 'Abdu'l-Bahá describes the interconnectedness of "every part of the universe" [25] and the importance of maintaining balance in the system: Reflect upon the inner realities of the universe, the secret wisdoms involved, the enigmas, the inter- relationships, the rules that govern all. For every part of the universe is connected with every other part by ties that are very powerful and admit of no imbalance, nor any slackening whatever... [26]2.1.2 Subject to Law and Organization 'Abdu'l-Bahá states that "The phenomenal world is entirely subject to the rule and control of natural law." [27] He contrasts nature's "absolute organization" [28] and its lack of "intelligence" [29] and "will" [30] with man's ability to "[command] the forces of Nature" [31] through discovery of "the constitution of things" [32]: This Nature is subjected to an absolute organization, to determined laws, to a complete order and a finished design, from which it will never depart to such a degree, indeed, that if you look carefully and with keen sight, from the smallest invisible atom up to such large bodies of the world of existence as the globe of the sun or the other great stars and luminous spheres, whether you regard their arrangement, their composition, their form or their movement, you will find that all are in the highest degree of organization and are under one law from which they will never depart.2.1.3 Change and Motion Change is a law governing the whole of physical creation. It is seen in the passage of the seasons. 'Abdu'l-Bahá writes: The earth is in motion and growth; the mountains, hills and prairies are green and pleasant; the bounty is overflowing; the mercy universal; the rain is descending from the cloud of mercy; the brilliant Sun is shining; the full moon is ornamenting the horizon of ether; the great ocean-tide is flooding every little stream; the gifts are successive; the favours consecutive; and the refreshing breeze is blowing, wafting the fragrant perfume of the blossoms. Boundless treasure is in the hand of the King of Kings! Lift the hem of thy garment in order to receive it. [34]'Abdu'l-Bahá states that "absolute repose does not exist in nature" [36], that "movement is essential to existence" [37]. In relation to existence He describes the processes of "composition and decomposition" [38]: ...consider the phenomenon of composition and decomposition, of existence and non-existence. Every created thing in the contingent world is made up of many and varied atoms, and its existence is dependent on the composition of these. In other words, through the divine creative power a conjunction of simple elements taketh place so that from this composition a distinct organism is produced. The existence of all things is based upon this principle. But when the order is deranged, decomposition is produced and disintegration setteth in, then that thing ceaseth to exist. That is, the annihilation of all things is caused by decomposition and disintegration. Therefore attraction and composition between the various elements is the means of life, and discord, decomposition and division produce death. Thus the cohesive and attractive forces in all things lead to the appearance of fruitful results and effects, while estrangement and alienation of things lead to disturbance and annihilation. Through affinity and attraction all living things like plants, animals and men come into existence, while division and discord bring about decomposition and destruction. [39]He also explains that, in the physical world, the course of evolution is in the direction of increasing levels of complexity: In the physical creation, evolution is from one degree of perfection to another. The mineral passes with its mineral perfections to the vegetable; the vegetable, with its perfections, passes to the animal world, and so on to that of humanity... [40]2.1.4 Diversity 'Abdu'l-Bahá describes diversity as "the essence of perfection and the cause of the appearance of the bestowals" [41] of God, and He states: Consider the flowers of a garden: though differing in kind, colour, form and shape, yet, inasmuch as they are refreshed by the waters of one spring, revived by the breath of one wind, invigorated by the rays of one sun, this diversity increaseth their charm, and addeth unto their beauty. Thus when that unifying force, the penetrating influence of the Word of God, taketh effect, the difference of customs, manners, habits, ideas, opinions and dispositions embellisheth the world of humanity. This diversity, this difference is like the naturally created dissimilarity and variety of the limbs and organs of the human body, for each one contributeth to the beauty, efficiency and perfection of the whole...The extent of the diversity of the "world of created beings" [43] is underlined in the following passage: ... the forms and organisms of phenomenal being and existence in each of the kingdoms of the universe are myriad and numberless. The vegetable plane or kingdom, for instance, has its infinite variety of types and material structures of plant life - each distinct and different within itself, no two exactly alike in composition and detail - for there are no repetitions in nature, and the augmentative virtue cannot be confined to any given image or shape. Each leaf has its own particular identity - so to speak, its own individuality as a leaf... [44]2.1.5 Serves the Human World 'Abdu'l-Bahá describes the "causes and circumstances" [45] of the "perfection" [46] of the mineral, vegetable and animal worlds, and He distinguishes this from their "real prosperity" [47] which conduces to the honour of the various kingdoms. The honour and exaltation of every existing being depends upon causes and circumstances.2.1.6 Imperfection of Nature Two views of nature are contrasted - one which holds that the "world of nature is complete" [49], and one that declares that it is "incomplete" [50] because "it has need of intelligence and education" [51]. 'Abdu'l-Bahá states that the "mineral, vegetable, animal and human worlds are all in need of an educator" [52]: The materialists hold to the opinion that the world of nature is complete. The divine philosophers declare that the world of nature is incomplete. There is a wide difference between the two. The materialists call attention to the perfection of nature, the sun, moon and stars, the trees in their adornment, the whole earth and the sea - even unimportant phenomena revealing the most perfect symmetry. The divine philosophers deny this seeming perfection and completeness in nature's kingdom, even though admitting the beauty of its scenes and aspects and acknowledging the irresistible cosmic forces which control the colossal suns and planets. They hold that while nature seems perfect, it is, nevertheless, imperfect because it has need of intelligence and education. In proof of this they say that man, though he be a very god in the realm of material creation, is himself in need of an educator. Man undeveloped by education is savage, animalistic, brutal. Laws and regulations, schools, colleges and universities have for their purpose the training of man and his uplift from the dark borderland of the animal kingdom... [53]2.2 Attitudes And Values The Bahá'í Writings articulate certain spiritual values and attitudes that guide the relationship of man toward nature. These include: 2.2.1 Appreciation An awareness of the fact that the earth is the "source" [55] of man's "prosperity" [56] is tempered by the realization that "the honour and exaltation of man must be something more than material riches". [57] Thus: Every man of discernment, while walking upon the earth, feeleth indeed abashed, inasmuch as he is fully aware that the thing which is the source of his prosperity, his wealth, his might, his exaltation, his advancement and power is, as ordained by God, the very earth which is trodden beneath the feet of all men. There can be no doubt that whoever is cognizant of this truth, is cleansed and sanctified from all pride, arrogance, and vainglory... [58]2.2.2 Moderation The Bahá'í Writings encourage detachment from "this world and the vanities thereof" [61], since "attachment" [62] distracts the individual from awareness of God. This does not, however, constitute a form of asceticism or imply a rejection of life's pleasures. Bahá'u'lláh explains: Should a man wish to adorn himself with the ornaments of the earth, to wear its apparels, or partake of the benefits it can bestow, no harm can befall him, if he alloweth nothing whatever to intervene between him and God, for God hath ordained every good thing, whether created in the heavens or in the earth, for such of His servants as truly believe in Him. Eat ye, O people, of the good things which God hath allowed you, and deprive not yourselves from His wondrous bounties. Render thanks and praise unto Him, and be of them that are truly thankful. [63]The standard is one of moderation: In all matters moderation is desirable. If a thing is carried to excess, it will prove a source of evil... [64]2.2.3 Kindness to Animals Bahá'u'lláh calls for man to "show kindness to animals" [65] and He warns against "hunting to excess" [66]. In relation to the former, 'Abdu'l-Bahá writes: Briefly, it is not only their fellow human beings that the beloved of God must treat with mercy and compassion, rather must they show forth the utmost loving-kindness to every living creature. For in all physical respects, and where the animal spirit is concerned, the selfsame feelings are shared by animal and man. Man hath not grasped this truth, however, and he believeth that physical sensations are confined to human beings, wherefore is he unjust to the animals, and cruel.The Bahá'í Writings also assert that the consumption of meat is not a prerequisite to health: Regarding the eating of animal flesh and abstinence therefrom, " he [man] is not in need of meat, nor is he obliged to eat it. Even without eating meat he would live with the utmost vigour and energy" Truly, the killing of animals and the eating of their meat is somewhat contrary to pity and compassion, and if one can content oneself with cereals, fruit, oil and nuts, such as pistachios, almonds and so on, it would undoubtedly be better and more pleasing. [68]2.2.4 Development of Nature In the Bahá'í view, physical creation is dynamic and evolving from "one degree of perfection to another" [69]. It is, however, "incomplete" [70], since it lacks "intelligence and education" [71]. It stands in need of development by man in order to create not only a higher degree of order and beauty, which are standards upheld in the Bahá'í teachings, but also to increase its fertility and productivity. In relation to the creation of order and beauty in the realm of nature 'Abdu'l-Bahá writes: Nature is the material world. When we look upon it, we see that it is dark and imperfect. For instance, if we allow a piece of land to remain in its natural condition, we will find it covered with thorns and thistles; useless weeds and wild vegetation will flourish upon it, and it will become like a jungle. The trees will be fruitless, lacking beauty and symmetry... [72]'Abdu'l-Bahá also mentions the contribution of cultivation as a means of increasing the fertility of the earth and its productivity. He states: If we should relegate this plot of ground to its natural state, allow it to return to its original condition, it would become a field of thorns and useless weeds, but by cultivation it will become fertile soil, yielding a harvest. Deprived of cultivation, the mountain slopes would be jungles and forests without fruitful trees. The gardens bring forth fruits and flowers in proportion to the care and tillage bestowed upon them by the gardener... [74]While the world of nature stands in need of development, man's approach to such development must be tempered by moderation, a commitment to protecting the "heritage [of] future generations" [76], and an awareness of the sanctity of nature that pervades the Writings of the Bahá'í Faith. For example, Bahá'u'lláh states: Blessed is the spot, and the house, and the place, and the city, and the heart, and the mountain, and the refuge, and the cave, and the valley, and the land, and the sea, and the island, and the meadow where mention of God hath been made, and His praise glorified. [77]2.2.5 Importance of Agriculture Bahá'u'lláh states that "Special regard must be paid to agriculture." [78] He characterizes it as an activity which is "conducive to the advancement of mankind and to the reconstruction of the world". [79] 'Abdu'l-Bahá asserts that The fundamental basis of the community is agriculture,- -tillage of the soil... [80]He describes agriculture as "a noble science" [81] whose practice is an "act of worship" [82], and He encourages both women and men to engage in "agricultural sciences". [83] He indicates that should an individual "become proficient in this field, he will become a means of providing for the comfort of untold numbers of people". [84] In relation to the economic and social development of the nations, the Universal House of Justice underlines the importance of "agriculture and the preservation of the ecological balance of the world". [85] 2.2.6 Use of Science Science is described as "the governor of nature and its mysteries, the one agency by which man explores the institutions of material creation": [86] ...man through the exercise of his scientific, intellectual power ... can modify, change and control nature according to his own wishes and uses. Science, so to speak, is the breaker of the laws of nature.'Abdu'l-Bahá links scientific endeavour with the implementation of a noble goal. He states: This endowment is the most praiseworthy power of man, for through its employment and exercise the betterment of the human race is accomplished, the development of the virtues of mankind is made possible and the spirit and mysteries of God become manifest... [88]And He enumerates the general principle that ...any agency whatever, though it be the instrument of mankind's greatest good, is capable of misuse. Its proper use or abuse depends on the varying degrees of enlightenment, capacity, faith, honesty, devotion and highmindedness of the leaders of public opinion. [89] Protection Of The Environment A number of issues pertinent to the protection of the environment are addressed in the Writings of the Bahá'í Faith. Several of these are set out below. 3.1 Preservation Of Resources Shoghi Effendi links the preservation and reclamation of the earth's resources with both the "protection of the] physical world and [the] heritage [of] future generations". [90] He affirms that the work of such groups as the Men of the Trees and the World Forestry Charter is "essentially humanitarian", [91] and he applauds their "noble objective" [92] of reclaiming the "desert areas [of] Africa". [93] It is interesting to note that among the "powers and duties" [94] of the Universal House of Justice are "the advancement and betterment of the world" [95] and "the development of countries". [96] 3.2 Control Of Natural Resources The Bahá'í Writings envisage that the protection, exploration, and exploitation of the earth's "unimaginably vast resources" [97] must, inevitably, in the long term, come under the jurisdiction of a "world federal system". [98] Such a system, based on recognition of the "unity of the human race", [99] will not only exercise "unchallengeable authority" [100] over the earth's resources, but it will also ensure economic and social justice. Shoghi Effendi writes: The unity of the human race, as envisaged by Bahá'u'lláh, implies the establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely and permanently united, and in which the autonomy of its state members and the personal freedom and initiative of the individuals that compose them are definitely and completely safeguarded" In such a world society, science and religion, the two most potent forces in human life, will be reconciled, will co-operate, and will harmoniously develop... The economic resources of the world will be organized, its sources of raw materials will be tapped and fully utilized, its markets will be co-ordinated and developed, and the distribution of its products will be equitably regulated.3.3 Approaches To Protecting The Environment The conservation and protection of the environment must be addressed on the individual and societal levels. Shoghi Effendi, in a letter written on his behalf, states: We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment outside us and say that once one of these is reformed everything will be improved. Man is organic with the world. His inner life moulds the environment and is itself also deeply affected by it. The one acts upon the other and every abiding change in the life of man is the result of these mutual reactions.And, with regard to the solution of the world's problems, he indicates that: We need a change of heart, a reframing of all our conceptions and a new orientation of our activities. The inward life of man as well as his outward environment have to be reshaped if human salvation is to be secured. [103]On a governmental level, the Universal House of Justice calls for "global cooperation of the family of nations in devising and adopting measures designed to preserve the ecological balance this earth was given by its Creator". [104] The House of Justice asserts: Until such time as the nations of the world understand and follow the admonitions of Bahá'u'lláh to whole-heartedly work together in looking after the best interests of all humankind, and unite in the search for ways and means to meet the many environmental problems besetting our planet, the House of Justice feels that little progress will be made towards their solution... [105]The Universal House of Justice sets out the role of the individual Bahá'í and of Bahá'í communities in relation to saving "the wildlife and natural condition of the world" [106] as follows: ...the best way in which you can help to save the wildlife and natural condition of the world is to exert every effort to bring the Message of Bahá'u'lláh to the attention of your fellow-men and to win their allegiance to His Cause.In addition to addressing the issue on a fundamental spiritual level, collaboration with individuals and groups interested in improving the environment is encouraged. The Bahá'í communities are called upon to make the conservation of the environment an integral part of their ongoing activities by ...assisting in endeavours to conserve the environment in ways which blend with the rhythm of life of our community... [108] Prospect For The Future 'Abdu'l-Bahá sketches the following picture of the future state of life on earth: The Lord of all mankind hath fashioned this human realm to be a Garden of Eden, an earthly paradise. If, as it must, it findeth the way to harmony and peace, to love and mutual trust, it will become a true abode of bliss, a place of manifold blessings and unending delights. Therein shall be revealed the excellence of humankind, therein shall the rays of the Sun of Truth shine forth on every hand. [109] 2 ibid. 3 ibid. 4 Bahá'u'lláh, "Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1984), sec. XC, p. 178. 5 Bahá'u'lláh, "Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas" [rev. ed.], (Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1982), p. 142. 6 ibid. 7 "Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec. CXVII, p. 250. 8 ibid. 9 'Abdu'l-Bahá, "Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá" [rev. ed.], (Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1982), sec. 15, p. 32. 10 ibid. 11 'Abdu'l-Bahá, "The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", 2nd.ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1982), p. 178. 12 ibid. 13 ibid. 14 ibid. 15 Universal House of Justice, from a letter dated 19 May 1971 written on its behalf to an individual believer. 16 "Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 225, p. 283. 17 ibid. 18 ibid., sec. 225, pp. 283-85. 19 Bahá'u'lláh, "the Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1985), Persian no. 20, pp. 28-29. 20 Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated April 1957, published in "Messages to the Bahá'í World 1950-1957" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1971), p. 103. 21 ibid. 22 'Abdu'l-Bahá, from a Tablet translated from the Persian. 23 ibid. 24 ibid. 25 "Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 137, p. 157. 26 ibid. 27 "The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 17. 28 'Abdu'l-Bahá, "Some Answered Questions", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1985), p. 3. 29 ibid. 30 ibid. 31 ibid. 32 ibid., pp. 3-4. 33 ibid. 34 'Abdu'l-Bahá, "Tablets of Abdul-Bahá Abbas", vol. III (Chicago: Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1930), p. 641. 35 'Abdu'l-Bahá, "Tablets of Abdul-Bahá Abbas", vol. II (Chicago: Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1940), pp. 318-19. 36 'Abdu'l-Bahá, "Paris Talks: Addresses given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912", 10th ed. (London: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1979), p. 88. 37 ibid., p. 89. 38 "Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 225, p. 289. 39 ibid., pp. 289-90. 40 "Paris Talks: Addresses given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912", p. 66. 41 "Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 225, p. 291. 42 ibid. 43 "Paris Talks: Addresses given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912", p. 51. 44 "The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 285. 45 "Some Answered Questions", p. 78. 46 ibid. 47 ibid. 48 ibid., pp. 78-79. 49 "The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912, p. 329. 50 ibid. 51 ibid. 52 "Some Answered Questions", p. 7. 53 "The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 329. 54 "Some Answered Questions, p. 7. 55 Bahá'u'lláh, "Epistle to the Son of the Wolf", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1979), p. 44. 56 ibid. 57 "Some Answered Questions, p. 79. 58 "Epistle to the Son of the Wolf", p. 44. 59 "Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec. CXVIII, pp. 252-53. 60 "Some Answered Questions, pp. 79-80. 61 "Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec. CXXVIII, p. 276. 62 ibid. 63 ibid. 64 Bahá'u'lláh, "Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas", p. 69. 65 "Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec. CXXV, p. 265. 66 Universal House of Justice, "A Synopsis and Codification of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book of Bahá'u'lláh", 1st ed. (Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1973), note 34, p. 63. [Ed. note: Not identical to, but similar to Notes 84 and 83 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.] 67 "Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 138, pp. 158-60. 68 'Abdu'l-Bahá, from a Tablet translated from the Persian. 69 "Paris Talks: Addresses given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912 ,p. 66. 70 "The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912",p. 329. 71 ibid. 72 ibid., p. 308. 73 "Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 225, p. 290. 74 "The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", pp. 353. 75 "Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 104, p. 132. 76 Shoghi Effendi, from a cable dated 23 May 1951 to the New Earth Luncheon, London, U.K. 77 Bahá'u'lláh, in "Bahá'í Prayers: A Selection of Prayers Revealed by Bahá'u'lláh, the Báb, and 'Abdu'l-Bahá", 1985 ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1985), frontispiece. 78 "Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas", p. 90. 79 ibid., p. 89. 80 'Abdu'l-Bahá, quoted in "Star of the West", vol. 4, no. 6 (24 June 1913), p. 103. 81 'Abdu'l-Bahá, from a Tablet translated from the Persian. 82 "Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 126, p. 145. 83 ibid., and "The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 283. 84 'Abdu'l-Bahá, from a Tablet translated from the Persian. 85 Universal House of Justice, Department of the Secretariat, from a letter dated 31 March 1985 to an Association for Bahá'í Studies. 86 "The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 29. 87 ibid., p. 30. 88 ibid., p. 31. 89 'Abdu'l-Bahá, "The Secret of Divine Civilization", 2nd ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1983), p. 16. 90 Shoghi Effendi, from a cable dated 23 May 1951 to the New Earth Luncheon, London, U.K. 91 Shoghi Effendi, from a cable dated 21 May 1956 to the World Forestry Charter Luncheon, London, U.K. 92 ibid. 93 Shoghi Effendi, from a cable dated 22 May 1957 to the World Forestry Charter Luncheon, London, U.K. 94 Universal House of Justice, "The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice" (Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1972), p. 5. 95 ibid. 96 ibid. 97 Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated 11 March 1936, published in "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1982), p. 204. 98 ibid. 99 ibid., p. 203. 100 ibid., p. 204. 101 ibid., pp. 203-4. 102 Secretary to Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated 17 February 1933 to an individual believer. 103 Secretary to Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated 27 May 1932 to an individual believer. 104 Universal House of Justice, Department of the Secretariat, from a letter dated 18 October 1981 to an individual believer. 105 ibid. 106 Universal House of Justice, Department of the Secretariat, from a letter dated 14 June 1984 to an individual believer. 107 ibid. 108 Universal House of Justice, from the 1989 Ridvan Message to the Bahá'ís of the World. 109 "Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 220, p. 275. 91
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