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Title: Japan Will Turn Ablaze!
Author: Sims, Barbara R. (Barbara Rutledge), 1918-2002 [Editor]
Language: English
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Japan Will Turn Ablaze!
by Barbara R. Sims
Edition 1, (September 2006)
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CONTENTS
Baha’i Terms of Use
[Frontispiece]
Introduction
Part I: The Epoch of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Ministry
1: Miss Agnes B. Alexander
1875–1971
Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Miss Agnes Alexander
[Tablet of June, 1901]
[Tablet Translated January 25, 1903]
[Tablet Translated August 14, 1909]
[Tablet of Translated August 16, 1913]
[Tablet Translated October 31, 1913]
[Tablet of August 4, 1914]
[Tablet Translated October 27, 1916]
[Tablet Translated October 30, 1916]
[Tablet Translated December 27, 1918]
[Tablet Translated July 30, 1919]
[Tablet Translated June 3, 1920]
[Tablet Translated August 2, 1921]
[Tablet of November 7, 1921]
2: Dr. George J. Augur
1853–1927
Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Dr. George Augur
[Tablet Translated November 21, 1913]
[Tablet Translated February 12, 1914]
[Tablet Translated August 12, 1914]
[Tablet of 1919]
3: Mr. Kanichi Yamamoto
1879–1961
Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Mr. Kanichi Yamamoto
[Tablet of 1902]
[Tablet of January 1903]
[Tablet of (Date unknown)]
[Tablet of August 4, 1904]
[Tablet of January 25, 1903]
[Tablet of October 18, 1906]
[Tablet Translated October 6, 1907]
[Tablet Translated March 23, 1909]
4: Mr. Saichiro Fujita
1886–1976
Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Mr. Saichiro Fujita
[Tablet Translated November 10, 1906]
[Tablet of May 29, 1907]
[Tablet Translated May 15, 1913]
[Cable received May 10, 1976]
5: Tablets to Japan
Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Japanese and One to Koreans
[Tablet of October 28, 1916]
[Tablet of December 27, 1918]
[Tablet of June 11, 1920]
[Tablet of December 17, 1918]
[Tablet of August 10, 1920]
[Tablet of December 9, 1920]
[Tablet of December 17, 1919]
[Tablet of February 1920]
[Tablet of August 10, 1920]
[Tablet of August 10, 1920]
[Tablet of December 8, 1920]
[Tablet of August 19, 1920]
[Tablet of August 19, 1920]
[Tablet of January 11, 1921]
[Tablet of September 9, 1920]
[Tablet of October 15, 1920]
[Tablet of June 1, 1921]
[Tablet of October 7, 1921]
[Tablet of November 5, 1921]
6: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Speaks to a Japanese Audience
Talk by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the Japanese Independent Church, Oakland,
California, October 1912
7: Excerpt from a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
8: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Meets President Naruse of Japan Women’s College
By Miss Agnes B. Alexander
9: Excerpt from The Chosen Highway by Lady Blomfield, Concerning
‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Japanese Diplomat (1912]
PART II: Letters of Shoghi Effendi and Communications From the Universal
House of Justice
10: Letters and Cables to Miss Agnes B. Alexander, 1923–1957
[Letter of January 27, 1924]
[Letter of July 16, 1927]
[Letter of October 12, 1927]
[Letter of October 22, 1927]
[Letter of October 31, 1927]
[Letter of December 30, 1927]
[Letter of March 13, 1928]
[Letter of March 29, 1928]
[Letter of May 20, 1928]
[Letter of November 14, 1928]
[Letter of December 21, 1928]
[Letter of April 19, 1929]
[Letter of January 5, 1930]
[Letter of April 18, 1930]
[Letter of October 8, 1931]
[Letter of January 25, 1932]
[Letter of February 11, 1933]
[Letter of June 8, 1933]
[Letter of November 1, 1934]
[Letter of April 17, 1935]
[Letter of July 6, 1935]
[Letter of September 23, 1935]
[Letter of November 3, 1935]
[Letter of May 11, 1936]
[Letter of November 3, 1936]
[Letter of November 19, 1936]
[Letter of January 24, 1937]
[Letter of June 3, 1946]
[Letter of July 23, 1946]
[Letter of June 28, 1947]
[Letter of May 31, 1949]
[Letter of October 6, 1950]
[Letter of November 15, 1951]
[Letter of May 22, 1952]
[Letter of September 29, 1952]
[Letter of August 15, 1953]
[Letter of May 3, 1954]
[Letter of May 5, 1954]
[Letter of May 27, 1954]
[Letter of May 27, 1954]
[Letter of March 1, 1955]
[Cable sent March 29, 1957]
[Letter of April 14, 1957]
[Cable sent January 4, 1971]
11: Letters and Cable to the Bahá’ís of Japan in the Early Days,
1922–1931
[Letter of January 26, 1922]
[Cable dated December 15, 1922]
[Letter of December 17, 1922]
[Letter of May 10, 1923]
[Letter of May 22, 1923]
[Letter of October 22, 1925]
[Letter of January 12, 1930]
[Letter of December 24, 1930]
[Letter of March 5, 1931]
[Letter of June 20, 1931]
[Letter of January 9, 1932]
12: Letters and Cables to Administrative Institutions
[Letter of April 1957]
[Cable of April 29, 1957]
To National Spiritual Assemblies
To the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia—1957
[Cable dated May 2, 1957]
[Letter of May 20, 1957]
[Letter of July 15, 1957]
[Cable dated August 27, 1957]
[Letter of October 20, 1957]
To the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, 1951–1956
[Letter of February 29, 1951]
[Letter of November 20, 1955]
[Letter of December 27, 1956]
To the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia
[Letter of July 19, 1957]
To the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran
[Letter of January 6, 1957]
To Local Spiritual Assemblies, 1948–1957
[Letter of September 21, 1948]
[Letter of December 20, 1951]
[Letter of April 14, 1952]
[Letter of August 30, 1952]
[Letter of July 24, 1953]
[Letter of November 26, 1953]
[Letter of March 2, 1954]
[Letter of May 29, 1954]
[Letter of June 7, 1954]
[Letter of June 8, 1954]
[Letter of July 19, 1954]
[Letter of September 26, 1955]
[Letter of April 24, 1956]
[Letter of June 11, 1956]
[Letter of April 19, 1957]
To the Local Spiritual Assembly of Hyogo-ken (prefecture]
[Letter of January 2, 1956]
13: Letters to Individuals
Excerpts from letters to Japanese believers, 1947–1957
[Letter of October 15, 1947]
[Letter of October 6, 1950]
[Letter of March 21, 1952]
[Letter of April 22, 1952]
[Letter of October 5, 1953]
[Letter of December 30, 1955]
[Letter of September 19, 1957]
The following excerpts are from letters to pioneers to Japan and Korea,
1948–1957
[Letter of January 21, 1948]
[Letter of October 16, 1948]
[Letter of December 20, 1949]
[Letter of September 17, 1950]
[Letter of February 27, 1951]
[Letter of September 21, 1951]
[Letter of November 12, 1952]
[Letter of May 25, 1953]
[Letter of July 10, 1954]
[Letter of October 19, 1955]
[Letter of November 23, 1955]
[Letter of May 3, 1956]
[Letter of March 18, 1957]
[Letter of August 18, 1957]
[Letter of October 18, 1957]
14: Shoghi Effendi Writes to Emperor Showa of Japan
15: Message from the Universal House of Justice to the North Pacific
Oceanic Conference, Sapporo, Japan, September, 1971
Afterword
[FRONTISPIECE]
Japan Will Turn Ablaze!
Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Letters of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House
of Justice, and Historical Notes About Japan
(Revised Edition)
Compiled by Barbara R. Sims
Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Japan, 1992
© Copyright 1974 by Barbara R. Sims
First Edition 1974
Reprinted 1975
Revised Edition 1992
[Photograph with the following caption:
Hand of the Cause Miss Agnes B. Alexander
(Circa 1900)]
“Your name will forever remain associated with the rise of the Faith and
its establishment in Japan and the record of your incessant and splendid
endeavors will shed on its annals a lustre that time can never dim.”
(Shoghi Effendi, June 8, 1933)
INTRODUCTION
As early as 1903 and for years thereafter, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá urged Bahá’ís to
travel to Japan to spread the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. On occasion He said
He Himself would like to go to Japan, and also to some other countries.
In 1908 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote to an American believer, Mr. Howard McNutt(1),
“A trip of the believers of God to the Orient is of the utmost importance
and it will become the cause of great connection between the two
regions... Perchance, God willing, in Japan, you may lay the foundation
for the Kingdom!”
In 1910 He said to the first two Bahá’ís to visit Japan, “Blessed results
will appear from the Holy Cause established in that land. I have sent your
letter regarding the work in Japan to Mr. McNutt in New York, that he may
spread the word for some of the American Bahá’ís to go to Japan, and there
serve and teach the Cause. It is very good for teachers to travel, and,
through the love of God, give life to the people. American Bahá’ís should
go to Oriental countries as teachers.”
The first Bahá’ís to make the long voyage, Mr. Howard Struven(2) and Mr.
C.M. Remey, 1909; Mme. Aurelia Bethlen, 1911; Mr. and Mrs. Dreyfus-Barney,
1914, stayed for brief periods of time and continued around the world. Dr.
George Augur and Miss Agnes Alexander both arrived in 1914—Miss Alexander
shortly after Dr. Augur. They sailed to Japan with the intention of
residing there for some time. All these believers traveled in response to
the wishes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Besides Japan, He also encouraged travel in
those early days to China, India, Persia and other Asian countries.
In the Tablet of the Divine Plan written to the Bahá’ís of the United
States and Canada, Japan is mentioned six times and the Japanese language
itself once. In those Tablets ‘Abdu’l-Bahá again urged travel. “How good
would it be were there any possibility of a commission composed of men and
women, to travel together through China and Japan...”
In 1919 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote to Mr. Roy Wilhelm(3), “Attach great importance
to the Japanese people. Mrs. Magee should continually communicate with
them.” And again, later in the year to the same believer, “Convey to Mr.
Nasu(4), the Japanese, my greeting and say:
The world of nature is darkness but the heavenly Sun dissipates by its
light this darkness that prevails over the world. Likewise the world of
mind and of souls is a dark one and nothing will illuminate it save the
rays of the Sun of Truth. My hope therefore is that thou mayest be the
cause of the shining of the Divine Teachings in Japan, that thou mayest
vivify the dead. The people of Japan are intelligent but they are in need
of a leader that he may awaken them. I hope that thou mayest be the cause
of their awakening and may vivify them.”
To Mr. William Randall(5), in 1920, He wrote, “The association which has
been formed for promoting the relationship and love between America and
Japan, will, God willing, be confirmed and assisted. This association is
important. It will unquestionably, bring forth great results.”
* * * * * * * * *
“These are His very words, that still keep ringing in my ears: ‘Japan will
turn ablaze!’”
The title of this book was taken from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prophecy of the
spiritual future of Japan as quoted by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the
Bahá’í Faith, in his first letter to the Bahá’ís of Japan, January 26,
1922.
* * * * * * * * *
We have taken the liberty of adding a few words, for the sake of
continuity, and also that the reader, knowing something of the individuals
and circumstances might better observe the creative power in the words of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi as reflected in the lives and actions of
the recipients.
For further information on the history of the Bahá’í Faith in Japan, we
recommend to the reader History of the Bahá’í Faith in Japan 1914–1938 by
Agnes B. Alexander, and Traces That Remain, (A Pictorial History of the
Early Days of the Bahá’í Faith Among the Japanese) by Barbara R. Sims.
Barbara R. Sims
Tokyo, Japan 1992
PART I: THE EPOCH OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ’S MINISTRY
1: Miss Agnes B. Alexander
1875–1971
The year was 1913, and Miss Alexander recalls: “My only desire was to
serve His Cause. The words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá rang in my ears: ‘I have a lamp
in My Hand searching through the lands and seas to find souls who can
become heralds of the Cause. Day and night I am engaged in this work.’
“I prayed that His lamp might find me. For nearly twelve years I had been
privileged to assist in establishing His Cause in Hawaii. Now the time had
come when I was free to go forth to serve in other parts of His lands... I
received a Tablet from the Master which contained the first intimation
that He wished me to travel to Japan. He wrote in part: ‘Therefore if thou
travelest toward Japan unquestionably Divine confirmations shall descend
upon thee.’
“Through the Divine favors all difficulties were overcome and I sailed ...
reaching Japan November 1, 1914.”
Between the time of her arrival and 1967 when she left for the last time,
Miss Alexander spent a total of about 31 years in Japan. The rest of her
time was spent in Hawaii or other parts of the world teaching the Faith.
Shoghi Effendi referred to Miss Alexander as a “distinguished pioneer” and
wrote the following to her regarding her role in the development of the
Faith.
“Your glorious services in those remote regions of the earth (China and
Japan) are never to be forgotten. I ever pray on your behalf and wish you
to remember the sacred interests of the Cause in far-away Japan as you are
that radiant herald who has raised the Call of Salvation in its very heart
and to whom it owes a great debt of gratitude... I never, never forget
you.” (January 27, 1924)
“I feel that your destiny lies in that far-off and promising country
(Japan) where your noble and pioneer services future generations will
befittingly glorify and thankfully remember.” (January 10, 1928)
Miss Alexander received thirteen Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. They are
quoted below.
Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Miss Agnes Alexander
[Tablet of June, 1901]
O thou maid-servant of God!
The tongues have spoken of thy attraction to God, and the pens have
testified of thy burning by the Fire of the Love of God. Indeed the heart
of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá approves of this because it feels its heat from this
distant and Blessed Spot.
O maid-servant of God! By God, the Truth, the Spirit of Christ from the
Supreme Concourse doth in every time and aspect announce to thee this
great good-news.
Be, therefore a divine bird, proceed to thy native country, spread the
wings of sanctity over those spots and sing and chant and celebrate the
name of thy Lord, that thou mayest gladden the Supreme Concourse and make
the seeking souls hasten unto thee as moths hasten to the lamp and thus
illumine that distant country by the Light of God.
(Translated by Anton Haddad. Received in Paris, June, 1901)
[Photograph at bottom half of the page with the following caption:
“Mr. Struven became a herald of the Kingdom and traveled through the
countries of China, India and Japan.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Mr. Howard Struven,
the first Bahá’í to visit Japan, is at the far left. Dr. Augur is at the
far right and Miss Alexander is sitting second from left. Taken in
Honolulu, Hawaii in 1909.]
[Tablet Translated January 25, 1903]
O thou bird warbling in the Garden of the Love of God!
Thank God that He has illumined thy insight, led thee unto the Fire
glowing in the tree of man; caused thee to utter His Praise among the
creatures and guided certain women to whom thou spoke the Word of God.
O maid-servant of God! Verily thy Lord lighteth the lamp of Love in the
heart of whomsoever He chooseth. This is indeed the great happiness. He
confirmeth him in the service of the Supreme Vineyard.
I pray God to confirm the relatives in attaining to the Brilliant Light,
to let the light of Insight shine forth to the hearts and sights; to aid
thy friends in being illumined by the Light of El Bahá and fed from the
Heavenly Table, and to make thee empty, void from the thoughts of the life
of this world and filled with the Love of thy Lord, ready for His service,
uttering His Praise and demonstrating with proofs the appearance of the
Kingdom of God.
(Translated by Mirza Ameen, Chicago, Illinois, January 25, 1903)
[Tablet Translated August 14, 1909]
O thou seeker of the Kingdom!
Thy letter was received. I prayed at the Court of Holiness to deliver thee
from the darkness of the attachment to this world, enlighten thee by the
Divine Illumination and purify the mirror of thy heart, so that the Rays
of the Sun of Truth may shine therein.
Permission is granted thee to marry Mr. W ... W ... but thou must try with
heart and soul to guide him and cause him to enter under the Shade of the
Covenant and Testament, so that ye may become united as one soul in two
bodies and be engaged in the service of the Kingdom.
(Translated by Ahmad Sohrab, Chicago, August 14, 1909. Received in
Honolulu, September 8, 1909)
[Tablet of Translated August 16, 1913]
O maid-servant of God!
Thy letter was received. Thou hast written something about Mr. Remey. In
reality that youth is the son of the Kingdom and the herald of the
appearance of Bahá’u’lláh. All the believers of God and the maid-servants
of the Merciful must summon the people to the Kingdom and be the means of
the guidance of their souls. They must live and conduct themselves in such
a manner so that they may become distinguished above other people in
sanctity, prayerfulness and humility. I hope that thou mayest attain to
this station and become the cause of the diffusion of the Manifest Light.
(Translated by Ahmad Sohrab, August 16, 1913, Ramleh, Egypt. Received in
Honolulu, September 15, 1913)
[Tablet Translated October 31, 1913]
O thou dear daughter!
Thy letter was received. It became the cause of infinite rejoicing for it
expressed eloquently thy faith and thy turning thy face toward the Kingdom
of God. This light of guidance which is ignited in the lamp of thy heart
must become more brilliant day by day and shed its light to all parts.
Therefore, if thou travelest toward Japan unquestionably Divine
confirmations shall descend upon thee.
Convey the utmost kindness to Mrs. ... on my behalf and say: The doors of
the Kingdom of God are open, the Call of the Lord of the Kingdom is
raised, the Bestowals of the Almighty are endless and the effulgence of
the Sun of Reality has illumined the East and the West. In such a time
patience and tranquility are not allowable. Thou must engage with infinite
joy and happiness in the mention of the Forgiving Lord.
(Translated by Ahmad Sohrab, October 31, 1913, Ramleh, Egypt. Received in
Brooklyn, New York, January 1914)
[Tablet of August 4, 1914]
O thou my dear daughter!
Thy letter was received. It imparted great happiness. Praise be to God
that that dear daughter is sacrificing herself in the path of Bahá’u’lláh
and enduring every difficulty.
It is now more advisable for thee to depart directly to Japan and while
there be engaged in the diffusion of the fragrances of God. From there
thou mayest return to India and from India to the Holy Land.
Today the greatest of all divine bestowals is teaching the Cause of God
for it is fraught with confirmations. Every teacher is confirmed and is
favored at the Divine Threshold. In the estimation of the Ideal King, the
army which is in the front of the battlefield is encircled with the
glances of His mercifulness and in the sight of the Divine Farmer, the
sower of the seed is accepted and favored.
I hope that thou mayest be like unto a realm conquering army and a farmer,
therefore thy voyage to Japan is preferred to everything else. Still thou
are perfectly free.
(Mount Carmel, Haifa, August 4, 1914. Received in Geneva, Switzerland,
August 22, 1914)
[Tablet Translated October 27, 1916]
O thou heavenly daughter!
Thy letter through Mr. Hannen was received from Japan; likewise the
letters of Mr. Fukuta. The contents of both letters imparted exceeding
joy, for each word was an eloquent tongue explaining the wonders of the
Love of God and elucidating the story of the attraction of the heart with
the Breaths of the Holy Spirit.
Praise be to God that thou hast become assisted to promulgate the Word of
God in Japan. Ere long this circle in Japan will be enlarged obtaining
heavenly blessings.
God says in the glorious Qur’an: “A seed, growing out of it seven ears,
and God is able to double this for whomsoever He willeth.” This verse
means: Whenever the Word of Truth is proclaimed, it is like unto a seed,
which sown in a pure soil brings forth seven ears and every ear produces
one hundred kernels, and God says again that for whomsoever He desireth,
He will double this number, that is, He will make the seven hundred
kernels fourteen hundred.
Now I hope that thy call in Japan may be like unto that seed, so that it
may obtain heavenly blessing and benediction, and the souls be educated
and taught the oneness and singleness of God, the truthfulness of the
prophets and the usefulness of the Divine Teachings.
An answer is written to the letters of Mr. Fukuta and forwarded. Present
it to him.
(Translated by Ahmad Sohrab, Haifa, October 27, 1916. Received in Tokyo,
February 7, 1917)
[Tablet Translated October 30, 1916]
O thou daughter of the Kingdom!
Thy letter dated July 15, 1916 was received. Its contents indicated that
thou hast organized a meeting in Japan. Consider thou what a great favor
God hast bestowed that such spiritual meetings are being held in Tokyo and
such heavenly gifts are being distributed.
God says in the Qur’an: “The example of the people of faith is like unto a
field which obtains freshness and verdancy from the rain descending from
the clouds, attaining to full fruition and finding the blessings of the
Kingdom. There is no doubt that day by day it will grow and develop and in
the end the ears of the sheaves will be laden with God’s benediction
bringing forth one hundred fold.”
Now, ye are the fields of the plain of Reality and are under the
protection of the educative rays of the Sun of Truth. At every moment ye
obtain a new vitality from the rain of divine bestowals and ere long ye
will produce full grown seeds which are blessed by the care and attention
of the Divine Farmer. There is no doubt that such will be the end.
Convey on my behalf the utmost longing and greeting to the friends
residing in Tokyo as well as the recently arrived travelers and say to
them: All the individuals of humanity are farmers. Every soul sows a
certain kind of seed, but at the season of the harvest there will be
gathered no result except the seeds which are sown by the believers of
God. That alone will obtain heavenly blessings. Reflect that His Holiness
Christ and His Holiness Muhammad scattered such holy seeds the fruits of
which are being gathered until now, but all the other farmers were finally
doomed to regret and disappointment.
(Translated by Ahmad Sohrab, Haifa, October 30, 1916. Received in Tokyo
February 17, 1917)
[Tablet Translated December 27, 1918]
O thou daughter of the Kingdom!
Although your letter has not yet been received, yet we do answer it.
Praise be to God, that in Japan thou hast been assisted in the
accomplishment of a distinguished service. Thou hast raised the Call of
the Divine Kingdom and hast led the people to an illumined world and a
heavenly Cause. Thou hast become the cause of enlightenment and the wisher
for the education of human souls. For those regions are in sheer need of
Divine Teachings and are endowed with sufficient capability. Those souls
must be emancipated from the obscurity of blind imitations and be
illumined by the light of heavenly instructions. Whosoever arises for such
a work, divine confirmations shall assist him and the power of the Kingdom
shall be made manifest.
Effort must be exerted that the East and West may be reconciled, that the
darkness of bigotry may vanish, that the unity of mankind may be made
manifest and that East and West, like unto two longing souls, may embrace
each other in the utmost love, for all are the sheep of God and God is the
Real Shepherd and is kind to every one.
In accordance with the wish of the attracted maid servant of God to the
love of God, Mrs. Maxwell, go thou to Canada and stay there for a time and
then hasten back to Japan for in Japan you will be assisted and exalted.
Some letters are enclosed for the friends in Japan. Forward them.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, December 27, 1918. Received in
Montclair, New Jersey, March 8, 1919)
[Tablet Translated July 30, 1919]
O thou daughter of the Kingdom!
Thy letters were received. The travel to Japan was in the utmost
necessity. Thou hast undoubtedly met the attracted maid servant of God,
Mrs. Maxwell before sailing to Japan, for that maid servant of God is
ablaze with the Fire of the love of God. Whosoever meets her feels from
her association the susceptibilities of the Kingdom. Her company uplifts
and develops the soul.
Thou didst well to travel to Japan for the seed thou hast sown needs
watering. Capable souls are found in Japan; the Breath of the Merciful is
necessary to stir and enliven them and to bestow a spiritual liveliness. A
blind soul is there but is in the utmost enkindlement and likewise a
priest lives there and is endowed with great capacity. I hope that thou
wilt find the doors flung open and become the cause of the guidance of
souls.
Convey on my behalf the utmost love and kindness to the maid servants of
God, Elizabeth Stevens and Maud Gaudreaux. Through the bounties and
blessings of God, I supplicate that Mr. Weirs may become attracted to the
Divine Kingdom and may be so enkindled with the love of God that he may
illumine the surrounding regions.
Of the death of Richard Potter we were made infinitely sad, but that
nightingale of the Kingdom has flown to the rose garden of the Kingdom,
and that drop returned to the limitless ocean. That wanderer has ascended
to his original abode. On his behalf I supplicate from the Threshold of
Oneness pardon and forgiveness.
Convey on my behalf to the maid servants of God, Miss Ragina Sunshine,
Mrs. Louise Smith and Louise Bosch the wonderful Abhá greetings. I have
entreated and supplicated to the Abhá Kingdom and have begged for those
maid servants of the Merciful unbounded blessings, that each may unloosen
an eloquent tongue and engage in the commemoration of the Beloved of the
world.
Convey to the friends of Geyserville the intensity of my love and my
spiritual attachment. At dawn I entreat at the Threshold of the
All-Knowing God and beg for them the exaltation of the Kingdom.
Remain for some days in Honolulu and then immediately hasten to Japan.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, July 30, 1919. Received in Tokyo
November 26, 1919)
[Tablet Translated June 3, 1920]
O thou who art the daughter of the Kingdom!
Thy letter has been received. Praise be unto God that in those regions the
Breezes of the Rose Garden of Abhá are spreading. It is my hope that they
(those regions) would become perfumed; the Breezes of Favor would waft,
the Lights of Guidance would radiate and the Graces of the Merciful would
unveil.
Convey on my behalf respectful greetings to Mrs. Finch. I hope that you
two would in the utmost affection and union start in the service of the
Kingdom, become the cause that that dark country may become illumined and
that the Breezes of the Heavenly Rose Garden may be spread.
Convey my deepest love and affection to Mr. Torii and Mr. Inouye and Mr.
Saiki, and also to all others. Through the graces of the Beauty of Abhá I
cherish the hope that those souls will become sublime emblems and fruitful
trees in this Supreme Paradise because a productive man is like unto a
tree which is fruitful and of large shadow and so he is the ornament of
the garden of Paradise.
This world, though apparently ornamented, yet its ornamentation is like
unto the freshness of the flowers on the meadow whose prosperity lasts but
for a short time, fading speedily through the heat of the sun and the
blowing of the wind. The Heavenly Trees, however, are always green, fresh,
full of blossoms and continually yielding fruits. They remain till
Eternity in perfect fineness, freshness and vigor.
Extend my great kindness and praise to the maid servant of God, Fuyo
(Yuri) Mochizuki, so that she may, with a divine power, a heavenly purpose
and Godly motive start her writing and that the Breaths of the Holy Spirit
may help her pen.
I am supplicating to God to help Mr. Fukuta progress day by day, to guide
the Japanese women to tear up the curtains of superstitions, observe
Lights of Truth, seek Eternal Life and long for everlasting Bestowals.
(Translated by Azizullah S. Bahadur, Haifa, June 3, 1920. Received in
Tokyo, July 28, 1920)
[Tablet Translated August 2, 1921]
O thou who wanderest in the divine Path!
In the path of God thou didst leave behind thy familiar country and
traveled to those distant regions, so that thou mayest spread the
Teachings of God and give the people the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom of
God. Be assured that confirmations will reach thee and thou wilt become
assisted in accomplishing a great service to the world of humanity.
Thousand tidings may reach thee!
Thy brother Ono San, also will be confirmed and with utmost joy and
happiness he will come back.
(Translated by Rouhi Afnan, Haifa, August 2, 1921)
[Tablet of November 7, 1921]
O thou who proclaimest the Kingdom of God!
Thy letter has been received and gave much joy. Praise be to God that the
confirmations of the Kingdom of Abhá reached and thou becamest the cause
of guidance of the souls. It is my hope that in Korea thou wilt raise the
banner of the Greatest Guidance. Convey my utmost kindness to Mr. Roh(6) .
I have utmost love for him and ask for him Heavenly blessings.
(November 7, 1921, Haifa. Received in Tokyo, February 14, 1922)
2: Dr. George J. Augur
1853–1927
Dr. George Jacob Augur, a dedicated and deeply spiritual “Disciple of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá”(7) received several Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. At the
Master’s summons Dr. Augur left his home in Honolulu and went to Japan. He
arrived the first time in June 1914 and stayed until April 1915. He made
several other trips to Japan with his wife, Ruth, also a firm believer.
The Augurs worked closely with Miss Alexander to establish the Faith in
Japan. While there Dr. Augur lived in the Japanese style, learned Japanese
and wore the kimono. With ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s permission he returned to Hawaii
to stay in 1919.
Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Dr. George Augur
[Tablet Translated November 21, 1913]
O thou dear son!
From thy letter the fragrance of the rose garden of significances was
inhaled, that praise be to God, thou art assisted by the Divine
confirmations, hast found the way to the Kingdom of God and thy heart and
soul are quickened. Arise thou to perform the blessed intention thou art
holding and travel thou to Japan and lay there the foundation of the Cause
of God, that is, summon the people to the Kingdom of God. Japan has great
capacity, but there needs be a teacher who will speak by the confirmations
of the Holy Spirit. I hope thou wilt become assisted in this.
(Translated by Ahmad Sohrab, Ramleh, Egypt, November 21, 1913)
[Tablet Translated February 12, 1914]
O thou who art advancing toward the Kingdom!
Thy letter was received. It indicated, praise be to God, that in the
matter of advancing toward the Kingdom of God thou art firm and steadfast
and thou hast resolved to go to Japan to spread the Divine Teachings. This
lofty magnanimity befits praise. I hope thou mayest become confirmed
therein and in the affairs of the Kingdom thou mayest follow the
inspiration and the teachings of God and not any human suggestion. Rest
assured that thou wilt become assisted.
(Translated by Ahmad Sohrab, Haifa, February 12, 1914)
[Tablet Translated August 12, 1914]
O thou herald of the Kingdom of God!
Thy letter was received. A thousand times bravo to thy magnanimity and
exalted aim! Trusting in God and while turning thy face toward the Kingdom
of Abhá, unfurl thou the divine Flag in Tokyo and cry at the top of thy
voice: “O ye people. The Sun of Reality hath appeared and flooded all
regions with its glorious light; it has upraised the Standard of Oneness
of the world of humanity and summoned all mankind to the refulgent Truth.
The cloud of Mercy is pouring, the zephyr of Providence is wafting and the
world of humanity is being stirred and moved. The Divine Spirit is
conferring eternal life, the heavenly lights are illumining the hearts,
the table of the sustenance of the Kingdom is spread and adorned with all
kinds of foods and victuals. O ye concourses of men! Awake! Awake! Become
mindful! Become mindful! Open ye the seeing eye! Unstop the hearing ear!
Hark! Hark! The soft notes of the Heavenly Music are streaming down,
ravishing the ears of the people of spiritual discernment. Ere long this
transcendent Light will wholly enlighten the East and West!”
In short, with a resounding voice, with a miraculous power, and with the
magnetism of the Love of God, teach thou the Cause of God and rest assured
that the Holy Spirit shall confirm thee.
(Translated by Ahmad Sohrab, Haifa, August 12, 1914)
[Photograph with the following caption:]
A group who were studying the Faith with Miss Alexander and Dr. Augur. He
is sitting in front. Mr. Fukuta, top left, was the first to become a
Bahá’í in Japan. Taken in 1916.
[Tablet of 1919]
On August 8, 1915 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s secretary wrote: “Your beautiful petition
... was read to the Beloved ... as He was walking to and fro in the parlor
of the Pilgrim House. His face beamed with a heavenly smile as he heard
your name. He said: ‘Write to Dr. Augur to return to Japan as soon as the
first opportunity offers itself to him. Great blessings will descend upon
the soul who teaches the Cause in that country. Its people are endowed
with great capability. Should five or six of them be thoroughly grounded
in the teachings of this Cause and attracted with its fire, great results
will be forthcoming.’”
O ye the two doves nestling in the garden of the Love of God!
Your detailed letter was received. Your services at this spot are
recognized and appreciated, particularly (your services) in Tokyo. Praise
be to God that in that region ye have been assisted in diffusing the
musk-scented perfume, and this in future is pregnant with remarkable
results. These few seeds of corn that ye have sown in that soil shall lead
to luxuriant crops, this limited number of souls will be converted into
great cohorts, nay, rather into an imposing spiritual army, and that seed,
under the Divine Direction, shall yield abundant and heavy clusters.
Praise ye God that ye have been assisted with such Divine Bounty. Ye have
sown some seeds and now watering is needed. If souls should undertake a
voyage from America or Honolulu to the land of Japan, the teachings of God
shall thereby be swiftly propagated and important consequences shall
result. You two have fulfilled your roles and have striven within the
limits of your capacity. At present ye must rest for a time; the turn of
others has arrived, that they may similarly travel to Japan, may water the
seeds that have been sown and may serve and take care of the tender
shrubs. The days of life are swiftly going by, and eventually man will be
confined into subterranean regions and his name shall perish, except those
souls who become Divine gardeners and who sow seeds in the soil of hearts.
Those shall eternally remain shining and glittering like unto stars from
the horizon of Truth.
(1919)
3: Mr. Kanichi Yamamoto
1879–1961
Mr. Kanichi(8) Yamamoto has the distinction of being the first Japanese
believer. He immigrated from Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, to Hawaii, where
he worked in the home of the family of a believer. Also living there was
one of the early Bahá’ís of Hawaii, Miss Elizabeth Muther.
Miss Muther wrote to a friend on September 8, 1902, “After I became a
believer I felt that sometime I might tell (Mr. Yamamoto). I prayed that
his heart might be prepared to receive the truth. Although it was a little
difficult to give him the Message because of his imperfect knowledge of
English, yet God helped me so that he understands perfectly and is
rejoicing in the Knowledge of His Truth. I have just had a little talk
with him and he told me how happy he was and that he expects to write his
letter to the Master this evening.”
[Photograph with the following caption:]
Mr. Kanichi Yamamoto, the first Japanese Bahá’í with four of his sons. The
three oldest boys were given Persian names by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Taken in
Berkeley, California in 1920.
Mr. Yamamoto rewrote his letter four times before he was satisfied. “He
felt that he could not write in English, so I told him that I thought it
would be all right for him to write in Japanese. I was sure the Master
would understand the spirit of his letter. Mr. Yamamoto said that although
his letter was written in Japanese, the Master fully answered him.”
Mr. Yamamoto wrote other letters to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Japanese. At the time
no one in the Holy Land could read Japanese. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s secretary
recorded that He said, “I will turn to Bahá’u’lláh, and He will tell me
what to say.” He always answered Mr. Yamamoto’s questions.
Mr. Yamamoto later lived in the Berkeley-Oakland area of California. When
‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited Oakland in 1912, Mr. Yamamoto had the privilege of
arranging a meeting for him at the Japanese Independent Church.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s talk is quoted in Ch. 6.
Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Mr. Kanichi Yamamoto
[Tablet of 1902]
O thou who art attracted by the Word of God to the Kingdom of God!
Turn with the whole of thy being to God, forget aught else save God, and
supplicate God to make thee a sign of guidance in the midst of people who
are veiled from God; perchance they may be guided to the Orb of all
horizons, enter the kingdom of harmony, drink of the cup of the love of
God, rejoice at the manifestation of the Kingdom of God, taste the delight
of the mention of God, and shelter themselves in the shadow of the Tree of
Life in the midst of the Paradise of God.
This beseemeth the believers; this is the qualification of the sincere;
this is the path of the knowers; and this is the utmost aim of the
faithful.
Exert thy utmost power that thou mayest share this great bounty.
(1902)
[Tablet of January 1903]
O thou who hast addressed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá!
Verily, I pray my Lord to teach thee a language and writing of the Kingdom
which will satisfy thee, so as to dispense with all things; for that
spiritual writing and instructive tongue are eloquent, clear, laudable,
legible, read by the tongue and preserved in the heart. Blessed is he who
knows it in the world of man!
Know, verily, that the Ocean is waving, the Sun shining, the Stars
dawning. (Understand what I say!)
The tree will grow, the earth will send forth hyacinths(9) and give
blessings, and man will become of the heavenly angels. Feed on the light
of guidance and impart light to the people. The bird will warble melodies
unknown save by the birds of heaven; then tear asunder the veil and see
the realities of things with the eye of God. Verily, thy Lord guideth
whomsoever He willeth unto the Straight Path!
The Promised Spot will be made a racecourse for the steeds of the race of
Knowledge and the lights of the Merciful will shine upon it. The dispersed
ones will return to the Center of Gathering and the birds will return from
the meadows of the world unto the Nest of Harmony. This is a preordained
matter.
As to thee: Thou hast borne every difficulty and hardship and soon will be
rewarded by God with a good reward. He will destine to thee all that is
good, and choose for thee the manifestation of His mercy among the
servants; that they may thus see that the Sons of the Kingdom have gone
out(10), while there hath come a soul from the remotest horizon who hath
entered the Kingdom of God.
(January 1903)
[Tablet of (Date unknown)]
O thou youth of God!
Thank God that thou hast found thy way to the Radiant Kingdom, torn
asunder the veil of superstition and learned the reality of the mysteries.
All the people have formed a god in the world of thought, and that form of
their own imagination they worship; when the fact is that the imagined
form is finite and the human mind is infinite(11) . Surely the infinite is
greater than the finite, for imagination is accidental (or non-essential)
while the mind is essential; surely the essential is greater than the
accidental.
Therefore consider: All the sects and peoples worship their own thought;
they create a god in their own minds and acknowledge him to be the creator
of all things, when that form is a superstition—thus people adore and
worship imagination (or illusion).
The Essence of the Divine Entity and the Unseen of the unseen is holy
above imagination and is beyond thought. Consciousness doth not reach It.
Within the capacity of comprehension of a produced (or created) reality
that Ancient Reality cannot be contained. It is a different world; from it
there is no information; arrival thereat is impossible; attainment thereto
is prohibited and inaccessible. This much is known: It exists and Its
existence is certain and proven—but the condition is unknown.
All the philosophers and the doctors know that It is, but they were
perplexed in the comprehension of Its existence and were at last
discouraged, and in great despair they left this world. For the
comprehension of the condition and mysteries of that Reality of realities
and Mystery of mysteries there is need for another power and another
sense. That power and sense is not possessed by mankind, therefore they
have not found any information. For example: If a man possess the power of
hearing, the power of tasting, the power of smelling and the power of
feeling but no power of seeing, he cannot see. Hence, through the powers
and senses present in man the realization of the Unseen Reality, which is
pure and holy above the reach of doubts, is impossible. Other powers are
needed and other senses required. If those powers and senses are obtained,
then information can be had; otherwise, not.
As to the question of marriage, according to the law of God; First you
must select one, and then it depends upon the consent of the father and
mother. Before your selection they have no right of interference.
Endeavor as much as thou canst to acquire the English language with the
utmost eloquence and excellence, so that thou mayest be enabled to
translate the Tablets into the Japanese tongue. This is my advice.
Certainly exert thy utmost endeavor to attain this bounty.
(Date unknown)
[Tablet of August 4, 1904]
O thou who art the single one of Japan and the unique one of the extreme
Orient!
That country hath been deprived of the divine breath until this time; now,
God be praised! thou art initiated in the mysteries and conscious of the
secrets of the lights.
Thou hast been earthly, I hope that thou wilt become heavenly; thou hast
been gloomy, I desire that thou wilt become luminous. Thou wert wandering
in the wilderness, thou hast found a way to the abode of the Beloved One;
thou wert a thirsty fish, thou hast attained to the endless Ocean; thou
wert a roving bird, thou hast reached the divine Rose Garden; thou wert
spiritually sick and thou hast found real health!
Now is the time that thou shouldst entirely abandon the comfort, ease,
enjoyment and the life of this transient world, and wholly arise to guide
the people of Japan, illuminating faces, perfuming nostrils and
conquering, through the heavenly hosts and divine reinforcements, the
hearts of the people of that region.
Do not wonder at the favor and bounty of the Lord. By the favor of God,
how often a drop hath become undulating like a sea, and an atom become
shining like the sun!
The Sun of Truth hath enlightened the divine world and illumined the
universe. The rays of His grace have shone upon the East and West, and His
heat hath caused vegetation in all countries. So the lights and the heat
of the Sun of Truth being help and assistance, what more dost thou need?
Thou must warble, like the nightingale of significances, in the rose
garden so that thou mayest inspire all the birds of the meadow to chant
and to sing.
(August 4, 1904)
[Tablet of January 25, 1903]
To Miss Elizabeth Muther in Hawaii
I have written a reply to the letter of Kwanichi Yamamoto and have
enclosed it with this letter. I ask God to make him a sign of guidance and
to guide through him souls of his native land and of other people.
(January 25, 1903)
[Tablet of October 18, 1906]
To Mrs. Helen S. Goodall
The Japanese youth, K. Yamamoto should act in accord with the Law of
God—namely—he must first choose a companion (wife) for himself and then
his father and mother must sanction. If their sanction and consent is not
attained, that engagement is not completed.
He must acquire the English language well, so as to enable him to
translate the Divine Tablets into the Japanese language.
(October 18, 1906)
[Tablet Translated October 6, 1907]
To Mrs. J. D. Brittingham
Announce greetings on My behalf, to the two young Japanese (Yamamoto and
Fujita) and say: His Imperial Majesty, Mikado, became the cause of the
material progress of Japan. I hope that you may become the cause of her
spiritual development. This is the principle of progress.
Unless man makes spiritual progress in the world of spirit, intellect and
heart, he cannot gather universal results from material advancements. Now,
you must gird up the loins of endeavor, and reflect duly, so that ye may
quicken the people of Japan through the Spirit of God.
(Translated by A. Esphahani, Washington, October 6, 1907)
[Tablet Translated March 23, 1909]
To Mrs. Ella Goodall Cooper
It is written in Miss Barney’s book that the human fetus is not an animal
fetus although it has gone through various and complex transformations and
metamorphosis in the womb until it has taken to itself human form and
appearance. Therefore that fetus was essentially human and the problem is
solved when we realize that it has transformed from one form to another
until it appears and manifests with the utmost beauty...
Concerning the marriage feast of the young Japanese, Kanichi Yamamoto. It
became the cause of great joy and I hope that this marriage will be
conducive to great blessings.
(Translated by A. Esphahani, March 23, 1909)
[Photograph with the following caption:]
Mr. Fujita with his niece, Kinue, in his home in Yanai, Japan in 1946.
4: Mr. Saichiro Fujita
1886–1976
Mr. Saichiro Fujita was the second Japanese to accept the Faith.
Originally from Yanai, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, he immigrated to the
United States when he was a teenager. While he was attending school in
Oakland, California in 1905 he was taught the Faith by Mrs. Kathryn
Frankland.
He received two of the Tablets quoted below from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1906 and
1907. In 1911 he received a Tablet urging him to complete his professional
training. In 1912 Mr. Fujita had the privilege of meeting the Master and
traveling with Him in the United States. In this revised edition we have
included one more Tablet by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, translated in 1913, because it
contains a prediction about Mr. Fujita.
Between 1912 and 1919 there were several communications from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
urging Mr. Fujita to study various aspects of engineering and also
advising him to study flower culture. In 1919 he had completed his studies
and left for Haifa as instructed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Mr. Fujita served in the
Holy Land until the end of his life except for the years between 1938 and
1955 which were spent in Japan.
Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Mr. Saichiro Fujita
[Tablet Translated November 10, 1906]
O thou fresh plant in the garden of the Love of God!
What thou hast written was considered. It was an evidence of following in
the Pathway of Guidance, and a proof of the attraction of the heart to the
Beauty of His Majesty, God.
Consider what bounty God has manifested for thee, whence thou art and from
whence are we. Yet, nevertheless, such a candle of love is burning in the
hearts that its light is radiating from the East to the West and from the
West extending to the East.
Rest assured thy name is registered in the Book of God, and it is hoped
that thou mayest enter the Paradise of the Kingdom and find stability; to
reach that which is the cause of the progress of the world of humanity in
the world and in the Kingdom, and with perceiving eye, attentive ear,
eloquent tongue and radiant face may serve in the Vineyard of God and
spread the Divine Glad Tidings. If thou art confirmed as thou oughtest to
be, thou wilt certainly establish an eternal Kingdom. This Kingdom is
greater than that of Mikado, for the sovereignty of the Emperor of Japan
is for numbered days, but this sovereignty is lasting and will stand unto
the Eternity of Eternities.
That sovereignty can be hidden under one handful of dust, that is when
Mikado goes beneath the handful of dust, he is entirely effaced and
erased, but this Kingdom withstands the greatest revolution of the worlds,
and will stand with perfect stability unto eternity. The former kingdom is
established by the power of the sword, burning fire, devouring, and the
shedding of blood, while this Kingdom is built upon freedom, glory,
greatness and the love of God. Consider how much difference there is
between them.
(Translated by Ameen Fareed, November 10, 1906, Chicago)
[Tablet of May 29, 1907]
O thou spiritual Youth!
Japan has made wonderful progress in material civilization, but she will
become perfect when she will also make spiritual developments and the
Power of the Kingdom become manifest in her.
One will encounter a little difficulty in the beginning of the
establishment of the Cause of God in that country, but later it will
become very easy. For the inhabitants of Japan are intelligent, sagacious,
and have the power of rapid assimilation. For the present a perfect youth
like thee is favored by the Bounty of the Kingdom, and attained to the
knowledge of the Lord of the Kingdom. Show thou forth an effort that thou
mayest finish that which is necessary in the acquisition and study of
science and art; then travel thou toward the countries of Japan; so that
thou mayest hoist the Ensign of Truth, waving upon the Apex of the Supreme
Concourse. Look thou not upon thine own capability, the Invisible Divine
Confirmations are great, and the Protection and Providence of the Beauty
of Abhá is the helper and assistant. When a drop draws help from the
ocean, it is an ocean itself, and a little seed through the outpouring of
rain, the favor of the sun, and the soul-refreshing breeze will become a
tree with the utmost freshness, full of leaves, blossoms and fruits.
Therefore do not consider thy capacity and merit, but rely upon the
infinite Bounty and trust to His Highness the Almighty. Do not delay.
Undertake soon that which thou art intending.
There are prophecies concerning the Manifestation in the Buddhist books,
but they are in symbols and metaphors, and some spiritual conditions are
mentioned therein, but the leaders of religion do not understand. They
think these prophecies are material things, yet those signs are
foreshadowing spiritual occurrence.
(Revealed in Akka, May 29, 1907. Translated by Ahmad Esphahani, July 21,
1907, Washington, D.C.)
[Tablet Translated May 15, 1913]
O thou servant of God
Thy letter was received. It was an indication to the outward and inward
health and safety. Therefore it became the means of joy.
As regard to thy profession of electricity. Endeavor from every direction
that thou mayest gain perfect efficiency in it—so that I may send for thee
to come with electrical machine (automobile) and lighting plant—in order
that in the Holy Land thou mayest know how to run the electrical engines
and dynamos, how to install electrical lights through the buildings and
how to fill the batteries of the (automobile) and act (if necessary) as
chauffeur. When thou shalt learn these things then I will send for thee.
Thou wilt be confirmed to render a great service and this will become the
cause of thine everlasting glory.
(Translated by Ahmad Sohrab, May 15, 1913, Paris)
[Cable received May 10, 1976]
After Mr. Fujita’s passing the Universal House of Justice sent out the
following cable:
Dearly-loved tireless steadfast Saichiro Fujita passed to Abhá Kingdom
after long years service sacred threshold. His rank in vanguard first
Japanese believers. His labours World Center his dedication humility
sincerity love will forever be remembered and provide shining example to
rising generations Japanese Bahá’ís who will view with pride distinction
conferred upon him. Praying Holy Shrines progress his radiant soul under
loving grace his Master and Guardian both of whom he served so well.
Universal House of Justice
(Cable received May 10, 1976)
5: Tablets to Japan
Miss Alexander wrote in her account of the early days of the Faith in
Japan, “After ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ascension every word He had written became a
sacred treasure. When I began collecting the Tablets He had revealed to
Japanese living in Japan, and one to Koreans, I found there were nineteen
in all.” These Tablets were published in 1928, thus preserved for all
time. In the foreword to the book Miss Alexander wrote: “The following are
the Tablets which were revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to friends residing in
Japan and Korea. There are nineteen Tablets revealed between the years
1916 and His passing in 1921. Eighteen of these Tablets were addressed to
Japanese and one to Korean friends. Seven of those to Japanese were to
school girls in Tokyo, the others, with two exceptions, were to young men,
and five of these were addressed to blind young men, three having found
the true Light of this Day.
“The first supplication by a Japanese in Japan to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, was sent
July, 1915 from a young student(12) in Tokyo who wrote his supplication in
Japanese on a scroll. The following is the translation: ‘O my Master
‘Abdu’l-Bahá!... Although I am a base and poor youth in this world, I have
been awakened and bathed in the ocean of Thy mercy and am so happy that I
pity the king and the prince who are wandering about in the dream of
temporal variance. Accept, O Master, my deep thankfulness from the bottom
of the heart. I am very sorry though, when I think of our fellow men who
take no thought of real happiness and do not rely upon the warm hand of
Thy love. O my Lord, water me forever from the fountain of Thy mercy; I
will never refuse Thy command whatsoever it may be. Forgive my sins and
allow me to awaken my fellow men.’
“In February 1917 a reply to this supplication was received in Japan from
‘Abdu’l-Bahá. It had come in the contents of a letter from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s
secretary and had been passed by the censor. This was the first Tablet
received addressed to a Japanese resident in Japan and is the first herein
published.
“The second supplication to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was sent September, 1916 by a
blind young Japanese(13) who wrote in Esperanto. After receiving a reply
from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the second Tablet herein published, he wrote again
supplicating in English. The following words are a portion of his
supplication: ‘O my ‘Abdu’l-Bahá whose image so calm and peaceful I
dreamed of and it cannot be effaced from my heart; whose Name makes my
withered heart fresh and strong and who makes the fountain of love and
light spring up in the bottom of my heart whenever I think of Thee. Make
my heart to be always thirsty for the Fountain of Life. Make me strong
enough to be able steadily to hold Thy torch of love firm and high. I
confess to Thee that my heart sometimes withers like a flower in the day
of summer, and loses its whole strength, nevertheless, my beloved Lord,
give to me power that I can throw away every kind of prejudice and
ignorance from my heart. Make my heart as pure and fresh as green grass of
the spring pastures and let my soul grow more and more by Thy shower of
Mercy!’ In answer to this blind young man’s supplication, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
revealed a Tablet which is the third published herein.”
Most of the original Tablets were translated in Haifa and sent to the
recipients in care of Miss Alexander. One, to a group of students, was
sent in care of Mr. Torii. A search in later years located only those
Tablets addressed to Mr. Torii himself.
[Photograph with the following caption:]
Miss Yuri Mochizuki (Furukawa), the first Japanese woman to become a
Bahá’í.
Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Japanese and One to Koreans
[Tablet of October 28, 1916]
O thou who art guided by the Light of Guidance! (Mr. Kikutaro Fukuta)
Thy first and second letter was received. Praise be to God that the light
of Guidance shone forth, the glass of the heart became illumined and the
darkness of ignorance dispelled. The most Great Guidance is a crown the
brilliant gems of which will shine upon the future ages and cycles. If it
is placed on the head of a servant, he will become the object of the envy
of kings, for this is an imperishable crown and everlasting sovereignty.
God says in the great Qur’an, He particularizes with His Mercy whomsoever
He desireth.
Praise be to God, that thou hast become especialized with Divine Favor and
Bounty. Thou didst become awake, beheld the lights and harkened unto the
Melody of the Supreme Concourse.
In the Glorious Gospel it is said, “Freely ye have received, freely give.”
That is, you have found this Bestowal, you have paid nothing for it,
therefore give it to others without any exchange. Now with a heavenly
power, with a lordly gift, with spiritual morals, with Godlike deeds, and
with supreme glad tidings be thou engaged in the promotion of the
teachings of God in Japan. The confirmations of the Kingdom shall
encompass and the cohorts of the Realm of Might will grant triumph.
(October 28, 1916. Translated by Ahmad Sohrab)
[Tablet of December 27, 1918]
O thou possessor of a seeing heart! (Mr. Tokujiro Torii)
Although, materially speaking, thou are destitute of physical sight, yet,
praise be to God, spiritual insight is thy possession. Thy heart seeth and
thy spirit heareth. Bodily sight is subject to a thousand maladies and
ultimately and assuredly will be obscured. Thus no importance may be
attached to it. But the sight of the heart is illumined, it discerns and
discovers the Divine Kingdom and is everlasting and eternal. Praise be to
God, therefore, that the sight of thy heart is illumined, and the hearing
of thy thought responsive.
The meetings you have organized, wherein you feel heavenly emotions and
comprehend realities and significances,—that meeting is like unto the
firmament with those souls as resplendent stars shining with the light of
guidance. Happy is the soul that seeks, in this brilliant era, heavenly
teachings, and blessed is the heart which is stirred and attracted by the
love of God. At present the Sun of Truth has dawned upon the land of Japan
and the hope is that it may be illumined by heavenly teachings.
Convey on my behalf the utmost love and longing to Mr. D. Inouye(14) and
Mr. S. Saiki(15) . My hope is that those two blessed souls may shine like
unto two heavenly stars from the horizon of Japan and may be the cause of
its enlightenment. That land has acquired material civilization and
ephemeral advancement; we hope that it may acquire heavenly civilization.
Convey to thy respected wife my greetings and my message and the same to
thy young babe, Akira(16), whose name may be ever blessed for it is quite
an appropriate one.
(December 27, 1918. Translated by Shoghi Rabbani)
[Tablet of June 11, 1920]
O thou who hast turned thy attention to the Kingdom of God! (Mr. Tokujiro
Torii)
Thy letter arrived and imparted joy. Thou hast been longing to spread the
Light (the Teachings) in those regions. My wish is also that the Musk of
the love of God should be diffused in that land, and that Miss Alexander
and Mrs. Finch may conjointly strive so that the rays of the Sun of
Reality may be projected all over that country.
Whenever the means of travel is secured, thou art permitted to come. I am
supplicating God to strengthen thee and make thee grow like unto a lily in
the Garden of the Kingdom.
O faithful friend! The inhabitants of that region (Japan) are bright and
noble-minded. Through the great distance however, the musky Breeze has not
yet reached their nostrils. They know not of the rise of the Sun of
Reality upon the horizon of Persia. If you who are there be
self-sacrificing and become enkindled with the love of God, and like unto
stars shine from the horizon of Truth, that country will before long be
turned into a paradise of comfort. Japan will become illumined, and like
unto a meadow and a rose-garden will invigorate the hearts of every
assembly. Do ye strive as hard as possible in order to be attracted to the
Beauty of the Beloved of the world, and through the fire of His love
inflame that Kingdom.
(June 11, 1920. Translated by Azizullah Bahadur)
[Tablet of December 17, 1918]
O thou beloved daughter! (Miss Yuri Mochizuki)
Thy letter was received and was perused in the utmost joy, that, praise be
to God, in the land of Japan, the light of the love of God has appeared
resplendently and a torch such as thee, has been kindled, for thy heart
overflows with the wine of the love of God and thy spirit is ablaze. Like
unto a shrub, thou art fresh and tender, growing and flourishing through
the outpourings of the cloud of Bounty. My hope is that thou mayest soon
bud and blossom and bring forth delectable fruits.
The Real Shepherd is undoubtedly kind unto his flock and is in the utmost
of attachment, mercy and solicitude. This is only a natural fact. Rest
thou assured, therefore, that thou art always within sight and art
encompassed by tender cares.
The people of Japan are like unto a soil that has been deprived of rain
for cycles and generations and has had no share of the outpouring of rain
and even of dew. Certainly it is quite athirst. Now thou shouldst become
the divine gardener and should satisfy that thirsty soil with the water of
divine teachings, so that heavenly bounties may be poured out and the
flowers of reality and fragrant herbs of human perfections spring forth
and that land turn into a paradise of Eden.
(December 17, 1918. Translated by Shoghi Rabbani)
[Tablet of August 10, 1920]
O thou loved maid-servant of God! (Miss Yuri Mochizuki)
Do thou observe the Divine Bounty! We are in Haifa and thou in Tokyo,
nevertheless how (our) hearts have become related to one another! This is
through the power of the Kingdom which has made the East and West embrace
each other.
I feel the utmost kindness towards thee. If thou art able to write the
story of Qurratu’l-Ayn as a drama, thou art permitted to write it.
(August 10, 1920. Translated by Azizullah Bahadur)
[Tablet of December 9, 1920]
O thou who art a new grown tree on the meadow of Truth!(17) (Miss Yuri
Mochizuki)
Thy letter dated October 14, 1920 has been received. As it was indicative
of the susceptibilities of thy conscience it became the cause of joy.
Japan is like unto a farm whose soil is untouched. Such a soil as this has
great capacity. One seed produces a hundred-fold. Now, praise be unto God,
ye have found such a farm. Ye must develop the lands; ye must free them
from thorns and weeds; ye should scatter the seeds of the love of God
thereupon, and irrigate them with the rain of the knowledge of God. Rest
ye assured that heavenly blessing will be bestowed!
It is my hope that in that farm ye will become divine farmers. The
enlightened people of Japan are tired and disgusted with the superannuated
and putrefied blind imitations. They are assured that these blind
imitations are pure superstitions without any truth. Therefore they have
capacity to hear the Call of God. The land is untouched. We will have to
see what the divine farmers will do!
At present thou hast started a journal. It is my hope that this journal
will shine as the Star of the East. In the journal write thus:
When the horizon of the East was covered with immense darkness; when dark
clouds were predominant, and when all the heavenly stars were concealed to
the eye, His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh, like unto the sun shone forth from the
horizon of the East and with radiating splendor He illumined the Orient.
[Photograph with the following caption:]
Mr. and Mrs. Tokujiro Torii with Miss Alexander in 1916.
The light of the Sun of Reality consisted of heavenly teachings which were
spread in the Orient, because there the obscurities of blind imitations of
religions, sectarian, racial, political, economic and home prejudices were
in ascendancy. The darkness of these prejudices had dominated the Oriental
world to such a degree that it had blinded all the eyes and deafened all
the ears. There prevailed quarrel and strife, warfare and bloodshed.
In short, it has a long description, but I mention it briefly. When the
Sun of Truth shone forth with all might and energy, these obscure and dark
clouds dispersed and the splendid Day presented to the eye an aspect with
such freshness and beauty that the wise became astonished; the sick were
cured; the blind received sight; the deaf obtained hearing; the dumb
proved eloquent, and the dead quickened. A heavenly table was spread in
the Orient. The divine teachings like unto an unshakable edifice were
instituted.
The first principle of Bahá’u’lláh is independent investigation of truth,
that is, all the nations of the world have to investigate after truth
independently and turn their eyes from the moribund blind imitations of
the past ages entirely. Truth is one when it is independently
investigated, it does not accept division. Therefore the independent
investigation of truth will lead to the oneness of the world of humanity.
Another one of these teachings is the oneness of the world of humanity.
All mankind are the trees of the divine garden and the Gardener of this
orchard is the Most High, the All-Sustainer. The hand of His favor hath
planted these trees, irrigated them from the cloud of Mercy and reared
them with the energy of the Sun of Truth.
Then there remains no doubt that this heavenly Farmer (Gardener) is kind
to all these plants. This truth cannot be denied. It is shining like unto
the sun. This is the divine policy and unquestionably it is greater than
the human policy. We must follow the divine policy.
The point is this that some people are sick; some are immature and
ignorant, and some without any knowledge of their beginning and of their
end. The sick should be cured; the immature should be brought to maturity,
and the ignorant should be taught to become wise and not that enmity
should be exercised toward them.
Similarly describe fully in that journal the other teachings which thou
art acquainted with, one by one, a detailed description. For example, that
religion must be the cause of concord; that it should agree with science
and reason; that it must be a factor of progress to the world of humanity,
that it should be free from blind imitations. Another example is that all
prejudices are destructive to the foundation of the world of humanity.
Other examples are: The equality of men and women; the universalization of
knowledge (education); the creation of one universal language; justice and
righteousness; economic facilities among mankind; the need of the world of
humanity of the breaths of the Holy Spirit; the establishment of universal
peace; the institution of the Supreme Court of Arbitration; the freedom
and equality of all mankind; the brotherhood of the world of humanity, and
other teachings like these which are mentioned in the Tablets of God.
Describe all these teachings fully in the most eloquent and sweetest terms
expressive of the most charming realities and insert them in the journal.
It is my hope that thou together with Miss Alexander will be confirmed to
accomplish this service. Miss Alexander is the herald of Truth in Japan.
Rest assured that she will be confirmed and assisted.
(December 9, 1920. Translated by Azizullah Bahadur)
[Tablet of December 17, 1919]
O thou wooer of Reality! (Mr. Tomonaga Noto(18) )
Thy letter was received. Praise be to God, the sight of thy mind has been
opened and thou hast acquired the power of spiritual healing. Thou hast
sought and found the Truth and hast been aware of Heavenly Mysteries.
The teachings of His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh like unto the rays of the sun
illumined the East as well as the West, vivify the dead and unite the
various religions. They prove the Oneness of God, for they gather all
communities of the world under the pavilion of the oneness of the world of
mankind.
Consider how stirred the world is and in what a commotion are the people
of the world. Heavenly Power is needed to do away with this stir and
agitation. Otherwise, this great Cause will not be realized through human
power. Human power, no matter how strong it may be, it illumines like unto
an ignited lamp a limited space and trains a small number of souls. It is
the sun which illumines all regions, and it is the Heavenly Power which
gathers around a single spot all the sects and communities. Strive
therefore, that thou mayest serve this remarkable Power and attain unto
profitable and far reaching results.
(December 17, 1919)
[Tablet of February 1920]
O ye the honored souls! (a group of men students)
Your letter of congratulation arrived and imparted joy, because its
contents indicated that the Sun of Reality hath begun Its radiation upon
those regions. It is my hope that that region may get illumination and the
Heavenly Dawn may break forth. This will be attained through the power of
Faith in the Covenant.
Therefore we are expecting that every one of those friends may in that
country become like a brilliant and luminous candle, and so the Light of
Guidance may emanate upon the hearts.
How often it hath happened that one blessed soul hath proved to become the
cause of guidance unto a continent. I also congratulate you on (the advent
of) this Blessed Day.
(February 1920. Translated by Azizullah Bahadur)
[Tablet of August 10, 1920]
O thou beloved maid-servant of God (Miss Haruko Mori)(19)
Praise be unto God, that through the guidance of Miss Alexander thou
couldst hear the Call of God. Then strive as far as thou art able to
spread the Divine Teachings, so that thou mayest become distinguished with
this great Bestowal among the women of the world.
(August 10, 1920. Translated by Azizullah Bahadur)
[Tablet of August 10, 1920]
O thou who art a favored servant at the Threshold of the Most High! (Mr.
Kenjiro Ono(20) )
Thy letter was received. Verily, verily hast thou suffered in thy life
time. Do not thou be grieved because of the loss of thy sight. Praise be
unto God, that thy insight is keen. Do not thou lament over thy poverty,
for the Treasury of the Kingdom is thine. Do not thou worry that thou
couldst not study in the material schools, because thou hast received
lessons in the Verses of the Oneness (of God) in the Divine University.
Offer thou thanks to God that thou couldst finally attain to Truth. Then
be thou firm and steadfast so that the doors of the most Great Bestowals
may be opened unto thy face. The greatest of all questions is
steadfastness and firmness. Every tree which is firmly rooted grows.
(August 10, 1920. Translated by Azizullah Bahadur)
[Tablet of December 8, 1920]
O thou heavenly person! (Mr. Kenjiro Ono)
Praise be unto God, that having rent asunder the veils and having seen the
rays of the Sun of Reality, thou didst turn thine attention to the Center
of the Covenant.
Rest thou assured that thou wilt be confirmed to give sight to the blind
and hearing power to the deaf and even thou wilt give life to the dead!
(December 8, 1920. Translated by Azizullah Bahadur)
[Tablet of August 19, 1920]
O ye daughters of the Kingdom! (Six school girls; Otoe Murakami, Kimiko
Hagiwara, Kazu Fukusawa, Haruko Mori, Yuri Takao, and Yuri Mochizuki)
Your congratulation on the Feast has been received. Its perusal imparted
joy and happiness. Through the Bounties of the Supreme Lord do I hope that
these daughters of the Kingdom will, day by day, progress so that they
may, like unto a magnet, attract the Divine confirmations. I am always
supplicating for you that ye may attain to the Most Great Bestowal and act
and behave according to the Teachings of His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh.
(August 19, 1920. Translated by Azizullah Bahadur)
[Tablet of August 19, 1920]
O seekers for the Truth! (revealed to nine persons, eight of whom were
young men students)
Praise God that you have heard the celestial Call, seen the ray of the Sun
of Truth, followed the right Direction and reached the longed-for Home!
You have sent me your congratulations for the Feast: I was very much
gratified at your feelings and at the fact that such a tie exists now
between East and West, such friendship between different nations!
It is evident that, through your efforts, the inhabitants of those regions
are now inhaling the fragrances of Musk from the Garden of the Kingdom. In
Japan the divine proclamation will be heard as a formidable explosion, so
that those who are ready will become uplifted and illumined by the Light
of the Sun of Truth.
(August 19, 1920)
[Tablet of January 11, 1921]
O ye daughters of the Kingdom! (the previously mentioned six school girls)
The reflection of your forms (photograph) arrived in this Holy Land.
Praise be unto God, these figures are luminous. From your eyes the light
of the love of God is emanating. This picture has been taken while ye have
been in the utmost of joy and happiness. Praise ye God, that in this age
of youth ye have entered the Kingdom of God! Ye have become enlightened.
Ye have become celestial, divine and heavenly.
Through the graces of His Holiness, Bahá’u’lláh—may my life be sacrificed
for His friends—I cherish the hope that ye will, day by day, progress more
and more in the Kingdom of God; that each one of you will shine like unto
a brilliant star from the horizon of the supreme Guidance, thus proving to
be the cause of guidance unto others, giving sight unto their eyes,
hearing power unto their ears and quickening unto their hearts.
(January 11, 1921. Translated by Azizullah Bahadur)
[Tablet of September 9, 1920]
O thou blessed soul! (Miss Mikae Komatsu, who in later years was known as
Mrs. Tadako Arakawa)
Thy letter was received. It was not a letter. It was a scent bag of the
musk-deer from which the fragrance of the love of God was perceived. After
I read it, I turned to the Kingdom of the Merciful and supplicated so that
thy soul may become purified; that thy heart may be converted into a
brasier of the fire of the love of God; that in every moment thou mayest
find the Light of Truth radiating; that thou mayest kindle the lamp of
Guidance; that thou mayest seek heavenly joy and happiness, and mayest
consecrate thy life to the service of the Heavenly Father.
I feel the utmost kindness toward thee. And I pray, through the Infinite
Bounties, for a spiritual dynamic force and a heavenly blessing unto thee.
Convey to all the friends my greetings and love.
(September 9, 1920. Translated by Azizullah Bahadur)
[Tablet of October 15, 1920]
O thou who art seeking the Truth! (Mr. Sensui Saiki)
Thy letter has been received. Thou hast taken much pain in inventing the
new Japanese writing. Thou hast rendered a service to the world of
humanity—May God reward thee!
Today, however, there exist many kinds of writing. That which is most
necessary and is assisted by divine confirmations is the propagation of
the heavenly Call. It is this which energizes the world of existence. It
is this which bestoweth life unto the dead souls, which refresheth the
dried tree and ornamenteth it with leaves, blossoms and fruits.
Concentrate all thine energy in this that thou mayest make heavenly
progress, that thou mayest attain to the light of the Sun of Reality, that
thou mayest become the cause that the dead body of Japan may attain to
heavenly life, may be endowed with solar illumination and like unto the
moon and star it may shine forth.
This is important! Convey on my behalf the warmest Abhá greetings to all
the friends one by one.
(October 15, 1920. Translated by Azizullah Bahadur)
[Tablet of June 1, 1921]
O thou who art devoted to Truth! (Mr. Kenkichi Futakami)
In this divine garden, thousands of fresh and verdant trees have raised
their tops to the Supreme Apex and on every tree there are thousands of
nests. Therefore, for thee, who art a bird of high flight, a nest has been
prepared. Then soar, that thou mayest attain to that nest. This is a
divine nest in the Heavenly Kingdom. Every bird that attained to this nest
learned a melody and also taught the birds of the meadows the divine
harmony which moves and enraptures the East and the West. Do thou
therefore strive with all thy heart and soul that thou mayest abide in
this nest and thrive till eternity.
(June 1, 1921. Translated by Azizullah Bahadur)
[Photograph with the following caption:]
The first photo of a Bahá’í meeting taken in Japan. Miss Alexander is in
the back row; Miss Martha Root is in front. Mr. Fukuta, the only other
Bahá’í in the group is in the front left. Behind Mr. Fukuta is Miss Ichi
Kamichika who helped Miss Alexander translate articles. Many years later
she became prominent as one of the first women elected to the Japanese
Diet (parliament). Taken in July 1915.
[Tablet of October 7, 1921]
O thou son of the Kingdom! (Mr. Kenkichi Futakami)
Thy letter has been received. The contents were indicative of spiritual
susceptibilities. I pray God that thou mayest rise above worldly
attachments and restricted thought to the realm of the Kingdom; that thou
mayest become enlightened and spiritual, be completely released from the
darkness of the material world, like unto the bud and rose mayest diffuse
fragrances in the Heavenly Rose-Garden, be confirmed by the breath of the
Holy Spirit and assisted by the Hosts of the Supreme Concourse. By deeds
and words awaken thou the unaware souls and confer upon them the spirit of
Life.
(October 7, 1921)
[Tablet of November 5, 1921]
The following Tablet was addressed to the “new friends in Korea”, fifteen
names being mentioned in addition to Miss Alexander’s: Sang Sun Oh, U.U.
Cuan, Kinng S. Ko, Chy Rin, Inki Hong, Pyung C. Lee, Soon Y. Lee, Wen H.
Ma, Young N. Pyeur, Chan Young Kim, Z.Y. Roe, S. Wo Kloon, S.Y. Zee, Ze
Kyung Sang, S.T. Suh. O ye heavenly sons!
Your heartfelt and sincere greetings have reached ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ears and
your message gave great spiritual pleasure.
Praise be to God, that celestial light guided and led you to the Sun of
Reality, bestowed everlasting life and granted heavenly illumination. Ye
are like seedlings which have been planted by the hand of Bestowal in His
Spiritual Rose-Garden. It is my hope that through the warmth of the Sun of
Reality, the pouring down of the showers of mercy and the wafting of the
breezes of bestowal, ye may progress day by day, so that each one may
become a blessed tree, full of leaves and flowers and throw your shade
over great multitudes.
The Graces of the Kingdom of Abhá are the rays of the Sun of Reality. It
illumines the earth and heaven, makes the star a shining moon, turns the
speck into a huge mountain, bestows strength to the weak, gives
everlasting healing to the sick, grants heavenly treasures to the poor,
confirms the oppressed ones to everlasting glory and turns the people of
darkness to those of light.
O heavenly friends, the doors of heaven have been opened, the lights of
God have shone forth and the heavenly Call has been raised. Summon ye all
humanity to listen to this Heavenly Call and invite them to the Celestial
World, so that they may find a new spirit and attain to a new life. In all
conditions my heart and spirit are with you.
(November 5, 1921)
6: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Speaks to a Japanese Audience
Mr. Yamamoto, the first Japanese Bahá’í, arranged for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to
speak at the Japanese Independent Church, in Oakland, California. It was
the only talk given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to a Japanese audience. It was
translated from Persian into English and then into Japanese.
Talk by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the Japanese Independent Church, Oakland,
California, October 1912
It is a great happiness to be here this evening, especially for the reason
that the members of this Association have come from the region of the
Orient. For a long time I have entertained a desire to meet some of the
Japanese friends. That nation has achieved extraordinary progress in a
short space of time; a progress and development which have astonished the
world. Inasmuch as they have advanced in material civilization they must
assuredly possess the capacity for spiritual development. For this reason
I have an excessive longing to meet them. Praise be to God! this pleasure
is now afforded me, for here in this city I am face to face with a revered
group of the Japanese. According to report the people of the Japanese
nation are not prejudiced. They investigate reality. Wherever they find
truth they prove to be its lovers. They are not attached tenaciously to
blind imitations of ancient beliefs and dogmas. Therefore it is my great
desire to discourse with them upon a subject in order that the unity and
blending together of the nations of the east and the nations of the west
may be furthered and accomplished. In this way religious, racial and
political prejudice, particularly bias and sectarianism will be dispelled
amongst men. Any kind of prejudice is destructive to the body-politic.
When we review history from the beginning of human existence to the
present age in which we live, it is evident all war and conflict,
bloodshed and battle, every form of sedition has been due to some form of
prejudice, whether religious, racial or national, to partisan bias and
selfish prejudice of some sort. Even today we witness an upheaval in the
Balkans, a war of religious prejudice. Some years ago when I was living in
Roumelia, war broke out among the religious peoples. There was no attitude
of justice or equity whatever amongst them. They pillaged the properties
of each other, burning each other’s homes and houses, slaughtering men,
women and children, imagining that such warfare and bloodshed was the
means of drawing near to God. This clearly proved that prejudice is a
destroyer of the foundations of the world of humanity whereas religion was
meant to be the cause of fellowship and agreement.
Religion must be the cause of love. Religion must be the cause of justice,
for the wisdom of the Manifestations of God is directed toward the
establishing of the bond of a love which is indissoluble. The bonds which
hold together the body-politic are not sufficient. These bonds may be
mentioned; for instance the bond of patriotism. This is evidently not a
sufficient bond, for how often it happens that people of the same nation
wage civil war amongst themselves. The bond of fellowship may be racial
but history proves this is not sufficiently strong, for tremendous wars
have broken out between peoples of the same racial lineage. Again the bond
holding men together may be political. How often it happens that the
diplomacy of nations makes a treaty of peace one day and on the morrow a
declaration of war! It is historically evident and manifest that these
bonds are not self-sufficient.
The real bond of integrity is religious in character, for religion
indicates the oneness of the world of humanity. Religion serves the world
of morality. Religion purifies the hearts. Religion impels men to achieve
praiseworthy deeds. Religion becomes the cause of love in human hearts,
for religion is a divine foundation, the foundation ever conducive to
life. The teachings of God are the source of illumination to the people of
the world. Religion is ever constructive not destructive.
The foundation of all the divine religions is one. All are based upon
reality. Reality does not admit plurality, yet amongst mankind there have
arisen differences concerning the Manifestations of God. Some have been
Zoroastrians, some are Buddhists, some Jews, Christians, Muhammadans and
so on. This has become a source of divergence whereas the teachings of the
holy souls who founded the divine religions are one in essence and
reality. All these have served the world of humanity. All have summoned
souls to peace and accord. All have proclaimed the virtues of humanity.
All have guided souls to the attainment of perfections but among the
nations certain imitations of ancestral forms of worship have arisen.
These imitations are not the foundation and essence of the divine
religions. Inasmuch as they differ from the reality and the essential
teachings of the Manifestations of God dissensions have arisen and
prejudice has developed. Religious prejudice thus becomes the cause of
warfare and battle.
If we abandon these time-worn blind imitations and investigate reality all
of us will be unified. No discord will remain; antagonism will disappear.
All will associate in fellowship. All will enjoy the cordial bonds of
friendship. The world of creation will then attain composure. The dark and
gloomy clouds of blind imitations and dogmatic variances will be scattered
and dispelled; the Sun of Reality will shine most gloriously.
Verily we should consider the divine prophets as the intermediaries, but
mankind has made use of them as causes of dissension and pretexts for
warfare and strife. In reality they were the intermediaries of love and
reconciliation. If they were not sources of love and fellowship amongst
men, then undoubtedly they were not true, for the divine wisdom and
purpose in sending the prophets was the manifestation of love in human
hearts. Therefore we must investigate reality. First of all let us
determine whether these prophets were valid or not by using rational
proofs and shining arguments, not simply quoting traditionary evidences,
because traditions are divergent and the source of dissension.
Among the holy, divine Manifestations of God was His Holiness Moses. The
sending of prophets has ever been for the training of humanity. They are
the first educators and trainers. If Moses has developed the body-politic,
there is no doubt that he was a true teacher and educator. This will be
proof and evidence that he was a prophet. We shall consider how His
Holiness was sent to despair, in the lowest degree of ignorance, and
heedlessness, degraded and under conditions of bondage. His Holiness Moses
rescued these degraded people of Israel from that state of bondage. He
raised them from that condition of ignorance, saved them from barbarism
and led them into the Holy Land. He educated them, endowed them with
sagacious instincts, made them worthy and honorable. He civilized them,
raised them to a higher plane of existence until they were enabled to
establish a national sovereignty, the great kingdom of Solomon. This
proves that His Holiness Moses was a teacher and an educator. He had
neither army nor dominion, neither did he possess wealth. It was only
through an idealistic power that he cemented them together proving that he
was a prophet of God, an educator and trainer.
Likewise must we set aside prejudice in considering other divine
educators, by investigating reality. For instance, let us take His
Holiness Christ. He achieved results greater than Moses. He educated the
body-politic, trained mighty nations. There is no doubt whatever that such
souls were prophets, for the mission of prophethood is education, and
these wondrous souls trained and educated mankind.
His Holiness Christ was a unique personage without helper or assistant.
Single and solitary he arose to train great and mighty nations; the
Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Syrians, Chaldeans and Assyrians came under his
influence. He was able to bind together many nations, melting them
together as it were and pouring them into one mould, changing their enmity
into love, war into peace. Under his influence satanic souls became
veritable angels, tyrannical rulers became just, the human moral standard
was raised. This proves that His Holiness Christ was an educator, a
teacher and trainer of nations. If we deny this it is nought but
injustice.
Blessed souls whether Moses, Jesus, Zoroaster, Krishna, Buddha, Confucius,
or Muhammad were the cause of the illumination of the world of humanity.
How can we deny such irrefutable proof? How can we be blind to such light?
How can we dispute the validity of His Holiness Christ? This is injustice.
This is a denial of reality. Man must be just. We must set aside bias and
prejudice. We must abandon the imitations of ancestors and forefathers. We
ourselves must investigate reality and be fair in judgment.
The old nation of Persia denied all these facts, harboring the utmost
hatred and enmity toward other religious beliefs besides their own. We
have investigated reality and found that these holy souls were all sent of
God. All of them have sacrificed life, endured ordeals and tribulations in
order that they might educate us. How can such love be forgotten? The
light of Christ is evident. The candle of Buddha is shining. The star of
Moses is sparkling. The flame ignited by Zoroaster is still burning. How
can we deny them? It is injustice. It is a denial of complete evidence. If
we forsake imitations all will become united and no differences will
remain to separate us.
We entertain no prejudice against Muhammed. Outwardly the Arabian nation
was instrumental in overthrowing the Parsee dominion, the sovereignty of
Persia. Therefore the old Parsee nation manifested the utmost contempt
toward the Arabs. But we deal justly and will never abandon the standard
of fairness. The Arabians were in the utmost state of degradation. They
were blood-thirsty and barbarous, so savage and degraded that the Arabian
father often buried his own daughter alive. Consider, could any barbarian
be lower than this? The nation consisted of warring, hostile tribal
peoples inhabiting the vast Arabian peninsula, and their business
consisted in fighting and pillaging each other, making captive women and
children, killing each other. Muhammad appeared among such a people. He
educated and unified these barbarous tribes, put an end to their shedding
of blood. Through his education they reached such a degree of civilization
that they subdued and governed continents and nations. What a great
civilization was established in Spain by the Muhammadans! What a marvelous
civilization was founded in Morocco by the Moors! What a powerful
caliphate or successorship was set up in Baghdad! How much Islam served
and furthered the cause of science! Why then should we deny Muhammad? If
we deny him we awaken enmity and hatred. By our prejudice we become the
cause of war and bloodshed; for prejudice was the cause of the tremendous
storm which swept through human history for thirteen hundred years and
still continues. Even now in the Balkans a commotion is apparent,
reflecting it.
The Christian people number nearly three hundred millions and the
Muhammadans about the same. It is no small task to do away with such
numbers. And furthermore why should they be obliterated? For these are all
servants of the one God. Let us strive to establish peace between
Christians and Muhammadans. Is it not better? What is the benefit of war?
What is its fruitage? For thirteen hundred years there has been warfare
and hostility. What good result has been forthcoming? Is it not folly? Is
God pleased with it? Is His Holiness Christ pleased? Is Muhammad? It is
evident that they are not. The prophets have extolled each other to the
utmost. His Holiness Muhammad declares Christ to be the Spirit of God.
This is an explicit text of the Qur’an. He declares Christ to be the Word
of God. He has eulogized the disciples of Christ to the utmost. He has
bestowed upon Her Grace Mary, the Mother of Christ, the highest praise.
Likewise His Holiness Christ has extolled Moses. He spread broadcast the
old testament, the Torah, and caused the name of Moses to reach unto the
east and the west. The purpose is this:—that the prophets themselves have
manifested the utmost love toward each other but the nations who believe
and follow them are hostile and antagonistic among themselves.
The world was in this condition of darkness when His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh
appeared upon the Persian horizon. He hoisted the banner of the oneness of
the world of humanity. He proclaimed international peace. He admonished
the Persian nation to investigate reality, announced that religion must be
the cause of unity and love, that it must be the means of binding hearts
together, the cause of life and illumination. If religion becomes the
cause of enmity and bloodshed, then irreligion is to be preferred, for
religion is the remedy for every ailment, and if a remedy should become
the cause of ailment and difficulty, it is better to abandon it. Today in
Persia you will see Muhammadans, Christians, Zoroastrians, Buddhists
assembled together in the same meeting, living in accordance with the
teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, manifesting utmost love and accord. Rancor,
hatred, antagonism and violence have disappeared; they live as one family.
And ye, who are the people of the Orient—the Orient which has ever been
the dawning-point of lights—from whence the Sun of Reality has ever shone
forth casting its effulgence upon the West—ye therefore must become the
manifestations of lights. Ye must become brilliant lamps. Ye must shine as
stars radiating the light of love toward all mankind. May you be the cause
of love amongst the nations. Thus may the world become witness that the
Orient has ever been the dawning-point of illumination, the source of love
and reconciliation. Make peace with all the world. Love everybody; serve
everybody. All are the servants of God. God has created all. He provideth
for all. He is kind to all. Therefore must we be kind to all.
I am greatly pleased with this meeting. I am joyous and happy, for here in
these western regions I find Orientals seeking education, and who are free
from prejudice. May God assist you!
[Photograph with the following caption:]
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Oakland, California, 1912, at the home of Mrs. Helen
Goodall, an early California Bahá’í. Mr. Yamamoto, holding one of his
sons, can be seen in the front right. Mr. Fujita is standing between trees
at the top left. It was during those days that Mr. Yamamoto arranged for
‘Abdu’l-Bahá to speak before the Japanese Independent Church in Oakland.
7: Excerpt from a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!(21)
The International Congress of Religions was organized this year (1906) in
the capital of Japan. Many souls hastened to that empire from different
parts of the world, in order that they might talk of and discuss the
principles of their own religions, each one longing to convert that
assembly to his own religion and establish the validity of his own
particular belief. This congress had under discussion the politics of the
religions. In truth, it is a political affair and not the attraction of
the heart, faith, advancement toward God nor enkindlement with the fire of
the love of God. This congress will not produce a lasting effect, for it
is essentially politico-religious. What is effective and conducive to the
penetration of the Word of God and the attraction of hearts is the
fragrances of holiness and the divine glad-tidings, which the members of
the congress do not in the least comprehend.
Consequently, if the believers of God go to that country—not to the
congress—and through the power of the Word of God, the breath of the Holy
Spirit, the reading of the verses of Oneness and associating with the
individual inhabitants of that kingdom, undoubtedly untold and tremendous
results will be realized and the sweet fragrance of the rose-garden of
mysteries will perfume the nostrils of the people of those regions. It is
significantly useful if some of the friends of God put forth an effort and
hasten from America to those parts (Japan)...
(1906)
8: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Meets President Naruse of Japan Women’s College
By Miss Agnes B. Alexander
In the spring of 1912, in Tokyo, Viscount Shibusawa, an honored banker and
financier, together with President Jinzo Naruse, the founder of the first
Women’s College in Japan, and Dr. Masaharu Anesaki of the Imperial
University formed a nucleus of a movement called “Concordia”. Its object
was to try to find a common ground on which all nations could harmonize.
President Naruse then undertook a journey around the world in the interest
of the movement. He carried with him an autograph book in which he
collected expressions of good-will from prominent people in the different
countries he visited. On his return to Japan these were translated into
Japanese and published.
In London in 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s secretary recorded the following: “A
distinguished Japanese, the president of the Women’s University in Tokyo,
who has been in the United States for many months, came to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
and showed Him an article on the Concordia movement in Japan which
appeared in the Oriental Review. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke to him about the
principles of the Bahá’í Cause and how we are in need of Divine Power to
put these principles into practice. He said, ‘Just as the sun is the
source of all light in the solar system, so today Bahá’u’lláh is the
Center of unity of the human race and of the peace of the world.’
‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote a beautiful prayer in the autograph book and earnestly
pleaded with him to go back to Japan and spread these lofty ideals.”
The prayer follows: “O God! The darkness of contention, strife and warfare
between the religions, the nations and peoples has beclouded the horizon
of Reality and hidden the heaven of Truth. The world is in need of the
light of Guidance. Therefore, O God, confer Thy favor, so that the Sun of
Reality may illumine the East and the West.”
(December 30, 1912. Translated by Ahmad Sohrab)
9: Excerpt from The Chosen Highway by Lady Blomfield, Concerning
‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Japanese Diplomat (1912]
The Japanese Ambassador to a European capital (Viscount Arakawa—Madrid(22)
) was staying at the Hotel d’Jéna. This gentleman and his wife had been
told of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s presence in Paris, and the latter was anxious to
have the privilege of meeting Him.
“I am very sad,” said Her Excellency. “I must not go out this evening as
my cold is severe, and I leave early in the morning for Spain. If only
there were a possibility of seeing Him.”
This was told to the Master, Who had just returned after a long, tiring
day.
“Tell the lady and her husband that, as she is unable to come to me, I
will call upon her.”
Accordingly, though the hour was late, through the cold and rain He came,
with His smiling courtesy, bringing joy to us all, as we awaited Him in
the Tapestry Room of the Hotel d’Jéna.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá talked with the Ambassador and his wife of conditions in
Japan, of the great international importance of that country, of the vast
service to mankind, of the work for the abolition of war, of the need for
improving conditions of life for the worker, of the necessity of educating
girls and boys equally.
“The religious ideal is the soul of all plans for the good of mankind.
Religion must never be used as a tool by party politicians. God’s politics
are mighty, man’s politics are feeble.”
Speaking of religion and science, the two great wings with which the bird
of human kind is able to soar, He said: “Scientific discoveries have
increased material civilization. There is in existence a stupendous force,
as yet, happily undiscovered by man. Let us supplicate God, the Beloved,
that this force be not discovered by science until spiritual civilization
shall dominate the human mind. In the hands of men of lower nature, this
power would be able to destroy the whole earth.”
PART II: LETTERS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE UNIVERSAL
HOUSE OF JUSTICE
10: Letters and Cables to Miss Agnes B. Alexander, 1923–1957
“The beloved Guardian continually sent reinforcements to me in his
precious letters which were the joy and strength of my heart,” Miss
Alexander wrote.
Aside from her own inner conviction, the main source of positive guidance
and direction, during her early years in the Orient were Shoghi Effendi’s
letters.
Of the first personal letter she received from the Guardian (December 2,
1923) she wrote, “The words penned by his hand at the end of the letter so
affected me that for several days my heart was filled with joy and
inspiration, and a realization came to me of the power with which God had
endowed him.”
Following are excerpts from some of the many letters written to Miss
Alexander by the Guardian, or on his behalf, which give insights, not only
into her role as a “distinguished pioneer”, but also into her relationship
with the Japanese, among whom she lived for so many years and whom she
loved so dearly.
My dear sister in God,
Your letter to our very dear Shoghi Effendi was most encouraging and
created in him new hopes for the spread of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s great and noble
Message after the painful calamity in Japan(23). It was indeed a miracle
that amid a city all shaken to pieces and burned to ashes by the wild
flames, the Lord should have kept you so safe and unscathed. We can never
doubt that this is a direct proof of the mighty task which the Lord has
wanted you to take up and fulfill in that far away East. Shoghi Effendi
has always looked forward with great expectations at the progress of the
Cause in Japan to which he attaches very great importance.
The Japanese are really progressive people and such vital teachings which
comprise the principles of the Bahá’í religion are sure to seize their
attention and arouse a deep interest in them. Your presence in Japan was
always a means of comfort to Shoghi Effendi’s heart because he fully
realized the zeal and ardour with which you had taken up your work there
and although Japan might now miss you, he is sure that wherever you are
you will strive to your utmost in spreading far and near this Message of
Peace to humanity. Furthermore he hopes that you will not give up
altogether your interest in that promising country, but as long as you are
away you will keep your tender plants all fresh and green with stimulating
messages to them. These are Shoghi Effendi’s earnest hopes...
(signed by Soheil Afnan)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
With loving greetings and prayers for the success of my dearly-loved
sister, Miss A. Alexander.
Shoghi
(December 2, 1923)
[Letter of January 27, 1924]
In October 1923 Miss Alexander and her sister went to Beijing, stopping on
their way in Seoul, Korea. In China they joined Miss Martha Root and had
an exceedingly fruitful time. After about a three month visit Miss
Alexander left to go to her home in Hawaii. After she reached Hawaii she
received a letter from the Guardian.
My dear Bahá’í sister,
Your letter to Shoghi Effendi was very gladly received and he was most
delighted to hear of your activities in the wonderful country of China...
It is very unfortunate that you are forced to leave for the time being
your work in (Japan) but Shoghi Effendi earnestly hopes that you will soon
return and take up your blessed task.
(signed by Soheil Afnan)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
My dear and esteemed Bahá’í sister,
Your glorious services in those remote regions of the earth are never to
be forgotten. I ever pray on your behalf and wish you to remember the
sacred interests of the Cause in far-away Japan as you are that radiant
herald who has raised the Call of Salvation in its very heart and to whom
it owes a great debt of gratitude. Fujita is with us happy, active, and
extremely helpful. His presence is such a help and support to me in my
work. I never, never forget you.
Shoghi
(January 27, 1924)
[Letter of July 16, 1927]
My dear Bahá’í sister,
Our dear Guardian has instructed me to acknowledge the receipt of your
welcomed letter dated June 3, 1927. He is delighted to hear of your
intended visit to Japan where he hopes and prays you will receive your
full share of confirmations from the Abhá Kingdom.
He cherishes great hopes for your future contributions to the progress of
the Cause in that far away and promising country. He wishes you to write
to him frequently of the progress of your activities and of those whom you
will interest in the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
He would specially request you to prolong your stay in Japan as the soil
is exceedingly fertile and the workers are so few in number. The hosts of
the Supreme Concourse will surely aid you and assist you in your endeavor
to spread the Faith which the world needs so vitally today.
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dear and precious sister:
Do not feel disheartened if you meet at first with trials and obstacles in
His Path. I will pray for their removal and will supplicate for you Divine
Guidance and strength. Your reward is indeed great and glorious in the
world to come for all your endeavors and exemplary services to the sacred
Threshold.
Shoghi
(July 16, 1927)
[Letter of October 12, 1927]
My dear and precious co-worker:
I cannot exaggerate the importance, nay the urgent necessity of your
return to Japan. Your place there is vacant, and the opportunities are
varied and brilliant. The few friends there have to be nursed and assisted
to renew their activity and consolidate their work. I will pray that you
will be guided by our dear Master who loved you so dearly and wanted you
so keenly to train and guide the rising generation in Japan into the light
of this Divine Revelation.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(October 12, 1927)
[Letter of October 22, 1927]
My dear and precious co-worker:
Though immersed in an ocean of activities and cares, I find always the
time to think of you and express to you in writing my sentiments of love
and appreciation of all you are doing for our beloved Cause. I trust the
way to Japan may open soon, and that you may resume in that important
field, the work so dear to your heart.
Your true brother, Shoghi
Please assure dear Mrs. Augur of my tenderest brotherly sympathy in her
affliction.(24) The services of her dear husband are engraved upon my
heart. I will pray for him from the bottom of my heart at the Beloved’s
Shrine.
Shoghi
(October 22, 1927)
[Letter of October 31, 1927]
My dear and precious sister:
I am glad that the date of your voyage to Japan is at last settled and I
hope and trust that you will be enabled to consolidate the great work you
have initiated in Japan. My prayers will accompany you wherever you go,
and I ask you to assure the loved ones in Japan of my continued prayers
for their progress and spiritual advancement.
Shoghi
(October 31, 1927)
[Letter of December 30, 1927]
My dear co-worker:
What a relief to learn that you are at last on your way to Japan where I
trust and pray you may witness the growth of the Cause so dear to our
hearts. I will pray that your efforts may meet with the fullest success
and that you may be enabled to establish a powerful centre in the heart of
that promising country.
Shoghi
(December 30, 1927)
[Letter of March 13, 1928]
My dear and precious co-worker:
I rejoice to learn of the resumption of your most valuable and pioneer
work in Japan, and I wish to assure you again and in person of my
continued and fervent prayers at the Holy Shrines for your success in
spreading and consolidating the Cause in that land. I urge you to make a
special effort to organize the believers there into a local Bahá’í
Spiritual Assembly as a nucleus round which will gather and flourish the
future Bahá’í community in Japan. I trust that the Beloved may guide your
steps and bless your efforts in this connection. Awaiting eagerly your
good news.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(March 13, 1928)
[Letter of March 29, 1928]
My dear Bahá’í sister,
Our Guardian has received with extreme pleasure your letter of February
nineteenth from Tokyo.
He is so glad to know that you are finally there and actively busy in a
work to which he pays the greatest importance. Being pioneer work it is
bound to be slow, but he hopes that it will soon pass beyond the pioneer
stage and that Bahá’í Assemblies and groups composed of full fledged and
confirmed Bahá’ís will replace your isolated individuals with whom you now
communicate.
(signed by Soheil Afnan)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
My dear co-worker:
Please assure the dear friends in Tokyo of my brotherly affection, and
sincere and continued prayers for the success of their efforts in the
service of our beloved Cause. May the Beloved aid you to assist them and
guide them in their task, and strengthen you in your efforts to
consolidate the work that has been started in that land.
Your well-wisher, Shoghi
(March 29, 1928)
[Letter of May 20, 1928]
He (the Guardian) was very pleased to receive the encouraging news that
(your letter) contained and to learn that an article had already appeared
on the subject of the Cause in the press. Perhaps you will make an effort
that similar articles may appear in other papers so as to attract the
attention of the reading and thinking public. Of course your ultimate
goal, Shoghi Effendi is sure, is nothing less than the establishment of a
capable, devoted and progressive Bahá’í center there.
(signed by Soheil Afnan)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
My dear and valued Bahá’í sister:
I wish to assure you in person of my eagerness to hear from you regularly,
frequently and in detail, of my continued prayers for you, and of my sense
of pride and satisfaction in view of your devoted and pioneer services in
that promising country. Though trials, tests, anxieties and cares beset
your path, yet you should never falter in your faith and hope that
eventually, through you and those who after you will tread your path, the
sovereignty of Bahá’u’lláh will be firmly established in that land and
your heart’s desire will in the end be fulfilled.
Your true and affectionate brother, Shoghi
(May 20, 1928)
[Letter of November 14, 1928]
My dear and precious co-worker:
It always gives him (the Guardian) great pleasure to hear of the progress
of the Cause in distant lands and he prays for those who are undertaking
the task with great zeal and unfailing sacrifice. The activities of such
devoted souls will surely leave ever-lasting traces on the history of man.
The pioneer work is always the most difficult and entails the greatest
sacrifice. Be thankful to God for having chosen you to undertake such a
task. The Master always looked to the Eastern countries as a ready field
of service and promised a great harvest to one who would sow the seed.
(signed by Soheil Afnan)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
My dear and precious co-worker:
Your letter has served to reveal once again the undying spirit of devotion
that animates you in the service of the Cause. My prayers will be offered
again for you at His Holy Shrine that you may be assisted to establish
permanently a Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly in that land, and help that centre
to get in close and constant touch with Assemblies both in the East and
West.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(November 14, 1928)
[Letter of December 21, 1928]
My dear and valued co-worker:
Your letters have gladdened my heart and fortified me in my task. I will
continue to supplicate for you at His Shrine, that He may graciously
assist you to make of those who are merely interested, active supporters
of the Faith, recognizing fully the significance and station of
Bahá’u’lláh, and who will form a nucleus of believers who will carry on
the work, loyally and effectively after you and in your absence. This is
my fervent prayer for you.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(December 21, 1928)
[Letter of April 19, 1929]
Your perseverance and constancy in the service of the Cause in Japan, your
effort to sow the seed among the educated and enlightened people and at
the same time to carry the comforting and inspiring teachings of the Faith
to the poor and blind, all these are the causes of deep satisfaction and
pleasure to the heart of the Guardian.
(signed by Soheil Afnan)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
With the assurance of my keen appreciation of your devoted and constant
efforts and of my fervent and continued prayers in your behalf at the Holy
Shrines.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(April 19, 1929)
[Letter of January 5, 1930]
He (the Guardian) hopes that you will leave a wonderful group of Bahá’ís
in that land. Once they come to appreciate the futility of mere material
progress and come to desire a spiritual impetus they will see that the
source of all inspiration in this day is Bahá’u’lláh and His teachings.
(January 5, 1930)
[Letter of April 18, 1930]
My dear co-worker:
Your separate messages have rejoiced my heart. I will pray for each one of
you that the Beloved may bless you, guide you and strengthen you to render
notable services to the cause of world brotherhood and peace. I deeply
value your expressed sentiments and reciprocate your expressions of
brotherly love.
Praying for your spiritual advancement,
Shoghi
(April 18, 1930)
[Letter of October 8, 1931]
He (the Guardian) sincerely hopes that the translation of Dr. Esslemont’s
book will proceed at a rapid pace, because no real advance can be made in
the teaching work without proper literature, and this book is undoubtedly
the most comprehensive exposition of the Teachings yet written. The
language should, however, be worthy of the theme otherwise it would not
make the necessary appeal to the educated classes.
Shoghi Effendi was very pleased to hear that Keith (Ransom-Kehler) has
achieved some success in Japan. The explicit promise of Bahá’u’lláh is
that God’s spirit will assist all those who, with a sincere and detached
heart, arise to spread the teachings. There is no reason for astonishment
therefore if the teachers of the Cause find success in their work. May
God’s spirit continue to sustain them.
(signed by Ruhi Afnan)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dear and valued co-worker:
I am eagerly awaiting the news of the publication in Japanese of that
prized book which Dr. Esslemont has so wonderfully laboured to produce.
When received it will adorn the newly-restored mansion of Bahá’u’lláh
adjoining His Shrine at Bahji. May the Beloved sustain and bless your
magnificent efforts.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(October 8, 1931)
[Letter of January 25, 1932]
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated
December 29, 1931 bearing the sad news of the death of Mr. Susumu
Aibara(25) . It is surely a great loss to have a young man of his ability
and standing leave the group. Our sole comfort should be in this that he
is at present in a higher spiritual realm enjoying a blissful being far
beyond our powers to appreciate. Shoghi Effendi hopes that the members of
his family will view his passing in that light and appease their sorrows.
Please convey to them all Shoghi Effendi’s sympathies.
(January 25, 1932)
[Letter of February 11, 1933]
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to ... inform you of the safe arrival of the one
hundred copies of Dr. Esslemont’s book that you sent him. The book surely
looks beautiful and is fully befitting the message it conveys.
The Guardian hopes that now that this task is completed the friends in
Japan will make a stupendous effort to spread it throughout the country
and get it to the attention of those seeking souls who are yearning to
find some source of spiritual light and help to which they can turn for
guidance and salvation.
With such a comprehensive book at hand ready for distribution, the Faith
of Bahá’u’lláh should spread in no time. The friends should become
conscious of this, and, uniting their efforts, arise in an unprecedented
form to spread the Teachings.
(signed by Ruhi Afnan)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dear and much-prized co-worker:
With feelings of intense delight and gratitude, I have sent, this very
afternoon the books you have sent me to the library of the Mansion of
Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí. They will be placed by myself side by side with the
fourteen different printed versions of “The New Era”, and will be a
constant reminder of your perseverance, your magnificent efforts, your
exemplary devotion to the Cause of God. It is a historic service that you
have rendered to the Abhá Threshold. I urge you to send one copy to each
of the most important Bahá’í centers in East and West. Its effect, I feel,
will be remarkable.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(February 11, 1933)
[Letter of June 8, 1933]
He (the Guardian) has directed me to thank you on his behalf and to assure
you of his abiding appreciation of your unforgettable services to the
Cause in Japan.
He was very glad to learn that you have decided to leave for Honolulu as
he firmly believes that such a visit will give you a chance to rest and
will enable you, on your return to Japan, to better serve the Cause. There
should always be a limit to self-sacrifice.
(signed by H. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dear and valued co-worker:
I immensely appreciate your outstanding services in those far-away
islands, and I will pray that you may be assisted to resume in the not
distant future your manifold and valued activities in the service of our
beloved Faith. Your name will forever remain associated with the rise of
the Faith and its establishment in Japan, and the record of your incessant
and splendid endeavors will shed on its annals a lustre that time can
never dim.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(June 8, 1933)
[Letter of November 1, 1934]
The gratifying news of your projected trip to Japan has particularly
strengthened (the Guardian’s) hopes for the future expansion of your
labours in that country. He trusts that on your return to that land you
will find the friends more eager and ready than ever to carry on the
teaching work which ever since your departure to the States seems to have
been progressing slowly.
The Guardian will fervently pray for the success of your teaching trip,
and he hopes that its results will be such as to encourage you to prolong
your stay in Japan until a strong, active and well-united community of
believers has been duly established. Your patient, sustained and selfless
efforts in this connection, he is convinced, are bound to produce
satisfactory and abiding results.
(signed by H. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dearly beloved co-worker:
I wish to add a few words in person in order to reaffirm my deep sense of
gratitude to you for all that you have achieved and for your determination
to carry on the work that you have so many years so splendidly initiated.
I trust and pray that you may be fully guided and assisted to fulfill your
heart’s dearest wish.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(November 1, 1934)
[Letter of April 17, 1935]
Shoghi Effendi also cherishes bright hopes for your future work in Japan,
where, he trusts, you will this time succeed in laying foundations for the
establishment of new centers and groups in a not too distant future. He is
fervently entreating Bahá’u’lláh to that end, and is confident that
through His confirmations and guidance your work will be blessed, enriched
and sustained.
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
May the Beloved, whose Cause you have promoted with such unswerving
loyalty and devotion, continue to bless your manifold activities, and aid
you to consolidate the foundations of His Cause in that promising country.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(April 17, 1935)
[Letter of July 6, 1935]
He (the Guardian) sincerely hopes that this trip to Japan will be quite
successful, and that the results achieved will be most encouraging and
stimulating to you, and will serve to bring to speedy and successful
realization ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s deeply cherished hopes concerning the future of
the Cause in these far-Eastern countries. The ground, of course, is not
yet quite prepared. There is still a tremendous amount of publicity that
has to be done before anything solid and enduring can be attained. But the
peoples, if not in the large industrial centers, at least in the villages
and country, are, as the Master has often remarked, spiritually-minded and
eager to absorb a message as sound and as inspiring as that which the
Cause offers.
(signed by H. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
May the Beloved of our hearts whose Cause you have served and are still
serving with such zeal, devotion and constancy, reward you a thousandfold
for your ceaseless services, your high endeavors and historic
accomplishments for the furtherance of His glorious Faith.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(July 6, 1935)
[Letter of September 23, 1935]
Regarding Mr. and Mrs. Torii, he (the Guardian) is immensely grieved to
learn of the passing away of their son Akira(26), and wishes you,
therefore, to convey to them his heartfelt condolences and sympathy for
this cruel and unexpected loss they have sustained. Will you also assure
them of his prayers for the soul of their departed son, that it may
develop and receive its full share of Divine blessings in the next world.
The Guardian has been very pleased to learn of Mr. Torii’s desire to put
the Japanese translation of the “New Era” into Braille for use of his
blind friends. He would urge you to encourage him to complete the work as
soon as possible, as it may prove of considerable help to the spread of
the Teachings throughout Japan.
(signed by H. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dear and valued co-worker:
Your past and present services are engraved upon my heart. The Beloved is
well-pleased with your constancy, your zeal and exemplary devotion. I am
proud of the spirit that so powerfully animates you in His service. I will
continue to pray for your success from the bottom of my heart. Rest
assured and persevere.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(September 23, 1935)
[Letter of November 3, 1935]
Beloved Bahá’í sister,
Shoghi Effendi was very happy to receive your letter of October 2, and
wishes me to congratulate you on having succeeded in getting the enclosed
article on the Cause published in one of the leading Japanese newspapers.
He trusts that this important piece of publicity work will serve to
attract the attention of a few competent and spiritually-minded people to
the Teachings and thus gradually open the way for the wider penetration of
the Message throughout Japan.
(signed by H. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dear and valued co-worker:
Do not feel discouraged if the work you are doing for His Cause does not
bear rich and immediate fruit. The seeds you are so patiently and
devotedly sowing will assuredly germinate, and future generations will
reap an abundant harvest. The Master is watching over and blessing your
historic services. Rest assured.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(November 3, 1935)
[Letter of May 11, 1936]
He (the Guardian) is truly pleased to learn of the many contacts you have
succeeded in forming with distinguished people and especially with young
Japanese students... (He) feels also deeply appreciative of Dr.
Masujima’s(27) kind offer in presenting his library for the use of the
Bahá’ís. He hopes and fervently prays that this eminent friend of the
Cause may become one day a confirmed and devoted believer and that through
his services the Faith may rapidly spread throughout Japan.
(signed by H. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
May the Beloved bless you and keep you, reward you abundantly for your
manifold services, and enable you to extend the scope of your meritorious
activities.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(May 11, 1936)
[Letter of November 3, 1936]
Regarding your wish to visit the Holy Shrines, he (the Guardian) fully
approves of it and wishes me to extend to you a most hearty welcome.
(signed by H. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dear and valued co-worker:
Your previous letters of May 21 and June 29 have also reached me, and I
deeply appreciate the sentiments they convey. The strike and disturbances
in Palestine have at last ceased and the obstacles to your pilgrimage have
been removed. I would be so pleased to meet you face to face at this Holy
Spot.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(November 3, 1936)
[Letter of November 19, 1936]
The Guardian wishes me to heartily congratulate you for the success of
your efforts in connection with the publication of this new (Japanese)
Braille edition of “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era”, which undoubtedly
constitutes a most valuable addition to the literature of the Cause for
the blind. I wish to also ask you to transmit the Guardian’s grateful
appreciation and thanks to Mr. Torii for his painstaking labours for the
preparation of this new Braille publication on the Cause.
(signed by H. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Wishing you success from all my heart, your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
(November 19, 1936)
[Letter of January 24, 1937]
On behalf of the Guardian ... (I) wish to assure you again of his abiding
appreciation of the splendid activities in which you are so laboriously
and so devotedly engaged for the spread and establishment of the Cause in
Japan. Do not feel discouraged at the meagerness of the results you now
obtain. The Master’s promises regarding the share you are destined to
contribute towards the spread of the Faith in the Far East will sooner or
later be completely realized. No matter how dark the present may appear,
you should feel nevertheless confident that the distant future is
immeasurably bright. Strive, therefore, with a joyful radiant and
confident heart to hasten the fulfillment of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s glorious
promises. Your reward is unimaginably great, and the success that awaits
your labours certain.
Regarding your visit to Fujita’s mother(28), the Guardian feels rejoiced
and thankful for all the kindness and assistance you have so lovingly
extended to her, and would certainly approve of your wish to continue
helping her in every way you can...
(signed by H. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
With the assurance of my deepfelt and abiding appreciation of your
wholehearted and touching response to my request(29), and wishing you
success and happiness from the depths of my heart.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(January 24, 1937)
[Letter of June 3, 1946]
Miss Alexander left Japan in 1937. She made her pilgrimage to Haifa and
rejoiced in being in the presence of the Guardian. After that she traveled
to various places and ended up in her ancestral home in Hawaii. At the
Guardian’s urging she returned to Japan in 1950. Below are some of the
letters from the Guardian sent to her home in Hawaii and then to Japan
upon her return.
He (the Guardian) was ... glad to know you have put the soldier Bahá’ís in
Korea and Japan in contact with the friends in those places, and hopes and
prays this will lead to the rebirth of the Cause out there.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
May the Beloved bless, sustain, and guide you, at all times and under all
conditions, aid you to add fresh laurels to the crown you have won in the
service of His Faith, and fulfill your heart’s desire for its promotion.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(June 3, 1946)
[Letter of July 23, 1946]
It is wonderful to know the Japanese believers are alive and devoted and
he (the Guardian) hopes you will do all you can to assist them and
stimulate their activities.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(July 23, 1946)
[Letter of June 28, 1947]
He (the Guardian) was very happy indeed to receive the good news of the
devotion of the Japanese friends to the Faith, and he feels that the
greatest service you can render the Cause is to do everything in your
power to encourage and help them. Your letters, the news you give them,
and the books you may be able gradually to forward will teach them and
keep them up to date in the development of the Cause and its activities.
He does not feel a so-called Bahá’í School is a wise undertaking for Mr.
I..; the great need at present is to teach, and he hopes in your letters
you will impress this upon him, and the other Bahá’ís there and assure
them of his loving prayers on their behalf.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(June 28, 1947)
[Letter of May 31, 1949]
He (the Guardian) thinks it would be excellent if you could return to
Japan and meet with your old co-workers there, and assist the new Bahá’ís
in their work. Your long and deep association with this country, which at
last has begun to put forth flowers in the Bahá’í world community, would
be befittingly crowned by this service, and he hopes the way will open for
you to go there as soon as possible.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(May 31, 1949)
[Letter of October 6, 1950]
He (the Guardian) is so happy to have you at last in Japan, and feels your
presence there will be of great help and inspiration to the Japanese
friends.
They seem dear and devoted souls, and he rejoices to see that, after all
these years, and the long period of patient toil you spent there in the
past, the tree of the Faith has struck deep roots, and the fruits are
beginning to appear at last.
He feels you, and dear Fujita too, should devote particular attention to
deepening the friends in the Covenant, which is the ark of safety for
every believer.
(signed by “Ruhiyyih”)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
May the Almighty sustain, guide and bless you always, give you all the
strength you need to enrich the splendid record of your past services in
Japan, and enable you continually to extend the range of your meritorious
accomplishments.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(October 6, 1950)
[Letter of November 15, 1951]
He (the Guardian) urges you never to feel discouraged but to go on
showering your love on the friends (in Japan) and helping them to a deeper
understanding of the Covenant.
The Guardian was pleased to hear Mr. Torii is arranging for the Hidden
Words in Braille. Please thank him and assure him of the Guardian’s loving
prayers.
(signed by “Ruhiyyih”)
(November 15, 1951)
[Letter of May 22, 1952]
The Guardian was most happy to learn of the many teaching opportunities
which have been coming to you in that land, where you have labored so
tirelessly and so lovingly, and assures you of his prayers for you and for
those whom you are attracting to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(May 22, 1952)
[Letter of September 29, 1952]
The Guardian greatly values your continuous sacrificial services in behalf
of the Faith, particularly in Japan. He prays for the success of the
efforts of the friends in Japan, that the Cause may spread rapidly in that
country. He will particularly pray for the success of your work in Kyoto.
He is hopeful that your contact with the Esperantists in Japan will bring
many of them into the Faith.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(September 29, 1952)
[Letter of August 15, 1953]
The Guardian is indeed deeply grateful for your ceaseless services in the
Cause of God, and was very happy to learn from you of the progress of the
work in Japan.
He urges you by all means to make your plans to attend the International
Teaching Conference to be held in New Delhi in October. You should then
return to Japan, as he feels that this is the time for you to resume your
work in that country.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you always, reward you abundantly
for your long record of historic services, and enable you to enrich it in
the days to come.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(August 15, 1953)
[Letter of May 3, 1954]
The Guardian has been greatly pleased with the manner in which the Faith
has been spreading in Japan. He sincerely hopes that during the second
year of the Crusade it will spread even more rapidly, and to more centers.
The future of the Faith in Japan is very great. It now depends upon the
Bahá’ís to teach, to develop the Faith in a city and then move on to a new
area. If this is continued diligently, it will bring the light of guidance
to all parts of Japan in a very short time.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(May 3, 1954)
[Letter of May 5, 1954]
He (the Guardian) was very happy to hear of the progress of the work in
Japan; and he greatly appreciates the fact that you have returned once
more to that country, so dear to your heart, and where the Master was so
eager for you to serve.
He wishes to assure you that he will pray for Mr. Mori(30), and that
before he passes from this world, his spirit may be illumined, and he may
come to accept Bahá’u’lláh.
The Guardian was also very pleased to hear that the Momtazis have given
their home as a Bahá’í hall and Hazira, and hopes that this will open the
way for the foundation of a firm Spiritual Assembly in the city.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(May 5, 1954)
[Letter of May 27, 1954]
He (the Guardian) was glad to hear Mr. Mori died a firm Bahá’í and that
his funeral was in itself a service to the Faith. He will pray for his
soul, and for his dear family.
(signed by “Ruhiyyih”)
(May 27, 1954)
[Letter of May 27, 1954]
He (the Guardian) hopes that, in your capacity as a member of the
Auxiliary Board of the Hands in Asia, that you will be able to create ever
greater unity and enthusiasm amongst the Japanese friends, and the other
believers in Japan.
(signed by “Ruhiyyih”)
(May 27, 1954)
[Letter of March 1, 1955]
The progress of the Faith in Japan is a source of great joy to the
Guardian. It is truly making rapid strides among these keen-minded and
receptive people.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(March 1, 1955)
[Cable sent March 29, 1957]
Gladly announce your elevation rank Hand of Cause. Praying further
enrichment record historic services, Shoghi, Haifa
(cable sent March 29, 1957)
[Letter of April 14, 1957]
He (the Guardian) is confident that you will discharge your duties as a
Hand with the same characteristics of loyalty and devotion, and in the
same spirit of service, that you have always shown in your Bahá’í life,
and which has entitled you to this great honor.
It will no doubt be a source of encouragement to the believers that they
now have two Hands of the Cause, one in the South and one in the North
Pacific; and, in view of the remarkable spread of the Faith throughout
that whole region, your services will be of much help in stimulating and
reassuring the friends, and encouraging them to arise and constantly
extend the outposts of the Faith.
He will remember you in the Holy Shrines, and pray that you may be
strengthened, guided and blessed in this new form of service to the Cause
you love so dearly.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
May the Almighty, Whose Cause you have served so long, so nobly and so
devotedly, shower His manifold blessings upon you, and aid you, now that
you occupy so lofty a position in the ranks of the followers of His Faith,
to enrich the record of your distinguished and truly historic services to
its institutions.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(April 14, 1957)
[Cable sent January 4, 1971]
At the time of the passing of Hand of the Cause Miss Alexander, the
Universal House of Justice sent the following cable to the Bahá’í world:
Profoundly grieve passing illumined soul Hand Cause Agnes Alexander long
standing pillar Cause Far East. First bring Faith Hawaiian Islands. Her
long dedicated exemplary life service devotion Cause God anticipated by
Center Covenant selecting her share May Maxwell imperishable honor mention
Tablets Divine Plan. Her unrestrained unceasing pursuit teaching obedience
command Bahá’u’lláh exhortations Master guidance beloved Guardian. Shining
example all followers Faith. Her passing severs one more link heroic age.
Assure family friends ardent prayers holiest Shrine progress radiant
soul...
Universal House (of) Justice
(Cable sent January 4, 1971)
[Photograph with the following caption:]
Miss Alexander and Sheridan Sims at the old Bahá’í Center in Tokyo in
1960. The Haziratu’l-Quds was demolished and a new one built on the same
property in 1982.
11: Letters and Cable to the Bahá’ís of Japan in the Early Days, 1922–1931
[Letter of January 26, 1922]
My well-beloved brethren and sisters in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:—
Despondent and sorrowful, though I be in these darksome days, yet whenever
I call to mind the hopes our departed Master so confidently reposed in the
friends in that Far-Eastern land, hope revives within me and drives away
the gloom of His bereavement. As His attendant and secretary for well-nigh
two years after the termination of the Great War, I recall so vividly the
radiant joy that transfigured His Face wherever I opened before Him your
supplications as well as those of Miss Agnes Alexander. What promises He
gave us all regarding the future of the Cause in that land at the close of
almost every supplication I read to Him! Let me state, straightway, the
most emphatic, the most inspiring of them all. These are His very words,
that still keep ringing in my ears;—“Japan will turn ablaze! Japan is
endowed with a most remarkable capacity for the spread of the Cause of
God! Japan, with (another country whose name He stated but bade us conceal
it for the present) will take the lead in the spiritual reawakening of the
peoples and nations that the world shall soon witness!” On another
occasion,—how vividly I recall it!—as He reclined on His chair, with eyes
closed with bodily fatigue, He waved His hand and uttered vigorously and
cheerfully these words in the presence of His friends:—“Here we are seated
calm, quiet and inactive, but the Hand of the Unseen is ever active and
triumphant in lands, even as distant as Japan.”
My dear and steadfast friends! Now if ever is the time for you and for us
to show, by our unity, service, steadfastness and courage, the spirit that
the Master has throughout His lifetime so laboriously, so persistently
kindled in our hearts. Now is the time for us to prove ourselves worthy of
His love for us, His trust in us and His hopes for us. Japan, He said,
will turn ablaze. Let us not, in any way, whatsoever, retard the
realization of His promise. Nay, let us hasten, through our service,
cooperation and efforts the advent of this glorious day.
The bereaved Ladies of the Holy Household, receive with comfort and
refreshing gladness any news that may come to them from that wonderful and
distant land. They all know what the Master has graciously spoken about
the future of the Cause in that land. They all expect from it a rapid
transformation, a spiritual transformation even more sudden and startling
than its material progress and advancement, for the Power of God can
achieve wonders still greater than those the brilliant minds of the
Japanese can achieve. This they firmly believe, for more than once, the
Master has spoken of the spiritual potentialities hidden in the nature of
these capable people. They all await with eagerness the joyful-tidings
that your letters to them shall bear in future.
We all wish so much to know more about you, about your little rising
Bahá’í community, your number, your meetings, your activities, your
difficulties, your plans, your distribution all over Japan and the
neighbouring islands. We shall all pray for you most fervently and in a
special manner at all the three Hallowed Shrines and beseech the Master,
under whose wings we are all, to guide you, to sustain you in your work
for Him.
I shall never fail to send you all the news I receive from different parts
of the Bahá’í world that you may know of the efforts and triumphs our
brethren, the loved ones of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, are achieving and will achieve
after Him.
Persia, the leading nation in the Bahá’í world, today will, I am
confident, through its centre, Tihran, communicate with you all, that the
East and West, even as our Beloved One has so much wished it, may become
even as one.
The letter our dear sister, Miss Agnes Alexander, had written to Mr.
Fujita, gave us such a joy and was read at the sorrowful gathering of His
friends, in the very room He used to receive His friends and meet them
every night.
Ever awaiting your joyful news,
I am, your devoted brother in His love and service,
Shoghi
(January 26, 1922)
[Cable dated December 15, 1922]
To the believers in Japan care Agnes Alexander. Refreshed and reassured I
now stretch to you across the distant seas my hand of brotherly
cooperation in the Cause of Bahá.
Shoghi
(cable dated December 15, 1922)
[Letter of December 17, 1922]
Dear friends, the chosen ones of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in that Far Eastern land!
Having brought to an end my long hours of retirement and meditation, one
of my first thoughts upon my return to these hallowed surroundings has
been to inquire after the well-being and spiritual happiness of my
far-away fellow-workers who toil and labour in those remote regions of the
earth for the blessed Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. How great was my joy when I
learned that you were well safe and happy, content and determined,
untiring in your labours and hopeful of the future!
That my sudden withdrawal from the field of active service would leave you
undeterred in your activities, would never damp your tender hopes nor
shake your resolution to stand firmly for the Cause, I never doubted as I
knew well the indelible marks of loyalty and steadfastness which the words
of our beloved Master have wrought in your lives. I am equally certain
that now when we join hands again in carrying the Cause of God a stage yet
further, your assistance wholehearted as ever before will give it a fresh
impetus that will lead to the establishment of throbbing centres of
spiritual activity in those outlying regions of the world.
Japan, a land so richly endowed, so alert and progressive, so quick in its
grasp of realities of life, is now the recipient of a Divine Bestowal,
greater, richer and more enduring than any material gift she has ever
enjoyed in modern times. What blissful thought to remember that you are
the chosen ones that shall establish the Kingdom of God in that land; that
you are the pioneers of a Work that will endure and supersede all the
other achievements, however meritorious and brilliant, of your
fellow-countrymen for Japan.
I pray that your vision of the vast opportunities that are yours may never
be dimmed; that your efforts to realize that vision may never slacken and
that the gracious aid of Bahá’u’lláh may never be withheld from you all
through your sacred mission in this world.
And now in conclusion, let us not forget those ringing words of the
Beloved, uttered with such force and emphasis:—“The Fire of the Love of
God shall assuredly set Japan afire!” and let us arise, now at this
moment, with increased and renewed confidence in His Sayings that we may
assure and hasten the advent of so glorious an era in the history of that
ancient land.
With my best wishes to every one of you
I am your brother and fellow-worker,
Shoghi
(December 17, 1922)
[Letter of May 10, 1923]
The beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful in Japan: Susumu
Aibara, E. Tanakamuru, Y.S. Lo, K.C. Ling, N. Yawata, Y. Ishigumo, H.C.
Waung, M. Hataya, E. Noguchi, F. Takahashi, Ida Finch, Agnes Alexander, K.
Sawada, Kenjiro Ono, Tokujiro Torii.
Dearest brethren and sisters in Bahá’u’lláh!
The most welcome letter of our dearly beloved Bahá’í sister, Miss Agnes
Alexander, imparting the glad news of the progress of her glorious
services in Japan has rejoiced my heart, and has served to strengthen my
hope and confidence in the future glories of that far eastern land.
The Ladies of the Holy Household are highly gratified and comforted to
learn of your untiring labours in His Vineyard, of the success that has
attended your efforts, of the perseverance and ardour with which you
conduct your teaching work in those distant regions of the earth.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá is with you always and your success is assured!
May the visit of our beloved sister, Miss Martha Root, to your shores
stimulate widespread interest in the Cause throughout Japan, China and the
Pacific Islands, and consolidate the foundation of the Edifice of the
Cause in those far-eastern regions. I shall ever pray at the Three Holy
Thresholds that the seeds now scattered bear abundant fruit and the
promise of our beloved Master be speedily fulfilled.
I shall remember in my prayers Mr. and Mrs. Sam Baldwin and their
children, as well as Mrs. and Miss Cramer, and wish them from all my heart
signal success in their noble endeavours to promote far and wide the
Heavenly Teachings.
It is my earnest hope that the friends in Japan will from now on write me
frequent and detailed letters, setting forth the account of their various
spiritual activities and giving me the plans for their future services to
the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
Our devoted brother, Mr. Fujita, is well and happy in the Holy Land, and
together with the Ladies of the Household and myself is engaged in the
service of the various pilgrims that visit in these days this sacred Spot.
He is faithfully and actively carrying on the work which he has started so
whole-heartedly during the Master’s last years on earth.
I trust that the letters addressed to you by the newly-constituted
Spiritual Assembly in Haifa have contributed their share in informing you
more fully of the onward and irresistible march of the Movement throughout
the world.
Awaiting your joyful letters,
I am your brother and fellow-worker,
Shoghi
(May 10, 1923)
[Letter of May 22, 1923]
To Miss Alexander
Shoghi Effendi has very kindly instructed me to acknowledge receipt of the
letter dated April 9th by the following dearly loved friends in the great
Cause of El Abhá in Tokyo, K. Sawada, H. Tanaka, Ida Finch, Ei Noguchi, Y.
S. Ling, K. S. Ling, Yoshio Nakamura, Fumi Sato, Yuri Takao, B. Enomoto.
The few expressions of devotion by each one of them on one sheet of paper
speak out for themselves of the unity and love that exists between the
Bahá’í friends of Tokyo and express in a most vivid form the Bahá’í spirit
and teachings which indeed above all stand out for unity and love amongst
mankind.
Shoghi Effendi is deeply impressed by the letters, and earnestly hopes to
see the Bahá’ís of Japan from whom he will anxiously expect to hear,
increase their efforts and spread out the Bahá’í teachings all over Japan
for the good of mankind.
I hope our dear sister Miss Martha Root has safely arrived and that by the
grace of the Almighty her stay will be productive of great results.
(May 22, 1923)
[Letter of October 22, 1925]
To Mr. Susumu Aibara
My dear brother in God!
Your welcome letter has rejoiced my heart. I am sending you some Bahá’í
literature which I trust will guide and assist you in your work. I shall
be delighted to hear from you directly and regularly and please rest
assured of my deep interest in your work and of my fervent prayers for the
success of your labours.
Your brother and well-wisher,
Shoghi
(October 22, 1925)
[Letter of January 12, 1930]
To the Bahá’ís of Tokyo
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge receipt of your joint letter
enclosed in Miss Alexander’s note. Shoghi Effendi hopes that through the
combined efforts of the Bahá’ís of Tokyo, the Cause will establish a
strong center in that city and then begin and radiate its spiritual light
to neighboring localities. Now that Miss Root is with you, you should
endeavor to awaken new competent souls and then when she is gone strive to
ground them firmly in the teachings.
(signed by Ruhi Afnan)
(January 12, 1930)
[Letter of December 24, 1930]
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Assuring you of my fervent prayers for you all at the Shrine of
Bahá’u’lláh.
Your true brother, Shoghi
To Miss Agnes Alexander, Miss Martha Root, Mrs. Antoinette Naganuma, Miss
Elizabeth Dawe
He (the Guardian) was very happy to hear of your very nice and interesting
gathering when Miss Martha Root was there. He sincerely hopes that her
short stay will bear wonderful fruits and be the cause of guidance to many
souls. Such persons who travel from one country to another, meeting the
friends and exchanging thoughts with them, achieve a great part in
strengthening the link between the new friends in different parts of the
world. They give a new spirit and impart courage and perseverance to those
who feel disappointed and overwhelmed by the greatness of the task laid
before them.
(signed by Ruhi Afnan)
(December 24, 1930)
[Letter of March 5, 1931]
To Mr. Tokujiro Torii
I am directed by Shoghi Effendi to write and express his great pleasure
over the receipt of your kind and happy letter of January 2.
He was very happy to hear from you, to learn that you are well and
increasingly enthusiastic about the Bahá’í Faith. He prays from the bottom
of his heart that the Almighty may help and strengthen you to render
valuable services to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and also to assist the cause
of the blind which is in itself a great Bahá’í service.
He deeply regrets that you are handicapped by your early loss of eyesight,
but a spiritual light illuminates and guides you and through it, he hopes
you will become a channel to His Grace.
It is unfortunate that despite the eager and persistent endeavors of our
devoted sister Miss Agnes Alexander, no permanent and thriving centre has
yet been established in Japan. But he trusts that soon a special endeavor
will be made to establish an active group who will be able to translate
the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and make them known to the people of Japan.
With the assurance of Shoghi Effendi’s affection and prayers for you, also
to Miss Alexander, and of his hope that you will someday come to Haifa.
(signed by Soheil Afnan)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
With the assurance of my fervent prayers at the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh for
your happiness, your success and spiritual advancement.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(March 5, 1931)
[Letter of June 20, 1931]
Our Guardian has been overjoyed to hear of your gathering at the library
of Dr. Masujima and to receive your very kind messages written on that
occasion.
Both the Master and Shoghi Effendi have always cherished great hopes for
the Bahá’í Faith in Japan. They have felt that only through the broad
spiritual outlook which the Faith provides can the Japanese people
introduce true spiritual enlightenment in their fast developing
civilization. Hence Shoghi Effendi’s great pleasure to hear from you and
learn of your increasing interest in and enthusiasm for the Cause.
(signed by Soheil Afnan)
(June 20, 1931)
[Letter of January 9, 1932]
Dear and valued co-workers:
Your message has imparted an indefinable joy to my heart and cheered me in
my arduous task. Persevere in your efforts for the spread of our beloved
Faith, and rest assured that my prayers will continue to be offered in
your behalf. I cherish the brightest hopes for the extension of your
deeply valued activities and will supplicate the Almighty to bless and
sustain your high endeavors.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(January 9, 1932)
12: Letters and Cables to Administrative Institutions
[Letter of April 1957]
To the First National Convention of the Bahá’ís of North East Asia—1957
To the Delegates and Visitors assembled at the Convention of the Bahá’ís
of North-East Asia.
With feelings of exultation, joy, and pride I hail the convocation of this
history-making Convention of the Bahá’ís of North-East Asia, paving the
way for the emergence of a Regional Spiritual Assembly with an area of
jurisdiction embracing Japan, Korea, Formosa, Macao, Hong Kong, Hainan
Island and Sakhalin Island.
This auspicious event, which posterity will regard as the culmination of a
process initiated, half a century ago, in the capital city of Japan, under
the watchful care and through the direct inspiration of the Centre of the
Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, marks the opening of the second chapter in the
history of the evolution of His Faith in the North Pacific area. Such a
consummation cannot fail to lend a tremendous impetus to its onward march
in the entire Pacific Ocean, a march which will now, no doubt, be greatly
accelerated by the simultaneous emergence of the Regional Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South-East Asia and of the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New Zealand.
I particularly welcome the establishment of this highly important
institution in the capital city of Japan, as it affords a splendid
opportunity for the diffusion of the Lights of the Faith, and the erection
of the structure of its Administrative Order, among a people representing
the overwhelming majority of the yellow race, living in the islands of the
Pacific Ocean, and in a country regarded as one of the strongholds of the
Buddhist Faith.
I feel a warm tribute should be paid, on this historic occasion, to the
members of the American Bahá’í Community, as well as to their elected
national representatives, who have, for so long and so devotedly, promoted
the interests of the Faith in that country, and, in recent years in its
neighbouring islands.
I call upon the Regional Spiritual Assembly now being formed to signalize
its birth through the initiation of a subsidiary Six-Year Plan, designed
to swell the number of the adherents of the Faith throughout the area of
its jurisdiction; to multiply the groups, the isolated centers and the
local spiritual assemblies; to incorporate all firmly grounded local
spiritual assemblies; to obtain recognition from the civil authorities for
the Bahá’í Marriage Certificate, as well as the Bahá’í Holy Days; to
inaugurate a national Bahá’í Fund; to consolidate the work initiated in
the newly opened territories; to lend an impetus to the translation, the
publication, and dissemination of Bahá’í Literature in divers languages;
to establish Summer Schools, and Bahá’í burial grounds; to propagate the
Faith throughout the smaller islands of Japan; and to acquire a plot to
serve as the site of the first Ma_sh_riqu’l-A_dh_kár of North-East Asia.
May the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh be showered, in an ever-increasing
measure, on those newly emerged Communities now holding aloft, so
steadfastly and so valiantly, the banner of His Faith, and may the outcome
of their collective efforts illuminate its annals, and contribute to a
notable degree to the consolidation of the institutions of the Bahá’í
embryonic World Order now being erected throughout the length and breadth
of so vast, so turbulent, and yet so promising, an area of the globe.
Shoghi
(April 1957)
[Photograph with the following caption:]
The first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of North East Asia
elected in 1957. Sitting: Mr. Noureddin Momtazi, Miss Agnes Alexander,
Mrs. Barbara Sims, Mr. Hiroyasu Takano. Standing: Mr. Ataullah Moghbel,
Mr. Michitoshi Zenimoto, Mr. Philip Marangella, Mr. Yadollah Rafaat, and
Mr. William Maxwell.
[Cable of April 29, 1957]
Shoghi Effendi’s cable to the first Convention of North East Asia:
Deeply appreciate message welcome dedication delegates tasks ahead
fervently supplicating richest blessings. Deepest love,
Shoghi
(April 29, 1957)
TO NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES
To the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia—1957
[Cable dated May 2, 1957]
The Guardian’s first cable to the new National Spiritual Assembly:
Fervently supplicating befitting discharge sacred manifold
responsibilities. Deepest love,
Shoghi
(cable dated May 2, 1957)
[Letter of May 20, 1957]
Our beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you on his behalf and
inform you that the Hand of the Cause Mr. Varqá, will shortly be
forwarding to your assembly the equivalent of five hundred English Pounds,
as the Guardian’s contribution to your newly established National Fund.
He hopes that, in the formulation of your plans, particular attention will
be given to the all-important teaching work, the foundation of all the
activities of the Faith and the most urgent task facing the friends in
this critical period the world is passing through.
You may be sure he will pray for your success. (signed by R. Rabbani)
(May 20, 1957)
[Letter of July 15, 1957]
He (the Guardian) has read with much interest the reports of the
Convention recently held in Tokyo.
The formation of this new Regional Assembly, whose area of operation is so
vast and situated in such an important part of the globe, has been a
source of great joy to the Guardian. He was also very happy to see that
your Assembly has represented on it members of the three great races of
mankind, a living demonstration of the fundamental teaching of our Holy
Faith, and one which cannot but attract the interest of the public. The
fact that so many believers attended the first historic convention, from
practically all the territories your Assembly represents, was also most
encouraging, and augurs well for your future work.
The work, so faithfully carried on, by both the American and Persian
pioneers, has borne its first fruit. The long and loyal service of dear
Agnes Alexander, who so faithfully carried out the beloved Master’s wishes
and served the spiritual interests of Japan for decades, has been richly
crowned. Even the death of the devoted pioneer, Mr. Anthony Seto, has
added a blessing to the work in that region, for he served in spite of
failing health and remained at his post to be laid at rest in a distant
land, his very dust testifying to the greatness of the love and the nature
of the ideals Bahá’u’lláh inspires in His servants(31) .
It has been a great source of joy to the Guardian to see the marked
increase of native Bahá’ís throughout that area, particularly in Japan,
Korea and Formosa. However devoted the pioneers may be to these distant
countries of their adoption, their relation to them cannot but be a
transient one, especially in view of the disturbed state of the world and
gloomy clouds that hang over its political horizons. They may suddenly be
forced to go home; therefore, the native Bahá’ís, in particular, must
seize this opportunity and arise too, themselves, in their own countries,
pioneer to new cities and towns, new islands and as yet unopened
territories, so that they may, with the help of their Bahá’í brethren from
overseas, lay a firm and enduring foundation, and commence the great task
of building up the Administrative Order, which is itself the foundation of
the future World Order.
Special attention must be given during this crucial year to consolidating
the precious goals already won, to creating new Spiritual Assemblies, to
increasing the groups and the isolated centers.
Your Assembly must be very careful not to overload the Bahá’ís with rules
and regulations, circulars and directions. The purpose of the
administration at this time is to blow on the fire newly kindled in the
hearts of these people who have accepted the Faith, to create in them the
desire and capacity to teach, to facilitate the pioneer and teaching work,
and help deepen the knowledge and understanding of the friends. The
beloved Guardian issues this word of warning, as long experience has shown
that it is a tendency on the part of all N.S.A.s to over-administer. In
their enthusiasm they forget that they only have a handful of
inexperienced souls to guide, and attempt to deal with their work as if
they had a large population to regulate! This then stifles the spirit of
the friends and the teaching work suffers.
He hopes that special attention will be given to the translation of more
literature into the languages in use throughout that area and its
publication. Likewise, Summer Schools should be multiplied as they enable
the friends to gain in knowledge, and, through taking part in the course,
increase their ability as Bahá’í teachers.
He was most happy to receive news of the spread of the Faith to some of
the other islands in Japan, and hopes that this initial effort will be
carefully followed up, and that the Message of Bahá’u’lláh will be carried
to all the Japanese islands—and those in their neighbourhood—including
Sakhalin, which is one of the few remaining virgin territories to be
opened under the Ten-Year Plan.
The extraordinary progress made in the Far East and the Pacific area has
been a constant source of pride and joy to the Guardian, and he feels
confident that the door has opened on a new era in the advancement of our
beloved Faith in these promising regions, and, indeed, all over the world.
To the degree to which the friends consecrate themselves to the teaching
work will directly depend the results they achieve during this year and
coming years.
The beloved Guardian assures you all of his loving and continued prayers
for the success of your work, for your strength, guidance and protection.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dear and valued co-workers:
The formation of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of North
East Asia is to be acclaimed as an event of far-reaching historic
significance, whose repercussions cannot be confined to the Pacific area,
but are bound to affect the immediate fortunes of the entire Bahá’í world.
The emergence of this epochal institution, however transitional its
character, represents the culmination of a fifty-year old process that has
had its inception in the days of the Centre of the Covenant, during the
last decades of the Heroic Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation. The rise and
expansion of the Administrative Order of the Faith in the northern regions
of the vast Pacific Ocean fills a great gap, and constitutes a notable
parallel to the rise of similar institutions in the Antipodes,
establishing thereby a spiritual equilibrium destined to affect, to a
marked degree, the destinies of the Faith throughout the islands of the
Pacific Ocean, in the years immediately ahead. It should be hailed,
moreover, as a momentous development paving the way for the eventual
introduction of the Faith into the far-flung Chinese mainland and, beyond
it, to the extensive territories of Soviet Russia.
A milestone of such tremendous significance in the progress of the Faith
of Bahá’u’lláh, in so strategic and important an area of the globe, should
be acclaimed by the members of your assembly, as well as by the rank and
file of the believers throughout that area, as a demonstration of the
creative energies released by its Author and the Centre of His Covenant,
in territories and amidst peoples and races destined to play a role of
immense significance in the future development of the human race.
This God-given opportunity, now presenting itself to the prosecutors of
the Bahá’í world Spiritual Crusade, at so critical a stage in the history
of the peoples and nations established in those far-off islands and
territories, should be seized with eagerness and enthusiasm, and exploited
to the full in the years lying immediately ahead.
The Six-Year Plan, designed to lend a tremendous impetus to the awakening
of the peoples and races in those regions, should be prosecuted with the
utmost diligence, unrelaxing vigilance and whole-hearted consecration. All
must participate, young and old alike, both men and women, however limited
their circumstances or circumscribed their resources.
An effort, unprecedented in its scope and intensity, must be exerted to
attain, speedily and completely the specific objectives of this Plan. The
number of the avowed supporters of the Faith must rapidly increase. The
isolated centers, groups and local assemblies, constituting the bedrock of
a rising Administrative Order, must steadily and continually multiply. All
firmly grounded local spiritual assemblies must be speedily incorporated,
in order to reinforce the foundations of the institution of this divinely
conceived Order. The Bahá’í marriage certificate, as well as the Bahá’í
Holy Days must, at the earliest possible opportunity, receive recognition
from the civil authorities concerned. The work now being initiated in the
Northern and smaller islands of Japan, with such zeal and devotion should
be constantly reinforced and its scope continually widened. The literature
of the Faith must be translated into as many languages as possible,
published and widely disseminated. The holding of the summer-schools is
yet another objective that should receive the earnest and immediate
attention of the members of your assembly. The purchase of Bahá’í
burial-grounds, should, moreover, be, in due course considered and
effectively carried out. The newly-opened territories, that have been so
painstakingly brought within the pale of the Faith, must at whatever cost,
be safeguarded, and the enterprises initiated within their confines
carefully expanded and consolidated. The acquisition of a plot, in the
outskirts of Tokyo, to serve as the site of the first
Ma_sh_riqu’l-A_dh_kár of North East Asia, must, likewise, be seriously
considered and brought to a successful conclusion.
The task challenging the spirit and resources of your assembly, as well as
those whom you represent, is admittedly arduous, pressing and sacred. The
field in which you operate is exceptionally vast, and the barriers
standing in your way are varied and formidable. Nothing short of complete
dedication to the objectives of the Six-Year Plan you are called upon to
fulfill, and of the utmost self-sacrifice on your part, as well as on the
part of those who are to participate in its prosecution, can ensure the
success to which I confidently look forward, to which your sister, as well
as parent, communities throughout the Bahá’í world, are likewise, eagerly
anticipating.
May those who are privileged, at this auspicious hour, to render so noble
a service to the Cause of God, and fulfill so glorious a destiny, in the
course of the evolution of so sacred and precious a Faith, arise to
perform befittingly their task, and achieve such feats in the days to come
as shall draw forth from the Source on high a still greater measure of
divine blessings that will enable them to write a still more brilliant
chapter in the annals of God’s infant Faith, and to contribute an
outstanding share to the world-wide establishment and ultimate recognition
of its newly-born administrative institutions.
Shoghi
(July 15, 1957)
[Cable dated August 27, 1957]
Congratulate attendants historic summerschool(32) fervently praying
expansion valued activities
Love, Shoghi
(cable dated August 27, 1957)
[Letter of October 20, 1957]
He (the Guardian) was greatly pleased to learn of the contacts which have
been made by the friends with the original natives of Japan, namely the
Ainu people. He hopes that some of them will be quickened in the Faith so
that they may teach the call of God to the remainder of their people.
There is no doubt that great results will be achieved if this can be done.
Therefore the Guardian hopes your Assembly will take some very active
measures to insure the teaching of the Faith amongst this Tribe.
The Guardian will pray for you and will pray for the success of your
labors.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(October 20, 1957)
To the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, 1951–1956
[Letter of February 29, 1951]
He (the Guardian) feels there is no definite action that can be taken by
the Tokyo Spiritual Assembly against ... any society which uses our Bahá’í
ideas and principles. The best thing is for the Japanese believers,
through strengthening their community, enlarging it, obtaining publicity
in the press, and holding, whenever possible, dignified public meetings,
to gradually assert themselves as the real body of the Faith, and make
everything else appear to be mere plagiarism, a shadow of the Faith. Your
Assembly should give them (the Japanese believers) as much moral support
and encouragement as possible.
(February 29, 1951)
The Guardian attaches great importance to the teaching conference(33) ...
and feels that as many friends as possible should attend. He thinks it
will be a great stimulant to the Faith, and certainly foundations can be
laid for the rapid expansion of the Cause... This will be a historic
event, and one that should lay the foundation for great victories in the
future.
The beloved Guardian has approved the attendance of one of the Hands of
the Cause in Asia ... Mr. Zikru’llah _Kh_ádem...
(July, 1955)
[Letter of November 20, 1955]
Your loving letter was received (with the) copy of Miss Linfoot’s report
to the National Assembly concerning the Teaching Conference held in Japan.
The Guardian was greatly delighted with the Conference and its results;
more particularly with the effect which it is going to have on the
teaching work of the entire area in the future.
It was a very historic gathering, because it marked the first time a
general conference regarding teaching matters had been held in Japan, and
furthermore was participated in by representatives of the other countries
in the area. It released a new power of the Spirit in that part of the
world which will certainly elevate the minds and hearts of the people and
attract many to the Cause.
The Guardian appreciates the sacrificial efforts made by all those who
undertook the development of the Conference, so that it might produce such
beneficial results.
The Guardian is hopeful that the conditions in Japan may not force many of
the pioneers to leave that territory. As you know, he attaches the utmost
importance to the teaching work in Japan; he anticipates that the Faith
will spread rapidly in that country. The help of the American Bahá’ís is
very essential; and he hopes therefore it will not be necessary for any of
them to leave.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(November 20, 1955)
[Letter of December 27, 1956]
The beloved Guardian feels the time is ripe for the settlement of the
Northern Island of Japan, and he wishes your Assembly to consider what
might be done to accomplish this before the coming Ridván without in any
way interfering with the work now engaged in, in connection with the
establishment of the new National Assembly next Ridván.
There are three tasks which the new National Assembly should undertake,
when it is formed, and that is the sending of pioneers into Sakhalin
Island, and Hainan Island; also the extension of the teaching work in the
Northern Island (Hokkaido) of Japan. If no settlers are in the Northern
Island, then they should undertake to send some in as quickly as possible.
Will you please actively consider the settlement now of the Northern
Island; also pass on to the new N.S.A. the three tasks the Guardian feels
they should undertake promptly.
(December 27, 1956)
To the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia
[Letter of July 19, 1957]
...The emergence of a new Regional Spiritual Assembly in the North Pacific
Area(34), with its seat fixed in the capital city of a country which by
reason of its innate capacity and the spiritual receptivity it has
acquired, in consequence of the severe and prolonged ordeal its entire
population has providentially experienced, is destined to have a
preponderating share in awakening the peoples and races inhabiting the
entire Pacific area, to the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, and to act as the
Vanguard of His hosts in their future spiritual conquest of the main body
of the yellow race on the Chinese mainland—the emergence of such an
assembly may be said to have, at long last established a spiritual axis,
extending from the Antipodes to the northern islands of the Pacific
Ocean—an axis whose northern and southern poles will act as powerful
magnets, endowed with exceptional spiritual potency, and towards which
younger and less experienced communities will tend for some time to
gravitate.
A responsibility, at once weighty and inescapable, must rest on the
communities which occupy so privileged a position in so vast and turbulent
an area of the globe. However great the distance that separates them;
however much they differ in race, language, custom, and religion; however
active the political forces which tend to keep them apart and foster
racial and political antagonisms, the close and continued association of
these communities in their common, their peculiar and paramount task of
raising up and of consolidating the embryonic World Order of Bahá’u’lláh
in those regions of the globe, is a matter of vital and urgent importance,
which should receive on the part of the elected representatives of their
communities, a most earnest and prayerful consideration...
May this community(35) which, with its sister community in the North, has
had the inestimable privilege of being called into being in the lifetime
of, and through the operation of the dynamic forces released by the Center
of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant continue, with undimmed vision, with redoubled
vigour, and unwavering fidelity and constancy, to discharge its manifold
and ever increasing duties and responsibilities, and lend, as the days go
by, an impetus such as it has not lent before, in the course of almost two
score years of its existence, to the propagation of the Faith it has so
whole-heartedly espoused and is now so valiantly serving, and play a
memorable and distinctive part in hastening the establishment, and in
ensuring the gradual efflorescence and ultimate fruition, of its divinely
appointed embryonic World Order.
(July 19, 1957)
To the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran
[Letter of January 6, 1957]
Regarding pioneers going to Japan, Brazil ... and other places, the
beloved Guardian states that they must not gather in one place but scatter
to make new centers, e.g., Mr. Assassi and his wife, and Mr. Labib who
travelled to Japan must not stay in Tokyo but should go to places where
there are no Bahá’ís, or very few Bahá’ís to make new centers. Furthermore
(he) says that the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran must write to all
pioneers that have left Iran for other parts of the world and instruct
them not to gather in one place but to scatter in different places. He
says that the matter stated above is very important... (translated from
the original Persian)
(signed by Dr. Hakim)
(January 6, 1957)
To Local Spiritual Assemblies, 1948–1957
[Letter of September 21, 1948]
To the Local Spiritual Assembly of Tokyo
To know that a Spiritual Assembly of all Japanese members was formed in
Tokyo greatly inspired him (the Guardian). This is a historic and
wonderful achievement. At present it might seem to people of the world
that these few devoted souls are insignificant when compared to the
millions of people residing in Japan—but we who have recognized the Power
of Bahá’u’lláh, and that His teaching is God’s Message to men in this day,
know that the seed of the Tree of Life has at last germinated in your
land, and that it will grow to overshadow all those who dwell in the
islands of Japan.
The love of the Japanese people, for truth and beauty is very great, and
our Guardian feels sure that gradually many souls will become attracted to
the Cause of God through your persevering and devoted labours.
Your loyalty and determination touches him deeply, and he assures you all
that for each one of you he will pray for guidance and blessings. He urges
you to work together for the Cause as one soul in different bodies, and
show by your love and unity what a force lies in our Faith for the
regeneration of mankind.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dear and valued co-workers:
I was thrilled by your message and I greatly value the sentiments it
expressed. I urge you to persevere and be confident, and labour unitedly
for the spread of the Faith and the formation of new centres, however
small, in the vicinity of your capital. I will, from all my heart,
supplicate for you Divine guidance and blessings, that your historic work
may flourish, your numbers increase and your highest hopes be fulfilled in
the service of His glorious Faith.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(September 21, 1948)
[Letter of December 20, 1951]
The beloved Guardian has received your letter, so beautifully written in
Japanese, and which he regrets very much he could not read in the
original.
He very deeply appreciated the contribution the Bahá’ís of Japan have made
for the Shrine of the Báb; and I am enclosing a receipt herein for the sum
you mentioned in your letter, ten thousand yen.
The sentiments expressed by the Bahá’ís of Japan touched him very deeply;
and he feels that the contribution they have made to the Shrine enriches
its spiritual significance for all of us, coming, as it does, from
believers in the Báb, our beloved Martyr-Prophet, who reside in a land so
far away, and yet are filled with such great love and devotion for, not
only the Báb Himself, but for the Faith He heralded.
The Guardian is most happy over the progress being made in Japan; and he
wants you to know that his loving thoughts are with you, and you are
mentioned often in his prayers in the Holy Shrines.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
May the Beloved bless you, sustain and guide you, reward you for your
meritorious labours, and aid you to win great victories in the service of
His Faith.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(December 20, 1951)
[Letter of April 14, 1952]
Your gracious letter of March 20th, conveying Naw-Rúz greetings to the
beloved Guardian has been received, and gave the Guardian the utmost of
happiness. It revealed anew the power of Bahá’u’lláh, that in that far off
land, the banner of His Grace has been raised so effectively, and the
friends have been quickened by the new spirit of unity which is sweeping
the world.
The Guardian will pray at the Holy Shrines that the powers of the Holy
Spirit will inspire and sustain you in your labors for the spread of the
true teachings of brotherhood, and the spiritual elevation of the people
of Japan.
Today, the head corner-stone of service to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is
teaching. It is the source of divine blessings. The beloved Guardian feels
your consecration to this most important of all Bahá’í activities will
achieve new goals and win many victories for the Faith.
He sends his loving greetings to each one of you, who will ever be in his
heart.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(April 14, 1952)
[Letter of August 30, 1952]
It always brings joy to the heart of our beloved Guardian to receive news
from you, as he is so happy over the remarkable growth of the Faith in
Japan since the end of the war. He has instructed me to answer on his
behalf your letter of July 12.
Plans for future works in Japan will certainly form part of the general
plan for Asia, which will be discussed at the New Delhi Conference in
October 1953. He would be very happy if some of the friends from Japan
could attend this historic gathering.
He was delighted to hear that your Assembly is undertaking extension
teaching work in other Japanese cities; as Tokyo is the mother Assembly,
her responsibility is great. He was particularly glad to hear teaching
will be done in Hiroshima, where the people suffered so mercilessly during
the war; they have a special right—the people of that city—to hear of
Bahá’u’lláh’s Message of peace and brotherhood.
The Assembly of Tokyo, until such time as other local assemblies are
formed, can receive the applications for enrollment from people living
elsewhere. Anyone living outside the civic limits of Tokyo, however,
cannot be a voting member of that community, but of course, may attend
meetings and Feasts until a local nucleus is established.
The Guardian was particularly happy to note that there are so many
Japanese Bahá’ís; although the American friends have rendered a great
service in Japan, the object of all teachings is to establish firmly the
Faith of God in the hearts and lives of the people of the country. He
hopes that special efforts will be made to teach the Japanese, and to
provide them with Bahá’í literature in their own language, and to conduct
meetings in Japanese, and also to encourage them to understand the
Administration and take an active, constructive part in its workings.
Without a proper understanding of the Administrative Order, extensive
plans cannot be undertaken and harmony will not prevail within the
community.
He (the Guardian) will remember you in all his prayers, and is most
pleased with your progress and your devoted spirit.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
May the Almighty bless your high and persistent endeavours, guide every
step you take in the path of service, and enable you to extend continually
the range of your splendid activities, and win great and memorable
victories for His Cause.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(August 30, 1952)
[Letter of July 24, 1953]
The beloved Guardian has said that the future of Japan from every
standpoint is very bright indeed. The Faith will spread rapidly in Japan,
once the public become acquainted with its universal principles, and its
dynamic spirit.
What is necessary at this time is for the Bahá’ís to adhere firmly to the
teachings of the Faith, and to become a clear channel through which the
power of the Holy Spirit might disseminate itself throughout the country.
So far as the Ananai-kyo Movement is concerned, and their desire for
affiliation:
The Bahá’ís may associate with Movements such as this, without becoming
supporters and active workers therein; the object being to make friendly
contacts which can be developed into firm Bahá’ís.
So far as non-Bahá’ís affiliating with the Bahá’í Faith is concerned,
either a person becomes a Bahá’í and accepts Bahá’u’lláh as the divine
Manifestation for this day or he does not. The tenets of the Bahá’í Faith
are simple as outlined by the Guardian, but they do not permit any
variations. In other words, if any members of the Ananai-kyo Movement wish
to become Bahá’ís; they will be most welcome; but they can only become
Bahá’ís on the basis of accepting Bahá’u’lláh as a divine Manifestation,
and of course, with this goes the acceptance of the Báb as the
Fore-runner, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Center of the Covenant, and the
present Administrative Order.
When a person has reached the sea of immortality, it is idle to keep
seeking elsewhere; and when the members of the Ananai-kyo Movement reach
Bahá’u’lláh in their search for a world teacher, they have reached the
goal, and not another step along the path.
I presume you have received by this time full details concerning the Ten
Year Crusade, and the Plan which the Guardian has enunciated for the
American National Assembly to assist in the development of the Faith in
Japan, so that ultimately there may be a National Spiritual Assembly of
the Bahá’ís in Japan itself.
The American National Spiritual Assembly has appointed a special committee
for the Asian countries, and I am quite sure you will find the very
closest possible cooperation from them in the development of the work.
You will find, as the Extension Teaching work in Japan moves forward,
there will have to be constant and continuous consultation with this
important committee.
You can appreciate it will be entirely impossible for the International
Council or the staff of the Guardian himself, to undertake the supervision
of the teaching work in any one part of the world; furthermore it would be
contrary to the general principle of Bahá’í administration. Under Bahá’í
administration, Local Assemblies, and the development of teaching work are
placed in the hands of National Assemblies. The National Assemblies
themselves report directly to Haifa—to the Universal House of Justice,
when it is established; and until that time, to the Guardian himself.
At the instruction of the Guardian, I am communicating with the American
National Spiritual Assembly, to ask them to set up a program, whereby
there will be the closest possible collaboration between their Asia
Teaching Committee and your own Assembly. I hope this will be the means of
all data reaching you very promptly.
The beloved Guardian asked me to convey to you his deep love. He
appreciates and values very highly your devoted services to the Faith. He
will pray at the Holy Shrines, for your guidance and confirmation. It is
his hope that heavenly blessings may be with you at all times, and every
obstacle in the path of your efforts to continually spread the Message in
Japan may be removed, so that you may ultimately gain complete victory.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(July 24, 1953)
[Letter of November 26, 1953]
The Guardian is hopeful that some day it may be possible for the Bahá’ís
of Tokyo to establish their Hazira; and of course if this were done, some
day it will become the National Hazira, because when the National
Spiritual Assembly is formed in Japan, Tokyo will no doubt be the seat of
the National Assembly.
Shoghi Effendi feels that the time has now come when the Faith will spread
rapidly in Japan. The Japanese people have great vision and spirituality,
and the difficulties of the last war have prepared many of them for the
Divine Guidance. He therefore urges each and every one of you to treble
your efforts, so that the Cause may grow and develop rapidly.
He sends his loving greetings to you, and assures you all of his prayers
in your behalf.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(November 26, 1953)
[Letter of March 2, 1954]
The beloved Guardian sends his loving greetings to each and every one of
the friends in Japan. He greatly values their devotion and sacrifice for
the Faith, and the noble manner in which they are arising to spread the
Teachings in that land.
He feels the future of Japan is very great. The hearts and minds of the
Japanese people are awakened; and if the teaching work is carried on very
actively and audaciously, many souls will be attracted by the Divine
Fragrances.
The beloved Guardian is so confident that the Faith will spread rapidly in
Japan, and the believers will firmly establish the institutions of the
Cause, that he has chosen to send to them for ultimate display in their
National Haziratu’l-Quds in Tokyo one of the very precious relics from the
Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. He has entrusted with our dear brother, Hiroyasu
Takano, a very precious brocade, which has rested immediately over the
remains of Bahá’u’lláh in His glorious Shrine. It is very precious and
very sacred.
The Guardian is sending this to the Spiritual Assembly of Tokyo as a gift.
The friends may wish to have it carefully and beautifully framed for
display in the Hazira, when it is acquired. Ultimately of course it is to
be hung in the Hazira of the National Assembly, when that great goal has
been achieved by the Japanese believers.
The beloved Guardian assures each and every one of you of his prayers in
your behalf.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(March 2, 1954)
[Letter of May 29, 1954]
The beloved Guardian was pleased to see the manner in which the Assembly
has undertaken its responsibility of enthusing the believers to carry on
teaching work throughout Japan in an aggressive manner.
The keynote of activity during the second year of the Ten-Year Crusade is
the multiplication of Assemblies, groups and isolated centers. The
Guardian feels the time is ripe for the active spread of the Faith
throughout Japan; and if pioneers and settlers will go to additional
cities and very actively teach the Faith, they will find that the Cause
will grow and develop in each of these new areas.
You should not overlook the fact that one of the goals of the Ten-Year
Crusade is the establishment of a National Assembly in Japan. This can be
brought about more quickly if the friends set aside all other
considerations and actively teach the Faith.
The sacred gift which the Guardian sent to the Japanese Bahá’ís through
Mr. Takano is of course for the Hazira as soon as it is procured. It is
one of the very sacred relics, and the Guardian hopes it will be a source
of inspiration to the friends to redouble their efforts in the teaching
field.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(May 29, 1954)
[Letter of June 7, 1954]
The beloved Guardian sends his loving greetings to each and every one of
you. He is praying for the success of your teaching work. He feels the
time is ripe for a rapid expansion of the Faith in Japan; and that if
everyone will arise with renewed effort, they will be surprised at the
spiritual victories which they will achieve.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(June 7, 1954)
[Letter of June 8, 1954]
Please refer to our previous correspondence with regard to the purchase of
a Haziratu’l-Quds in Tokyo. The beloved Guardian feels this is a matter of
great importance, and should be accomplished during the present year.
He has written to the American N.S.A. in detail concerning the matter,
instructing them to proceed at once with the development of this project,
so that it may be concluded during the present year, if at all possible.
The beloved Guardian is sending a contribution of £500. As you know, a
Haziratu’l-Quds was given by Mr. Momtazi in Mukonoso, Hyogo-ken. The
Guardian would see no objection to this Haziratu’l-Quds being sold, and
the fund received thereby being used to defray the cost of the
Haziratu’l-Quds in Tokyo. It is far more important that a Hazira be
established in Tokyo, which is the seat of the future National Assembly,
than in Mukonoso, Hyogo-ken. Of course this can only be done in case Mr.
Momtazi is entirely agreeable.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(June 8, 1954)
[Letter of July 19, 1954]
Your loving letter ... has just come to hand, telling of the funds which
you have available now, since the generous gift of Mr. N. Momtazi, for the
Haziratu’l-Quds in Tokyo.
You have in mind that the Hazira need not be an elaborate place. It should
be a building which you own, and which can be used now as the
Haziratu’l-Quds for the Local Tokyo Assembly, to be utilized later as the
National Haziratu’l-Quds for the National Spiritual Assembly when it is
formed.
The important thing is that this piece of property should be acquired for
as reasonable a price as possible.
The Guardian will await with expectation, advice from you as to the
acquisition of this important piece of property(36) .
The Guardian sends each one his loving greetings.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(July 19, 1954)
[Letter of September 26, 1955]
Your loving letter ... has come to hand, giving the latest information
concerning the International Teaching Conference which was to be held at
Nikko, September 23, 24, and 25.
From the word we have received, the Conference must have been a great
success with so many being present, and representing so many different
countries. As I understand it, there were representatives of nine
different nations.
The Guardian has attached the greatest importance to this Conference, as
it is the first to be held in Japan, and is therefore a great historic
event. Let us hope the teaching work will develop rapidly in Japan, so
that there may be a large number of Assemblies and groups established who
may take part in the election of the National Assembly.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(September 26, 1955)
[Letter of April 24, 1956]
It was a great pleasure to have some of the friends from Japan here, and
particularly to get dear Fujita back again.
The Guardian is particularly happy over the news conveyed by Mr. Momtazi
for the formation of seven new Assemblies. This is a great step forward in
the progress of the work, not only in Japan, but in the Pacific area; and
augurs well for the formation of the Regional National Assembly with Japan
as the hub, which is to be elected next Ridván.
The Japanese believers are often in his thoughts and prayers, and he is
proud of their achievements, and cherishes great hopes for their future.
He will pray that your Assembly may be instrumental in bringing in many
new souls during the coming year.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
May the Almighty, whose Cause you serve so devotedly, aid you to extend
continually the scope of your valued activities, and enable you to win
great victories in the days to come.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(April 24, 1956)
[Letter of June 11, 1956]
He (the Guardian) was very happy to receive the copies of the Japanese
Geppo. They are historic, marking the first Bahá’í Newsletters to be
published in that country. He hopes its scope will gradually widen, and it
become a most effective means of stimulating the friends in Japan in
service to the Cause of God.
Great victories have been won by the friends in Japan. He hopes during the
short period between now, and when the new National Assembly is formed,
the friends will treble their efforts, so many many souls may find eternal
life, through the teaching services of the true servants of God.
As Bahá’u’lláh has stated, true victory is winning the hearts of men to
the Cause of God. The Guardian is praying for many more such glorious
victories, so the Faith may be firmly established in that far off land,
which has such a bright and promising future.
The Guardian will pray for the friends, for the success of their work. He
sends his loving greetings.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(June 11, 1956)
[Letter of April 19, 1957]
The various materials which you sent to the Guardian he has read with
great interest—the pamphlet on the recent Congress of Religions held in
Tokyo, the English summaries of the important Bahá’í News Geppo, and your
report of the progress of the Faith in that promising country.
The Guardian is looking forward with keen anticipation to the forthcoming
Ridván period, as it marks the establishment of thirteen new National
Assemblies; the most important of which are in the Pacific area; the one
centered in Tokyo, the one in Djakarta, and the third in New Zealand.
The Guardian is well pleased with the teaching work in Japan. He hopes
this branch of your service will be greatly reinforced and stimulated by
the establishment of the new National Assembly.
He will pray for the friends, for Japan, and for the success of the labors
of the Faithful.
He sends his loving greetings.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(April 19, 1957)
To the Local Spiritual Assembly of Hyogo-ken (prefecture]
[Letter of January 2, 1956]
It is indeed a great privilege for the Bahá’ís of Japan, so remote from
the Holy Land, to have two of their most devoted teachers come to Haifa on
pilgrimage; and he (the Guardian) feels sure that they will carry back to
the work in that important Center in the Pacific area a fresh impetus and
a new inspiration.
It is also a source of great satisfaction to him that dear Fujita has
returned to serve here. It brings the Japanese believers even closer to
the International Center to have a representative of their nation working
for the Cause at its World Center.
He assures you all that he will pray for the success, not only of the work
in Hyogo-ken, but throughout Japan, and urges you and your co-workers to
persevere in the face of every obstacle.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
May the Almighty remove all obstacles from your path, enable you to lend a
great impetus to the onward march of His Faith, and contribute to the
consolidation of His institutions.
Your true brother, Shoghi
(January 2, 1956)
[Photograph with the following caption:]
The first International Teaching Conference in Nikko, Japan, 1955. Mr.
Fujita is holding the frame containing the “Greatest Name”. Hand of the
Cause Mr. _Kh_ádem, who was the Guardian’s representative, is behind Mr.
Fujita. Miss Alexander is holding the picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This
conference marked a turning point in the Bahá’í Faith in Asia, especially
in Japan.
13: Letters to Individuals
Excerpts from letters to Japanese believers, 1947–1957
[Letter of October 15, 1947]
To Mr. Saichiro Fujita
After so many years of silence our beloved Guardian was very happy to
receive your postcard.
He is very glad to see you are not only safe after all these terrible
years of war and privation, but that you are seeking to establish a center
of the Faith where you live. He assures you he will pray that your efforts
may be successful, and that you may become the father of the first
spiritual assembly there.
Your long services in Haifa are not forgotten, and the Guardian sends you
his greetings.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(October 15, 1947)
[Letter of October 6, 1950]
The excellent progress the Cause is making is a delight to his (the
Guardian’s) heart, and he feels very close to the Japanese believers.
Now that our dear Agnes Alexander is with you again out there (in Japan),
he feels still greater progress will be made. You and she, both old and
tried believers, must devote particular attention to strengthening the
faith of the new souls, and giving them a firm foundation in the Covenant.
You are often affectionately remembered here.
(signed by “Ruhiyyih”)
(October 6, 1950)
[Letter of March 21, 1952]
To Mrs. Kyoko Hongo
He (the Guardian) is very happy to hear that you and your husband have
become declared Bahá’ís; and he will ardently pray in the Holy Shrines
that each of you may become an active and devoted servant of Bahá’u’lláh,
and may be assisted in bringing many souls in that land to the light of
this great Faith, and carry on the work nobly started by the dear
Davenports.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(March 21, 1952)
[Letter of April 22, 1952]
To Mr. Tameo Hongo
It brings him (the Guardian) great joy to realize that we see before our
eyes the promises of Bahá’u’lláh being fulfilled, and the peoples of East
and West embracing as lovers, and united in the service of God and of man.
He feels that the Japanese people, so sensitive to every form of beauty
both spiritual and material, will have a deep appreciation of the
Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, not only because of their truth and justice, but
because of the great beauty which permeates them, a beauty which will
gradually, through the fulfillment of His prophecies and the practice of
His Laws and Principles, permeate the life of mankind, and create a
society such as has never been dreamed of before.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(April 22, 1952)
[Letter of October 5, 1953]
To Mr. Michitoshi Zenimoto
Your letter has been received by the beloved Guardian and he has
instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Bahá’u’lláh wrote, many, many years ago: “The vitality of men’s belief in
God is dying out in every land; nothing short of His wholesome medicine
can ever restore it. The corrosion of ungodliness is eating into the
vitals of human society; what else but the Elixir of His potent Revelation
can cleanse and revive it?”
This is the ebb of the tide. The Bahá’ís know that the tide will turn and
come in, after mankind has suffered, with mighty waves of faith and
devotion. The people will enter the Cause of God in troops, and the whole
condition will change. The Bahá’ís see this new condition which will take
place, as one on the mountain-top sees the first glimpse of the dawn,
before others are aware of it; and it is toward that that the Bahá’ís must
work.
The Guardian will pray that you may be instrumental in bringing many of
your fellow-youth into the Faith. He sends you his loving greetings.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(October 5, 1953)
[Letter of December 30, 1955]
To Miss Yoshiko Morita
The photograph of the Japanese Bahá’ís, who attended the conference
recently held in Nikko, brought great joy to his (the Guardian’s) heart.
Although the American and Persian friends are helping greatly the spread
of the Faith in Japan, the main object of their presence in that country
is to attract Japanese people to the Cause of God. Only when the Faith is
firmly rooted in the hearts of the people of that country can we feel that
true progress has been made; and therefore to see there are so many
Japanese believers, active and devoted in different places in Japan, has
been a great comfort and joy to our Guardian.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(December 30, 1955)
[Letter of September 19, 1957]
To Mrs. Masao Konishi
The time is too short to spend years preparing yourself to teach by the
indirect approach. The world is ready for the direct Message, and it would
be much better to equip yourself to do direct Bahá’í teaching.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(September 19, 1957)
The following excerpts are from letters to pioneers to Japan and Korea,
1948–1957
[Letter of January 21, 1948]
To Mr. Robert Imagire
He (the Guardian) notices in your last letter that you sound discouraged.
But he feels you should look on the bright side of the work in Japan, and
realize that, after so many, many years of complete inertia, the old
Bahá’ís have been found—at least some of them—and contacts reestablished.
You are able to serve there, new people are hearing of the Faith, and the
prospects for the future work there are promising. It is a great pity that
a pioneer effort, organized and financed, cannot be carried out there. But
the present Seven Year Plan takes all the American Bahá’í resources, and
at present Japan must depend on volunteer teachers like your dear self,
who of course are not as free as a full time pioneer would be.
In regard to the various questions in your last letter; because of the
difficult conditions under which you are serving there and the state of
the country and immaturity of the believers you should not be too rigid.
You should try and meet on the proper Feast day, but if it is not possible
meet as close to the date as you can. Likewise, it would be desirable to
observe the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master, etc., at the correct
times, but it is not essential to do so. With such a small group of
Bahá’ís who have no proper literature except the Esslemont book, and need
to deepen in the Teachings, you should be very patient and not ask them to
do things before they see the wisdom of it.
Membership for Bahá’ís should be based on their understanding the station
of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Guardian and the function of
the Administrative Order. To do this it is not necessary for people to
first read the Will and Testament and the Dispensation. The essentials can
be explained to them, and the rest is a question of faith; if they
believe, they can be accepted as Bahá’ís. It is premature now to say any
“laws” of the Aqdas must be followed. But the Bahá’ís should be encouraged
to keep the Fast, use an obligatory prayer, obtain the consent of parents
for marriage, and live up to the Teachings in general.
He certainly feels one of your first duties is to deepen the understanding
of the Faith in the minds of the believers there.
You should certainly try to make new contacts but until you have a nucleus
of active believers there he feels a lot of publicity is premature.
As to translations, this is certainly very important, but he would not
suggest that at present with the limited facilities at your disposal, that
you translate whole books. Make selections of subjects that will interest
the Japanese; some prayers, some of the chapters from “Some Answered
Questions” on things of general interest rather than the purely Christian
topics; some of the excerpts from “Gleanings”. In other words try and get
together a selection from our Teachings that covers a wide range of
subjects and is representative of our beliefs, and translate these at
first. Whole books can be undertaken in the future.
He feels the teaching and translating work can go hand in hand as you
teach with new material translated.
Your services are very deeply valued by our beloved Guardian, and he
assures you he will pray for you and all the Japanese Bahá’ís in the Holy
Shrines.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
The zeal, devotion and courage which you exhibit in your activities in the
service of the Cause in Japan are truly meritorious and evoke my deepest
admiration. Your mission is indeed historic, and your pioneer achievements
an example to the rising generation. Persevere in your high endeavors, and
rest assured that the Beloved will bless your exertions and will aid you
to fulfil your heart’s desire.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(January 21, 1948)
[Letter of October 16, 1948]
He (the Guardian) is delighted over the progress the Faith is making in
Japan, and feels greatly attracted to the Japanese believers, who show a
spirit of sincerity and faith which augurs well for the future development
of the work there.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dear and valued co-worker:
Your outstanding pioneer services are indeed worthy of the highest praise,
and I am deeply grateful to you for the work you have accomplished. The
firm establishment of a spiritual assembly in Japan and its consolidation,
as well as the formation of small groups and isolated centers, will no
doubt act as a magnet that will draw the inestimable blessings of
Bahá’u’lláh. Persevere in your historic task and rest assured and be
happy.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(October 16, 1948)
[Letter of December 20, 1949]
To Mrs. Barbara Davenport
He (the Guardian) urges you to encourage the friends (in Japan) to observe
our Bahá’í laws and ordinances, deepen themselves in the administration,
and realize they are followers of a Faith—not a mere movement.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(December 20, 1949)
[Letter of September 17, 1950]
To Mr. Robert Imagire
He (the Guardian) is so pleased to have dear Miss Alexander there. Her
devotion and loyalty, her love and knowledge of the teachings will be a
comfort and inspiration to the believers there (in Japan).
The Guardian was also very happy to see eight Japanese names on the Tokyo
Assembly. Although the help and advice of American believers is of great
importance, it is excellent that the majority are Japanese and are
assuming responsibility for the affairs of the Cause in their native land.
He feels great strides forward have been made, and trusts still greater
progress lies ahead. He was delighted to hear the Japanese friends and
particularly the women, are actively teaching and giving lectures.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dear and valued co-worker:
The services you are rendering the Faith in Japan are indeed remarkable
and unforgettable. I am filled with admiration for the spirit that
animates you and for your splendid accomplishments. Persevere in your
historic tasks, and rest assured that the Beloved is well pleased with
you. I will continue to supplicate in your behalf the Master’s richest
blessings, that He may fulfill your heart’s desire in His service.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(September 17, 1950)
[Letter of February 27, 1951]
The news of the progress being made by the Japanese Bahá’ís in teaching
and in reaching people of importance, pleased him (the Guardian) greatly;
and he urges you all to persevere, and never lose heart. In his visits to
the Shrines, he will supplicate that Bahá’u’lláh may confirm your efforts,
and enlarge the scope of your activities.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(February 27, 1951)
[Letter of September 21, 1951]
He (the Guardian) feels by all means you should plan to remain in Japan
and buy a home, if possible. Your presence there has marked a turning
point in the work in that country.
It will interest you to know that there are Bahá’ís now in Formosa and
Indochina, and we hope an English believer will be able to go out to Hong
Kong later. Lights are going on in Asia.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(September 21, 1951)
[Letter of November 12, 1952]
He (the Guardian) was most happy to hear of the progress being made in
Japan, particularly in the new centers being opened to the Faith, such as
Yokohama and Kofu. He was also very happy to know that Miss Alexander is
now teaching in Kyoto.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(November 12, 1952)
[Letter of May 25, 1953]
To Mr. and Mrs. Donald Witzel
He (the Guardian) was deeply touched by the two letters by the two new
believers of Korea, and the spirit of loving devotion which they portray.
He wishes you to assure them of his prayers in their behalf. He hopes they
will be inspired to intensify their teaching efforts, so others may be
quickened by the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh, and an Assembly be formed in
Korea.
He wishes you and the friends in Tokyo to keep in close touch with the
friends in Korea. In fact, he wishes the Tokyo Assembly to undertake, as
one of their direct responsibilities, the assistance of the work in Korea,
sending if possible one or two pioneers to Korea. This will keep the
Center in Korea, (and even enable it to develop into an Assembly), until
such time as more American pioneers are sent to Korea.
The Guardian greatly values the services of the friends in Japan. He hopes
they will now treble their efforts in the teaching field. Now that the Ten
Year Crusade has been so auspiciously launched, the divine confirmations
are descending; and the friends should seize this opportunity to spread
the Faith to all corners of the globe. Especial opportunity devolves on
the Japanese Bahá’ís and pioneers, as one of the goals of the Crusade is
the establishment of a National Assembly for Japan.
The Guardian will pray for the success of the teaching efforts of the
friends in Japan; also for the services and development of the Faith in
Korea.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(May 25, 1953)
[Letter of July 10, 1954]
To Mr. Noureddin Momtazi
The Guardian is deeply appreciative of your devotion and sacrifices for
the Faith. The gift which you have made of $3,000 toward the purchase of
the Hazira in Tokyo is a further sign of the dynamic spirit which animates
you in all of your services.
The Guardian attaches the utmost importance to the Hazira of Tokyo, as
this is to become the Headquarters of the National Assembly when it is
elected.
The Guardian feels the time is now ripe for the Faith to spread very
rapidly throughout Japan, and he wishes that all of the preliminary steps
be taken for the development of the Faith as it goes forward. Thus he is
anxious that the Hazira be purchased this year if possible.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(July 10, 1954)
[Letter of October 19, 1955]
To Mr. William Maxwell
The Guardian has received very glowing reports of the wonderful
accomplishments of the Conference(37) in Japan. He feels that this
conference marked a new point of development of the Faith in Japan, as
well as the entire general area. The spirit of confirmation is reaching
all those who arise to serve the Faith; and he is sure divine blessings
will come upon everyone who attended the Conference and took part in its
deliberations, and who will now go forth to win new victories.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(October 19, 1955)
[Letter of November 23, 1955]
To Mrs. Carolyn Dary
He (the Guardian) urges you to make a special effort to visit the friends
in other places where you stop, no matter how short the time, as the news
of the progress of the Faith in general will encourage and hearten them.
Especially in places such as Japan, the friends need to be urged to
persevere with their teaching efforts, so as to have more Spiritual
Assemblies in the future to support their National Body, when the time
comes for its formation.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(November 23, 1955)
[Letter of May 3, 1956]
The recent news from Japan is most heartening—eight Assemblies in all.
Even though our dear Bahá’í sister, Miss Alexander may be exhausted from
years of labour, the harvest is so rich that it compensates for any
inconvenience or suffering.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(May 3, 1956)
[Letter of March 18, 1957]
To Mr. John McHenry III
He (the Guardian) is very happy that you can arrange your affairs so as to
return to Korea... The phenomenal progress the Cause has made in that area
(Korea) is practically exclusively due to the services of the young
American Bahá’ís who are in the Armed Forces. Indeed, it is a great
victory won by Bahá’í youth.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(March 18, 1957)
[Letter of August 18, 1957]
To Mr. William Maxwell
The Guardian was happy to learn that you are still in Korea and that you
are able to continue in the teaching work of that important country. He
knows that wherever you are you will carry forward the pressing
requirements of the Faith with vigor and enthusiasm but he feels that
Korea and even Japan particularly need the help of yourself and other
American pioneers at this time.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(August 18, 1957)
[Letter of October 18, 1957]
To Mr. Eugene Schreiber
The Master was most hopeful of the spread of the Faith in Japan. Now that
His Promises are being fulfilled, the friends must be very happy. Likewise
this happiness must translate itself into renewed devotion so that the
Call of God may be raised in all parts of that important country.
The Guardian is praying for the success of the teaching work in Japan.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(October 18, 1957)
14: Shoghi Effendi Writes to Emperor Showa of Japan
Emperor Showa (Hirohito) of Japan had the longest reign (December 25, 1926
to January 7, 1989) of any reigning sovereign in Japan. He was respected
as a scholar; being an eminent marine biologist, and he was beloved by his
people.
Following the custom in Japan, the reign of a new emperor is given a
specially selected name. After that emperor dies he takes on the name of
the reign. Consequently, Emperor Hirohito, as he was known during his
reign, is now known as Emperor Showa.
At the time of his coronation in the fall of 1928 seven specially bound
Bahá’í books were presented to His Majesty. The books which were sent in
the name of two American Bahá’ís were presented by Dr. Rokuichiro
Masujima, who was a friend of Miss Alexander and who was close to the
Faith. He had access to the Imperial Household.
Shoghi Effendi was asked to write something to be sent with the books. The
message sent to accompany the books was “May the perusal of Bahá’í
literature enable Your Imperial Majesty to appreciate the sublimity and
penetrative power of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and inspire you on this
auspicious occasion to arise for its worldwide recognition and triumph.”
The books arrived after the coronation ceremonies so the presentation was
delayed. On May 22 of the following year Dr. Masujima received a letter
from the Minister of the Imperial Household that the seven books had been
presented to the Emperor that day.
During World War II the palace did not suffer destruction so undoubtedly
the books and message are still there with the other coronation gifts.
In 1930 the great Bahá’í teacher Miss Martha Root visited Japan. She sent
two gifts to the Emperor; a small Persian rug and a sheet of Holy Writings
written in Persian script in the form of a beautiful bird. Accompanying
the gifts was a cable from Shoghi Effendi: “Martha Root care American
Embassy Tokyo. Kindly transmit His Imperial Majesty, Tokyo, Japan on
behalf of myself and Bahá’ís world over, expression of our deepest love as
well as assurance of heartfelt prayers for his well-being and prosperity
of his ancient realm.”
Japan, after recovery from the devastation of World War II, shows the
prosperity that the Guardian prayed for, and the Emperor, active and
healthy until the end had a very long and fruitful reign.
15: Message from the Universal House of Justice to the North Pacific
Oceanic Conference, Sapporo, Japan, September, 1971
To the Friends of God Assembled in the Conference of the North Pacific
Ocean.
Dearly-loved Friends,
On the eve of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the opening of the Formative Age
of our Faith we call to mind the high hopes often expressed by the beloved
Master for the spread of the Cause in this region. His mention in the
Tablets of the Divine Plan of many of the territories represented in this
Conference, and the faithful and devoted services of that maid-servant of
Bahá’u’lláh, the Hand of the Cause Agnes Alexander, who brought the
Teachings to these shores in the early years of this century.
In these days we are witnessing an unprecedented acceleration of the
teaching work in almost every part of the globe. In the North Pacific
Ocean area great strides have been made in the advancement of the Cause
since that historic Asia Regional Teaching Conference in Nikko just
sixteen years ago. The next two years witnessed the formation of the
National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska and of the Regional National
Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia. To the Convention in Tokyo at
Ridván 1957 the Guardian addressed these prophetic words:
“This auspicious event, which posterity will regard as the culmination of
a process initiated, half a century ago, in the capital city of Japan ...
marks the opening of the second chapter in the history of the evolution of
His Faith in the North Pacific area. Such a consummation cannot fail to
lend a tremendous impetus to its onward march in the entire Pacific
Ocean...”
Since that time National Spiritual Assemblies have also been firmly
established in Korea and Taiwan.
Hokkaido, the site of this Conference, first heard of the Teachings less
than fifteen years ago, and the first aboriginal peoples of this land
accepted Bahá’u’lláh just over a decade ago. Now you are the witnesses to
the beginnings of a rapid increase in the number of believers. Peoples in
other islands and lands of the North Pacific, including the Ryukyus, Guam,
the Trust Territories, the western shores of Canada and Alaska and the
Aleutians are also enrolling under the banner of the Most Great Name, and
next Ridván yet another pillar of the Universal House of Justice is to be
raised in Micronesia. We are heartened at the prospect that from
indigenous peoples of this vast oceanic area, the Ainu, the Japanese, the
Chinese, the Koreans, the Okinawans, the Micronesians, the American
Indians, the Eskimos, and the Aleuts vast numbers will soon enter the
Faith.
The final hours of the Nine Year Plan are fast fleeting. Praised be to God
that you have gathered to consult on ways and means of assuring complete
victory so that from these outposts the Teachings may spread to those
nearby lands where teeming millions have not as yet heard of the advent of
this Most Great Dispensation.
The sweet perfume of victory is in the air, and we must hasten to achieve
it while there is yet time. Vital goals, particularly on the homefronts of
Taiwan and Japan, remain to be won, and everywhere the roots of the faith
of the believers must sink deeper and deeper into the firm earth of the
Teachings lest tempests and trials as yet unforeseen shake or uproot the
tender plants so lovingly raised in the islands of this great Ocean and
the land surrounding it.
As you and the friends in the sister Conference in Reykjavik bring this
series of eight Oceanic and Continental Conferences to a triumphant close,
our prayers for the success of your deliberations ascend at the Holy
Threshold. May God grant you the resources, the strength, and the
determination to attain your highest hopes and enable you to open a new
and glorious chapter in the evolution of His Faith in the North Pacific
area.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
Afterword
The first printing of this book was done in 1974. As it contained new
material, that is, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and letters of the Guardian,
Shoghi Effendi, many of which had never been published, and because its
theme was Japan, it proved to be a successful addition to the Bahá’í
literature throughout the Bahá’í world. It was translated into Japanese
and has been one of the standard books in that language.
The Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Japan regularly has requests for the
English edition although it has been out of print since the late 1970s.
When the compiler considered a second edition she decided to refer back to
the original material for possible changes, to add new material, and also
add more details such as the names of translators (when available),
thereby hoping to increase the historical value. Very little of the
original has been eliminated.
All of the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Miss Alexander and to Bahá’ís in
Japan have been included. Only some of the Tablets written to Japanese,
who, at the time, were living in the United States have been included. It
was difficult to choose which of Shoghi Effendi’s letters to Miss Aexander
should be included.
The Guardian had requested that she write to him often so their
correspondence was extensive. She actually received many more letters than
are printed here.
Most of Shoghi Effendi’s letters (which, of course, also means those
written on his behalf) to the early Bahá’ís of Japan and to the
institutions of the Faith in Japan are printed here.
It was felt that certain communications from the Universal House of
Justice would add to this important subject, hence the expansion to later
years.
FOOTNOTES
1 Mr. McNutt, Mr. Wilhelm and Mr. Randall were staunch and devoted
American Bahá’ís who tried to help the Faith in Japan as it was
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s wish.
2 Mr. Struven was designated as Herald of the Kingdom by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
3 Mr. McNutt, Mr. Wilhelm and Mr. Randall were staunch and devoted
American Bahá’ís who tried to help the Faith in Japan as it was
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s wish.
4 Mr. Shiroshi Nasu, a professor of Tokyo Imperial University, was a
friend of Mr. Wilhelm.
5 Mr. McNutt, Mr. Wilhelm and Mr. Randall were staunch and devoted
American Bahá’ís who tried to help the Faith in Japan as it was
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s wish.
6 Mr. Roh, a Korean, had studied in the West. Returning to Korea by
way of Palestine, he met some Bahá’ís on the ship who told him of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá. He met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Tiberius and was allowed
several interviews by Him. Miss Alexander met Mr. Roh in Korea. He
was teaching at the Christian College and told some of his students
of the Bahá’í Faith, but he could not commit himself to the Faith.
7 Bahá’í World Vol. III, p. 84.
8 In the early days sometimes spelled Kwanichi.
9 Hyacinth—the flower of knowledge.
10 Comparing those near at hand who disobeyed the command of
Bahá’u’lláh with the recipient of this Tablet, a Japanese.
11 Infinite in regard to imagination, for without the mind there would
be no imagination.
12 Mr. Kikutaro Fukuta
13 Mr. Tokujiro Torii
14 Mr. Daiun Inouye, a Buddhist priest became a Bahá’í and gave up the
priesthood.
15 Mr. Sensui Saiki, a writer, was greatly attracted to the Faith and
assisted Miss Alexander by translating literature into Japanese.
16 The son of Mr. and Mrs. Torii. His name, Akira, means ‘shining
light’ which the mother saw before his birth March 11, 1918.
17 Accompanying this Tablet was a Japanese translation made by Mr.
Saichiro Fujita at the command of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
18 Mr. Noto was blind.
19 A school girl of 17 years.
20 Mr. Ono was blind.
21 Addressed to Ahmad Sohrab.
22 Japanese Foreign Office records list Viscount Minoji Arakawa as
being Ambassador of Spain at that time. Spelling of the last name
differs in the original text.
23 The Great Kanto Earthquake of September 1923.
24 Dr. Augur passed away the previous month.
25 Mr. Aibara, a vibrant Bahá’í with leadership qualities, died
suddenly at age 32.
26 Akira Torii, the only second-generation Baha’i in Japan at that time
died at age 17.
27 Dr. Rokuichiro Masujima was a good friend of the Faith but he could
not commit himself to becoming a Bahá’í.
28 The Guardian had asked Miss Alexander to visit Mr. Fujita’s mother,
who lay ill in Yanai, Yamaguchi Prefecture. At that time it was an
18-hour train trip from Tokyo.
29 The Guardian had asked Miss Alexander to visit Mr. Fujita’s mother,
who lay ill in Yanai, Yamaguchi Prefecture. At that time it was an
18-hour train trip from Tokyo.
30 Mr. Tsuto Mori, at that time lay critically ill in the hospital and
not expected to live. He declared his Faith shortly after, just
before he died.
31 Mr. Seto, the first Chinese-American Bahá’í, died while he was in
Japan attending the first Convention. He is buried in the
Yamate-machi Foreign Cemetery in Yokohama.
32 On occasion of first summer school in Japan.
33 International Bahá’í Teaching Conference, Nikko, Japan, September
1955.
34 National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia, with its seat in
Tokyo, Japan.
35 Australia.
36 The purchase of the Tokyo Hazira was accomplished that year. It was
not necessary to sell the Mukonoso property as Mr. Momtazi
contributed a like amount toward the purchase of the Tokyo Hazira.
When the Guardian was informed of the purchase, he cabled “Delighted
loving prayers” to the Tokyo Local Spiritual Assembly.
37 The International Teaching Conference at Nikko.
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