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‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Pivot of the Oneness of Humankind
In this series of articles, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, is already a familiar point of reference. We have seen ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in action in his journeys to the West, undertaken in the last decade of his life. During these journeys he promoted principles from his father’s teachings such as the oneness of humanity, the abolition of prejudice, the equality of men and women and the abolition of extremes of wealth and poverty. A description of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during those journeys gives a sense of who he was: Tirelessly, He expounded the teachings in every social space: in homes and mission halls, churches and synagogues, parks and public squares, railway carriages and ocean liners,…
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Bahá’u’lláh’s Abolition of Slavery
Bahá’u’lláh came to emancipate human beings from slavery. This statement is true in more senses than one. Bahá’u’lláh explicitly institutes an abolition of slavery in his teachings. It is forbidden you to trade in slaves, be they men or women. It is not for him who is himself a servant to buy another of God’s servants, and this hath been prohibited in His Holy Tablet…. Let no man exalt himself above another; all are but bondslaves before the Lord, and all exemplify the truth that there is none other God but Him.[1] He also freed slaves in practice. Bahá’u’lláh was the son of a noble family of Iran. In his early life, the…
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On the Origin and Nature of Evil
Bahá’u’lláh’s writings emphasize the “better angels” of human nature: our potential for good. This call to rise to the positive potential inherent in us, coupled with avoidance of judgementalism, has shaped a culture of encouragement and mutual support that frames Baha’i community life. Nonetheless, Bahá’u’lláh also discusses the nature of evil. He calls us to a new understanding of what evil is and how it finds expression in the world. Ancient concepts of “demons” and “satan” are explained as symbols of the fallibility of human nature. This reconceptualization demolishes notions of mythic evil beings beyond human control. At the same time, it underlines our individual and collective responsibility to overcome evil in the world. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’u’lláh’s…
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The Sultan’s Puppet Show
Shortly after Bahá’u’lláh was condemned to exile and imprisonment in the prison-city of Akka, he wrote to the Grand Vizier responsible for his banishment. The letter (the Tablet to the Chief) condemns the injustice of the Grand Vizier’s order and warns of his impending demise. Part of the letter is devoted to a brief story from Bahá’u’lláh’s childhood. In the story, Bahá’u’lláh is at a marriage feast being held in his father’s home. As part of the festivities, the puppet show “Shah Sultan Salim” is to be performed. As the play begins, the puppets announce that the Sultan is coming. There is a commotion as the puppets prepare the Sultan’s way…
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Looking Good – The Ornaments
Dressing up – and decorating in various ways – is a universal human practice. Clothing isn’t just functional. It serves complex social functions; it is used to communicate mood, occasion, status, function and gender. It is sometimes religiously mandated, marking the boundaries of “appropriate” or “modest” clothing. Sometimes such constraints have been the vehicle of oppression, particularly when imposed on women. Bahá’u’lláh abolishes religious constraints on clothing. The choice of clothing and the cut of the beard and its dressing are left to the discretion of men. But beware, O people, lest ye make yourselves the playthings of the ignorant.[1] Instead Bahá’u’lláh has in mind a different kind of human decoration.…
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Extremes of Wealth and Poverty
The increasing gulf between rich and poor has recently re-emerged as an issue in public debate, both as an issue of economic justice and as an issue contributing to political instability in the world.[1] The issue has been a standing concern of the Baha’i community. In his early mystical writings Bahá’u’lláh draws attention to the injustice of disparities of wealth and poverty. Bahá’u’lláh challenges the common societal devaluation of the poor (and assumptions about a worthy human life): Vaunt not thyself over the poor, for I lead him on his way and behold thee in thy evil plight and confound thee forevermore.[1] This is not enough. The wealthy have obligations of generosity…
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Seven Heavens and Extrasolar Planets
Australian skies look to the centre of the galaxy. The milky way is a bright band high overhead and the night sky an explosion of starlight. Distant and constant points of light, stars are infinitely older than our vanishingly brief time on this earth – so unconcerned with our petty happenings and trivial squabbles. They teach us a lot. Sadly in our modern world it has become harder to even see the stars. Certainly, their pristine glory is rarely seen, particularly if we live in one of the world’s megacities. With an interest in the night sky, the following passage from Bahá’u’lláh’s writings is one of my favourites. Bahá’u’lláh is responding to a question…
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Civilization and its Excesses
Bahá’u’lláh called on all human beings to work for the advancement of civilization, yet he also warned of the danger of carrying civilization to excess. All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.[1] And yet: If carried to excess, civilization will prove as prolific a source of evil as it had been of goodness when kept within the restraints of moderation. Meditate on this, O people, and be not of them that wander distraught in the wilderness of error. The day is approaching when its flame will devour the cities….[2] Bahá’u’lláh wrote in the 19th century. His insight of the approaching danger saw far ahead of his contemporaries, who tragically could not see the appalling dangers ahead. The following is from an…
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A Tribute to Bahá’u’lláh
This article tells the story of a moment in time. A small event, briefly told, yet one that still echoes through time and space. A few evenings ago the words from that event echoed in song in the Australasian Baha’i House of Worship in Sydney. Here is the story. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was travelling to the West. In October 1911 he reflected on his arrival in Paris, one of the first Western cities he visited: I regret much that I have kept you waiting this morning, but I have so much to do in a short time for the Cause of the love of God. You will not mind having waited a little…
