1950
1950
— 375 —
JANUARY 15, 1950
ASSURE CONTRIBUTORS SUM LOVING APPRECIATION. PRAYING BLESSINGS NEWLY ARRIVED DUTCH BAHÁ’ÍS URGE EXTEND MOST ENCOURAGEMENT.
SHOGHI
— 376 —
APRIL 6, 1950
CABLE NUMBER INCORPORATIONS NAMES ANY NEW LANGUAGES ESSLEMONTS BOOK TRANSLATED SINCE APRIL 1949 ALSO PREPARE PROMPTLY AIRMAIL HAIFA UPDATE MAP SHOWING ASSEMBLIES GROUPS ISOLATED CENTRES INDIA PAKISTAN BURMA.
SHOGHI
— 377 —
APRIL 19, 1950
ASSURE FRIENDS RECENT SUCCESS VIRGIN TERRITORIES BEYOND CONFINES INDIA PAKISTAN BURMA AND PUBLISHING FIELD COMPENSATES INCOMPLETE VICTORY HOMEFRONT. AIRMAIL UP TO DATE LIST ASSEMBLIES GROUPS [pg 310] ISOLATED BELIEVERS INDIA PAKISTAN BURMA. URGE REDOUBLE EFFORTS DEEPEST LOVE.
SHOGHI
— 378 —
MAY 7, 1950
APPROVE SUPPORT WORLD GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION PROVIDED SCOPE UNIVERSAL NEUTRAL REGARDING EAST WEST.
SHOGHI
— 379 —
MAY 8, 1950
WELCOME NOBLE RESOLVE DELEGATES. MAY NEWLY ELECTED ASSEMBLY AND COMMUNITY WIN MEMORABLE VICTORIES BOTH FIELDS. GRIEVE AFFLICTIONS LONG SUFFERING DEARLY BELOVED COMMUNITY DAIDANAW. SUPPLICATING DIVINE PROTECTION URGE EXTEND EVERY POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
SHOGHI
— 380 —
MAY 30, 1950
ADVISE YOU ACQUAINT ALL NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES SITUATION URGE MAKE REPRESENTATIONS FOLLOW WHATEVER PROCEDURE YOUR ASSEMBLY RECOMMENDS ALSO APPROVE REPRESENTATION PARLIAMENT PRAYING FERVENTLY SUCCESS BE NOT DISCOURAGED.
SHOGHI
— 381 —
June 28, 1950
Mr. Rustam Sabit, Secretary, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pakistan and Burma
Dear Bahá’í Brother,
Your communications addressed to our beloved and dated June 10, 17; September 9 (two); October 18, 22, 24; November 3, 4, 9, 11, 15, 18; December 3, 14 (three), 24, of 1949; and January 6, 11 (two) 18, 19, 29; February 2, 8, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 29; March 2, 8, 20, 22, 24; April 3, 5, 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20; May, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19 (two), 22, 24,[pg 311] and June 5, of 1950, have been received, as well as their enclosures including photographs, clippings and certificates of registration, and the other material sent under separate cover. He has, likewise, received the many books forwarded, and placed copies in the various Bahá’í libraries here, and also the map arrived safely, and will be reproduced in the next edition of “Bahá’í World.” He thanks your Assembly for sending these many evidences of the devoted labours of the believers in that part of the world.
The past winter and spring have been very arduous months for our beloved Guardian and very anxious ones. As you know, he has been pressing the work on the Arcade of the Shrine of the Báb in order to have it completed by the Centenary of His martyrdom. As the Arcade which fits about and protects the Holy Tomb, built by our beloved Master, is considerably larger than the original edifice, it has been necessary to excavate the mountain immediately behind the Shrine, and this very difficult work was carried out under the close and constant supervision of the Guardian himself in order to ensure it was accomplished safely, quickly and economically. This absorbed, for many months, his precious time and energies. When this was accomplished he looked forward to turning his attention to the various National Assembly letters piled up, but, unfortunately, Mr. Maxwell, the architect of the Shrine, became dangerously ill, at the beginning of April, and is still in Hospital. His condition was so grave that for weeks our Guardian and household were prevented from concentrating on the many tasks waiting to be attended to owing to the constant anxiety, the coming and going of doctors, etc. He feels you should be informed of these facts as an explanation of the long delay in hearing from him. Mr. Maxwell, thanks to the mercy of God and the determination of the Guardian, is now recovering, and we hope will live to continue his work on the Shrine.
The contributions sent by the Indian believers for the Holy Shrine were very much appreciated. Ever since the Burmese friends contributed the Sarcophagus for the Holy Remains, the friends in that part of the world have been linked with this sacred enterprise. Their joy will be great when, once the pilgrimage can be resumed, their eyes fall upon the beauty of this Shrine.
There is no objection to the Bahá’ís associating with such organizations as the World Government Organization. The instructions he gave to the British Bahá’ís may be followed. However, great care[pg 312] should be taken to make sure these organizations are absolutely nonpartisan in their political views and lean neither to East or West.
A Bahá’í cannot at the same time be a Theosophist; many Theosophists have become believers and very enlightened ones, but as we do not believe in reincarnation we obviously cannot be active as Theosophists and Bahá’ís at the same time.
The noble spirit shown by Mrs. Yaganagi, in pioneering after the death of her dear husband, is an example to all. The Guardian will pray for her success and for the happiness and progress of Mr. Yaganegi’s soul.
The tragic killing of a believer in Kamarhatti grieved the Guardian very much. If you are in touch with any of the relatives please convey his sympathy to them, and assure them of his prayers. Terrible as persecution is, we must always remember that it waters the tree of Religion, and that from such deeds as this the believers — far from being cowed and silenced — must derive inspiration and courage. The success of the devoted labours of dear Dr. Lukmani in Ceylon, the teaching trip of Mr. Sabit to Siam, the departure of Dr. Fozdar for Singapore, the other pioneer labours being carried out in the name of the believers of India, Pakistan and Burma, are such as to compensate for the deficiencies in the home field. The friends, seeing their fame and prestige growing through the endeavours of their courageous pioneers and teachers, must follow this example in droves, both by becoming more active at home and strengthening new centres through settlement, and going forth to distant fields to establish Assemblies such as the one now thriving in Colombo. He was pleased to hear your Assembly is in touch with the Dutch believers in Indonesia, and he urges you to devise ways and means of sending forth more pioneers from India to this, and the neighbouring countries and islands.
In regard to your question the Guardian feels that, if a delegate is elected to represent an Assembly (or community having Assembly status) during the administrative year in which the Assembly existed he is properly qualified, even if at Riḍván that community falls back to group status. A community, however, which reverts to group status at Riḍván cannot have a delegate to the following years Convention.
Guardian feels that in spite of the difficulties involved, the Pakistan Bahá’ís must, for the present, continue to form an integral part of the community under your Assembly’s jurisdiction. To[pg 313] remove it would greatly weaken the Cause in that part of the world. Austria and Germany have been faced with similar problems; but these conditions are temporary, and the believers must be patient and work together in spite of the political situation.
The Guardian greatly appreciates the efforts you and the other National Spiritual Assembly members are making to carry on the work of the Cause, in spite of so many problems. You must never lose hope, or become discouraged, for you have succeeded in many of your undertakings, and no doubt will continue, if you persevere, to add laurels to the crown already won.
Assuring you all of his loving prayers.
Dear and valued co-workers:
The severe restrictions to which the dearly-loved, highly devoted, long struggling Bahá’í’ communities of India, Pakistan and Burma have been subjected the repeated setbacks they have suffered, the grave disturbances in the wake of which their manifold and meritorious activities have been caught, evoke my heartfelt sympathy and arouse my deep concern. The spirit which, despite adversities, delays and dislocations, they have consistently manifested in recent years is, however, worthy of the highest praise, and will, no doubt, triumph over every obstacle, and will enable them to weather every storm and win ultimate victory.
Though the course of the Plan they spontaneously undertook has, of necessity, been affected by these constant vicissitudes and unexpected developments, their achievements, beyond the confines of their home Lands, as well as in the publishing field, have ennobled the record of their service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, and constitute a memorable chapter in the history of the Faith in the sub continent of India.
The translation and publication of the “New Era” in more than twenty languages in recent years, the canting of the banner of the Faith in the Island of Ceylon, the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Siam — though not originally an integral part of their Plan — has signalized the opening of a new epoch in the evolution of the Faith in Southeastern Asia, and has marked the formal association of the Indian, the Pakistani and Burmese believers with their brethren in Europe, America, Egypt and Persia, in carrying the torch of the Faith beyond the confines of their respective continents and countries, and in executing the last wishes of the Centre of the Covenant so movingly expressed in His Will and[pg 314] Testament.
Whatever these communities, so valiantly labouring in that disturbed and strife ridden corner of the Asiatic continent, undertake to perform within the confines of their homelands in the years ahead, this double process of extending the range of the literature of the Faith and of propagating its Message within the virgin territories, lying to the North and South East of their native lands, must continue with undiminished momentum, and must receive the undivided attention of the elected representatives of these communities.
Consolidation at home, and the provision of the necessary measures to ensure the speedy and effective extension of the influence of the Faith abroad, constitute the dual, the immediate and inescapable responsibilities of all the members of these communities, who are labouring, at so critical a period, with such steadfast zeal and devotion, amidst the masses of their fearful and harassed countrymen, for so lofty an ideal and so precious a Faith.
Firmly united in their purpose, banishing, once and for all, every trace of estrangement and prejudice from their midst, assured of the all compelling, ever sustaining Power of Bahá’u’lláh, deriving fresh inspiration from the triumphs collectively achieved by their brethren in all continents of the Globe, undeflected in their resolve by any setback, opposition or injustice, let them, with so notable a record of service behind them, march resistlessly forward, entering still wider fields, scaling nobler heights, plumbing still greater depths of heroism and self sacrifice.
As the Centenary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh’s prophetic mission approaches, these sorely tried, much loved, indefatigable communities, must brace themselves, however challenging future circumstances may prove to be, however arduous the tasks they are called upon to discharge, to contribute, in whatever way possible, in whatever field they may find it practicable, a memorable share to the collective tribute which the followers of the Most Great Name are now arising to pay, through action in the field of service, to the Founder of their Faith on the occasion of the hundredth anniversary of the inception of His Revelation.
The hour is indeed both precious and propitious. The opportunity is glorious and will not recur in the lifetime of this generation. No effort is too great to ensure the success of so historic a commemorating. Time is short for an adequate preparation for the celebration, through collective and sound achievement, of so great a jubilee. All must rise and contribute a share worthy of the name they bear and of the privilege bestowed upon them.[pg 315]
That all three communities may rise to this occasion, may rededicate themselves with renewed resolve and fresh vigour, is my ardent and constant prayer.
Shoghi
— 382 —
JULY 12, 1950
COMMUNITY BELIEVERS INDIAN SUBCONTINENT BURMA LOVINGLY REMEMBERED HISTORIC OCCASION GLORIOUS CENTENARY BÁB’S MARTYRDOM. MAY POIGNANT MEMORIES HIS SUPREME SACRIFICE GALVANIZE ENABLE THEM REDEDICATE THEMSELVES TWIN HISTORIC TASKS WITHIN CONFINES HOMELAND ADJACENT TERRITORIES WIN SIGNAL UNPRECEDENTED VICTORIES.
SHOGHI
— 383 —
July 25, 1950
[To The Local Spiritual Assembly Of The Bahá’ís Of Trivandrum]
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
Your letter of April 21 has been received and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was most happy to learn of the formation of your Assembly in South India, and he feels this is an important link in the chain of Bahá’í centres stretching from north to south, from Tabriz to Ceylon, and soon, we hope, to be reinforced by Assemblies in the Malay Peninsula.
He urges you all to serve our glorious Faith in the utmost unity, and to light in your minds the fire of the love of Bahá’u’lláh which consumes all limitations and must eventually set the world ablaze.
He will ardently pray for your success and the rapid growth of your community.
May the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh guide and sustain you in your highly meritorious activities, reward you abundantly for your splendid achievements, remove all obstacles from your path, and graciously assist you to carry a strong foundation for His Cause in that far away centre.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
— 384 —
AUGUST 1, 1950
PLEASED FORMATION ADDITIONAL ASSEMBLIES PRAYING[pg 316] FERVENTLY UNITY SUCCESS BELIEVERS INDIA PAKISTAN BURMA TWOFOLD TASK HOMEFRONT NEIGHBOURHOOD TERRITORIES.
SHOGHI
— 385 —
September 9, 1950
[To an Individual Bahá’í]
The Guardian fully understands how you feel, but you must not creak the law of Bahá’u’lláh by marrying without the consent of the parents of the young lady. Perhaps when they see your strict desire to obey the laws of your Faith, and your respect for their wishes by not marrying their daughter without their approval, their hearts will be melted and they will consent. The Guardian will pray that this may be so. But no marriage can be happy which begins by breaking the law of God.
— 386 —
September 11, 1950
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá’í Brother,
Under separate cover the beloved Guardian is mailing to you two enlargements of the finished Arcade of the Shrine of the Báb. He wishes you to cable him receipt of these as soon as they reach you.
Please have these pictures shared as widely as possible with the believers, and then hang them in the National Headquarters so the friends and visitors may enjoy them.
The film of one of these views have been sent to the American National Spiritual Assembly and the friends may order copies from there; please notify them of this in your “Bahá’í Bulletin.”
— 387 —
September 30, 1950
[To The Local Spiritual Assembly of Kolhapur][pg 317]
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
Your letter of June 7, from the Assembly’s Secretary Mr. J. A. Shaiki, has been received and read with great pleasure by our beloved Guardian.
He was delighted to learn of the formation of a new Assembly in Ichalkaranji thanks to the devoted efforts of your Assembly, and the pioneers who left your community to accomplish this important service for the Faith.
He will certainly pray that this new centre may thrive and grow strong, and he urges you to give it all the assistance you can and to urge the Assembly there, in particular, to promote at all times love, unity, and understanding amongst the friends, as this is their greatest protection and will attract the hearts of others.
May the Almighty bless your efforts, guide and sustain you in your activities, and enable you to promote, at all times, the vital interests of His Faith and its divinely appointed institutions.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
— 388 —
NOVEMBER 7, 1950
DO NOT ADVISE PRINT AQDAS.
SHOGHI
— 389 —
NOVEMBER 12, 1950
HIGHLY APPRECIATE NOBLE SENTIMENTS LOYALTY STEADFAST COMMUNITY BELIEVERS.
SHOGHI
— 390 —
DECEMBER 17, 1950
DEEPEST LOVING APPRECIATION COMMUNITY’S CONTRIBUTION.
SHOGHI