Discourse Of 'abdu'l-baha Given At The Theosophical Head Quarters

Sources: 'abdu'l-baha In London

September 30th, 1911.





O Respected Assembly! O friends of Truth! The inherent nature of fire is

to burn, the inherent nature of electricity is to give light, the inherent

nature of the sun is to shine, and the inherent nature of the organic

earth is the power of growth.



There is no separation between a thing and its inherent qualities.



It is the inherent nature of hings on this earth to change, thus we see

around us the change of the seasons. Every spring is followed by a summer

and every autumn brings a winter--every day a night and every evening a

morning. There is a sequence in all things.



Thus when hatred and animosity, fighting, slaughtering, and great coldness

of heart were governing this world, and darkness had overcome the nations,

Baha'u'llah, like a bright star, rose from the horizon of Persia and shone

with the great Light of Guidance, giving heavenly radiance and

establishing the new Teaching.



He declared the most human virtues; He manifested the Spiritual powers,

and put them into practice in the world around Him.



Firstly: He lays stress on the search for Truth. This is most important,

because the people are too easily led by tradition. It is because of this

that they are often antagonistic to each other, and dispute with one

another.



But the manifesting of Truth discovers the darkness and becomes the cause

of Oneness of faith and belief: because Truth cannot be two! That is not

possible.



Secondly: Baha'u'llah taught the Oneness of humanity; that is to say, all

the children of men are under the mercy of the Great God. They are the

sons of one God; they are trained by God. He has placed the crown of

humanity on the head of every one of the servants of God. Therefore all

nations and peoples must consider themselves brethren. They are all

descendants from Adam. They are the branches, leaves, flowers and fruits

of One Tree. They are pearls from one shell. But the children of men are

in need of education and civilization, and they require to be polished,

till they become bright and shining.



Man and woman both should be educated equally and equally regarded.



It is racial, patriotic, religious and class prejudice, that has been the

cause of the destruction of Humanity.



Thirdly: Baha'u'llah taught, that Religion is the chief foundation of Love

and Unity and the cause of Oneness. If a religion become the cause of

hatred and disharmony, it would be better that it should not exist. To be

without such a religion is better than to be with it.



Fourthly: Religion and Science are inter-twined with each other and cannot

be separated. These are the two wings with which humanity must fly. One

wing is not enough. Every religion which does not concern itself with

Science is mere tradition, and that is not the essential. Therefore

science, education and civilization are most important necessities for the

full religious life.



Fifthly: The Reality of the divine Religions is one, because the Reality

is one and cannot be two. All the prophets are united in their message,

and unshaken. They are like the sun; in different seasons they ascend from

different rising points on the horizon. Therefore every ancient prophet

gave the glad tidings of the future, and every future has accepted the

past.



Sixthly: Equality and Brotherhood must be established among all members of

mankind. This is according to Justice. The general rights of mankind must

be guarded and preserved.



All men must be treated equally. This is inherent in the very nature of

humanity.



Seventhly: The arrangements of the circumstances of the people must be

such that poverty shall disappear, and that every one as far as possible,

according to his position and rank, shall be comfortable. Whilst the

nobles and others in high rank are in easy circumstances, the poor also

should be able to get their daily food and not be brought to the

extremities of hunger.



Eighthly: Baha'u'llah declared the coming of the Most Great Peace. All the

nations and peoples will come under the shadow of the Tent of the Great

Peace and Harmony--that is to say, by general election a Great Board of

Arbitration shall be established, to settle all differences and quarrels

between the Powers; so that disputes shall not end in war.



Ninthly: Baha'u'llah taught that hearts must receive the Bounty of the

Holy Spirit, so that Spiritual civilization may be established. For

material civilization is not adequate for the needs of mankind and cannot

be the cause of its happiness. Material civilization is like the body and

spiritual civilization is like the soul. Body without soul cannot live.



This is a short summary of the Teachings of Baha'u'llah. To establish this

Baha'u'llah underwent great difficulties and hardships. He was in constant

confinement and He suffered great persecution. But in the fortress (Akka)

He reared a spiritual palace and from the darkness of His prison He sent

out a great light to the world.



It is the ardent desire of the Baha'is to put these teachings into common

practice: and they will strive with soul and heart to give up their lives

for this purpose, until the heavenly light brightens the whole world of

humanity.



I am very happy that I have been able to talk with you in this gathering:

and hope that this deep consciousness of mine is acceptable to you.



I pray for you, that you may succeed in your aspirations and that the

bounties of the Kingdom may be yours.