Prejudices

Sources: 'abdu'l-baha In London

The Universal Races Congress was good, for it was intended for the

furtherance and progress of unity among all nations and a better

international understanding. The purpose was good. The causes of dispute

among different nations are always due to one of the following classes of

prejudice: racial, lingual, theological, personal, and prejudices of

custom and tradition. It requires a universal active force to overcome

the e differences. A small disease needs a small remedy, but a disease

which pervades the whole body needs a very strong remedy. A small lamp may

light a room, a larger would light a house, a larger still might shine

through the city, but the sun is needed to light the whole world.



The differences in language cause disunion between nations. There must be

one universal language. The diversity in Faiths is also a cause of

separation. The true foundation of all faiths must be established, the

outer differences abolished. There must be a Oneness of Faith. To end all

these differences is a very hard task. The whole world is sick, and needs

the power of the Great Healer.



These meetings teach us that Unity is good, and that suppression (slavery

under the yoke of tradition and prejudice) is the cause of disunion. To

know this is not enough. All knowledge is good, but it can bear no fruit

except by action. It is well to know that riches are good, but that

knowledge will not make a man rich; he must work, he must put his

knowledge into practice. We hope the people realize and know that unity is

good, and we also hope that they will not be content to stand still in

that knowledge. Do not only say that Unity, Love and Brotherhood are good;

you must work for their realization.



The Czar of Russia suggested the Hague Peace Conference and proposed a

decrease in armament for all nations. In this Conference it was proved

that Peace was beneficial to all countries, and that war destroyed trade,

etc. The Czar's words were admirable though after the conference was over

he himself was the first to declare war (against Japan).



Knowledge is not enough; we hope by the Love of God we shall put it into

practice. A spiritual universal Force is needed for this. Meetings are

good for engendering spiritual force. To know that it is possible to reach

a state of perfection, is good; to march forward on the path is better. We

know that to help the poor and to be merciful is good and pleases God, but

knowledge alone does not feed the starving man, nor can the poor be warmed

by knowledge or words in the bitter winter; we must give the practical

help of Loving-kindness.