excellence; distinction
Editorial introduction
Whoever has a craft, Bahá’u’lláh said, must carry it to perfection, even if the craft is weaving coarse straw mats; and joy is promised to the craftsman who perfects his work and deals fairly with everyone. Excellence in the Bahá’í writings begins that low to the ground and that close to justice. It is a distinction, but not the kind the world usually counts. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá told His listeners that He desired distinction for them, and then refused wealth, commerce, even science as its measure: the distinction He wanted was in morals, in character, in benefit to others. Honour lies in wisdom and praiseworthy conduct, not in riches, ancestry or fine clothes. The demand is nonetheless exacting. Students are told to stand at the head of the class by hard study and true merit, teachers to struggle unceasingly to perfect themselves, builders to finish an edifice with grace, villagers to shun slothfulness. Aristotle, who held that we become builders by building and just by doing just acts, explains why the quality of practice matters so much [1]: how we work forms who we become. The road passes through the education of children, self-improvement and discipline, and the virtuous life the spiritual path requires.
Baha'u'llah has said that whoever has an art or handicraft, it is incumbent upon him to endeavor to develop it to the point of perfection - even though that art be as humble as that of weaving coarse straw matting.
Blessed is he who heareth that which hath been sent down in truth, and joy be unto the craftsman who perfecteth his craft and dealeth equitably with all people.
Man's honor lieth in wisdom, understanding and praiseworthy character, not in the accumulation of riches and pride and vainglory.
But this distinction must not depend upon wealth - that they should become more affluent than other people. I do not desire for you financial distinction. It is not an ordinary distinction that I desire; not scientific, commercial, industrial distinction.
For you I desire spiritual distinction; that is, you must become eminent and distinguished in morals.
Beware lest ye forget courtesy, for a person is known by his courteous behavior, not by his wealth. Take pride in your knowledge and refinement, not in your ancestors and garments. Hearken unto My counsel and be not of the heedless ones.
O handmaiden! Today there are many strong ones, mighty ones and wealthy ones on earth who are deprived due to heedlessness, while you are mentioned in the presence.
But those weak souls who outwardly had neither fame nor sign, because they entered beneath the shadow of the Divine Word, their signs and lights became manifest throughout all the divine realms, even present in the very dust of the earth.
All should strive and endeavor to perfect it, that every thing may attain to its paradise which is its state of perfection.
Therefore in every Revelation, the inhabitants of the previous Revelation are rendered as naught. O thou manifestation of perfection, perfect all thy craft and craftsmanship, and learn from that concerning the letters of the Gospel, such that thou mayest write from the Most Exalted Point what is possible therein of craftsmanship. I have given thee the part as an example that thou mayest know the whole from the part. Verily God hath cursed one who is capable of manifesting a craft in perfection yet manifests it imperfectly, and who loves for himself what he would purchase from another.
Although for some, sufficient penmanship to meet their needs may suffice - and it would be better and more fitting to spend time in beneficial sciences - yet since God, exalted be His glory, hath loved every craft at its most perfect, therefore that which flowed from the Most Exalted Pen was revealed.
Having multiple crafts causes dispersion of focus. Concentrate fully on one of these crafts and strive and endeavor until you achieve proficiency.
Until this method is adopted, perfection cannot be attained, independence cannot be achieved. This is how work progresses.
O my loved one! Thoroughness in every undertaking is among the fruits of faith and certitude. Therefore strive to become truly proficient in medicine and surgery to the extent possible, and this is what is hoped for if the aforementioned praiseworthy Prince agrees to it in keeping with the kindness he has shown you.
For guidance is the medicine of the spirit and the cause of spiritual victories - it is healing for the soul and a remedy of joy and delight for the heart.
O servant of God! In your craft, be as diligent as you can, so that it may reach the utmost perfection and excellence, for perfection in all degrees is beloved. Assuredly, if someone perfects their craft, they will be rewarded at the Threshold of Oneness, and that merchandise will be acceptable in the market of the Most Glorious Kingdom.
Pursue the arts in which they have trained thee to the utmost of thine ability so that thou mayest attain excellence.
You should be constantly engaged in thanksgiving to God and strive day by day to advance this craft.
In affairs one must achieve complete perfection, otherwise no result is yielded and no fruit obtained; rather it remains incomplete.
Devotion to and love for one's vocation accomplishes miracles.
Man must work and in that work show the qualities of GOD and thus do good. His work, both material and spiritual, must show what he is. By his arts, sciences, inventions and all of his work he must show his best ability.
Therefore, extreme effort should be made in art and this will not prevent the teaching of the people in that region. Nay, rather, each should assist the other in art and guidance. For instance, when the studying of art is with the intention of obeying the command (of God) this study will certainly be done easily and great progress will soon be made therein; and when others discover this fragrance of spirituality in the action itself, this same will cause their awakening.
Cut and sew a garment befitting the form of the people of Baha and place it upon the temple of faithfulness, that the proportioned figure of the world may become honored and adorned, and the body of nations may find its ultimate radiance and ornament.
Therefore I offer congratulations on the learning and culture displayed in this matchless and unparalleled ghazal. And I pray God may grant you such an eloquent and articulate tongue that the masters of Arabic and Persian eloquence are left astonished.
O heavenly one! The maid-servant of God Asiyih hath praised thee! I hope thou wilt acquire great proficiency in writing literature, composition, eloquence of tongue and fluency of speech, co-operating with the maid-servant of God in the service of God, becoming an esteemed servant in the Threshold of Oneness and partaking of a share of the heavenly gifts, and progressing day by day until thou attain to the apex of the excellencies of this human world.
When this is achieved, you will become zealous and courageous in acquiring sciences and arts, and will speak English with perfect eloquence and fluency, even delivering eloquent and fluent speeches in public gatherings.
In a short while he became famous throughout all Bagdad and leaving his hard labor of thorn-picking he devoted his career to the inspiring art of music. With his growing popularity he grew in wealth and position and became a respected, loved and honored member of the community.
Strive for that which prompts the personification of dignity and virtues. The theatrical world need not prevent your development.
Exalt your thoughts. Reflect over all your affairs. Magnify your endeavors. Enlarge the circle of your ideals. Open the wings of spiritual wisdom. Let your hope be the accomplishment of most great deeds the results of which may immortalize your names.
I hope that while you are studying in this college you may so excel all other students in the various branches of Knowledge taught therein;- that all of them may testify that these Baha'i students have another power, they are inspired with another effort, they are imbued with a nobler ambition and they are stimulated by higher motives and wider and deeper exertion. Were you to be equal with them, then what distinction will there remain for you; therefore you must strive to be superior to them so that every one may bear testimony to this fact.
In the college and schools of Beirut, you must all exert such intense effort and decisive endeavor in your studies that you may distinguish yourselves among all the students.
Strive always to be at the head of your class through hard study and true merit...
The question of the School of Tarbiat is very important. Through the Bounty and Providence of the True One it must become evident to all that it is the first school of Persia and its graduates are the most successful. Otherwise its non-being is better than its being. Therefore display the utmost zeal in matters pertaining to the progress of this school.
The teachers and professors will be spiritual and their idealism sublime and transcendent. Their sympathetic and artistic natures will be acute and most refined.
You must ever concentrate your thoughts on the acquisition of knowledge, that unending confirmations may successively reach you from the Kingdom of God, and that through His grace you may exert mighty efforts and strenuous endeavors for the progress of Iran and the advancement of the Iranian people, and that you may become near ones at the Divine Threshold and draw nigh unto the court of the All-Merciful.
The well-known Persian students of the past were unable to bring about any advancements in their native land, but God grant that you all, on the other hand, will be able to render some service to Persia - that you will study such disciplines as will redound to the rehabilitation of that country, such that you will, upon your return there, become the very means of its revival, and the instrument through which the Cause of God is spread; that you will resolve to rectify the character of all humankind, and promote holiness and sanctity; that your efforts to make progress and bring prosperity will be granted divine confirmations and crowned with heavenly success; and that you will achieve outstanding proficiency in agriculture, industry, and commerce.
If in government, arise with necessary duties and perfect justice and trustworthiness. In every matter one must behave with utmost truthfulness, sincerity, trustworthiness and fairness, which are the means of attaining perfection and attract progress and divine confirmation.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! Your letter was received and all the writings you had penned in your own hand were accepted. If a position becomes available in government offices, you may enter into such employment, but you must conduct yourself in such a way as to bring honor to the Cause of God. And upon thee be the Most Glorious Glory.
'Abdu'l-Baha: "He who serves (the government). No one can say that I must be respected because my father has been a general. A person who does not serve the nation will not have any distinction, although he may be respected. He will be respected because of the services of his father. So far as offices are concerned, he will be given no preference; but he who serves must have the mark of distinction.
And concerning partnership with his honor Afnan and his honor Adib, both are suitable, but you must demonstrate the utmost zeal, effort and skill in commerce so that all may praise you, for in whatever work one engages, one must carry it out with the utmost perfection.
Such company establishments are very beneficial, but conditional on proficiency, steadfastness and firmness.
But you must complete the blessed undertaking of the established edifice with utmost diligence, in perfect grace and elegance.
Co-operate with each other and be always quick to learn. Shun slothfulness. Be diligent in your work.
Work and its reward will come to you. Work and wait for the results. Work and its traces will immortalize your name. Work and when final success comes the world will applaud and cheer your pluck and patient perseverance.
They are merchants, hotelkeepers, artists, financiers, restaurant managers and inventors and generally they make a success in everything they undertake. They have a great deal of pluck and determination, patience and will.
The Master apropos of revolver shooting said:- "When I was young they would light ten candles and at the range of a very long distance I would put out the lights one after another without missing one."
Truly they have borne themselves with urbanity and dignity. May they ever become better, sweeter, more perfect and more accomplished! In this path lies lifeis enjoyment. The success and pleasure of this physical life lies in uprightness!
O Jamshid! Jamshid had a way of truthfulness, wisdom, good nature and kindliness, and in reward for this supreme virtue he attained a renowned name and left an eternal remembrance. Therefore, observe how the throne of sovereignty bore no fruit, while this way and conduct left such an effect. And upon thee be greetings and praise.
Therefore, the leaves of the Divine Tree must arise with such qualities, effects, conduct, attraction, enkindlement, utterance, exposition, spirit, bounties, text and commentary that their power, influence, effects and lights will surpass those of the leaves of former dispensations.
Now you can demonstrate whatever sincerity, purity, and loftiness of purpose lies within your capacity and ability.
For thought and discussion